Source: BU Family member Adrian Hinds
We have NEVER published a speech on BU since our start-up. We have always tried to expressed our opinions on the many issues affecting our PEOPLE. However we have decided to make an exception in the case of the speech delivered by Attorney General Freundel Stuart in the just concluded Budget Debate. This is a speech which has come from a DLP politician who was thought by the BLP to not have been fully onboard the DLP train during the last general election. Our recollection is that he uttered some public statements which were very unflattering to then colleague David Thompson.
In light of the foregoing we agree with BU commenters who have been ‘turned-on’ by this contribution by Stuart. Our interest in the speech does not border on any partisan leaning, but more so what it represents. How a deep thinker like Stuart used words to emasculate the former Prime Minister, who not long ago strode the Lower House like a colossus.
The contribution of Attorney General Freundel Stuart to the gelling and molding of a new government will be critical as he takes on the role of elder in the young government. We enjoyed the speech delivered by Attorney General Stuart which was delivered with the flair to which some of us were accustomed from our 70’s parliament. These are troubling economic times, the knowledge that a man of deep thinking like our Attorney General sits in our cabinet is comforting . His demonstrated wisdom will be required.
Here is the speech compliments of the Advocate Newspaper:
I have listened to, with amused interest, to the Honourable Member for St. Peter who has delivered economic and policy statements in this Chamber for the last 14 years and as he spoke I kept asking myself if all that he was saying was true, what it was that the people of Barbados was dissatisfied about in the month of January.
What it was that they were dissatisfied about for the last three/four years in this country if all of these solutions were within his embrace. Are the people of Barbados stupid? Dont they know when they are feeling pain? Dont they know when a government has divorced itself from their interests? Dont they know when the policies of a government are inimical to their ideals? And I am prepared to err with the people of Barbados rather than to get swept along by all that I heard from the Member for St. Peter over the last half of an hour.
The most reassuring part of the Member’s speech was that no private citizen in this country had to fear tonight being abused from the floor of this Chamber. No Civil Servant had to endure today although telephone calls were made over the last few days any threats from the Member for St. Peter and for the very simple reason that he spoke in this Chamber tonight as a naked man, stripped down to the skin, of all of the arrogance and all of the hubris that the people of Barbados had to endure particularly over the last ten years.
He did not even speak in here tonight as a man with any special motivation to see the Democratic Labour Party never rule Barbados again. Even that was missing from the contribution which he made to this debate. And if there is any lesson in all of this it is that we should never forget the source of our power. We should always remember that power comes from the people. It is theirs to give and theirs to withdraw.
So tonight, this very lonely man stood up in this Chamber, can reach out and touch no one in Barbados really, not even anyone on his side of the House, because when I survey, not the wondrous Cross, but the Opposition benches, the Member for St. Michael North has no particular reason to love him since he had to throw a Cabinet position back in his face. He cannot expect the affection of the Honourable Member for St. Thomas since the Member for St. Michael North East has pre-empted that affection.
The Member for St. James North has been treated like a football, abused and insulted by the Member for St. Peter for the last ten years or so and I know whereof I speak; and although the Member for St. James North is perhaps the most rounded and most intelligent politician in the Barbados Labour Party, he has had to take insults and abuse from the Member for St. Peter for a good ten/twelve years and tonight sits in his seat a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. The Member for St. George North, of course, is perhaps the only friend that the Member for St. Peter has on that side and for obvious reasons. Their habits are not dissimilar. Missing from his seat is the Member for St. Andrew.
Now I have to congratulate the Member for St. John because whatever else this Budget did not do, it certainly made the dumb to speak. So the age of miracles is not ceased. The Member for St. Andrew stood up in this Chamber today and made a full speech. But he too has been at the receiving end of the implacable ire and rage and spite in some cases, of the Member for St. Peter, and you know I dont think anybody in Barbados rejoices more than the Member for St. Andrew that the nakedness of the Member for St. Peter is now so cruelly exposed.
The Member for St. Joseph well, he will follow anything. You dont have to bother about him. He will follow anything; but I know this: the Member for St. Michael North East, too, was at the receiving end of no small bit of undermining abuse, backstabbing from the Member for St. Peter. Again I know whereof I speak and the Member for St. Michael North East also knows whereof I speak. Politeness may make her nod her head to say no and I appreciate the politeness, but I know whereof I speak.
So tonight, what we saw in here was the unmasking of power and I hope that all Barbadians looking on, listening to this Debate would have learnt the lesson that he that humbleth himself shall be exalted but he that exalteth himself shall be abased.
Having said that Mr. Speaker, I think it bears reminding the country that the Government responsible for the Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals for this year has been in office for 175 days today 175 days. And listening to the speeches coming from the other side, with the exception, of course, of the speech for the Member for St. Michael South East, one got the impression that all of the manifesto pledges of the Democratic Labour Party should have been satisfied in 175 days.
So, as the Member for St. Michael North East ended her 3 hour and 10 minutes speech, as she entered into her peroration perhaps I should withdraw the word ‘peroration’, that word I think is reserved for speeches that are well structured and elegantly delivered. I should say as she entered into her perspiration, we heard how the policemen are not happy and the nurses are not happy and the teachers have been let down because the DLP has not fulfilled the promises it made in its manifesto in 175 days!
