The history of Barbados is inextricably linked with that of slavery and the long struggle to unshackle ourselves from the legal, physical and mental bonds that defined an inhuman condition of servitude and racism. We have come a long way in redressing the iniquities of the past and developing a sense of pride and national identity. As Barbadians we are justly proud of the Parliamentary democracy that we have built and in the many successful achievements of our people.
Modern day Barbados is virtually unrecognizable from the pre World War II colony that existed as an essentially Victorian society. Since then, the velocity of change has been remarkable. More astonishing has been the relative lack of turbulence during the years of transition. There is obviously much to be said for the pragmatism and level headedness of those who guided the destiny of a small island in the Caribbean that has resulted in a unique quality of life. The men and women who laid the foundations of modern independent Barbados and who toiled to build the institutions of a vibrant democracy were many and from all walks of life who all shared a common love for our island home.
As we reflect on the historical fact of slavery in the 18th and 19th century and its impact on our forefathers, we are determined that such evil should never again walk the face of the earth. However it seems as though our focus is on the past and our energies consumed by the pursuit of reparations to redress the manifest injustice of institutionalized slavery. Perhaps there is more that we could do.
Today, slavery exists in many parts of the globe with an estimated 20 million or more human beings in bondage, many of whom live in the harshest of conditions. Given our history and our achievements we should be at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery wherever it exists. By shining a light on the problem and championing those that carry on the mantle of Wilberforce and Bussa, we would do more for the memory of those enslaved in the past than we would by reliving their experiences, generation after generation.
In the same way that we were in the forefront in our struggle against apartheid in South Africa we should now lead the way against human trafficking and modern day slavery. From Cambodians enslaved on Thai fishing vessels to black slaves of North African Arabs to sex workers of Europe and North America the issue of modern day slavery is a reality, often with death the only exit.
A good place to start is right here at home to ensure that migrant workers are in Barbados of their own free will and protected fully by our labour legislation. This is easier said than done as more advanced and wealthier societies experience serious difficulties investigating human trafficking. The challenge should not deter us however, and having done all that we can to eradicate any vestige of slavery in our own country if it exists, we should embark on a program to counter modern day slavery around the globe.
We owe it to those who have gone before and sacrificed much in the cause of freedom so that we could live in a better place.
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