Prime Minister David Thompson Fails To Have His Ministers Adopt His Promised “Ministerial Code”
On January 3, 2008, the DLP declared in writing a promise to adopt a “Ministerial Code” – that they described as a “code of ethics and procedural guidance for persons who assume ministerial office in a new DLP government. Its purpose is to clearly define the framework within which the bond of trust between the Government and the people of Barbados should be established…”
The DLP also declared in writing that “The Ministerial Code takes effect immediately after a DLP government is elected.”
“Immediately” was in contrast to some other integrity initiatives that were promised within a 100 day time frame. It is also important to note that the Ministerial Code does not have to be passed as a law, and could simply be adopted and declared by the Cabinet to say “This is what is expected of Government Ministers. We declare this code to be our standard of conduct.”
In some jurisdictions where such Ministerial Codes are in place, Government Ministers are required to sign a copy of the code to show their acknowledgment and acceptance of the standards.
Prime Minister Thompson And His DLP Goverment have failed to adopt their Ministerial Code as promised.
When There Are No Rules – Anything Is Acceptable
You can view the promised Ministerial Code at the end of this article, but one of the standards it sets concerns the important issue Government Ministers receiving gifts from persons who do business with the government…
“g. Ministers should avoid accepting any gift or hospitality which might, or might reasonably appear to, compromise their judgement or place them under an improper obligation;”
This standard is of vital importance as it recognizes that even the appearance of possible wrongdoing is grounds for dismissal from a Ministerial post. If adopted as the standard, never again will a corrupt politician be able to say “You lack the hard evidence to show that I took a gift in exchange for other consideration.”
If this “appearances count” standard is adopted, there will be no more government ministers borrowing a corporate jet for a shopping trip to Miami or New York.
No more land sold to politicians for a fraction of the real value. No more year-old Mercedes auto showing up in a Cabinet Minister’s driveway and the neighbours saying, “Didn’t that used to be owned by a construction company executive? Don’t they do work for the government?”
There are no integrity standards because Prime Minister David Thompson, his Cabinet and the Democratic Labour Party have not done what they said they would do.
Government Ministers Operating With No Code Of Conduct, No Standards
When David Thompson and the DLP introduced their integrity promises at the last moment of the campaign – cut and pasted from an online source only days before – we were skeptical and we said so. (See BFP’s David Thompson Reveals DLP’s Integrity and Freedom Of Information Plans – Much Cut and Pasted From The Internet Only A Few Days Ago)
Then we heard David Thompson speak and he told us that he meant what he said. We believed him, and on January 6, 2008, Barbados Free Press endorsed Thompson and the DLP by publishing our article Dear Mr. Thompson, We Believe You Will Do It…
Yet, here we are almost two months after David Thompson became Prime Minister. The government is operating at full steam. Cheques are being written and corporations are lining up to obtain government work. Contracts are being signed… And still the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and all Government Ministers are operating without the Ministerial Code and standards that they promised to adopt “immediately”.
Now that they have achieved power and hold the country’s cheque book in their hands, David Thompson and the DLP government refuse to implement standards that will prevent them from using their office for personal profit.
Prime Minister Thompson and others have also made statements indicating that the promised “100 days” deadline for integrity and freedom of information legislation may not happen and that revamping the defamation law is no longer a priority.
If Prime Minister Thompson and the DLP Government continue down this path, they will totally discredit themselves in a matter of a few weeks.
Here is the promised Ministerial Code…
1/ “The Ministerial Code – A Proposal” DRAFT
(Revised December 15, 2007)
THE MINISTERIAL CODE – A PROPOSAL
BACKGROUND
1. The following pages contain a proposal for a draft code of ethics and procedural guidance for persons who assume ministerial office in a new DLP government. Its purpose is to clearly define the framework within which the bond of trust between the Government and the people of Barbados should be established. The Code which has been adapted from the United Kingdom Ministerial Code.
THE MINISTERIAL CODE
2. Ministers of the Government are expected to behave according to the highest standards of constitutional and personal conduct in the performance of their duties.
3. This Code provides guidance to Ministers on how they should act and arrange their affairs in order to uphold these standards. It lists the principles which may apply in particular situations. It applies to all Ministers of the Government, and covers Parliamentary Secretaries.
4. Ministers are personally responsible for deciding how to act and conduct themselves in the light of the Code and for justifying their actions and conduct in Parliament.
5. Ministers only remain in office for so long as they retain the confidence of the Prime Minister. He is the ultimate judge of the standards of behaviour expected of a Minister and the appropriate consequences of a breach of those standards, although he will not expect to comment on every allegation that is brought to his attention.
6. The Code should be read against the background of the overarching duty on Ministers to comply with the law, including international law and treaty obligations, to uphold the administration of justice and to protect the integrity of public life. They are expected to observe the Seven Principles of Public Life set out in the appendix to this document, and the following principles of Ministerial conduct:
a. Ministers must uphold the principle of collective responsibility;
b. Ministers have a duty to Parliament to account, and be held to account, for the policies, decisions and actions of their ministries, departments and agencies;
c. It is of paramount importance that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to Parliament. Any inadvertent error should be corrected at the earliest opportunity. Ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation to the Prime Minister;
d. Ministers should be as open as possible with Parliament and the public in providing information except where disclosure would be detrimental to the public interest as determined by the relevant statutes;
e. Ministers should similarly require civil servants who give evidence before Parliamentary Committees on their behalf and under their direction to be as helpful as possible in providing accurate, truthful and full information in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of civil servants;
f. Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or appears to arise, between their public duties and their private interests;
g. Ministers should avoid accepting any gift or hospitality which might, or might reasonably appear to, compromise their judgement or place them under an improper obligation;
h. Ministers must not use government resources for Party political purposes. They must uphold the political impartiality of the Civil Service and not ask civil servants to act in any way which would conflict with the accepted code of behaviour of civil servants.
