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Muslims fundamentalists believe that the moral decay and debauchery seen in the western world today are clear signs that western civilisation is on the decline and Islamic civilisation is once again about to assume a leadership role in world affairs.

Perhaps through familiarity with sociological texts, Opposition Leader David Thompson has recognised the need for renewal in every society if stagnation is to be avoided. Thompson is reported to have said in his Independence Day message: "Something has gone wrong in Barbados in recent years. Since Independence this country has been renewing and re-energising itself every ten years. At the political level this process manifested itself in the form of peaceful regime change."

However, the question must be asked: Has the Owen Arthur administration reached the level of incompetence and decay to merit a change of administration at this time? By no stretch of the imagination can it be said that is the case. After thirteen years in government, the current administration continues to introduce creative responses to pressing social and economic problems. In addition, every attempt by the opposition to unearth concrete evidence of corruption on the part of cabinet ministers has fallen flat.

Knowledgeable observers will reacall that at the fall of the DLP administration in 1976 many of Barrow's ministers were seen as tired "old men" who needed to be replaced by a younger cadre of administrators. In addition, Tom Adams was able to present concrete evidence of corruption with the presentation of cheques which were payable to some members of Barrow's Cabinet by international gun-runner, Sydney Burnett-Alleyne. In spite of all the posturing on the Hardwood issue, Thompson is yet to present concrete evidence linking Clyde Mascoll to any wrongdoing.

Further evidence that the DLP is currently practising the politics of desperation was revealed in Hartley Henry's recent column, "Shifting the Issues". In it Henry lamented the absence of the incisive writings of distinguished newspaper columnist, the late Gladstone Holder and chided the Church, academia and the local media for their lack of leadership at this time. In fact, he said investigative joournalism in Barbados now stretches only as far as the "minister's phone number".

Perhaps unintentionally Henry has conceded that his leader, David Thompson, lacks the political skill and vision to rally the uncommited voters to his party and cause. At a time when Thompson is accusing the Owen Arthur administration of widespraed corruption and taking it to task for what he claims are cost over-runs in the region of $700 million on major capital projects, Thompson is still unable to gain the trust of the people of Barbados.

Barbadians may recall that when the Errol Barrow administration of the mid 1970s was in its final days, the then opposition leader, Tom Adams and leading members of the BLP were able to lead massive demonstrations against it. Political activist, Eric Sealy, was also able to lead a sizeable crowd to the residence of the Govrnor General where he sought an audience with him over the failure of the Barrow administration to convene regular sittings of parliament.

The apparent apathy of the local electorate at this time could be an indication that it does not recognise any need for a circulation of the ruling elite. They see no evidence of corruption on the part of any of the ministers. They further recognise that even though some ministers would have been in government over the past 13 years they are still in their 40s or early 50s. In addition, they still present an image of being energetic and creative. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Owen Arthur who is in his late 50s is now at the height of his political career. Where is the need for change?
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