Barbados Free Press Staff To Vote Democratic Labour Party
Dear Mr. Thompson,
We’ll keep this letter as short as possible as you have much work to do and little time left to do it.
For the past two years each of us at Barbados Free Press has despaired that we would have no party to vote for in the coming election. We have been critical of both the BLP government and the DLP opposition – and especially critical of the corrupt elected and appointed government officials whose actions are destroying the very foundations of our society and government.
As you know, many of the corrupt and unethical practices stem from that fact that Barbados lacks effective Integrity Legislation and Conflict of Interest Standards to define what is acceptable behaviour and to deter government officials who would misuse their authority and position. We also lack Freedom of Information laws that allow citizens to access the information they need to hold their public officials and government accountable.
For the past two years, we have also been critical of you personally and the DLP because in our opinion your party did not exhibit the leadership in integrity issues that Barbados needed.
Barbados Free Press may have even published some editorial photos that questioned your motivation for wanting to be Prime Minister. (Something about a trough, as we recall.)
We did this because we viewed the DLP’s lack of written standards concerning integrity and conflicts of interest as an indication that you and your colleagues wanted to unethically profit from your position should the DLP form the next government.
Even after the DLP’s recently announced Integrity Legislation and Freedom of Information initiative, we still had doubts about the sincerity of the offering and we said so here on our blog.
Mr. Thompson, we are writing to tell you that we no longer have any doubts about your personal intent and your sincerity regarding the DLP’s integrity initiatives. We will be voting DLP.
In short, we heard you speaking the other night about your Integrity Legislation and about what you believe would be possible “when, not if” (as you said) the DLP forms the next government. And we also read your released paper “Principles Underlying The Legal Framework For Integrity In Public Life In Barbados” and were very impressed, especially by sections 5 and 6.
So, yes Mr. Thompson, we believe that you are sincere and we have decided to support you and the Democratic Labour Party in this election with our votes and our best efforts.
As we at BFP see it, the easy part of the process will be electing David Thompson and the DLP to form the next government of Barbados.
The difficult part will be pushing the integrity legislation through against resistance from those who are so used to abusing the public purse.
But Mr. Thompson, we believe that you can, and will, do it.
All the best to you and the DLP team,
Marcus, Shona, Robert, George, Cliverton & Auntie Moses
Barbados Free Press
PS: This does not mean that we won’t hold your feet and the DLP to the fire, and it doesn’t mean that Barbados Free Press has gone soft on the DLP or its leader. Where we disagree with your or your government’s actions you can expect the same double-barreled blast as before. Even worse if you let us down.
But we’ll probably hold off on the trough photos for a while. 
Click on the photo to download a PDF of the 2008 DLP Manifesto
111 Comments
January 6, 2008 at 8:05 am
When a history of the Barbados political scene is written, Barbados Free Press will surely have a mention – and justly so. You have opened a window of light, – with much sacrifice to yourselves – and whatever happens at the election, you have rightly earned your place, in Barbados history.
What ever the disagreements among friends, your “heart” has always been in the right place.
I have repeatedly said have “faith” in David Thompson and the DLP, often against the tide.
We have hope for the future, there is change in the air, all Barbadians with a vote can make that a reality on the 15th January 2008, it will be a historic day for Barbadians everywhere.
January 6, 2008 at 8:54 am
okay ( TIME FOR CHANGE )
how about a download edition in the next two days that can be put in every Barbadians home
simple and direct
why we must have a change and why David Thompson must be given a chance.
lets list all the DLP candidates in each riding
January 6, 2008 at 10:57 am
BFP,
Well……..well…..well !
I had to take double read 1
Thank God for……..2008 !
BFP……has now set the record…..STRAIGHT !
That…..is INTEGRITY !
Now BFP……I want to vote for you……will we get the MONEY – LAUNDERING….story ?
January 6, 2008 at 11:19 am
DLP or BLP. .
Integrity legislation. . . .before the 2013 election?
hmmmm. . .we will see.
January 6, 2008 at 11:20 am
I guess you all came to the same conclusion that I did.
The current administration has proven it self not able to cope with major projects, not only in implementation efficiency but cost limitation, not able to cope with emerging issues such as an emergency evacuation plan for Bridgetown (even if it has only been a few months since the quake at least an interim plan should be available), not able to envisage nor implement a long-term vision for specific areas (witness the confusion between Ministers on the hospital, one saying its excellent and the next few weeks another stating that a new one will be built) nor for the general socio-economic condition e.g. the land usage policy.
Hence, the conclusion is that we need an alternative Govenrment capable of addressing these issues.
Hence, give the DLP a chance.
January 6, 2008 at 11:40 am
I am sorry, but I have never ever voted for an opposition, never. I either vote for or against a Government. Integrity Legislation or not this present administration has long overstayed its welcome. This election in my opinion is still about deserving a fourth term, nothing more, nothing less. The devil could be the leader of the DLP, that party or any other party other than the incumbent will win my vote.
January 6, 2008 at 12:05 pm
BFP,
While you are at it bring us the money laundering story you promised so long ago!
January 6, 2008 at 12:18 pm
“The difficult part will be pushing the integrity legislation through against resistance from those who are so used to abusing the public purse.”
BFP, I think the difficult part, for me at least, is seing the DLP as being able to form a credible and stable government in the first place. Never in the course of post-Independence Barbadian political history has so much been expected of so many with so little to offer… but that’s my personal opinion!
I just can’t convince myself that Thompson has what it takes to be a mature, visionary and effective national leader, or that his party colleagues in the main have within their beings in sufficient quantity and quality the stuff of which true stateswomen and statesmen are made.
We’ll see what develops across the national canvas in the next 10 days, but I know already that voting DLP is just not a credible option for me. I respect those of you with a differing view, however.
May whoever is first past the post be the best for Barbados at this point in our national life.
January 6, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Classic address, BFP! Let’s just hope they would n’t disappoint!!!!
January 6, 2008 at 12:37 pm
BFP, receive the salute! You have displayed the right attitude. Give a person a chance and after that they have to explain why they did not keep their word. Where criticism is due it should be given and the same for praise.
We keep noise because we want the best for the country we call home, yet party politics is not a unifying force, it serves to divide. I am so tired of seeing the present crop of ministers that you can bet that if they are re-elected I will take some time off from radios and newspapers and the blogs as well since we will still be complaining about the same people.
The need for change is obvious for we seem to be wading into dangerous territory with a government that has been in place for three successive terms. How long is too long for a government to be in place which has continually ignored the questions the people rightly ask? I get the feeling that power or should I rightly say authority, can intoxicate and this intoxication produces the kind of behaviour being witnessed now. I have voted for the two parties at different times and there were occasions when I did not vote either. This time around Barbados is weighing heavily in my mind, therefore I have pledged to place my vote this time
for the DLP Rep., for my area. At the end of the day I know that what will be will be for God/life will work his/its purposes out regardless of what we think we may want or need.
It is said that the will of the people is the will of God so when and if I wake up on the morning of January 16th, I will accept whatever the results are, secure in the knowledge that it could not have happened unless it was meant to be so. But I also do believe that if the government is not changed Bajans should just shut up since obviously they would have liked “um so.”
January 6, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Well,well,well………….If BFP can do this..so can we all!!
Time to vote Ali Owen and his how many thieves out now!!
I WID DEM!!
January 6, 2008 at 12:49 pm
DE BUMBLE BEE // January 6, 2008 at 12:44 pm
As a BLP supporter for UMPTEEN years…….last night in Carlisle park I felt
SHAME to hear Owen Arthur talk about CHINA !
