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Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson
Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson
As we write this blog Prime Minister David Thompson stands in the spotlight of delivering his first budget. Of interest to Barbadians will be what kind of budget the neophyte Prime Minister can produce which will ward-off external shocks caused by global economic turbulence rooted in the rising oil commodities market. Barbadians have long enjoyed a high standard of living which belies its size and resources.
The Prime Minister in a classic General Custer move fired an opening salvo in the budget presentation when he announced that the controversial ‘flyover project’, managed by 3S Barbados Ltd will be halted and the Ministry of Transport and Works in conjunction with local contractors given the task to complete the road widening part of the project. The Prime Minister told the nation that his government will investigate thoroughly the suspect procurement policy adopted by the previous government on the Project.
We commend sister blog Barbados Free Press for its relentless pursuit of ITAL. It appears that the new government is committed to ITAL but good implementation will be key – read Budget 2008 compliments Nation newspaper
The BU household, and no doubt Barbados Free Press feel vindicated that our persistence and exposure of corruption of the ABC Highway Project and 3S Barbados Ltd has now been given validation by the highest office in the land. We must mention that the mainstream media gave this matter token coverage. History must record that the local media failed the PEOPLE on the matter of the ABC Highway Project. We wish to take this opportunity to condemn the local media in the strongest manner, for their passive behaviour on the issue of the handling of the ABC Highway Project by the former government.
There is no doubt that Prime Minister David Thompson is building is a populist position from which to govern Barbados. We applaud this refreshing philosophy to governance. Our democracy can only flourish if the PEOPLE fully participate. The Prime Minister appears at the early stage of his stewardship to be paying close attention to matters of governance. We hope that when integrity legislation and other governance initiatives promised are rolled out that our environment will be PEOPLE centric.
For the moment we will retire to listen to the budget. In the days and weeks ahead we will provide our views on the performance of the Prime Minister at his first budget presentation. in detail.
118 responses so far ↓
anotherview // July 7, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Looks like Kellman got his wish. A private jet airport is to be built in the north.
Wunna like dah nuh // July 7, 2008 at 7:04 PM
We’re going to be getting lots of things…free bus rides..yipee
Bush tea // July 7, 2008 at 7:08 PM
A good start so far with only six months in office and considering the mess inherited.
…The PM’s heart is in the right place- after all, he has a mother, wife and two daughters to keep him in check ….however..
The challenges we face are interesting…. I am still concerned that the PM has not fully grasped the seriousness of the difficulties ahead.
IMHO, the presentation is still too ‘business as usual’ – refreshing and focused though it is.
3S should have been fired on Jan 16, but it was probably better to get involved and learn more details first.
David,
….I am sticking with my prediction that this will be our best PM ever…still not sure that it will be good enough to meet the challenges coming though…
David // July 7, 2008 at 7:12 PM
@BT
We want to challenge your oxymoron. How can he be the best but still not good enough to meet the challenges? In essence you are saying that that there is no hope?
Tony Hall // July 7, 2008 at 8:01 PM
Just listened to the budget and would say that it is a good one considering the economic circumstances. The issue that might hurt some people would be the increase in road taxes from $265.oo to $400.00 for vehicles. Visitors’ permits will be increased from $10.00 to $100.00. I got mine just in time until next year. I guess we willl hear from others about the pros and cons.
Bush tea // July 7, 2008 at 8:05 PM
….I don’t trust you when you ask me such easy questions David….what is the catch?
…You mean to tell me that you- of all people- listening to MME, and failing to see the SERIOUS times ahead?
Trust me, MME is a real bright fellow. He probably already have his personal affairs in hand, have no debt, and may even have invented his own personal energy system and is set to become the next Bill Gates……
…for the rest of us, all the signs point to a VERY difficult time over the next few years.
Even with the VERY best leadership, we will be challenged to survive this period in good tact.
So we CAN have the best PM ever – and yet still fall prey to the predators out there. Our weakness lies in the waste, and loss of focus of the last 20 years…..
Andrew // July 7, 2008 at 8:08 PM
All things considered the only thing that might cause some discussion is the move from $265.00 to $400.00 for PV road tax
Bajan // July 7, 2008 at 8:14 PM
What I like is making travel free on the public transport for school children. He also said he is willing to ban school children from the buses using law.
Carson C. Cadogan // July 7, 2008 at 8:22 PM
On the behalf of my family and myself we give David Thompson ten out of ten for his first budget.
We tip our hats to you, sir.
David // July 7, 2008 at 8:24 PM
How does the BU family feel about the increase on liquor by 50% and tobacco by 100%. He also stop tobacco being a duty free item.
Another interesting revenue measure is the flat monthly tax on cell phones.
bussa // July 7, 2008 at 8:30 PM
if the free transportation includes psvs then in a way he has aleady implemented his ban because I dont see a psv giving a free seat to a child over a $1.50 adult this is going to be interesting
The Devil // July 7, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Here’s a query to the finance guru’s (eg C. Cadogan) out there..
I thought I heard that the PM has provided for $3000 income tax allowance on credit union deposits. Is this in addition to the $10,000 income tax allowance already given or will only $3000 of the $10,000 now be considered and the rest must be on deposits in other ways (eg mutual funds, new shares etc)?
Sundowner // July 7, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Alcohol and tobacco is not a necessity, much as I like my rum – if alcohol goes up it goes up , WE/I CAN do without it, though I’d prefer not to!, better for health issues as well!
Seems like an OK budget to me, he’s got a lot of left overs from the BLP to sort out, I like what he said about the ‘Hardwood Housing Scam’!! and no fly overs, now that’s really good.
No school children on ZR’s and minibuses, now thats good news, glad they have free transport, but maybe totally school transport would be good.
Good on him for being ’strict’!
Barbados Budget 2008 - Government Cancels Contract With Corrupt Flyover Builder Jonathan Danos & 3S « Barbados Free Press // July 7, 2008 at 9:12 PM
[...] Barbados Underground: Prime Minister David Thompson Grabs Centre Stage Delivering His First Budget [...]
Micro Mock Engineer // July 7, 2008 at 9:15 PM
BT mekin Mock Sport at Micro Mock… but that’s ok :)
… David’s question strikes at the very heart of the crisis debate. I have never suggested that SERIOUS times are not ahead… in fact I have been at pains to point out that poor leadership and policies (particularly by the world’s super power) are leading to just that. But we don’t even have to go that far… do you realize that the benefits (or ‘lost government revenue items’) presented in this year’s budget don’t even come close to matching the cost overruns on the ABC project and the BDS$/US$ prison. In other words, simply managing these projects properly would have ’saved’ enough money to finance this years budget.
There is no shortage of oil, just a shortage of leaders who rather than encourage/facilitate oil exploration, build refineries and nuclear plants, promote electric vehicles, regulate oil traders etc., have pandered to demands from loud, emotional ‘environmentalists’ who would do anything to save the planet except take a science course… or consult an engineer :)
Once we properly identify the problem and don’t allow ourselves to be misled and frightened into thinking it is out of our control (i.e. there is no hope) ,we can begin to take appropriate corrective measures… sort of like what Barbadians did on January 15.
Great budget IMHO… but wuhloss… dat liquor increase hurt my heart :)
Adrian Hinds // July 7, 2008 at 9:16 PM
David // July 7, 2008 at 8:24 pm
How does the BU family feel about the increase on liquor by 50% and tobacco by 100%. He also stop tobacco being a duty free item.
Another interesting revenue measure is the flat monthly tax on cell phones.
=================================
Wunnuh gine got tuh start drinking listerine. :)The tax is new to Barbados but a well establish one in many other countries.
Adrian Hinds // July 7, 2008 at 9:25 PM
I am encouraged by the PM willingness to revamp the Returning National program and the putting in place of the Barbados Network to engage Barbadians in diaspora is much more meaningful way. I would intimated such back in 2005.
Barbados Forum Link 1
Barbados Forum Link 2
David // July 7, 2008 at 9:57 PM
@Sundowner
It was our understanding that the $3000.00 is an additional benefit.
Tony Hall // July 7, 2008 at 9:58 PM
I still gine drink my liquour doan matter how much it go up
The Devil // July 7, 2008 at 10:16 PM
David
I think you mean @ The Devil! If the $3000 is additional then can I claim $13 000 savings in the credit union? The present policy allows $10,000 allowance which could be from a mix of credit union savings, mutual funds or new shares. For my family, the credit union is our preferred choice .
