There is a great propensity for us to seek simple solutions
to complex problems and to offer them up with a degree of certitude that hints
of infallibility. Thus if we decrease carbon dioxide emissions we will
mitigate the effects of climate change. If unemployment goes up criminal
activity will increase and if we expand property ownership we will create a
more responsible citizenry. Faced with the rising price of oil and the
concomitant increased cost of electricity we need to invest in alternative
energy.
Climate change is far from being understood, recent
statistics do not support the mantra of the linkage of rising unemployment to
rising crime; rapidly expanding property ownership has been a major factor in
the global financial crisis; and no one can explain to me why it makes sense to
invest in a more expensive, unreliable energy source to replace that one that I
now have.
Each problem that we face is so complex with so many facets
and variables, that it is difficult if not impossible to fully understand them.
Consequently the very best we can do is to approach problem solving with a
degree of humility that accepts a modicum of failure as a given, in the process
of trial and error while recognizing the difficulty in solving complex issues
with single solutions.
Unfortunately, many business and political leaders see this
as a sign of weakness instead of a capacity for resilience and survivability.
Similarly our culture is one that is most unforgiving of error or failure. The
reality is that a successful business, be it a small shop or multinational
enterprise, is in a constant state of evolution and change. Experimenting with
new ideas, technologies and processes; keeping those that work and discarding
the lead balloons. The secret to success is to facilitate a culture that allows
for someone to try and fly those lead balloons in the first place.
The same is true of a country or region as we try to improve
the quality and transparency of governance while enhancing the widest possible
public participation. As we seek to grow our economy and enhance the quality of
life for all, we must develop policies that allow, and indeed encourage,
entrepreneurial experimentation. Legislation and regulations should be
constantly under review with a view to adjusting to the rapidly changing real
world environment and to correct the ill effects of unintended consequences.
All too often we come across Dickensian rules that are
quaint in their absurdity, such as the stamp tax that requires a postage stamp
to be affixed to receipts. Enacted in a day when all receipts were written in
long hand, it is still in force though seldom observed in an age where receipts are more frequently
received in electronic format than on paper.
Another case in point is the proposed Antiquities Bill that is
presently under review. In its present form it will complicate the lives of
thousands of Barbadians from all walks of life, threatening to criminalize them
for not registering personal belongings that are more than 50 years old and
which they may well be unaware of.
The Bill is so draconian, all encompassing and sweeping in
its powers that it will adversely affect a wide swath of the entire population.
A better approach to the important issue of protecting our historical heritage
would be an education and public relations program to have individuals
voluntarily list antiques, while providing information on the best way to preserve
them and highlighting best practices to develop community involvement in a
Protect Barbadian Heritage programme.
By inviting many inputs and stimulating the public to take
ownership of our heritage we would, through trial and error, arrive at a more
harmonious and effective solution to the problem of preserving items of
historical importance. One interesting event in the UK that served heighten the
awareness of antiques owned by the general population was the popular TV
series, Antiques Road Show. We can surely come up with some ideas of our own
rather than subscribe to heavy handed punitive legislation that will be met
with hostility. The Bill was an error, now it’s time for us to try something
else.
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