Business View Caribbean - January 2016 7
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Here we go again, Business Viewers. However, it’s not just a bit of the same old, same
old. We’ve just been through a lot with a couple of the storms that have swept through
the Caribbean leaving behind quite a bit of chaos to clean up after. Matthew may be the
first Book in the New Testament of the Bible, as well as a devoted disciple, but he defi-
nitely was no saint in the form of the hurricane that bears his name as it roamed, roared,
and poured devastation over multiple countries throughout the Caribbean.
As Haiti seemed to have absorbed the biggest blow that Matthew had to offer, I want to
take a moment to admire just how resilient Haiti has been over the years. From the most
devastating earthquakes, to the most heinous weather conditions, Haiti gets pummeled
from all angles, sides, and views. But the people of Haiti, somehow, always seem to
emerge from the rubble with smiles on their faces, and gratefulness in their hearts. Yes,
we see tears, but they don’t last long. They immediately get back to living life, and loving
the independence of a country that has fought for freedom in spite of its economic pitfalls.
The world at large may not appreciate just how proactive the Haitians were in seeking that independence. In fact, back in
1803, Haiti was just the second country in the Americas to obtain it (the first being the United States). And independence first
addresses, and then ultimately answers, the following question: “Would you rather be free of chains, but economically chal-
lenged, or in shackles, but financially well off?”
For those of you that may not know how to answer this question, I think it would serve you well to realize that if your shack-
led, what good are finances? The money isn’t really yours because you’re not free to spend it as you wish. It’s as if you’re
parents gave you some money to go to the store and bring them back some beer, cigarettes, and a newspaper (back when I
was young, if you had a hand-written note from your momma/grandma, the store would let a 9 year-old boy leave the store
with those adult items). You can’t spend it on the comics, candy and soda pop of your choosing. Without freedom there is no
manhood, no womanhood, no community, no pride, no peace, no dignity, and no opportunity. Money doesn’t provide these
true luxuries of life.
So, while Haiti is still climbing the economic ladder of independence, it’s important to remember that they have already
achieved the goal that everyone in bondage dreams of - that of being free. And that freedom, no matter how challenging,
is the root of what creates a great society. Once this is understood, then economic strength is only a vision and a few good
efforts away from being a reality.
It’s with that thought that I want to reiterate the topical word used in my opening last month: fortitude. If you can withstand
the rain, endure the pain, and still, somehow, smile amidst the rubble as you brush it from your head and shoulders, not only
are good days in your future, but that very same day, as grim as it appears, is also well and good.
It’s with this understanding that I also want to commend Barbados on celebrating its 50th year of Independence. For with
freedom, all things are possible.
Until next time, plan, build, and continue to prosper.
Andre Barefield