MINISTERS AND APPOINTMENTS
Appointments by Ministers
7. The Prime Minister should be consulted in good time about the appointment or re-appointment of the Chairman and members of statutory boards and agencies.
8. In all such cases, the Prime Minister will need to be informed about the particular requirements of the post, the attributes essential for a candidate and the extent to which candidates meet such requirements. In particular, the Prime Minister should be informed of other factors bearing upon the appointment of particular candidates (e.g. potential conflicts of interest that may arise) and all other relevant information.
MINISTERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS
9. Ministers have a duty to:
a. Give fair consideration and due weight to informed and impartial advice from civil servants, as well as to other considerations and advice, in reaching policy decisions;
b. Uphold the political impartiality of the Civil Service, and not to ask civil servants to act in any way which would conflict with the Civil Service Code;
c. Ensure that any influence over appointments is not abused for partisan purposes; and
d. Observe the obligations of a good employer with regard to terms and conditions of those who serve them.
10. Civil servants should not be asked to engage in activities likely to call in question their political impartiality, or to give rise to the criticism that people paid from public funds are being used for Party political purposes.
The role of the Accounting Officer
11. Under section 18 (1) of the Financial Management and Audit Act, the Director of Finance and Economic Affairs designates the persons who shall be Accounting Officers. The essence of the role is a personal responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances for which he or she is responsible; for keeping proper accounts; for the avoidance of waste and extravagance; and for the efficient and effective use of resources. Accounting Officers answer personally to the Committee of Public Accounts on these matters, within the framework of Ministerial accountability to Parliament for the policies, actions and conduct of their Ministries/Departments.
12. Accounting Officers have a particular responsibility to see that appropriate advice is tendered to Ministers on all matters of financial propriety and regularity and more broadly as to all considerations of prudent and economical administration, efficiency and effectiveness and value for money. If a Minister in charge of a Ministry is contemplating a course of action which would involve a transaction which the Accounting Officer considers would breach the requirements of propriety or regularity, the Accounting Officer will set out in writing his or her objection to the proposal, the reasons for the objection and the duty to inform the Director of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Auditor General should the advice be overruled. If the Minister decides nonetheless to proceed, the Accounting Officer will seek a written instruction to take the action in question. The Accounting Officer is obliged to comply with the instructions, send relevant papers to the Director of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Auditor General, and inform the Accountant General of what has occurred. A similar procedure applies where the Accounting Officer has concerns as regards the value for money of a proposed course of action. The procedure enables the Committee of Public Accounts to see that the Accounting Officer does not bear personal responsibility for the actions concerned.
Civil servants and Party Conferences
13. Ministers should not ask civil servants to attend, or take part in, Party Conferences or meetings of policy or subject groups of any political party. In their official capacity, civil servants should not accept invitations to conferences convened by party political organisations.
MINISTERS’ CONSTITUENCY AND PARTY INTERESTS
14. Ministers should not use for Party or constituency work facilities provided at Government expense to enable them to carry out their official duties. Ministers should ensure that expenses for constituency work are not charged to the public purse.
15. Government property should not generally be used for constituency work or party activities.
16. Where Ministers have to take decisions within their Ministries/Departments which might have an impact on their own constituencies, they should, of course, take particular care to avoid any possible conflict of interest.
MINISTERS’ PRIVATE INTERESTS
17. Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or appears to arise, between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise.
18. It is the personal responsibility of each Minister to decide whether and what action is needed to avoid a conflict or the perception of a conflict and to defend that decision, if necessary by accounting for it in Parliament. The role of the Permanent Secretary is to ensure that advice is available when it is sought by the Minister, either by providing it personally, drawing on precedent and if need be other parts of government including the Secretary of the Cabinet, or to arrange for expert or professional advice from inside or outside Government. In cases of serious difficulty or doubt the matter may be referred to the Prime Minister for a view. But ultimately it is the responsibility of Ministers individually to order their own private lives in such a way as to avoid criticism, and the final decision about what action to take to achieve that is theirs.
19. Where it is proper for a Minister to retain a private interest it is the rule that he or she should declare that interest to Ministerial colleagues if they have to discuss public business which in any way affects it and that the Minister should remain entirely detached from the consideration of that business. Similar steps may be necessary if a matter under consideration in the ministry, department or agency relates in some way to a Minister’s previous or existing private interests such that there is or may be thought to be a conflict of interest. Particular care needs to be taken where financial interests are involved.
20. Personal information which Ministers disclose to those who advise them must be treated in confidence. Should the Ministry receive a request for this information it will take account of a range of factors including the confidentiality of the information. The relevant Minister will also be consulted and his or her views taken into account before a decision is made on disclosure. If an allegation is made that a particular Minister has a conflict of interest it must be for that Minister to explain his/her position and justify what has been done. In doing so, they may wish to make public the list of their private interests and the steps taken to avoid an actual or perceived conflict. It is open to them if they wish to confirm (if it is the case) that they have consulted their Permanent Secretary in accordance with the Code. The Minister should however consult the Permanent Secretary about the content of any such statement before making it to ensure that there is agreement about the content, and any disagreement should be referred to the Prime Minister.
21. The intention of these procedures is not to inhibit the holding of Ministerial office by individuals with wide experience, whether of industry, a profession or some other walk of life, but to ensure that systemic steps are taken to avoid the danger of an actual or perceived conflict of interest.
22. When they take up office Ministers should give up any other public appointment they may hold, except where the Prime Minister determines that the retention of such an appointment would be in the national interest.