We came to office on the 16th day of January 2008. There were just under 30 000 people in Barbados waiting on the National Housing Corporation [NHC] for either a house or a house spot. This Government is being chastised tonight and has been chastised ever since yesterday evening for not providing just under 30 000 houses or house spots to people in Barbados in 175 days!
When we came to office on the 16th of January, even using the figures relied on by us from the other side, there were about 50 000 people in this country trying to find jobs. Every single member on this side of the House knows that when you go to your constituency clinics that is what you hear about jobs or houses or house spots. In 175 days the DLP in Government was supposed to provide 14 or 15 000 jobs.
When we came to office on the 16th January, the current account deficit was to the tune of about $485 million. This Government in 175 days was supposed to wipe out that deficit so that it could attract the praise and kudos of the Opposition. When we came to office, the inflation rate was about 4.4 %. We left office in 1994 with the inflation rate at 0.1%, came back and found it at 4.4% and we were supposed to, in 175 days, wipe out all of that so that the other side of the House could stand up and say how great a Government the Democratic Labour Party was. Can all of this be for real? O judgement thou art fled to brutish beast and men has lost their reason.
But the speech of the Member for St. Michael North East, which was the leading speech delivered on that side of the House, lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes and if I have to confess, I am entitled to an opinion like any other Barbadian, I thought it was a very childish speech and that is a trajectory on which I cannot make contact with the Member for St. Michael North East.
I have always tried my best never to forget how to be childlike but I frown on bringing childishness this far into my adulthood. That is why, with apologies to St. Paul, I have always felt able to quote that famous passage in his Corinthian letter: When I was a child I spake as a child, understood as a child and thought as a child, but now that I am become a man I have put away all childish things.
“That is perhaps the fundamental distinction between the Member for St. Michael North East and myself, because even though she may have become a man, she has not yet put away all childish things.
Now the policy of the Government revolves around two concepts: the concept of family and the concept of social care. You cannot understand what is contained in the Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals for 2008 unless you understand and can relate the concept of family and the concept of social care. For the last 14 years we have had to listen to a politics rooted in arid arithmetic that really had very little to do with the hot immediacies of peoples’ everyday lives.
What the DLP has tried and it doesnt even have to try because this has been our policy ever since the inception of the DLP was to restore politics to its human dimension where we can get back to the use of power, not to satisfy abstractions, but to deal with the real concerns of actual men and women.
We start from the position that in any post-colonial society you have to deal with an inheritance, a social contradiction, an economic contradiction, an inheritance of colonialism and in all post-colonial societies, certainly the ones in the Caribbean and it still manifests even in the great United States of America the subject peoples and, in the case of the Caribbean the subject peoples are the majority, the demographic majority in the society is at one and the same time not just a numerical majority but it is also an economic and sociological minority; and the demographic minority is an economic and sociological majority.
That is a fact of life in all post-colonial societies in this region, whether the colonising power was the French, the British, the Spanish or whoever. That is the reality in the Caribbean and in Latin America as well. And public policy therefore has to target the vulnerable wherever the vulnerable can be found.
For the last 14 years we have had a version of economics I dont call it economics. I call it arithmetic which started from the position that as long as you fatten people from the top there would be a spillover and people at the bottom would necessarily get the crumbs from their table the so-called trickle down variable of economics. I believe the liberal economist J.K. Galbraith put it beautifully when he said that trickle down economics is another way of saying that if you want to give the birds more feed you have to give the horse more oats. And that is really what has governed Barbados for the last 14 years.
96 responses so far ↓
Checkin-out // July 11, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Beautiful words and beautiful phrases immaculately strung together and delivered with flair and panache no doubt. But you must explain to us where you think the deep thinking is demonstrated.
Tell Me Why // July 11, 2008 at 9:17 pm
“That is perhaps the fundamental distinction between the Member for St. Michael North East and myself, because even though she may have become a man, she has not yet put away all childish things.
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In the 1970’s we had great speakers, Errol Barrow, Cameron Tudor, Mencea Cox, Grantley Adams et al, and none of them would have used such derogative language to substantiate a point. Remember the frog, “sport for you is death for me” We need to rise above this level.
David // July 11, 2008 at 9:21 pm
@TMW
Rubbish!
Politicians have always been very harsh to themselves when they feel so to do. It is as old as the hills.
Tell me Why // July 11, 2008 at 9:36 pm
The words (Lapdog media} were used by the blogging community regarding newspapers who become the marketing rag for a political party. During the rein of the last administration the Old Lady in Fontabelle had the audacity to bring ‘front page’ comments accusing the then opposition party. The languages were like needles, piercing the integrity of the DLP and accusing the leader left right and centre. But alas, the losers are now the victors and the said lapdog media is now glamouring in the spot light. The click of the cameras has been programmed to hype the simplest moves by the new rulers. Articles are now a part of the daily diet on the unsuspecting readers. I now have to ask why the change or should we say you love the King new clothes.. You bring the PM’s budget unedited. You failed to bring the opposition’s article, you failedto bring Arthur’s speech. But you can bring the AG’s speech. But again you said’ this is my edrdxxxx paper.
David // July 11, 2008 at 9:39 pm
@TMW
We prefer to welcome the change in Fontebelle instead of dwelling on why the change because we all know the answer.
