Submitted by a frequent BU family member and published unedited.
“….Hardwood Housing Factory Inc. is A GOVERNMENT-OWNED company with EGFL holding more than 90% of the shares.” Minister of State, Clyde Mascoll, in a letter dated October 10, 2007 to Opposition Leader, David Thompson, on Prime Minister Owen Arthur’s instructions.
Hardwood Housing Factory Inc. is an example of the BLP’s arrogance and contempt for YOU. It’s a serious matter. You ought to be concerned. Millions of your tax dollars are being spent willy-nilly without accountability. It’s only when the BLP is put under pressure, that you get disclosure.
If David Thompson hadn’t raised the flag by calling for an independent forensic audit at Hardwood Housing Factory, you would’ve never known it’s a GOVERNMENT-OWNED company. All along, citizens were led to believe by Clyde Mascoll that the owner is a “poor little black boy” whom Government was facilitating.
In just one year of operation, Hardwood Housing Factory has gobbled up almost US$2 million of public financing through the Enterprise Growth Fund Ltd (EGFL) – the basis of Government’s ownership. The so-called “owner’s” investment was $100,000 representing “the value of the equipment contributed and his sweat equity”. Source: Indicative Term Sheet dated Nov 9, 2006.
Clyde Mascoll has more explaining to do. He needs to give FULLER CLARIFICATION of the nature of his association with the company. Saying “I hold no office or shareholding in the Hardwood Housing Factory Inc.” doesn’t satisfy legitimate questions which remain unanswered. He needs to explain, for example, why an employee would have reason to tell the CEO “nothing will make me compromise the trust that God, MR. MASCOLL and the Board has placed in me”.
When Mascoll announced the establishment of the low income housing project on September 5, 2006, it is also interesting he chose to use “WE” in talking about the factory instead of “THEY”. There are four instances where this was observed in the Nation story of September 6, 2006. Here are three: “WE are going to meet within the next two months or so with the carpenters and masons, and this is a project for small people…. ” “WE are now in the process of developing, along with the BIDC, a formal arrangement where the necessary financing would be accessed.” “The masons will put down the foundations and WE will then install on the predetermined foundation….” Don’t you find this baffling?
In the Sunday Sun of January 21, 2007, Albert Brandford, who comes across in his writings as a loyal Mascoll lieutenant, wrote the following about Mascoll’s role in Hardwood Housing Factory. “…. HE has been able to CONCEPTUALISE AND EXECUTE a vote-catching Hardwood Housing project, in three months, and which, according to media reports, is on course to deliver houses – acknowledged as one of the island’s most pressing social needs – to many Barbadians, including his own constituents in St Michael North-West.”
Mascoll’s repeated use of “WE” when he announced the project, as well as Brandford’s firm assertion that “HE” (Mascoll) was the one who CONCEPTUALIZED and EXECUTED the project, raises serious questions about Mascoll’s involvement. A Government minister’s job is not to CONCEPTUALIZE and EXECUTE a private business project. His role is to serve the public interest. It is a serious conflict of interest. Interestingly, Mascoll has never challenged Brandford’s description of his active role. Doesn’t it seem inappropriate for a minister of the Crown? Barbadians are interested in hearing THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
THE CREDIBILITY FACTOR
“I look forward to a no-confidence motion tomorrow, Mr. Thompson. I have more credibility than you in Barbados and I will continue to have more credibility than you do….” Clyde Mascoll, Nation, October 15, 2007, speaking about the Hardwood issue, at Perry Gap.
Mascoll is clearly living in a dream world when he speaks about his credibility. Look now at how he puts his foot in his mouth and takes his credibility further below zero. On September 6, 2006, the Nation reported:
Mascoll credited Barbadian Anthony Murrell with the concept, after the latter had supervised the building of 500 houses in Grenada in six months after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan.” David Thompson investigated and found the figure of 500 was inaccurate.
Here’s Mascoll’s explanation now. “….the issue of whether he (Murrell) built 500 houses in Grenada or not was “neither here or there” (Mascoll’s words). Source: Nation, October 15, 2007. No, Mascoll! The figure is relevant. It’s what you used to establish the builder’s credentials and to justify the project. Credibility is based on consistency. You cannot be serious about your credibility when you made a definitive statement a year ago and now say it is “neither here or there”. IT MATTERS! If you cannot give and keep your word on a simple issue, it raises questions as to whether Barbadians can seriously take anything you say at all.
TERMS OF ECFL INVESTMENT
For putting money into Hardwood Housing Factory, ECFL established certain requirements which the company must meet. Where certain specified breaches occur, ECFL says it “shall be entitled to demand repayment in full of all outstanding monies due regarding the class ‘A’ shares (covering its investment) and to take such action as may
be deemed necessary to protect its interest”.
Such action would apply, for example, “if any creditor shall take action against the Company to enforce payment of monies due to such creditor.” The evidence suggests Hardwood Housing Factory came close to breaching this requirement. Up to August 28, the company had issued bounced cheques totalling $33,000 for various services.
One cheque, for the sum of $4,262.60, was written to the Comptroller of Customs. Management has acknowledged there were cash flow problems. Could some of Hardwood’s business practices have been contributing to the problem?