Tell me Why // July 7, 2008 at 10:23 PM
I am pleased that the building of Flyovers have been scrapped. But, I am concerned with the budget. First, the freeness by school children on the Transport Board buses. If the Board was loosing millions with a fare structure of $1.00 and $1.50. How would be $0.00 affect the board. Secondly, by allowing school children to travel free on buses, how will the ZR owners behave in this equation.
Here we had increases in oil prices and now to push these unfortunate ZR owners further on a limb.
The Devil // July 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I do not agree that the PM should have scrapped the fly-overs in the way that he has. I would have suggested that while the Gov’t would have nothing more to do with 3S, any infrastructure (including fly-overs) to be built in the future would be on the basis of proper engineering and planning analysis and contractors would be chosen on the basis of competitive and transparent tender. I am not suggesting that fly overs MUST be built but at least two seem to be of possible use (to my untrained thinking).
While I understand the frustration on the “ZR culture” and school children, I am alarmed at the threat to ban children from ZR’s “by law”. I find this rather dictatorial and and in any event, the transport board does not service all parts of the island so what will those children do?
Bush tea // July 7, 2008 at 10:50 PM
I am not making mock sport at you MME, …. well maybe just a little…
Thing is I agree with you on everything except your optimism that common sense could win out in the end….
In fact, in my contribution on this blog on ‘what is wrong with Barbados’ I came to the same conclusion – WEAK LEADERSHIP…. and the ABC, Dodds and Greenland each demonstrate what damage poor leadership can do…. (someone needs to go to Dodds for ABC and Greenland…)
I admire your positive spirit MME, but there are a lot more of ‘them’ than there is of ‘you’… and it is late in the game…
If we had the approach of PM Thompson ten years ago I would have some hope….
True, even if we had NO oil and we had good leadership at various levels, we could work things out… but when an aircraft has stalled, and is spiraling out of control, there comes a point when even top pilots know what will occur….
…and stop worrying about the cost of the liquor, that will soon be cheaper that gasoline.
…what is your take on the automatic price formula for fuel prices?
No one has highlighted the implications of this change…. NO MORE PROTECTION -want to bet on the price of gas by Christmas?
The Devil // July 7, 2008 at 10:53 PM
MME and Bush tea
the PM made much reference to non fossil fuel energy sources. He even removed the duty on wind turbines, PV panels etc and announced some other initiatives. Any comments on these measures? He seems to be moving in the right direction.
David // July 7, 2008 at 11:01 PM
@BT
The PM made the concomitant point that a massive education program will have to be unleashed on Barbados to send the message that there must be a new way of doing business in Dodge. Do you think the average Barbadian has come to terms with the concept that the price of oil will never revert to 80.00 ever again? We are operating with old behaviours and hoping that our reactive mode will continue to serve us.
A new way is required. Damn Arthur and the BLP!
barry // July 7, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Bajans got another chance to buy into BNB and ICB. No shyte now!
Bush tea // July 7, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Devil,
If you are ‘untrained’ as you say, why do you think that your opinion on flyovers would be valuable? That is exactly how we got in this mess…..
Untrained Gline Clarke ‘felt’ that flyovers would be a good idea too… and ‘untrained’ Owing agreed….
That was a stupid decision and PM Thompson was right to drop it. I really hope that someone will be called to account for the whole wastage associated with that scam. …as MME says -ASK AN ENGINEER.
Tell me why
If we already spend 20% of our money on FREE education what is your problem with spending a few more million to get students to and from school?
…and what ‘unfortunate ZRs’ what?!?
…you talking about those low standard scamps who have been creating a subculture that threatens our very future? I frequent the ZR stand and it pains me what our children are exposed to -if they like it or not.
…despite all complaints from authorities and from the public, these “unfortunate ZR” people have made NO attempts to change their image….
…DECISIVE LEADERSHIP from the PM.
The Devil // July 7, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Barry
the Gov’t is bailing out of BNB and ICB. The PM said that what they get is less than the savings rate and that as a minority shareholder, the Gov’t doesn’t have the kind of leverage over those firms as it once did. Now given those statements should ordinary Bajans put their money in BNB or ICB?
Bush tea // July 7, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Devil
He did not remove duty from wind turbines, I think he removed environmental tax etc. Duty was already off.
Great move, …comes fifteen years too late.
My problem is that we only have a SHORT time now to make MASSIVE changes. It will cost REAL money to buy and install green energy systems (think in terms of $50,000 per home). We should have been well on the way by now…instead of wasting resources on ABC, DODDS, Greenland and Washington house…
so David,
….yes re-education is needed, but we do not have the luxury of gradual learning …WE NEED TO MOVE NOW.
We have to develop a smaller footprint
We have to develop alternatives to oil
We have to learn to feed ourselves
We have to rethink our water situation
We have to rethink transport (free bus fares are creative…)
etc etc
So NO! I do not think that Bajans, or even the PM (or MME) has come to terms with what will happen with oil (and with our economy) in coming months.
Chris Halsall // July 7, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Hmmmm….
The Devil // July 7, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Bush tea, someone wrote this on BFP about a month ago, any comments?
“The real truth is that the ZRs are the most efficient and productive aspect of Bajan society.
…they pay HIGH taxes, high insurance, high maintenance costs, high road taxes, high fines.
They charge LOW fares, subsidize school children, and in all this, they manage to:
1 Make profits
2 Actually move people to and from work very efficiently
3 maintain excellent customer relations with their paying clients
Admittedly, they upset some persons who feel that they should have right of way in their single occupant gas guzzling Benz. …. (another plus ?!? )
Meanwhile transport Board cost how much????
So what will free bus transport do?
1 – put the ZRs out of business
2 – Triple the cost of running the Transport Board
3 – Create a Transport Authority that will waste even more money that transport Board and MTW combined….
….how much you bet that this is what we will do?!?”
Decisive leadership…dare I say it?…what!
The Devil // July 7, 2008 at 11:43 PM
well the PM has also created an income tax allowance category for energy related home improvements – $5000 per year for five years. It’s a start.
Tell me Why // July 8, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Chris, I agree with you. Just hmmmm
Micro Mock Engineer // July 8, 2008 at 12:15 AM
… I think the automatic fuel price formula is long overdue. There are better means of protecting society’s vulnerable than subsidizing the “car-in-every-garage”.
… those were proper education initiatives (including free bus fares and getting children off them ZRs). These are the sort of initiatives we need to avoid hitting ‘Peak Brain’.
…@Devil, as BT has pointed out renewable energy devices were already duty free… but the increased tax concessions are a positive development… as is the move to FTC established rates for electricity fed back into the grid from these systems. Unfortunately this won’t make any major contribution either to overall electricity production or energy costs anytime soon. As for your comments on BNB… is that the same bank that financed the ABC swindle-and-BOLT?
The Devil // July 8, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Before my knave the Sandman comes to take me to the land of Nod, I thought I would hear a comment from the poster “No more marinas” and others who agonised on the rape of the west coast, on the proposals for:
(1) an airport in St.Lucy
(2) man-made islands off the west coast
(3) jetties and marinas on the south coast
(4) a cruise ship pier and more marinas in the north of the island.
(5) theme parks .
Ah well.
Chris Halsall // July 8, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Tell me Why: please forgive me; I obviously misspoke…
My posting was not meant to communicate “Just Hmmmm”, but rather that of the contemplative “Hmmmm…”.
Read: Interesting… Read: More information required before deductions and conclusions…
Read: Hmmmm….
Tell me Why // July 8, 2008 at 1:03 AM
As the fire continue to burn, we stood at the side just watching the homes go up in flames, we stood fast without assisting and allowed the fire to burn out of control. When twenty homes were turned into ashes, someone muttered these words….”I saw a small fire outside the first house and I did nothing and now I am here to offer my services” But alas, the fire done. I say that to show this administration could have intervened in this highway project since late 2006 when commenters were speaking out about the in-experienced of the contractor. This administration could have intervened when the contractor triple the cost in 2007, again no intervention. This administration could have revoke the contract of the contractor on January 16 (If I was the PM, I will give them a day), again no intervention. As a matter of fact the two met and two separate deadlines were given and failed. Again, no intervention. Now, how on earth during this budget we hear that Government is going to cancel the contract as though it is something that now come to light. I say, this is the same behaviour as the previous administration. We wait too late and whilst waiting, we were still paying. As I see it, the contract is completed and this empty talk of firing them is just a red herring. I say Owen’s administration is to blame 75% and David’s administration is to blame the other 25%. My oh my!….I should have gone hmmmmm til Thursday.