Show us the link to the Opposition’s reply and we will insert the link on BU!
Tell me Why // July 11, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Politicians have always been very harsh to themselves when they feel so to do. It is as old as the hills.
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Have you ever heard Barrow call anyone negative sexual names.
The great Cammie Tudor was purported to be strange, but no one got on a platform and make any remarks, furthermore Parliament was a no-no to espouse such language. Don’t fool the public that the behaviour from Stuart should be accepted as simple intellectual tete a tete. I am not amused.
Checkin-out // July 12, 2008 at 12:05 am
Tell Me Why
I’m with you in characterizing your quotation from Freundel Stuart’s speech as being in bad taste but I agree with David that such is the norm with politicians of all stripes.
Cammie Tudor was lambasted in and out of the House and I have heard one well known Platform speaker making explicit and quite odious sexual allegations about Barrow’s sex life (without being sued) on the platform. I also understand that Owen Arthur has not been above making such remarks with a prominent DLP politician being the butt of such “wit”.
I agree that such “gutter” politics should be a thing of the past but as long as politicians feel that they can score points that may pay dividends at the ballot there will continue to be such talk.
But, back to the substance of Mr. Stuart’s outstanding presentation,
David; Where and what was in it that made it so outstanding? What was so outstanding about pointing out the changed circumstance under which Owen Arthur was now addressing the house and interacting with his BLP and DLP colleagues? Where were Stuart’s in depth insights into the dire circumstances which we now face? Where were his unique explanations and expansion on the measures taken in the budget that would allow us to all see that they were inescapable measures that will ultimately benefit, if not all of us, at least the have-nots in the society?
Why did you single out his speech for special treatment?
Baba-dose // July 12, 2008 at 12:49 am
S t i n k i n g BU lapdog.
Fruendel Stuart… another ugly stupid DLP bitch.
Baba-dose // July 12, 2008 at 12:51 am
When will the DLP declare their assets?
F-ing LIARS and FRAUDS!
We can smell your desperation, you filthy BU yardfowl.
Adrian Hinds // July 12, 2008 at 12:53 am
Freundel’s speech set the tone for the return of our parliament as a place were great debates and speeches occur. In thirty minutes he reminded Barbadians of the little talked about, disunity in the BLP, he reminded people and his fellow politicians from whence power cometh, and i think his use of the Owen Arthur’s position, behaviour, pre and post election served that purpose very well. He didn’t have to deal with Owen assessment of the budget who to mind suggested that it was a good budget, but could have been better. He frame the oppositions main reasons for opposing the budget in simple but effective terms. He did so by reminded us what inflation was in 1994 when they left office and what it is in 2008 on assuming office again. He also framed the economic approach of the last government by referring us to the concept of trickle down economics. He reminded us of what type of government the DLP intends to be, that the arguments against the DLP from the BLP doesn’t hold water given their 14 years and the DLP’s 175 days.
In thirty minutes Fruendel gave me several points that i can develop with much detail to get the essence of what a full speech from him would most likely deal with. It was a great summery of likely great speech. Was Mia speech childish? think about it. what part of her delivery can any of you remember? It certainly did not have anything to do with why they were all gathered in parliament.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 2:14 am
Tell me Why, We must tell you that not many of care if you are annoyed or not, the fact of the matter is that Mr Stuart brought you, the BLP, mottley, arthur and the remainder of the has beens in Parliament to their knees it was aclass act delivered with tremendous flair and style.
It was one of the best contributions it rates as highly as the PM’S , Denis Lowe, Chris Sinckler, Donville Innis, Denis Kellman, James Paul, Adriel Brathwaite, Steven Lashley, Kenny Best, John Boyce, David Estwick, George Hutson, Esther Byer Suckoo, Patrick Todd, Richard Sealy, Steve Blackett, Michael Lashley, Hammy Lashley, if you got the message each speaker that spoke on behalf of the DLP were fantastic and enlightened and sharp, no much that we can say about about any of the contributions of the BLP bench the leader was sickly poor and it never got better.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 3:06 am
Another one bites the dust with the VECO / FBI investigation, I am very happy to see that the FBI continue to gather these scamps and lead them to the prison it is wonderful to know that the FBI are actively going after those that were part of VECO and their fraud and that OWING ARTHUR and HALLAM NICHOLLS cannot rest as they to have questions to answer to our Gov’t and the FBI.
Carson C. Cadogan // July 12, 2008 at 3:38 am
TELL ME WHY
“The great Cammie Tudor was purported to be strange, but no one got on a platform and make any remarks”
You must be new to political platforms in Barbados.
On many, many ocassions I heard “Eric Fly” speak the worst things about Cameron’s sexuality.
We all know that “Eric Fly” held almost all his political meetings in favour of the BLP. What they felt that they could not say themselves they got “Eric Fly” to say on their behalf.
The AG’s contribution was lovely, my entire family enjoyed it, especially my wife.
David // July 12, 2008 at 6:04 am
We thought we highlighted our interest in the speech in the blog.
At the top of the list, Stuart was singled out as a man who was deeply opposed to Thompson during the election campaign. His speech which he used according to the Advocate to strip Arthur naked is symbolic. He attacked the former king Arthur with a rabid delight which has put that discussion to rest. Opposition Mia Mottley does not have that argument to use now. Some very craft and subtle arguments which have occured.