23. Ministers should take care to ensure that they do not become associated with non-public organisations whose objectives may in any degree conflict with Government policy and thus give rise to a conflict of interest. Hence Ministers should not normally accept invitations to act as patrons of or otherwise offer support to pressure groups, or organisations dependent in whole or in part on Government funding. There is normally less objection to a Minister associating him or herself with a charity (subject to the points above) but Ministers should take care to ensure that in participating in any fund-raising activity, they do not place, or appear to place, themselves under an obligation as Ministers to those to whom appeals are directed (and for this reason they should not normally approach individuals or companies personally for this purpose). In any case of doubt, the Prime Minister should be consulted before a Minister accepts an association with such bodies. Ministers should also exercise care in giving public support for petitions, open letters etc.
24. There is no objection to a Minister holding trade union membership but care must be taken to avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest. Accordingly:
a. Ministers should arrange their affairs so as to avoid any suggestion that a union of which they are a member has any undue influence;
b. They should take no active part in the conduct of union affairs, should give up any office they may hold in a union; and should receive no remuneration from a union; but
c. Ministers may make payments purely to protect future pension rights, if they have been employees of a Union.
Financial interests
25. Ministers must scrupulously avoid any danger of an actual or apparent conflict of interest between their Ministerial position and their private financial interests. In order to avoid such a danger, they should be guided by the general principle that they should either dispose of any financial interest giving rise to the actual or apparent conflict or take alternative steps to prevent it. The Permanent Secretary as Accounting Officer has a personal responsibility for financial propriety and regularity across the Ministry’s business, and his or her advice must be given particular weight where such issues arise.
26. Two particular ways in which a conflict of financial interest, or the perception of it, can arise are as follows:
a. From the exercise of powers or other influence in a way that does or could be considered to affect the value of interests held; or
b. From using special knowledge acquired in the course of their Ministerial activities in ways which bring benefit or avoid loss (or could arouse reasonable suspicion of this) in relation to their private financial interests.
27. Apart from the risk to the Minister’s reputation, two legal obligations must be born in mind. Any exercise or non-exercise by a Minister (including a Law Officer) of a legal power or discretion or other influence on a matter in which the Minister has a pecuniary interest could be challenged in the courts and, if the challenge is upheld, could be declared invalid.
28. If for any reason the Minister is unable or unwilling to dispose of a relevant interest, he or she should consider, with the advice of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and, where necessary, an external adviser what alternative measures would sufficiently remove the risk of conflict. These fall into two types: those relating to the interests themselves, and those relating to the handling of the decisions to be taken or influenced by the Minister.
29. Unless adequate steps can be taken in relation to the financial interests, the Ministry must put processes in place to prohibit access to certain papers and ensure that the Minister is not involved in certain decisions and discussions. The extent to which this can be done depends on the specific powers under which the Minister would be required to take decisions.
Partnerships
30. Ministers who are partners, whether in professional firms, for example solicitors, accountants etc, or in other businesses, should, on taking up office, cease to practise or to play any part in the day-to-day management of the firm’s affairs. They are not necessarily required, however, to dissolve their partnership or to allow, for example, their annual practising certificate to lapse. Beyond this it is not possible to lay down precise rules applicable to every case; but any continuing financial interest in the firm would make it necessary for the Minister to take steps to avoid involvement in relevant decisions.
Directorships
31. Ministers must resign any directorships they hold when they take up office. This applies whether the directorship is in a public or private company and whether it carries remuneration or is honorary. The only exception to this rule is that directorships in private companies established in connection with private family estates or in a company formed for the management of apartments of which the Minister is a tenant may be retained subject to the condition that if at any time the Minister feels that conflict is likely to arise between this private interest and public duty, the Minister should even in those cases resign the directorship. Directorships or offices held in connection with charitable undertakings should also be resigned if there is any risk of conflict arising between the interests of the undertakings and the Government. It is a well established and recognised rule that no Minister or public servant should accept gifts, hospitality or services from anyone which would, or might appear to, place him or her under an obligation. The same principle applies if gifts etc are offered to a member of their family.
Acceptance of gifts
32. This is primarily a matter which must be left to the good sense of Ministers. But any Minister in doubt or difficulty over this should seek the Prime Minister’s guidance. The same rules apply to the acceptance of gifts from donors with whom a Minister has official dealings in this country as to those from overseas, that is:
a. Receipt of gifts should be reported to the Permanent Secretary;
b. Gifts of small value (say, up to $250) may be retained by the recipient;
c. Gifts of a higher value should be handed over to the Ministry for disposal, except that:
(1) The recipient may purchase the gift at its cash value (abated by $250);
(2) If the Ministry judges that it would be of interest, the gift may be displayed or used in the Ministry;
(3) If the disposal of the gift would cause offence or if it might be appropriate for the recipient to use or display the gift on some future occasion as a mark of politeness, then the gift should be retained in the Department for this purpose for a period of up to five years;
d. Gifts received overseas worth more than the normal travellers’ allowances should be declared at importation to Customs and Excise who will advise on any duty and tax liability. In general, if a Minister wishes to retain a gift he or she will be liable for any tax or duty it may attract.
33. Gifts given to Ministers in their Ministerial capacity become the property of the Government and do not need to be declared.
APPENDIX
The Seven Principals of Public Life
Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Barbados Free Press 
BFP makes a powerful and disturbing argument that nothing has changed. I was afraid of this happening.
This cannot be true.
It. is. true. Every. Word.
Damn.
Didn’t the PM take a Clico jet to New York not long ago? Did the government pay for it? Where is the promised “transparency” of this new guvment? Good article BFP!
BFP-
The promised Code of Ethics is impressive.
But I am unclear as to your grounds for saying that it has not been adopted.