As my party leader & PM……Owen Arthur has not answered me NOR thousands of BARBADIANS about the presence of so many CHINESE in Barbados working without WORK PERMITS !
So how can he link the DEMS to TAIWAN….where is the evidence my…PM ?
January 6, 2008 at 1:03 pm
you people were and will always be DEM, don’t try to fool the public. we know who you are. get real.
January 6, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Integrity indeed comes into play here, while not official journalists – by openly taking sides does this not lessen your impact in urging Barbadians to form their own researched opinions? Is this not the equivalent of abusing privilege to sway folk? The very thing that annoys you in other spheres? I made a somewhat detailed analysis of the fringe parties here – SOMASS & PEP, but I not once told anyone how to vote… That is their choice & business! Will I vote? More than likely, as to who will get my pencil mark (This is despite Govt being able to track ballot-stubs with ID #’s)?? That is for Great God Almighty/Jehovah/Haile Selassie I/Yahweh/Krishna/Allah/Gautama Siddartha/Gaia/Zeus/Odin alone to truly know!
January 6, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Well BFP, I have to be honest here, I cannot support you on this one, I love some of the DLP candidates and there are a lot of them that I want to get-in but not to form the next government, the present has let me down a lot but the alternative I am not convinced can do what they say, a lot of these “promises” I believe will actually sink the government in 5 yrs. Give me a few hours to throughly fine teeth the manifesto and I will give a critique. I note that the BLP has not given their’s at yet, so from that point of view if they have crap or stuff to unrealistic I will say that too.
Until……
January 6, 2008 at 1:39 pm
TO: BFP
Just one question: Do you still believe that the DLP will lose this election?
*******************
BFP Replies,
Nope, we think that something is happening across this island… and especially so after seeing the meeting.
January 6, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I am completely dismissing Owen’s comments about DLP election funding. He had three terms to implement legislation about campaign financing disclosure and did nothing.
The Bees seem awash with money, who is funding theirs.
Under a little electoral pressure the PM is looking less and less impressive.
January 6, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Dear BFP
I really appreciate the freedom of press that you have brought to the media in Barbados. I read BFP daily.
(You’ve been a bit quiet lately ………. any reason why)
I have personally experienced the “black-out” in the press regarding my business and my complete frustration with other media houses in refusing the truth to be told.
You have done the right thing in supporting Mr. Thompson.
How long is too long IF IT IS NOT GOOD?
Not good for the MAJORITY of the citizens of Barbados which is what really matters at the end of the day.
“Without a vision my people perish”.
January 6, 2008 at 3:07 pm
BFP and to a lesser extent BU deserve a lot of credit for asking the tough questions over the past two years and helping to bring a degree of examination of Barbadian politics that has never really existed in a controlled media.
Don’t forget what is going on in Kenya today with vote rigging.
Absolutely no one should be chastized for voting BLP no matter how misguided as this is their constitutional right.
Scrutineers, however, will need to carefully
count each and every vote as carefully as possible, with backup names and addresses to be able to try and keep things honest.
January 6, 2008 at 3:11 pm
BFP
When can expect the icing on the cake i.e. “The
Print Edition” ??
**********************
BFP Replies
We will try for Tuesday. It is the best we can do with other things going on in our lives. But we’ll try very hard.
January 6, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I have to disagree with you undertaker. The recent promises of the BLP seem rather more expensive. An income tax rate of 20% on all earning under 80,000 is a huge long term hole in revenue.
The BLP has given up credibility in it claim of wild DLP promises, but trying to backraise the DLP. Hopefully some sanity.
In fact I would go as far as to say that the DLP has revealed some more solid policies to date. The DLP’s policies on solar electricity may have the greatest single long-term positive impact on the economy.
January 6, 2008 at 3:23 pm
A word to Ian Bourne. Who cares who knows who somebody votes for? We keep hearing how we are a world class country, but I wonder in which world.
Here you are castigating BFP for being open and world class in stating their position. They have not influenced me. From the time Clyde Mascoll crossed I knew I was going to vote in the election after sitting it out for a while and who for.
You know we cuss out the foreign policies of the USA but they are leaders when it comes to openess. US citizens are not afraid to insist on their rights and state a position, they burn their flag, they march, they protest, they lobby their congressman, they just stand up to be counted. They are not afraid to speak on camera. Frankly maybe they are too open since there is such a thing as TMI.
In short they are not afraid of victimization because they know they have rights and have redress in the law courts.
On the other hand, we in B’dos dare not criticise any ruling gov’ for fear of being branded. We have a Prime Minister who is on record cussing out private citizens and lots of stuff we can’t get into here.
I am sure you have noticed that very few persons here on this blog use their real names even though they are dealing with real tough issues. That occurs in a climate of fear. So I say kudos to BFP for their openess. It is a good thing.
January 6, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I am shocked at the level of fear that permeates a supposedly mature and stable democracy. So many people seem scared to indicate any sort of political allegiance, critique and positions or take a stand on anything.
A publisher is entitled to an opinion.
I find it more shocking that the Advocate carries Owen Arthur’s innuendo about Taiwanese funding as the lead story the night after a major political party launches its manifesto.
January 6, 2008 at 3:51 pm
May I also extend my congrats to the people behind BFP for taking a stand and LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW BEGINNING ON THE 15 the OF JANUARY.
The arrogance and dishonesty of this last gov’t is second to none, they DO NOT DESERVE another chance they have had 14 years to put everything they now attempt to rush into place, they are at sea with the world and the feeling around them mainly because they have been studying the wealth of their bank accounts while neglecting the people and the peoples business.
Maybe our robust discussions over the extended period was worhtwhile after all.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT AND YOUR EFFORT.
FORWARD TO A NEW BEGINNING ON THE 15th OF JANUARY.
January 6, 2008 at 4:07 pm
and I want the DLP to know that if they do foolishness we will be all over them like a bad rash.
January 6, 2008 at 4:14 pm
BFP I am pleased that you will vote DLP.
I will join you on this blog in keeping the pressure on David Thompson and the DLP to Keep their promises after they are Elected.
The DLP will a glorious opportunity to govern with
honesty and Integrity and if they don’t they will be dealt with harshly on this blog.
BFP ignore the comments of Ian Bourne.You have the right to state your choice because this is a “Free press”.
It proves your credibility because you requested definitve action from the DLP and your position on Integrity Legislation has been consistent from day 1.
You could not possibly endorse the BLP because you have published all the serious issues…VECO, 3S Danos,Hardwood Housing and all the other issues that have been exposed.
As an aside…
Owen has chosen a CO-Leader who happens to be the former leader of the Opposition.
Does this mean that none of the other BLP candidates are capable of leadership?
Is this an attempt by Owen to kill the Leadership aspirations of other long standing party members?
Does this mean that if they were reelected and Barbados became a Republic, Owen and Mascoll would be president and Prime Minister?
It seems to me that the BLP has a problem.
Suggestion to David Thompson and the DLP.
Do not allow any current Member of the BLP to cross the floor to the DLP.
This is about Integrity.
If you do not like what your party is doing LEAVE and stay out of politics or form a new party.
BFP I am with you.I will not even cross over to BU or any of the other blogs.
BFP will be written into the history of Barbadian politics.
January 6, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Many people speak of the environment and high oil prices. Yet I cannot get any discussion going on the DLP’s manifesto pledges on energy.
I am not endorsing anybody, but their proposals on solar electricity are the most serious policies I have seen in terms of reducing the oil import oil and encouraging the use of renewable energy.
The DLP is proposing a Smart Energy Fund to provide low interest loans for persons buying solar panels to generate electricity.
