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Open Intelligence Database
Barbados Free Press is much more than just another website about Barbados. It was designed from the start to be an Open Intelligence Database: a valuable tool for anyone who needs an insider’s knowledge of Barbados, the people and the invisible networks that often impact life, politics and investments here on the island.
Every article we publish is archived and linked under various categories – and is “free form” searchable by any of our visitors. Outside web links and open sources from the Internet are also permanently archived so that linked sources will always remain available even if the outside website has been taken down.
Our blog format with reader comments also means that anyone can add to the knowledge base. “Open Intelligence” means exactly that: Open and available to all. As the months and years pass, Barbados Free Press will become a major resource for those who love Barbados, and like us, believe that knowledge, transparency and accountability are fundamental to a healthy democracy.
973 Comments
September 13, 2006 at 8:18 pm
gline is not the only minister
September 13, 2006 at 8:38 pm
just the only one det get caught so far!
September 18, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Nuff corruption in de place – I would also like to deal with de man on de BENCH who sell me out. I was warned that he was going to do it , so I was not surprised. No wonder he will remain a drunkard for the rest of his life. I will see him aroud de BEND ( pun intended)
September 19, 2006 at 8:07 pm
The hostile attack preceded by darts of venomous insults punctured my spirit even though I was ten feet away and not the object of his rage. He literally dragged the stool from under her and ripped two of the legs from it with his bare hands. When that effort failed to completely destroy the piece of furniture, he began violently smashing it into the ground until it was unrecognisable and nothing but splinters covered the floor.
She is young woman, a Barbadian of no more that 26 years and she stood crying and in shock.
This is an account of the overwhelming dishonourable scene I witnessed in the Shaft clothing store in Swan Street of the city. It was more than enough to discourage me from conducting business there ever again. There ought to be a law against what I saw; and if there isn’t, then our ruling government and its ministries associated with labour issues undeniably do not have our best interest at heart.
I entered Shaft store (opposite Boardwalk Fashions) at about 10.33 am on Tuesday 12th September. The mission was to find an inexpensive mid thigh jeans in which I could knock around Cave Hill campus. I was alone in that search for a mere two minutes before a young black Barbadian sales assistant approached me happily willing to help. I began describing the item of clothing and told her of a friend who assured me I could find the pants in that particular store. Before I was through with my depiction, she led me to a rack with the exact same pants I wanted. The saleswoman then inquired my size. After a studying my frame, she advised that because of the cut I should take a size over and directed me to a changing room to confirm her conclusion. The pants fit perfectly.
Then it began.
The man who I later assumed to be the owner and at most a shamanist, sexist pig was hurling profane insults to the top of his voice. As they were no more customers in the store on that particular floor besides me and my cousin who accompanied me, we rushed out of the changing room to see who was the unlucky receptor of such malicious comments. The young woman who had just made my day was standing before a raged, balding male of Indian descent. He completely demoralised her with insolent cutting remarks against her intelligence. The tone and manner of body language he used implied his obvious contempt for both her gender and race. The most amazing thing even up to this point is although he looked up and saw me, a customer about to make a purchase from his establishment, he continued on his rampage.
When he stormed off to his office, I tried to console the young woman who was now crying openly. Apparently despite her attempts to inform her boss that she was not shirking her duties but only sitting until I returned from the dressing room, he blew up in a violent attack on her character. To make matters worse, the Indian who again was hurling contemptuous commentary returned to persecute the young woman for another minute before he took the stairs.
I immediately turned to another Indian male who I assume is a relative of the raging bull for help. He merely hung his head. At that point I returned the pants to the rack and left the store encouraging the woman to find employment elsewhere.
Is this what Barbadians can look forward to in the workplace? Suffering harsh, demoralising conditions at the hands of aliens in a country that belongs to us?
It is time we took control of this island and everything in it. Let us develop ourselves, talents and dreams to provide food and jobs for our families and fellow Barbadians. Let us squeeze arrogant and ungrateful aliens like Shaft from among us.
September 23, 2006 at 11:13 am
Anonymous, he probably treats his wife the same way.
September 23, 2006 at 11:14 am
Blacks in Barbados have brought all this on themselves. I am not sure which group is more guilty – the “educated” or the uneducated.
Read the Willie lynch story. That is still in practice today but the proponents of it are not white they are black.
I often laugh when I hear that blacks control Barbados, I am also very embarrassed when I hear it because I know that the people who know better must be saying to themselves, “black people so stupid”
The hard work of a minority controlling the majority has been given the majority themselves. The profits of the white must be 10 fold what they were during the times of chattel slavery. If on of the fore fathers of this present set of Barbadian whites were to come back to life they would be proud of how their sons have continued in their legacy.
The education system in Barbados has failed Barbadians. Bob Marley once said that if he were educated he would be a damn fool. Our education system produces thousands of fools every year.
One of the most successful marketing gimmicks in Barbadian history is by mister COW Williams. He is always reminding he flock of Negroes that he is just like them and indeed on of them… he came from humble beginnings. Maybe that’s why he is so rich now…
We are the unwanted visitor in what should be our own country. We are were previously only wanted for our labor.
What I have said is pretty vague I know, I would like to contribute to this site if I may.
September 25, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Oil tumbles below $60.
Biggest slump for crude in over 15 years as worries about supplies fade.
September 25 2006: 5:59 AM EDT
……………
SINGAPORE (Reuters) —
Oil prices fell to a six-month low under $60 a barrel on Monday
as BP’s move to restore output at Prudhoe Bay earlier than expected added to a sense of healthy, secure supplies,
while demand growth questions loomed large.
U.S. light, sweet crude for November sank 99 cents to $59.56 a barrel in electronic trading. London Brent crude lost $1.04 to $59.37.
—————–
Yippee!
prices at de Bajan gas pump coming down jes’ now!
Riiiiight! – u believe dat!
Now they find out what the market will bear (upwards of $3 a gill!) they’ll do their best to keep it up there!
September 25, 2006 at 4:38 pm
There was an article in the Nation (“It Matters to Maria: Storage Spot – A Menace to Residents” July 7, 2006) that a neighbor shared with me. I have since searched for additional information, particularly a response from the Ministry of Public Works, as to some of the issues brought forth by the residents.
I found out from the residents in the area that the MPW, within three days of this article, began to clear the area behind the houses. When the depot manager was spotted out with the bulldozers was asked what their plans were, the response was “we are doing work on the grounds of MPW”. Furthermore, when asked her name (we knew it from some of the other workers) she simply stated that she was “an employee of the Ministry”. She obviously missed her NISE training!
Further research through phone calls determined that if a private individual was dumping or otherwise developing their land in such a fashion that it disturbed the ecosystem (the Pine valley is a watershed adjacent to the Prince Gap Depot) or neighbors, that all manners of hell would break loose.
What is the agency that would be investigating? You guessed it – MPW!
Who is policing the police in this case? A temporary dump is still – a dump!
http://bararchive.bits.baseview.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=./pubfiles/bar/archive/2006/July/07/Editorial/22509.xml&start=0&numPer=20&keyword=storage+spot+a+menace+to+residents§ionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2006&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=1&IncludeImages=1&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%09%09%09
IT MATTERS TO MARIA: Storage spot — a menace to residents Date July 07, 2006 Brief IT MATTERS TO MARIA: Storage spot — a menace to residents
by MARIA BRADSHAW
RESIDENTS living in Collymore Rock, St Michael, are expressing concern about the storage of road-building material at the back of Prince Road Depot.
Gregory King, a Barbadian living in the United States who comes here every three months, says each time he is astonished about what he sees as destruction of the land and natural vegetation of the area.
Prince Road Depot stores road building material like marl, sand, asphalt and grits on a vast area of Government land behind the building.
But King and other residents said they were concerned that the material was blocking a natural water course and that the storage of these materials was destroying the natural vegetation.
They also complained about dust and being disturbed during the night by trucks dropping off material at the depot.
King pointed out that the marl was being pushed further and further back on the land.
He wants to know if any environmental study was conducted in the area on the impact the storage of the materials was having on wild life especially monkeys, and what effect it was having on the water course.
He also wants to know if there isn’t a structured plan for the land use in terms of capacity and limitations. Furthermore, he believes that no activities should take place there after 11:30 p.m.
Back yard flooded
“If I was living here I would find it quite difficult to deal with that kind of noise during the night. It is not a neighbourly attitude,” he stated.
King, who grew up in the area, said he recently noticed that his backyard flooded when it rained and he expressed fears that this was because the water course was blocked.
When contacted about the situation Pierson Proverbs, technician at the depot, said only last week they brought in a tractovator to clear the water course. “We are putting measures in place to ensure that there is no flooding,” he stated. He explained that the materials which were being stored in the depot’s back yard was for the construction of roads. However, he admitted that trucks dumped material from various roads where work was taking place during the night to be removed the next day.
“They use here because it is more convenient and quicker than going to the dump,” Proverbs said, pointing out that this practice would cease as soon as the road works were completed.
He said while they would debush some of the area the vegetation helped prevent erosion.
hp?archiveFile=./pubfiles/bar/archive/2006/July/07/Editorial/22509.xml&start=0&numPer=20&keyword=storage+spot+a+menace+to+residents§ionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2006&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=1&IncludeImages=1&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09
October 1, 2006 at 3:40 am
This was written in labourparty blog.
Very interesting reading.
1. Royalrumble Says:
September 26th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Have bloggers carefully read the question of cat eyes, the embodiment of the DLP. He asked, If Mascoll’s tenure was so magnificent why in the three years that he was there was he not able to marshall forces which would have ensured the inihilation of David Thompson?
Now bloggers tell if he and thompson were in the same party why should he want to inihilate him? you see this is precisely the problem I have with Thompson and all those who support him. They feel that you have to destroy in order to build. That is why that leadership struggle had to end in a blood bath rather than in the spirit of accommodation and co-exittance. that is why all those other memebers who left the party had to do so, because there is simply no room in that party for dissenting views and opinions. It is thompson’s way are no way.
That is an awful state to be in, especially when you consider the fact that Thompson has very poor management skills, zero human relation skills, no self esteem, no respect for persons he considers lesser than himself, a deep fear for persons more intelligent than he, possesses a very strong colonial mentality, shows no interest in the disciplines of economics and history and is basically a very intellectually weak person.
Mascoll was not focussed on inihilating thompson but rather on taking on the BLP that is why he did not spend his time there marshalling and forces against thompson. That is simply not Mascoll’s nature. He is really a very sincere person who could have been a wealth of assistance to Barrow’s Party but as he has done over and over again thompy ensured his departure. Thanks to PM Arthur who flung open the doors of compassion to ensure that yet another of Barrow’s children were provided for in this country. Mascoll now joins his other simblings Kerrie, Grant, Greenidge, Peter Walcott, Bovell and many others who are now making their national contribution to the development of this great Nation. Thank you Mr. Owen S. Arthur, Prime Minister for life and father of First World Barbados
October 5, 2006 at 11:58 am
Reasons why Barbados’ Politicians fear little and are not held accountable:
1. Barbados’ Politicians do not fear the press. There isn’t a free press in Barbados; both the journalists and the publications that they work for are too fearful of the government to publish articles that reveal the underbelly of Barbados politics. If Barbadians are kept ignorant how can they act?
2. Barbados’ Politicians do not fear loosing the next election, as they will almost always fall on their feet. For example, many politicians are lawyers; through a determined lack of reform or modernisation (by said politicians) of Barbados’ hopelessly out-of-date land transaction laws, Barbadian lawyer-politicians collect exorbitant fees for their services. It is not this way in most developed countries like Canada and the UK.
2. Barbados’ Politicians do not fear the Middle classes. In other countries (such as the UK and Canada) politicians fear the Middle classes; the middle-income community contribute heavily to the treasury via taxation and generally have the education and time to closely watch politicians, and see them for what they really are and to understand their underlying motives and strategies. Unfortunately Barbados’ middle-income group is so small that these people do not have the weight of Votes to bring about political change.
3. Barbados’ Politicians do not fear the people. Usually of the better – sometimes for the worst – Barbadians are some of the most complacent people in the world: The minorities (white, Asian, Arabic, black middle-class (yes, politically You are a minority) are scared to put their heads above the parapet in the fear that they will be victimised. Poor Bajans (that is, the vast majority of Barbadians) do not have the luxury of time (and sometimes education) to sit and think about their politicians’ true motives and plans. The vast majority of Barbadians are financially struggling; their Votes are easy to buy – a hundred dollar bill means allot to this group.
October 5, 2006 at 1:03 pm
I pick up the point u r making on RR but r u sure u r not picking on RR for personal reasons because I can cut and paste onto this blog quite a few of such instances from other persons on the BLP blog. I honestly do not feel that it is a case of inability but rather the lack of time and care for the language in these circumstances. I am guilty of it myself. This is something u will find all over the internet and in cell phone text messaging.
Your point is a small one but if you feel u must make it then be my guest.
October 5, 2006 at 1:06 pm
Hants I see the point u r making about RR but r u sure u r not picking on him personal reasons because I can cut and paste, onto this blog quite a few of such instances from other persons on the BLP blog. I honestly do not feel that it is a case of inability but rather the lack of time and care for the language in these circumstances. I am guilty of it myself. This is something u will find all over the internet and in cell phone text messaging.
Your point is a small one but if u feel u must make it then be my guest.
October 6, 2006 at 3:44 am
I found the last sentence of RR’s submission to be a very powerful compliment to the PM.
Prime Minister for life and father of First world Barbados.
I think this should be carved in stone outside the PM’s office.
Better yet,We should save this title for when Owen is Officialy added to our list of National Heroes.
October 17, 2006 at 7:54 am
Does the BFP have a policy moderating post that have offensive content… like refering to other posters with terms like ***** or **** Jockey?
…… The answer is “yes” Andrew, but remember we are just a part-time bunch of guys and gals and don’t see everything all the time. When someone alerts us to offensive content, we have a look and review it.
Oh… and watch your language please!
October 17, 2006 at 11:10 am
Then I might point out that you missed this.
From
http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/barbados-lawyer-wanted-for-beating-of-teen-thoughts-of-racial-tension-white-privilege-black-attitudes/
#
Nathan
October 16th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Crimes of their Race…….. What a **** Jocky you are they might be crimes in todays world cilmate but back in the “Dark Ages” these were common business deals Black & White were slaves just the spotlight seems to be on Black side of things because a sensativity towards the subject just like the Jews use today aswell and look at that situation now. Stop grumbling and get on with things problems in your life is down to yourself not your history because you yourself create it!
**** Edited by Robert. Thanks for pointing this out, Andrew – and for the suggestion of leaving an editing note.
October 17, 2006 at 11:15 am
Also.. a note saying that you have moderated a comment would probabaly be a good idea. As it is not absolutly clear that you have moderated the above post by me and it could be intrurreted as attributing words to me that are not mine
October 17, 2006 at 11:21 am
Also, I think that “**** Jockey” does not really hide what is being said?
October 18, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Hey Guys, you going to introduce RSS on comments any time soon? and if you have already… my apologies and how do I get it to work?
October 31, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Hey BFP,
On previous occasions I know you have raised some issues regarding the pros and cons of how we use our limited land resources in Barbados, whether it be for using our land to grow varieties of cane suitable for producing ethanol or to turn it into golf courses and housing developments of vacation homes of foreigners.
According to this article, we better be prepared to use it to start growing more of our own food:
Grain Drain: Get Ready for Peak Grain
by Wayne Roberts
SNIP
The world’s grain reserve has been dipped into for six of the last seven years, and is now at its lowest point since the early 1970s. There’s enough in the cupboard to keep people alive on basic grains for 57 days. Two months of survival foods is all that separates mass starvation from drought, plagues of locusts and other pests, or wars and violence that disrupt farming, all of which are more plentiful than food.
To put the 57 days into geopolitical perspective, China’s shortfall in wheat is greater than the entire wheat production of Canada, one of the world’s breadbaskets. Since the World Trade Organization prohibits government intervention that keeps any items off the free trade ledger, there’s no law that says that Canadians, or any other people, get first dibs on their own food production.
To put the 57 days in historical perspective, the world price for wheat went up six-fold in 1973, the last time reserves were this low. Wheat prices ricocheted through the food supply chain in many ways, from higher prices for cereal and breads eaten directly by humans, to the cost for milk and meat produced from livestock fed a grain-based diet. If such a chain reaction happens this year, wheat could fetch $21 a bushel, again about six times its current price. It might fetch even more, given that there are two other pressing demands for grains that were not as forceful during the 1970s. Those happy days pre-dated modern fads such as using grains as a feedstock for ethanol, now touted as an alternative to petroleum fuels for cars, and pre-dated factory barns that bring grains to an animal’s stall, thereby eliminating farm workers who tended livestock while they grazed in fields on pasture grasses.
Look forward to two new questions at the supermarket cash register: Will that be cash or chargex? Will that be for food basics, meat or car fuel? University ethics classes and church elders can also ponder the moral dilemmas imposed on the wealthy when they choose fuel and meat while others starve.
SNIP
If looming food shortages – quite a shift from obsessing about obesity, isn’t it – make it on the radar of government officials charged with safeguarding public health, a raft of new policy issues will need to be addressed. A big question mark has to be put on ethanol fuels, except those made from crop wastes.
Food sovereignty, the right of a people to set their own food policies, emerges as a precondition of food security, and should put the world free trade agenda on hold. Planning measures that prohibit urban sprawl onto good farmland – Ontario’s greenbelt is an excellent example – become axiomatic. So do government-guaranteed minimal prices for farmers producing basic foods, the same kinds of guarantees now provided all self-regulating professions such as doctors and lawyers, as well as apprenticed tradesmen and tax-drivers, all of whom would have problems working if they didn’t eat. And so do measures that promote food production in cities, not just as a healthy hobby but as a public health essential. A garden on top of every garage, a veggie stew in every pot… we will see this and more in the years ahead.
More at:
http://www.energybulletin.net/21815.html
November 4, 2006 at 8:55 am
Re: Steve’s Dry Cleaning
I write to apologise to all customers for the manner in which our depots have been closed.
Closure without adequate notice has been insensitive and inconvenient in the extreme to customers, our staff and our landlords. These actions were beyond our control.
However, we wish to indicate that we are in the process of ensuring the continuity of the service we provide, under a new trading name: TRIPLE C CLEANERS.
In a few days full details of the way forward will be provided to give a sense of certainty to staff and our valued customers.
Respectfully
P. Antonio Rudder
Director
November 4, 2006 at 11:20 am
Oberver: Great Snippet and very true.
However, our priorities at the moment seem to be humongous houses, each on plenty of land that used to be agricultural, golf, and acting as ‘the big first world nation’. Food, agriculture…what are those?
We can always import food from Guyana and Trinidad. Surely that dependence will not give T&T future control of our Nation (despite the ownership of much land and other assets here by T&T corporations and citizens already, despite the location of major institutional structures in T&T e.g. CCJ.
We be the great big land of Barbados and that will not change….will it?
November 4, 2006 at 11:22 am
BFP
You see what an asset you are that someone ie Mr Antonio Rudder can post a free advert on your site.It tells me something about your readership and your growing stature in the public’s eye.
Very Good BFP
November 22, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Where Have All The Good Lawyers Gone: Policing The Custodians Of Our Legal System.
Most of us was raised to believe that the law is the glory of a decent society; that the rule of law is the sine qua non of a postmodern civilization; that international law is the greatest protector of human rights; that lawyers coupled with doctors remain an elite profession to which a young person can aspire; that making laws is the great work of governments and legislatures; that law schools are among the noble places of learning in society; that the title “judge” or “magistrate” was perhaps one of the highest appellations one can have in society; and that the jury system is an essential component of a just society. Sadly, most of the abovementioned ideals have become a pathetic nonsense. The legal system is now our enemy according to many disaffected souls.
This condition is not a modern or a post-modern phenomenon. As far back as the 7th century BC, the ancient prophet Habakkuk grappled with these same issues of oppression, infidelity and lawlessness. He complains to God by asking the questions:
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But You do not listen! “Violence!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed and useless, and there is no justice given in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, and justice is perverted with bribes and trickery.”
Many like the prophet of old have come to fear almost everything having to do with the law. Though there are many fine people in the legal profession, and though law is necessary to protect society from descending into chaos, we now fear the legal profession more than we do Islamic terror or suicide bombers.
To many reading this article these sentiments will come as no surprise while to others it may appear a bit harsh. The basis of this exegesis looks at the ways many of my colleagues and I along with scores of others who have been mis-treated by lawyers, solicitors or barristers over basic property, human rights issues, judicial representation and other legal transactions (im)purely for their own gain.
One would assume that lawyers, attorneys, barristers and officers of the courts (call them what you may) and the law go hand in hand. At least we suspect that is what it is in theory. However, upon closer examination, lawyers and the law have very little in common nowadays, unless of course you’re talking about the attorneys’ propensity for using the law to their best advantage. If you look closely, you’ll discover that the legal concepts of right and wrong have sadly been outlawed by the unwritten law of who’s got the best lawyer in a given situation. Truth, integrity, justice, equity and fairplay are classed as misdemeanours in our society and to a large extent our world.
Regardless of whether we like it or not, lawyers continue to meticulously manipulate the legal system to fit their own self serving needs; their need for self-aggrandisement, the ossification of reputation based on practice and who wins more and finally, the leviathan of social prestige called “wealth and money” which supposedly separates ‘the men from the boys’. The rules of the game, the unwritten law if you will, heavily favor the lawyers and the system they follow and why shouldn’t they some may ask?
Many of my colleagues who are EXPATS (brothers living abroad) who wanting to invest in our homeland of Barbados find it a proverbial minefield of legal bureaucracy whether it is the sale of or the purchase of property, the acquisition of a mortgage or the simplest of legal processes. The incidences of financial impropriety, stalling, and over-charging are endless. The purchaser of a piece of property is stalled continuously as money is exacted from the Buyer due to supposed checks and counter-checks, the submission of letters which takes ages, the procurement of title deeds and all the relevant paperwork which is in the lawyer’s possession. At the same time, the Seller’s money sits in the attorney’s bank accounts making interest as innocent people are held in perpetual limbo.
Attorneys by and large, even the good ones who play by the rules and conduct themselves in an honest, ethical and forthright fashion, are reticent to speak out against the rogue attorneys who wantonly abuse the legal system, exploit their clientele and give the legal profession such a bad name, where most people sees them as crooks and highway robbers with a certified license to steal.
Rather than risk being blackballed or ostracised by their fellow cronies for crying foul, many hold their noses and turn a blind eye towards the nefarious shenanigans of the less than honorable colleagues in their midst. This plays right into the hands of those dirty dealing lawyers as they remain unaccountable to no one and can continue in their malpractice.