Has there already been gift-accepting, bribery or other inducements to influence DLP ministers in their decision-making?
If there was I am sure you would have place it in the spotlight of public opinion.
You are quite right to keep the public focussed upon such good behaviour, but I not know what DLP ministers are supposed to have done to show they are “clean.”
Are they supposed to bicycle to work to prove how honest they are? Are they supposed to take an oath of poverty like Buddhist monks in foreswearing any sign of high life?
Are you perhaps jumping the gun in daubing them with a paintbrush of guilt? Should we not wait for something suspicious to occur before we jump down their throat?
Or do you already have evidence to support your fears?
You know we will be watchful of any sign of falling into the old pattern of “consultancy corruption”, and nepotism. I would like to see a statement that the practice of creating “Government subsidiaries” will be discontinued, and such flagrant offenders as Gems will be wound down. But I would not want to start finding them guilty until they are.
Please convince us you are being fair.
****************
BFP says,
Fair? Is it “fair” that David Thompson and the DLP promised in writing that it would be adopted immediately upon being elected and have not adopted it?
Is it “Fair” that we were lied to?
Now you call upon us… some nothing little blog to “prove” that the government has NOT adopted the promised Ministerial Code?
Is that to be the standard for all the other promises as well? That, when asked, the government can just say “Oh, yes, we did that months ago but there is no record of it and nothing was said at the time” ?
Perhaps you are a Cabinet Minister looking forward to a nice jet ride to Miami? You sound like it!
And it is not about citizens suspecting, catching or accusing anyone of corruption. It is about a government that promised they would make RULES OF CONDUCT for Ministers.
They have not done so.
But… we’re open to being convinced.
Show us the signed and dated Ministerial Code that was finalized and posted upon Barbados Government letterhead, officially released for the citizens to be aware of. Show us the Ministerial Code that was given to, accepted and acknowledged by each Cabinet Minister.
Perhaps there was a big media announcement and full page story in the newspaper that we missed? Perhaps it is on the website of the Government Information Service? (Nope – don’t see it anywhere!)
And while we’re at it, tell us who owned the jets that the Prime Minister used for the various recent trips, who paid the costs and whether the owners of the jets have any business or anticipated business with the Government of Barbados.
“Here come the new boss, same as the old boss. Won’t get fooled again!”
Well, BFP, you voted for them, remember?
So you will just have to take what you get.
🙂
Happy Honey Bee
Does CLICO own a jet? Really? I don’t know about that RLL.
BFP, I am willing to give the government until April 16th since to me 3 months will show exactly what the habits are likely to be. Immediately would have meant the 16th of January but I do not believe it was possible.
I am with you on this but April 16th will tell me all. Up to them to let down the people and be dismissed at the next G.E.
An adoring crowd can quickly turn into an attacking mob with the right persuasion. Up to DEM!
**********
BFP says,
Why are you unwilling to hold them to their written promise to immediately implement a Ministerial Code?
It could be done in 10 minutes during the next Cabinet meeting.
It’s high time that you very intelligent folk conclude that you have all been tricked time and time again…. just suckers for punishment I guess..
Here’s just one piece of evidence that the PM is just a political playa. He knows how to play his game. He whispers “sweet nothings” in your ears, simply because he knows that is what you want to hear, but it’s simply hot air.
This is an extract from the Nation of July 20, 2007 :
Earlier this month, Opposition Leader David Thompson vowed that any sale of Barbados Shipping & Trading (BS&T) to foreigners that was not totally sealed by the time the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) took over Government would be reversed.
His words at the time were: “I am saying that the Democratic Labour Party is against the wholesale sell-off of BS&T to non-Barbadian interests.
“If the election is called before the ink dries on the sale, it shall be halted by a DLP administration. We must help Barbadians to preserve what is theirs.”
Now read this Nation article of February 25, 2008:
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S business culture is vastly different from Barbados’ anti-competition culture, says Prime Minister David Thompson, and he welcomes investment from the twin-island republic.
Against the background of the Barbados Shipping & amp; Trading (BS & amp;T) buyout by Neal & amp; Massy and other major investment by Trinidad in Barbados’ food distribution, agriculture, media and technology sectors, Thompson said last week that certain anti-competition business practices had become entrenched in Barbados.
However, he said he did not expect Trinidadian investors to follow that trend.
—————————————————————–
My question to the PM is this. Were you misquoted by the Nation? Or were you just trying to b.s. the nation.
Sooooooo…. is this Chapter One in ‘the Art of Beguiling?’
On reading it through again I see that in the ‘ acceptance of gifts ‘ section that the minister can retain the gift providing that it is under a 250.00 value. Do you think that the PM reads this.
*********
BFP says,
Why would the PM care? He flew to New York City on a private business jet and doesn’t think it necessary to be transparent about who owned the jet, who picked up the cost and whether or not the owner of the jet does any business with the Government of Barbados.
The PM doesn’t care about transparency in a jet trip worth tens of thousands of dollars, so why would he care about a $250 limit?
Politricks
is not my brief,i retrict my comments to other areas but i just want tomake the observation.
i understand draughts-the type suki king plays. i know from watching games that everything looks dooable when you are off the board but when you assume the position its a different story.
david thompson is only one person and we must not forget this simple fact
he has to depend on others to get the job done——–just remember that
BFP says “The DLP also declared in writing that “The Ministerial Code takes effect immediately after a DLP government is elected.”
So the code is in effect.
**********
BFP says,
Don’t be cute, Hants.
IF it is in effect, then there should be a final (ie not a draft) version, and it would have had to have been acknowledged and accepted by each Cabinet Minister. It would also have to be a public document.
Next, you’ll be telling us that they also declared their assets as promised, but they wrote the paper and tucked it under their mother’s pillow.