They are offering a tax rebate on the cost of acquiring and installing the solar electric systems.
They are promising to outfit all new government facilities with solar electric systems.
This is a truly bold policy.
January 6, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Leadership is important, but only if there are people who need to be led.
Far better we all try and turn around and get ourselves out of the mess we are in. In doing that we don’t need a leader. The rest will fall into place.
What we do however need is a group of people, the Government, who understand our aspirations, share them and work with us and for us to realise them. We don’t need individual showmen in Parliament.
… and we need a group of people who will keep them on course and always aware of all of us who really don’t need a leader. That’s the opposition’s job.
What we don’t need is the Government not doing its job and spending its time trying to subvert this process and undermine the role which we assigned to the Opposition. That is treachery.
They, like the Government better understand our aspirations too because we need them to work with us and for us too, ….. but what both the Government and the Opposition better understand is our land and its limitations.
Much is said, and rightly so, against the plantocracy and its more than 300 year domination of the legislative process. What cannot be disputed is that practically all of those Barbadians were close to the land in their day to day lives and understood it.
It supported them and the people who worked it and was the basis of the economy.
That understanding came from being in constant contact with it, talking with others who were also in contact with it and discussing how to meet the challenges of Nature and make a living together. That was the magic of Barbados.
That understanding of the land is what is lacking in all the parties and which has the potential to undermine the whole show. Greenland 13 years on and counting is the clear evidence of this lack of understanding.
Funny thing, it was the DLP who put Greenland into the consideration as a site, clear evidence that both parties don’t understand our land.
Education can sometimes be a bad thing.
The exclusion of most of the population in the past from decisions in a system of voting based on land ownership did have one positive result and that was decisions were more often than not based on knowledge of the land and the needs of the land.
There is no doubt people suffered, but I feel if we proceed to abuse our land through greed and lack of knowledge people will suffer far more, for it is the land which supports us all.
Agriculture may no longer be cost effective in the short term but because we don’t know what to do with our land in the long term doesn’t mean we have to convert it to cash in the short term, and worse of all, not reinvest in our country for a better tomorrow.
Housing and construction are dead end activities. The question remains, what do we do with our land?
January 6, 2008 at 4:29 pm
hold it- I have not decided however if BLP comes here right now on BFP and puts in more powerful integrity and information laws and promises to pass them it I am listening still otherwise it is DLP for me
we definitely need to let some light in and the party that is going to do it gets my vote
*************
BFP Comments,
While we agree with your emphasis on integrity legislation, at this point if the BLP proposed integrity legislation, we’d have to ask: Is the BLP going to lock up half their own Cabinet after they pass it?
January 6, 2008 at 4:35 pm
…. we need to spend some time understanding it first before we know what to do!!
January 6, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Softman says….”They are offering a tax rebate on the cost of acquiring and installing the solar electric systems.”
In a couple years from now, I intend to build an Energy efficient house with total Solar Electricity
and if permitted use collected purified rain water and well water.
According to International experts Oil prices could continue rising so BL&P will have to keep raising their price for Electricity.
Barbados is well suited to using Solar Energy.
January 6, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I always had doubts about your approach to things political. It seems that blogs have agendas, I spoke of the Keltruth blog which is run by the same plaintiffs. I have been concerned with attacks by partisan writers when ever I speak about why the Dems refuse to speak about the highway cost, the prison cost etc. This action was geared to get discussion with commenters about things that will affect Barbados economically. I accused the ruling party about the various questionable undertaking and partisan writers sharpened tongues to criticise the government.
Only thing that I keep hearing that I am Mascoll, I am a BLP operative and all types of nonsense. Now we have the confirmation of you voting for the DLP. This defeat the partiality of your moderating. Even if you had intention of voting for a particular party, I feel strongly that you should have remained silent on your voting preference and do your thing on the 15th. I can not see you being impartial with any statement that you might make from now on. No wonder I state that 95% of commenters are Dems. I will continued by neutrality writing.
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BFP Comments,
Hey Frankology, your slip is showing.
Firstly, READ what we have written. We are supporting the DLP in THIS ELECTION and will continue to give them double barrels blast when necessary as we have many many times in the past.
As to agendas – what… you don’t have an agenda? Stupes… everybody has an agenda. Ours is to fight corruption in Barbados with whatever means we have at our disposal. What’s your agenda?
We never said we were “Impartial” against corruption! Look at what we’ve written over the past two years… If you want the “impartiality” of the regular Barbados media, go read the Nation – but bring your BLP membership card with you.
As to “I spoke of the Keltruth blog which is run by the same plaintiffs”… what do you mean by that? You think that Keltruth is run by the DLP or what?
You’re a bit confused today Frankology. Must be getting word that the political winds are switching on Barbados!
January 6, 2008 at 6:03 pm
BFP I have to congratulate you on your stance, Lord knows you have put enough pressure on both parties. I like you, will be voting DLP , however I intend to be extremely vigilant, for as much as I strongly believe they are the better choice right now, if they are elected and then fail to implement what they have said, I will be with you on the mountain top shouting my displeasure at the top of my voice . I kid you not.
January 6, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Just vote against the gavernment. Nobody in this part of the world has ever truly deserved a third term, far less a fourth. Give me a break!
January 6, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Frankology says. re BFP voting DLP…”This defeat the partiality of your moderating.”
Wrong.
BFP has been consistent in exposing corruption in the ruling party.
BFP has been consistent in pushing for Integrity to return to Barbados Government/politics and the DLP has delivered in a manner satisfactory to BFP.
The BLP has had the opportunity to respond to this blog with regards to corruption charges,VECO,3S,Hardwood Housing…and have chosen not to do so. No William Duguid, Lynette or RoyalRumble on this blog.
This is Barbados free press and my understanding is that free includes the moderators.
Why dont you go and attack the Editor of the “traditional”Advocate for endorsing the BLP?
This is a new age of press freedom and it is called the blogsphere.
January 6, 2008 at 6:47 pm
“Just vote against the government. Nobody in this part of the world has ever truly deserved a third term, far less a fourth. Give me a break!”
Bill Clinton deserved a third term – yet that’s another long story, but I see in print edition of Sunday Sun that a double-full page ad from DLP is calling for Integrity legislation – coincidence?
“A word to Ian Bourne. Who cares who knows who somebody votes for? We keep hearing how we are a world class country, but I wonder in which world.
Here you are castigating BFP for being open and world class in stating their position. They have not influenced me.”
** OR **
“BFP ignore the comments of Ian Bourne.You have the right to state your choice because this is a “Free press”.
It proves your credibility because you requested definitve action from the DLP and your position on Integrity Legislation has been consistent from day 1.”
Maybe so, but there are others who may not be so individualistic – As for me disagreeing with BFP on stating how they vote, you’ll note they printed my comment even though they may disagree with me, it’s called DEMOCRACY? I expressed my contention politely and with my qualifications in reaching such a conclusion.
“ …we in B’dos dare not criticise any ruling gov’ for fear of being branded. We have a Prime Minister who is on record cussing out private citizens and lots of stuff we can’t get into here.
I am sure you have noticed that very few persons here on this blog use their real names even though they are dealing with real tough issues. That occurs in a climate of fear.”
As for the anonymity issue, yes, many commentators in here use a mask – BFP included! I am not hiding, therefore I have the tightrope of defining a stance w/o stepping on any Important toes…
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BFP Comments
Hi Ian,
Cliverton here. Ain’t democracy and freedom great? We have the utmost respect for you because you have the courage to put your name on what you write. (Mind you, you can’t sail as close to the wind as BFP can and everyone understands that.)