My business partner has spent the last year trying to get closure on a business deal involving a piece of property. He has had to make six trips to Barbados in order to get his solicitor to finish the legal paperwork and to hand over the documents for which he has already paid for. Yet the delays continue to mount and the excesses and excuses abounded. To date, he has received the release of his documents but due to the intervention of another senior officer of the court. What a travesty!
Regardless of whether lawyers bill their clientele by the hour (some cases $500 – $1500) or work out a contingent fee arrangement to offset work on behalf of their clients, these custodians of our legal system are laughing all the way to the bank. Some have argued that there has never been a better time to make money in the legal profession than at this moment.
Our legal system is in shambles, in no small part due to unscrupulous lawyers and their unwritten code of conduct. They don’t want anyone messing with the way the legal system is set up. With the cards so heavily stacked in their favor, who could hardly blame them? Legal reform is a bad word. For these crafty lawyers, (is there really any other kind?). They have meticulously fostered “a sue unto others” mentality among the general population, where we are now quick to run to a lawyer over even the most trivial of disputes or inconveniences.
Lawyers can accuse you of everything under the sun, trash your reputation and drag your good name into the dirt (and all you can do is sit there and watch it happen) but dare anyone like me purport the unsavoury nature of their dealings in the print media or the public domain and all hell breaks loose. Even trying to get this document to go into publication was like pulling teeth.
No one is arguing for or against the unwritten law which dictates that lawyers make their money as well. However, the problem I have and others like me is that these are the unilateral powers lawyers hold over us all and it is resonant in every fabric of social life. You have to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth but the lawyers don’t have to. They can lie on a stack of Bibles it would not make an iota of difference. In the courtroom, you have to show respect or risk being cited with contempt of court but lawyers don’t have to. You have to abide by specific timetables while the lawyers can drag things out and tie you up in litigation, procrastinate over your property sale and closure or simply drag out your legal work or compensation on for years. This is the law!
The legal profession in Barbados is truly in a state of moral hazard. But then, who is willing to admit to this state of affairs? The world of modern jurists is a law onto themselves seeking only what is in the interest of their own pockets. Somehow, I always thought the client’s interest was the sole and paramount responsibility of his or her lawyer. But maybe I got that wrong as well!
The code of conduct for lawyers stipulate that they must always act in the best interests of their clients subject to preserving their independence as solicitors, barristers or officers of the court and to the due observance of the law, sound professional practice rules and the on-going principles of good professional conduct.
Lawyers should not permit their own personal interests or those of the legal profession in general to influence their acting on behalf of clients; furthermore, their acting must be free of all political considerations.
Lawyers should advise their clients of any significant development in relation to their case or transaction and explain matters to the extent reasonably necessary to permit informed decisions by clients regarding the instructions which is required to be given by them.
Information should be clear and comprehensive and where necessary or appropriate confirmed in writing. In particular lawyers should advise clients in writing when it becomes known that the cost of work will materially exceed any estimate that has been given and should also advise the client when the limit of the original estimate provided is being approached. The duty to communicate effectively extends to include the obligation on lawyers to account to their clients in respect of all relevant monies passing through the lawyer’s hands.
The fees charged by lawyers should be fair and reasonable in all circumstances. Factors to be considered in relation to the reasonableness of the fee include:
• the importance of the matter to the client;
• the amount or value of any money, property or transaction involved;
• the complexity of the matter or the difficulty or novelty of the question raised;
• the skill, labour, specialised knowledge and responsibility involved on the part of the lawyer;
• the time expended;
• the length, number and importance of any documents or other papers prepared or perused;
• and the place where and the circumstances in which the services or any part thereof are rendered and the degree of urgency involved.
Lawyers must act honestly at all times and in such a way as to put their personal integrity beyond question. A lawyer’s actions and his or her personal behaviour must be consistent with the need for mutual trust and confidence among clients, the courts, the public and fellow lawyers.
For example, lawyers must observe the Accounts Rules which govern the manner in which clients’ funds may be held by solicitors and which are designed to ensure that clients’ monies are safeguarded. Lawyers who are dishonest in a matter not directly affecting their clients are nonetheless guilty of professional misconduct. How often this occurs but is seldom disclosed.
Sadly policing the custodians of the legal system remains a colossal undertaking especially where phenomenal sums of monies are involved. The legal profession is no longer about the letter and the spirit of the law but rather about making money, no matter the cost, whether in human lives, moral integrity or political expediency.
Take the case of Stanley Works, international tool-maker and conglomerate which announced a “move” of its headquarters-on paper-from New Britain, Connecticut, to Bermuda in the Caribbean and of its imaginary management to Barbados as the offshore haven.
Although its buildings and staff would actually stay put in the United States manufacturing hammers and wrenches, Stanley Works would no longer pay taxes on profits from international trade. Interesting fiscal manoeuvre.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, run by Harvey Pitt – a lawyer who for more than twenty years represented the top accounting and Wall Street firms he was regulating – accepted the pretence as legal. Talk about turning a blind eye!
“The whole business is a sham…”The headquarters will be in a country where that company is not permitted to do business. They’re saying a company is managed in Barbados when there’s one meeting there a year.” fumed New York District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, who more than any other U.S. law enforcer has attacked the offshore system and the loophole or in this case “the Bermuda Triangle” which corporations try to jump through. “In the prospectus, they say legally controlled and managed in Barbados. If they took out the word legally, it would be a fraud. But Barbadian law says it’s legal, so it’s legal.” The conceit apparently also persuaded the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Stanley Works’ accountants, the giant global firm Ernst & Young, and its lawyers, the prominent Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, presumably advised their client that this was a good way to keep from paying $30 million in U.S. taxes. But it turns out that Stanley Works was planning to save on more than the taxes on business done outside the United States. Even though it only paid $7 million in U.S. tax on foreign income in 2001, Stanley Works indicated that the move would save it at least $25 million in 2002. The immediate effect would be to increase the salaries of Stanley Works’ executives, who were already being paid millions; American taxpayers would make up the loss.
That scam hit the headlines, and in the face of a threatened lawsuit by the Attorney General of Connecticut, Stanley Works backed down. The AFL-CIO and unions such as UNITE and AFSCME are using pension stock votes to try to bring runaway companies like Stanley Works back onshore. They say the moves deprive the United States of taxes and also reduce shareholders’ control, including the right to examine books or sue management.
But Stanley Works’ ploy is only one of myriad ways companies use the offshore system to cheat on taxes. Companies in international trade routinely use shell accounts. According to a Miami private investigator, “If I have a Colombian company that imports Mercedes trucks from Germany, the company ordering the trucks will be registered in the British Virgin Islands or Curacao; no Colombian firm will handle invoices; Colombian tax authorities won’t know how much business they’re doing.” These practices are endemic in Third World countries because shrewd lawyers circumnavigate the boundaries of the law and big money is a powerful catalyst for corruption even amongst the custodians of the legal system.
As the age-old adage goes, “all it takes for corruption and evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing”. Barbados maybe a drop in the ocean compared to larger economies like the US and the EU but the civil and legal norms of accountability must also govern our practice and our right standing within the international economic community. Government must work tirelessly at greater simplification and transparency within the legal system where the interests of its people and that of others are protected from rogue traders, unscrupulous lawyers and corrupt politicians.
This dossier was not intended to be a scathing report on the damnable practices done by a few within the system. Rather its import is to create a forum for debate, analysis and hopefully change. It is my desire, hope and pray that the purveyors and custodians of our legal system be watchful and mindful of the facts, recognising that the hallmarks of a society in decay are when no one guards the guards.
December 12, 2006 at 8:15 pm
Barbados get publicity in proposed illegal stem cell trade.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/pip/cvdws/
December 16, 2006 at 2:34 am
Sir Allan Fields is not at the CBC to “clean up” the finances and the operations. He is their to protect the interest of Cable and Wireless. The announcement of Sir Allan as the Chairman of the CBC creates a serious conflict of interest as well major concerns for the fair trading commission. A commission that recently announed crack downs on inncesious board relationships. The average Barbadian does not understand that in todays world the CBC & C&W are competitors. With the current develpoment of technolgies, media and telecomminications are one and the same. In the US their are competing aggresively agains each other. Spending billions to win the battle for each others customers. MCTV has the potential to provide telephone and internet services to all of its current and future customers. Offering, what is know in the US, as “Triple Play”: high speed internet, telephone services, and cable or TV at a price below standard telephone service. What this would mean is that the local incumbant telephone operator, in our case C&W, would loose tonnes of busines…maybe put out of business as telephone service would basically be free. Our Prime Minister and Sir. Allan know this. An offer was made just before Sir. Allan was made Chairman, to the previous board of directors at CBC for MCTV. This would have meant that MCTV/CBC it would have had a partner with deep pockets to assist it in offering the Triple Play service. The Board had accepted in principle. Then suddently came a new change in the Board with Sir. Allan heading the team. All negotiations with the company came to an end. Major changes at board level were announced. The ones who were asking for transperency and close to the previous Minister, who had sactioned the previous negotiations, were asked to resign. C&W does not have the money to invest in this kind of infastructure to offer this service to all of Barbados. I suspect what they will do, and I beleive with the PM’s blessing…who knows what was promised to whom is to buy and hold. They will hold on to MCTV, do very little for a while, but use MCTV to deter any new entrants. This means that the Barbadian public will suffer in the short and long term. Sir. Allan should immediately be asked to resign as this creates an enormous conflict of interest and any offering of CBC or MCTV for investment should be made as public and transparent as possible. Barbadian people wake up…things are not always what they seem to be…while you were discussing the CBC issues as if its was some kind of circus a serious and dangerous plan was unreveling that would put YOU in a losing position. Please…DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN.
December 16, 2006 at 2:36 am
Sir Allan Fields is not at the CBC to “clean up” the finances and the operations. He is their to protect the interest of Cable and Wireless. The announcement of Sir Allan as the Chairman of the CBC creates a serious conflict of interest as well major concerns for the fair trading commission. A commission that recently announed crack downs on inncesious board relationships. The average Barbadian does not understand that in todays world the CBC & C&W are competitors. With the current develpoment of technolgies, media and telecomminications are one and the same. In the US their are competing aggresively agains each other. Spending billions to win the battle for each others customers. MCTV has the potential to provide telephone and internet services to all of its current and future customers. Offering, what is know in the US, as “Triple Play”: high speed internet, telephone services, and cable or TV at a price below standard telephone service. What this would mean is that the local incumbant telephone operator, in our case C&W, would loose tonnes of busines…maybe put out of business as telephone service would basically be free. Our Prime Minister and Sir. Allan know this. An offer was made just before Sir. Allan was made Chairman, to the previous board of directors at CBC for MCTV. This would have meant that MCTV/CBC it would have had a partner with deep pockets to assist it in offering the Triple Play service. The Board had accepted in principle. Then suddently came a new change in the Board with Sir. Allan heading the team. All negotiations with the company came to an end. Major changes at board level were announced. The ones who were asking for transperency and close to the previous Minister, who had sactioned the previous negotiations, were asked to resign. C&W does not have the money to invest in this kind of infastructure to offer this service to all of Barbados. I suspect what they will do, and I beleive with the PM’s blessing…who knows what was promised to whom is to buy and hold. They will hold on to MCTV, do very little for a while, but use MCTV to deter any new entrants. This means that the Barbadian public will suffer in the short and long term. Sir. Allan should immediately be asked to resign as this creates an enormous conflict of interest and any offering of CBC or MCTV for investment should be made as public and transparent as possible. Barbadian people wake up…things are not always what they seem to be…while you were discussing the CBC issues as if its was some kind of circus a serious and dangerous plan was unreveling that would put YOU in a losing position. Please…DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN.
BARC (Barbadian Againts Real Corruption)
December 16, 2006 at 8:55 am
I hope apologists like Pandora reads this.The more you hear about his maneouvring and the questionable practices of owen arthur then the more we realise that we are like Joseph,sold into slavery by our brothers without realising it,and now they have thrown us down in a pit.
Bajans must reserve a special kind of message to be sent to all these BLP politicians bar none.Mia,billie,owen,farley,lynette,payne,dale marshall,rommell marshall,artherley,wood,mascoll,liz thompson,cynthia forde,edgehill,eastmond,dugid etc etc.
We will not be satisfied with them just losing their seat,but they must be investigated if there is found to be wrongdoing and prosecuted.
December 16, 2006 at 10:12 am
Nothing against Fields personally, he has done well for himself and jolly good for him. However, in this circumstance a Chairman of a private entity, major at that, also being appointed as Chairman of a major public entity is by any standards, a blatant conflict of interest.
Where is the Advocate or Nation editorial? Hmmmm?
Or will they report (as usual)…’the Minister said’ , ‘the cleaner said’, the ‘whoever’ said?
Yes, that is reporting. It is however NOT JOURNALISM.
Saw Harold Hoyte’s article on the ‘Power Puff’ girls last month. Cute. But at this stage irrelevant fluff.
It is obvious to any bystander that apart from Mia there is only one ‘power person’ in the party, who is capable of leading it. Whatever the BLP would like the electorate to believe. Aside from the PM himself, not Mascoll, not Marshall, not Symmonds.
Yes, Mia seems to have been sidelined. But that is probably temproary and to suit election purposes. Give the others a chance to ‘build’ an image.
So, fairly irrelevant.
He should be dealing with real issues. Conflicts of interests. Public spending and priorities. Lifestyle and living standards of the average Barbadian.
But that might step on too many toes, Government and Corporate.
December 16, 2006 at 11:02 am
Isn’t there a Social Partnership in Barbados and didn’t Sir Allen and his lot belong?
Just asking!
A partnership is like a company and its assets are utilised for the good of the partnership by its directors …. sorry partners.
December 16, 2006 at 11:25 am
Rumples
Good point.Where is the Nation and where is the advocate?Where is VOB?Ican’t ask where is CBC ,cause we know where they are.
Any of you bajans overeseas reading this and you have some money and looking for a good investment – a real newspaper in barbados is as good a bet as any.
December 17, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Have you all readers noticed that when owen arthur first assumed the reins as P.M. he ‘big -up’ and embraced small black business men like; Gray ‘doc’ Broomes of Pizza Man fame,and Neville Rowe of former Julie ‘N’ fame and David Commissong and others.He talked a lot then about enfranchising small black businesses,he put in place the venture trust fund set up (although red tape prevented you from accessing these funds),but he laid claim to being ‘of the people and for the people’.
Guess what now people,the citizens then started seeing large scale real estate projects going up which catered to the foreign mainly white rich clientele and which gobbled up the increasingly shrinking land supply.
We saw certain ‘big -ups’ in society,friends of the prime minister or other ministers,or party – card carrying members getting large public contracts without in some cases bidding for it, or in some cases under – bidding and then making up the losses with cost over – runs with enough left over to give a kick – back.
Owen arthur was now seen praising rich white folks at the westmoreland luncheon telling these rich people how much he needed them,he then started to insult the lil black bajan folks at openings such as the Apes Hill development, by telling bajans “they too envious of people who make money,and he will support these kinda projects come hell or highwater”.
So the citizens then asked:will the real owen arthur stand up?And stood up he did,that is – the father of first world B’dos,the lover of the guyanese and the scorner of the bajans,the ‘I will do as I like whatever you people say – arthur’.
Then the people started saying:”wait who is dis man boy,wey he cum from boy?”
“Didn’t the Nation newspaper,Advocate and VOB tell us what a intelligent,nice man from humble background in St Peter he was?He wasn’t no negrocrat yuh know?”
So the people started grumbling and asking the newspapers and radio and t.v. stations:”wuh wunnah fool we so for?”
But the media outlets didnot hear them they were too busy making money.
That my friend is the story of present – day Barbados.
December 19, 2006 at 2:28 pm
Why does the Minister of International Transport and Tourism not negotiate or insist that the smaller Cruise Ships anchor off Speightstown instead of blocking up the Bridgetown Port to the disadvantage of Cargo Ship operators?
Already they have been paid millions do bring passengers here; already they get priority berthing; it is said that they already get concessions on berthing fees that the Cargo operators do not get (no one at BPI will say for sure).
Such a move will allow businesses in Mr. Arthur’s constituency to develop. Duty Free shops, restaurants, taxi services, tours, etc. would flourish. It would ease traffic in the and around Bridgetown. It would allow island tours to start in the north. Moreover it will allow for the freeing-up of a berth in the Bridgetown Port which should be dedicated for cargo and which would create a more efficient and effective operation.
December 19, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Reported in the press so far this week.
Minister of Roads, Gline Clarke, wants Barbadians to report any pot-holes in the roads where they live. He does not give a phone or fax number. But he can start with Dayrells Road, Golf Club Road, Rendezvous, Harmony Hall.
Jamaica will INCREASE the number of their hotel room BY 9,000. Barbados which relies so heavily on tourism cant even make a total of 7,000.
Government will spend $9 million on beach rehabilitation now that the beaches are beginning to return to normal by themselves.
Michael “Ikael Tafari” Hutchinson should know all about “The White Problem” (Nation 18 Dec.) since he is 80% himself.
Notice the ads for the fancy ring and the watch “lost” and the rewards offered? Hmmm.
Well look out for more in your daily newspapers.
December 21, 2006 at 12:40 pm
congrats – really informative website!
December 21, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Dear Sir
To whom is may concern
I wish to complain about the special visa and have some issues that may cause difficulties for me and my family.
We are booked to travel from the US to Barbados in March 2007 to attend a friends wedding. We leave the region for New Zealand before the world cup starts on 24 March 2007, yet from the Caricom website it appears we will have to obtain three visas at $300US.
The Caricom site also says that we need to allow 4 weeks for you to process the passports. I am not sure if you are aware but January and February are summer months in New Zealand and Australia and a significant number of people will be travelling internationally and using their passports. As Barbados does not have diplomatic representation in my country and have not established an office in Australia, this process will cause significant problems for many NZ and Australian citizens.
My family and I are going to Australia for a holiday on 17 February 2007 and will need our passports. On 26 February 2007 we fly to the US to go to Disneyland. Again we will need our passports. Therefore according to Caricom rules, which were only announced yesterday, I will need to get visas from Caricom between 23 December 2006 and 17 February 2007, right in the middle of the Christmas holiday season when many businesses and agencies are closed or on limited hours.
My family (wife and child) and myself were planning on travelling on our NZ passports. I have a UK passport, so can use that. But my wife and child are both born in NZ and only have NZ passports.
Furthermore I take issue with the list of countries Caricom have identified as needing visas and those that do not. As you may be aware NZ and Australia are on the visa waiver programme into the US. This system is only open to a few countries which have highly developed and respected border security controls. This alone should give Caricom great comfort that NZers and Australians can be trusted in terms of any national security risks to your region. However, Caricom have placed a visa requirement on us. NZ has had only one terrorist incident in its entire 166 year history.
On the other hand you are allowing freedom of travel for South African citizens, who I do not think are on the US waiver programme, and UK and Irish citizens, who are more likely to participate in national security risk behaviours than NZ citizens.
Please ask your government to reconsider its policy. It can only lead to disharmony between Commonwealth member states. Also on the evidence there appears little reason to discriminate against New Zealand, while allowing exemptions for other nations. I quite understand why you may have concerns about Pakistani nationals etc given problems in their region, but New Zealand. We are one of the most peaceful and respected nations on earth.
We spent our honeymoon in Jamacia in 2004 and would expect a better welcome back to the region.
We may have to cancel our trip to Barbados if we can’t get visas without surrendering our passports for 4 weeks.
Yours sincerely
Alan Witcombe
New Zealand
January 9, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I would like you to comment on all the witchcraft that is taking place in Barbados.
Many Barbadians are practicing this craft either for spiritual gain, finances and to destroy innocent lives.
Some of the people are the ones you would never think would ever so such a thing not only in the ghetto areas but also in the so call heights and terraces and a little birdy told me that witchcraft helps this government win the elections all the time but just to let them know not this one to come because God will expose them.
Also men watch out for the women this is all some of the women and teenagers girls are doing to get men for money and wealth.
So many Barbadian men get their lives shatterted by these ally cats, go home and mistreat their families especially the wives and these women stay on the side lines and play very innocent while all this is happening that they can enjoy other womens hard labour but remember girls God don’t sleep and it all will come back to you.
People think that witchcraft is a big joke but those of you that practice this craft will soon find out what it does to a person when it turn back on you.
Let the public know Barbados Free press and keep the good work up.
Sarah Jane
January 21, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Sarah is right about things returning to the source. As written in the scriptures,” …nothing is new under the sun” and these actions of obeah, voodoo and the likes are an abomination to Yah (God*) that will be revisited on those of this nation who practice such. Slavery was revisited 400 plus years on a Holy people who thought to go astray and we still refuse to learn. What next must we endure from an unholy lot?
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign. Love is demanding, without understanding…. saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign. No ones gonna drag you up to get into the life where you belong…so where do you belong?(lyrics from the song by Ace of Base)
We should read Hosea 4:6
January 21, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I heard of an issue that happened around our 40th Independence celebrations where two young artists refused to perform another singers’ song in the Spouge segment at the National Stadium because the establishment of the day didn’t want to have anything to do with him or to give him any of the money now made available to the Bajan artists. This singer has been around for donkey years but some of the newcomers to the industry and some malicious people from ever since won’t help him or even acknowledge his talents and ability to still perform.
I believe that a National Award should be given to Adrian Clarke and Dale Rudder for standing up for their brotherman and the artform name music. We can only steer this music ship towards a great industry if we have all hands on deck….
Thank You!
January 21, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Sarah Jane & Micah
We are aware of some of the things we have heard over the years about witchcraft.
How about writing us an email that would be the basis for an article – ?
thx
Cliverton
January 28, 2007 at 12:53 pm
http://www.pledgebank.com/
Thought you guys might like to see this. It has international functionality, and might work as a good basis for people who are serious about making a difference to get together.
February 2, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Not sure if this is worthy of a comment, but Barbados Postal Service is encouraging the use of using postal codes, but their letterhead still does not incorporate their own postal code for their Cheapside location. If anybody should be leading by example, it would be the Postmaster General.
February 4, 2007 at 2:45 pm
The barbador cycling union is now officially and “old boys club”. I had the pleasure of attending their award presentation for 2006, which was held on 3rd of january 2007.At this award ceremony with the word ceremony being used loosely, i saw one female athlete win twO prizes compared to the eight prizes that another female athlete received. This is when the shock of the night when the female athlete whom only had two trophies was given most out standing female cyclist in 2006. Now if i had not attended the cycling national championships in 2006 i might have believed that the one or two races that the fist female cyclist had won were more impressive or important, but this was not the case. How can deidre mayers the match sprint champion the keirin champion and the winner of two scratch races at the national stadium out of a total of three scratch races NOT BE THE MOST OUT STANDING FEMALE CYCLIST FOR 2006?On what basis was crystal springer given the most out standing female cyclist award. Is it because her coach colin forde, whom theoretically runs the BCU is the person who made that decision or does the rot go way deeper than him. It is a shame when people can blantly do such acts that show no sense of decency and fair play. It only leads me to wonder about the economic side of how the BCU is run. I will not bother really to speak of the economic and racial prejudice that abounds in the BCU. Just take a loolk for yourself . mrmand1@hotmail.com please forward this to my email accoum i am using my mobile and i am unable to save this text thank you
February 8, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Ok so i read and I am impressed with the sheer utterance of such topics as those being discussed here.
