When he took the crying baby out of the pram, my mind flew back to a painting in Madrid’s Museo del Prado.

Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez…

There may be no lines of symmetry but there is illusion and an unspoken message.

Las Meninas, for what it does not say, is, in modern times, one of the most studied and discussed paintings.

And at the heart of the painting is a mystery that scholars are still seeking to unravel.

…And then, with the baby on his shoulder, he rounded the corner and was lost from my view and the thought of Velázquez perished.

But the former Health Minister materialized for his consistent voice in constitutional development matters.

He invites open debate and does not slither around seeking to bind anyone without their consent.

In time, being as intellectually honest as he projects, he will add deeper investigations and analysis to dialogue.

He will demonstrate that changing constitutional status is not the subject of an emotional outburst.  Rather, it demands careful and thoughtful consideration.

We cannot expect that, as a private citizen, this consistent engagement is Carvin’s responsibility for his views are no longer elected views.  

But since BVI belongs to all of us, it is our duty to define what we want her to be; How we want her to be.  

And dialogue is the key to transformation.

BVIs beauty is still mesmerizing.  She is still the place where dreams and fortunes are made.

She provides the perfect setting for egalitarianism; for racial and ethnic harmony; for strong relationships.

True, we have made some missteps but then, the world is infinitely more complex than the one bequeathed to us by those on whose shoulders we stand.  

However, our solid education and experiences, supplemented by those of our guests and investors, say that the grey matter and ‘know how’  exists amongst us.  

We can tap into them.

But only if we speak to each other.  Only if we stop being partisan and parochial with our views.  Only if we have the courage to be inclusive rather than existing in silos and cliques.

Only if we do not allow our prejudices to rob us of opportunities.  Only if dogma does not dwarf dialogue.  

Only if our BVI, like Las Meninas, becomes so talked about that it is constantly on our minds as we seek to know how to do her justice and how to move her to a higher plane.

We all love the BVI dearly.  We have worked hard for her over the years and decades and must never be afraid to add our voices to the debate.

And she has not failed us.

So, if we suffer in silence, we should understand Isabelle Allende’s point that 

while “Pain is unavoidable (but) suffering is optional.” 

We must be bold enough to talk about the BVI…..

…..Constantly.

Even on Fridays.

She has given us good and meaningful lives and we must do all to maintain her as a safe, law abiding, successful paradise.

Happy Friday!