On the issue of debates in the House of Assembly one had to visit parliament to hear the debates in those days. Barbadians were only fortunate to hear debates at Budget time or some special occasion. Today we hear the debates so frequently that many Barbadians now take them for granted.
Yardbroom // July 12, 2008 at 6:42 am
The AG has “cleverly” use language to hint at but not specifically direct. It is the readers/listeners own thoughts that give an interpretation in this case.
If the reader/listener thinks of the words literally there is no offence. The word “man” can be used in a generic sense.
If the reader/listener has a preconceived impression of the person addressed, it is that impression which comes into focus.
There is no one who is literally now a man and was a female before, or the reverse.
Our own thoughts have taken over and directed our thinking. It could be that is what the AG intended but it could be otherwise. The writers “voice” is paramount here it is that voice we should listen to; we cannot accuse him because of our thoughts. His words are on purpose not explicit enough.
In context, variety, substance and the general public’s emotional release, it was relevant and brilliantly executed.
Tony Hall // July 12, 2008 at 7:25 am
It was a speech intended to let Owen Arthur know that the Lord giveth and he also taketh away. It was a breath of fresh air to hear Prime Minister Thompson wrapping up the budget debate without attacking citizens . I will never ever forget Owen Arthur attacking Irene Sandiford-Garner. That was one of the lowest times in our political history. I am sure during his lonely times he will reflect on that day. A person’s subconscious can be a bitch.
The Devil // July 12, 2008 at 8:12 am
A very withering speech and for some, very effective political theatre. However, shall debates in Parliament become opportunities to engage in veiled references to the presumed sexual orientation of politicians to satisfy the public’s love for salacious gossip? Mr Stuart (along with Mr Jones and Mr Sealy) may rue the day when this pandora’s box was opened.
Anonymous // July 12, 2008 at 8:34 am
All the blp sympathisers and supporters cannot handle the heat when it is turned on them.
Not a pimp squeaked when arthur destroyed people’s character and good name in that same very hallowed chamber.
They didn’t see any thing wrong with that sufficient for them to come out on these blogs and make the same outcry.
Now these very blogs who Mia tried to ban,are being overtaken by these BLP pimps – posting under multiple names to give the impression that there is a deluge of support out their for their point of view.
However freundel stuart who was as usual at his most eloquent best hit them for six.
The timimg of his speech right after arthur tried in a very lacklustre way to portray himself as the grand old statesman of the house – had the maximun effect.
It silenced arthur and those on the other side and reminded barbadians that arthur is no decent ,graceful elderly politician – but a scoundrel and a thief and a very vindictive,spiteful person.
The BLP is hoping that bajans indeed got ’short memory’ and will soon forget the tiefing and the mess that they left this country in and for david thompson to clean up.
Their concern was not about people – but about building highways and office blocks and boardwalks.
They will be forever condemned in the annals of barbadian political history,and our children and grandchilren must be reminded and never be allowed to forget how owen arthur and his bunch of goons tried to wipe out our heritage and our people by opening up the floodgates to guyanese indians and chineese and other nationalities.
May they never see the corridors of power for a very long,long,long time.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 8:34 am
And now we have a respected trustworthy leader that stands tall among world leaders.
David // July 12, 2008 at 8:54 am
Isn’t language a wonderful thing? So many interpretations of what the good man said. And then there is HIS interpretation which we may never know. The speech has served its purpose to deflect Arthur’s contribution. This is the craft of debate at its finest.
To those commenters who have expressed concern about how MPs intimate to the sexual interest of colleagues, the fact that it is practiced by both sides should deflate the argument that it is a DLP practice alone. Of interest to BU is the infatuation with sex and particularly homosexuality when members seek to flavour their contributions.
Perhaps the politicians know something which the people know. Barbados is a small place and the likes and dislikes of Barbadians no doubt are known to politicians. So who will walk the talk and talk the talk?
Darnley L. Pinder // July 12, 2008 at 9:53 am
@David
Stuart was opposed to thompson he itemised his reasons for his oposition in his manifesto when he was runnig for presidency of the party. And ironically the quote about when he was a child and doing childish things he used it about Thompson.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 9:56 am
His reference to Mottley being a man was interjected so smoothly it was a master shot now Chris was more funny when he said he was scared to hear her say that she liked him because we all know of her oral skills.
I cannot think of any reason why Mottley should be offended when by her own doing and her own manner she exhibits the manner and the style of a man and goes out of her way to keep her female lesbian friends in check by beating them unmercyfully.
If she goes down this road what then should she expect from the public, not love, no at all she should expect scorn and resentment, we cannot be accepting of a person of her ilk in a position of authority and power in this country.
I have said before that I would not be at all surprised for her to go to a fat farm drop about 200 lbs lasso a man wrangle him to the alter, have a A I produce a child within the next two years, such is her greed for power that she will stop at nothing to gain it, but knowing that her trait of being a vicious woman beater and abuser will prevent her from gaining the one thing that she is most wanting of is POWER.
When even now in her throw out stage of her political life she still is of the view that she can try to throw around power and control over people is really amazing.
