By Yves Ephraim
WHAT PRICE ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY FOR A US VISA?
I am not asking about the actual price for a US VISA application which could run you at least US$185.00 plus airfare to Barbados, local transportation and accommodations.
I am actually talking about how much are you willing to pay for the convenience of a visa at the expense of sacrificing your birthright, freedom, dignity and sovereignty?
This is a question worth pondering deeply.
When I mention birthright I refer to our ability to say no to being made a dumping ground for refugees;
Freedom refers to not giving up our biometrics freely to foreign powers to surveil our citizens. (Will Antigua and Barbuda authorities have the same ease to access US Citizen’s biometrics?)
Dignity refers to our ability to go about our business, standing tall, without fear of being bullied for who we are.
And finally, sovereignty refers to our right to refuse what is not in our national interest.
All of these must be defended in order to keep them.
Having a US Visa does provide convenience, but what exactly will you lose by not being able to travel to the US?
Lets us suppose that the United States after having reached full greatness decided to completely shut the doors to all Antiguans and Barbudans, what would you do, then? By the way, this is not as far-fetched as you may think.
Would your life fall completely to pieces? Would you lack alternatives?
What is your reaction to the prospect of losing your visa?
If your reaction is total panic, could it be, as Bob Marley articulated, that your mindset is a product of mental slavery or is it just an example of the Stockholm syndrome?
For the sake of preserving your birthright, freedom, dignity and sovereignty, are you prepared to suffer hard times?
This is the quintessential question we all must answer.
Your answer will reflect to what degree you cherish your freedoms!
Whether Antigua and Barbuda remains a sovereign nation or become the hopeless footstool of the neo-colonialist powers, will ultimately be determined by our collective answers.
Unlike our African ancestors, they were not presented with a choice of travelling to be a slave or remaining in their own land.
We have a choice.
Do we become slaves with our creature comforts or remain freemen with hard times?
Taking a stand will require sacrifice.
Are we ready to trade in our visa for hard times?