I hope that someday we will be able to stand each other a beer and I’ll be able to say, “Bye the way… I’m Cliverton”. I’d love to see your expression!
But Barbados is not there quite yet.
Cheers!
January 6, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Hi:
anybody got a hard copy of the DLP manifesto last night? I left the meeting early and there were none available when I left.
other than the DLP headquarters where else can i get a copy
thanks
January 6, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Frankology I have read a lot of your posts in the past and tell the truth lately it is real hard to do. You seem to be somewhere out there. You are therefore one of the posters I have been avoiding lately until just now.
You are an “impartial” poster you keep insisting but thinking minds have doubts. How does BFP suddenly have an agenda? You ain’t got one? Neutral is a description for H2O/water.
Everyone on these blogs have opinions which they care to share and there is no neutrality there because an opinion can only be subjective. We take sides regardless of what we do. Good or evil. Balance is key to life.
Do you not yet understand that B’dos is on the threshold of either real freedom or continued fear. I believe the people who post here love their country more than any party.
Make up your mind, you already said that you are not voting so why gripe? The very existence of BFP in this country is a revolution. Bajans have in the past I have found preferred to be led. No one wants to be identified. We are born and weaned in this climate of fear. Yet lately I have found that people are daring to go against the grain and letting their voice be heard. Are you willing to stop this wave of change for the betterment of our people?
If you are not helping the society to evolve into something greater get out of the way. We are sure going to wake up on the morning of the 16th and continue with our lives regardless since majority vote would have decided who runs the island and it will not matter then who we wanted to win or lose since it will be past tense. A man is born free but we enslave our selves by our thoughts.
January 6, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Ian Bourne
30 people very closely connected to Bill Clinton died during his reign. Many of them were claimed to have committed suicide with a “bullet” to the back of the head. They all had one thing in common. They were prepared to go public about the many schemes that he and his wife were up to. And in case you have forgotten, he also placed the order that resulted in a milk factory in the Middle East being bombed with the loss of countless lives; done as a distraction to his impeachment hearings. He was disbarred which when compared to his just desserts, was a slap on the wrist. He is no hero, no Bush either, but lucky to have been given a second term.
Ian you worked for a media house at a time when real investigative journalism (with all the advantages of the internet) from even the smallest officially recognised quarters would have made the greatest difference on peoples’ perception on this insidious “War on Terror”. You chose to do nothing. What do want a grand hooray for showing that you prefer not to be anonymous?
January 6, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Has this blog improved in everyway since the election date was announced or am I imagining things? The debate is no longer so ad hominem but is more issue oriented. Hope I do not have to eat my words.
January 6, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Since we seem to be preoccupied with who is voting for whom, let me put it on record, I will be putting my x for the DLP. Not because I think they got all the answers, for in fact they do not appear to go far enough in their reach to reclaim Barbados from OSA and his all dancing, all singing band of first generation androids.
Anybody living just either side of the poverty line can see how far we have travelled in negative territory since 1994. There is no way that the BLP is either entitled to a fourth term or should even be considered, irrespective of Ezra Alleyne or any of the two faced forked tongue yardfowls now coming out of the woodwork.
There can be no doubt that OSA and his army of consultants and friends like Rodney have made fools out of us by raiding the jewels of Barbados at midnight. We all owe it to the country to sink Owen and his shipload of poorboys and girls turned rich folks. Down with the BLP, and vote for the DLP.
Johnnietoobad.
January 6, 2008 at 10:14 pm
bout time we went solar in a serious way. after all barbados is called island in the sun.
January 6, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Dear “banned”
I am not looking for accolades for being in the open – as for Bill and a third term? The suicides you refer to, I am guessing they’re about Whitewater, do you have proof or can you quote a source like “The Smoking Gun” website? I look at the facts of what William Jefferson did – as in black members of his Cabinet and who his personal advisor was (plus his law offices are set in the Upscale black Harlem, apart from appearing 1st to ppl when 9/11 happened, way before Dubya); how the deficit came to an almost zero balance even while the Lewinsky nonsense was happening!
Any man who can straighten a budget while enjoying an illicit affair, to say the least, deserves two more terms! As for Sudan – have you forgotten it was Osama Bin Laden who laid the 1st blow at a US Embassy?
A man who can negotiate himself from military service and also deal with law whether barred or not shows Bill’s mental acumen.
BTW: If Hamilton Lashley became Prime Minister tomorrow as an Independent – what qualifies him to do Law? He is no attorney, yet via ballot he would be entrusted in shaping legislation for at least 5 years in this country – that applies to anyone, including the example set decades ago in the same USA by peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, who is now renowned for electoral observer teams around the world and cheap housing for US poverty – all AFTER his tenure.
January 6, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Softman
January 6, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I am completely dismissing Owen’s comments about DLP election funding. He had three terms to implement legislation about campaign financing disclosure and did nothing.
The Bees seem awash with money, who is funding theirs.
Under a little electoral pressure the PM is looking less and less impressive.
============================
David Seale, Anthony Wood cousin is bank rolling the BLP campaign and also doing what he can for Anthony Wood, so what is the PM problem if Leroy Parris is bank rolling David Thompson?
Look MR. PM please answer our question and stop asking us questions.
Lodge Road, Christ Church is DONE with the BLP WE WID DEM!!
January 6, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Does the BLP pay for ads on CBC ?
January 7, 2008 at 12:02 am
[...] Dear Mr. Thompson, We Believe You Will Do It… [image] Barbados Free Press Staff To Vote Democratic Labour Party Dear Mr. Thompson, We’ll keep this letter as […] [...]
January 7, 2008 at 12:02 am
From what I have read so far of this manifesto, it appears well and good. But as they say the proof is in the pudding, still going to be a long road ahead.
Cleaning up the messes and dealing with the hidden agendas will be the unfortunate task of the DLP for the first year at least. Then maybe they can start to implement some of those neat “changes” they outlined.
January 7, 2008 at 12:09 am
Hants– I am amazed by the fact that our solar powered water tanks have not been retrofitted to store excess solar power to battery systems, is that possible? I know that we are not using nearly what the sun is giving!
January 7, 2008 at 1:40 am
Ian Bourne
Please try a web search using the key words “Clinton’s Body Count” and knock yourself out. Not concerned that he employed blacks or even worked in a Black neighbourhood. Not even concerned that he could balance a budget and fraternise with a wink of an eye. He killed a lot of people, lots of ‘em, and more were killed to protect his image. That disgusts me. No third term for him, sorry. I must admit though that I do have a very soft spot for Pres. Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (the man whose offer for a better deal the Arthur Administration repudiated). Unfortunately he is only limited to three terms.
As for Osama Bin Laden; it amazes me how easy it is for media (ex-media) workers to throw all manner of accusations at the “bogie-men” with out first seeking evidence to justify the accusations, but when they are presented with derogative facts on any of the Western “leaders-of-the-free-World” campaigners and they quickly demand sources. Osama is innocent until proven guilty. What say you?
January 7, 2008 at 1:47 am
BFP,
Respect Due!
January 7, 2008 at 2:09 am
I sincerely hope this particular thread will be the last of that political yard fowl Frankology. I also hope too that the people of Barbados on the 15th of January 2008 cast their votes in favor of integrity, accountability and transparency. To quote the late Errol Walton Barrow. “There is a popular superstition in this country that people of Barbados are ignorant and illiterate and do not understand their politics. If members of the other side think that by getting up here and making unfounded statements, unfounded statements are the order of politics, but bad arithmetic I could never excuse that this is going to win them some kind of support and put them back in power, they are mistaken.” These words used in 1957 hold true today after the Owen Arthur’s drowning man tactics of increasing old age pensions. Try all you might Owen, my vote and that of like minded people are going to seal the fate of you and your a band of brigands. See you at the polls.