Wishing In Vain // July 8, 2008 at 1:12 AM
I think that we have just seen a very considerate approach to leadership in this country.
Despite the last groups willingness to rape the treasury it is amazing that the new Gov’t found it possible to provide relief in as many areas as they have done, full marks to the Prime Minister for his thoughtfullness and compassion.
The one that really appeals to me the most is the measure to move school children FREE OF CHARGE ON THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM this adresses two issues front on, one being the cost to parents to get their children to and from schoool and even more importantly the case of bad habits associated with these mini buses.
I must say my sincere congrats to the Prime Minister the Hon Mr. David Thompson for putting together a sterling effort and a tremendous program for othe next year forward.
The Devil // July 8, 2008 at 1:20 AM
I was hoping Bush tea would comment on what he wrote a month ago on BFP re ZRs.
Oh MME, looking forward to Water Authority coming under the FTC.
David // July 8, 2008 at 1:27 AM
@ The Devil
The 10,000 is a mutual fund type benefit. The 3,000 is an additional benefit.
Chris Halsall // July 8, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Tell me Why… Namaste.
There is an important word which has been with us for a very long time. It has recently been highlighted within our community thanks to Robert at BFP: Momentum.
This word is most often used within the domain of physics. But it can also be used with equal relevance and importance within the contexts of economics, business and personal experience, particularity with anyone who might find they have it, it any of its various forms…
At its root, the phenomenon of Momentum tell us that *nothing* stops instantly. Nor does anything start instantly. It takes Work to make change… to introduce a delta… (capitalisation intentional).
Namaste, All….
Micro Mock Engineer // July 8, 2008 at 1:45 AM
@ The Devil…
how much money you make pun de ABC and prison projects? Wait… I forget you does only trade in souls… anyway you look at it you musse come out licking.
Micro Mock Engineer // July 8, 2008 at 6:08 AM
Chris,
IMHO, that fellow Robert has only provided you with half the story. Momentum is important, but of greater significance here is INERTIA… which for Barbados, unlike the US, UK, India, China etc., is relatively small. This (coupled with our human capital) is, and always has been, our greatest competitive advantage… i.e. low resistance to change in Momentum.
The fact that some of our recent mis-LEADERS seem so intent on increasing our INERTIA (read:CSME) in times like these belies logic.
Meanwhile… I busy here trying to regain control of dis Twin Otter while BT and Robert attempting to confuse me by shouting 747 instructions from de tower…
What 747 what!?! :-)
Namaste.
Bush tea // July 8, 2008 at 6:28 AM
Devil,
..you is a real trouble maker in truth… where you dig up Bush tea’s old comments from?….LOL
Anyway of course those are true.
In terms of operational efficiency and customer movement the ZR concept works..
Over and above this service, some ZR drivers are actually model citizens who set good examples to children, assist the elderly etc…
BUT devil, we all know that CULTURALLY, most of them belong to you (or your namesake). The music is base, the behavior is sickening -and I am not even talking about their aggressive road tactics – I mean their MORAL norms…. not an environment for our children AT ALL…
Despite adverse comments from the police, the public, government etc they have persisted in being lewd, dirty, noisy and UN-Bajan…
“…hard ears you won’t hear own way you will feel”
Now if coming out of this we end up with a BAJANIZED ZR culture (as opposed to Jamaican) then not only would we have an efficient transport entity, but a cultural icon and an asset to our education system.
…nuff respect to you Devil, … but I hope I don’t have to spend eternity with you answering questions like this…. LOL
NO MORE MARINAS EVER AGAIN // July 8, 2008 at 6:37 AM
The Devil – Crackpot forecasts are mandatory in budget presentations, they rarely come to fruition and are hard to refute.
So let’s stick to the present.
The craziest news yesterday was about the non-building of flyovers. After years of disruption widening the highways and luring more and more cars on to them they’ll still have to exit at 18th century roundabouts. The nightly traffic jam at Warrens is a joke. To see thousands of Bajans in their snazzy vehicles inching forwards, grim-faced, unable to do anything about it shows the incompetence and contempt of those who throw public money on hairbrained projects.
Now to the West Coast rape.
Long before St. Lucy gets an airport. Long before we double the size of the island with landfill. Long before Maycocks becomes a cruise ship terminal.
The fishing village of Six Mens will be destroyed, the people there uprooted and dispersed, the beach will be violated and all for the sakes of another marina that is slowly coming into being. After a public meeting where no public attended.
Let’s first block the crackpot schemes already in progress before we worry about vague budget proposals.
The People's Democratic Congress // July 8, 2008 at 6:48 AM
The 2008 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals, as presented yesterday evening to the House of Assembly and the people of Barbados by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance David Thompson, were essentially deflating, uninspiring and misplaced, and yet would truly have been another stark indication that the Barbados economy is in shambles – contrary to what some senior members of the DLP have been feeling that the economy is in good shape.
When the 2008/9 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure were being presented in the House of Assembly earlier in March of this year, it was stated by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance that the so-called projected Revenues for this fiscal year were BDS $ 2.5 Billion and the so-called projected Expenditure for this said fiscal year was BDS $ 3.2 Billion, with an overall deficit of BDS $ 737.2 Million to be financed. However, the previous year’s so-called approved Estimates of Revenue were BDS $ 2380.8 Billion, and so-called approved Estimates of Expenditure were BDS $ 2905.9 Billion (Nationnews.com).
At that time, though, we in PDC took the position that owing to the fact that there were marginal increases projected in this fiscal year’s “Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure”, when compared with last fiscal year’s, the former would have signified that the Government would have had to impose greater TAXATION ASSAULTS ON Barbadians or BORROW more money more locally or internationally, or both, over the next two-three years, based on the fact that the rate at which the cost of living and doing business has been increasing for the last 2/3 have been NOTHING SHORT of staggering, and based on the fact that we have known that the local economy has been for some time contracting at a modest rate.
Well, thousands upon thousands of Barbadians did get to properly understand that yesterday when the Mr. Thompson stated that economy has slowed down by 1.8 % for the first six months of the years, in both the traded and non-traaded sectors of the so-called economy, that he is projecting a slowdown in many sectors of the economy in the first two quarters of next year, that accompanying such a crisis would be job losses, and too that so-called inflation would be near 8 per cent by year end.
But, rather than introducing the RIGHT TYPE of counter-cyclical financial and productive people-centered progressive revolutionary measures and approaches to offset the serious fall off in GDP, the Prime Minister proceeded, to loud and embarassing table thumping cheers from members on the government side, TO INFLICT in the tyrannical vindictive style of the late Tom Adams greater financial pain and hardship on motor vehicle owners, alcohol and tobacco users, gamblers, and many more people, at a time when the cost of living and doing business continues to soar, and at a time when he HAS DONE NOTHING to really reduce the cost of living and doing business in Barbados and really boost the incomes of workers in Barbados . As for the cost of living – this is some thing which he and his party have promised the people of Barbados to reduce – but clearly so far which they have miserably failed to reduce.
Finally, there are only two aspects of the “budget” presentation that are really noteworthy, i.e, school children in uniform(SJPP, BCC, UWI students with ID too? ) riding “free” on state owned buses – the tab that will eventually be taken up by the TAX VICTIMS of the country, but which the Transport Board, right now, is in no proper position to absorb the increased loads that will come, and the idea of land reclamation just off Barbados, in which there will be plans for the construction of islands and marinas just like in the United Arab Emirates.
So, there we in this country go, facing the spectre of being seriously worse off materially financially in the short to medium term, with this proven intellectually bankrupt DLP Government which is charge of the affairs of this country doing absolutely NOTHING to halt this slide!! What a calamity, indeed!!
PDC
David // July 8, 2008 at 7:15 AM
We get the sense that Prime Minister David Thompson has bought into BT’s philosophy ever since he decided to expose Barbadians to the marauding prices on the world market. It seems that he is using price to shock Barbadians from a comfort zone. Again we see this strategy manifesting in the ZR matter. He maybe saying it is a zero sum matter i.e.the ZR industry loses but the social make-up of the society improves over time. While the ZR sub-culture is a microcosm of wider society one has to start some where. The ZR is very visible and more importantly it is directly impacting our impressionable minds.