As recently as Wednesday is but yet another example of gross misuse of misguided half ass power, when she looked around the gallery and found Norman Barrow of A and B music supplies watching the debate in the House of Assembly she formed the conclusion that he was there as a DEM and in support of the DEMS, how wrong she was he was there as a visitor and as the person who installed the PA system in Parliament, however by the next day she had given instructions to Dobad the idiot to cancel the job for providing the sound system at an event being held by the BLP this weekend.
There is a clear devide between the thinking and operation of the DLP versus that of the blp, the DLP are not nearly half as ruthless and cunning as the blp, they allow Diplomats to stay on in official residences overseas after a change in Gov’t, this is so unlike the blp who are documented to have given decent honest people 24 hours to leave the country, as those that served in the USA would know what it was like to have the CIA arrive at your childrens schools and remove them from schools, the torture and sadness that such an event can cause is irrepairable and it leaves a lasting impression on the minds of young children, the blp were always and will always continue to be heartless rogues and moraless rebels.
Thankfully the Barbadian people have elected a respected trustworthy leader that stands tall among world leaders.
David // July 12, 2008 at 10:32 am
@Anonymous
While you may take comfort in the fact that the DLP surrogates have ruled the blogs and other electronic fora we don’t. A breathing democracy must be able to embrace all and sundry. The fact that the BLP did not do it effectively is certainly no reason for BLP supporters to be attacked with the relish which we saw levied on Ian Walcott by DLP supporters. Despite what his political affiliation the BU household feels that he adds value to the debate. The fact that a high level of vitriol was targets at the young man is source of concern to BU. What it tells us is that we have some work to do.
Barbados is 21×14 and we will need all of our people to confront the challenges ahead.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 10:34 am
I received a text this morning in it I was asked if I knew or could find out or if I could ask Owing if over his 14 years in officeif all of his Per Diems when he travelled went in Rum?
We are thinking that might have saved some for a rainy day, guess based on his declared value he was not wise enought to have saved some.
Then we thought maybe it went towards his divorce settlement but then we we have received so many mixed signals on this score by his statement of accounts it would be hard to pay his wife the $ 3.5 MILLION that he and her have settled on if he resorces are so meger, so no wonder it is still said to be unfinished business and she is still unpaid this was current up to 3 weeks ago as Beverly made this known to a person in the DLP cabinet, his attempt to be statesman like was blown out of the water if one realises what he attempted to achieve here with his statement of affairs.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 10:45 am
David when one such as Ian Walcott can be so stupid to openly declare that if Mr David Thompson were ever to become the leader of this country he would leave the island, it displays a level of stupidity that I have no time for, also do not hide behind half truths and expect to see seen as neutral when you are a raving supporter as he is.
Neither do I like or have any time for his vile comments on your blog there is no need to slip into nasty language we are a more mature species than that.
We never did hear the names of the companies he setup here to filter the ill gotten gains thru, I would love to learn who were the legal people that worked on his behalf, I would not be surprised to find a Mottley’s name involved somewhere in the scam.
Tell me Why // July 12, 2008 at 12:57 pm
if you got the message each speaker that spoke on behalf of the DLP were fantastic and enlightened and sharp,
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Here we are gloating about a fantastic speech based on sweet language just to insult someone and the partisan supporters in the audience clapping away without realising that his speech was missing the pain that our people will be going through from August 1. Creative speeches shout be intersperse with positive ideas mixed with a little humour (not insults) that will help connect the speaker to his audience.
Now to WIV. If you can listen to a whole debate and you can only say one party was good is the behaviour of a partisan, one-sided, bias, prejudice, preconception with a one-way brain.
Now go your way my friend.
Anonymous // July 12, 2008 at 1:16 pm
David
Are you sure your comments should be directed at me?
Nothing in my post at 8:34 a.m. point to gloating that ‘the DLP surrogates have ruled the blog and electronic fora’ – so to whom are you referring?
My post commented on the fact that when owen arthur got up in parliament and destroyed innocent person’s character none of the blp supporters got on the blogs and protested as they are doing now over freundel Stuart’s comment.
Moreover when Mia Mottley threatened to ban blogs and other discussion talk shows – again we didnot see any persons who were blp sympathisers protesting this comment.
So I don’t know about any DLP supporters ruling the blog – my reading of it tells me that both blp and dlp supporters were on the blogs – but that there were a lot of independent bloggers posting who were fed-up and angry with the actions and arrogance of the past administration.
With regard to Ian Walcott I initially supported his right to post as he thinks (and still do), and the fact that he was brave enough to use his name – however I got increasingly turned off by his getting personal with current government ministers and other persons talking about their table manners,and false doctorate etc – which to me showed a level of small mindedness and pettiness.
I didn’t think persons should be personal with him – just as I think he needed to exercise some restraint in that area too.
You seem to have gotten it all wrong today David.
Carlos // July 12, 2008 at 1:31 pm
The A-G, F. Stuart, is an intelligent, highly educated man, a philosopher; but what I found to be so distasteful, was rather than attempting to counter and refute Owen Arthur’s economic advise, which made reasonable sense, Stuart resorted primarily to using ‘Ad Hominem’ attacking the man’s character, rather than dealing with the ’substance’ and essence of what Arthur tried to bring over.