January 7, 2008 at 2:28 am
All kudos to you BFP for this revolutionary move – the adoption by a Barbados political party of the concept of integrity legislation. I must of course credit David Thompson in showing the leadership to have his colleagues accept integrity legislation as a necessary pillar for service in public office.
However, Owen’s recent Taiwan statement is toserious for me to dismiss simply as the last gasp of a desperate man, even though it may well be. Right now, David, you probably have more credibility with Barbadians than Owen. So all you have to do is to deny this two China policy claim as a vicious lie and we will accept. Failure to address and deny this charge is in my view a dangerous option. China, double tax treaty and all, is critical to our economic independence and advancement. No leader purporting to support reverting to Taiwan recognition, especially if prodded by short-term financial incentives, would be fit for office. So David, deny and deny early and vigorously.
January 7, 2008 at 2:33 am
banned
It does seem that Pres. Clinton did have a LOT of suicidal friends, and some who were very unlucky.
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/count.htm
http://cbn2.tripod.com/d6.html
January 7, 2008 at 2:39 am
I saw Owen on the news tonight talking about David and where he got his money for the campaign…..
Is it me or was Owen drunk? He was talking like a man under the influence…he was sluring as he did when he spoke at Clyde’s nomination.
This is no laughing matter because the P.M in recent times is appearing more drunk than sober when he turns up at these functions.
By the way ask Lynettte how she is feeling with the very poor response she is getting from her local meetings (spot meetings)?
She is perhaps the biggest misfit of a politician we have ever had…I blame Owen..maybe he was drunk or in some abnormal state of mine when he offered her the job as Minister!!!
January 7, 2008 at 3:00 am
BFP.
I can recognize pure genius when i see it, and I must say that you have me “cuffuffuled” at this stage.
Either you are genuine in your position with respect to David Thompson and the DLP – in which case I have to applaud your open-mindedness, tenacity, persistence and even strong-headedness…. and now your willingness to take a stand on principle….
Or, you represent a master stroke, in association with David T to really build a world class PR move with this Integrity thing. This would be an even more impressive stroke of genius in its conception and execution.
Either way, ….my best respects to you folks.
Let it be known, that without the existence, persistence and commitment of BFP and BU, these elections would have been a COMPLETELY different ball game. For the first time, Bajans are voting in an educated environment where all sides of all arguments have been aired….Indeed, if everything else around us was not completely hopeless, I would even hold out hope for a bright future for this Island as a result of the changes that BFP and BU have brought …..Oh Well!
I look forward to one day knowing who you folks are (just as I’ m quite sure that you know who I am….(LOL)), and seeing you properly rewarded.
January 7, 2008 at 3:04 am
As to “I spoke of the Keltruth blog which is run by the same plaintiffs”… what do you mean by that? You think that Keltruth is run by the DLP or what?
………………………………………………………………………………….
BFP, you are so caught up with your new position that yo fail to understand simple street language. In my statement, how can you read by statement and jump to such a conclusion of me trying to align the DLP with the Keltruth Blog?. You are loosing it my friend.
Plaintiff – (a person who brings an action in a court of law)
***********************
BFP Comments
Well we still don’t get your point frankology, so we’ll just have to admit we’re slow today.
January 7, 2008 at 3:20 am
Dear Ian Bourne
Plse refer to
“fredbands”
January 7, 2008 at 3:23 am
De Original, yardfowlism is part of the Barbadian culture, you might be an assigned yardfowl, but I prefer to be an independent yardfowl who have no fear in criticising anyone when I see injustice. I am a fearless crusader. What about you my friend?
January 7, 2008 at 3:54 am
“I spoke of the Keltruth blog which is run by the same plaintiffs”.
………………………………………………………………………………….
Simple, the Keltruth blog is own by Marjorie Knox and family and all comments will be bias.
***************
BFP Replies,
Ok frankology. Sure, if the blog is owned by Marjorie Knox and she is a plaintiff of course it will lean to her way. (Ya ya… we know… you’re the only person on Barbados who is impartial with no agenda)
But the court documents that are posted are very interesting. Imagine that a Canadian court has accepted a case of Land Fraud against the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice and many other big-ups AND DID NOT THROW OUT THE CASE WHEN ASKED TO (as told by dis-information government supporters) … and despite all that the Barbados “News Media” hasn’t breathed a word about the case!
What a joke “freedom of the press” is in Barbados.
January 7, 2008 at 4:49 am
Did I hear Clyde(Stupid) Rascoll urge BLP supporters the other night to vote for the DLP????
January 7, 2008 at 6:17 am
The comment of the political season must be the one I heard earlier tonight at the MASSIVE DLP MEETING AT THE FARM THIS EVENING.
A PARTY SUPPORTER WHEN ASKED HOW THINGS WERE GOING WITH THE CAMPAIGN AND WITH A SERIOUS AND CONCERNED LOOK ON HIS FACE HE REMARKED THAT HE WAS VERY CONCERNED AND WHEN PRODDED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIS CONCERN HE STATED THAT HE WAS VERY CONCERNED AS TO IF ASSCOLL WOULD MANAGE TO GET BACK HIS DEPOSIT AS HIS DEFEAT WILL BE THE MOST ONE SIDED OF THIS ELECTION.
January 7, 2008 at 6:24 am
Just returned from Deacons Farm where a massive meeting was held for Chris Sinckler.
Also massive were the licks shared on Malik-wid-teet-and-no-sense; (I’ll be real worried if I was that turn-coat)
Nuff lashes were also shared on his leader Dictator General O$Aarthur. (henceforth known as 50% leader of BLP)
One had a sense that a ’swing’ is in the air
January 7, 2008 at 6:25 am
Does anyone get the feeling that there seems to be less fear and the people are becoming more embolden in their support for the DLP as Liberation Day approaches.
The BLP has to be at this moment peeing their pants.
**************
BFP replies,
Peeing in their pants? Maybe some… but doesn’t the former Attorney General occasionally wear a dress?
January 7, 2008 at 6:51 am
De Original, yardfowlism is part of the Barbadian culture, you might be an assigned yardfowl, but I prefer to be an independent yardfowl who have no fear in criticising anyone when I see injustice. I am a fearless crusader. What about you my friend?
Frankology,
I am an assigned yardfowl just ask any one who have been on this blog from near commencement. I am a yardfowl for Accountability, Integrity and Transparency. I will continue to be the same always. The only one I fear is the creator so your veiled threats will not stop me from continuing my fight to see that you and your kind are not allowed to continue to rape and rob the treasury of Barbados. A word of advice the people of Barbados are tired of not knowing what is going on, tired of not being represented, tired of the squander and waste and have been given the opportunity to correct this on 15th of January 2008. You can spin all you like about independent it is clear who and what you are. No wonder the bloggers see through you so easily.
De Original
PS I enjoy how the mention of the name of Errol Walton Barrow cause you and your handlers
to squirm.
January 7, 2008 at 12:35 pm
enie meanie minie moe!!
January 7, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Can anyone explain to me the madness associated with the threats against Dr Don Marshall’s life at his attendance of a blp political meeting over this past weekend.
Where is our freedom of speech our freedom of association, where is our freedom going?
VOTE TO REMAIN LIVING IN A FREE AND FAIR DEMOCRACY.