Me // July 8, 2008 at 8:04 AM
It was an interesting Budget.
I know that everyone is really excited about this school children ride for free on Transport Board Busses.
I have one comment on this I would NEVER EVER EVER let my children ride on a transport board bus.
It used to be ZR’s and Mini Busses where the reckless ones on the road. This is no longer so, I have had to drive off the road countless times from speeding reckless Transport Board Busses. There drives faces set and unmoved ready to squash you like a bug.
One other point I would like to bring up NASTY mouth Bajans. LOL we are going after high end Tourism LOL LOL cant stop Laughing. Now first let me say I am not against any of this it is great but the Prime Minister has allot on his hands.
Just this weekend I was walking along a West Coast Beach where a man I really can’t say gentleman yelled out to me sweetie come and give me a F**K. He was a construction worker on a condominium building.
Of course being be I turned around and informed him I was in fact a bajan and that no visitor to our shores would appreciate his comment and furthermore he was rather stupid because there he was making money off of tourism building a condo building and yet destroying the tourism by his disgusting behaviour. What are we going to put up Glendairy type walls to protect the visitors that will pay so much money to come here from people like this?
What is wrong with Bajan men ? Get a brain already I am tiered of this so are the many visitors that come to our shores
Two thumbs u for the Prime minister but we have some big problems.
The Devil // July 8, 2008 at 8:27 AM
some comments
@David – if your last comment is correct, then the new policy goes against credit unions since one could claim up to $10 000 before.
@Bush tea – I have a place just for you in the world of darkness. Gov’t have claimed to try to put the fear of God in the ZRs via high taxes now it is saying it will try the fear of the devil. I’m flattered but read your BFP submission again.
@ No more Marinas ever again – “vague” ? The language of the budget says to me that the development philosophy of the recent past will be the development philosophy of the present and the immediate future.
@ MME – CSME? note that locally manufactured goods now will attract the environmental levy to satisfy the Treaty of Chaguramas. While I agree that the ABC project was a debacle and worse, I predict that a flyover or two will have to be built sometime (sins have a way or catching up with you).
Stay tuned for this evening’s reply by the hand maiden of the devil (as some would call her). Oh they flatter to deceive.
Tony Hall // July 8, 2008 at 8:31 AM
David,
I agree with you wholeheartedly. This budget while reasonable has awoken Barbadians out of their comfort zone. I spoke to a friend in Barbados last night and she was concerned about the increase in the vehicle tax from $265.00 to $400.00, a $135.00 dollar increase. I explained to her that she had no problem going to shows at Farley Hill and other places with monotonous regularity and paying between $150.00 and $200.00. She agreed with me. I told her that sacrifice has to be made. When the time comes to pay her road tax she has to think about foregoing one of those shows. I made her understand that Barbadians are not the only persons being asked to sacrifice. Every tax payer has to play his/her part in order to maintain proper road networks.
Trained Economist // July 8, 2008 at 8:36 AM
I really liked some features of this budget:
1. The government is finally making an attempt to broaden the tax net by increasing fees paid by certain professionals and businesses. This in my view is a good move. These professionals and entities should bear their fair share of the tax burden. This is a move in the right direction and the initiative should continue. for example, tax audits of many of these types of entities should become a norm. The FTC or relevant authority should vigorously monitor any attempt to price gouge as a result of these long over adjustments.
2. The move to allow independent power providers is to be applauded.
3. The process of seeking representations from various interest groups seems to have been quite effective in generating meaningful and commonsense measures.
4. the notion that policies need to be explicitly funded is refreshing and I hope it remains a feature of this administration.
5. There was definitely a lot of creativity in terms of the revenue generating measures. Who would have thought of a cell phone flat tax?
Good job ,hope as much effort is focused on the implementation and monitoring.
JR // July 8, 2008 at 8:47 AM
How does the BU family feel about the increase on liquor by 50% and tobacco by 100%. He also stop tobacco being a duty free item.
Another interesting revenue measure is the flat monthly tax on cell phones.
The increases in so called sin taxes and license fees for professionals and some businesses seem to be part of a larger effort to broaden the tax base. I think this is a most important initiative that need to be applauded. The Minister of Finance and his team clearly demonstrated a lot of creativity in terms of revenue raising measures.
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 9:07 AM
I am now in the process of studying the budget. It appears to be a pretty good first budget, however there are a couple of areas that are worrying. I think the rise in road tax renewals are too high. An increase of $ 50.00 or $ 75.00 would be more acceptible. I think a lot of working people are going to revert to catching the bus. The road tax increase plus the petrol prices ( which I heard MIGHT soon increase again), the spiralling cost of LPG, will bring much burden on the average family. Not everyone goes partying Tony Hall. The other worrying point is the massive increase in temp. license, visitors are already being exploited by the airlines, when they have to pay extra to have their baggage checked, extra departure taxes, extra airline prices, extra gas prices, now a raise from $10.00 to $1oo.00 for a permit coupled with increase in hire fees is asking too much. Lots of small car hire business might go out of business. However, under the conditions I give the budget so far a passing grade
Adrian Hinds // July 8, 2008 at 9:18 AM
“However, the enthusiasm outside was once threatened to be overshadowed by one unhappy spectator vocally demonstrating political discontent under the watchful eyes of police officers.
His sentiments, however, were quickly drowned out by repeated applause hailing the arrival of parliamentarian after parliamentarian. ”
Ian Walcott where were you yesterday?
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Hip HIp Haraaay
3S got fired at last. I hope I would see an end to the h’way now. John Boyce that sound like your reccommendation; CONGRATS, ya working. Along with milking us bajans 3S don’t have a private jet at our disposal.
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 9:44 AM
I would wait and see how Ms Mottley reply this evening. Incedentally, I thought the former P.M was out of the island. Have not heard from him for a while, I wonder if he’ll speak on the budget
Trained Economist // July 8, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Scout, maybe you can help the discussion by letting us know the cost of such permits in competing destinations.
Inkwell // July 8, 2008 at 9:50 AM
Many are speaking in glowing terms about the budget, but for a government that won an election on promises of lowering the cost of living, its first budget is a dismal failure and when people get over their initial euphoria, they will realize that this budget, while appearing on the surface to ease the low income earners, the pensioners and those with school aged children, will have a great negative impact on the whole population, even those it is claiming to ease.
Consider, virtually everything we buy in the shops and supermarkets gets there via the port in container trucks. Road taxes for most of these vehicles have been increased by 50%. Where do you think this additional cost is going to end up? ON THE CONSUMER. Add that cost to the recent 76% increase in diesel. It is eventually coming out of your pocket.
“Effective January 1st 2009 all accountants, actuaries, architects, attorneys-at-law, dental practitioners, engineers, land surveyors and
quantity surveyors will be placed in the top category and pay an annual registration of $2,500.00 each.
I also propose to graduate chiropractors, chiropodists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, draughtsmen, embalmers, funeral
directors, optometrists, podiatrists and professional promoters from Part II of the Second Schedule to Part I of the Second Schedule”
Virtually every professional has now been dragged into the “license” tax net, the druggist license fee has been increased from $100 to $750. You may say its about time, they can afford it, but who do you think is ultimately going to pay…YOU, THE CUSTOMER.
While they were previously exempt, manufacturers of product for local consumption were not charged environmental tax. They now will be. That’s a further 1.5% on the cost of everything locally manufactured, furniture, food, clothing, soft drinks, milk, beer, rum, everything. Who do you think it is going to be passed on to …YOU THE CONSUMER.
Even your beloved cell phone, you now have to pay $4 a month for the privilege.
Still think your budget is so great? You think the $20 and $23 the pensioners get is going to offset the the increase in the coming additional cost of nearly every conceivable commodity and service?
The Devil // July 8, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Inkwell
the truth of the matter is that this budget does increase the tax burden by some $30 million.
How else will our education, health and other social programs be paid for?
The alternative would be to abandon the social welfare net in favour of every-man-for-himself (or more likely a dog-eat-dog situation)!
Inkwell // July 8, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Hear The Prime Minister:
“I consider this an appropriate point in this
presentation to address the issue of bus fares in general. I alluded earlier to a $27.8 million operating deficit by the Transport Board last
year alone. Also, rising fuel prices and other operating costs are impacting negatively on the finances of the Transport Board.