HARDWOOD’S BUSINESS PRACTICES
Clyde Mascoll recently told us that Hardwood Housing Factory is a GOVERNMENT-OWNED company. As junior minister of finance, he shares responsibility with his “boss man” – Owen Arthur, the minister of finance – to ensure the sound and proper management of public finances. Back in July, a month before the bank declined to honour the cheques, concerns were expressed about certain business practices. These concerns are documented. It would be interesting to hear what Mascoll has to say about them. Will he say these too are “neither here nor there”?
The charges were as follows:
There were sites where work was taking place but the sales department had neither a record of these sites nor receipts for any monies deposited in the company’s bank account for the said work. There were persons who were being paid by the company for doing work which the company had not record of.
If such allegations were made against any other government-owned entity, it would be enough to justify an official audit of the company. Taxpayers would demand no less. As a government-owned company, Hardwood should not be treated differently. A strong case exists for an independent forensic audit of Hardwood Housing Factory.
A situation also exists where equipment used by the company – truck, stone mixer, bobcat, excavator, generators – are owned by the minority shareholder rather than the company itself. The minority shareholder acquired the equipment through lease arrangements with Simpson Finance and Consolidated Finance and, in turn, leases them to the company. Mascoll said this arrangement results in “savings of approximately $44,000 per month to the company”. He did not give details of how this is achieved.
It is alleged that Hardwood covers the cost of maintaining the equipment. Normally under arrangements of this kind, those costs are borne by the owner of the equipment. Just over a month ago, both finance companies wrote the owner, bringing to his attention that payments were in arrears. One company even mentioned the possibility of repossession if the issue wasn’t promptly resolved.
After one year in business, what does Hardwood Housing Factory have to show? SEVEN HOUSES built in the New Orleans for the Urban Development Commission (UDC). Initially, there were cost overruns of $248,000 on this project but the figure was later revised downwards to $129,000 by the UDC. Draw your conclusion! Mascoll has complained that “THE LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF LAND” to build houses, has hindered Hardwood’s ability to deliver on its promises. It is refreshing that a member of the Owen Arthur administration has finally admitted the folly of the BLP’s land policy of aiding and abetting the sale of Barbadian land to the highest bidder who increasingly is foreign.
In the case of one St Peter land owner who was approached, readiness to make land available for low income housing was tied to Town Planning approval of other lands for “high end development”. Hardwood Housing’s experience shows how much the BLP’s ill-advised land policy is having the effect of forcing middle and low income Barbadians out of the real estate market.
A MODEL EMPLOYER?
As a government-owned company, Hardwood Housing Factory has an obligation to be a model employer. If a government-owned company disrespects workers, doesn’t it send a wrong message to private enterprise? In just one year of operation, here’s are blemishes on Hardwood’s image as an employer.
Charges of sexual misconduct against a manager.
Charges that employees are shouted at and abused.
Employing workers whose immigration status was not in order.
Being accused by the Barbados Workers Union of violating
International Labour Organization Convention 94 regarding fair
practices.
Keeping a dog inside the factory in violation of the Factories Act
and pressuring workers to clean up the mess.
SOLID CASE FOR PROBE
Going by available evidence, a solid case does exist for a probe, including independent forensic audit, of Hardwood Housing Factory. This isn’t only David Thompson’s fight. It’s YOUR fight. Demand accountability from the BLP! Tell Owen Arthur it’s time to demonstrate real leadership instead of running away from calls for accountability.
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Barbados Underground 
Hmmm…..
New boss at Hardwood
Date November 16, 2007 (NationNews)
by TIM SLINGER
A NEW MAN is
at the helm of the controversial Hardwood Housing Factory.
And there are plans
to unveil a new housing initiative shortly that is expected to give thousands of Barbadians the opportunity to own
their own homes.
Former president of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) and
gas station dealer, Bobby Khan, took over the reins of the heavily criticised
St Philip-based factory last Monday, replacing its previous chief executive Anthony Murrell.
Chairman of the company, Anthony (Tony) Hoyos, confirmed the appointment yesterday and announced that Murrell would now serve as technical manager,
a position he described
as being more suitable
for the expertise of the man who initially set
up the business.
I am surprised to see that he has his wife’s support, this is a bold statement from an man that is before the courts for rape of 2 women from HARDWOOD HOUSING FACTORY where he operated.
The PR execise covered in this release will do nothing to ease the pressure on he, ASSCOLL or HOYOS they have all conspired to steal from us the taxpayers of this island.
Let us not forget the scam of monies being borrowed from the EGFL by HARDWOOD HOUSING and the ENTERTAINMENT ALLOWANCE TO BE USED ONLY AT AQUA RESTAURANT this is just another example of their scam on us.
Excellent Move!
Hahahahahaha!!!!
🙂
http://www.nationnews.com/story/325852958221274.php
Statement from ex-Hardwood CEO
Published on: 12/19/07.
Following is the text of a statement made by former CEO of Hardwood Housing Factory, Anthony Murrell, that was submitted to THE NATION last night.
IN LIGHT of the national interest that has been generated about the Hardwood Housing Factory, and at the persistent request of my wife, I am persuaded to comment on the allegations levelled at me and others concerning Hardwood Housing Factory.
A no-confidence motion was tabled in the House of Assembly against Minister Clyde Mascoll about wrongdoings at Hardwood Housing factory and that he condoned and promoted improper behaviour at that workplace.
I think that one can really say that I am the man at the very heart of the matter and it is only fitting that I answer the charges made against me and some others at Hardwood Housing Factory.