Come on Hants… if you and others like you don’t get on side and demand proper government and all the things that the DLP promised it shows that you didn’t really mean it. It says that your demands for integrity in public life were only partisan and for the moment – until power was won.
david thompson has to recognize that these blogs exists and he cannit afford to ignore the blogs. he does so at his peril
enuff said !
BFP says,
Don’t be cute, Hants.
IF it is in effect, then there should be a final (ie not a draft) version, and it would have had to have been acknowledged and accepted by each Cabinet Minister. It would also have to be a public document.
Next, you’ll be telling us that they also declared their assets as promised, but they wrote the paper and tucked it under their mother’s pillow.
Come on Hants… if you and others like you don’t get on side and demand proper government and all the things that the DLP promised it shows that you didn’t really mean it. It says that your demands for integrity in public life were only partisan and for the moment – until power was won.
“Next, you’ll be telling us that they also declared their assets as promised, but they wrote the paper and tucked it under their mother’s pillow.”
VERY GOOD BFP!
Don’t let them get silly. We’re not stupid as much as the DLP might think we are.
Speaking of declaring assets, why haven’t they done that like they promised? cah dear!
BFP
No its not good enough!!!
Justice and accountability needs to be seen to be done and announced in the local rags and blogs with official backup.
David Thompson is not alone. He now has a team of members, ministers and supporters who should help him to meet his committed goals. If he is having trouble he needs to let us know the barriers he faces and how he is tackling these problems. This is what transparency is all about!
Also if nothing happens by April 16th that is real and substantial in terms of accountability and transparency legislation, as promised, then BFP you need to help find the next set of candidates who are willing to stand up and be counted.
It is none too soon to start searching for people who actually mean what they say and communicate with the electorate. Five years will be here before you know it.
*******
BFP Says,
Reality Check, you sound like our lunch meeting on Friday! A new political party with a focus on integrity would be a guaranteed spoiler next election and a real contender the time after that. The political elites are out of touch if they think it won’t happen. Such a party wouldn’t win first time out – but if the DLP fails to deliver (and especially if Mottley remains BLP leader) I wouldn’t even bet against a new party winning some seats from the getgo.
“…I will not lie, cheat or steal..”
” …we will create jobs…”
“… that could have been resolve over a bowl of fish-soup at Conset Bay…”
“… we will reduce the cost of living…”
“… 500 houses (not spots) in 500 days…”
Again as I say, some of people in this country still beleive that the cow jump over the moon.
Lets give him to the 16th April. On a another matter I see that Sir Everton has been dismissed by the NSC. How can that be done to such a great and classy Bajan. Looking for response.
Rumboy, I asked that question about Sir Everton days ago and as far as I know there has not been one single response. I would like to know why such a revered person has been treated like that.
Sad days Thistle, just goes to show that the greatness means nothing down the line. I will ask him myself but this decision would have had to come from the Minister of Sport and no one else, agreed.
BFP,
Please keep this article as the first story on this site until David Thompson keeps his promises on these important issue.
Job #1 was getting rid of the BLP, job #2 is keeping the DLP honest on these issues.
Nothing else is important! Let’s not do any business with this government, we will be critical only!
BFP…First of all, the DLP has been running the country for 3 months.
Delays in keeping promises are likely to occur.
I believe their intentions are good but you do not have to accept that.
You have every right to demand “Instant Gratification” as you played a big part in helping the DLP into office.
Hopefully a DLP “spokesman” can come and explain their transgressions.
I am just a “lowly” supporter who is inclined to give them some time to do what they promised.
And I am not cute BFP.
Does BFP stand for Bajans Fooled by a Promise?
I once attended a meeting with the former PM and ministers of finance from commonwealth countries where Owen candidly disclosed that there is nothing that obligates the government to fulfill the millennium goals to which they are signatories.
This statement stuck out as extremely insensitive and arrogant especially as it was made in front of perhaps a dozen finance ministers and several local NGO’s. It showed me that politicians will say one thing and even sign on a dotted line, but their word and their signature are hardly worth the paper it is written on.
Mia Mottley and others in the BLP are licking their lips in anticipation of the first real opportunity to demolish the DLP based on their election promises, especially as it relates to integrity.
I think the DLP will attempt to keep the opposition on the defensive by going after some of the previous administrations foul deals/deeds.
It is a dangerous game, but a game all the same.
and BFP believed them.
Peace
Lets give him to the 16th April. On a another matter I see that Sir Everton has been dismissed by the NSC. How can that be done to such a great and classy Bajan. Looking for response.
……………………………………………………………………………….
As I see it, this administration is breaking up the cricketing monopoly regarded as the sport of choice. But I have a fundamental problem with them openly backing Football, could it be Minister Jones who are wearing two hats, namely BFA president and Minister of Government. I bet that the minister of Sports might just be a pawn in this equation.
This is the confirmation on February 3, 2008 and appearing in the Nation on the 5th February, 2008..
“FOOTBALL IN BARBADOS will receive maximum support from Government and a home for the sport is on the agenda of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP)”.
Prime Minister David Thompson made this pledge while delivering the keynote address at the Barbados Football Association’s (BFA) lavish annual awards ceremony at Almond Bay, Hastings, Christ Church, last Sunday night.
“And I want only to say, that I give you my commitment that the Democratic Labour Party and this Government will give maximum support to football in this country.
Are we to say that due to the performance of our local and international cricketers that the Thompson-led administration are shifting to another sport, thus the dismissal of Sir Everton from the NSC? Just asking.
Hants, why won’t you hold Thompy to his own deadline? What is the problem with cabinet and the Ministerial code? Are they balking? They have their hands on the cash register now to never mind the integrity promise?
