Here to Stay: Whites have say on race issue
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Independent senator and leading businessman, Sir John Goddard, is urging fellow Whites not to stop speaking out on the issues if they want to keep their freedom. At the same time, construction magnate and major owner of agricultural businesses, C.O. Williams, has emphasised that he’s not ashamed of his whiteness and warned that no one would run him from Barbados. The two were speaking to the weekend nation in separate interviews on how they felt about the escalation of the race debate and the state of relations between Blacks and Whites. “We lose our freedom when we do not speak out,” Sir John said. “People need to be encouraged to speak out on issues ... but personalities should be left out of it.” The former head of the Goddards Group of Companies believed the current debate was triggered by Government’s decision to rename Trafalgar Square as Heroes Square and to remove the statue of Lord Nelson. Williams attributed much of the “noise” to a fringe element in the black community which was seeking political advantage. “I make no excuses to anyone for being white or being born poor. I am as much Barbadian as any black person in this country and I object strongly to anyone calling me a Euro-Bajan.” He charged Blacks with making conscious decisions about their future, then faulting Whites for taking a different course. “Don’t blame me because an increasing number of Blacks believe that their children should concentrate on the professions – doctors, lawyers, bankers etcetera. If this was not the case, Roebuck Street would still be in the hands of black Barbadians. “I have totally enjoyed my life in construction and agriculture and I have brought up my two sons to take over these two aspects of my business and I really do not care who call it nepotism. They are both competent in what they do and I believe that they will do a good job. “I don’t understand why people criticise white people for wanting their children to take over their businesses, when Blacks do the same thing. Who is Everson Elcock grooming to take over his business? What about Bruce Hill? What about Leo Leacock, when he was in business?” Neither Sir John nor Williams expressed fears for their personal safety in the environment. While Williams described it as not nearly as bad as the mid-80s debate about “white shadows”, Sir John said: “I am a Barbadian to the core and I feel very comfortable. But I have noticed discomfort by both Whites and Blacks.” “I just see the debate, I do not experience prejudice.” 
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