Many misconceptions and false allegations are being made by those who set out to slander and destroy the character of others. I am humbly asking that Barbadians take the politics out of the issue and be fair to all concerned.
Let me say, as God has me to judge, and only God can determine the workings and deeds that come from a man’s heart or a woman’s heart, he alone sits in the seat of judgement. . . .
But he has brought me through this whole affair and tested me. He has made me stronger and a better man than I was a few months ago.
If this is my last breath, I would now take the opportunity to inform Barbados that Minister Clyde Mascoll has never been paid, or has ever received monies from, or on behalf of, Hardwood Housing Factory Inc.
He has never sourced, received, or sold lumber on behalf of that company.
Even when I sought his advice on certain matters, he would always speak on a personal level, but was quick to remind me that, as much as he would like to help, he could not do so because of his ministerial responsibility.
That is the kind of man, Clyde Mascoll is. He is straightforward. He will listen to you and he will always advise you to do the right thing.
I went to Guyana myself, even before I set up the factory. This was done to ensure that I got to meet the providers of lumber and to guarantee that I was getting the best quality lumber, and also to see what type of hardwood lumber was available to me.
So when you hear someone say that Minister Mascoll sourced raw materials from Guyana, that is not true.
Mr Mascoll never received compensation or monies when I discussed my idea with him whilst doing a project at Ashdeane Village, Black Rock. I thrashed it out with him and the only thing that concerned him was my ability to produce affordable housing for those at the lower end of society.
His mission was to assist Government in getting houses quickly and cheaply. I have great respect for the man. You may have heard that before I knew him, I did not like him. I never trusted politicians and you will understand why I felt that way.
But I have grown to love him and treasure him as a great person and the type of politician that Barbadians ought to embrace. Even when the company was operational and I spoke to him, he would gently motivate and encourage me with the goal that I should build at least one house a day.
It was never about him, but about how many poor people I could help to get a house. There are those out there who would not wish Minister Mascoll to succeed, and that is quite unfortunate.
Minister Mascoll has been done a great injustice by all the allegations thrown at him.
My family, friends, and associates have been deeply hurt by the statements made about him and we are very sorry and regret that his name could be dragged through the mud to create a scandal.
If there were shortcomings at Hardwood Housing Factory Inc. it would have been in the personalities that made up the management structure.
As CEO, at the time, I take full responsibility for that. In the interest and the reputation of Hardwood Housing Factory Inc, I have submitted my resignation to the chairman of the company.
If however the factory should require my technical support, I am available and willing to assist whenever I am called upon to do so. I wish the company great success and expect that it will continue to help the poor people who need houses in this country.
As for me, that will also be my main intention.
It is my commitment to continue to make affordable housing to all. It is from my humble workshop at home that I began to produce these houses and it is there I will return in the very near future to produce quality affordable homes.
The familiar term being used of late is “going through the fire”. Well, that is exactly how it has been over the last 11 months, but, like steel,it has made me stronger.
There is that caring nature in me that wants to give, and I wish to assure all that if there is a need, Anthony Murrell will be there to help.
In closing, I encourage Barbadians, and especially the people whom Minister Mascoll represents, to understand that he is truly a man for helping them. He is simply a good person.
Take away the politics and you will see a warm, genuine and caring individual. Do not let anyone blind you to this truth.
I wish to publicly thank my wife and family, my friends and customers for their unswerving support and well wishes during this entire issue. To those who do not fully know the facts, I urge you to seek them out and judge for yourself.
Barbados has always been blessed with good people and managed by good leaders. Do not let pettiness and maliciousness divide us. Thank you. – Sincerely, Mr F. A. Murrell
BLP 2: DLP 0
The biggest backfire in Bajan politics for decades.
🙂
Leviticus // December 19, 2007 at 5:12 am
As to youngster: we heard both sides. We heard Mascoll and we heard Thompson. The country came to a conclusion.
Hardwood was building Mascoll’s wife’s office on Hardwood funds. It employed illegal non-black Guyanese and paid them more than poor, black Bajans. The girls Murrell raped on the job were poor, black Bajans from Mascoll’s constituency. Tools were stolen from Hardwood by Murrell. Hoyos – no poor black man – required the staff to use their entertainment allowance at his Aqua restaurant not a poor black canteen operator. Why do you think Teddy Griffith was fired as the first Chairman? I heard it on TV with my own ears. And I heard Mascoll’s pathetic reply. I don’t even want to say anything about Liz Thompson.
Think, unless you are a young fool. One poor black man against over 30 others at Hardwood?Why do you think the staff rebelled and gave the information to Mia Mottley who then handed it to Thompson. She knew that Arthur is as morally uneducated as the youngster is.
BTW, Murrell resigned from Hardwood today. But that is not enough. Mascoll must account for $2 million in taxpayers money.
Do you know how many poor black Barbadians have applied for loans – not like Cap-in-hand-Durant – from EGFL and who have heard no reply for over six months?And Hardwood gets two loans in less than one year? Come on, you think we are stupid?
Not withstanding the facts that haven’t been refuted up to now i have to admit that this will take some of the wind out of the DLP Hardwood’s sails.
The inability of anyone to account for what happened is still a grievous display of a lack of accountability, but, politically speaking unless the DLP goes on the offense again and soon, after the Christmas euphoria this will be almost a sidebar in the discussion.
And for the record, I hope intelligent persons can see BS when they’re fed it.
