Shoe Incident Is “Tip Of The Iceberg”
We have heard rumblings that the new DLP Government under David Thompson is uncovering unbelievable incidents of corruption by the past BLP Government. Like everyone on this island, we’ve been hearing and seeing the evidence of BLP corruption ourselves for about a decade, so these revelations are hardly surprising.
What will be surprising is if the DLP Government actually follows up with charges and recovery of our stolen funds from BLP members’ offshore bank accounts.
BFP reader “Wishing In Vain” is a DLP Government insider who has proven his credentials many times on this blog by delivering insider information.
The following conversation took place today between Barbados Free Press and DLP Government insider “Wishing In Vain”…
Wishing in Vain
March 31, 2008 at 3:07 pmThe reality of the situation is that even on the 31 st of March 2008 the NATION NEWSPAPER has not yet woken up to the fact that there was and election held on the 15 th of January 2008 and the ruling party of the day were evicted from power and control of this great island we call home.
Since the election the paper has shown a clear bias towards positive coverage for the blp, not sure how they manage to spin it that way as they are totally out of sync with the citizens who charged the blp with arrogance and corruption and gross misconduct in office, but their effort to make the blp look good is ongoing, what a job they have on their hands made even harder with the reports being filed on things such as HARDWOOD HOUSING, Urban Development, National Sports Council, explain how Booza King could charge the organisation he is part of and involved in $48,000 for catering for less that 120 persons at an event held by the N S C or where did the container of donated shoes from the gov’t of China to the people Barbados get sold by these same bastards, this is only the tip of the iceberg these are some among others.
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BFP says,
Please provide the details about the shoes, WIV. Names, dates, where etc.
Wishing in Vain
March 31, 2008 at 3:16 pmStay tuned to this station, trust me as real as it comes.
The reality of the extent of the reach of this corruption is unreal.**************
BFP says,
We know how bad it was, WIV.
What we don’t know is whether people will go to jail for it or not. We don’t know if the Government will launch wide-ranging international lawsuits in attempts to recover the offshore funds… or if it will hesitate because that knife cuts both ways.
We are also extremely disappointed with the lack of transparency and accountability shown by the PM over the bizjet issue, and his broken promise to immediately adopt the Ministerial Code as he said he would.
You can read the entire exchange here.
51 Comments
March 31, 2008 at 4:20 pm
This is ludicrous!!!
How in heaven’s name can a political party that claims to be mass-based allow the poor to be deprived by some greedy person(s)???
I hope that this bit of skulduggery is brought to the courts.
If this kind of stealing has been going on unabated, then it is small wonder that we are 7 billion dollars in debt!!!
Lock them up !!!
March 31, 2008 at 4:52 pm
This is a good thread that BFP is exposing !
This story also has to do with shoes & shoe store that Rommel Marshall owned once.
The same store that he was brought before the courts for not paying in the NIS contributions deducted from his staff.
I guess he thought it best to get as much from the deal as he can !
March 31, 2008 at 4:57 pm
The corruption started at the head at the Prime Minister and it filtered all the way down to the point yardfowls like Henderson Bovell could collect thousands of dollars per month without doing a single days work he was paid by the blp to call in to the radio call in shows in support of the blp.
Then we have the likes of the Shorey’s, Bannister’s, Cox’s and the Nicholls’s they worked alongside Arthur to benefit to the tune of millions.
March 31, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Thank you Wishing In Vain. I am really really really looking forward to seeing people behind bars at Dodds.
BIG PROBLEM: How on earth can the DLP prosecute these crooks? The Director of Public Prosecutions is a BLP hack, the Chief Justice was Arthur’s sidekick and AG and the Commissioner of Police is Arthur’s cousin. The nepotism has been insidious and the result is a corrupt system from top to bottom.
March 31, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Once again, I must be a voice of caution. Of course, if this is true, then it is a criminal offence, and there should be prosecution(s). But are we going to rely on the word of WIV who is partisan and who has promised, but not delivered up to now, further information? And why would China donate shoes, of all things, to Barbados?
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BFP says,
China would donate shoes to Barbados for the same reason that Jamaica was given lightbulbs, Guyana aircraft parts, Barbados Coast Guard given boats, computers and equipment…
… to buy friends in the area.
March 31, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I have a fundamental problem with the dissemination of information by commenters who are Government paid advisors. People like WIV who is an advisor in the PM’s office and Jerome who is an advisor in the Trade ministry. If that matter regarding the shoes from China is correct, it means that protocol was breached by this person, since it would be the Prime Minister to alert the public, but as I see it, investigations mentally and physically are now hampered.