Now I have to say i am also sincerely disappointed. Not because of content or enthusiasm for such discussions. No what i am concerned with is that aside from speaking anonymously here or amongst friends on the phone or at a lime. NOTHING is ever done in this country. We don’t picket, we don’t come together in large numbers to speak out against these blatant issues taking place here.
When i arrived home 8 years ago, having been gone for 18 years, i saw a hot topic of air conditioning units that were bought for the hospital having disappeared. The same thing that happened then is happening still. We have front page news on our glorious Nation newspaper stating that 2 million dollars has gone missing from gov’t agencies in one year. 2MILLION DOLLARS PEOPLE!!!!
Yet no one goes to jail. Not one single gov’t employee is going to be humiliated and investigated or even brought to prosecution. And dare that happen we will see a small write up on page 6 and it will be swept under the proverbial rug we have called social class quietness.
I have called the society (social class of elite yuppies) in this country a venomous bunch who place the docile average bajan (boisterous and justly annoyed negroes) in a position which leaves them just fighting to get a “piece of the rock”. Wasn’t that the slogan used by prudential insurance in the 80’s? And we have adopted this as our national slogan for future relevance.
I hear us speaking about CBC, C&W, The Nation, The Advocate, The Lawyers, The Judges, The Police, The Airport (which we better ALL not pay one damn cent of an increase to pay for the millions they put into the improvements of that place, they already got the money from gov’t taxing our behinds, and a bunch of someones got new houses and now they want us to give it back to them again forevermore) and so on, yet we dont stand up for ourselves.
In a recent history lesson it came to my attention that from the days of Bussa we had a small revolt. It was crushed, slavery was done away with (i dare not say abolished as we are still slaves just minus physical shackles) we were put to work, a militia came about and from that our very dear Grantley Adams came to lead us into this future. Which then gave us the National Party and the Labour Party who were owned by the same slave owners, now sitting in the background with their puppets (the mottleys, millers and so on) doing their deeds. The outcome = The BLP with the Owens, Millers, Mottleys, Symmonds and so forth inheriting the same marching orders as their predecessors who continue to accept a few plots of land, a nice bank account, a business on the side and a position in gov’t (i.e a free pass to do whatever makes them happy in this land and one permanent stay of of jail card) to do this work.
The “rest” of us (this means those who are not family to the society elites and do not benefit in any way from their inheritance) continue to drive the buses, work in the bank as tellers, serve our tables for dinner, take our orders at cheffette, drive our taxi’s (touchy one there) pack our groceries, pump our gas and in-between try to own a small business using the education that we have been granted (cuz its not free and it certainly isnt that educating). We have little say yet we are the “masses”.
My solution, simple. Free press = Free Minds, period. This is the only way. The Matrix film taught us about the mind of one who is not free. We now need to adopt, without the complexity, the method used to free the minds of bajans. This will call for an underground movement as we know “others” will try to infiltrate. Trust what i tell you though, this can be accomplished. It starts here, from here it needs wheels to get around. The engine has been started, the motor is running. It is well oiled, gassed up (dont even let me start on that, ok on pipe, exxon has a billion dollar profit and gas prices are skyrocketing. That one is simple, lets open up our minds here folks) and we are ready to roll. All those ready to move lets get this thing going.
I for one am ready to lead a charge. Look out for the ché bajan coming to a parish near you!
February 8, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Che Bajan…like your comments. Please do not fall into the same category of all the others who say they will do and then not do.
Being ready to lead the charge is not the same as leading the charge.
Be clear of your intent because I for one am looking for you.
February 8, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Che Bajan
Some may say you are cynical,but I say you are keeping it real.
Very refreshing twist to this analysis of bajan society.
I have also been saying for a long,long,time that we need to move beyond talking,because owen and his group could live with just talk.
However if you start to take public demonstrations and embaraas them in the eyes of their caricom counterparts and the international spectatores – re their mis management – then you will see how quickly positive change will be effected.
February 10, 2007 at 12:27 am
heh, you have a lot of comments here so I hope this goes noticed. it would be great to see an article about the island’s deaf community, and any issues hindering the deaf community’s ability to benefit from possible improvements.
February 10, 2007 at 3:24 am
Jupiter- (8.55 London Time post)
Must confess I haven’t read the above yet, real lengthy. But I did catch your name as I flashed by, to see that I am branded an apologist.
Well I thought I was an antagonist, or at worst a realist. But I guess among a pack of pitbulls, I come out as Mr Milquetoast.
I will now have to strain my eyeballs on all the above to see what dastardly corruption has been unearthed. That expose above CBC being able to put C&W out of biz was an eyeopener. It was shock enough that BL&P could do the same.
I still find it hard to accept Sir A as being hand-in-glove with the Dark Side. On a small island it’s Conflict of Interest every time you turn round.
February 10, 2007 at 3:44 am
PS to Jupiter-
OK I am awake now, and see the ancient date on your “apologist” comment. Our planet has sped far thru the cosmos since then. But I missed it at the time.
You are entirely right that it is only visible demonstrations, placards and all, that will get any real response. Here we all are churning out pearls of wisdom unwilling to admit they are futile (unless Lynette takes notes)
I will walk the streets for Graeme Hall National Park, and against Greenland Rubbish Dump (I refuse to dignify it with the euphemistic “Landfill”. But to demonstrate additionally against all the other worthy causes is beyond my energies. One crusade at a time is all I can manage.
February 10, 2007 at 5:41 am
When was the last real demonstration/march in this country? Probably the one up at Cave Hill Campus some years back. And remember what happened then? Instant hostile response from the authorities. Students (mostly female) dragged away by armed Task Force cops, a well-known lecturer (also female) arrested, along with many other similar acts of intimidation.
I don’t think it’s apathy that stops most of us speaking out openly against all the lies, injustices and hypocrisy we see around us. It’s fear of the consequences. And justifiable fear, too…
February 12, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Tour ends with hotel attack
England physio robbed at knifepoint
February 12, 2007
The England squad were given a frightening send-off from Australia after masked men broke into their team hotel and robbed Dean Conway, the physio, at knife-point in Sydney.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the four balaclava-clad men entered the hotel at 4.15am on Monday morning, forced staff to the ground and demanded to know where the safes were. They then robbed Conway, who was taking a phonecall at the time, and took his mobile and money.
“It was a pretty scary affair,” said an England team spokesman. “Knives were produced and threats were made, but fortunately no one was badly hurt. It all happened quite quickly, from all accounts, and it took everyone by surprise. It’s probably a good thing that most of them are heading home today.”
The five others who witnessed the attack were Andrew Strauss, analyst Mike Garaway, coaches Matthew Maynard and Kevin Shine plus security officer Reg Dickason. They escaped to another room.
And they want to warn tourist about travel to the caribbean
February 15, 2007 at 1:34 pm
http://www.nationnews.com/story/304172768889319.php
It is stunning to hear a minister of Government supporting the building of wood houses.
Has he ever heard of hurricanes?
Prehaps he will show true leadership and live in a wood house.
I wish Barbados never gets hit by a hurricane again but we all know that it is likely to happen.
What is wrong with building an 800 sq. ft. concrete block house?
February 15, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Good questions, Hants….!!!
Bigger QUESTIONS….who supplies the wood….???
Maybe if WE get the answer to THAT….then we will UNDERSTAND…the Economics of it……or SHOULD that be…..the Election Campaign Finance…of it….???
February 15, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Hants when you analyse who are the BLP candidates and likely BACKERS in the St. Philip area…..and read today’s nation where these wooden homes were unveiled….St. Philip….!!…then let us begin to solve this MYSTERY together….
By…GEORGE…(Griffith)….WOOD…(Anthony)…in the EAST(MOND)…MARSHALL ( Trading)….the troops…..to SEALE ( David)…the BLP fate there….??
Hants, simply put in OLDE English my friend, the statement should read like this….
” By George, Wood ??? Anthony and East(mond) Marshall the troops to Seale the BLP fate in St. Philip come next General Election….??? ”
But to USE BLP electioneering tactics, THOSE same WORDS…..would APPEAR like this……
” Can Marshall and Seale get George, Wood and Eastmond OVER the line in St. Philip…..??? ”
Hants,….Wood you BELIEVE….East (mond) was there…….to see the houses….UNVEILED…..???
February 22, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Interesting comments Hants and Jerome. The Barbados Labour Party’s programme as unveiled in St. Philip recently is being spearheaded by the same individual who railed against the Liz Thompson initiated wooden starter home project, which had such names as bumblebee, ladybird, etc. He (Clyde Mascoll) is now the leading proponent of wooden housing stock in Barbados. Of course you are right, initiatives such as these give someone the opportunity to become rich, while at the same time providing sub standard housing solutions to the poor, working and lower middle class in Barbados.
We are at a stage of mass producing wooden houses which will have no distinctive features. People must live in the same common, baseless squeezed up house, that the planners of the project will not ever live in.
It is the type of opportunistic policies that the Barbados Labour Party is pursuing. They have become crude and unsympathetic to the needs of the poor. They are the prefect smoke and mirrors crowd. They do not care about hurricanes or other natural disasters, they have the Catastrophe Fund to help out when the houses get destroyed. Do not mind that other in Barbados have to pay to maintain this fund. The Barbados Labour Party is at is mischievous best in these exercises. Lord help us.
February 25, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Outside of your current topice there are some questions that perhaps your organization can make public:
1)- how much was the cost to build the NEW DRAW bridge ? (excluding other decoratings)
2)- Will it be actually opened up to the DRIVING Public? if it is to be opened then WHEN will this be?
3)- The “Arc-de triamph” at the beginning (head) of the bridge….. How much did that Cost ? and wasen’t it more economic to have spent that money in RESTORING the bridge itself?
4)- I ask these questions because initially I’d thought that the bridge was to be opened in July 2007, Then when it wasn’t I’d assumed that they were waiting for Barrow Day, but then I realized that Christmas would soon pass and still NO Open Bridge to vehicles. Finallw Barrow’s day has come & gone and….. STILL no Vehicles on the bridge. Well today MTW (or whoever) is PAINTING the WHITE ROAD MARKS in the area and the road signs indicate that the traffic will remain unchanged from the previous days, months and years.. This Bridge has been closed for over twelve years….. and traffic conjestion in the city continues to be problematic.
February 25, 2007 at 4:44 pm
The above was to be July 2006 followed by Independance day .. to christmas then onto Barrow day
February 26, 2007 at 3:53 am
What should healthcare be like?
Just found a site about hospital based healthcare. I have quoted the Feb 5 post.
http://www.hospitalimpact.org/
“No one is a number
February 5th, 2007
by Nick Jacobs
The hospital is full. There was one, male bed available today in the entire hospital, one. The emergency room has been packed this week-end, and each and every employee has been pushed to the maximum to continue to provide Planetree quality care to our patients and their families. We have not had any respiratory influenza this fall or winter, until yesterday, but it was only one case. This may be a preview of the next several weeks.
As we made rounds this morning, department by department, it was clear that we were dealing with the “A” Team. It was like observing the insides of a well-oiled machine. We contacted dietary and had their parent company deliver hundreds of large cookies that we personally distributed through the hospital to the employees to thank them for doing a great job.
We watched each department and each floor to ensure that we had appropriate coverage, and every patient and family member with whom we came in contact were queried as to their care, their feelings about their care, and how we could assist them.
After going home we continued to call in throughout the evening to check on the status of the medical center and our employees.
It worked today because we love our employees. We care about them, and we don’t hesitate to let them know. No one is taken for granted. No one is a number. Everyone of them can feel it, and understand that it is real.
It’s taken me a lifetime to get here and a lifetime to have the opportunity to prove that raising your voice, being dictatorial, tramping on people to get what you want, and causing people to shake and hate is NOT the way it needs to be. It’s about “Doing unto others as you would have others do unto you.” It’s about working together for common goals. It’s about caring for the people who do the job because they will take care of the people who need the care. That’s what health care could be. That’s what health care should be!”
March 7, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Can anyone explain to me why an “airport development tax” has now been added to LIAT airline tickets when travelling to/from Barbados which seems to have been instituted over the past few weeks? Between the ever-increasing airfare since the decidedly murky and not-all-together consumer friendly merger between LIAT and Caribbean Star, and the addition of one tax after another the ‘joys’ of intra-Caribbean travel are now becoming a thing of the past.
March 7, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Janelle-
I fully agree with what you say, but I am rather surprised that you add it to an ancient post like this.
What you say is particularly relevant while CWC is on. Perhaps what you say would be better there?
March 16, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Im here mad as hell!! Upto today I thought I had grate credit. Untill my sister told me that she had a 8 rating and she did not know what that mean.
So she went to CCB (Caribbean Credit Bureau) and found out about this 8. She had an 8rating for overdue of $10 on 2 vido tapes 7 years a go.
I went and found out about mine too.
I had 4-1 ratings and 1-8; you see credit rating goes from 1 to 9, 1 is excellent and 9 is very,very BAD rating. My 8 was also for overdue, $71 for vido tapes from 7 years ago at Chubbys. And could you beleave the were going to take me to court in a few mouths!!!
I HAVE BAD CREDIT!! They could not even send me a litter, email, phone call 4,5,6 years ago!!! Letting me know I have $71 for that and they r sending me to the CCB??
I found out if I wanted to get a lone or morage I would have not get is becouse of $71 !! To top it off I went to Chubbys and had to deal with a person who did not give a RAT’s Tail about you or what they are doing to you!
I saw the list of people who have from $2-$100 overdue for 7 years. They are doing this to y0u with out a thought!! and you do not even know. You may think $15 is a lot but go and get to CCB and find out about your credit!
March 16, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Janie Yarde
This is very important info you are giving here.
To think that one company could ruin someone’s reputation without this credit check operation or banks etc rechecking to see if the info is correct – appalls me.
These fly by night credit rating companies needs to be sued.
Janie I hope that you send this info to David Ellis of VOB and Roy Morris of the Nation newspaper.
Shame,shame,this needs looking to.
That people could have their name dragged in the mud for $2.00 overdue fees.
March 16, 2007 at 7:51 pm
This (the power to destroy a person’s credit rating without their knowledge) must surely fall within Senator Lynette’s area of responsibility, and should be brought to her attention.
BFP- Is there any way you can send a copy of Janie Yarde’s complaint to Sen. Eastmond’s post (Government Minister Lynette Eastmond Volunteers…), in case she does not see it here?
March 16, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Financial companies in Barbados and specifically banks do not factor ratings over five years.
March 16, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Whether it’s 5 years or 2 years,no one should have their credit rating lowered on such flismy grounds.
Further I have heard of companies like DacostaMannings and others in the retail trade who are influenced by credicheck operations which reduce credit ratings for late payments.
This is really a third world banana republic.
Lynette eastmond is too busy being on the centerfold of tne nation and dressing up and going to every function and spouting hot air as usual.
David Thompson spoke about ronald Toppin’s work on anti – fair trading practices,interlocking directorship etc that was not followed through by lynette eastmond despite all the old talk and the ‘cud dear’ speeches.
March 18, 2007 at 5:33 pm
To chair –
all yours from 9.30 am on Tuesday at the place where nobody answered yesterday when you checked.
NOT the place where you found somebody napping. Too much traffic.
Please confirm.
March 18, 2007 at 6:23 pm
table – thank you for the two drinks of water and the offer of a beer that I didn’t take.
See you tuesday
March 18, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Shall I bring a place mat to put on the table?
Just kidding folks.
A lil harmless ‘after lunch’ fun.
Sounds like something hot coming up boy.
whopee.
March 19, 2007 at 11:00 am
Could you please add to your list of Posts the vital subject of the environment, illegal dumping and pollution?
March 19, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Who is Felix Broome/Felix Broome Inc.? What does he do?
March 19, 2007 at 3:02 pm
You asked who is Felix Broomes?
Why don’t you tell us – since you obviously know.
March 19, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Jupiter, I said Broome, you said Broomes!
Was that a slip or are they one and the same?
March 19, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Where does Felix Broome/s live?
March 19, 2007 at 8:44 pm
?, So what is it that you are trying to find out?
To the best of my knowledge Felix Broome has a stake in the hotel that used to be Welcome Inn on Maxwell Coast Road. I think it is now called Barbados Beach Club.
Apparently there were some health issues with the hotel in the past but those were resolved.
He also has an interest in prime real estate in other locations.
March 20, 2007 at 12:02 am
Anyone has the pow-wow between Mr. After and Mr. Thompy in a mp3 or media file that we can have access to.
March 22, 2007 at 12:30 am
To chair-
Please confirm Friday breakfast as arranged at the time specified and same place.
Eggs have been laid today fresh – Perfect for scrambling.
March 22, 2007 at 1:08 am
Cannot come as early as planned. Can come 1 hour later on Friday. Sunday would be better, but not sure how it would be for you.
I could not phone today as planned. Sorry.
March 22, 2007 at 3:45 am
Sunday is good.
Same way as Friday?
May be able to get more fresh eggs by then.
March 22, 2007 at 10:47 am
In the light of Lynch’s (or is it Mugabe?) heavy-handed tactics, it is like a breath of fresh air to have the BFP where we can air our views. Many thanks for that, BFP. Letters to the Press don’t cut it any more because only certain people can get their letters published. Ignore Censorship, BFP, he/she has a problem with self and the world in general. Long may you last!
March 22, 2007 at 11:17 am
True Native
I have written letters to both papers in the last couple of years and the only one that published anything was the Advocate. I have even written to the Editor of the Nation and have had no reply and that was 11 months ago.
I sent a letter critizing Bizzy Williams and the development of certain areas, but that was not published. I guess the old saying money talks
March 22, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Hi table
Yes, Sunday would be the best – with the same arrangements as Friday.
If we have more eggs that is great. My friend and I will see you on Sunday.
mmmmmmm cookies!
March 23, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Yes, Hilford Murrell is his name.
March 24, 2007 at 1:37 pm
The song is late as usual, but is still playing.
March 24, 2007 at 2:20 pm
I too luv dis cloak and dagger stuff.
It’s de sorta ting does remin’ yuh of cowboy an’ indians,or de famous five in yuh yute days.
Heh,heh.
Sweet fuh days den.
March 26, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Sorry if I got a bit out of line today. Got a bit carried away. (Not on Mount Gay sunblock though!). You were right to censor me.
March 27, 2007 at 12:47 am
Anybody heard anything further on the brown guk which stopped people from swimming at Gibbs Beach today?
March 27, 2007 at 1:06 am
Why would faeces be in the sea and so close to the shore?
Could it be these private yachts dumping their waste there instead off carlisle bay as we were earlier reporting?
Shouldn’t the ministry of health give some public warning and speak to the country on the matter.
March 27, 2007 at 1:17 am
Out Dey In Bim
Was it faeces or something else?
Apparently there was a lot of it whatever it was.
March 27, 2007 at 8:55 am
… and the radio said it smelled pretty bad.
And the 700 yachts and 28 cruise ships haven’t taken up station yet!
… or have they?
March 27, 2007 at 9:53 am
John…..please ask Blaring Barney……!!!
March 27, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Today’s paper says it was algae.
There were two sets, one smelt bad, the other didn’t.
Not sure if I read the paper right but it sounds as though they tested the one that didn’t smell bad before they reaced their conclusion that both were algae.
Of course they were in two locations. … and then there were jellyfish.
Somebody read the article and tell me if I read it wrong. Recently the pressure got me missing things and assuming things I read.
Suppose that’s because I just look through and don’t read!!
March 27, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Hey, Folks!
Listen up! As I write this, there is a programme on BBC World TV on the slave trade in Barbados. Don’t brek yuh nek to get to the TV! Cheers.
March 30, 2007 at 1:51 pm
The Nation online editon is very late today.
April 2, 2007 at 2:19 am
Well first of all I am dismayed
dejected
disilusioned
disheartened
and distressed at the dismal display of the WI team today. Am I from a different generation that remembers WI cricket when it had some guts and pride? Then the Islands each had their own individual flag but had one thing in common that gave them some semblance of unity and that was the Union Flag in the top right hand corner. Nowadays in their headlong rush for power I feel the politicians have been quite successful in creating their own little individual kingdoms, tiny little fiefdoms who insist on having their own diplomatic CD plated Mercedes as they run around a few hundred square miles of a limestone island while old ladies limp up hill with a meager bag of groceries. The fact is these same politicians have succeeded in dividing a wonderful people into “national” factions who are no longer able to function as a team. They have succeeded in erasing the “West Indies” as an entity.
April 3, 2007 at 12:40 am
As a frequent caller to ” Tell It Like It Is” on V.O.B. I am peeved at the fact that Minister Lynch ,after calling the program time and again in exhibition of his usual rantings where one could not get him to shut up, had a whole program to himself ,where he made an appearance as Minister of the people, walked out, and still has the ability to speak on the behalf of the same people he disrespected . What a shame. His act of recalcitrance supersedes the one for which Liz Thompson was punished.
April 3, 2007 at 12:51 am
Small editorial comment, suggesting you correct “Scoll down” to “Scroll down”. The blog is good so detractors need less ammunition.
April 3, 2007 at 12:53 am
Thanks New Reader
Fixed!
george
April 3, 2007 at 1:23 am
I seem to remember Owen Seymore Arthur quoting Marcus Garvey and making reference to Bob Marley,while speaking in the halls of Parliament. Images of Policemen being patted down by those who can clearly be seen as interlopers represent the single most obsequious occurrence in post independent Barbados, all under the stewardship of this Great Pan African Giant. The movement of heaven and earth is one thing, but sovereignty had since 1966 is another.
******************************
Comment by BFP george
“Images of Policemen being patted down by those who can clearly be seen as interlopers represent the single most obsequious occurrence in post independent Barbados”
… Not a bad bit of imagery yourself Mr. Hill… even if I had to look up “obsequious”
george
April 4, 2007 at 2:10 am
Marcus, Robert, Cliverton and Shona:
I really have to congratulate you for providing us with this most enlightening and educational site. I think I see the occasional frown on your faces, but mostly I think I see the amusement. Right now, I here busting muh belly wid standpipe laugh at some of the posts I seen here tonight. I laughing all de way to muh bed. On a more serious note, Ian Bourne complained last night about the painfully slow Internet connection on ADSL, and I was having the same problem. Someone said I was being “hacked”. So I checked, and yep, someone tried, but couldn’t get through my firewall. I still laughing all like now at who de body was! Have a good night.