Murrell says “I am persuaded to comment on the allegations levelled at me and others concerning Hardwood Housing Factory.”
and
“it is only fitting that I answer the charges made against me and some others”
…but yet, doesn’t answer any of the allegations laid in and out of Parliament regarding him and instead turns the release into a “clear Mascoll of any wrongdoing and go quietly in the wind” type letter. It figures.
David TOM PEE is no longer a school boy. He has been a MP for 20 years. One would have expected that after 20 years he would have grown up. Alas he continues to be the same immature boy that he was when he was at secondary school.
Neil it is cute whan a little boy shows some promise in terms of being articulate and argumentative. But cuteness don’t cut it when you become a man ( in TOM PEE case when you aged). One would expect substance; a demonstration on intellectual development; an indication of a vision; an expression of some profound thought process. All of these are lacking in TOM PEE who was only an early developer.
For the past 20 years there have been no real growth in TOM PEE. very few persons remember that he was a minister of government and a minister of finance to boot.
So Leviticus et al please bring current reference that are relevant to demonstrate TOM PEE readiness for OFFICE because all of us have grown up and his little boy tactics are no longer relevant. We now live in the real world with real issues to tackle. Bus fare and lunch money will not solve the problems of world consume with many global economic issues.
innuendo and slime will not improve the lot of barbadian or ease the plight of those still caught in poverty.
An immaturity and cuteness will not provide the leadership necessary to move this Caribbean region forward.
WE MUST GO WITH OWEN…. He is our hope.
He is SOLID as a ROCK and
WISE as a serpent
As Harmless as a DOVE
Leviticus ….Face it, he is a master strategist. I have to give it to him. He has public support and he created a storm in a teacup that overtook the whole country.
………………………………………………………………..
Ha ha … Somebody acually believe tha TOM PEE is a master strategist.
You need to be more analytical. After 20 years in the HOA what has TOM PEE to show to suggest that he is a master of anything?
After winning Barrow safe seat as a young man what has TOM PEE to show to the people of St. John? You must remember that TOM PEE took over ST. John when the DLP was in Government and was enjoying its largest Mandate. What is his achievement?
TOM PEE became a Minister of Finance and this master strategise presided over the worst period of economic management know to this country.
TOM PEE the master strategist became leader of the DLP and then lead them to the worst defeat ever.
TOM PEE the master strategist is the only leader of the DLP that had to borrow money to run an election and still owes bills up to this time.
TOM PEE the master startegist go rid of Patrick Todd to replace him with Pandor.
TOM PEE the master startegist brought in Jennifer Lazlo to work along side Hartley
And now you admit that this master startegist, after all the talk about Hardwood has only created a storm in a teacup. So Much for re-branding, so little for strategy
When you and your gang of clowns respond to the questions below then we will have a chat until then go fly another kite.
I am yet to hear a whimper out of the blp clan of crooks address the issue of the side swipe at mottley in his nomination speech on Sunday wher he stated she has no role to play he will be the PM if the people were so crazy to vote for them again, nor have we heard any of them address the issue of his DICTATORSHIP with his comments about not ever to wanting to see the DLP in office again.
I await your enlightened comments on these pressing issues.
He is speaking on something that he is not informed on, or rather he is just lying thru his teeth, Port St.Charles Marina HAVE NEVER PULLED OUT ANY BOATS DURING ANY HURRICANE SEASON they may have open and provided a safe harbour but never have they hauled out any boats, they do no have such facilities available to them, I wish that before he rattles on about things he knows nothing about but designed to fool the masses and sound good, and to catch votes but he is a liar on this score and on many other issues as well.
It also seems that it has taken the absence of the Opposition and in particular the absence of the Leader of the Opposition Mr. David Thompson for Arthur to return to the house and say something after 8 months in absence.
TIME FOR A CHANGE AND NEW DIRECTION IN THIS ISLAND.
Does Murrell keep his equipment, which we paid for?
How will Mascoll juggle that to help the poor black man?
The BLP thinks that “the sting” has been taken out of Hardwood. Well, well, well. These guys and gals are bold though.
In this whole Hardwood affair think about it: Three girls raped. 15 Barbadian workers victimised by being paid less that Guyanese. $2 million in taxpayers money down the drain. Hoyos, Murrell, Mascoll’s personal assistant and Mascoll teifing.
Yet the BLP says the sting is gone. Its just a game for the BLP. It doesn’t matter who gets hurt at all. Well, let’s see then!
WE GOING WITH OWEN…. He is our hope.
He is SOLID as a ROCK and
WISE as a serpent
As Harmless as a DOVE
Excellent point.. what happens to the equipment that is in Murrel’s name?? And as stated before Murrel hasn’t refuted any of the allegations against him, neither has anyone.
If the DLP plays their cards right Hardwood could still be a huge thorn, but if they let it fizzle the BLP would have neutralised a vary damaging issue.
Observing…….let the the BLP continue to openly display their…..TRITE !
This one ain’t going to FIZZLE…..!
Observing…..by NAME & NATURE you appear reasonable.
Did you read MURRELL ‘S pathethic letter of resignation ?
MURRELL….said Mascoll did not assist him in sourcing lumber from Guyana !
Yet a Mr. Philipe Taitt wrote in the PRESS confirming that Mascoll asked him to source lumber which he did and was PAID for !
This was over 10 days ago…….Mascoll nor Murrell did not DENY this ! ( WHY??????? the letters were printed in the press !!!!)