I feel that the PM and the Attorney General should intervene and place gag orders on these insiders who could embarrass the Government and Law enforcers in the long run.
To the issue at hand, if this supposedly shipment arrived in Barbados, the Customs should be in possession of documentation. If these shoes came from China, should the Minister not be privy to speak to the Chinese Government for confirmation? If these shoes were indeed sold, who was the seller and who were the buyers?
BFP, you ask some pertinent question like names and dates. I am waiting to see facts from WIV before posting any further article.
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BFP says,
We anxiously await further information on this and a host of other thefts and scandals…. not the least of which will be the VECO-built prison.
As to folks in government releasing inside information for the purposes of an agenda, IF YOU REALLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT then I suggest you head over to the Barbados Labour Party Blog where they have an entire section called “Damaging Documents” devoted to documents that the BLP released anonymously through the backdoor of their own blog.
March 31, 2008 at 6:33 pm
TELL ME WHY,
Is running scared !
He knows we are on to the filth that he and his BLP cohorts left behind !
Have no fear JUDAS…….the prison doors at DODDS will swing open for you and the rest……AT BEST !
The gallows will swing…..AT WORST !
Stay…….TUNED !
March 31, 2008 at 6:50 pm
A few years ago I butt up Rommell Marshall selling shoes out of the back of a four wheel drive vehicle in the alley above Bank of Nova Scotia.
Then I heard he had a shoe store.
If the shoe fits ……
March 31, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Following the
* Newton Building Fiasco !
* The Oistins Redevelopment Project !
* The Hallam Nicholls land deal in Bath St. John !
That BLP crook……Tell Me Why…would do this blog a world of good if he can get his crony Owen Arthur….follow the lead of Portia Simpson as shown below :
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20080330T220000-0500_134043_OBS_PNP_ADMITS_TO_NEPOTISM_IN_LIGHT_BULB_AFFAIR.asp
March 31, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Is running scared!
He knows we are on to the filth that he and his BLP cohorts left behind!
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Running scared….For what or whom. I have no way to run because unlike you, my bread is not buttered by any political party. I was never linked to the Bees or Dees, since both have the same ideology. I prefer to accept whoever is in power (not based on inclusion), since we all have to live here and keep a united fight for our independence and interdependence in the outside world.
I have nothing to fear my friend. But I must caution commenters like you who are connected to a particular party.
And please….stop aligning me with a political party.
March 31, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I await and EXPECT forther information on this, but shoes are all Barbados is worth? And why does China need to buy our friendship? Curioser and Curioser! WIV, we await your further disclosures.
March 31, 2008 at 7:24 pm
That BLP crook……Tell Me Why…would do this blog a world of good if he can get his crony Owen Arthur….follow the lead of Portia Simpson as shown below :
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You’re hyperventilating. Are you the person with the threats? Relax and be cool. Let’s have a debate on these issues. But remember, I am a simple man-in-the-street with realist ideas and would not have the privileges of Governmental information like you.
March 31, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I have nothing to fear my friend. But I must caution commenters like you who are connected to a particular party.
And please….stop aligning me with a political party.
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Tell Me Why,
You are a BEE……..with all the muck one can imagine !
You are only now trying to disown them now…….because their TIEFFING ways did not allow you to get the GUT FULL that you wanted !
You are non – partisan…..my *** !
March 31, 2008 at 7:38 pm
BFP, it seems that I am constantly on moderation. I have 2 articles that are on hold and due to the delays in submission; it makes no sense to be part of the debate since the sequence of my articles would have been compromised.
March 31, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Unless someone knows something they are not or will not say, it may be that WIV is talking out of his hat. It is easy to make allegations without ever providing one shred of evidence, that is not justice in any land.
Some newspapers these days seem to preface their speculations with: “A reliable source told this reporter on the grounds of anonymity that etc ….”; in that way the story appears to be supported but in truth it may be the figment of the reporter’s imagination OR another red herring!
Tek care wuh yuh believe in the haste to judge.
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BFP says,
We concur, bajanbat. Each of us must read and digest information and demand the fullest answers from government.
We must also remember though, that the Bajan media is a lapdog that works for the group in power and not for the people.
When a country cannot rely upon the professional media, its citizens make do as best that they can.
March 31, 2008 at 8:46 pm
We must also remember though, that the Bajan media is a lapdog that works for the group in power and not for the people.
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Are you saying it is a lapdog for this ruling party? Leaves me to wonder.
March 31, 2008 at 8:58 pm
There is no way the present government in power
can make any headway with the corruption they find unless they start letting people go from the top legal and other civil service positions that created and or permitted this atmosphere of “snatch, grab and hide”
No one in the year 2008 should be guaranteed jobs for life especially the civil service.
