‘Apply Barrow’s legacy to present era’

OPPOSITION LEADER RALPH THORNE has called on Barbadians to reflect on the transformative vision of former prime minister and National Hero Errol Walton Barrow, and apply his philosophies to confront modern challenges.

Delivering the Errol Barrow Memorial Lecture on Monday night at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, he highlighted the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) founder’s pivotal role in shaping Barbados from “a village to a nation”.

Thorne said the journey of transition from village to nation was at the heart of Barrow’s developmental philosophy. “The village was a physical and social space shaped by the authority of the state, the planter and the merchant.”

He noted that in both urban and rural Barbados, the village was defined by scarcity, resilience and a community ethic centred on survival, intellect and conservation. This ethos, he added, formed the backdrop against which Barrow crafted his vision of a unified nation.

Quoting the poem My Land by Frank Oliver, Thorne painted a vivid picture of Barbadian society in the early 20th century, characterised by contrasts – “rum shops and churches, slums and postcard views”. This, he suggested, was the environment that moulded Barrow’s ideals of self-reliance, equity and national pride.

The DLP political leader recounted a story of Barrow’s post-1961 election strategy, as told by the late Sir James Tudor, a close political ally of Barrow. When Barrow asked what could be achieved with the overwhelming electoral mandate, Sir James responded with one word: “Education.” This, Thorne said, was the seed that birthed an educational revolution, transforming the lives of countless Barbadians and lifting the nation out of poverty and polarisation.

“Barrow’s vision of education went beyond credentialism. It was about elevating society, fostering character and instilling values that would define a modern Barbados.”

He paid tribute to the generation that benefited from Barrow’s reforms, crediting them with carrying the nation through its post-Independence development.

The Christ Church South Member of Parliament also focused on contemporary issues facing Barbados. He expressed concern over what he described as a “deep social crisis” marked by rising violent crime, economic hardship and a loss of moral authority in governance.

He criticised the current administration for its handling of the crime wave, describing its approach as “shortterm, paramilitary strategies” that fail to address underlying issues. He called for comprehensive solutions encompassing military, legislative, socioeconomic and cultural strategies. “Crime is not just hurting its primary victims; it threatens to ruin an entire society,” he warned.

On the economy, the Opposition Leader lamented the high cost of living and inadequate opportunities for young people. He called for greater investment in agriculture, urban renewal and sports development, proposing a more inclusive and locally-driven approach to economic growth.

Thorne reiterated that the Government had “lost its moral authority to govern”. He expressed concerns about transparency, excessive public spending and a lack of meaningful engagement with citizens. “A government must behave like a moral agency,” he said, as he urged the current administration to embrace integrity legislation and restore public trust.

He also called for a renewed emphasis on cultural values, lamenting the decline of intellectual and artistic expressions in favour of “hedonistic behaviours”. He challenged the National Cultural Foundation to prioritise wholesome and uplifting art, emphasising its role in shaping national identity.

In closing, Thorne urged Barbadians to draw inspiration from Barrow’s legacy and rise to the challenges of the present era.

“This is our time,” he declared, calling for a collective recommitment to the values of education, equity and moral leadership.

He stressed the DLP’s commitment to addressing pressing issues and guiding the nation towards a brighter future. (CLM)

A SECTION of the audience listening to Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne’s presentation.

DLP GENERAL SECRETARY Pedro Shepherd

(centre) was presented with the party’s Mirror Image Award by Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne (right) and former prime minister Freundel Stuart. (Pictures by Shanice King.)