A clear case can be made for an increase in the cost of public transport. But, again, as a gesture towards containment of the Cost of Living in Barbados, I am pleased to announce that fares on
Transport Board buses shall, in this Budget, remain untouched.”
The Prime Minister has obviously forgotten, or doesn’t care, that there is a part of the private sector that provides public transportation and that the same rising prices and other operational costs that are negatively impacting the finances of the Transport Board would have the same negative impact on PSV owners.
But hey, he can subsidize the Transport Board to the tune of $20 million plus per annum out of your and my taxes, but the PSV owners can go suck salt.
How can a government in all conscience use its power to force an entity operated and funded privately to subsidize public transportation OUT OF ITS OWN POCKET, when he acknowledges that, in his own words,
“A clear case can be made for an increase in the cost of public transport”
It follows that the Prime Minister has a clear obligation to provide a subsidy to private providers of public transportation if maintaining a regime of low bus fares is a part, as stated, of his government’s social policy.
This blatant discrimination only results in further alienation of an already ostracized sector and makes it fight harder for survival, even if it means flouting unfair officialdom.
If you want the PSV operators to conform to societal norms, then stop f**king them up, pardon my French, but I can’t think of an apter expression for what is being done to the sector.
Chicken and egg!! Food for thought, if anyone can get pass the automatic antagonism.
Real Ting // July 8, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Inkwell you got it so wrong. dont blame the government for the professionals passing on the increased licensing fees to the consumer. that is just Damn greed; some of them too grabbalicious. Let me give you an example:
A dentist’ fee goes from $500 to $2500 ; an increase of $2000. Now this dentist happens to see 4 patients a day for 250 working days of the year and this is a conservative estimate of course. That is 1000 patients in a year . the flat increase fee works out to $2 per patient.
NOW TELL ME WHAT HE IS GOING TO PASS ON TO THE CONSUMER
This foolishness in barbados bout passing on fixed one time costs to the consumer in variable terms that bear no relation to the fixed cost increase has to stop. It is avaricious and downright dishonest especially when it is suported by a system which limits price-based competition and advertising. looking forward to a reply.
Freeness // July 8, 2008 at 10:54 AM
We already pay for the education of the island childrens. (school meals, books etc) Now we have to pay for their transportation. What is next school uniforms.
What will stop poeple from having an abundance of children, they cant afford to have children them now and but they have get 3 or 4
chlidren and expect the govt to save the day.
Remember nothing in life is free and the increases I am being burdened with is paying to send peoples children to school.
Trained Economist // July 8, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Inkwell, I think talking about percentage changes can be misleading though. An increase in highway fees of $2500 per year translates to $6.84 per day.
It suggests serious pricing power on the part of businesses if that translates into significant price increases.
The government needs to be vigilant as to price gouging due to these very modest costs increases.
Trained Economist // July 8, 2008 at 11:07 AM
When one looks at these fee increases on an annual basis they are a miniscule amount compared to the annual revenues of the vast majority of these professionals.
Inkwell, do you accept that these professionals should pay less than their fair share of taxes.? We all know they are able to skimp on income taxes.
Real Ting // July 8, 2008 at 11:17 AM
well said trained economist
Wishing in Vain // July 8, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I to am very very happy that the Gov’t has closed the door on this talk of Flyovers as they seem to me to have more mileage as flyouts for massive amounts foreign exchange escaping these shores.
When we could stomach and tolerate the fraud being inflicted upon us by BIZZY WILLIAMS Et Al, when STEVEN HOBSON who is known crook brought to these shores by another crook HALLAM NICHOLLS actually these two own a business named NSG they have raped our treasury almost on a daily basis, remember the rejects Land Rover Jeeps supplied to the Gov’t and the Police force that spent more time in the workshop than out of it, it is the tip of the iceberg with regard to a number of cases of fraud that these two carried out against Barbadians they have also been involved in fraud involving Stanton Alleyne at SSA by the supply of truck parts for SSA some of which were never ever delivered.
Then we hear them involved with BIZZY WILLIAMS and DANOS 3 S in the Highway project, BIZZY WILLIAMS should hold his head in disgrace and shame for associating with KNOW FRAUDSTERS unless he to was a willing player to rape the treasury along with these know scamps.
Wishing in Vain // July 8, 2008 at 11:46 AM
It makes me laugh when I read some of these comments, I see any and every increase even if so small is an issue for the likes of inkwell I fully understand your gripes but have the heart to praise where praise is due there is so much to appreciate about this budget.
no Budget will make all of us happy but even when the shoe was on the other foot at least you could still see the good that was done by the other side but this is no longer the case for the likes of inkwell, may I suggest to you to that the Gov’t has changed and it is not business as usual.
My congrats to the PRIME MINISTER THE HON MR DAVID THOMPSON for a job very well done, keep pressing forward with your plans and programs for the betterment of our island nation.
Adrian Hinds // July 8, 2008 at 11:47 AM
The perception of price gouging for products and services by bajan business persons and professionals has been establish since the last government. I agree that their known greed and historic unwillingness to share in the burden of previous economic down cycles will resurface once again. However i think it will be difficult for them to win the argument, or to successfully point at government as the cause. I am hearing that the Budget is inflationary, that Barbadians were looking for relief and got none, and i agree to the first and partially so to the second, If i define inflation to be a persistent increase in the level of consumer prices or a persistent decline in the purchasing power of money, caused by an increase in available currency and credit beyond the proportion of available goods and services.
Inflation due to high prices:
But was inflation with us prior to Jan 15th? well where high prices a factor before Jan 15th? I am not seeking to blame the last government, we must be honest and accept that even then the sub-prime loan mess was taking shape and high oil prices was already a factor.
Inflation due to an increase in money and credit availability.
Did we not witness a cess on imports under the last government? what was it for?
Wasn’t government encouraging spending and easy credit since 2001 in their Keynesian approach to counter not manage the economic down turn cause by 9/11 and further exacerbated by high oil prices?
Did they not continue to so do even after being warn that this approach is not meant to be indefinite and that six years later with no global economic turn around, a good approach is likely to become a very bad one?
Did the world not move from 9/11, to War, to high oil prices to sub-prime/financial derivatives issues that all in all continued a global down turn since 9/11?
Trained Economist // July 8, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Is inflation due to an increase in the price of alcohol and tobacco a bad thing?
In the majority of cases, annual fees have been increased. The increases reflect a tiny portion of the revenues of service providers who need to pay their fair share of the tax burden.
I find the inflation argument quite spurious, except service providers are allowed to engage in price gouging.
Can you imagine funeral directors complaining about the need to pass on the cost of the annual registration fee from $50 to $750. The fee has clearly been way too low for too long given the average annual revenues of such firms. This is also the case for a number of the professions and services that are now being asked to begin to pay a small part of their fair share.
I think most of these are reasonable proposals. Salaried employees and corporations have had to bear an unfair share of the tax burden to date. It is time some others paid their bit as well
The Devil // July 8, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Ah Bush tea innocently writing about ZRs posted,
“BUT devil, we all know that CULTURALLY, most of them belong to you (or your namesake). The music is base, the behavior is sickening -and I am not even talking about their aggressive road tactics – I mean their MORAL norms…. not an environment for our children AT ALL…”
Amen (cough cough) and I would add like …
– many of the shows at the stadium or Gymnasium or Farley Hill;
- many of the Calypso tents,
- the Kadooment Parade,
- the Party Monarch
- the Wet Fete
and this one is nice;
– like some clubs say Club Extreme, Lava Ground and Penthouse (where a well known politician was once held in a Police raid)!
Children frequent all of these places of entertainment if they are to be banned from the ZRs then the next logical step is to ban them from these events as well.
I await the hypocrisy of bloggers.
boredickey // July 8, 2008 at 1:21 PM
D back page a d nation look too sweet; too sweet; wahlaw! Wahlaw! D BLP could NEVER match dat! TECK A LOOK AT PAGE 4…..MIA sporting long imported horse hair and Dugid looking like he ate everything in sight before the budget speech.Dat man should consider a toupee before doves use all dat forehead as a landing strip.No need to adjust the tone on your tv or radio sets this evening folks; YES it is a woman you will hear…a fe male.
