Moral values and cultural traditions must not be compromised in the pursuit of national development, says Senator John King.
King said that as Barbados was evolving into a modern society, it appeared that the core values and traditions of previous generations were being lost.
He was giving remarks at a special church service held at St Mary’s Anglican Church in The City on Sunday, to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the inscription of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison as a World Heritage Property.
He was speaking on behalf of Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, who could not attend the event.
King said that in years gone by, children were taught manners, to be respectful towards their elders and others and the importance of cleanliness, sharing and carrying oneself in a decent manner. However, he lamented that type of upbringing was becoming absent in today’s society.
“I think that these are parts of the heritage we have lost… not that we have actually lost them [but] we have purposely given them up in the name of progress. I can stand here and brag about all the [historic] buildings and things, but buildings do not make a society. Society is made up of people; buildings are a product of the imagination of the people.
“So when we talk about Barbados people will often talk about how we have good internet service but if you got good internet service and your values and morals are going down, you have to check yourself,” he said.
“So it is important that in heritage month, one thing I want to suggest to you, is that the older persons in the society, who know what it was like then and who understand the training that you got from your great grandparents that turned you into the person you are today, do not remain silent while other sections of the society come with all kind of ignorance. When you remain silent, you become complicit in the destruction of your own society.
“So when we choose the things that we want to pass on to future generations as heritage, let us choose the very best of ourselves to pass on… The things that have served us well, those things that we need to pass on to future generations. Let us not be accused of holding things close to our chest and not sharing with our young generation. Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to think of heritage in its widest form. Let us not just relegate artefacts, buildings and food but let us look at character – who is the Bajan of the past and who do we want the Bajan to be in the future.”
The Senator added it was important to bring back the tradition of a village raising a child.
Pointing to the ‘block’ culture, he said it was nothing new, and that culture existed many years ago. He however noted that back then it was about mature men in the neighbourhood looking out for the wellbeing of young men and those elders would teach youngsters the way of life in the village, the code of conduct and discipline.
During the serviceReverend Joseph King said that morals and values and ethical traditions were derivative of the nation’s Biblical teachings and people’s spiritual connection to the word of God.
He urged those in the audience to pass on these principles so the nation would remain godly. He added that it was important to keep these principles and traditions alive so future generations could tread safely as they go forward in life.
King challenged the congregation to take up the special task of passing on Barbados’ godly heritage and keep God at the core of their lives.