VOTE DEMS ON THE 15 th TO REMOVE THIS DICTATOR.
January 7, 2008 at 2:08 pm
What was the position of the BLP and DLP on homosexuality.
Much to Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo credit she refrained from asking Atherley about mottley’s desire to leglise these disgusting and nasty acts, as she mottley is appearing very intent on legalising these acts for her own purpose.
This lady Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo is one very decent and a very god fearing lady and much credit to her for not stepping into the gutter with the blp and Atherley in their slime and smut.
January 7, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Relieved to hear David address Owen’s charge about Taiwan, but not quite satisfied with his response. He needs to remove this as an issue quickly by stating that neither he or agents acting on his behalf have had talks with Taiwan officials. Stating that his Council has not discussed it is not good enough. He must also be prepared to demonstrate his understating of the importance of our relationship with China – Owen will almost certainly raise in any debate. I am concerned by David’s comment suggesting that the average Bajan is indifferent to the issue of China vs Taiwan. As an earlier poster quoting the Dipper said, Bajans are an educated, intelligent people. Even if some of them are not aware that our Barbados / China treaties offer the best hope for expansion of our international business sector, they are certainly aware that China as a rapidly advancing industrial giant is critical player in the global economy. Maybe average St. Lucians and the like are indifferent to China, but then some of our Caribbean brothers are still at a stage of development that they are happy to sell their votes Whaling Commission) and passports for short term financial sweets. Barbadians and our economy are rather more sophisticated than that.
Owen is clearly desperate, but the election is not won yet. You risk letting his red herring become the sprat that reels in the big fish if you are not definitive on our future relationship with China.
January 7, 2008 at 3:28 pm
BFP…..In the Nationnews today by Tafari.
http://www.nationnews.com/editorial/378503605770708.php
I thought political journalist were not to be published until after the 15th.
January 7, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Andrew says…”henceforth known as 50% leader of BLP.”
Our PM aka 50(per)cent. No offence to the rapper by almost the same name.
Its the sylly season.
January 7, 2008 at 3:41 pm
The Nation Newspaper is the most disgusting paper ever published in this island.
The attempt to influence voters on behalf of the BLP is clear to see, left me suggest to them despite their best efforts to steal the election on behalf of the ruling party the gov’t will change and this is clear to me.
We need our freedom and we need it now.
January 7, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Dictator-General O$Arthur has been accusing the DLP of getting financial support from Taiwan.
Will this 50% leader of the BLP be willing to say where the money his party is passing out so freely is coming from???
Remember mr 50%, “people who live in glass houses…………”
January 7, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Wishing in Vain
January 7, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Can anyone explain to me the madness associated with the threats against Dr Don Marshall’s life at his attendance of a blp political meeting over this past weekend.
Where is our freedom of speech our freedom of association, where is our freedom going?
VOTE TO REMAIN LIVING IN A FREE AND FAIR DEMOCRACY.
VOTE DEMS ON THE 15 th TO REMOVE THIS DICTATOR.
===================================
WIV surely you must realize that it isn’t only yardfowls like Henderson Bovell who must be scared shit less by the prospect of having to go out and look for a job base on merit. They are a lot of so called intelligent people who have gotten all that they have by feeding at the public trough via one form or the other that feels threatened by a DLP win. Remember that even a common breed dog will appear ready to fight if cornered.
January 7, 2008 at 4:16 pm
To whom it may concern: in an intelligent society individual newsmedia and other institutions will make known who they have endorse for an upcoming election. BFP breaking ground once again that the old media will need to follow.
January 7, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Wishing In Vain.
We are hearing you, but we are lost regarding the truth of your constant “Breaking News”
We need a statement about the fight with Mia and Owen, the area it happen, the police or station that where the report was lodged.
The reported sabotaging of the sound system at the DLP’s launch, the charges by the Police against the person who was held as stated by you.
Finally, let the public know about the Don Marshall issue.
Stop the political spinning.
January 7, 2008 at 4:48 pm
When the Hoyos family can write an article critical of the BLP as this one is, the WIND OF CHANGE IS CERTAINLY BLOWING A GALE THRU THIS ISLAND.
The leadership question
By Pat Hoyos Published: January 6, 2008
Anytime you talk politics in Barbados, the question immediately turns to the issue of leadership. And it is almost always about David Thompson, as in: But can he really lead the country?
This question always shows up in the polls. While both major parties are running neck-and-neck, they say, Owen Arthur’s image as a leader outstrips Thompson’s by two-to-one, if I remember correctly.
This is of course being used as a put-down for the current Opposition leader, and the Bees have made the issue the centre piece of their campaign, believing that the more they remind voters of Arthur’s supposedly commanding margin in the leadership category that people will flock to the Bees once more.
Somehow the thousands who assembled at Oistins to meet the DLP candidates didn’t get the message.
You see, I look at it a different way, and because I fall asleep trying to analyse political polls, of course my analysis will be faulty. But I figure that if the Dems can be running an even race with the Bees despite the perception that they have a weak leader, can you imagine how they would perform if they were perceived to have a strong one?
All of which informs my feeble mind that putting the leadership question at the top of the agenda may not working for the Bees. Thompson seems, moreover, to have learned how to respond to it effectively: By remaining low key and not appearing defensive about the “poor leadership” accusations, he is allowing a sort of “underdog” image to work to his advantage.
Instead, he is promoting his team, which belies the rule-by-division image of Thompson which the Bees are spending a lot of money on in their campaign (e.g. the full page ad quoting Freundel Stuart in last Thursday’s Nation).
And instead of showing a large group of candidates in their ads, the Dems are showing collections of four (for education, agriculture and so on) to emphasise what it sees as the depth of professional experience and knowledge in specific areas among its candidates.
This also seems effective to me, as it quietly counteracts the “leadership-by-division” image which the Bees are trying to imprint on the Dems. I hope it works because our democracy is not, to my mind, being served by any campaign which says essentially that there is really no contest because of such poor leadership on the other side. Then why have an election, I wonder? Let’s just declare a one-party state right away and be done with it.
I’ve said it before, and don’t mind saying it again, that the Dems have as talented and well-versed a collection of candidates as do the Bees, in terms of education, experience, willingness to serve, dedication to people and so forth. The Dems and Bees are two parties whose candidates are so well matched, and which differ so little in overall philosophy that they are interchangeable. Why, even their former leader can fly from his roost to a safe berth at the top of the other party.
And just for the record, let me say I also believe that David Thompson is capable of running the country as prime minister.
If the leadership question is fairly put on the table, however, it should also be asked: How good a leader has Owen Arthur been? Because some poll says it’s two-to-one over Thompson means nothing to me, as I am here talking about my own perception, whether you agree with me or not (it’s a little thing called freedom of expression, and more people should try it.)
Owen Arthur is not the leader he started out as being when he first came to office. He is missing in action far too often. A couple of years ago, the letters M.I.A. would certainly have been apt for this condition, but now they seem to have changed to C.L.Y.D.E.
Arthur seems to rule by fiat, and has done too many policy reverses without explaining his reasoning to the country for me to be comfortable with calling him a great leader. His arrogance in office now seems to permeate almost everything he does, and his decisions seem to make overall sense only when judged by one criteria, which is, what’s good for big business is good for the country.
How else do you account for the demise in service at the QEH, where people are literally dying to be seen, compared to the rise of private emergency rooms? Or how about the quicksand of Edutech, where millions have been spent with little to show for it?