April 6, 2007 at 1:01 pm
http://www.nationnews.com/story/288816830560126.php
I thought they said there were 80 BMWs. Now we are hearing 65.
mmmmm
April 6, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Nation News does damage control for ruling party.
No TV license to Starcom!
No TV license to the private sector!
April 11, 2007 at 6:18 pm
With total disbelief I read that the US had freed Posada Carilles on bond. This is so typical of the present adminstration in Washington. What I ask is the difference between Carilles and the 911 attackers. The answer is simple, it’s cool to kill anyone providing that they are not Americans. Bush keeps hundreds in Guantanmo without charge but gives freedom to a man who has been tried and convicted for terrorism and why because the Cubans in Miami,who had to run because of their corruptness when the revolution came or otherwise face possible incarceration for their support of the old American backed regime are the ones who put Bush back in power. This is a sad world, this is a sad time for America.
April 17, 2007 at 3:27 pm
DEMs 30 years behind!!
The DLP recently promised to include women in their cabinet if elected as the government in the next general elections.
In 1999 and 2003, the current Leader of the DLP was also the Leader of that Party in the last two general elections when a number of well educated women would have faced the polls on a DLP ticket under his leadership. I urge Barbadians to take note of how many of these women currently sit in the Senate.
As a young female I would like to remind Mr. Thompson that the DLP is 30 years behind the BLP when it comes to putting woman in prominent leadership positions, not only in the political arena but within their professional environment.
April 17, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Maria
April 17th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
DEMs 30 years behind!!
The DLP recently promised to include women in their cabinet if elected as the government in the next general elections.
In 1999 and 2003, the current Leader of the DLP was also the Leader of that Party in the last two general elections when a number of well educated women would have faced the polls on a DLP ticket under his leadership. I urge Barbadians to take note of how many of these women currently sit in the Senate.
As a young female I would like to remind Mr. Thompson that the DLP is 30 years behind the BLP when it comes to putting woman in prominent leadership positions, not only in the political arena but within their professional environment.
***********************************************
Maria,
Welcome to the debate .
1. **** As an opposition party the DLP only has 2 spots in the Senate.
2. **** Mascoll’s wife , Cyrallene Thomas sat in the Senate under…..David Thompson leadership..!
3. **** Clyde Mascoll as leader of the DLP opposition placed no women in the Senate..!
4. **** The BLP has 4 women in the House of Assembly and 1 woman in the Senate..!
Maria…tell us which one of them spoke up for women in the Barbados industries & society :
a. *** Minimum wage…! ( think Harbour Rd / Newton park )
b. *** Sexual harrasment Rights..! ( think about those who served under Tom Adams 30 years ago)
c. *** Improvement in healthcare…! ( think QEH )
d. *** Owen Policy on women..! ( think why one
” woman ” in parliament congratulated him on his second wedding )
There is one woman on the BLP side and in the Senate who said in 2003 :
” There is no need for an opposition party in Barbados ”
Maria,
Was this Senator educated in ZIMBABWE…?
You need to clean out the BLP house first…Maria…!
April 17, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Don’t forget Senator Gertz Eastmond and Masie Barker-Welch in the eighties. Maria is perhaps too young to know about this.
April 17, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Jerome,
You have a good point in relation to the BLP women taking up issues relating to females. As a matter of fact one of these women can perhaps be regarded as a danger to females in many ways. Is Maria aware of this?
April 17, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Yes Maria:
I agree with you , Mr Thompson is not concerned with the composition of any cabinet he may form. He is only concerned with dividing the fatted calf !!
April 17, 2007 at 8:24 pm
To Jerome, let me say thank you for welcoming me to the debate as I look forward to the dialogue.
However, I would appreciate it if you do not try to patronise me with statements such as “…..Maria is perhaps too young to know about this.”
Why did you seek it necessary to go back to the eighties by mentioning Mrs. Mazie Barker-Welch and ressurrecting the late Gertz Eastmond? Am I to conclude that is because the history of the DLP limits you to call the names of other females?
You made mention of Cyrillene Thomas-Mascoll, I am somewhat confused why you made reference to the fact that she is Clyde Mascoll’s wife. Did you make that correlation to state that she would not have sat in the Senate had she not been his wife?
Why it is that she did not last the full duration of her tenure as a Senator or make any contributions for the representation of women? How many persons (besides members and supporters of the DLP) can recall that she was a Senator?
Did David Thompson treat her the same way he treated Mascoll because of her gender or because she came from a working class background?
April 17, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Maria,
You are new to the BFP site, but you need to pay careful attention to who said what !
I did not mention anything about Mazie Barker or Gertz Eastmond…two DLP Icons !
Nor did I say anything about you being too young..!
Revisit the postings above…!
Why are you scared of the 80’s when it is you who spoke about 30 years ago…which is the 70’s…?
Ah, I just remember, 30 years ago was the reign of the terrible Tom of BLP fame who had a proclivity towards women..!
Maria, is there more you want to tell us about the reign of Tom 30 years ago…?
On the Clyde Mascoll family…check who said some of the most uncharitable things about him and his family…!
For some assistance :
Ask Rommell Marshall…!
Ask Billie Miller…!
Ask Anthony Wood…!
Ask Owen Arthur…!
Last but not least..Ask Maria..she says Mascoll & his wife comes from a working class background….!
Hence, that is why the BLP members said what they said about him & his family…!
Good night Maria,
Do visit BFP again..!
April 17, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Maria don’t mind Jerome he spends the day trying to get his foot out of his mouth.
April 17, 2007 at 9:07 pm
??
April 17th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Maria don’t mind Jerome he spends the day trying to get his foot out of his mouth.
**********************************************
?? Question Mark,
Wrong again, that is the problem you, Maria and the BLP have to deal with…!
You, are in the dock of public scrutiny…!
The jury out here do not like what there are seeing & hearing…!
April 17, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Maria,
It seems as though you don’t understand what it is you are writing.
You stated “As a young female I would like to remind Mr. Thompson that the DLP is 30 years behind the BLP when it comes to putting woman in prominent leadership positions, not only in the political arena but within their professional environment.”
In response to that I gave two examples of females which the DLP included in prominent positions. If you knew this for a fact you would not have made such an idiotic statement.
Let us deal with fact. Have you been able to benefit as a woman as a direct result of Billie Miller, Mia, Liz etc being included in prominent positions in the DLP.Can you point out any laws piloted by any of these women which sought to improve the welfare of females in Barbados. Stop the emotional outburst and give me the facts!
April 17, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Jerome Hinds
Thanks for reminding me about GTom. This is direct bevidence of the disrespect BLP Leaders have for women with the likes of Tom who used to beat women all over the place
I can remember one woman Tom beat badly because of Louis Tull,… ask Dame Miller what she had to do with Bolden, and ask wuk for wuk Clarke who has no respect whatsoever for women ….how many poor women in need of housing that he has exploited sexually, and Owen who obviously know nothing about repecting women who bragged about not being the marrying type at the same time having 5 women….
and what about Mia ….tell us about how she treats other women…is she perhaps your role model
April 17, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Tom also broke his wife’s arm. How’s that for BLP treatment of women.
April 17, 2007 at 9:50 pm
No Name: I think that before you make your comments you should arm yourself with the facts ,indeed your comments are at best a grave mis-statement of the truth , I want to remind you of the many pieces of legislation passed under the various BLP governments which have directly and/or indirectly improved not only the lives of Barbadian women but all Barbadians in general, such pieces of revolutionary legislation as the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act;The Stauts of Children Reform Act just to point out a few to you. Indeed at that time Dame Bille Millar was a member of the BLP as well as a Cabinet Member who was the chief archiect of the Barbados Drug Service, yet another programme which benefitted all Barbadians…so please state the facts and be not blinded by political affilations
April 17, 2007 at 10:20 pm
No – Name & True Native,
I have the distinct belief that Maria’s romanticising about this ” 30 year Syndrome ” has to do with her
” contact ” with Teribble Tom of BLP fame during the 1970’s…!
She is using this BFP site to see if we really know who she is and what she did……!
Read her words carefully….!
April 17, 2007 at 10:29 pm
There was also Antoinnette Thompson. The girls does not know what she is talking about, She must be a female RR in the making.
April 17, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Jerome, you trying to say that she is the woman that got the world believing she is a lady, when in fact her mouth could get more stink than a fishmonger own? Steer muh in de right direction, nuh?
April 18, 2007 at 1:59 am
I am not surprised that my comments have taken the direction it has, because the DLP has a reputation of attacking people and not the issues at hand.
Instead of attacking the policies you have taken the route of attacking me and the integrity of the late and current members of the great Party called the Barbados Labour Party. That is because you cannot find anything to criticise about the policies hence why the DLP has to practice politics personal attacking.
April 18, 2007 at 2:20 am
Thomas Moore
What pray tell me have I said that was not true? Where did I say or imply that “various BLP governments have directly and/or indirectly improved not only the lives of Barbadian women but all Barbadians in general?”
You obviously have problems understanding simple statements.
I was speaking specifically about the current crop of females and I asked whether or not she (Maria/Mia) had been able to benefit as a woman as a direct result of Billie Miller, Mia, Liz etc being included in prominent positions in the DLP. Can you point out any laws piloted by any of these women which sought to improve the welfare of females in Barbados.
Stop the emotional outburst and give me the facts!
I was speaking about issues that directly impact females not general issues like drugs etc. I zeroed in in women issues because I want to suggest that even though these women have been prominent in the BLP they have not fought for and piloted bills specifically aimed at improving females.
Now Thomas/Maria give me the list of such bills.
List the benefits that other women have derived.
April 18, 2007 at 5:17 am
No Name, you keep proving that you are not informed politically.
Neither Dame Bille Miller, Mia or Liz are prominent women in the DLP. How dare you make sure a mistake, if either of them were in the DLP they would not be allowed such an opportunity to be outstanding. They would be making mauby and frying fish cakes when the DEMs have one of their Friday Lunch Time Lectures as opposed to representing Barbados at the macro level.
Undine Whittaker, a candidate for the DLP in 2003 and in the next general elections stated publicty that women are not respected in the DLP.
April 19, 2007 at 12:16 am
Maria
April 18th, 2007 at 5:17 am
No Name, you keep proving that you are not informed politically.
Neither Dame Bille Miller, Mia or Liz are prominent women in the DLP. How dare you make sure a mistake, if either of them were in the DLP they would not be allowed such an opportunity to be outstanding. They would be making mauby and frying fish cakes when the DEMs have one of their Friday Lunch Time Lectures as opposed to representing Barbados at the macro level.
Undine Whittaker, a candidate for the DLP in 2003 and in the next general elections stated publicty that women are not respected in the DLP.
************************************************
Maria
And Rawle Eastmond stated publicly that ” Diabolical Forces ” holding the BLP….!
April 21, 2007 at 2:07 am
Thomas, Jerome, No-Name, True Native when are you all going to answer the initial question posed?
Where does the DLP stand in relation to women sitting in cabinet and the senate? what does it have to show for it? How does Thompson feel about it?
I would like to know from one of you since you seem so well versed.
April 21, 2007 at 9:56 am
Yam P][e:
Since you mentioned my blog name I will reply by telling you that I am a mere supporter of the DLP – not on any of their councils – so I can’t speak for them. What I will say is that I agree that previously the DLP did not have a good track record with regards to women, but it was noticeable that when David Thompson became President (before he unfortunately let that idiotic imposter take over the reins) he acted to rectify that impression of the DLP. He obviously can’t include women in a “cabinet” right now because he doesn’t HAVE a cabinet! Please note these are only my observations. The others you mentioned will have to speak for themselves.
April 21, 2007 at 11:33 am
I will like to thank Barbados Free Press for the opportunity to post comments on their site i try posting a comment on the DLP Blog 3 days ago, and all i am getting is your comments is awaiting moderation. All i ask the party was if any of the $3 Million that David Thompson want for the Election will be coming from Syria.
April 21, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Yam P][e,
David Thompson is all for women in Cabinet & the senate.
He has demonstrated this while he was opposition leader with the appointment of Ms. Cyrillene Thomas & the late Ms. Antoinette Thompson to the Senate.
Note that Clyde Mascoll who once led the DLP did emulate this wonderful trend…!
While being appionted as the youngest Minister of Youth & Community development in 1991 / 1992 he was very instrumental in getting the women in the Community Development appointed to the Public Service. He also was responsible for the competent & qualified Ms. Joan Glasgow moving up to a senior position with the Community Development dept.
I am sure you would recognise that more women are candidates or involved in the party affairs now that David Thompson is at the helm.
No doubt once given the reins of gov’t this high profiling of women will continue.
On the campaign trail he has already said that Dr. Esther Byer – Suckoo would play a pivotal role in a future DLP cabinet.
April 22, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Jerome, I am very pleased that you have mention “…he has already said that Dr. Esther Byer – Suckoo would play a pivotal role in a future DLP cabinet.”
Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo will be facing the polls for the first time in the next general elections. What has she done to deserve such treatment as opposed to Undene Whittaker who will be contesting a second election for the DLP, also who in 2003 resigned from her teaching profession to be a canidate for the said DLP? Is this how the DLP says “thank you” to its longstanding members, esp. females?
In 1999, Yvonne Walkes faced the polls on a DLP ticket, why it is that Cyrillene Thomas-Mascoll was appoint to the Senate as opposed to Mrs. Walkes?
In 2003, Undene Whittaker, Marlyn Rice-Bowen, Jean Chase-Sealy and Patsie Nurse were all DLP candidates,why is it that none of them were appointed to the Senate?
Why is it that with the exception of Undene Whittaker, all of the other female candiates who contested in 2003 on a DLP ticket were repalced by men?
In February, David Thompson and the female candidates travelled toNew York to attended a DLP function. Notabaly, Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo was the only person besides David Thompson who was allowed to address the guest. What message is he sending to the other candiates?
April 22, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Maria,
I will respond to you paragraph by paragraph.
Para. 1
Undene Whittaker is teaching again and with her experience she would be an invaluable asset within the Ministry of Education.
Para. 2
Yvonne Walkes took the personal decision to allow a younger woman, Cyrillene Thomas , to contribute to the Senate & development of Barbados.
Para. 3
Only Clyde Mascoll, the then Opposition leader in 2003, can answer that one. Such appointments are made by the opposition leader in consultation with the candidates.
Para. 4
The DLP is still a democratic party and will always be. The branch councils are the ones who select their prospective candidates – be it male or female.
Para. 5
Check your facts again, Tony Best in March 2007 writing in the Nation news reported that the 4 DLP female candidates addressed their audiences at different times in NY.
Maria,
I asked you already what has the 4 women in the BLP done for the cause of Women in Barbados ?
I will help you with some suggestions :
1. *** Women in need of houses – Liz Thompson promises LESS than $50,000.00 houses in the NHC yard——She built NONE !
2. **** Women in the fishing industry want a fishing agreement with T & T – Mia Mottley tek $ 11 million of taxpayers money —- No fishing agreement !
3. *** Women in Millenium Heights CRYING out for help —– Cynthia Forde in Sunday Sun of 2007 – 04 – 22 says protect women now that 2 died in mysterious circumstances !
4. *** Women in barbados concern about BLP governance practices —– Lynette Eastmond in 2003 says there is no need for an opposition party !
The 4 BLP women are in the dock of scrutiny just like their male counterparts !
April 22, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Dear Motherb,
Such an apt name for someone who is crying all the time. The DLP blog does not have time for foolish individuals who cannot respect the opinion of others, particularly persons like you who feel they have an almighty right to engage in diatribe. Has Taan Abed so ruffled your petulant feathers that you would want to suggest blatant nonsense. Try and grow up.
April 22, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Maria,
In order to make points you should not misrepresent the truth. Were you in New York or did Tony Best and Jessica Odle give misinformation for BLP propaganda purposes? Get your facts and come back and be honest regarding who spoke or was “allowed” to speak.
Instead of nitpicking with half truths, let me hear you measure up Liz, Mia, Billie and Cynthia to Undene Whittaker, Irene Sandiford-Garner, Esther Byer-Suckoo and Patrician Inniss.Then tell us honestly, woman for woman who has the female candidates of moral fibre, character, familial integrity (e.g. the newly-found BLP mantra of family values), intelligence, the ability to articulate, educational background and proven leadership ability, and if we want to be frivolous, last and least important of all, looks. Measure each one Ms. Maria and come again.
April 22, 2007 at 8:16 pm
at the end of the day the women in the blp engage in corruption and have robbed our country blind. the legacy they leave is a negative one for all barbadians including women. i wouldnt want to boast about blp women and gender equality if the women in power are just as bad as the men!
April 22, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Dear True Native and Jerome hinds,
Thanks for your responses.
I am just trying to gather my thoughts on how the dlp is operating these days.
True Native- you mentioned “but it was noticeable that when David Thompson became President (before he unfortunately let that idiotic imposter take over the reins) he acted to rectify that impression of the DLP.”
- is that what he was seeking to do, just to rectify the impression?
- are you suggesting that Mr. Mascoll trailed along a different path as it related to women in the party?
so when, in your words, the “imposter” took over and sought to actually construct deeply embedded change, there was a problem?
Because when Jerome hinds responded, he said that Mr. Mascoll also continued along such a path to include women.
This is all quite confusing to someone who is trying to grasp what the DLP is about in 2007, and there still seems to be conflicting messages.
The BLP seems to have kept quite competent women in place, and this is strikingly impressive as it relates to the ad hoc manner in which women in the DLP are treated. Perhaps a female candidate for the DLP can respond; as I understand even female members of the BLP take the time to post sensible reponses.
~ just trying to understand.
April 22, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Yam P][e
what is so competent about corruption or condoning it? the blp has engaged in corruption on a level never before seen in barbados and the blp women are prominent members of the party. they have all shown themselves to be just as corrupt as the men in the party and have been at the forefront of ruining barbados.
April 22, 2007 at 8:30 pm
i dont care whether it is a man or a woman. i care about what they do. if they are corrupt then they are useless. so what if the blp has actively promoted women in its party. they have made no difference. they engage in or condone the corruption. tell the poor woman barely surviving and struggling to feed her children about women in the blp. her children are suffering because the blp is destroying the country. the blp that proudly boasts of how much they promote women’s rights.
April 22, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Jerome
The DLP is only democratic in name not in pratice.
Do you call selected, de-selected,then Thompson-selected democratic? As was the case with the candidate “selection process”.
April 22, 2007 at 8:59 pm
maria is like lynetter. skirt around and dodge the real issues and focus on the peripheral. address the fact that the women in the blp have through their corrution and/or condoning of corruption made the social and economic situation of women in barbados worse.
April 22, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Maria,
After all your diatribe you still have not given me the list of bills piloted by these model BLP Cabinet members that relate specifically to the development of women. Also don’t forget to tell us about how females such as yourself have benefited as a result of Mia, Liz, Billie and the others.
April 22, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Maria, you have blithely ignored my challenge. Answer the queries. And Yam whatever, please define “competent”.
April 22, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Yam P][e: [The damn brackets are annoying me]
I did not say that David Thompson SOUGHT to rectify the impression. I said he ACTED to do so. Secondly, the bracketed remark about Mascoll was simply an aside – nothing more, nothing less. In my opinion Mascoll’s behaviour at times was idiotic (”I” this and “I” that. “I take the credit for this.” The Great I Am.) He who exalts himself shall be humbled.
Imposter? Of course. He was in cahoots with Owing and that crowd behind the backs of his comrades. That is unforgivable disloyalty. I stated from the outset (and I have witnesses) that the DLP would regret the day that man became President. I hope this clears up some of your confusion. Please note once again, this is MY opinion – I don’t speak on behalf of the DLP.
April 23, 2007 at 2:15 am
Maria
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Jerome
The DLP is only democratic in name not in pratice.
Do you call selected, de-selected,then Thompson-selected democratic? As was the case with the candidate “selection process”.
************************************************
Maria,
That is democracy at work !
It is far better than what Owen Arthur try do to get Kerrie Symonds fill Sir Henry’s constituency !
Obviously you would choose to forget that !
Just as you would forget how took Jessica Odle, William Duguid & kerrie Symonds were invited to Ilaro Court by Owen & a GAG order placed on them because of that candidate selection fiasco !
April 23, 2007 at 2:31 am
Yam P][e
Thanks for the correction my post on April 21st, 2007 at 1:16 pm that you referred to did reflect:
" Note that Clyde Mascoll who once led the DLP did emulate this wonderful trend…! "
The correct posting should have been :
" Note that Clyde Mascoll who once led the DLP did NOT emulate this wonderful trend…! "
In my subsequent post in response to Maria, I repeated my argument that Clyde Mascoll as leader of the DLP did not openly elevated women like Mr. David Thompson did / does .
My section of that post is reproduced below :
" Jerome Hinds
April 22nd, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Para. 3
Only Clyde Mascoll, the then Opposition leader in 2003, can answer that one. Such appointments are made by the opposition leader in consultation with the candidates. "
Yam P][e
The gist of my argument is that under Clyde Mascoll many women in the DLP felt left out. Undine Whittaker public disclosure of this is well documented.
But we are yet to hear the BLP women speak up for Bajan women in particular.
No comment from them about minimum wage - which affect women predominantly !
No solidarity with the womenfolk in Emmerton !
No solidarity with the women in gated communities e.g Millenium Heights !
Yam P][e
Time to clean out yuh eyes....too much yampie in them !
April 23, 2007 at 2:55 am
BFP,
It is one month to the date ( 23 rd March – 23 rd Arpril , 2007 ) since this ship was to set sail , since this aircraft was to take off…..!
All we have got instead is a lot promises , possibilities & perhaps….!
Since this money laundering prompter…
Carnival Destiny has come !
Air India has come !
Owen Arthur has re – appeared !
Brian Lara has disappeared !
and
The Money – Laundering story has YET to appear !
Cud dear !
April 23, 2007 at 2:56 am
http://www.nationnews.com/life/357186283977567.php
Interesting article
April 23, 2007 at 3:28 am
Hants
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:56 am
http://www.nationnews.com/life/357186283977567.php
Interesting article
**********************************************
Hants,
Very timely.
A must read for the likes of yampie, maria, motherb & ??.
As for the latter ?? he adores Mascoll !
Not surprised….the BLP cursed Mascoll so much…now says the DEMS did not like him !
During his stewardship in the DLP which / Dem cursed him ?
I challenge yampie, maria, motherb & ?? to tell us WHO…!
Shameless loots…!
April 23, 2007 at 3:57 am
Maria,
Do you remember when:
Date April 18, 2006
Brief ‘Absolute waste’
by WADE GIBBONS
INSENSITIVE AND INAPPROPRIATE!