Representatives from Takoma in Guyana wrote to Mascoll about the quantities of lumber to be sent to Barbados……Mascoll nor Murrell did not DENY this ! ( WHY??????? the letters were printed in the press !!!!)
So Observing……what do you expect……the public of Barbados have not seen Mascoll’s reply to those letters as yet !
It is about TIMING……..!
This one CANNOT fizzle !
There seems to be a lot more mileage to run in this sorry tale.
Murrell’s resignation cannot be allowed to stymie important questions which need to be answered.
There is a lot more to Ms Carol Philips than is at first apparent.
Before Hardwood she was ( and maybe still is ) Barbados Director of Operation Mobilisation. A christian philanthropic charity, her base is in Grazettes.
It is this charity who claimed to have rebuilt 500 houses in Grenada (the Nation 7/6/06) and according to The Nation (6/9/2006) when Hammie La was recieving a $60,000 cheque, who was in attendance?
None other than Anthony Murrell, once again designated as their Technical Manager.
CBC on 12/11/06 reported that Operation Mobilisation had handed over 2 houses, were in the process of completing a third , and by the end of the month two more.
An appreciative Lashley noted that to construct a house in this modern age costs in excess of $100,000 and they were able to construct three.
The GIS ( June 22nd 2006) reported that $14 million dollars had been collected by volunteers to alleviate the needs of 60 deserving households in Barbados, courtesy of Operation Mobilisation.
Hardwood is not a company formed by a poor black man and some unenemployed Bajans, it is an extension of a financially successful charity scheme.
The principal players are all known to each other.
There is more to come.
viz: Google “Operation Mobilisation Barbados” and “Murrell Barbados”
ARTHUR AND HIS BAND MUST NOT SPOIL OUR CHRISTMAS
Don’t let anything spoil your Christmas!
Think as a positive Barbadian and reach for the stars. Change is coming your way. That is our message to the people of Barbados at this Christmas even though thinking Barbadians would be extremely disturbed by the statements made by the Prime Minister last Sunday at his nomination, suggesting that it is his desire to remain in office for life. While the rabid BLP acolytes and How Great Thou Art singers may have lost their ability to reflect on the dangers of this statement, the rest of Barbados has to take the words Arthur used seriously. These statements portend badly for politics in Barbados and his comments are unprecedented in the modern history of our parliamentary system.
Arthur’s statement that he is motivated in a special way to “ensure that the DLP never governs Barbados again” has disturbed many Barbadians since the system we practice is a multi-party system and if the Democratic Labour Party or any other political institution is permanently kept from power this means that Arthur and his outgoing Barbados Labour Party will permanently govern the affairs of this country. How would he and the BLP achieve this?
We have found Arthur’s statements sound frighteningly similar to those uttered by Forbes Burnham some years ago. These statements are particularly distressing in the context of a government, which only last month attempted to impose legislation that would have tinkered with the constitutional protection guaranteed to Civil Servants and moreover is committed to the pursuit of a Republic here. The signs are clear and the dangers are ever-present.
Arthur’s obvious obsession with the retention of power is in many ways what we have been talking about for some time now and is exacerbated by the fact his stated reason for wanting to hold office is a desire to keep the DLP away from office. This is an admission that there is no good reason to re-elect him. Clearly, he recognises that his record is poor and does not warrant re-election, hence he now tries to scare the people of Barbados into believing that the DLP is the problem, in the hope that he will be given a fourth term.
These statements reveal much about Arthur’s strategy which for the last 13 years has distracted the population by focusing excessively on the DLP, while he and his BLP have been mismanaging this country with alarming consequences. $750 million in cost over-runs, the deterioration of our public services, the treatment of the poor, the failure to solve little problems while focussing on the needs of the BLP’s supporters.
The DLP has previously and successfully managed the affairs of this country and we are now once more ready to resume this role. Our leadership is clearly now more critical if we are to save Barbados from these BLP power-hungry fanatics that are concerned only with power and not with our national development.
As we offer ourselves we do so with full regard and respect for the principles of democracy which inevitably will work both for and against political parties from time to time. The DLP has experienced the best of times as well as political adversity; however we have always respected the wishes of the electorate and will never seek to impose ourselves on the people of Barbados for longer than the people of Barbados desire our leadership. The Prime Minister would do well to remember that he was elected by the people of Barbados and that Barbados does not belong to him or the Barbados Labour Party.
It is unfortunate that this Christmas season is shrouded by such dark clouds on the horizon. For Christmas should be seen as a time of hope and joy – a time of giving and generosity. Despite the challenges ahead, we will keep the faith with the people of Barbados always trusting in the Almighty.
We wish all Barbadians a merry Christmas.
Here is what Mascoll said.
Mascoll: I was only helping
Date December 05, 2007
Brief Mascoll: I was only helping
by Ricky Jordan
“I have done nothing wrong. All I have tried to do is assist a small black man convert an idea – given he had no money or capital – into a project. I’m not an owner of Hardwood, nor a part owner.”
by RICKY JORDAN
“I HAVE DONE nothing wrong. All I have tried to do is assist a small black man convert an idea – given he had no money or capital – into a project. I’m not an owner of Hardwood, nor a part owner.”
This mixture of affirmation and emotion characterised the reply by Minister of State Clyde Mascoll in the House of Assembly to a no-confidence motion brought against him yesterday by Leader of the Opposition David Thompson.
