Rights & Responsibilities

Concern Over Loss of Parental Rights

Or is it for the protection of children?

The way that our democracy is meant to work is through those representing the people in Parliament canvassing the views of constituents before supporting any bill or any policy which is placed before them for consideration. This does not usually occur in Barbados yet politicians hold themselves out as speaking on behalf of the people.

The furor in Barbados over the loss of parental rights stems from the disconnect between people and representatives. Legislation was passed recently which was promoted as enhancing the protection of children. Barbadians would admit that there are many children in Barbados who suffer abuse at the hands of parents and other adults. These matters need to be addressed. However there are legitimate concerns as to whether social and economic conditions have been created by Government which would allow especially poor parents to meet these requirements.

Barbados seems to be unclear as to the direction it should take in ensuring that young people can make the best of their lives. There should be a concern with the fact that so many of the serious crimes reported in Barbados are among those in their early 20s or even younger. These concerns are raised in the midst of the ongoing efforts at education reform. Given the age of many of those who find themselves before the Courts this must be some evidence of failure in the current system.

Nevertheless many Barbadians are prepared to stick with the current system as it was the one which gave them the best break for their children. The sterility of what is commonly called the 11 plus exam ensured a degree of fairness for ordinary Barbadians as it excludes the discretion which usually exercised in the favour of ordinary Barbadians.

At the same time many Barbadians are concerned about a push in Barbados to adopt a LGBTQ movement which is not home grown. Thus signs placed on bathroom entrances at a primary school in St. Philip have raised some eyebrows. It was alleged that the signs were gender neutral signs. The Ministry responsible for education has denied this. However there are many who are not convinced.

With all of these developments, it seems as though there is a break down in communication between the Government and those who are being governed. Protests have been organised to raise more loudly, concerns about the path which is being taken for children in Barbados. The turn out might not have been high but a message has nevertheless been sent.