WAKE UP DLP !!! start giving people pink slips who are standing in the way of charging these people for their crimes starting with Simmons, Leacock and others. Let their dismissals wind through the same court sytem that has ground the little guy to a pulp over the past 14 years.
Sooner or later they will bite you in the a__ when you are trying to implement fundamental change. They are not facilitators but part of the dyed in the wool obstructionists who talk a lot and do nothing other than abuse their power.
The country cannot afford to let these people stay in their position for one more minute. Take the bulls by the horn or suffer the consequences. You will be slowly ground to death through attrition and time.
March 31, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Seems to me like the DLP is still in election mode. Has anyone informed them they are now in goverment and that they need to get on with the job. Sure, investigate the pass corruption however, please don’t let it be the main focus. which is what it seems to be every time you tune in to a parliment broadcast or read the paper.
March 31, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Why would the government of China send Barbados a container load of shoes without the Chinese embassy in Barbados saying anything if it went missing?
Sounds like a load of lies to me… more like BFP trying to distract readers from the real issues of the day.
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BFP says,
And the “real” issues of the day as you see them are, we presume, anything that doesn’t focus on the offshore bank accounts of BLP members…
March 31, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Let the blasted chinese keep their shoes. Human rights for all of humanity. Probably made by prisoners
March 31, 2008 at 11:04 pm
WIV
Since the change of government in Barbados I have been reading of some corruptive dealings by the previous admistration which is very shameful and disturbing to many bajans whom I come in contact with.
The latest shoe incident “Tip Of The Iceberg”, if true is disgraceful to say the least. Also the revelation of what the Director of NSC has done leaves a lot to be desired. Again, if true one begs the question, why do these people engage in such despicable practices.
One can only hope PM Thompson will act swiftly and asap to expose all those who held the bajan public to ransom.
I will be watching these pages to see what more corruptive practices have been unearthed.
March 31, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Mia shut your face…
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Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaa I like it BFP.
I believe there was a lot of stealing in the the past fourteen years. When you observe the rapid enrichment of Rommell Marshall, Barney “Instant Millionaire” Lynch, George Payne, Glyne Clarke etc you cant help being suspicious. But the jury is still out. I want concrete facts. The Chinese shoe connection if true is shocking so too Booza King paying his own private company for catering to NSC which he heads. Surely thats unethical.
I dont totally agree the Nation is trying to make BLP look good at expense of DLP government. Mascoll for one would disagree he complained Nation never interviewed him during the election. With the likes of Blp pimps Ezra Alleyne and Albert Brandford etc in key positions at Nation you are always going to get bias towards
BLP.The Nation does cover Dems a great deal check Byer- Suckoo.
April 1, 2008 at 12:32 am
No blame, take the time to do the comparsion my friend look at the coverage of the so called blp Advocate and see how many more times they have featured the positive side of the DLP effort since the election result, and the number of times they have featured the DLP on their front pages compared to that of the lapdog Nation newspaper at least 2 to 1 in favour of the Advocate and positive DLP coverage.
April 1, 2008 at 1:11 am
If anyone thinks that such happenings as BOOZA using the NSC to enrich his own private company and Chinese gift shoes disappearing, could happen without the ACTIVE support of senior civil servants, then that person is asleep.
If that is indeed the case, and now THESE SAME civil servants are continuing in the SAME POSITIONS, does anyone expect these investigations to get anywhere?
All that will happen is that this new government will get bogged down in wishy washy talk and excuses and it will be business as usual as the civil servants continue their little games.
If a Director of a state body can engage in clear conflict of interest and the Service Commissions takes no action in the matter, then we have a much bigger problem than BOOZA.
April 1, 2008 at 2:12 am
The last BLP administration is the most corrupt one in the history of this country. They want locking up. It is shameful.
April 1, 2008 at 6:20 am
And please….stop aligning me with a political party.
This sounds so familar that I think we all know who the stranger to the truth is FRANKOLGY is that you under another cover???
Oh by the way I am so happy to be so highly considered by you to have been given a job in the PM’S office hate to disappoint you my friend, but please ask him the next time you see him as I would be happy to serve to help try to clean up some of Owings nastiness and corruption.
April 1, 2008 at 8:57 am
When will the nations of the world and Barbados present themselves at the United Nations to the Chinese delegation and voice their disappointment at the treatment of the people of Tibet?
Has this yet been done?
The price of world success and in the case of the very large nations, yes, world domination cannot come cheaply.
Such a place must come with responsibility and respect for others.