That’s how Opposition MP Michael Lashley has described Government’s plan to build a $400 000 beach facility at Browne’s Beach, Bay Street, St Michael.
On Sunday, Minister of the Environmen
by WADE GIBBONS
INSENSITIVE AND INAPPROPRIATE!
That’s how Opposition MP Michael Lashley has described Government’s plan to build a $400 000 beach facility at Browne’s Beach, Bay Street, St Michael.
On Sunday, Minister of the Environment, Elizabeth Thompson, announced the cost of the project would come close to that of the Silver Sands, Christ Church bath. That facility was the subject of controversy after its $432 000 cost was revealed in 2004.
The National Conservation Commission’s (NCC) general manager, Keith Neblett, whose office oversaw the construction then, blamed staff absenteeism and inefficiency as contributing to the high cost.
But Lashley told the DAILY NATION yesterday though he had no objections to the building of a beach facility, he had grave concerns about the high cost.
He said Government had admitted previously that the cost was too high and asked whether Thompson’s warning of possible contention, was an early attempt to diffuse concerns over another exorbitant exercise.
_______________________________
This is the level of Liz’s competence.
April 23, 2007 at 4:06 am
Maria,
…and don’t forget when Liz fooled the whole of Barbados by promising 7 000 house-hungry Barbadians by telling them they would get houses by Christmas.
How many houses did she in fact deliver?
April 23, 2007 at 2:38 pm
With reference to the Wade Gibbons stories:
Please be advised that with the recent changes in the administration of the Nation Newspaper, it seems to have adopted a distasteful BLP agenda. Apart from stifling pro DLP information, they have shifted certain journalists. Wade Gibbons, the author of the stories listed above, in now on the SPORTS DESK!!!!
April 23, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Maria-
Kindly respond to the challenge issued yesterday regarding how your females match up.
April 23, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Dear fed up, cateyes,
My comments related to women in the BLP was about general competence, the ability to stand up to men in a predominantly male job role; and to be getting the job done; and not to speak about any specific contribution they each may have made to women.
- that would be what Maria is talking about.
On that point however, what about the work that is being done through the Bureau of Gender Affairs? Go ahead, say it “The Bureau of Women’s Affairs” so where does this leave womens issues in the hands of BLP? Worked on too hard to have gained such a name I would think?
Jerome hinds- so now you have been able to say what you supposedly really meant. where does that now put women as it relates to DLP (in the hands of D.T), perhaps some better versed authouriative figure of the DLP can speak to this?
My last point, why are you trying to make the female representatives/ Ministers of the BLP seem as if they hold the Ministry of Women? If they focus absolutely on women within each portfolio, they would be labelled as Feminists, and would have enetered the field of Sociology or Psychology.
-undoubtedly though by assisting other groups within society, women are elevated.
Just my thoughts…
April 23, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Dear True Native,
If you are a true native, why do you have difficulty with yam pie? Anyhow that is besides the point.
“… but it was noticeable that when David Thompson became President…he acted to rectify that impression of the DLP…”
- My interception with your wording was to place emphasis on ‘impression’
“…I did not say that David Thompson SOUGHT to rectify the impression. I said he ACTED to do so… ”
- exactly, what he did was acted to rectify the IMPPRESSION, not being concerned with anything else.
Kind Regards.
April 23, 2007 at 9:00 pm
My last point, why are you trying to make the female representatives/ Ministers of the BLP seem as if they hold the Ministry of Women?
**************************************************
Yam P][e,
Another attempt at your spin...a.k.a lies...!
There is no such Ministry in Barbados...Ministry of Women !
The question remains....what have the BLP women championed for the Women of Barbados....?
Where is their policy pronouncement on :
Greenland...?
Edutech....?
Fishing Agreement...?
NHC $ 50,000.00 houses...?
Millenium Heights.....?
Minimum Wage...?
Women on the Industrial Estates....?
Which one.....tell us Yam P][e....!
April 23, 2007 at 9:11 pm
I have no problem with yam pie, kiddo. I love it. In fact, when mixed with spinach it is yummy! I have a problem with Yam P][e. But that’s irrelevant – maybe you’re an artist and like brackets and squiggles and things. Now to the word game. Ok, so we leave out IMPRESSION and SOUGHT and stick to ACTED. In layman’s language, and again – in my opinion – David Thompson selected (you got a problem with that?) a number of women in the Party and nominated them for positions of consequence in whatever field they were qualified to act in. That’s my final word, Yammie!
April 23, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Dear True Native,
no problem at all- thanks !
April 23, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Dear Jerome Hinds,
Re-read:
“why are you trying to make the female representatives/ Ministers of the BLP seem as if they hold the Ministry of Women?”
- Where did I say that a Ministry of Women exists again?
April 23, 2007 at 11:34 pm
” Ministers of the BLP seem as if they hold the Ministry of Women?”
Yam P][e,
Re-read your words above !
Why would you ask such a question if you are not indicating that such a Ministry exists ?
You still have not shown what the BLP women have done !
We understand your difficulty !
April 24, 2007 at 12:02 am
Dear Jerom Hinds,
you selectively left off my first sentence:
“why are you TRYING to make the female representatives/ Ministers of the BLP seem AS IF they hold the ‘Ministry of Women’?”
-everyone knows there is no ‘Ministry of Women’.
I was not challenged to show what women in the BLP have done.
Kind Regards.
April 24, 2007 at 12:42 am
Yam P][e,
” I was not challenged to show what women in the BLP have done. ”
**************************************************
We understand….there is nothing to show !
June 6, 2009 at 9:33 pm
what r we seeing now nothing new just continued
April 27, 2007 at 4:25 am
What is your position on marijuana?
Last year when Mr. Arthur Holder, Attorney-at-Law expressed his interest in representing the people of St. Michael South Central as a Barbados Labour Party candidate, there was some discussion in the print media and the calling programmes as to his position on marijuana because of his locks.
As a voter I would like Ms. Undine Whittaker, who carries the same hair style as Mr. Holder and is facing the polls for a second time to state whether she is a practising Rastafarian.
April 28, 2007 at 10:29 pm
BFP here is the link to an article about the influence of the blogs http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4649607.stm
April 28, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Maria,
Since you’re asking the really important questions, why not also ask which of our ELECTED officials is a practising Christian alcoholic?
April 30, 2007 at 10:26 pm
In 1997, the BLP Government introduced a number of relief measures.
One of the most notable is the provision of a $500 grant known as reverse tax credit for persons earning less than $13,000 per year.
The basic and marginal personal income tax rates have been reduced from 25% to 20% and from 40 % to 35% respectively. In addition, taxpayers have benefited from an increase in personal allowance from $15,000 in income year 2004 to the current level of $25,000 this income year.
This heroic far-reaching programme implemented by Owen Arthur, Minister of Finance has equated in over 26,000 Barbadians being taken off the tax roll.
(Source: Economic and Financial Policies of the Government of Barbados, Presented by the Rt. Hon Owen Arthur, March 14, 2007)
May 3, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Maria are you a brainless parrot programmed to recite BLP propaganda or are you here to debate and defend the positions you posit? Why keep parroting propaganda instead of answering questions related to your fulminations? You hop, skip and jump from one topic to another without debating a single issue you raise. Is this the strategy they have programmed you to execute? Just drop a few PR pieces and run? Well use a male pseudonym please. I am sure the women on this site would not welcome a brainless jackass to their fold.
Ms. Mottley is not Rastafari, but it would be good for you in your next conversation with one of your programmers to see if you can summon the presence of mind to ask her views on marijuana as well.
And could you ask those of us taken off the tax roll if we are any better off given the fact that we can save very little due to the astronomical price of food. Astronomical prices which your heroic leader says he can do nothing about. He cannot help us eat.
May 6, 2007 at 2:37 am
Has there ever been physical altercations between top officals of any of the political parties, in the presence of other members of said political parties? Inquiring minds want to know.
May 6, 2007 at 11:31 am
Recently I received a letter from a Bajan friend living in London. She and family, although doing well financially in London, are coming home. The reason? She is terrified that Britain (wasn’t it called GREAT Britain at one time? Huh!) is fast becoming an Islamic state. Many columnists in daily U.K. newspapers are openly writing this. Sharia law now exists in many towns and the Muslims are completely ignoring British law. We’ll never know how lucky we were to gain our independence when we did! The Labour Party in the U.K. has just received a sound thrashing in local elections, but what good will that do, when that jackass David Cameron and the Conservatives are no better than Blair and his wreckers. May the Lord have mercy on the U.K.
May 6, 2007 at 7:00 pm
All,
My name is Victor Ricardo Callender and I am a Barbadian expatriate living in Tacoma, Washington USA. I am deeply concerned relative to the recent spate of West Indies cricket losses. My concern stems from the fact that the powers who control West Indies Cricket still continue to act like colonials. Why is it necessary for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to send young West Indian cricketers to a cricket academy in Australia, when we have some of the greatest cricketing minds in the world in the West Indies?
Let me bring into focus the fact that Australian cricket was pedestrian in the late seventies. I can’t remember Australian cricketers ever attending a cricket academy in the West Indies. In Sun-Tzu’s “The Art of War,” Sun-Tzu suggest allowing your enemy to think you’re weak even though you’re strong. We of West Indian extraction must always remember that people of European extraction never concede power to anyone who does not look like them. West Indians and Barbadians in particular must remember that power is the only thing that satisfies man. Cricketing supremacy is coveted by all nations that play on the world stage, none more so than the European nations playing cricket. They believe that they taught us the game of cricket, and that they should always dominate us the “Colonials.”
West Indian cricket administrators must reach out to the likes of Seymour Nurse, who I believe to be one of the greatest talent agents in the spotting of cricketing talent in Barbados if not the West Indies. Cricket should be cherished as the national past time it is throughout our Island nations. If Barbados and other West Indian islands can build large edifices to showcase cricket games throughout the West Indies, why can’t monies be allocated to upgrading school facilities in our island nations? These islands produce countless cricket talent, however cricket gear is expensive and young men must be outfitted for success, in order to continually maintain their interest in the game of cricket.
Barbadians and West Indians cannot afford to view cricket with jaundiced eyes. The global cricketing Diaspora has moved the game of cricket unto a technological and scientific stage that if not soon embraced by West Indians, will be tantamount to cricketing obliteration. West Indian cricket cannot abide in the valley of cricketing dry bones, our Island nations depend on crickets resurgence as our national past time and as the resurrection of our national identity.
Victor R Callender
Bajan Expatriate
May 11, 2007 at 12:11 am
Copyright laws in Barbados
how is it that in one of today’s newspapers we could see a woman being charged for selling spiderman DVD’s, how come we only see small men in court and never any big video stores?
May 11, 2007 at 12:23 am
Drug Agencies a JOKE
Why is it that in 2007 we are sending young people to prison for drug use. when you have drug users they have a chemical problem and need medical help. but hey, we have nothing else to do with them so off to prison they go, where the prompty become hardened criminals, who will leave prisom will all the wrong skills and most likely aids as well.
Many years ago we were promised a drug court and drug treatment center. NONE YET.
How can we move heaven and earth and spend 100’s of millions for some tourist for 2 months, but cant do anything for our youth who are the ones most affected by drugs
May 11, 2007 at 7:53 am
Most drug users need medical help and should be helped where possible, however drug addiction is self inflicted often despite many warnings. There are some old people in our community in need of serious medical help and young mothers and their babies likewise, with the meagre resources we have who are more deserving? I have only posed the question, others might have a view.
May 11, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Hi BFP
It may be helpful if you would post a glossary of words and/or phrases that trigger moderation.
It can be galling when quite bland comments are lifted and a current debate is interrupted.
May 12, 2007 at 1:38 am
BFP
You regularly publish the source of comments, so is there any way to state the actual number of individual Bajan ISPs who access this blog.
Or are we just disaffected blowhards pi**ing in the wind.
***********************
Hi Straight Talk
Robert here. Yes, we could look at the stats and see how many readers are on the island and how many readers are from various regions. I know Cliverton is able to do this and other magic tricks with the stats so we will talk about it when he gets home. He has done some interesting things with the stats. For instance, when we publish articles on international financing or offshore investments we take a tremendous number of hits from Switzerland. Don’t know why but we do.
We will talk about it at the next meeting. What exactly did you want to know?
Bfp Robert
May 12, 2007 at 2:52 am
Hi Straight Talk
Robert here. Yes, we could look at the stats and see how many readers are on the island and how many readers are from various regions. I know Cliverton is able to do this and other magic tricks with the stats so we will talk about it when he gets home. He has done some interesting things with the stats. For instance, when we publish articles on international financing or offshore investments we take a tremendous number of hits from Switzerland. Don’t know why but we do.
We will talk about it at the next meeting. What exactly did you want to know?
Bfp Robert
**************************************************
BFP,
At the next meeting can you all also decide on a NEW date for the release of the longgggg promised Money Laundering story ?
And factor in the number of hits you would likely generate !
May 12, 2007 at 2:53 am
BFP,
At the next meeting can you all also decide on a NEW date for the release of the longgggg promised Money Laundering story ?
And factor in the number of hits you would likely generate !
May 12, 2007 at 7:51 am
Hope Cliverton can come up with the total of individual Bajan ISPs to give the blog some idea of percentage readership island wide.
May 13, 2007 at 7:05 am
I sympathize with you real Barbadons…..Like Bermuda, your Island has become a retirement
escape for corrupt and wealthy parasites such as
Tony Blair, who soon retires to his no doubt, luxury
estate there with hiss millions, while leaving Britain
in a big economic an military mess. He collaborated
with GWB the White House warmongering lunatic,
to send many brave people to fight and die in futile
adveturism based on hypethetical BS.! Let’s hope he
doesn’t receive a warm welcome there. His chesire-
cat phony grin hides a sinister, scheming inner
mind. Isn’t it time that you Barbadons took back
your Island and shaped it’s destiny, after all you
have the numbers to do so. Vote for a government
that forces radical change for the majority, not one
who carves up the limited land for the wealthy,
corrupt foreigners to escape from their own disasters. your childrens futures depends on what
you demand and determine today.
Paul Michael,
Welsh Writer,
Former top radio DJ USA.
May 18, 2007 at 6:25 pm
The Dangers of a 4th General Election Victory for the Barbados Labour Party…
Many in Barbados amongst the middleclass elite want a timetable for change within the political ruling class. The left-wing politics of this government has steered this country far away from its intended ideals of fairplay, free-market economics, liberalisation and free trade access.
The real politics of the last decade has been a gradual wane towards to a form of economic apartheid in this country, where a tiny minority of Caucasians either own or control 80% of our national wealth and Gross National Product.
The political class has been instrumental in this exercise because they have grown rich and increased in goods and think they have need of nothing. Greed, self-serving and economic empowerment by this ruling class serves only one purpose and that is the guaranteeing and perpetuating of its financial pedigree and pre-eminence for decades to come.
The real issues within this country are being obfuscated time and time again purposefully to camouflage the real sinister areas of concern like corruption, bribery and the unfair acquisitions of people’s land. All the while, the real issues hinge around corporate and political governance involving issue of probity, transparency and above all, accountability of those in leadership positions in our society.
Barbados is at the cross-roads. This country, as many feel deep down inside, is entering an era of unprecedented change coupled with the looming sense of impending crisis both geo-politically and fiscally. Many also feel that there are serious areas of wrongdoing in our society and believe change is necessary; notwithstanding the fact that the society suffers with inertia and moral insomnia, which could be as a result of something in the drinking water (that may not be as foolish as some think).
The issues facing us as a nation-state border less on our security but rather on our stability (economically, morally & spiritually); the future socio-political progress of our country which involves the respect for the values and principals of democracy as against an autocratic, dictatorial form of government whose only mantra is the holding on to power by any means necessary and for as long as possible.
Barbados is quickly becoming an “Oligarchy”! Some may ask, what does that mean? Let me briefly explain:-
When a country is ruled by the economic bourgeoisie to the extent that they are the ones who wield economic and political power, control of the direction of that country rest within the hands of that elite group. Equally, when the corporate multinationals have ease of access to undertake their Mergers & Acquisitions (as in the case of the Neal & Massey Group with one of our local corporate giants) without any established WATCHDOGS as in the UK’s case of a Competition Commission, we are in serious trouble. Out the window goes free and fair competition and entering once again is full blown “monopoly” as was the case with Cable & Wireless for the last 50 years.
If politics within a country is the barometric gauge to measure the climatology within the society, then the current temperature of this nation, especially for those in government are clearly contributing to the financial ozone-type credit bubble which now grows year on year resulting in over-heating of our economy by persistent borrowing and placing an undue burden of unjust balance of payments on future generations.
For example, a small country such as ours is carrying an unbelievably heavy credit burden, a bubble that is soon to burst. Look at the economic markers. Every quarter, the Bank of England is raising interest rates. We are losing valuable foreign exchange through money laundering and other divisive practices, some on the part of so-called respectable members of this society who are able to hide millions in offshore banks without any disclosures. The spiraling cost of goods and services continue to climb astronomically. This includes most importantly, the cost of food which is a serious barometric gauge as to who is in control in this country and who is able to turn up the heat, as and when.
If the only constant thing in life is change, then how can we not change things in Barbados politically? It would be dangerous to allow this present government another term of office given what has already transpired in the last 3 terms in power.
Westminster-Style Parliamentary democracy does not allow for strands of autocracy to exist neither does it condone the tenets of dictatorship. Sir Edmund Burke noted British social historian argues that “All it takes for evil to perpetuate is for good men to do nothing!” Yet we have allowed this current government to rule unhindered without any real watchdogs of accountability for almost 15 years and in the process have become apathetic, complacent and reticent about bringing about any necessary or meaningful change.
The great United States of America has enshrined within its Constitution a two-term presidency for its political leadership. Tony Blair has had to hit the road jack! Why are we handing out and allowing lifetime peerages and memberships for our elected political leaders and others who feel as if it is a “God-given entitlement” for them to wave a big stick of control over the popular masses? Maybe the masses need a wake up call!
Let us change things even if it is just for the sake of change. There’s magic in change! Change brings accountability and with that comes greater transparency and social justice. The responsibility rest upon us to make that change a permanent fixture of our politics and our democracy. Anything short of that will spell disaster for all of us.
May God help the people of Barbados to make the changes in this next general election.
May 18, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Terence M. Blackett
I fully endorse your comments.
It is not about BLP or DLP.
It is about ensuring that the ” checks & balances ” in our system are re – newed & re – invigorated .
You are correct when you surmise that this present BLP regime has shown all tendencies to descend into a…….” dictatorial form of government whose only mantra is the holding on to power by any means necessary and for as long as possible. ”
This explains why there is no governance & financial integrity on issues like :
** GEMS , GREENLAND , UDC , CBC , QEH , NHC , CWC 2007 & the like…!
The Barbadian electorate deserves BETTER !
A change of government is the FIRST step in that direction !
May 18, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Imported Sand Concern
Recently in the print media I read that Sir Charles Williams said: “. . . we are now satisfied that we can mine sand in St Lucia, ship it to Barbados and still be able to sell it at a price that is lower than sand mined in Barbados”
Although I believe this is great news and a good idea, I am however concerned about strange fauna being introduced into the Barbados ecosystem from St. Lucia.
The sand repotedly is mined on a 500 acre plot of land in the mountainous interior of St. Lucia.
I hope that Sir Charles’ company officials will take great care in making sure that any strange insects or snakes, snails or other vermin not native to Barbados don’t get a free trip to Barbados onboard the barge that will be bringing the first 3,000 tons of this material into Barbados come May 21.
May 18, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Stephen Richards,
An interesting point you have made .
The CSM (E) is about the free movement of people…..with COW new found ” gold ” Owen may be moved to recommend an amendment to Caricom’s legislation to include…..mountain chickens !
May 18, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Mountain chickens we could get by with, but the deadly Fer-de-lance snake? And its habitat is bang in the middle of St. Lucia. What next is going to happen to Barbados?
May 18, 2007 at 9:09 pm
What the government of Barbados could have spent $200 million on?
The quest of any government is the alleviation of poverty and the enhancement of the good of its people. This concept though buried in the attic of post-modern sociology, many would agree that the axis of contemporary politics continue to move more and more towards a socialist-type model. Latin American geopolitics is one such trend.
Caribbean governments are no longer immune from the waves of change that is sweeping our political landscape. Barbados is truly on the threshold of change. After (13) years of Barbados Labour Party rule, people are incensed at the corruption, greed and political machinations of a government who bears no responsibility for accountability, transparency or fairness.
On the heels of a Cricket World Cup flop, the embarrassment of the astronomical cost to the taxpayer has not yet become evident. This government has borrowed up to the hilt without due care or discretion to the long term ramifications to the general public of Barbados.
What could have the multi-millions spent on a colossal cricket flop be funnelled towards? Let us examine the options:-
• Firstly, the improvement in public service for our sanitation workers, teachers, nurses, firemen, doctors and others who make our lives manageable and cater to our social needs, would have benefited from an infusion of that multi-million dollar capital expenditure spent on a needless enterprise which will take another decade or more to repay.
• Secondly, the roadwork network infrastructure would have been greatly improved by an infusion of necessary capital creating better roads for the travelling motorists. Roads that haven’t been touched for decades could have been resurfaced while newer infrastructural road projects could have been undertaken, negating the responsibility for companies like C.O. Williams Ltd to have to borrow monies to facilitate the widening of the existing Highway development along the East-West corridor. Monies which the taxpayer will be paying back for another (20) years given the APR on those loans.
• Thirdly, with all the chaos at the present Queen Elizabeth Hospital, some of those millions could have gone into the building of a new hospital with ultra-modern technological specs. Creating a more user friendly environment for hospital staff and patients while at the same time encouraging diagnostic innovations through teaching and research and the facilitation of medical tourism as in the case of India where American and Brits now travel for cutting edge operations at a fraction of the cost of doing it in their own countries.
• Fourthly, no government can continue to ignore the damning plight of its young people who are perpetually being marginalised due to a lack of educational opportunity, drug use and spiralling crime dependence. Monies must be spent to curtail this ominous trend. Some of those million could have been earmarked for a pilot program to get our “boys” off the block by the implementation of a structural program in “National Service”(Social Engineering Policy which I have devised) which would mandate and stimulate our young men and women into training programs of entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, civil and military service. Instead of incarceration for our young men who are guilty of petty misdemeanours, our focus should be on remedial programs which teach rehab and social development including life and social skills. These areas are cash starved. Government lends lip-service with fanciful platitudes and high sounding words while doing precious little to alleviate the sufferings of the disadvantaged in our society. To many it is easier to spend millions building prisons instead of spending the same millions to create a more just and equitable society where those less fortunate have a fighting chance at true survival.