Was Thompy lying or is it a leadership problem?
This does not give me confidence in his leadership.
Mr. Prime Minister. IT is hard these days to mask the corruption, lies and deceit that is synomous with politicians because you cannot cover all your tracks. So I a m imploring you, do what you say you will do and be a Prime Minister of integrity. I know it is hard being in a barren and dry place for so long; so now that you finally have reached the oasis, I guess it is time to have a dip, take a sip and relish the thoughts that you are finally in control of the flow. But remember what you do now determines where you will be in the next five years. Do not make the same stupid mistakes as the previous administration.
BFP,
You need to some research on this topic !
There is an already established Code of Conduct for Ministers of Cabinet in Barbados.
If you have any doubts contact Cabinet Office tomorrow.
I will quote the relevant sections from my copy of the document entitled ,
” General Information and Directions on Procedure under the CABINET SYSTEM ‘
Now if you go the section ” Code of Ethics ” the following paragraphs are relevant :
6.7 Ministers will be expected to disclose to the Prime Minister, in the strictest confidence, their holdings in stocks or shares in local companies or businesses.
6.10 Ministers ought not to enter into any transactions whereby their private pecuniary interest might, even conceivably , come into conflict with their public duty.
6.11 No Minister is justified in any circumstances , in using official information that comes to him as Minister for his own private prifit or that of his friends.
6.12 No Minister ought to put himself , or allow himself to be put, in a position to be tempted to use his official influence in support of any scheme or in furtherance of any contact in regard to which he has an undisclosed private interest.
In my opinion , the proposed Ministerial Code is an amalgamation of the Code of Ethics contained in the Cabinet System document.
Therefore the current & past Cabinet members should already be ADHERENTS to these rules !
*******************
BFP says,
Nice try, Jerome…
So now, instead of the new government adopting their proposed Ministerial Code as presented and when they promised, we have their apologists saying that they secretly adopted some half-assed rag left over from the previous administration? Something that wasn’t formally and publicly discussed, adopted and acknowledged by each Minister?
Pathetic, Jerome. Pathetic.
Once again, I suppose they declared their assets too… and put the declaration under their mothers’ pillows.
Pathetic.
6.11 No Minister is justified in any circumstances , in using official information that comes to him as Minister for his own private prifit or that of his friends.
CORRECTION : not “prifit’……but profit .
6.11 No Minister is justified in any circumstances , in using official information that comes to him as Minister for his own private prifit or that of his friends.
CORRECTION : not “prifit’……but profit .
Jerome, it was the DLP that promised a (new) code of conduct for Ministers, so we will not accept you saying now that there was already one in place.
At any rate, the issue here is TRANSPARENCY. We would like the DLP government to publicly announce the adoption of the code by all Ministers, and update us (weekly?) on their progress towards implementing the promised Integrity and Freedom of Information Legislation, and the amendments to the Defamation law.
We would also like a statement from the Government and the Opposition regarding the effectiveness of the Public Accounts Committee.
Isn’t Ron Jones in violation of the following provision with his post on the BFA
“Directorships or offices held in connection with charitable undertakings should also be resigned if there is any risk of conflict arising between the interests of the undertakings and the Government.”
PfromB
March 9, 2008 at 5:18 am
Hants, why won’t you hold Thompy to his own deadline?
Because I am a reasonable person who can accept that David Thompson may need more time to fulfill some of his promises.
I would not be a DLP supporter if I did not trust them and their leader.
However, I also want BFP to keep the pressure on because BFP has been consistent in their demands from day one. Call it tough love .
I have also supported BFP from day one and still want ITAL but surely you can understand why I, a lowly DLP supporter, am not as “agressive and demanding” as BFP.
I sincerely believe that David Thompson and the Dems “will deliver” even if they are a bit late.
BFP & Brutus,
I undertand your frustration……but this DLP government is the road to cleaning up the mess left by the past administration.
And we have found 14 LONGGG yrs of it !
The implementation of all enhanced pieces of Legislation & declaration of assets is a process that is well on the way.
The public disclosure of such information will be divulged shortly.
It is incorrect to say or suggest that Cabinet members have refused to submit this information.
Patience & Prudence are the watch words .
The DEMS will be fair & frank with you.
BTW…..where FRANKOLOGY….BFP ?
Jerome Hinds
March 9, 2008 at 3:56 pm
BFP & Brutus,
I undertand your frustration……but this DLP government is the road to cleaning up the mess left by the past administration.
And we have found 14 LONGGG yrs of it !
———————————————
total nonsense on you part jerome hinds
14 long years of what
man be fair
Waiting To Exhale
March 8, 2008 at 8:56 pm
It’s high time that you very intelligent folk conclude that you have all been tricked time and time again…. just suckers for punishment I guess..
Here’s just one piece of evidence that the PM is just a political playa. He knows how to play his game. He whispers “sweet nothings” in your ears, simply because he knows that is what you want to hear, but it’s simply hot air.
This is an extract from the Nation of July 20, 2007 :
Earlier this month, Opposition Leader David Thompson vowed that any sale of Barbados Shipping & Trading (BS&T) to foreigners that was not totally sealed by the time the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) took over Government would be reversed.
His words at the time were: “I am saying that the Democratic Labour Party is against the wholesale sell-off of BS&T to non-Barbadian interests.
“If the election is called before the ink dries on the sale, it shall be halted by a DLP administration. We must help Barbadians to preserve what is theirs.”
Now read this Nation article of February 25, 2008:
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S business culture is vastly different from Barbados’ anti-competition culture, says Prime Minister David Thompson, and he welcomes investment from the twin-island republic.