Of course, being well aquainted with ‘Philosophy’ rather than seeking to rebute Arthur’s sound argument on economic policy, Stuart used prideful, hubris (pride), laced in all kinds of rhetoric, as did the Greek orators in biblical times, who prided themselves in possessing ‘persuasive words of wisdom’ just like Stuart, and it was their practice to persuade a crowd, just like Stuart, of any side of an issue for the right price.
They did NOT base their persuasion on rational considerations, as (Arthur) did, but on speaking ability, like (Stuart) did, thus bypassing the issues of substance.
Unfortuantely, this is essentially what Stuart did, and he did it very well, philosophically persuasive, but totally lacking in any real substantive rebutal of Arthur’s sound economic reasoning.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 1:32 pm
No my friend I also was full of praise for one of your members on that side the speaker was Mr Hammy Lashley, do not consider him a BLP sitting member because I said that he made a wonderful speech indeed but you seemed to have missed my point, it was that Mr Hammy Lashley was a sitting BLP member and his speech was excellent now if you do not consider him a BLP member that is another matter.
It was one of the best contributions it rates as highly as the PM’S , Denis Lowe, Chris Sinckler, Donville Innis, Denis Kellman, James Paul, Adriel Brathwaite, Steven Lashley, Kenny Best, John Boyce, David Estwick, George Hutson, Esther Byer Suckoo, Patrick Todd, Richard Sealy, Steve Blackett, Michael Lashley, Hammy Lashley, if you got the message each speaker that spoke on behalf of the DLP were fantastic and enlightened and sharp, not much that we can say about about any of the contributions of the BLP bench the leader was sickly poor and it never got better.
Wishing In Vain // July 12, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Carlos If this is the result to show after after 14 years in office, we have a number of questionable contracts, cost over runs in the multi millions, corruption and what ever else they managed to come up with, and you are suggesting to me that we seek Arthus input to our financial direction think again my friend his methods are corrupted and very badly arranged.
David // July 12, 2008 at 2:09 pm
@Anonymous
We are so sorry to disappoint you Sire!
We have read thousands of comments since the start of BU which have referred to former Prime Minister, now Leader of the Opposition, former Minister of Health and the Environment Liz Thompson and the list goes on from the BLP side and equally on the DLP side, where commenters got personal and engage in the most low language.
Now you are telling me that commenters have learned the error of their ways and decided to make Ian the whipping boy because he dared to do the same thing?
Mind you we believe that intelligent people should be able to debate without the foul language but we are not that naive.
Adrian Hinds // July 12, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I will continue to comment on whom and whatever i please, and frame my arguments my way and use whatever language i care too. I had no idea that the level of entitlement in Barbados was so entrenched, that persons yet unknown, would seek to tell others what and how they should say whatever, and seek to do so using all manner of silly emotional arguments. I cannot see their success can you? Schuupppsssse
Now let me see from whence i left off and need to pick up.
Freundel, Mia is not a man no way no how. She may sound like and may have looked the part of a man, by way of dress, but that does not make her one. I would further add that the term “intersex” which is use to define An organism that may have biological characteristics of both the male and female sexes, isn’t suited to her either. Some have been known to intersperse hermaphrodism into some conversations about Mia, and i have to say that when i look at what it defines, we do not know such to be the case and therefore it is not applicable to her.
I fully expect that when she announce her marriage to Ian Walcott and they produce their first child, straight out of a Chinese adoption agency, that all this nonsense, all this speculation, nastiness, and innuendo will cease.
Hermaphrodite
The terms hermaphrodite and pseudohermaphrodite, introduced in the 19th century, are now considered problematic as hermaphrodism refers to people who are both completely male and completely female, something not possible.[7] The phrase ‘”ambiguous genitalia’” refers specifically to genital appearance, but not all intersex conditions result in atypical genital appearance
Anonymous // July 12, 2008 at 4:07 pm
not true
WIV
not true
your last post on BLP
AND DIPLOMATS
check the facts -oh dear!
Anonymous // July 12, 2008 at 4:14 pm
blind DLP apologists such as Adrian Hinds feel that everything DLP do is right, there is nothing to be criticize. for crying out loud , we are dealing with human beings and the DLP cant be all right
stop the bias partisan crap ADRIAN HINDS -YOU AND YOUR BLIND political cohorts who comment on this blog. stop the crap. there is always room for improvement -the PM is not GOD, the DLP members and supporters are not angels so be more objective.
Hopi // July 12, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Owwee, owwee, owwaah, see them fighting for power, but they know not the hour. The Barbados public has been ambushed in broad daylight. THESE MINIONS ARE SERVING AT THEIR MASTER’S BEHEST and the public has been stripped naked. Every 4/5 years opposite sides of the same con game is put on the table for the public to feast on, the public in its excitement with hunger, dives in to feed on nothing but scraps. Call me idealistic, but if both parties are acting in the interest of the public, why can’t they unite for the benefit of the people. In parLIEment they parade their feign contempt for each other while they are lining their pockets and then have the gall to flaunt those same fat pockets in your face. Ambush in broad daylight.