Tell me Why // July 8, 2008 at 1:34 PM
As far as I am aware. The only country offering Free Transport is Belgium who implemented it 10 years ago. England was thinking about it but declined. I would like to know how long the country will be able to offer this freeness with Barbados scarce resources. I am saying, the 11 million losses within the budget will tantamount to nearly $50 million factoring in fuel, repairs, salaries and other related costs.
Thewhiterabbit // July 8, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Back to Inkwell who has figured out that the budget is one huge tax grab. Don’t worry about the details, just take the total to be generated (over $100 million, NOT the $30 million indicated by one above) divide by 270,000 and the total tax burden generated is just about $400 per person. If you think businesses won’t pass those new tax burdens on to YOU then you real foolish! Mr. Thompson has come up with some really innovative ways to lower the cost of living by increasing what was already a confiscatory level of taxation. Everybody is always looking for the free hand out without realizing that the only source of money for those same government handouts is YOU! Then, did anybody try to calculate how many new civil servants and government bureaucrats will be needed to manage all the new free hand out programs? Anybody try to calculate the cost of those new government employees? What we need is a really fiscally conservative opposition to get this run-away money-hemmorage under control. There is no such thing as a free lunch, let alone a free anything else!
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Trained Economist
The average cost of visitors’ temp license in the c’bean is $ 75.00 E.C . The real problem here though, is the size of the increase from Bds $ 10.00 which was low, to $1oo.oo is way too steep. It would have been better to graduate the increase.
TO PDC // July 8, 2008 at 2:22 PM
I am not a campaigner for the govt; belong to no political party; have voted for both.
However, PDC, your comments (while trying to sound impressive) are just empty words.
I mean, I have no problem with you critiziing the budget, but since you presented a thesis, you could have at least give us some statistical data to show us readers why the budget is a failue.
Without any analytical data, how can you objectively find fault in the Budget.
I think you fellows need to do your homework before you come to the public with your utterings. In other words, if you want to publicly debate Politics and Economics, at a national level – You need to be trained! Other thank that, all you mouthings amounts to nothing but “rum shop gibberish”
The Devil // July 8, 2008 at 2:28 PM
@the Whiterabbit
you are correct on the tax take. I was referring to the NET increase.
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 2:31 PM
I’ve had a good look at the budget and while the P.M had little room to do any better, I think that over the next year and beyond bajans MUST adjust their lifestyle. reduce the amount of fetes they attend, their impluse shopping habits,their regular visits to the fast food joints, the expensive Friday evening limes ( lime YES but change from the Johnnie Walker black and Absolut and top of the line brandies to a more affordable drink.) A lime on Friday is a good stress releiver but spending what you can’t afford just to be with the crowd brings on more stress at the end. I think most bajans were on a joy ride for many years, reality has arrived adjust peacefully or be adjusted forcefully. This would have happened irrespective of which g’vet was in place. Plant a little “kitchen garden ” and raise a few chickens where possible. The old people did it in much harder times than this and raised us to be responsible men and women. It’s time we and our children return to the REAL world.
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Ya tink being P.M easy? ASk David Thompson? That man six months ago had black hair with a touch of gray, today he has gray hair with a few strands of black and he has aged somewhat to. That’s why I stop being partisan and look at the wider picture. I compliment and give kudos to any young man or woman who offer/ed themselves to the development of this country. Those gone before might not have done everthing a lot of us wanted but they have all, from the strongest to the weakest have placed BARBADOS firmly on the international map. That’s why we, as BAJANS, must not allow parasites to come here and rob us of the goodness that we have worked so hard to achieve. God BLESS this GREAT nation of our; it is now up to us to hold on tightly to our price and our PRIDE. I exhort every bajan to band together to protect this country and preserve it for our children and our children’s children.
Inkwell // July 8, 2008 at 3:10 PM
To Trained Economist and Real Ting,
Any elementary school student will tell you that when you add $6.84 here, $2, there and $1 everywhere, it adds up to a hell of a lot. And don’t tell me that it won’t be passed on. The increases will be used to justify further price hikes, don’t fool yourself. The business attitude is and always has been, why should we accept any decrease in our profits when we can pass cost increases on to the customer. Tell me I’m wrong
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Let’s stop fooling ourselves, unless there is a policy where prices on services rendered is regularised, the consumer will have to carry the burden. Yes, we can avoid some items and commodities, but doctor’s visits, dentist, or any of the similar professionals, we have to obtain their services. What can we do? Don’t pay them and be taken court? The gov’t must find a way ( idon’t know how) to regularise these professionals and save the demise of the average consumer
Trained Economist // July 8, 2008 at 4:07 PM
So increases of $2,000 a year, $150 per month will need to be passed on to consumers to preserve profits and keep these service providers in business.
Give me a break. Do these service providers file income tax returns? Do they honestly report their incomes when they do? So from your perspective they must never pay their share of the tax burden. maybe you believe they use less public services than the rest of us.
The simple reality is that these fees have fallen out of step with reality and needed to be adjusted. Please do not provide any excuses for price gouging.
Trained Economist // July 8, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Are you really saying that the cost of registering a business as a dental practitioner (previously $250) should be less than the previous road tax for a private vehicle?
In my mind it is clear that the vast majority of the increases can be absorbed by the service provides with effortless ease.
The government should certainly reconsider the increases in visitor driving permits though.
ROBOT // July 8, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Banning school chillun from ZRs and minibuses will have negative effect. TRANSPORT board cannot service all the routes-
simply cannot –FACT
t-h-om-pSON raised BUS FARES for school -chillun without realising it. now where there are no buses available school chillun will have to take a ZR or minibus and they will have to pay $1.50- FACT ! when bus fare increase they will have to pay $2.00 so this will create more problems.
t-h-om-p-SON is a bare showman , AN ILLUSIONIST who is more concerned about impressions because impressions count. his style of politics will not be good for barbados in the long run.
he is doing magical tricks-tricks tricks and we know magic is illusion so that what you see is not reality
TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT !
BIM IS IN TROUBLE
HELP !!!–
BETWEEN MIA AND t-h-om-p-SON -bim in trouble–they know um
cost of living gone up again !
down with the budget
down with t-h-om-p-SON
i dont expect you to understand this because you cannot see any further than you partisan political nose .
ROBOT // July 8, 2008 at 4:46 PM
thompson fool wunna again
partisan political jackasses
this is a trick budget just like the person thompson is
impressions count
mek wunna feel wunna getting something
cost of living gone up again
ROBOT // July 8, 2008 at 4:47 PM
t-h-om-p-SON fool wunna again
partisan political jackasses
this is a trick budget just like the person thompson is
impressions count
mek wunna feel wunna getting something
cost of living gone up again
Redds // July 8, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Darcy Boyce running this country plain and simple, David Thompson the puppet.
Negroman // July 8, 2008 at 5:30 PM
The Sscout I endorse your comments.We must preserve our country for our children & grand children.It is very interesting that PM Thompson did not increase the prices of work permits,passports,renewal of passports,and other travel documents.Furthermore he did not mentioned much about an immigration policy that is soon to be implemented.I believe that a golden oppurtunity was miss I do not know if it was deliberate to give us an insight into that policy.However,I support the budget and I believe it was a revolutionary budget.I say that in the context that it is the first time in history of Barbados that our PM is trying to bring back some decency and morality into the country again by offering free bus rides for our school children so as to protect them from the vulgarity and decadence associated with Minibus & ZR culture.The PM seems determine to save the future of this country by protecting our children.I am exteremly happy with the initiative of a strict dress code for our school children from the beginning of the new school year.Goood going Mr Prime Minister.
The scout I also support your view that we must put partisan politics aside and recognise that we are all Barbadians and we must always put Barbados first,
interestingly,Negroman suppported DLP,BLP & NDP al some stage.
I do not walk around with a political label attach to me I put Barbados first.
Strange Days // July 8, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Mia, is great!
ROBOT // July 8, 2008 at 7:46 PM
David,
….I am sticking with my prediction that this will be our best PM ever…still not sure that it will be good enough to meet the challenges coming though…
——————————>
oh give me a break
what qualities does he bring
what is his vision for barbados
come on
get real
this budget is the worse budget ever
in 1986 richie haynes backraised the blp budget
by 1988 he was calling the dlp budget a back street abortion and thereafter he was gone from the dems
by 1991 -the economy and the sandi led government was in trouble
by 1994 he was out on his tail -FACTS
Chris Halsall // July 8, 2008 at 7:50 PM
My Gods…
You may not like her, but how many of us could do what she’s doing *right* *now*! Very, very few…
She raises many legitimate questions…
Hopefully, at the end of all this ugliness of transition, we find ourselves in a situation which will allow *all* be able to safely (and confidently) raise questions without fear of retribution…
Kindest regards to all.