Against the background of the Barbados Shipping & amp; Trading (BS & amp;T) buyout by Neal & amp; Massy and other major investment by Trinidad in Barbados’ food distribution, agriculture, media and technology sectors, Thompson said last week that certain anti-competition business practices had become entrenched in Barbados.
However, he said he did not expect Trinidadian investors to follow that trend.
—————————————————————–
My question to the PM is this. Were you misquoted by the Nation? Or were you just trying to b.s. the nation.
******************************************************
WTE,
Kindly ask the governor of the Central Bank what the US$M50 that came through the bank in December went. While you are at it, try to find out where it came from. Perhaps that will tell you something.
Many bank staffers were puzzled at the time about the money.
That deal was done sealed b4 the Dems came into office.
You hit the nail on the head with this article.
1/ Thompson promised they would adopt Ministerial standards immediately when elected.
2/ It is a 20 minute exercise at best to have the Cabinet vote to accept the code and each sign in receipt.
3/ They won’t adopt the Ministerial standards now because they have the Barbados cheque book in their hot little hands and they don’t want to spoil their fun.
left the youth arm of the DLP many years ago for one reason only. I witnessed the Present PM, then past Pres, speak. I have never before or since heard such pragmatism.
For a young Dem eager for change it was gutting that someone of my generation could be so downright aware and compliant. At that age, you are supposed to be romantic, prepared to take risks… to drink something. Not DT.
This PM will not steal your money; hands down guaranteed… but he will also do nothing new either or insightful. He will not effect change of any kind. He is just not cut out that way, and that is probably why he has gotten so much opposition from a traditional cadre of boisterous revolutionaries (not including any of the group of “under 40’s” as they called themselves in their day). Thompson will change nothing, but he will not steal. Alright there a fes in the cabinet that I would not trust with my bodyguard.
Roger Rabbitt
I am not very bright, so you will need to tell me what is the relationship between my comment and your response to it… a bit confused.
Sparrow has returned from his drunken stupor to deliver this one. I am no fan of Obama, simply because I am 100% sure, absolutely without a doubt that he will disappoint… miserably. He is the right blank, sorry black at the right time. But at least if you ignore his nonsense lyrics, everything else in this song is vintage Sparrow. Enjoy!
If we required only management of this country, we would have re-elected the previous administration… but that is not what we were looking for, we wanted something more, we needed a change from the ‘same old-same old’, this is one reason I think the Thompson administration was elected. I am fully supporting the approach of BFP and all the blogers who are attempting to make the DLP administration an honest government; but I fully oppose those bloggers who are attempting to purport their political bias in order to agitate the population into believing that our two month old PM is some form of demon spawn, where no good can come from his actions.
I want to see the signatures of all the politicians on that integrity document, including the opposition members (though I can’t see that happening, due to some of their known business aliases) but nevertheless I would still like to see it.
Lets keep the positive pressure going, we NEED transparency.
You said you would declare your assets.
You didn’t.
You said you would adopt a Ministerial code of conduct.
You didn’t.
Why Not?
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Do you not understand that job #1 cannot be housing because I would not be able to sleep in de house knowing that wanna thiefing 2.
Do you not understand that job #2 cannot be inflation because part of the problem with inflation is the thiefing, nepotism and sweet deals that are part and parcel of a government which plays hide and seek wid de people.
Do you not understand that job #3 cannot be health, because muh belly and mug head does hurt all day long knowing that wanna look like wanna renegading on the promises wunna mek me in exchange for me vote.
Do you not understand that job # 4 cannot be eliminating cork and barrel policitcs when it looks like you plan to exchange it with a version called 3-card politics.
Do you not understands that job #5 cannot be eliminating wasteful spending and replacing it with your turn at the trough
Do you not understand that job #6 cannot be eliminating fear when I am scared as hell that you plan to deal me a 6 for 9.
Do you not understand that job #7 cannot be making land affordable to the average, Barbadian, when the my parliamentary representative could just be given a plantation for pepper corn fee ad then get up and walk out of whereever if he get asked bout it!
Do you not understand that job # 8 cannot safe guarding Barbados for future generations when elected officials and senior civil servants will be able to rape it and go unpunished!
Do you not understand that job # 9 cannot be restoring the trust and faith of the Barbadian people when you killed with broen promises and fancy footwork!
DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF “I PROMISE YOU”!
Are voters really that naive to believe everything a politician “promises”?
BFP-
When you rant in such a querulous fashion it’s a pretty good indication you know you are on thin ice and only have the slimmest evidence for accusations.
It is more than likely the Code has not been adopted yet which is regrettable, but that does not automatically make the whole team of DLP ministers, reps and senators into trough-piggy rascals.
You admit that the only transgression so far is that the PM appears to have taken advantage of a free flight.
Isn’t that rather feeble?
And I was not calling on you to “prove” anything, merely suggesting it would be fairer to have better evidence for grounds of suspicion.
And I assure you that despite your sniping dig that I sound like a minister waiting for a free flight to Miami, I am not a minister (even of religion), and I am not even waiting for a discretionary upgrade.
***********
BFP says,
If there are no rules, then nothing has changed. And if they fail to put rules in place when they said they would, then yes, they will be seen as liars and thieves.
It is really up to the PM
BFP:
Your search for perfection is admirable, but most practical persons who understand the workings of political institutions will also find it deplorable. After being in the political wilderness for nearly fourteen years you are asking Prime Minister Thompson to rebuild the political kingdom overnight. Do you remember how long the Almighty One took to build heaven and earth, and all that therein is? The good book says: “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array (Genesis 2:1, NIV) in six days.
Would you like the PM in his haste to make waste? Would this not be the political equivalent of “ejaculatio praecox”.?Before we throw out the baby with the bath water we must have a baby! Nuff said, I gone (hopefully not through the eddoes)!