• Lastly, there are no real custodians and guardians of what is sacred in Barbadian society. Monies are borrowed from everywhere. Kickbacks, siphoning, bribes, embezzlement and trickery are the hallmarks of a society on the brink of annihilation. Government ministers, civic and institutional leaders can no longer think it is an acceptable social norm to behave as if corruption, greed and avarice are behaviours which can be condoned. There must be accountability on the part of those who lead. The thief on the street is as bad as the crook in the hallowed halls of government. Men must be held to account.
In conclusion, the millions spent on hosting the World Cup in Barbados was a dismal failure of epic proportions. The electorate, the people are the ones left holding the bag which is clearly full of holes. We the people must now decide whether we want another (5) years of corruption, mismanagement and the marginalisation of the majority at the behest of the “minority” who rule with a rod of iron. The choice is a simple one… exercise your right for change!!!
May 18, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Barbados has very little biodiversity. A snake or two from St. Lucia might improve things. On second thought, maybe the snakes are already here.
May 19, 2007 at 10:45 am
Deputy P.M., John Prescott of the U.K. is due to visit Barbados on a “farewell” visit, to mark the 200th anniversary of the end of the slave trade. He will meet with P.M. Owen Arthur. With any luck, it may well turn out to be a double farewell.
May 19, 2007 at 11:00 am
Why didn’t he say his goodbyes when the PM made his speech in Hull, which is Prescott’s constituency?
Sounds like another jolly at the taxpayer’s expense.
There can be no benefit to Barbados from entertaining this discredited buffoon.
May 19, 2007 at 11:03 am
You’re dead right, and it will cost the British taxpayers something in the vicinity of fifteen thousand quid.
May 19, 2007 at 11:40 am
You’re dead right. And the British taxpayers will have to fork out something in the vicinity of fifteen thousand pounds to pay for this little jaunt.
May 19, 2007 at 11:41 am
Why is my comment awaiting moderation (twice)?
May 19, 2007 at 4:13 pm
BFP
Would you kindly check your e-mail, if you haven’t already done so, and reply to my e-mail to you, which I sent yesterday. Thank you.
May 19, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Hello Margaret
George forwarded the email to us and we will be discussing it tonight. You are new here and don’t realize that we do not reply directly to emails for security purposes.
Please be assured that we will be discussing the issue and will have something to say about it.
Clive
May 19, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Okay, thank you, Clive.
May 19, 2007 at 11:13 pm
BFP,
We, your loyal bloggers, understand Marcus and Shona’s personal difficulties which have delayed the much previewed “money laundering” post.
I believe that you may be the recipients of much sensitive info that we mere taxpayers are not privy to.
If you are not , state so.
If I had firm evidence of any malfeasance, I would email it to you to do what in your consideration is the correct disclosure.
We understand from your previous posts that you have a scoop.
Are you saving posts for the election bell to ring?
Or are you tittilating your blog to increase readership?
I can safely advise that there are many on this blog with snippets of info, which when collated would complete any picture, and your reticence in posting the canvas for all your visitors to “paint by numbers” is very frustrating, and hands ammunition to the status quo mouthpieces.
Have a very enjoyable editorial meeting tonight, and welcome home with congratulations to Cliverton.
May 20, 2007 at 9:36 am
If you think it’s only happening here, think again. Headlines in U.K. Daily Mail, “One wife, two mistresses … and a quad bike on Commons expenses”.
It continues: “The campaign by MPs to exclude themselves from freedom of information laws is headed by a Tory parliamentarian who bought a L3,300 quad bike on parliamentary expenses.”
And that is good old England! Wuhloss!
May 20, 2007 at 8:54 pm
I nearly shed tears when I read the story about the fate of Sam Lord’s Castle, entitled “Castle Crumbling” by Carol Matindale in the Sunday Sun today. I don’t understand the legal battle between CLICO and – is it Marriotts? or whoever. Are they just going to allow that grand building to become a ruin, like what happened to Farley Hill so many years ago? Does anyone know the true story on the present situation? Is it another case of wiping out our Colonial past?
May 21, 2007 at 4:34 am
1. Great posts from Terence Blackett: cogent, lucid, well-informed. If only you could be writing in The Nation, skipper…
2. I’m with Straight Talk: will BFP still addressing the money-laundering issue any time soon, or are you just going to let it drop? Your silence about it now after all the build-up a few weeks back is weird. You should at least keep us updated.
3. Lastly, Paul Richards’s obvious loathing of Tony Blair leads him to post bare foolishness. To my knowledge (any “Barbadons” know different?), Blair owns no land or property here; when he visits he stays at Cliff Richards’s house at Royal Westmoreland. Secondly, it’s wholly inaccurate to say that the UK is in an economic mess. By all the usual criteria, it’s currently either the third or fourth strongest global economy. Of all the things that are mash up in the UK, the economy is one thing that’s strong and growing stronger.
*************************
Comment by BFP Marcus
Hello Samizdat
I am often late for dinner, but even if I have to work late my woman knows that I sleep nowhere else. She trusts that I will always come home and I do so every night – even if I’m late.
You’re not my woman, but I’ll ask you to trust me a little longer.
Yes, we had some family problems for a few weeks – and then someone did forward some other information to us that caused a delay. Our friends have been patient and we appreciate it. We will not let you down.
Marcus
May 21, 2007 at 5:31 am
Thanks, Marcus. That’s good to hear.
These days BFP is a light in a darkening place. You provide a beacon of truth in a fog of lies. So yeah: I’ll be patient…
Incidentally: I don’t know you, but all the best to you and yours. I really admire and respect what you’re doing on this site.
May 25, 2007 at 10:38 am
EVERYBODY: PLEASE, read The Lowdown in today’s Nation about the Trini takeover. I am sick and fed up with the aggressive attitude of these Trinidadians. Went to a Chinese restaurant (long before the expose on the slavery issue) run by a Chinese-Trini. Was just about to order when a gang of young Trini’s crashed through the door, rushed up to the bar, hailed the owner in typical brash, uncouth Trini manner, ordered their six take-aways and got served before me.
I am also sick and fed up with the brazen, rude way Guyanese workers, on their way to work – many of them in the country illegally – (you can always identify them with their rubber boots, huge straw hats and riding bicycles) stare at us Bajans, as much as to ask what right we have driving along OUR roads.
PLEASE, DLP, if you win the elections, STOP THESE FOREIGNERS FROM TAKING OVER BARBADOS.
May 25, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Thought you might like to see this. It gets both Carciom and Islam.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1840776.ece
May 26, 2007 at 4:24 pm
BFP did you get a copy of Rawle Eastmond’s book
“Yardfowls”
I think this will become a hot topic soon.
Todays Nation online.
Yardfowls and hounds in Eastmond’s pen
Published on: 5/26/07.
May 27, 2007 at 7:12 am
So yuh is bajan fuh true, thistle?
Well yuh does sound tummuch like yuh from foreign yuhself. Yuh is a Englishman, I pretty sure.
But in any case, your small-islander xenophobic stereotyping foolishness (”typical brash uncouth Trini manner”) is kind of lame.
May 27, 2007 at 10:44 am
Samizdat-Trini.
I don’t know bout Thistle but it look like he or she is a thorn in you side. It is a well known fact that Trinidadians loud brash uncouth and arrogant. The thistle ain’t the onliest one that know that. If you think that coming here to buy up all we businesses and plantations make you own we Bajans you better think again. Looka, haul a….s do.
May 27, 2007 at 11:13 am
Vivian-Anne Gittens, CEO and Publisher of the Nation Publishing Company, says that action taken against a Nation reporter/photographer who was carrying out duties after an accident involving two buses in St. John, “could possibly be seen as a threat to Press freedom”.
Conversely, the bigshot Guyanese woman, Roxanne Gibbs, when being interviewed on the 12.30 p.m. VOB news yesterday said it was not a threat to press freedom. Stupid woman.
May 27, 2007 at 10:08 pm
CRIME IN BARBADOS
I recently visited the island and was robbed at gun-point……….”TWICE.” While on the island I was approached by alot of “dishonest people.” From what I have heard in the past; “Barbados is a relatively safe destination, on the contrary, my visit paints a much different picture. I have tried several different searches to try and contact the police to follow up on the report with no success. Any suggestions?
Tourism is an important part of the economy on the island. Something needs to change.
May 28, 2007 at 6:29 pm
hi
to the family of Karen Allambly. I did not know her personally, i vaguely remember a VERY BEARUTIFUL girl a long time ago but my younger sister went to school with her and we felt extremely sad that she was taken from this world this way. However, we believe that she is at peace. my sister had a dream about her 2 week ago. she dreamed that she saw her smiling and looking so beautiful. that’s all she remembers and i believe that is all she needs to remember from her dream. i prayer often that somehow her murder/s will be bought to extreme justice. i offer my condolences to her family.
May 28, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Hey lollipop,
I’m neither trini nor guyanese (try another island), but your comment tells me clearly what YOU are:
like all xenophobes, you’re a weak, scared, sad, incompetent loser.
Luckily, most of the Bajans I know aren’t like you.
Have a nice day…
May 29, 2007 at 12:51 am
Why somebody dont tell that infantile potbelly little fool to go and play wid his toys and know that is big grownup people talking about real issues on this blog.
May 29, 2007 at 10:35 am
Check out the front page of The Nation today, everybody. See how the piggies (Owen, Mia and Barney) feed at the trough! When I logged on and the picture came up I thought for one moment I had logged into BFP by mistake.
June 3, 2007 at 1:20 pm
BFP:
What’s the reason for closing down the “International Lawsuit” thread ?
June 4, 2007 at 11:37 am
The big cheque that Owen banked like it paid off.
http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=31290
June 6, 2007 at 12:23 am
BFP:
Did you miss, or ignore, my question?
What’s the reason for closing down the “International Lawsuit” thread ?
June 6, 2007 at 1:07 am
Straight talk the International lawsuit thread is not closed down. There are several threads about the lawsuit only one did not allow comments for the reasons stated.
June 6, 2007 at 2:17 am
Thank you, more.
My mistake.
June 6, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Did anyone see Barney Lynch on TV tonight? I zapped the sound because I couldn’t bear to listen to any more of his lies, but his body language alone told me that the man has absolutely no shame whatsoever. He has no conscience, and is completely insensitive. He is thumbing his nose at us, is saying to all of us, “Sod all of you. Tek dah” and intends to enjoy the rest of his life, thank you very much.
June 7, 2007 at 2:00 am
May God bless us all tonight and keep us safe.
June 7, 2007 at 3:34 am
He looked like a stuffed Barney !
A pathological liar he is !
June 7, 2007 at 4:28 am
No Name- You say “In the end market forces will take care of these ridiculously high fares.”
I wish this were true. But you are apparently unaware of the difficulties, political and bureacratic, that are put in the way of any new business entity trying to provide competitive service, particularly when you are competing with a Government owned/sponsored cripple, like LIAT.
Just ask Leslie Lucky Samaroo of the interference and red-tape difficulties he suffered from Govt of T&T with his airline to Tobago on TWO separate occasions. (Arawak and Air Caribbean)
Are you naive enough to think a millionaire can just set up shop here with a new airline like was done in Antigua? Get real. Government has been putting legal blocks in the way for years of those trying to operate an economical ferry between our islands. You remember MV Windward? Airlines require ten times more permissions to get started- permissions you won’t get.
The reality is that we are stuck with Government monopoly for transport, and they don’t give two damns about letting Caribbean nationals travel at a reasonable price. They like it so!
June 7, 2007 at 5:30 am
I am very sick and tired of the Barbados Free Press.
This website continues to promote gossip and defame the reputations of many outstanding Barbadians.
To the administrators of BFP,
Don’t u think that as citizens of Barbados you should seek to bring balance to your website?
*********************
BFP Robert comments:
Hi Maria
From the start we have offered this website to government politicians and initially they came and interacted with Bajan citizens and the website writers. They don’t come anymore because Bajans continue to ask straight forward questions about proven unethical conduct. When we drop a clanger, we are accountable in public – but when say, Government Minister Gline Clarke is caught building a home on land that his government expropriated, we hear only silence. When we ask how it is that the Prime Minister deposits “campaign donations” to his personal bank account, we hear only silence.
And on and on and on.
Any of those folks could write an article today to provide the “balance” you are looking for… but they don’t.
VECO provided a check and balance and took care of our mistake in about five minutes.
Gline Clarke has had over a year to explain himself. The Prime Minister has had almost 18 months to deny that he has a secret offshore bank account and other assets that have never seen the soil of Barbados. Income and assets earned and accumulated outside of the country.
Maria… you are more than welcome to provide “balance” by explaining these things or writing an article about anything.
Where shall we start? How about Gline Clarke…?
June 7, 2007 at 11:23 am
BFP Robert comments:
Hi Maria
From the start we have offered this website to government politicians and initially they came and interacted with Bajan citizens and the website writers. They don’t come anymore because Bajans continue to ask straight forward questions about proven unethical conduct. When we drop a clanger, we are accountable in public – but when say, Government Minister Gline Clarke is caught building a home on land that his government expropriated, we hear only silence. When we ask how it is that the Prime Minister deposits “campaign donations” to his personal bank account, we hear only silence.
And on and on and on.
Any of those folks could write an article today to provide the “balance” you are looking for… but they don’t.
VECO provided a check and balance and took care of our mistake in about five minutes.
Gline Clarke has had over a year to explain himself. The Prime Minister has had almost 18 months to deny that he has a secret offshore bank account and other assets that have never seen the soil of Barbados. Income and assets earned and accumulated outside of the country.
Maria… you are more than welcome to provide “balance” by explaining these things or writing an article about anything.
Where shall we start? How about Gline Clarke…?
June 7, 2007 at 4:34 pm
BFP,
I cannot even believe that you are saying that I can bring balance to this website.
Do you remember or do you need me to remind you that the last time I tried doing such, I was banned from your website, referred to as a spin doctor, etc ?
June 9, 2007 at 11:23 am
Maria
just leave out the spin and write.
June 9, 2007 at 9:04 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJchnQHuOSQ
This is a link of a news story about what the american embassy in barbados is doing.
June 9, 2007 at 9:06 pm
soaabe.org
This is a great web site about the amerifcan embassy in barbados. I’d love to protest what they are doing. it is no secret for the last year they have been awful to every barbadian who goes th ere treating like th ey are criminals.
June 9, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Willis:
Tell us please, why would want to leave this island paradise for the sinkhole that is the USA, where you are obviously unwanted?
June 10, 2007 at 3:43 am
Maria,
Get a life!
We know you are not capable of contributing to any balance on this blog. Why do you keep reading all the gossip? Perhaps because you know it is the truth!
June 13, 2007 at 7:41 pm
i have seen bmw,prados,honda crv’s,&other top of the line SUV’s,nobody ever complained…why the fuss about a few low-priced vehicles for mtw?
************************
BFP responds…
Ah… so nice to hear the voice of government. “You never complained about our excesses before. Why start now?”
Why now, Mr. government?
Because we have to start somewhere, and the Public Works using a vehicle that is double the cost of what is needed for its function would seem to be a valid complaint.
The weather has changed, my friend. Better get used to it.
June 14, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Whats going on with the water in St Joseph? the water stink of chlorine, I can’t drink this or bathe in this, its so strong, I know for a fact people complain to BWA about this before, my family all got itchy skin and I got dry itchy places on my face. When you phone to complain nothing happens, any ideas?
June 18, 2007 at 12:00 am
After running in three consecutive, unsuccessful elections in the same constituencies, why is it that the DLP would need to introduce Randall Rouse and now tonight John Boyce to the people of those constituencies?
After being defeated three consecutive times, Randall Rouse and John Boyce are now “…ready to offer quality representation”.
Barbadians are not stupid and should not be insulted. After being defeated three consecutive times, now to be introduced to some of the same people, what is your definition of “quality representation”?
What about the “shelf life” of Rouse and Boyce?
June 18, 2007 at 8:16 pm
BFS is NO Free Press
This website page would not let me put features on its site about the good the BLP is doing for Barbados this site is for THE DLP ——NO FREE PRESS
June 18, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Are the editors of BFP Mr Adrian Loveridge David Thomspon, Cranston Browne or Chris Sinckler if so where is the FREE PRESS
June 18, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Democracy does not exist within the DLP, so don’t expect anything different on Free Press. I was banned before for trying to bring balance to this site.
If freedom of speech is not allowed on this site, can you image what would happen under a DLP government lead by David Thompson?
This is why we have to make sure that we return the BLP to office and get ride of Thompson, because there is no way people like Richard Sealy, Ronald Jones, Denis Kellman, David Estwick, etc are going to allow him to return to the electorate in 2012 asking to be Prime Minister…let them destroy each other not this country…the number 1 developing country in the world.
June 18, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Ronald Jones is the administrator of Barbados Free Press.
June 18, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Arthur best choice
AS A JOURNALIST of so many years’ standing, it is not what Dr Harold Hoyte writes. Rather, what he does not write. Still, one cannot blame an artist, especially when he is asked to produce but does not have good material to work with.
Yes, leadership is an important component, but what Barbados, the Caribbean and the international community need at this time, and will need into the foreseeable future, is the type of fiscal and economic leadership that David Thompson and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) are incapable of providing, but which Arthur has been providing with tremendous benefits to the ordinary people of Barbados and the Caribbean, for some time now.
Dr Hoyte’s column of Friday, January 5, reads: “While I, like everyone else in Barbados, accept that leadership will be an important issue in the next general election, it is my view that having the capacity to speak on fiscal and economic issues with competency and authority but moreso, having the capacity to formulate a credible model for economic development, especially given the Barbadian reality – is far more important.”
Arthur is therefore not only the right man, he is the best man for the job.
While Thompson may be leader of the Opposition DLP, which does not have a credible alternative economic or social plan, Arthur is already the most respected and trusted Prime Minister in this hemisphere, who has been authorised by the people of this region to speak for the entire Caribbean on fiscal and economic matters.
A choice of who should become Barbados’ next Prime Minister would not be at all difficult for a knowledgeable and alert electorate.
Hoyte, the third point is, Thompson may be running, but Arthur has been chosen; has received an anointing; and is best suited to provide progressive political, spiritual, economic and social leadership for this hemisphere.
No one who would have heard Arthur’s presentation to the 30th Annual Miami Conference of the Caribbean, held in December, 2006, would have any doubts. In fact, when Mr Arthur speaks, the entire world listens. Ask the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Perhaps it may help if Hoyte is reminded and invited to note that Arthur is re-energised, and is now more caring, still down-to-earth and easily approachable, more experienced and is now – better than ever. At least, such would be extremely good news for all patriotic Barbadians and Caribbean people.
June 18, 2007 at 8:40 pm
If Ronald Jones is the administrator of Barbados Free Press how can they by FREE PRESS it would be DLP PRESS not BFP
June 18, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Mr Anonymous
freedom of speech is not allowed on this site, you can image what would happen under a DLP government lead by David Thompson?
June 18, 2007 at 8:48 pm
IT IS A BIT UNFAIR for persons to accuse David Thompson of not having a vision for Barbados. After all, he once announced a “bus fare and lunch money” employment creation strategy, and in recent times, in addition to a self-preservation “me first” philosophy, he has unveiled a selfish “fatted calf” economic distribution theory model, which has caused all right-thinking Barbadians to hang their heads in disapproval.
Therefore, one cannot fault those who are now convinced that three things best describe the opposition Democratic Labour Party. It is power hungry, has an unquenchable political thirst for State power, and is a party in a disorderly state of desperation.
Little wonder that it has therefore not escaped an alert electorate that power is not a toy you put in the hands of a child, especially since power is an extremely lethal weapon in the wrong hands.
June 18, 2007 at 8:51 pm
DLP seems to have died with Barrow
WHEN ERROL WALTON BARROW died in 1987, his Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which had so touched the lives of thousands of Barbadians in positive ways, appeared to have died with him.
What today masquerades as the DLP is merely a political chameleon which, since 1987, inflicted severe economic pain and hardship on the people of Barbados, implemented a savage eight per cent cut on public servants and placed thousands on the bread-line.
In the national interest, and as a mark of respect for Barrow, Denis Kellman must be given the rightful opportunity to rescue Barrow’s party from the people who now hold it captive, and allowed to start the process of renovation.
June 18, 2007 at 8:54 pm
By Going for David
BLP ready to serve
READY to serve what, and to whom?
While the Democratic Labour Party – which has lost touch with the people of Barbados for sometime now – talks about, “campaign lift-off”, Prime Minister Owen Arthur advises his ministers and members of the Barbados Labour Party family – “not to be arrogant”, to “stay connected to the people”, and “to get on with the people’s business of implementing the party’s manifesto pledges”.
There is, therefore, a fundamental difference between, “being ready to serve”, and “being power-hungry”
June 18, 2007 at 9:37 pm
The BLP have served but the menu has been the same BS for over ten years. It is now time for them to “serve” time.
June 18, 2007 at 9:53 pm
The only people who take anything Harold Hoyte says seriously are deslusional Bajans who are still living in the past.
Hoyte changes his mind and opinion about Arthur as often as he changes his under wear.
But it is interesting to read the propaganda about the BLP and DLP economic philosophies from who writes like an expert but only practices the BLP philosophy that “BS baffles brains”.
Only a few days ago in the Nation News the prestigious Wall Street was reported as saying there were little if any difference between the Economic philosophies of David Thompson and Owen Arthur and that no matter who was elected the Economy of Barbados would change little.
I find it hard to believe that DOCTOR Hoyte if being quoted correctly did not see this artcle.
June 19, 2007 at 1:06 am
This one is directed to the BLP operative Maria all you need to do is await the counting of the votes and see the result.
Have you bunch not learnt yet that you have done a tremendous job of raping the treasury and your corruption is at an all time high and you wonder why people are sick of you and your party??
Come on get a life you bunch of crooks!!!
June 19, 2007 at 2:39 am
The Erskine Sandiford government, with Chris Sinkler as his Personal Ass (istant) and David Thompson as Minister of Finance, were the biggest crooks to every rob the treasury of Barbados.
They took the 8% from the humble civil servants,while increasing Mininsters’ salaries. Took the Government of Barbados’ money and paid IMP people.
St. Joseph Hospital that was “built,” so that DLP ministers and lackeys could get hefty bank accounts and Warwick Franklyn got the BIDC to pay his daughter’s tuition.
You keep Wishing in Vain for David Thompson to become Prime Minister of Barbados so that you can get an air-conditioned house for your dogs.
**************************
BFP Comments…
Maria’s argument seems to be that in the past and in the future, a DLP government is as corrupt as the current BLP government.
We agree.
It is not about which party is more or less corrupt at heart because there is a tendency to become corrupt when power is achieved. That’s only human nature, not BLP or DLP nature.