What about the enormous cost overruns on so many projects, from the prison to the highways? We have also seen the government’s unyeilding, hard-headed approach to those insanely stupid flyovers, and its willingness to give unknown and untested companies massive BOLT projects which will tie up our infrastructure in so many contractual knots that we will be paying through our teeth for them long after Arthur has retired? And with no discussion, no give-and-take in debate, no explanations, I can only conclude that we live by arbitrary Arthurian decree. Is that good leadership?
The Arthur government has allowed the bogey man of globalisation to scare citizens into tolerating a concentration of corporate ownership unlike any we have witnessed before on this island, and the main question I have for Thompson is: Will you let it continue, just changing the names of the players? If you win the government and do so, your administration will be no better for Barbados over the long term than the present one.
So far, Thompson has said the opposite. His party is stressing the detoxification of the body politic from the infusion of the many corporate carcinogens it has ingested of late. Will the Dems really take us into public rehab? Will there come a day in Barbados once more when the government accepts that there are things which it must take responsibility for doing because to privatise all the way upstream results in selling us all down the river?
Where do you draw the line? Is it at the hospital bed and the school gate only, or is it in the many other services now provided, sometimes poorly, by the state? Can you manage a hybrid process under which private enterprise plays a role in an overall sector controlled by the state, not only through strong regulatory agencies, but by retaining ownership of key players, like water and transport and roads and prisons?
And what future will Bajans have in their own country if buying a house and a piece of land to put it on are priced outside their means, and if every young couple must get into hock up to their teeth for 30 years in order to buy anything out there?
Yes, the two sides in my view are equal in the quality of their human resources and the opposition has equal potential to the incumbent party’s experience, but how we move forward in the next few years requires, in my view, clear action on those types of issues. And a lot of the answers will call for more consumer discipline and responsibility, because you can’t sustain lower prices if you continue to create more demand than there is supply.
In my view, the leader who can answer these tough questions and show a middle way through the competing interests of average citizens and private corporate interests is the one who will deserve to be the prime minister.
January 7, 2008 at 6:49 pm
http://www.barbadosvotes.org/
What a place we live in, I am now hearing that the event that saw DR DON MARSHALL life being threatened will now be dealt with at a press conference at 3.00 pm today.
We are also getting reports of paid thugs being hired to destroy the billboards in that fake for a priest Atherley area.
This is one desperate for power lot and they are thugs and are acting this way.
January 7, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Things hott in this election.
One of Dlp Billboards has been cutted down so far as i know it.
This Billboard is located at de corner of Whitehall no.3 on the main road of Green Hill, on de left hand side, travelling in the northern direction towards Warrens.
This Blp government is on it’s last days i know where my X are going.
Owing hope to see you and de hold lot at Dodds.
January 7, 2008 at 11:12 pm
BFP
I am glad that you have endorsed the DLP, but by all means “hold their feet to the fire” if the polls hold true and they form the next government. From my vantage point the PM and by extension the BLP have intimidated all sectors of the public into silence regarding criticism their policies and agenda.
One would have thought that the vigorous debate and opinion from all sources which was standard in the 70’s and 80’s would have been even more evident today. Where is the Church? Where are the academics? Where are the journalists? Where are the businessmen? Where is the man in the street? Remember the Dean? His sermons and speeches criticizing the then DLP goverment were carried on radio and duly reported in the newspapers. Remember McLean and Alleyne? I seem to remember fierce criticism and debate about economic policies. Now the criticism is muted and if an article appears which does not find favour with the PM or is critical of the BLP the PM performs a public flagellation of the offending organisaton.
How else can you explain the silence re the cost of the prison? The minister’s explanation for the doubling of costs was that he was quoting the original cost in US dollars. Since when is US the official currency of B’dos? I suppose it could have been worse VECO could have been a UK company. Similarly there seems to be little debate about the increase in the road project, I am still waiting to hear the reason for the cost overrun (Mr. Mascoll said the PM knew the figures) or the true costs associated with the project.
One would have thought the Church would be front and centre in the debate about the increase in cost of living as it affects all social classes but all we got was the sounds of silence.
Pity, only in Barbados
January 8, 2008 at 12:04 am
WIV,
This is unprecedented. No journalist in Barbados have ever ever made such bold statements in relation to Arthur. Be sure that Arthur or one of his agents will be calling or have called Hoyos already. Hoyos must be congratulated.
January 8, 2008 at 3:03 am
Baje you too crazy. LOL
Tony Hoyos you must be in real trouble because of that article. I think you have ably described the issues we have to grapple with. I see before me 2 choices for B’dos. We can continue until we have to pay the piper or we can turn it around right now before we run aground. I am afraid for B’dos but the results in the next few days will tell us which vision B’dos has for itself. If it will follow Owen blindly without knowing where he is going or if they will take back their country.
January 8, 2008 at 3:04 am
Just heard David Thompson’s press conference on the Taiwan issue – an effective, statesman-like reputing of the Arthur charges. Got to say that as David is sounding more and more like a leader, Owen is sounding more and more likely a drowning man.
January 8, 2008 at 3:12 am
Taiwan versus China
While one should never forget the economic realities of life, there must be some balance or moral ethic that governs our everyday lives.
China has been one of the biggest abusers of human rights over the past 60 years. While life may have improved substantially for many Chinese, it is run by a chosen State apparatus and a brutal police force. The average citizen has and is paying a huge price in a whole host of ways for this submission to dictatorial authority.
Owen is attracted to this kind of authority which has no Rule of Law but rather a Rule of the Dictatorship.
Taiwan on the other hand is a parliamentary democracy. They actively discuss issues that affect their lives in one of the most vibrant parliaments in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbSvPtyCoEs
On January 15th voters have a choice
taking orders from the new President of the Republic or
having their voices heard and discussed in an open and free forum
January 8, 2008 at 4:21 am
Sargeant, spot on, where are the people who should be standing shoulder to shoulder to help retake our country. None more so than the church and various leaders of our religious sector. As to the journalists and that shower at Cave Hill. I despair of them and to think they are the future leaders of this country. I am totally disappointed that only Marshall and Wickham, plus a few others have raised their voices, yet the very academics will be the first in the new PM office begging for favours. Also the media expecially the print sector, not a real peep out of the nation or advocate. Are these not enemies of the people?
Johnnietoobad
January 8, 2008 at 4:37 am
BLP beginning to sound nervous.Now that they have 2 Leaders will they appoint a deputy for Mia?
A deputy essential???
By the way is it legal to travel on the back of a flatbed truck? Saw Owen,Billie,Dale and Pat?
http://www.nationnews.com/story/334589827927047.php
The things politicians have to do at elections. eh…
Just asking?
January 8, 2008 at 5:11 am
I noticed that a journalist from VOB too the time out to telephone the Taiwanese ambassador in St. Kitts to verify whether Atthur’s allegations were true or not. The ambassador basically said that he did not even know of the DLP or had any talks with anyone. So far CBC and the print medis have been silent. What is journalism coming to in this country?
January 8, 2008 at 10:25 am
The TAIWANESE gov’t made a statement and said that Owen is LYING !
CBC has REFUSED to play the TAIWAN denial !
CBC has CANCELLED all the proposed TV debates between the leaders from the DLP & BLP !
OWEN ARTHUR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CBC !
Welcome to BARBADOS……..the world newest DICTATORSHIP !
January 8, 2008 at 10:27 am
I am going to speak honestly. Where the BLP getting all this campaign money from?
From the time the date was announced, there were the full page ads, the TV ads, the little stickie things on the front page of the paper, the glossy mini manifestos in each newspaper, etc. While I admit that the DLP has also spent vast amounts of money in advertising with the full page ads, the billboards, the posters….what else?
Where the BLP getting all this money from?
