More than a mere tendency, pulling down barriers is a reality. Even if we held our hands to our ears, we could not possibly miss the point. What with the price of sugar turning sour and a number of textile factories breathing their last, it is virtually impossible not to be swept away by the tidal-wave of liberalisation.

But what about our minds? You know, the core of who we are. That inner space we keep secure from the global village. Are we ready to liberalise our culture? Make space - not of a makeshift nature - for a new outlook on our islander identity?

In a country where many - if not the majority - of citizens - are unable to grasp the difference between culture and religion, where philosophy is confused with spiritual doctrine, will we let go of our habits of compartmentalisation?

First, let?s get our basics straight. To liberalise is to reduce the state?s intervention in a system, in an economy. The clock has been persistently ticking away for the protectionist infrastructure, which has shaped our destiny up to now. The round of negotiations started in 2001 in Doha, Qatar. Another decisive step is to be taken next week in Hong Kong with the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting.

The successive lobbies have shown how strenuously we have resisted ? and still are resisting ? the abolition of preferential treatment. For two days on the run, the national television showed us pictures of prime minister Navin Ramgoolam energetically shaking hands with prime minister Tony Blair. Literally pleading with him to save our sugar industry. Doing the same with president Chirac. Using diplomacy to its utmost to slow down, if not stop the world order from turning upside down.

Will we also cling to the cultural barriers? Reduce artistic and intellectual activities to mere ?socio-cultural? manifestations. Stay unmoved while the numerous cultural centres have been either beheaded or plunged into a coma. Limit culture to public centres plagued with severe budget restrictions.

Yes, we already hear voices saying we must protect our heritage. Build a fortress around what makes us special as inhabitants of a small island state. A culture shaped by the limited territorial space, the cultural affiliation to ex-colonial masters, the sentimental attachment to the country of origin of our ancestors.

Our job is not to find fault with the choices of generations of our fellow citizens. Let?s be honest. We all have limitations. Barriers, which make it difficult to accept what is culturally different. But, when diversity is transformed into a barrier, when the ?global village? remains a concept with no impact on our thoughts and day-to-day actions, there is matter for alarm.

We have no intention of delivering a lecture. The point we are making is that if the big world ?outside? is pulling down barriers, leaving the regulation job to market laws, what about our minds? How do you survive in an environment where the key word is liberalisation, when you are not ready to let go of your prejudices. When cultural differences are perceived as threats to our islander identity?