Anonymous // July 12, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I am tempted like the uniniatiated and unenlightened to say that I dislike these persons but i know that it is not that you hate people but it is that you do not like their attitude so I will say
I do not like the attitude and style of the following members of parliament:
Freudel Stuart
David Thompson
Mia Mottley
Chris Sinkler
Richard Sealy
Ronald Jones
Michael Lashley
David Estwick
I love the attitude of
Dennis Kellman
Esther Byer-Suckoo
Kenny Best
Donville Iniss
Denis Lowe
Steve Blackett (he impressed me during the
budget debate)
Patrick Todd
Michael Carrington
——————-
Those not mentioned are still to be evaluated
Hammy La included
Adrian Hinds // July 12, 2008 at 4:51 pm
The GoB has introduce a set of budgetary measures that they claim is cognizant of economic weakness, and thereby the need to protect the vulnerable.
The Opposition say that these proposals will lead to inflation. I say that what they meant to say is that inflation which is currently above 4% will grow, but of course they could not say that, for to say such would “bleed” into GoB position that they inherited a week economy kept afloat by deficit spending. So it seems to me that argument and counter argument are split on what the government should target.
What is happening on the world stage in this regard? It would seem there is a similar split amongst a set of US economist, with one set following the “fight the inflation” direction that the Europeans are using and the other set following the “Economic weakness” direction of the US Feds. It would seem as if our GoB is following the US Feds and the Opposition is following the European Central Bank.
You decide:
Anonymous // July 12, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Hinds get your sick behind from your employer’s computer and go clean the toilets. You missed a spot in the urinal down the hall.
You want to go back on welfare?
Anonymous // July 12, 2008 at 6:16 pm
David
I am sorry but I am not following your argument which you seem to be directing to me.
Perhaps you could read my post again.
May be it is Wishing In Vain you want to speak to.
Adrian Hinds // July 12, 2008 at 6:49 pm
ha ha ha ha I luv poor man economics. Now tell me who would you rather be. The General Manager of SSA in Barbados who dresses well carries a bunch keys and loads of responsibilities , but still finds it neccessary to takes bribes or a Janitor in the day like me in the US and security guard at night third shift both making 12 USD per hour? To help you better compare let me convert the pay rate for a 40 hour week for you like i does. I may be living in the US but conduct all my business using BDS exchange rate. Here goes
I make 48 BDS per hour from my two low end jobs, that is 1920 BDS a week or 7, 680 a month My wife makes 1200 BDS a week from baby sitting that is 4,800 a month. Yuh hear that figure that Thompy quoted as remittances to Bim from Bajans over in away? Um does come from de “chitty” Jobs like wuh I does do. LOL!
Can // July 12, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Adrian Hinds,
You work cleaning “chit” and so you come here talking “chit” too.
Get lost, boy.
Nuhbody in Barbados in got nuh use fuh wunna.
Get back to dodging bullets from white police and black gangsters in North America.
Yuh Foolish Donkey!
Georgie Porgie // July 12, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Can
Have you ever watched the TV show DIRTY JOBS?
BTW doctoring is a dirty job.
Gapp // July 12, 2008 at 9:40 pm
This was an excellent speech.. and when I say excellent I am not only talking about the almost perfect structure but the content and the thought which was the driver behind it give me even more comfert.. He really put things in prospective for all to read….
Now as for “Tell Me Why” when I read his/her blogs it trully sickens me but I suppose, its his/her right to give there opinion even if its so politically driven… or a role of rubbish in my humble opinion at times … but hey freedom of speech is ours.. so who ever you are continue to do you thing, peace and love… some must be Bees some must be Dees some are even Pees and Independants..
Barnabas Collins // July 12, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Let me say that a change in direction is always good. Especially if one was going in the same direction for about 14 years.
When Freundel Stuart was in the Senate, I thought his level of debate was always professional. I also thought that he seems to be a honest gentleman who used language well.
However, I thought the first 15 minutes or so was distasteful and classless. It was beneath him and anyone who praises the first 15 minutes of his speech should do some introspection.
When the Right Excellent Errol Barrow was defeated in the 70’s, he was so devastated that he did not enter parliament. Instead he went to the US to teach. Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford took this country thru its most turbulent times in its history yet he was mentioned in the Queen’s honours and now is a “Sir”. Irrespective of who loves Mr. Arthur from his party or not and if he is devastated about being beaten in the elections, the mere fact that he has decided to enter parliament as a sitting MP, not even opposition leader and make a contribution should be respected. He is a former Prime Minister who guided us thru 9/11 virtually unscathed and should not be seen as all villian. I know that the best politicians get corrupted over time because absolute power corrupts absolutely. I am smart enough to know that the intimation of a deed is sometimes all that is needed to shroud a situation with doubt. In politics that is all that is needed.
The final 15 minutes of his speech, although not addressing anything that Mr. Arthur said, was the Freundel Stuart that I like to hear and respect. He was the one politician that didn’t get caught in the dark days of the DLP. I hope he would not bring back that level of debate suited more for an election campaign meeting not our parliament.
BC
Pat // July 12, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Georgie Porgie;
You are so right. My friend’s son after interning told his Dad he did not like it. Too dirty and smelly. So he became a Radiologist. My mother who was a nurse spent 30 years looking after senior citizens in a nursing home, some of them bed ridden.
Adrian,
with your analytical ability you should complete your degree. If you already have one go to grad school. With your research know-how and ability to cut through the garbage, you are sitting on your talents. $12 and hour is too little for a man with your brains. I paid first year uni students $16, second year $17 and third $19 and hour. That was in 2002, the last year I hired students. It was regulated by the government. Those are government rates, some firms in the private sector paid more. It is probably much more than that now as it goes up yearly.