If the people of Tibet are so treated by a superpower, how shall we, no ‘relation’, be treated in the future?
This cannot be.
In the same way that we cannot tolerate military waste and destruction, in the same way that despots such as Robert Mugabe cannot be tolerated, in the same way that we seek the imporvement in the lot of the poor of the world, we must seek to remove intimidation by bullies.
With the balance of the Earth physically and spiritually so challenged, any action and responses to international events now are critical to the future of mankind.
Peace.
April 1, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Amen Rumplestiltskin
Please note Mugabe is not stepping down gracefully. He is probably using the new math to count his votes. It will be even harder for these party faithfuls and corrupt civil servants to give up power. We have seen some of this in Barbados.
This could become a bloody mess with the already resilient population who won’t put up with it much longer.
In 20 years Mugabe has taken this country from the bread basket of the Africa to one of the poorest using rascism and hatred as his tool. Now the people line up for everything just like under the communist system. It is extremely sad.
April 1, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Isn’t it “lovely” to see Jermone and WIV in full biased political force.. .guys stop messing around the shoe is now on the other foot.. if you have evidence bring it
lock up whoever is responsible I support that entirely as well as the St. Joseph culprit.. oops sorry he is your senior senator isn’t he!
April 1, 2008 at 2:20 pm
100 DAYS
100 DAYS
PLEASE DEAL WITH THE 100 DAYS PROMISES AND LEAVE THE B L P ALONE
ALLYUH GOT ISSUES
THE HONEY MOON IS OVER
THE GRANDSTANDING IS OVER
THE LIES SUCH AS THE GREAT OISTINS LIE -when wires were said to be cut -ARE OVER
DEAL WID THAT
April 1, 2008 at 2:33 pm
ROBOT, What the H*LL,
The gov’t of the day the DLP is in actual fact dealing with matters as you requested, this is why these matters are being brought to the fore, because under your hand they were part of your scam plan to rape the treasury to satisfy the wants of you and your party faithfuls.
Let me also update you that this type of style should be considered political tribalism and it has been brought to an end under the DLP, if you were one of those loyal supporters that collected money to the tune of $ 8,000.00 for calling into the call in radio shows, your goodwill and happy hour is now over.
April 1, 2008 at 2:39 pm
WIV, should you not be busy supplying or looking for evidence of the fraudulent conversion of the Chinese shoes? Or are you content to make the charge and let the chips fall where they may? I find your actions highly irresponsible, though they were endorsed by BFP.
April 1, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Justice, The right people are doing their job, as we have seen and will continue to see the clean up is ongoing and it will take a while but justice will be done.
Fear not my friend all is well.
The reality is that within each Ministry it certainly appears that blp operatives were installed with the sole purpose to channel funds to themselves and friends of the blp.
April 1, 2008 at 4:08 pm
What the H*LL
April 1, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Isn’t it “lovely” to see Jermone and WIV in full biased political force.. .guys stop messing around the shoe is now on the other foot.. if you have evidence bring it
lock up whoever is responsible I support that entirely as well as the St. Joseph culprit.. oops sorry he is your senior senator isn’t he!….
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
… and as President of the Senate, who after the Chief Justice takes the place of the GG, …. if indisposed!!
April 1, 2008 at 4:09 pm
… at least that’s what all three versions of the constitution on the web say.
April 1, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hey John… can you do us a favour please if you have the info at hand?
Please either send us or cut and paste the three different URLs for the three different versions of the Constitution online. We’d like to do a piece on the situation.
Thanks!
Robert
April 2, 2008 at 5:04 pm
HE WHO IS GUILTY OF SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.
I am tired of seeing the same politically motivated post on BFP.
I think that it is time that we realise that there is a new Government, some three months now for those of you still concentrating on the old and it is now time to take the Thompson Administration to task for not implementing any of their 100 day Pledge.
If the BLP is guilty of corruption then they need to be dealt with. However, if you as a Government are saying everyone look at what the last Government did, then you should be ready to show your hands the people of Barbados on every aspect of Government life.
This includes your starting bank balances, any raises you receive during your time in Cabinet and your bank balances before you leave office.
Hold yourselves to a higher standard than that of the previous Government. Stop “your supporters” from trying to malign the other party so that you can say look we have integrity and are therefore a better choice of Government.
However, I must say that I have had dealings with some of the New Ministers before they became Ministers and they did not have integrity then. Which leaves me to wonder if we are jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
Have a blessed and wonderful day yuh hear!!
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BFP says,
While we agree that all must be told, why is it the “Voice Of Reason” to think that we should not hold the last government accountable for their crimes?