Mascoll, admitting that he tried his best to help Hardwood Housing Factory’s owner Anthony Murrell establish a way to provide low-income housing for Barbadians, said the allegation that he sourced material for this company was “blatantly untrue”.
He told the Lower Chamber that when the company was advertised in the daily newspapers, two companies from Guyana called and requested a visit at the Ministry of Finance. He said a subsequent meeting on October 10 between himself, Murrell and another Barbadian had involved discussion of the sourcing of lumber from Guyana.
Mascoll added that Hardwood Housing was incorporated a month later.
“The so-called sourcing of material predates the establishment of Hardwood Housing Factory Inc., but at that time, the Barbados National Bank had expressed an interest in providing the finance to allow for the establishment of the company. But that would have been debt and was expensive. And the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) offered and delivered a business plan that was taken to the Enterprise Growth Fund (EGF), which was accepted,” the former Opposition Leader added.
He said there was no other connection between himself and the company because “once the EGF got involved, I no longer had that sort of interest”.
He added that matters such as who were hired or fired did not concern him, nor who went too close to someone and caused friction.
Regarding the $2 million given Hardwood by the EGF, Mascoll said the first $1 million was accounted for by February 22 this year in equipment, investment and training.
This, he added, was followed by an overdraft in September from BNB after the company didn’t get any EGF funds between February and September 10.
The second tranche, another $1 million from the EGF, was used to pay that overdraft, Mascoll noted.
Turning to the allegation of bounced cheques, he said there were few small companies without cash flow problems. He added that the said cheques produced by Thompson had not been cashed but were recalled after it was recognised they had exceeded the limit. The recipients were honoured in five days, he added.
Accusing Thompson of being insensitive and taking the word of a disgruntled former manager, he said he had several pictures of Murrell in Grenada, proof that he was there between October and December 2004, had built 280 to 300 houses, and trained people to erect temporary structures. He also said Murrell’s work was evident on two websites: http://www.crossroads.ca and http://www.samaritansfirst. org.
To loud thumping from the Government side, the Minister of State added: “I would do again what I did to assist Anthony Murrell or any other black, white, ordinary or not so ordinary man, to build houses for poor Barbadians. If that’s not my remit, then I’ve chosen the wrong profession.”
…
written by Weatherhead, December 19, 2007
The Minister Of State Clyde Mascoll made a statement in the House of Assembly about Helping a Black man and he would do it all over again, but of interest is the Websites the Minister named in his defence or Murrell,s defence which seems to be serving as some RESUME for Murrell and the INVESTMENT of the Tax paying Barbadians Dollars to the tune of two million dollars. Minister Mascoll named http://www.samaritansfirst.org which is a site that the minister would have to tell us what we were looking for, the other site the Minister mentioned was http://www.crossroads.ca which is a Canadian family of Ministries located at 100 Huntley street , Ontario, Canada . With Ministries on Global Television every morning during the week. Those Ministries have to operate within the Guidelines of the Legislation of the Canadian Goverment. The Minister also pointed a picture at
a website in Canada, the minister should also take a look at Integrity Legislation, where a former
Prime Minister is recalled for taking allege Bribe money. What is the reason for not having Integrity
Legislation in Barbados ???? Parliamentarians are to be held accountable for their actions ,the same as the ordinary man in the street, where the Law Courts have the final say, that is true in most Parliamentary Democracies.
The Prime Minister is now saying he is going to move Heaven and Earth to make sure the DLP never holds the reign of Goverment again is it a Dictatorship in Barbados, Bajans beware, have a look at Chavez in Venezuella President for Life is his ambition, what is Prime Minister Owen Arthurs ? Remember the Prime Minister Owen Arthur’s Goverment wanted to change the Constitution not too long ago. Also people are allowed to have a peacefull protest for their rights, that is how Barbadians got where there are today, peacefull protest, but beware the police and Army might be called with a desist and move order in the year 2007, where are your rights as ordinary Barbadians ?
Most people that take part in peacefull protest expect their rights will be protected under Law, and the purpose of the Police is to observe and make sure the protest remain peacefull. This Goverment is so agitated at present as it has lost its way ,now it will be propaganda as it is said the memory of a Bajan is short. The Goverment could have had Low interest loans for poor black people to build their homes through a contractor of their choice and funds destributed to the progress of the builder, that is my opinion ,Mr Mascoll in his capacity could have been working on such a program instead of Hardwood housing of which I see a cover up , now Mr Murrell is in todays paper saying he is no longer apart of Hardwood Housing. The Minister did not source Lumber , but the stories are different
from Murrell, The Minister .I will attach a statement from the Minister on December 5th 2007.
Thank you for your space.
WIV, HO HO HO,,,,, Merry Christmas
WIV:
Nice quiet, well reasoned post.
It’s good to have you back writing in your original style.
Reading with earplugs in was getting tiresome.
Keep up the good work.
(I know you don’t need my encouragement to do that)
When we look for leadership we look towards OWEN ARTHUR, when we want leadersh@t we look toward the LOO
Towards a NEW BEGINING with the BLP and OWEN ARTHUR
BREAKING NEWS
WRITS BEING PREPARED AS WE SPEAK.
ELECTIONS WILL BE ON JAN 17 th.
ANNOUNCEMENT DUE TODAY OR TOMORROW.
THANK GOD FINALLY WE GET TO VOTE TO REMOVE THIS PLAGUE FROM AROUND US!!!!!!