***************
BFP Says,
Typical elitist cynicism now that the DLP has achieved what it wanted: power. How dare the citizens expect David Thompson to do that which he said he would do?
The implementation of the Ministerial Code would take about 10 minutes of the next Cabinet meeting.
And I’d be very careful about cynically quoting the bible to justify the PM lying to the electorate. After all, if nothing else, we Bajan folks know our bible and the verse that comes to mind right now for me is when Satan attempted to use bible verses to have Jesus throw himself off the Temple to test God.
I’d be very careful about using bible verses for a bad purpose, my friend.
Having a Ministerial Code legislated by no means guarantees that it will be strictly followed, any more than having anti-dumping laws means that there will be no dumping. It mainly depends on the voluntary compliance of the community to adhere to the rules. Failing that there must be sufficient manpower dedicated to ensure the enforcement of the penalties as a deterrent.
Similarly NOT having a Code does not automatically mean that there will be ministerial corruption. If the ministers are men of integrity they will be honest whether of not there is a code.
Remember that O$A used to say “Barbados does not need Integrity Legislation because we are honest people.”
Well, we have seen the result of that theory!
We have learned our lesson that ministers are not automatically men of integrity, and will stoop to tricks such as the creation of subsidiary companies to place corruption at arm’s length from them.
That is why BFP is correct in calling for a Code to be put into law so that the rules are there for all to see and comply with. It does not ensure they will be complied with, but no minister will be able to say “I didn’t know. It was never spelled out”
The DLP is upset that CBC is airing a documentary on former Prime Minister Tom Adams on the anniversary of his death…
Many more things going on behind the scenes…the firing of Sir Everton even with a trumped up reason is ridiculous. I suspect that football will now take over…
football has to take over. when Jones leave he wants to say look what i did for the sport. but all he did was thief de ppl money. so he/them trying to put it back now. did someone not say it’s breaking the law for him to be still the head of BFA? is that really so? and how come he ain’t leave yet? questions, questions, questions?
Oh my god, it is less than two months since the new administration (DLP) came to power, so please give them a chance and let us see if the New Government’s seemingly unpopular decision to renege on one promise (The Ministerial Code) will turn out to be a ‘storm in a teacup’.
Oh my god, it is less than two months since the new administration (DLP) came to power, so please give them a chance and let us see if the New Government’s seemingly unpopular decision to renege on one promise (The Ministerial Code) will turn out to be a ’storm in a teacup’.
******************************
Mattallie,
The DLP has not renege on the Ministerial Code….the BFP sometimes get their lines CROSSED !
In Parliament today the PM informed that the Committee responsible for the adoption of the Ministerial Code & Integrity & Transparency Legislation will be taking this issue to the public shortly.
Hinds says “In Parliament today the PM informed that the Committee responsible for the adoption of the Ministerial Code & Integrity & Transparency Legislation will be taking this issue to the public shortly.”
THANK YOU BARBADOS FREE PRESS!
Jerome Hinds:
Thanks for the clarification. I can now continue to have some faith in what the Prime Minister and his New Government plan for the future of ALL bajans.
Hope he continues to practice what he preaches.
Red Lake, there is no victory here in Jerome Hinds statement assuming it is true.
It means that the government has tied the Ministerial Code to the Integrity Legislation so they won’t be adopting it as they promised. This is a scam. In their promises, the Ministerial Code was to be adopted immediatley by Cabinet. There is no law to be passed, no legislation to be discussed. The DLP posted their Ministerial Code and promised it would be adopted when they were elected.
The Integrity Legislation and Freedom of Information stuff was put on a 100 day timeline and Thompson have been whining about the 100 days every since he was sworn in.
This statement by Hinds, if true, shows they lie. This are “going to the public” for the Ministerial Code is bull***t!
They should adopt it right now and if they want to discuss changes afterwards go ahead. This is BULL***T!
*********************
BFP’s Auntie Moses says,
YOU WATCH YOUR TONGUE JASON!
Doan you be writing words like that ‘less you use “***” for the bad! YOU WATCH OUT!
I agree with Jason. Matallie unless we hold them to their promises it will be more of the same. Public hearings, discuss, etc etc etc until it disappears.
Don’t buy into this Matallie. Jason is right. The DLP are delaying. Talking about it. Committees. Yeah, sure.
Same old same old. I’d say more but Auntie Moses is in one of her moods. 😉
BFP Says,
Typical elitist cynicism now that the DLP has achieved what it wanted: power. How dare the citizens expect David Thompson to do that which he said he would do?
The implementation of the Ministerial Code would take about 10 minutes of the next Cabinet meeting.
And I’d be very careful about cynically quoting the bible to justify the PM lying to the electorate. After all, if nothing else, we Bajan folks know our bible and the verse that comes to mind right now for me is when Satan attempted to use bible verses to have Jesus throw himself off the Temple to test God.
I’d be very careful about using bible verses for a bad purpose, my friend.
My dear BFP, it is clear that your idealism has got the better of your intelligence, on which you seem to have closed the book. I think that I shall just sign off with the Jimmy Durante line: “Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, where ever you are”. Have a good life, if you can.
Jason, you are so right. The Ministerial Code should be a policy paper, requiring only Cabinet approval to become effective. The Integrity and Ethics regulations would be law, requiring tabling in Parliament and Senate approval. It is smoke and mirrors by the DLP.
One further point BFP:
If you must blog
Then use your nog
And check your log
Before your tog
Is eaten by the dog.
Live high on the hog
And fire a grog
While managing to flog
You horse into the bog.
Remember, only Mia can “frog”.
I hope that you like the sophomoric rhyme.
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Gosh… let’s hear from the DLP apologists on this article too… now that over a year has gone by.