And bye the way… the old “its all politically motivated” garbage doesn’t hold any credibility anymore.
That’s just an excuse to deflect any investigation. Let the people know the truth!
April 2, 2008 at 5:31 pm
In the fourth paragraph of my reply I said If the BLP is guilty of corruption then they need to be dealt with.
I am sorry if you missed this.
Another thing is why am I being attacked for simply stating that if you hold up someone to scrutiny that you have to be able to withstand it.
If this goes against the norm then I apologies.
Have a blessed and a wonderful day yuh hear!
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BFP Says,
Hello VOR,
Cliverton has a bit of a hair trigger today and needs to read everything before firing both barrels.
But that’s our Clive and we still love him.
Mostly.
Robert
April 2, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Now I know that this post is the one that will really have you guys coming at me with both barrels blazing.
In a lot of the post you accuse the Nation of being below par. But BFP I find that you are similar to the Nation in allowing people who cannot substantiate their claims to post them.
According to the Society of Professional Journalist and their code of ethics you should:
“…— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
— Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.
— Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
— Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
— Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.”
And let me say that I am new to “blogging” but I can tell already that I will enjoy our “talks”.
Have a blessed and wonderful day yuh hear!
April 2, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Voice of reason are you Mad Eric aka Market Vender or just stealing the great man’s line.
“Have a blessed and wonderful day yuh hear!”
April 2, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Voice of Reason
Blogging is for the time being free of the legal constraints and the Owing and Mia fear mongering that handcuffed the mainstream media in Barbados.
The “Society of Professional Journalist and their code of ethics” does not apply to a blog……Yet.
April 3, 2008 at 12:09 am
However, I must say that I have had dealings with some of the New Ministers before they became Ministers and they did not have integrity then. Which leaves me to wonder if we are jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
No my friend we were already in hell’s furnace we are now in the tranquil blue waters of the sea around us trying to extract our pride and dignity after the assault of the blp.
April 3, 2008 at 4:45 pm
WIV.
Are you still looking for the documents? The public is still waiting for your sensational story.
April 3, 2008 at 4:50 pm
BFP. Don’t tell me that every time I submit a post, even if it is a one-liner; it is being placed under moderation. I can freely say that you have me on full time moderation. Oh how ‘free’ you thought you were.
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BFP says,
I dont think you are under full-time moderation TMW. I’ll check but this sometime happen. Delete any wordpress cookies and clear your cache. That sometime to do it.
April 3, 2008 at 7:59 pm
It’s only been three months and corruption is already being hinted at.
At least the last government waited until were fully settled before they “allegedly” put their hands in the cookie jar.
And for those who are about to crucify me I have to say “allegedly” until you give me solid proof and not veiled accusations.
April 4, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Thompson is no different from Arthur that is why nothing will come from these investigation except that the DLP would learn how to refine ther art of corruption and tiefing..remember when Thompson was in the Ministry of Finance under Sandiford..who was his law partner before he became a Minister..Garth Patterson…who did he vest his interest in the law firm with.. Garth Patterson…who was appointed Attorney for ALL of the departments and government entities under Thompson’s portfolio..Garth Patterson…without any tendering or advertising…remember his awarding a contract to Neville Rowe to supply schoolmetls department at inflated prices against the decision of the Tenders Cimmittee?…that is why Thompson would not disclose his assets because he would have to explain where the money came from to acquire such assets…the question should also be asked : if Thompson chose not to live in Ilaro Court, why should tax payers pay him to live in his own house and also pay for the maintenance and up keep of Ilaro Court?…so all these fornsic audits and investigation will simply be to educate Thompson and the rest how to be as or more creative than Arthur and Company in pilfering taxpayers money.
April 5, 2008 at 2:12 am
WIV. The public is excited to know the recipients of the Chinese shoes. It seems that you are telling white lies again. ITAL is vital my friend.
April 5, 2008 at 1:32 pm
You will get it in the fullnest of time , but does Rommell Marshall have a shop and what kind of things does he sell there????
April 6, 2008 at 1:45 am
does Rommell Marshall have a shop and what kind of things does he sell there????
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I don’t have a clue, but you can enlightened us.
April 11, 2008 at 4:09 pm
WIV, the country is still feverishly awaiting your story about the container load of shoes. It seems that you are on political moderation by your party. By the way, people must be scared to wear shoes that mark ‘Made in China’ since the law might have road blocks asking for Drivers’ licence, road tax and the receipt for the shoes on your feet. HaHaHa
April 14, 2008 at 3:23 pm
WIV, we are still waiting for the Shoes expose. Are you on a gag order?