Once again children… Without conflict of interest rules and integrity legislation one group of Bajans will be as tempted by power as the next. Only by implementing integrity legislation prior to the next election is there any hope of stopping this feeding frenzy.
Robert BFP
June 19, 2007 at 2:46 am
BFP Comments…
Maria’s argument seems to be that in the past and in the future, a DLP government is as corrupt as the current BLP government.
We agree.
It is not about which party is more or less corrupt at heart because there is a tendency to become corrupt when power is achieved. That’s only human nature, not BLP or DLP nature.
Once again children… Without conflict of interest rules and integrity legislation one group of Bajans will be as tempted by power as the next. Only by implementing integrity legislation prior to the next election is there any hope of stopping this feeding frenzy.
Robert BFP
June 19, 2007 at 3:08 am
Is that “Robert”, Robert “Bobby” Morris, have they recycled you as well?
The DLP should have some of their younger members responding, not abusing someone your age.
*****************************
BFP’s Robert replies…
Ho hum. No, I’m not any Robert you know.
And neither did I expect a substantive answer from you regarding my position about the absurdity of saying that one group of Bajans is more honest at heart than another group of Bajans. There are good and bad people in both parties, but none can withstand the temptation of having full power with no accountability or legal standards for the handling of millions of dollars to spend as they see fit.
June 19, 2007 at 3:16 am
You know I really love Barbados Free Press, every time I post a comment, I see “Your comment is awaiting moderation”, that’s ok, I will keep blogging.
BFP never cease to amuse me, “You are posting comments too quickly. Slow down.”
That’s ok, DLP aka Barbados Free Press, coming out of the blocks too early is often a false start, which will be evident whenever elections are called.
The people want you to deal with the issues of the day and stop the politics of personal attacking. Is it that you are unable to deal with the New Politics; issues such as Globalisation (based on Kellman’s theory, that means having an airport in St. Lucy), and Trade Liberalisation, Taan Abed, this does not mean that your “herbal supplies” can be shipped via Kelly’s airport legally, Barbados is still a predominately christian society what are you muslim or hindu..which puts you in the minority). Michael Lashley and David Thompson are not aware of such morals either, because both of them are seen weekly at drug (sorry dub) fetes.
June 19, 2007 at 3:23 am
What is your problem you thing ?
Is this going to your style until you are escorted out for the house of assembly??
Is this your style because people have now unfolded you bunch for what you all really are a sick corrupt gang of crooks that continues to steal from the god loving taxpayers of this island or still making deals with Hallam Nicholls et al for his long term wealth program, remember that cheque for the $ 750,000.00 that Owing deposited to his account or the plantation home MM Lynch now owns on a ministers salary???
Pack your bags your free for all is winding down, actually you may not need to pack too much if you bunch move into the new jail with cost overruns to the tune of inexcess of $ 200 million, they should be sent up until they turn old and grey and cannot rob anyone else again.
June 19, 2007 at 3:38 am
It is interesting that the DLP supporters are allowed to respond so promptly but my comments are ALWAYS moderated.
It is only a matter of time before you ban me from your site (again). You ask me questions yet you don’t like my answers, what do you want?
I can tell you what Barbadians DO NOT want, David Thompson as Prime Minister.
On last note before I go to bed, you should go to bed soon as well, so that you can make a substantial contribution in Parliament tomorrow.
Please provide me with a personal invitation when your party is introducing Mr. Kenneth Best to the people, so that I can have the police on hand to arrest him.
June 19, 2007 at 3:55 am
Maria I would refrain from going down or attempting to go down the moral line here as we all know your party is very weak in that department of moral issues, from what we all know we have a PM that is a drunk a DPM ********
*** Section edited out by bfp’s Auntie Moses *****
***** WIV… you KNOW the standards of this blog. Please don’t push them even if you are showing us support. ********
Sadly if you are so disgusted with BFP why not blog on your site but then again your site is more critical of your party than even BFP is and from what I have seen they are backward and slow as for blogs they are not happening there, so you must feel obliged to stick with BFP.
More power to BFP they are doing a great job at exposing you and your party for what you really are a bunch of dishonest bastards that are all corrupt as ever.
With regard to your call about personal attacks they are deserving and much needed when you have ones like these in power there is only one way to handle them get as nasty as they are, what do expect for the DLP to stand aside and take the crap that Owing wants to dish out and we cower with our tail between our legs because a drunkard has spoken, not he and each one of you that is corrupt will face the same level of wrath.
June 19, 2007 at 4:05 am
It will be in the press idiot, and you are invited, one thing I know and I can tell you what Barbadians DO NOT want, Mr ESAF White rum Owing as Prime Minister or Mia coke Mottley as Prime Minister.
Oh dumb one my comments go to moderation from time to time as well, guess with the level of stupidity you show yours must go more often.
June 19, 2007 at 4:07 am
you are not only sick but you are really a sad example of what your party is about you are vile in the worst way.
June 19, 2007 at 1:01 pm
**********
Second chance, WIV
You will conform to the standards of this blog or you will have to start your own.
Auntie Moses bfp
June 19, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Tell me what is upsetting to you as I really would like to understand, surely it cannot be the entire piece because it is factual.
Just for clarity thanks not being difficult here but not sure what part is at issue.
June 19, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Barbadians DO NOT want, David Thompson as Prime Minister.
June 19, 2007 at 3:45 pm
What standards? The DLP has no standards so do u expect this blog to have any?
Maria, don’t mind Wishing in Vain clearly (the blogger is a man) who seems to have a problem with females, just like David Thompson.
June 19, 2007 at 3:49 pm
This blog is mainly meant to accomodate people who when they say something give reasons and logic for what they say. BLP YES DLP NO is a Campaign sign that were I the BFP I would not print on those grounds. Plus when the message that was conveyed is printed with nothing to support it the only cause it supports is that the Author is much like the Party they are supporting. Full of BS and nothing else.
People like this usually take around a piece of toilet paper to wipe their mouth after speaking
June 19, 2007 at 10:23 pm
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761595967/Juneteenth.html?GT1=10056
Didn’t know if you have ever heard about this in Barbados!! Just passing along this to you FYI – it is inspiring!
Keep up the great work – you guys are the best!!
June 20, 2007 at 3:38 pm
To Plover
That’s all the DLP is about alot of “talk” “talk” “talk”.
When the BLP win’s in 2008 it’s the end for David that y he is so Power Hungry now, David will go down 1 2 yes 3 times ot Owen and the BLP
this isfor “Wishing in Vain”
June 20, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Going for David
I hardly consider him to be power hungry as you blpites would want to suggest let us put it in perspective he is on mercy mission to recover our island from levels of corruption never seen in this island before, I must admit I do not envy him one bit because the extent of the stealing is serious when the gov’t can steal in excess of $ 200 million in one project as the prison is, that cheque that Owing deposited to his account to the tune of $ 750,000.00, or the gov’t buying lands from friends and paying in excess of the value to get part of the difference in their personal bank accounts.
Lord help us if we were ever to get laboured with another 5 years of dishonesty and corruption they have done a great job of raping our country in the last 15 years and we cannot afford them for another 5 years.
June 20, 2007 at 5:57 pm
To Wishing in Vain
Talk talk talk that’s all u have “Wishing in Vain”
The Sun on Saturday Pub. Date: 8/26/06
From The EDITORIAL :
However, the new prison at Dodds, St Philip, scheduled to be opened early next year, offers the opportunity to implement such a plan. The US$140 million prison built on 25-plus acres with single cells to house 1 250 inmates, will emphasise high-tech supervision of the prisoners.
The Fact’s
“estimated it would cost around $100 million”
“Mottley said Government would have to await the completion of the designs to quantify the finance of the prison,”
US firm to build new jail at Dodds
Publication: Daily Nation
6/29/05
Written By: Bradshaw Maria
Headline:US firm to build new jail at Dodds
Story Body :
A UNITED STATES COMPANY has won the bid to finance and construct the new prison facility at Dodds, St Philip.
Attorney-General Mia Mottley announced yesterday in Parliament that Veco Inc was the company chosen out of two proposals which were submitted.
She said the proposals was evaluated by a technical committee chaired by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance which unanimously recommended Veco for the job.
“I accepted the recommendation and last Friday the memorandum of understanding was signed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the representatives of Veco. It is anticipated that within 21 months we will have a new prison at Dodds,” she told the House of Assembly.
$100 million bill
Mottley said Government would have to await the completion of the designs to quantify the finance of the prison, but she estimated it would cost around $100 million.
She added that in August a town hall meeting would be held with residents living in Dodds, Padmore Village, Church Village and surrounding areas to update them about construction of the prison.
“The site is almost 200 acres. We will only be utilising 50 acres for the prison so there will be no circumstance where the prison will be up underneath any community. It will be a good distance with significant buffers from any existing community,” she said.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that the second bid was submitted by a consortium made up of Jada Builders, Rotherley Construction, Rayside Construction, C.O. Williams Construction, Williams Industries, FirstCaribbean Internatonal Bank, Barbados National Bank and mega-billion dollar British construction firm Carrilian, which builds and operate prisons in the United Kingdom.
That proposal carried a price tag of approximately $120 million in a 25-year BOLT – build, operate, lease and transfer – arrangement.
Going for David
You tell me how much $$$$ David his in the Bank
GET THE FACT”S “Wishing in Vain”
Going for David
June 20, 2007 at 7:07 pm
SIMPLY THE BEST!
Lynch, Mascoll CWC was country’s finest honour
That essentially was the message from Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch as he reviewed the country’s performance during Cricket World Cup 2007, at the monthly meeting of the St Michael North East branch of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) yesterday.
Stating repeatedly he would not back down from his assessment that CWC represented “Barbados finest hour”, Lynch noted that 63 480 long-stay visitors were on the island in April, the highest number ever since the country started recording tourist arrivals.
This figure, he added, represented a 19.6 per cent increase over the previous April, which had itself seen a 13 per cent jump from the year before.
Of even greater significance, said Lynch, was that the island earned an additional US$16.75 million. Anyone who visited St Lawrence Gap or Bridgetown during the matches would have seen that the place was “overrun with visitors”, he added.
And the benefits continued, Lynch told an audience that included parliamentary representative for the area, Deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley, since one Indian tour operator was already booked to bring 1 000 Indians to the island next year.
“There is a legacy component that will manifest itself over time,” Lynch said, while revealing that also during the month of April, cruise passenger arrivals grew by 17 per cent.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Clyde Mascoll, also said Barbados performed admirably before and during CWC, pointing out that money invested in construction and other preparatory activity helped to stimulate the economy and provide benefits for hundreds of small entrepreneurs.
Responding to critics of the spending, Mascoll said: “No Australian who left here took back a road with him. No Australian carried back a piece of the ABC Highway. It is Barbadians who benefit from the spending.”
In fact, said Mascoll, before a ball was bowled more than 200 companies had reaped benefits.
Meanwhile, both Mascoll and Lynch attacked the Opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) for failing to engage in serious debate about World Cup or the economy, while trying to sell the country a false picture.
Mascoll said the Dems had failed to offer any serious analysis of the country’s economic performance reports from the Central Bank, while Lynch accused the Opposition of introducing a level of “political nastiness” to discussions in Barbados, led by Member of Parliament David Estwick.
Additionally, he accused “certain people in the media” of involvement in the exercise, referring repeatedly to “a set of people in Fontabelle” who wanted to lead the country from behind their desks.
June 20, 2007 at 7:26 pm
The Fact’s on the Prison
For u Mr “Wishing in Vain” from Going for David
NOTE: The official signing of the agreement between Government and Veco USA Inc for the US$140 million prison facility was on 06/20/06
Date: 6/21/06 Page: 5 A
Daily Nation
Headline:Jail ‘by January’
BY THE END OF NEXT JANUARY, Barbados’ new state-of-the art prison at Dodds, St Philip should be operational.
Attorney-General Dale Marshall made the announcement yesterday following the official signing of the agreement between Government and Veco USA Inc., the company contracted to construct the US$140 million prison facility.
Speaking to the media at Parliament Buildings, Marshall said while the current prison population was over 980 inmates, the facility at Dodds would accommodate 1 250.
While acknowledging that a December hand-over had to be changed because of certain challenges arising from the unavailability of building material, the Attorney-General disclosed that over 90 per cent of the foundation work of all of the buildings had been completed.
In addition, Marshall said a significant milestone would be reached on July 10 with the installation of the first cell in the female housing and support building.
He anticipated that on the current work schedule, all of the cells would be erected by the end of August.
He said there would be a significant emphasis on high-tech supervision of the prisoners.
The facility would also have an extensive prison farm, study facilities and improved conditions for prison staff.
He commended Veco USA Inc. for showing good faith in Government by proceeding with construction without a legal contract.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Lands, acting minister Reverend Joseph Atherley said there would be a 25-year term lease of the 57.2 acres of land at Dodds to Barbados Corrections Corporation on behalf of Veco.
——————————
NOTE: She “MIA” estimated it would cost around $100 million.
“Mottley said Government would have to await the completion of the designs to quantify the finance of the prison”
Daily Nation 6/29/05 pg 4A
Headline:US firm to build new jail at Dodds
A UNITED STATES COMPANY has won the bid to finance and construct the new prison facility at Dodds, St Philip.
Attorney-General Mia Mottley announced yesterday in Parliament that Veco Inc was the company chosen out of two proposals which were submitted.
She said the proposals was evaluated by a technical committee chaired by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance which unanimously recommended Veco for the job.
“I accepted the recommendation and last Friday the memorandum of understanding was signed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the representatives of Veco. It is anticipated that within 21 months we will have a new prison at Dodds,” she told the House of Assembly.
$100 million bill
Mottley said Government would have to await the completion of the designs to quantify the finance of the prison, but she estimated it would cost around $100 million.
She added that in August a town hall meeting would be held with residents living in Dodds, Padmore Village, Church Village and surrounding areas to update them about construction of the prison.
“The site is almost 200 acres. We will only be utilising 50 acres for the prison so there will be no circumstance where the prison will be up underneath any community. It will be a good distance with significant buffers from any existing community,” she said.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that the second bid was submitted by a consortium made up of Jada Builders, Rotherley Construction, Rayside Construction, C.O. Williams Construction, Williams Industries, FirstCaribbean Internatonal Bank, Barbados National Bank and mega-billion dollar British construction firm Carrilian, which builds and operate prisons in the United Kingdom.
That proposal carried a price tag of approximately $120 million in a 25-year BOLT – build, operate, lease and transfer – arrangement.
June 20, 2007 at 7:28 pm
GET THE FACT”S MR “Wishing in Vain”
June 20, 2007 at 7:45 pm
So here we have the lies the local construction company fails to get awarded the contract because their quote was $ 25 million to high when their quote was submitted at $ 120 million but these crooks are getting it at $ 280 million these figures were quoted in Bds $ as this is the currency of the country.
What a load of bull no wonder Lynch is saying it is Barbados’s finest hour of theft and corruption
June 21, 2007 at 1:15 pm
u see what I’m said all u all have is talk talk where are your fact?????
For u Mr “Wishing in Vain” from Going for David
u have all of my fact’s where are your’s
June 21, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Many of them are listed above the facts are as follows -:
So here we have the lies the local construction company fails to get awarded the contract because their quote was $ 25 million to high when their quote was submitted at $ 120 million but these crooks are getting it at $ 280 million these figures were quoted in Bds $ as this is the currency of the country.
What a load of bull no wonder Lynch is saying it is Barbados’s finest hour of theft and corruption.
The figures are as above they show the real level of corruption that exist, explain to me the difference between the two quotes and how the cheaper one could end up costing about double of the original more expensive quote.
June 22, 2007 at 3:21 am
Hello,
We would like to do an interview with you about your blog for
http://www.BlogInterviewer.com . We’d like to give you the opportunity to
give us some insight on the “person behind the blog.”
It would just take a few minutes of your time. The interview form can
be submitted online at http://bloginterviewer.com/submit-an-interview
Best regards,
Mike Thomas
BlogInterviewer.com
*********************************
BFP reply:
I have not bounced this off the rest. Will talk to everyone and let you know.
george
June 22, 2007 at 3:50 am
mikejmu
June 22nd, 2007 at 3:21 am
Hello,
We would like to do an interview with you about your blog for
http://www.BlogInterviewer.com . We’d like to give you the opportunity to
give us some insight on the “person behind the blog.”
It would just take a few minutes of your time. The interview form can
be submitted online at http://bloginterviewer.com/submit-an-interview
Best regards,
Mike Thomas
BlogInterviewer.com
**********************************************
BFP,
Be careful with this invitation !
That rascal Owen Arthur……would stop at nothing to find out who you guys are !
Just remember….Cuba , Venezuela & Zimbabwe !
June 23, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Yes better be alert to dangers here
June 23, 2007 at 3:21 pm
What dangers? please be more specific, WIV.
June 25, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I am writing as I m calling for witnesses who have been aware of the hideout(s) of male assailant calling himself Wendel (black male) and white male assailant calling himself Jerry Emtage and other staffing at the queen elizabth hospital, bridgetown who have conspired in the commitance of genocide (extermination) which has been declared to barbados police. I have been repetitively hunted for the murder attempts and depravation of family honor and looting by these and some other moslems in this.
This is serious if you would forward all details to the police .
June 27, 2007 at 2:54 am
If you would like to keep up with the political scene in Jamaica, please feel free to visit my blog at: http://jamaicangirl2007.wordpress.com/
June 27, 2007 at 11:31 am
Hi Jamaica Girl
We are dropping by to wish you good luck.
Here is a story idea for you…
Compare the differences in law (if any) between Jamaica and Barbados as far as politicians having to declare campaign donations and how they are to be handled. Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur was caught putting a $750,000 “campaign donation” cheque into his personal bank account “for later transfer to the party” (ha ha!)
Guess what? It is not illegal in Barbados.
How about in Jamaica?
Write an article comparing the two and we’ll be happy to feature it and connect to your blog in a major story.
cheers!
Cliverton, Marcus, Shona, George, Robert & Auntie Moses
Barbados Free Press
Somewhere near Grape Hall, Barbados
June 27, 2007 at 12:05 pm
When I read s—–te like this I say “Only in Barbados—-PITY”.
How wunna is run this blog wid out not havin to be sent down to Jenkins the mad house wait bo lemme be politically correct THE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL only God in heaven knows. I culdn’t do it becuz I wud cuss so bad Aunty Moses wud lik off muh head wid eh slap.
When I read some of the revelations and nonsense that the Government and Politicians can get away with in Barbados I wonder how it can be lauded as a “Democracy”.
You know it is sad to see my island reduced politically to where it is and which IN MY OPINION we have mainly one element to blame for it “THE FOREIGNER”. They have taken over, raped every natural resource we have and are still doing it and the tragedy of it is that their despicable conduct does not end there. The millions generated from this unscrupolous business behaviour is sent out of Barbados with few in Bim getting any benefit from it. And they say slavery is over but from my perspective a new form of 21st Century slavery has replaced the one Bussa reminds us of.
June 29, 2007 at 1:02 am
BFP:
Hi guys ( and gals ).
What was once a polite sensible Bajan talking shop, seems to be fast deteriorating into a sexist, racist insult ridden conduit for every axe grinder to chop at your still tender roots.
This may be an organised plot to discredit your “child” prior to the bell ringing, but hey I’m just a conspiracy nut, the fact is the blog’s tone is changing, and for the worse.
At first, every day was exciting to log on and catch up on the day’s revelations, now I find myself skipping corrupted threads in the hope of finding something of interest.
I hope it is not true that I detect a waning of editorial interest in what has been a fantastic groundbreaking success for Barbados ( maybe even its finest hour )
but if it is so your legacy in the spawning of so many Bajan clones will always be remembered.
If I have misinterpreted please take back control and re-establish BFP as the standard bearer of investigative reportage,
proponents of integrity and upholders of good taste.
June 29, 2007 at 1:11 am
I tend to agree with you Straight talk.
I think BFP may have hit a nerve somewhere.
Under the circumstances it may be time for BFP to break some new ground.
Look forward to this.
June 29, 2007 at 1:26 am
Hi Folks
Yup… we’ve been working all day and come back to find that the tone of some of the comments has turned really nasty.
Yes, it has changed the tone of the blog and we don’t like it.
Yes… we think it is a “spoiling” move.
Yes… we are going to purge such nasty stuff. It is a tough call because we believe in freedom of speech…. but we also believe in our right to have our community.
Those who want to take the conversation lower are welcome to their own community.
So here we go…
Where be ma “delete” button? Oh yes’m… here we go…
June 29, 2007 at 3:20 am
I’m with Straight talk and looking forward on this.
I’m sorry to say BFP seems to have lost its way of late and (it has to has to be said) some of its credibilty.
For example, why did we hear nothing more about the Adrian Loveridge burglary/fire story?
And above all else, whatever happened to the much-hyped expose of a money laundering scandal that we were promised months ago?
Don’t let this site become a second-rate gossip blog, BFP.
I used to come here every day. Not anymore…
June 29, 2007 at 6:34 am
The pressures on BFP administrators must be tremendous, I can only imagine what they are, success – and BFP is a success – can be a heavy load, as it often brings new pressures and responsibilities.
For those of us who have the interest of BFP at heart, perhaps it is best not to allow ourselves to be sucked into debates or discussions whose sole purpose seems, not to gain enlightenment or a different perspective on issues, but to focus on lewd language and offensive material.
Perhaps at times it is best to ignore certain commentators, that some adults can express themselves in such a way on a public forum, is beyond me.
************************
BFP replies…
Thanks for your kind words, Yardbroom. “Success” (ie: consistently in the Top 100 WordPress blogs in the world) has brought a price alright… several thousand “spam” comments per day. Each one must be looked at by a real person, lest we accidentally delete some of the very worthwhile contributions from our readers.
Here I am far from home in a hotel in the wee hours of the morning sorting through spam. Over 1500 so far in the last two hours. I see Clive just posted something and it is a good thing because now I can get some shuteye.
Goodnight All!
Robert somewhere in the US South.
June 29, 2007 at 10:29 am
BFP is the biggest threat to the present incumbent government.
Attempts to minimise it will not always be overt and obvious.
June 29, 2007 at 11:17 am
BFP can expect to be under attack as elections draw near.
Keep up the great work BFP. We will do our best to help however we can.
July 2, 2007 at 10:38 pm
why is it so hard for police who want to leave for another force getting licks like peas from the commisssioner dottin. Why he want them to suffer and hwt he threatening the other persons who want these people to work cause he is the president od the overall commisioners board. is this fair shed some light. i think he should wake up and smell the coffee. he at the top of the food chain let other get some too. be a resonable man or is this beneath u. Mr. Commissioner
July 4, 2007 at 11:21 am
BFP
Help me to understand the guidelines for postings articles.