Pat // July 8, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Negroman // July 8, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Furthermore he did not mentioned much about an immigration policy that is soon to be implemented.
******************
If the Immigration policy is just that a POLICY and involves no new expenditures, then it does not have to be in the fiscal plan (budget).
I have not seen/heard/read the budget yet, so unfortunately I cannot make any comments of value.
Chris Halsall // July 8, 2008 at 8:19 PM
If I may please share… I, personally, continue to absorb what is being broadcast in real-time, on our CBC.
I am in awe…
This is democracy at the ugliest, purest, deepest, and most beautiful…
I pray… Someone please tell me this will be available (online) for all to witness, for all time…
We are learning, under duress, the hard way (which, can be argued, is the only way we actually learn… )
Anonymous // July 8, 2008 at 9:37 PM
The average bajan who is not interested in hand outs by politicians – would have appreciated what prime minister thompson outlined yesterday.
Mia’s presentation was all political gimmickry.
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 9:52 PM
I listened to Ms Mottley reply and I thought she handled herself well. She did make some good points and a few things I missed. However, I was a little disappointed with my friend Chris who it seems it trying to become the next Don Blackman. Chris we know you are on T.V and you’re an intelligent chap but speak in simple language that ALL can understand. Big words are not needed, you are the people’s servant, speak that they can understand. I look forward to the speeches for and against tomorrow and hope that both sides behave themselves in a manner that we bajan would be proud of the team elected.
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Adrian Hinds
I believe you are much more matured than you appear to be. Yes, some of you have your political bias and you’re entitled to it but you don’t have to stoop to the level that you’re going to. Only small minds discusses people and I know you can do better than that. however I look forward to reading your comments without the smut.
Adrian Hinds // July 8, 2008 at 10:33 PM
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Adrian Hinds
I believe you are much more matured than you appear to be. Yes, some of you have your political bias and you’re entitled to it but you don’t have to stoop to the level that you’re going to. Only small minds discusses people and I know you can do better than that. however I look forward to reading your comments without the smut.
=================================
I couldn’t care any less about your beliefs, or what is apparent to you, and i have not ever, nor will i now start posting with your wishes in mind. Do what you are free to do as i intend to the same, for it is nigh impossible, for me to concider anything that you ask of me.
The scout // July 8, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Probably it is your lack of maturity. POOR FELLOW. Politics cause some people to lose their ability to think. I’ve found out that you seem to have lost yours. I used to be like that once too but I’ve matured beyond that, I hope you reach that stage of your life. Whether you read my blog or not, I’ll still read yours and remark favorably or negatively if I have to. Your stance seem childish but I wouldn’t come down to your level, you would have to come up to mind. We are ALL entitled to our own views.
Adrian Hinds // July 8, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I must thank Stephen Lashley for developing the point i was making re inflation. Inflation was 7.4 % above that of 2004 for the last five years. So that Mia’s concern about the Budget being inflationary was muted, and is probably why she attempt to Bolster the prediction of the Budget causing inflation by stating that it will put it way above 7.4 % I am tired of the prophets, if the Budget is so bad the PM can always come back to parliament midway thru the financial year to impliment any necessary corrective measures, but i don’t think Mia’s predictions holds any water.
The People's Democratic Congress // July 8, 2008 at 11:10 PM
The Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals presented in the House Assembly and to the people of Barbados are the WORST and MOST BACKWARD to be presented by a Minister of Finance in the recent history of parliamentary governance of this beloved country called Barbados.
Make no doubt about it, when the occasions come for the implementation of these measures, thousands upon thousands of people in Barbados will soon thereafter feel the full fury and damage of their effects. So, from the owners of mobile phones to owners of motor vehicles, from the owners of Minibuses and ZRs to owners of professional businesses, and from alcohol and tobacco users to gamblers, as many people and entities one could ever reasonably think about will buckle under the weight of more pain and distress, as this already failing DLP Government unleashes, et al, its vengeance on the people of Barbados for NOT electing them to be at the helm of government in the 1999 and 2003 elections.
The fact is these proposals have been designed to make the general masses and middle classes of people of Barbados poorer and poorer, and weaker and weaker. These Budgetary measures constitute the second time within about 3 months that this DLP Government has decided to impose such severe hardship on Barbadians. The first time was in April, when the Minister of Finance unnecessarily and illogically increased the prices” of diesel, kerosene, gasoline and LPG. And, now, look what has happened, Hurricane David has descended upon our fair land and is wrecking almighty havoc and despair on its inhabitants!!
Nevertheless, contrary to what the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly says, that these Budgetary Proposals will be inflationary, we contend that, overall, these said proposals shall chiefly be deflationary and contractionary in regard of the particular sectors and subsectors that they are so targetting; and contend that as a direct result of these measures there will be – in the medium term – a fall in demand for, say, mobile phones and mobile phone services, and consequently a modest fall in total revenue from the sale of mobile phones and the use of mobile services, which will NOT be even offset by any likely increases in the “prices” of cell phones; and that there will be – in the medium term – a serious fall in the demand for the commutership of Minivans and ZRs, leading to a serious decline in the activity of Minibuses and ZRs operations – which themselves are already reeling from the effects of increased diesel costs, and which too are themselves without any increases in bus fares since 1991.
Moreover, it is NONSENSE for anybody to state that this budget is going to be inflationary when it is clear that the great proportion of living, business and production costs that are so rising in this country are so rising as a direct result of the astronomical increases in cost of goods and services imported into Barbados (owing to severe increases in global oil, gas, wheat, and other commodities and services) – and given that – at the same time – there are no real and sustained substantial demand-pull-cost increasing trends taking place in the so-called local economy, and given too that the GDP is on the decline, and given at the same time there are no real and sustained substantial wages/salaries-driven cost increases through out the country, since the real value of wages/salaries of workers have seriously been made to decline. So, yes, this budget will greatly assist – in the medium term – in the bringing about of serious declines in national output, national expenditure, and national income, declines in domestic investment, and the fall in commercial and business revenue, occasioned by many many layoffs and much unemployment!!
Finally, we in PDC must state that if were we at the helm of government today since January 2008, we would have been making sure that this country is repositioned to face the challenges that lie ahead, esp. in the international arena; that the cost of living and doing business is drasticaly reduced; and that the productive and distributive sectors of the country are stabilized and resuscitated, altogether by making sure that there is, et al, the Abolition of Taxation; the Abolition of Interest Rates; the Abolition of Motor Vehicle Insurance; the Abolition of Exchange Rates Parities with the Barbados Dollar; the Making sure that Imports of Goods and Services into Barbados are zero-”priced” at all points of entry; by making sure that Exports of goods and services are paid for in local currency/”prices; by ensuring that land space whether bought sold or leased are acquired at administrative/nominal costs: and by ensuring that there is a regime of rent control institutued in respect of residential, commercial and social properties.
PDC
The Astonishing Worldwide Reach And Influence Of Barbados Blogs « Barbados Free Press // July 9, 2008 at 12:27 PM
[...] Number 51 was Barbados Underground’s article Prime Minister David Thompson Grabs Centre Stage Delivering His First Budget [...]
John // July 9, 2008 at 12:40 PM
The People’s Democratic Congress // July 8, 2008 at 11:10 pm
The Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals presented in the House Assembly and to the people of Barbados are the WORST and MOST BACKWARD to be presented by a Minister of Finance in the recent history of parliamentary governance of this beloved country called Barbados.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“……sell of our land to pay bills”
I would rather face hardship and deprivation than follow the dicta of a former economist who was also prime minister …. or is it it the other way round.