TOWARDS A NEW BEGINING — WITH OWEN ARTHUR and the BLP
Durant your name suits you to a teeSuch Stupid Comments.
We all know that you are so stuck up ASSCOLL’S rear that you fail to see the light of day.
But you need not unleash such constant nonsense on these sites.
The outgoing PM will be addressing the nation at 1.00 pm today to anounce the 17 th as the date.
The following article by Yardbroom is one of the best that I have read in somewhile, it explains all the right reasons this clan of crooks need to be removed from the halls of the HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.
Yardbroom
December 20, 2007 at 8:39 am
When an incumbent Prime Minister, suggest that it is his intention, to ensure that the only opposition party – capable of governing – is never elected to Government, it is a serious cause for concern.
Even if one accepts, that a certain amount of hyperbole is expected during electioneering, one balances that, with the expectation, that a leader of an elected Government, is often expected to be circumspect.
I never thought of our Prime Minister as a spoiler. I expect of him to say, why he wants to lead Barbados, and uppermost in his mind should be not to oppose for opposition sake, but to improve Barbados, and make it a better place for us and future generations.
His legacy then, will be that he served his country well, he was a man above the ordinary. He was able to bring all shades of complexion, and strata of society under one banner, thinking of themselves as Barbadians first, knowing that the Prime Minister held the light of justice, honesty and fair play, which shone like a beacon for all to see. But for ones main focus just to oppose to deny another, I have my doubts if that is something of worth to aspire to.
We must remember that he is speaking of a Party, one of whose previous leaders brought us to independence, and swept away many of the injustices that permeated Barbados society at the time, he is speaking of a Party which gave us National Heroes, whose actions have stood the test of time.
I will not venture into the area of personal invective here, much as I am minded to, I will only note, that the Government is appealing to the electorate, not on what they have done, but on what the Opposition is not capable of doing, what a sad indictment, after more than a decade of governance.
WIV
The PM is addressing the country at 1:00 pm today. What do you think he will say?
He ain’t got no choice but to ring the %#$* bell.
Roger Rabbitt maybe he plans to apologise for the gross mismanagement of public funds, the corruption, fraud, stealing, explain the numerous COST OVERUNS on the VECO PRISON, DANOS 3S ROAD WORKS PROJECTS, GREENLAND, BATHS,UNFINISHED BULIDING AT NEWTON, cost overruns and court settlement on the building at Warrens, maybe to explain how Noeless Lynch became an overnight multi millionaire he has a whole list of items that he could speak on and each one of them addresses corruption and the dishonesty he is part of.
IT IS NOW OFFICIAL 15 th JAN
I would like to take this opportunity to wish every candidate of the DLP success and the very best of luck in the upcoming Election.
It is with some sadness that I listened to the former PM opt to use this festive period to announce an election that is a most unreligious.
The radio coverage was disappointing as disjointed why would we have been subjected to listening to who can cook what or who is bringing what!!
Well seems Thompson did have a say in the matter LOL
He said he was not going back to Parliament until after the election.
Never saw a leader of the opposition bowl such a great doshrah like that yet LOL
Makes Muralitharan look like a baby LOl
Next few weeks should be fun on this forum
It is with much amusement that I heard Owing announce the election date today, some of those would go as far as to suggest the decision to call the election was dictated to Owing by the Leader of The Opposition, when he walked out of the house and declared that as far as he was concerned the house was now prorogued and that he was not returning until after the elections when the DLP form the new Gov’t of this island, and that is exactly what has taken place.
Even in his short address today Owing sounds disinterested and tired with politics but he is holding out to halt mottley’s progress, well done Owing well done, keep socking it to her each time she tries to raise her head you just keep knocking her out well done to you.
Nothing and not one single action coming from Owing in the past couple years has been one that is creative or exciting he has been made to look like an idiot in so many recent encounters with Mr Thompson, none more so than the encounter with Mr Thompson and the cheque that Owing deposited to his account.
He has been on the back foot every step of the way, Mr Thompson has his game read and is making an idiot of the PM, right down to the date for the election.
Is this man loosing his marbles or what?
He makes a speech on SUNDAY and says that he does not want ever to see the return to office of the DLP and two days later he is telling people he never said that.
Where is his brain is it work, does he not remember that the press were present and he had his TV cameras there and they had it live on the web but now he denies he made the comment, this man is over the top in his willingness to lie.
When we look for leadership we look towards OWEN ARTHUR, when we want leadersh@t we look toward the LOO
Towards a NEW BEGINING with the BLP and OWEN ARTHUR
January 15 is the DAY
VOTE BLP all the WAY
Hey Durant is this your best defence of your corrupt gang of crooks ?
One would have expected more of you, or have you not been told by ASSCOLL what to say as yet for the day?
Then again with the widespread leves of corruption in your camp it must be a nightmare to defend all your ministers at the same time.
I do not envy you in the least.
WIV, how much you are being paid just to sit down by a computer and write drivel? As CEO it is clear that you have nothing to do. The bathrooms at the Auditorium still needs cleaning. The Building is still leaking and needs repairs.
Surely you can make yourself busy by buying toilet paper etc.
The question this recent development raises is :what equipment is being used by Murrell? This question is relevant given the cash strap nature of Hardwoods as reported over the last couple months.
“The company’s success will not be measured in dollars and cents but by how many houses we make for persons in the lower-income bracket,” he said.
By his own yardstick, Murrell as Hardwood’s CEO has been a dismal failure.