Is this something you want?
Is there a size limit?
Are there any taboo topics?
Do you respond to submissions that are not acceptable? (indicating why they are not)
etc
*****************
BFP Replies…
Hello Bush Tea,
We, and probably our readers, wish that we were better organised around here but the simple truth is that this part-time blog has grown beyond any expectation and we are having a difficult time handling the moderation of comments to everyone’s satisfaction.
Firstly, you must understand that EVERY comment that is sent to the blog has to be looked at by a real person.
Yesterday we received almost TWO THOUSAND comments of which the vast majority were commercially sent “spam” comments advertising everything from viagra to Nigerian “I need help to move 14 million dollars” frauds.
We have moderation software that “automatically” sorts the comments into three categories… 1/ post immediately 2/ moderated 3/ spam.
The software is imperfect and allows us only limited control. It sometimes allows commercial spam to be posted, or dumps a valid comment in with 500 pieces of spam. (Sometimes readers think that we have deliberately deleted a comment when in fact it was sent to the “spam” pile unnoticed and we failed to see it in the batch of 500.)
If the software can’t decide about a comment, it throws it in the “moderated” pile.
Things that trigger your comment to go into the “moderated” pile are foul words, too many links in the comment (over 2) or trigger words or IP numbers that we have programmed in as a result of problem children either changing the mood and tone of the blog or straying off topic.
For instance, we had a certain person post links to “I hate the Jews” websites, so we banned his name and IP. He’s probably still here, but he will never again post under his real name. We also had certain persons launch upon an agenda to say that the United States government actually planned and executed 9/11 and that hundreds of Americans conspired to murder thousands of their fellow Americans and that Bush knew and sanctioned the murders. Please!
Such topics are banned, and if others come up that change the mood or the focus of the blog we’ll ban those too.
We cannot predict everything, but we know that we can’t just turn off the moderation. We have done that a few times and within 30 minutes the readers are screaming for us to go back to the way it was.
We are imperfect. The moderation software is imperfect and each of us has a different idea of where the limits should be.
That’s just reality.
July 4, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for the feedback, BFP. Don’t get me wrong -we all respect and admire you for the work that you have been doing. I also know that you have explained this before and ALL reasonable persons understand the situation.
I genuinely wanted to know if you welcome (clean, thoughtful, and provocative) posts from readers.
I noticed that you ignored a few attempts from me and really wanted guidance.
As far as moderation, delays and the general work that you are doing – Barbados can never repay its debt to your group…. believe me.
July 4, 2007 at 6:36 pm
BFP not sure that I am taken with the images besides the recently posted comments as they take away a lot of the subject area of the comment and it becomes that much more difficult at a glance to see who has posted on what subject.
Just my opinion for what it is worth.
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Hi WIV
Us too! They magically appeared and seem to be an “update” to the WordPress system. We’re trying to dump them.
Cliverton???? You there? We could use some help.
July 4, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Done!
Bad things be gone!
July 5, 2007 at 8:05 pm
LIAT FARE ‘TO FALL’
Good news for Travellers
Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch
Publication: Daily Nation 6/4/07
THERE’S good news for travellers who have been groaning about the high cost of airline tickets in the Caribbean.
At last, airfares should be coming down.
However, they will have to wait until the merger of LIAT (1974) Limited and Caribbean Star is finalised.
The prediction of lower fares was made by Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch yesterday during the Sunday Brasstacks radio call-in programme on Starcom Network.
Lynch said the two airlines were moving to rationalise “all services” under the much-talked-about merger plan and one result was that “you should see a reduction in airfares”. He gave no clear timeframe but spoke of fares falling “eventually”.
Barbados has a major stake in LIAT, which for years has struggled with debt, and Lynch is seen as the Government’s chief spokesman on the airline.
St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said during the programme that his government was worried about the high cost of travel between Barbados and his country.
He disclosed that “representation” had been made to Barbados “and they’re looking at the issue”.
He indicated that taxes and “add-ons” had helped to push ticket prices high across the Caribbean, accounting for over 20 per cent of the cost of travel between Barbados and St Vincent.”I understand the problem because they (Barbados) have to pay for the airport,” he added.
LIAT chairman Jean Holder acknowledged that airfares were higher than he would have liked, but pointed out: “We are able to cover our costs and to stop from going back to the public treasury at these fares.
“If these fares are higher than the public wants them to be or that some governments want them to be, then we need to have a meaningful discussion and serious plans about how we are going to deal with this.”
He stressed that LIAT could not operate with “mixed mandates and mixed agendas”, being asked to operate as a commercial business on the one hand and on the other told to do “social work” for 22 regional countries.
If that is to be the case, then the government shareholders would have to introduce the notion of “some form of subsidy for a public service”, he said.
July 5, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Successes of the BLP
THE DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY (DLP) has been boasting about the crowds attending their public meetings and has publicly stated that the support is an indication of the likely results of the upcoming election. By this logic, the poor attendance at their meeting at Oistins last Sunday night, is also an indication of the election results.
The party that will lead this country following the next election is the party that best articulates and can maintain our social, economic and political stability and can provide imaginative development proposals for this country’s advancement. The DLP lacks that level of maturity and intellectual grasp of the issues. When the current platform of personality attacks and the old talk about who is expired and tired are over, Thompson and the DLP would still have to tell Barbadians how they intend to maintain and surpass their current standard of living – a task which they have so far failed miserably to do.
The DLP’s strategy for the coming election will be to attack the success achieved in the economy and attempt to convince Barbadians that nothing was achieved under this Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration. However, Barbadians know that much has been accomplished and even more is expected for Barbados from a continuing expanding economy.
Since the BLP assumed office in 1994, the level of unemployment for the fourth quarter of 2006 has fallen to 7.6% as compared to 26.2% for the first quarter of 1993 under the DLP. The exceedingly high level of unemployment under Thompson and the Dems was a result of their disastrous economic policies that left thousands of Barbadians without jobs, homes and any hope for a real future.
Under this BLP administration, the tourism sector, in spite of the 9/11 disaster, has expanded to provide the necessary foreign exchange that has been instrumental in Barbadians being able to afford to import the large number of motor vehicles and consumer durables to make lives meaningful. The increase in the imports of construction materials and capital goods has resulted in the expansion of the construction sector and greater industrial plant capacity hence creating substantial job opportunities.
A major point of significance of the success of the tourism sector is the fact that at no point in the life of this BLP administration have our largest hotels – Sandy Lane, Hilton, Paradise Beach and Sam Lord’s – been all functioning at the same time. With no more than two of these hotels operating at the same time, the sector expanded. The projected loss of income to the tourism sector through the closure of any of these hotels could be of the order of $120 million and this would seriously impact on the employment opportunities of many Barbadians.
Considerable expansion in the housing stock has been achieved as Barbadians continue to purchase homes and the commercial banks continue to show mortgage lending at an all time high. Higher incomes and improved employment opportunities have worked to produce the strong demand for goods and services.
The manufacturing sector has rebounded as seen by the high level of exports of locally produced goods due mainly to the many incentives extended to the industry. Domestic exports (other than sugar and molasses) have expanded from $208 million in 1994 to over $480 million in 2006 – an increase of $272 million. In comparison, between 1986 and 1994 under the DLP, the domestic exports (other than sugar and molasses) fell from $364 million to $207 million – a fall of $157 million.
These are some of the successes of this BLP administration.
July 5, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Cave’s CWC take more than 1/4m
HARRISON’S CAVE earned more than a quarter-million dollars in the month that it opened for the Cricket World Cup tournament.
The cave, now being substantially redeveloped by Government, attracted 10 759 visitors to its St Thomas location and earned $353 950.80 in gross sales while opened between April 1 and May 5.
This was revealed in Parliament yesterday by Minister of Energy and the Environment Liz Thompson who, during debate on a resolution to approve the guarantee by the Minister of Finance of some US$16.8 million (BDS$33.6 million) to be borrowed from the Caribbean Development Bank to redevelop Harrison’s Cave, was called on by Opposition MP Ronald Jones to give these revenue figures.
“We would like to know how much money was made during that preliminary re-opening (Cricket World Cup). This kind of information is important to the society,” Jones said while contributing to the debate.
The minister said that part of the cave’s redevelopment, representing an overall Government investment of $51 million, would be to create linkages between it and other surrounding heritage tourism sites such as Welchman Hall Gully, the Flower Forest and Jack-In-The-Box Gully.
She said discussion was ongoing to institute a single ticket admission fee for all of these sites – both for locals and visitors.
She said it would be a joint collaboration between the public and private sectors, and was expected to be a success.
“A person who has an interest in a nature-based package can get a single ticket which will allow them to visit all of these facilities . . . and that will save them money, but also by selling the tickets as a package guarantees income and throughput for the various facilities,” she explained.
A shop offering souvenirs and other gift items is also being planned as an addition to Harrison Cave’s revenue stream, Thompson added.
She also noted that several land acquisitions had to be undertaken to facilitate the cave’s redevelopment; and there were therefore a number of people due for compensation.
She added that all of the residents whose properties would be used either partially or in full had been contacted by the National Heritage Department, Ministry of Housing and Lands, and the Land Surveyors Department, and had retained attorneys to handle the negotiations.
July 5, 2007 at 8:20 pm
“DLP confusing voters”
GOVERNMENT has accused the Opposition of attempting to create “mass confusion” among voters ahead of the upcoming General Election constitutionally due in mid-2008.
Minister of Commerce Senator Lynette Eastmond told the Senate yesterday she was concerned that some individuals, in order to win a seat, were prepared to destroy institutions built up over time, including the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
Eastmond, who was acting as Leader of Public Business, was piloting an amendment to the Representation of the People Act to increase the number of voters in a polling district from 1 000 to 1 500, following a recommendation by the EBC.
She stressed that contrary to the impression being created, the change had nothing to do with constituency boundaries but only polling districts, and while people would remain within their constituencies, they might vote in another “box” or polling district.
“I cannot go along with destroying our institutions and creating mass confusion in the minds of Barbadians by suggesting to them that boundaries have been changed when they have not been changed.”
Eastmond also introduced an amendment to the act removing an anomaly which prevented members of the EBC from entering polling stations and counting centres
July 5, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Can we take David’s word?
IF EVER THE ELECTORATE of Barbados needed clarification of the new political philosophy that now informs the politics of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) it was given at their political meeting at Brittons Hill, St Michael, on Sunday, May 20.
Speaker after speaker served up what is now the adopted political philosophy of this intellectually weak team of Thompsonites. The entire meeting was shrouded in the language of their philosophy of “tit for tat, butter for fat” – an expression that reflects the intellectual depth of the man who now leads the fragment of an institution that once bore the flagship of our political development. The new DLP has become the shelter for notorious personalities and the home of political vagrants.
It is therefore of no surprise to hear of comments attributed to the speakers at the meeting. What else can one expect from a meeting of such personalities? The “tit for tat, butter for fat” approach by the DLP is one that has determined that to attack is the best line of defence. It is a principle the Dems have adopted as a result of their inability to deal with the socio-economic realities in Barbados. And what are those realities?
The challenge to the DLP in this election is not how to reduce the level of unemployment from 24 per cent as it was in 1993, but how to maintain the current employment level of about 9.2 per cent.
It would not be about rebuilding our foreign reserves from two weeks’ supply of import cover but about maintaining the current internationally accepted level of 12 months’ supply. It would certainly not be about looking for tax relief for private and corporate citizens but about retaining the current relief on property taxes for small property owners and small businesses.
The DLP would not be asked to develop a physical and technological infrastructure that would position the country to take full advantage of the benefits to be derived from the highly competitive global market. Instead it would be asked how it will maintain the current infrastructure.
Indeed, all across this country whether it be in health, housing, education or the environment, this country Barbados has advanced by leaps and bounds from where we were in the early 1990s when Thompson was Minister of Finance. It was a period that no Barbadian shall ever forget.
Today, this same Thompson criticises everything this Government does and professes that he can do better. Can we take his word? The answer to this question can be found in the manner in which he led the DLP. He has presided over the largest ever exodus of that party’s membership, due largely to his lack of conviction and trust in black working-class Barbadians.
It can be found in the manner in which he manages the affairs of the Public Accounts Committee. There must be a fundamental flaw in the management style and personality of someone who sees everything and everyone around him as corrupt but when given the powers to correct the corruption does absolutely nothing.
Of what single political act can we attribute to Thompson that best demonstrates his conviction and love for politics and his interest in people? For other than his self-serving interest we have found none. From Sir Grantley to the Right Honorable Owen Arthur the distinction to serve people and country, long before becoming prime ministers, was established. Where is Thompson’s badge of honour?
Ladies and gentlemen, let us look before we leap remembering always that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
July 5, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Yuh finish now, Blabbermouth fool?
July 5, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Re Harrisons Cave:
There is a very down-market looking signed diagonally nailed onto the Harrisons Cave entrance sign at the main road that says “CLOSED”.
It doesn’t say, “Upgrading to serve you better in 2007″. It doesn’t say, “Bear with us while we try to improve and we’ll soon serve you better.”
Nope, it says “CLOSED”.
Every time I drive by I think, this is stupid. How many people read this sign and wonder what is going on in Bim?
Barbados deserves better. I would appeal to the BTA to rectify this immediately.
July 5, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Come royal idiot give it a rest with these extracts from the blp website a sad excuse of a site I may add!!
July 5, 2007 at 8:48 pm
this maybe anoher example of being our finest hour ask lynch about this.
July 7, 2007 at 11:43 pm
I wish that you would write an article on Bajan men coming to Cayman and running a scam on local women. Look at the latest one: http://www.dwainbrathwaite.com
July 11, 2007 at 3:36 am
Look what I find
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JjaDkPD2XWM
July 11, 2007 at 10:23 am
Above ‘Going for David’ says :Indeed, all across this country whether it be in health, housing, education or the environment, this country Barbados has advanced by leaps and bounds from where we were in the early 1990s when Thompson was Minister of Finance. It was a period that no Barbadian shall ever forget.
Health – QEH is a mess
Housing – the average bajan now cannot afford a peice of land let alone a house for it
Education – I have heard too many reports of the schools being rife with teacher absenteeism, bad behaved students, poor control and last but not least the availability of drugs in the schools to think this education is in an acceptable shape. The we have those schools that are falling apart and in addition to those that have already been adandoned.
The Government have had twelve years to fix these problems, so cannot blame on cumulative effect prior to that twelve years.
Environment – against reputable experts, local knowledge AND commonsense Government has refused to change their action on Greenland. But, guess what? After many years the site is still inoperative, which indicates that it has already failed as an alternate site and any attempt to use it will ultimately end in disaster.
Then we have the Graeme Hall area and the national controversy that Government has refused to address publicly, to give an answer to the future use of this area. Such lack of explanation indicates at least one of two things or both. Either that Government does not think it needs to advise the public on National events, in any case this is seen as downright arrogance and Government may or may not have an intention to develop or have developed green area, into concrete. But, we will not know the second matter, when the first is evident, will we?
So, ‘Going for David’ either has rose-tinted glasses or is merely spouting the ‘party-line’.
July 11, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Sounds like a story is brewing on the Hilton Hotel dispute settlement but of course the final contract is confidential.
July 13, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Emirates of Dudai is part of UAE with OLI OIL u can’t put Dudai next to Barbados that’s what the DLP would do DUDAI IS CALL THE DESERT’S MOST EXCITING CITY.
There are person’s is Dudai how’s bank accounts this in more money than the Central Bank and RBTT so how can u BFS put Dudai next to Barbados
Dudai Location:
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia
Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately worked jewellery at bargain prices. The street-front stores hide alleys of smaller shops with glittering show windows.
On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates after former protector Britain left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency: the UAE dirham.
Population
The population of the UAE as of 2001 was estimated to be 3,290,000. The population of Dubai was estimated to be 971,000. The UAE is a highly cosmopolitan environment and a large part of the population are non-UAE nationals, primarily a mix of other Arab nationals, Asians and Europeans. 80% of Dubai’s population is comprised of expatriates with Europeans and Asians accounting for approximately 70% of households. Approximately 71% of the population is male and 29% is female. The UAE population is expected to grow by 3.3% per annum to reach 4.15 million by 2010. Dubai is expected to have a population of 1.4 million by 2010.
July 14, 2007 at 3:41 pm
To Rumplestilskin from Going for David –talk talk talk that’s all the DLP is a lot of talk on action.
U have to get out more i hope when u have to go the the QEH do not go, go to hospitals like St. Vincent, Guyana or T &T i have seen all of them so the next time u have a health affairs go to The QEH OK;;;;; Barbados his one of the best hospitals in the Caribbean.
Housing – “get out more” all the house’s that are going up in Barbados are 90% Bajan House’s
Environment – Ha Ha call Liz oh? “u need to get out more” Rumplestilskin take a look at Barbados whow?? Barbados is touch by Beauty, look at the Best Of Barbados all over Barbados – the SSA good job.
“u need to get out more” go to a tent Cave Shepherd Allstars, Bacchanal time or De Big Show the songs are not going for Owen, take a note Mr Rumplestilskin if Barbados is all that bad y are the song’s from the Tent not “going” for the Government
July 14, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Going for David you are living in a fools paradise, if you are not able to see the ills of this country you are either a pathic sick liar or Noless Lynch.
Tell me about your reaction to Owing depositing that cheque, tell me about the scam that has stolen from us the taxpayers over $ 200 million and counting in the prison project, tell us about Nicholls and Owing’s partnership in the deal to import 2,500 slot machines into this island, tell me about the wild over costing on the bath that Liz Thompson’s husband built, tell us about Edutech and who collected was it friends of Mottley’S, tell us about the scam at the board of Tourism in London, tell us about the scam with the flyovers Bannister and Nicholls and Clarke once again in the mix.
Could you really want more evidence of corruption and stealing?
Look around every where there is plenty to see and learn that there is a new level and breed of corruption taking place in this land of ours.
July 15, 2007 at 5:11 am
Dear BFP It appears that after a day of trying to get comments posted it still is not happening.
Have I been banned or what really is the matter it is very fustrating.
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BFP Replies…
Hello WIV
I believe that Auntie Moses sent you to your room for the weekend after you AGAIN posted sexual innuendo in a comment. (And yes, it was you at your IP)
So you were dropped to “moderate all the time” and told so in a response to your comment.
I’ll take you off moderate now, but try not to incur the wrath of Auntie Moses as she is in a foul mood this weekend after catching Cliverton doing something that he promised he wouldn’t do anymore.
Robert
July 15, 2007 at 12:30 pm
BFP Replies…
Hello WIV
I believe that Auntie Moses sent you to your room for the weekend after you AGAIN posted sexual innuendo in a comment. (And yes, it was you at your IP)
So you were dropped to “moderate all the time” and told so in a response to your comment.
I’ll take you off moderate now, but try not to incur the wrath of Auntie Moses as she is in a foul mood this weekend after catching Cliverton doing something that he promised he wouldn’t do anymore.
Robert
July 16, 2007 at 9:04 pm
To Curious and Wishing in Vain
WHERE ARE YOUR FACTS ALL YOU HAVE IS “TALK TALK TALK ”
To All Bajan’s that will vote how read BFS, this page/”BFS” is all about “A lot of talk” NO FACTS at all This page/”BFS” is for the shareholders of the DLP not for the people of Barbados.
You call this Free Press if you had the Government Lord help us.
Curious and Wishing in Vain — you are the one’s that’s living in a fools paradise ” DAVID PARADISE” the people of Barbados with give it to you in 2008
July 16, 2007 at 9:16 pm
When i put the FACT on the page/BFP i call it Barbados free SH—– BFS
The person’s that run this page from George St. do not make the right move to Debate my facts y BFS have to Fact’s all they have is “a lot of long Talk”
That’s ” DAVID PARADISE”
July 18, 2007 at 8:09 pm
When i put the FACT on the page/BFP i call it Barbados free SH—– BFS
The person’s that run this page from George St. do not make the right move to Debate my facts y BFS have no Fact’s all they have is “a lot of long Talk”
That’s ” DAVID PARADISE”
July 18, 2007 at 9:36 pm
FACT: 12 years on and a pot of money and Greenland is still not functional
FACT: The public still does not have financial reporting on GEMS
FACT: The prison burnt despite serious warnings from Rev Gordon Matthews of the impending disaster, which were ignored. Now we have a severely overbudget prison
FACT: The QEH, by EVERYONE’S admission, is in a mess
FACT: The Government has borrowed hand over fist to support capital projects which have not improved the social or economic life here.
You want more?
July 18, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Rump, I’m surprised you were able to decipher that mumbo-jumbo that you replied to – especially the bit about BFP being run from George Street. I’m also surprised BFP haven’t queried that.
July 18, 2007 at 10:11 pm
God Bless him David’s post may be hard to decipher, but he does have a point.
Nearly two years on, with rumour, inuendo and blatant fait accompli, BFP and all we, the concerned Bajans, who post incessantly have not come up with one shred of concrete evidence.
Circumstantial won’t do, for the rape of Barbados.
We need a high quality whistleblower ( or BFP’s now phantom money laundering proof ) to nail this percieved corruption.
In the absence of such we are whistling in the dark.
July 18, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Yes, Rumple,
At the risk of appearing to defend the B’s, I do want more. There has been a lot of vitriol and innuendo spewed about corruption of government members, but it has been short on facts and evidence. If you and Curious were to go into court with the “evidence” you have presented here, you would be laughed all the way down to the mental. At the very most you have evidence of incompetence. This is an open anonymous forum. Present some real and verifiable evidence. Innuendo will not do. But if you can’t pee, for God’s sake, get off the po, you are only impressing the gullible
The only “evidence” that has been presented here so far is the $750,000 cheque. Do you think Owen would still be leader of the party if his explanation was not acceptable to the other party members? You acknowledge that it has not come from the public purse, but still you say that it is corrupt. Who is the donor? What does the donor stand to gain from the supposed bribe. This is information that is required in my court of law for a corruption charge in this matter to stick.
Pee or get off the po.
July 18, 2007 at 11:41 pm
”At the very most you have evidence of incompetence”
Check my posts. When I have I ever alleged corruption. I have indeed referred to incompetence.
And if you do not think that a designated garbage disposal site being not implemented after a vast sum of money, after 12 years is in of itself hard and blatant evidence of incompetence; if you do not think that after 12 years and a couple of hundred million dollars the lack of presentation of financial reporting to the stakeholders i.e. taxpayers of GEMS is not of itself hard evidence of incompetence or negligence; if you do not think that the Hospital remaining in a mess and getting worse every day (not by innuendo but admission by all and sundry including doctors) is in of itself not hard evidence of incompetence or negligence, then I take your offer in your first sentence and accept that you are indeed merely defending the current administration, for th