ROBOT // July 9, 2008 at 1:53 PM
How de rastoblasto can somebody praise this budget ?
new cars gone up
busfares gone up –(for school chillun)
road tax gone up
professional fees gone up
rum gone up
cigarettes gone up
lottery playing gone up
permits gone up -visitors vexx
bicyle tax gone up
cell phones
new cars: environmental levy up from 300 to 1500 will increase price of new cars
busfares: if school chillun can’t get buses-(dealt with in my previous post
roadtax: in addition to all the other increases in prices before over last weeks
rum : people buy rum, people not dogs and monkeys
—–Man thompson hit everybody who were not hit before
minibus men losing money as a result of budget
bicycle men paying more
HOW CAN THIS BE A GOOD BUDGET
THIS IS A MUGGET——-mugged by bandelero thompSON
ROBOT // July 9, 2008 at 2:23 PM
in my opinion
this is the worse goverment in the history of barbados
Bush tea // July 9, 2008 at 8:10 PM
So ROBOT,
…exactly who did you think would pay for all the waste, thievery, mis-management, arrogance and ignorance of the last administration?
Who did you think would pay for the subsidy that Bajans enjoyed on fuel since mid 2007 when everyone else in the world were paying increased prices? … our uncle BNOC?
Where you thought the $400 Million for the ABC would come from?
ROBOT, surely you have enough intelligence to work some of these things out….
…what kind of processor chip are you using?!?
JC // July 9, 2008 at 8:53 PM
I want to know who listened to Estwick.
We were being robbed BLIND!
WILL SOMEBODY BE CHARGED?
I hope so (perhaps wishful thinking).
The scout // July 9, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Would anyone really believe that any opposition whether B or D don’t know the state of the economy? This antequated type of politics has long pass. The PAC was is there to bring the gov’t in order. A new gov’t need to start implimenting their policies and stop blaming the other side. The elections are over start doing what we put this gov’t there to do. PLEASE don’t disappoint me
JC // July 9, 2008 at 9:11 PM
I still say some person (s) rob the tax payers blind.
NOT FAIR!
World Citizen // July 10, 2008 at 8:42 AM
As a person that used to catch bus to go to school. and started with the transport board. Leaving school one day at 3 o clock sharp and only ariving home at around 9, during to no BUSES, i really hope that we have the buses to handle this change, and backup buses in case of an emergency, and back up plans incases the transport board workers strike. The children need to get home. I even remember getting passes at the bus stop because i was paying less money for a seat than an adult. So while it looks good.. hopefully we have the man power to handle such situations. However with the amount of children that get dropped school on the rise might not be a significant problem. but i for took other means to get home other than the transport board after leaving school @3 and getting home @9.
Adrian Hinds // July 10, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Is it really true that Owen Arthur and George Payne are hardly in parliament at the same time? Did i hear correctly that Rawle Eastmand abstain from voting on the budget? If so why are these events not listed as infighting in the BLP?
Hammie Lah : I was the first person that i know of to refer to him as Barbados first independent member of parliament in modern times, and he did not disappoint.
I am amaze that Kellman sojourn to parliament simply to be register, after Thompy as LOTO said the DLP will not be returning to the house, resulted in so much comments of disunity, and disharmony in the DLP from BLP hacks, as compared to the glaring refusal of de Independent man de rasta man to tow the party line.
He backs the parish council
He backs and voted yes for the budget
Now let me say that i have never had a problem with a parliamentarian speaking to his conciense and not the party line, though it is a rarity in Barbados it is nevertheless the best thing for our democracy.
JC // July 10, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Adrian no truer words have been spoken!
bajan2nv // July 10, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Dear Mr. Prime Minister
Thanks to you I will be much healthier by 2009 than I currently am now in 2009.
Now that you have raised diesel and gas prices, I find it much easier and convenient to take a ride on my recently purchased bicycle every now and then. Further to that, now that u have also raised the fee for vehicle road tax and bicycle licenses I find even much more pleasure in walking.
Food costs are so high that i have found it necessary to cut-out all fastfood from my diet as well as lots of meats and other items normally purchased from the supermarket.
You have made arrangement for the raising of professional fees as of next year. With this in mind I will be much more careful with aspects of my health so as not to have to visit a doctor, chiropractor dermatologist or dentist anytime soon, as visits are expected to cost more from January 2009.
My friends who normally visit at different times of the year also wish to thank you for raising the Visitor Driving Permits to $100, up from the current $10, as they too would be able to do alot more walking.
My cousins are all indebted to you for allowing the school children to travel free on the buses. The expected overcrowded anticipated onboard the buses will create a sauna-like effect which means that they would have a good sweat on the way to/from work.
All members of my family will now have a bit more money when we deactivate or cellphones. You have showed us that the cellphone is a luxury and not a necessity. Thanks for that $4 a month tax on cellphones.
I personally cannot thank you enough. Your new policies are certainly revolutionary, you have certainly put families first this time. My family and friends can all spend more time together as my brother who until recently delivered cars to and from hotels in the Car Rental Business will soon be unemployed, my sister who conducts on ZR van and friends who work on Minibuses will soon all be able to congregate on the block from morning to night. Now that you have abandoned the Project Oasis (boys on the block) Program it has been one grand lime daily.
Finally, with the increases in alcohol and tobacco the citizens of Barbados and Tourists alike can rest assured than vagrancy and drunks will be at a minimal, plus there would probably be less alcohol sales in our hotels, clubs and bars.
Thanking you
Mr. A. Small-Blackman
Adrian Hinds // July 10, 2008 at 11:44 AM
QUOTE (Bendedknees @ Dec 31 2006, 11:31 AM)
the big question is whether Minister Eastmond’s credo/reputation is shot! Is he now a liabilty destine to the political trash can.
It may be within the halls of power, he is a threat to that concentration, but if he has the capacity to marshall grassroot support that would signal to the leadership that this support is beyond poltical party affiliation then he would become a Dennis Kellman, a Hammie Lah, that will benefit him and his constituency. The future of political longevity will belong to those parliamentary representatives that are true adherants to what Barbadians holds to be true true representation. I think there is much utility in a Eastmond, Hammie lah, Dennis Kellman alternative poltical institution, they have a momemtum that can lead to some watershed occurance in the poltical landscape of Barbados, but the challenge is to get these men on the same page and infuse with a vision of the future, and future that they can shape. Eastmond speech if he is serious would put in on the same philosophical plain as Hammie Lah. Barbados needs more of this type of leadership. Black enfranshizement will not happen with any of the current power brokers.
Someone said the 'BLP Stalwart' // July 10, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Did someone say that Prime Minister David Thompson is proposing to re-name the Democratic Labour Party? What is the new name or shame? The ‘CLP’. Yes you heard me right, the ‘CLP’. The Clumsy Lot of Politicians. It suits them from all that I have been reading since I could not really listen in too much. Prime Minister, give the people a break with the taxes! You somehow managed to convince them that change was necessary, please, for the sake of our builders and present and future generations, ease the pain. Please do not destroy the ‘middle-classes’ who trusted you only six months ago. Keep your promises of looking for ways to drive cost of living down; look to keep the standard of life relatively high; declare the assets of you and your team; stop firing ‘willy-nilly’; thanks for the free bus-fare for my children but they need some inspiration. Judging from your 2008 Budget, the future looks dim. Your so-called patriots were so clumsy in their deliveries, much of what they said brought no ease to the pains I feel for my brothers and sisters in Barbados. I agree with you Mr. Prime Minister, they are a Clumsy Lot of Politicians. Let’s see what else we can change in Barbados. The vote was for change. Use positive before that operative word and then you will begin to understand how and what I am feeling after listening to your deception called a budget. I am gone less you say that I did you something wrong and fire me too.
The Devil // July 10, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Should Israel attack Iran, will this budget still be relevant?
Bush tea // July 10, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Devil,
Should Israel attack Iran, the only thing that will be relevant will be Bush tea’s end game scenario… ask MME for details…
Adrian Hinds // July 11, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Wunnuh mean the same Iran that claim they test fired 4 missles and produce a doctored photo as evidence? Think of Mia’s evidence of a 2,500 lock and see if you can come up with possible answers.
The Devil // July 11, 2008 at 9:44 AM
Iran is not threatening anyone. It is Israel (and the US) that is chomping at the bit to attack and they DO have the capacity.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D91R2K500&show_article=1
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330937574&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And as to why my concern see ….
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/10/business/opec.php
So are our national planners taking into account the effects of spiralling oil prices in the event of conflict in the Mid East?
The Devil // July 11, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Interesting, I have never been moderated before on BU. So I am politely enquiring if there is a problem with “The Devil” or is it that there are links in my post?