January 8, 2008 at 10:46 am
Hants…
Now lets be fair…
its only illegal when ordinary people do it.
Just like its not illegal for Rommell Marshall to erect a billboard for three consecutive elections, but it is for the DLP!
January 8, 2008 at 10:51 am
DE BUMBLE BEE // January 8, 2008 at 10:31 am
My fellow BLP supporters…..is this how our country should be governed ?
PM Arthur’s Allegations Exposed As Lies:
http://s2.netro.ca/dlpbarbadosod/20080107_PC_Taiwan_China.wma
Cant Wait, Cant Wait, Cant Wait, Man… I VOTING DEM
DEMS……YES ^^^^^^^^^^^ BEES…..GO !
January 8, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I am awaiting the BLP Manifesto tonight – I have to compare both parties for content, and realism.
January 8, 2008 at 1:44 pm
The BLP is afraid! The results of the next poll will show that the DLP is winning. The last poll showed that the DLP (30%) was trailing behind the BLP (35 %) by some 5% with a percentage error of plus or minus 5 %. This clearly suggest that the two parties were running neck to neck.
They are so desparate that they are destroying DLP posters all over the place. But this will not stop the DLP from winning. Owen is under so much stress he seems to be drunk at every public meeting. Check the clipping of the presentation of the candidates last saturday night and winness the body language of Liz Thompson as she responded to Arthur’s drunken state.
January 8, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Bussa Goddard
January 8, 2008 at 3:04 am
Just heard David Thompson’s press conference on the Taiwan issue – an effective, statesman-like reputing of the Arthur charges. Got to say that as David is sounding more and more like a leader, Owen is sounding more and more likely a drowning man.
___________________________
do you really mean ‘drowning’ or should it be ‘drunken’?????
January 8, 2008 at 2:13 pm
http://www.nationnews.com/story/335174842586749.php
If the economy is in such a crisis as reported in the newspaper attributed to Mr. Estwick, then how can Mr. Thompson give all these things in the manifesto, will we be reduced back again to the days of Sandi? They are talking in two different tongues, either Estwick or Thompson is lying?
Until…..
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BFP comments…
The missing piece could be that once the DLP gets in and eliminates all the fraudulent spending, and introduces effective oversight of that which is spent, we will know where we as a nation really stand. I have no doubt that the horror stories will be many when a change of government happens. I also have no doubt that the Arthur administration is busy shredding documents even as we speak.
January 8, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Lady Anon
“I am going to speak honestly. Where the BLP getting all this campaign money from? ”
ten guesses and the first nine don’t count
taxpayer money and corporate supporters on the gravy train
January 8, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I’m disappointed in BFP.
Everyday I visit and I read.
I compare you to the National Enquirer – everything may not be true but it sure makes u wonder.
Personally, I determine that BFP uncovers the underbelly of local politics and I like that.
I’m always forced to defend my love of this site, but when I saw this article, I swear, I almost fell to the ground.
In the interest of what semblance of journalism u profess to practice, why would u openly state your political motivation?
Do you not realise that this leaves me to question my relationship with this site for the last year and some?
Have you purposely been pushing an opposition agenda in some kinda mind-game I just didn’t catch till the end?
I feel like a total fool over this. Its disappointing.
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BFP Replies,
Are you disappointed that Barbados Free Press put photos of the PM and the Leader of the Opposition on pigs at the trough?
Are you disappointed that after two years of asking for integrity legislation, ONE of the two major Barbados parties finally came through?
What were your expectations? That we would not vote? That we would vote, but deceive our readers?
If Thompson and the DLP don’t follow through we will hammer them without stopping.
I don’t see what your problem is.
January 9, 2008 at 2:13 am
Hi BFP
Who won your 2007 ‘Piggies At The Trough’ contest??
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BFP comments…
Hi Andrew,
We’ll be announcing that soon… the election took over!
January 9, 2008 at 3:32 am
DLP will be getting my X for sure……..shame to see those UWI students in the BLP Ad…..Fees rising every semester…killing us to pay…..nothing being done by govn’t to control or stop it. You either pay the fees or drop out.
BLP is not a poor or middle class party. Only the rich are happy in this little country.
January 9, 2008 at 6:48 am
I can see now that the Barbados Free Press is a DLP supporter…I hope it is just a supporter and not a propaganda machine fueled by the dreams and desires of DEM’s….Please stay as your name puts it a FREE PRESS….we need that here in Barbados ….Not a press driven by one party or the other…Come on stay FREE and report the truth for all Bajans to hear
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BFP says good morning “ARB”
Yes, we are supporting the DLP for THIS election.
Should they win and not continue on the narrow path, or fail to implement promises – then we shall be back putting Thompson’s head on the body of a pig again. Our support is for the election only and then day by day.
January 9, 2008 at 7:27 am
BFP, it’s absolutely, obvious what ‘Clearly Bajan’s’ problem is!!!! He’s OBVIOUSLY, a nutter!!!!
Perhaps, he thought that after all of your chastisements of the BLP, that you’d then vote for and recommend that we all voted BLP!!!!
Where do they come from, BFP?!!!!
January 9, 2008 at 1:46 pm
You don’t understand my problem.
I LOVE piggies at the trough. Can’t WAIT to see who wins. But didn’t u claim that u rn’t putting Thompson’s picture at the trough right now.
y not?
what has changed? why did elections take over? y can’t we uncover the 2007 piggy on schedule?
My problem is your responsibility to your readers and your genuine motivation.
I just don’t see why BFP feels the need to broadcast a political position. If I am right, and u exist to uncover the underbelly of local politics, then u cannnot be publicly supporting one over the other since it removes your impartiality.
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BFP replies…
We are against political corruption first, foremost and always. Thompson and the DLP have stated they will introduce anti-corruption legislation within the first 100 days.
So… we will vote DLP and if they don’t come through we’ll go back to drawing Thompson’s head on a pig.
January 9, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Good on yer BFP, you should not have to justify your choice of party at these elections, suffice to say that you have made known your decision.
You are and should be part of the social conscience of the Bajan body politic. You provide a forum for ordinary mortals to share information that the media blatantly ignores and/or refuses to share with the nation. Keep the flag flying BFP, we are all solidly behind you.
Johnnietoobad.
January 9, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Lets us understand the extent of the ARROGANCE of Arthur and his clan of crooks.
What does he feature on the front page of his Manifesto a picture the Oval, a location that has drained the resources of our nation for a single event, and has not been put to any useful purpose other than to host a funeral for Steven Alleyne the same person that Arthur blistered in curse the night before he killed him with his nasty abuse.
January 9, 2008 at 3:44 pm
In today’s Nation on page 8A, you will see the Peter Wickham’s article. Where are the Forth Estate critics?
January 11, 2008 at 12:08 am
Mah… we have to wait and see.
I am surprised that BFP invites to vote for X or Z.
I was preferring a neutral position which, at this point, is gone.
January 11, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Head Lines:
BFP— backs a winning party.
YES DEMS!!!
January 12, 2008 at 5:20 pm
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January 23, 2008 at 9:28 pm
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February 13, 2008 at 1:30 pm
[...] your Election Manifesto you posted it online immediately and thousands downloaded it from here, here, here and at the DLP website. You and your party knew how important that action was to your [...]
March 8, 2008 at 7:09 pm
[...] But then a few days later we heard Mr. Thompson speak and make those promises personally. He told us that he meant what he said – and we believed him. Two days later BFP endorsed David Thompson and the DLP in our article Dear Mr. Thompson, We Believe You Will Do It… [...]
September 19, 2008 at 10:14 am
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