April 22, 2021
There are many lessons to be learnt by Barbadians from the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, and the conviction of his killer cop Derek Chauvin in the United States of America on April 20, 2021.
Much has been said about systemic racism and unequal justice in America. The successful prosecution of Chauvin, though it could prove a watershed moment in that country, will not stop the dubious killings of minority blacks in America by law enforcement officials. But America is still to be congratulated for the alacrity with which this incendiary case that reached global headlines has been adjudicated.
It is a lesson for Barbados’ judicial system which in many cases could be accused of treating its citizens with a level of disdain, that though not situated in racism, borders on systemic indifference. Many in Barbados have publicly condemned Chauvin for his murderous act. Volumes of criticisms have been written and uttered via traditional local media and on