Mascoll said in the House Murrell had built 280-300 houses in Grenada between Oct-Dec 2004.
Yet, with $ 2 million of our money and 53 employees he has only built eleven in 11 months, mostly not completed.
Is Mascoll going to be true to his word “I would do again what I did to assist Anthony Murrell” in the new Market Hill venture?
Somehow I don’t think he’ll be given the opportunity.
Can we have our equipment back Mr Murrell?
Very good point…Straight Talk !
These BLP thieves want PELTING WAY everyone of them !
Anyone notice Hoyos say they were getting into “big projects?” Does that mean no more low-income houses from the Hardwood that was started with our money?
And does Murrel really think that he can provide low income solutions after his abysmal failure with $2 million of our dollars?
And David you’re right. What happens to the equipment that is in murerll’s name and being leased, that was bought with our dollars?
And could someone, anyone respond, refute or rebut to any of the allegations made in the no-confidence motion?
Time for someone(s) to be held accountable. If not Mascoll, or Murrell, or Hoyos, then the whole government has to go.
When a political party can feel so threatened by the people’s power to hire the services of that Indian clown from RED ADVERTISING to carry the torch for this starved blp party under the name of LEROY AND DAVID among many other names and to spend his day blogging in defence of the ruling party it is clearly stated that they are on a mission to negate the effect of the DLP supporters towards this blog.
Here we have the ruling party throwing money at a foreigner to carry out the services that they require, this is a disgraceful act of the worst kind.
It speaks volumes of the fear that this party has for the voting public of this nation, no wonder arthur was so keen not to have them contest another election on this island and rule from his DICTATORSHIP style and manner.
I would highly suggest calling or emailing him to find out how many other blp assigned names he has in use.
Victor R Callender
December 24, 2007 at 2:45 am
I am particularly amazed by the Barbados Labor Party and its political “Mottley Crew.” Owen Arthur is politically punch drunk, and a mere political shadow of what he used to be. The Barbados Labor Party has all chiefs and no indians, hence Arthur hangs on to power rather than stepping aside and offering up fresh blood. He (Arthur) does not trust a single member of his own Party the BLP to carry on the legacy of that Party’s founders. It is wishful thinking to assume that Mia Mottley a political failure of epic magnitude can lead the BLP or Barbadians anywhere. That Ms Mottley has not carried out her ministerial duties with any form of competence lends only to her abysmal lilliputian understanding of efficient government at work. The traitor Mascoll who has become the Prime Minister’s “Stooge Pigeon” or his glorified Parliamentary Secretary is a political nomad. Mr. Mascoll you are a political refugee, the equivalent to “Benedict Arnold.” The day you crossed over was the end of your political career and perhaps the most incomprehensibly stupid move in the history of Barbadian politics. You claim to be numerate Mr. Mascoll, but you did not count the numbers ahead of you for the leadership of the BLP. Mr. Arthur please don’t do Barbadians any favors, leave politics while you do not need the usage of a walker or a cain. The office of Prime Minister and the instruments of power belong to the people of Barbados. Take your money and invest it in Florida, where you’ve already set up trust accounts for your wife and children.
Who is Victor Callender, was this an abstract from our newspapers, is it a letter written to you from the said person for publication? What I am saying is simple, why did Victor Callender not written directly to BU instead of you using your blog name? These are instances where I question if this is a real statement from somone or ……Are you using names of people to substantiate your agenda?
Will the real Vctor Callender represent yourself.
Solid points Wishing in Vain .
Now here is another one…..Anthony Murrell leaves HARDWOOD Inc. to form his own company…..yet he tells the NATION NEWS paper that he remains a shareholder of HARDWOOD Inc. and that his new company will be one of the sub – contractors of HARDWOOD Inc. !
YES…..you guessed it !
The LAP DOG that the NATION NEWS paper is printed MURRELL’s statement ……without asking him about…..CONFLICT OF INTEREST !
Only bout here !
And that DRUNKARD of a PM talks about LEADERSHIP….when HARDWOOD Inc.
( a tax payer funded agency ) can be treated in such a manner !
When would this TOM – FOOLERY end ????
In 1999 just before the GENERAL ELECTION…..Liz Thompson announced that GREENLAND would be opened in JANUARY 1999 !
That date passed……GREENLAND remain closed !
Just a few weeks ago Liz Thompson announced that GREENLAND would receive it’s first BAG of Garbage on 2 JANUARY 2008 !
Now that date is at hand…..we are being told that GREENLAND would be ready by DECEMBER 2008 !
And how can GREENLAND be within BUDGET…..when there was so much RETROFITTING & DELAYS ??????
TIME………is…..MONEY !
In this case……$$$$$$$ MILLIONS of tax payer $$$$$$ !
And these BLP PARIAHS talking about…..LEADERSHIP ???
There is no LEADERSHIP……if INTEGRITY & ACCOUNTABILTY are absent !!!!!
Barbados…..in TROUBLE !
Let us put a STOP to the ROT !
BREAKING NEWS !
Clyde Mascoll just pelt a BIG ROCK at Albert Brandford head !
The reason : Clyde Mascoll ACCUSES Albert Brandford of not telling enough LIES on the HARDWOOD Inc. saga !
elaborate Anonymous. If there is anything to elaborate on. Thank God Brandford was on vacation recently. Saved us from a lot of one sided drivel masquerading as political journalism.
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