However, if you are happy and can support your family, it is far better to be happy and making small $ than to be unhappy and making big bucks.
Can;
It is people like you that deter me and others from returning to live in Barbados. The way you look down your noses at others who are making a legit living. On the other hand, you may be the type who glorify the big rides and mansions of the drug dealers.
I retired at 57. I am 61 today. No-one knows what I did nor what I earned, except those in my workplace. People in the Bajan community, nor my neighbours know. I never broadcast, nor show off, nor engaged in conspicuous consumption. Today I receive two pensions totalling $134, 000 BDS per year, indexed to the cost of living. My net monthly after tax, insurance, dental, medical and union is $7,400 BDS. I live like all my neighbours, simple. If I returned to Bim, look at the foreign exchange I would bring in each month. If I sold my house, it would be substantial. My income from investments here would generate more. Plus I get another pension at 65. We Bajans overseas, keep that island afloat with our remittances but people like you hold your noses when you hear some of the jobs we perform so we can send home that foreign $.
Sam Gamgee // July 12, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I find that I must add my two cents worth. I thought the AG’s speech was hilarious. Everytime I read it I am cracking up. But of course that too will pass.
I am more interested in my personal budget than the budget of the gov’t. After all, I make my own choices… steak or corn beef, bacon and eggs or bakes and eggs? Get my drift?
Judging from some of the comments one encounters, I get the impression that B’dos is the world or at least a planet separate and distinct from the earth. Shit hitting the fan all over the world and we think we real special. “We better check we selves.”
That said, Adrian Hinds I just love you. You always keep it real, and I get to enjoy a good laugh as well since you have humor down to a T.
David of BU nuff respect.
Sam Gamgee // July 12, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Pat, don’t let small minded persons cause you to expose your hand and get kidnapped.
The blogs have free admission so you have to put up with the ‘others.’ Just chill.
And what makes you believe that Adrian Hinds is really a janitor? Uh doubt um!
Tell me Why // July 12, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Directed 2 Gapp
You said “Now as for “Tell Me Why” when I read his/her blogs it trully sickens me but I suppose, its his/her right to give there opinion even if its so politically driven…”
……………………………………………………………………..
If you read my statement regarding the AG, you will see that I said “I admire the AG”. I have no problems admitting such, but you will see that I confront things that I perceived to be wrong. I say that the first 15-20 minutes were personal, poor and bear no fundamental links to the budget. That episode almost single-handily destroy a speech from a man with superb oratory skills. We must always disassociate ones self even if you have partisan connections.
Coming down for crop over // July 13, 2008 at 1:54 am
Excellent speech by Stuart. As rest said I expect these thought provoking remarks from AG who is known to be well read and a deep thinker. Spare a thought for Muscle Mary Blarney Lynch. I dont blame Lynch for his defeat as his BLP comrades did. Poor MM did not stand a chance against Fruendel who is at the top of his game. Instant millionaire Blarney is in league of Dobad, Cynthia ‘Tom” Forde and Mark ” Consultant”Williams. He cant compete with a master intellect like Fruendel. MM you were humiliated but its not your fault you never had the brain tools to get close to Stuart far less defeat him. Reading the speech by AG in UK makes me wish I was at home to hear it in person.
JC // July 13, 2008 at 5:50 am
Pat you really think that AH is a janitor! Yeah right! that man is something else no one who can string words together like that with pun irony and metaphors could be a janitor!
HE MAKES ME LAUGH!
Yardbroom // July 13, 2008 at 6:24 am
I sometimes wonder! is it necessary to attempt to do people down, to indulge in vindictive behaviour and in some cases use abusive language to make a point.
Is it something about us that in times of stress, we press the abusive button, and trudge away thinking we have won the argument. I have repeatedly said and will continue to say, that it is the “idea” that matters.
We should not try to pigeonhole people and having done so take the high ground. Not that what I say will make any difference but someone had to say it.
PS: Adrian Hinds
I enjoy reading what you write, we do not always agree but that does not really matter: you are the MAN.
Adrian Hinds // July 13, 2008 at 10:00 am
Can // July 12, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Adrian Hinds,
You work cleaning “chit” and so you come here talking “chit” too.
Get lost, boy.
Nuhbody in Barbados in got nuh use fuh wunna.
Get back to dodging bullets from white police and black gangsters in North America.
Yuh Foolish Donkey!
================================
ha ha ha ha ha, “can can”, i got two words fuh you. Yuh ready? “hee haw” ha haha lol! is a donkey really foolish? I once knew a man in my village that had a donkey, and as a kid i was facinated that a donkey knew two languages. Yes two languages, first it spoke “hew haw” and whenever “Charlie”de donkey man said “break” or “go” the donkey always responded as intended. ha ha ha ha you like you never heard de Tradewind soung “Civilization”
……You in de cemetry, she and uh next man
spending all your money so tell muh fast
who is de donkey and who is de a2s. :D
…..but seriously doah can can,would it really matter if i was pig farming as oppose to cleaning toilets? cause i really did some uh dah in Bimshire. Somebody gottuh clean up de “chit” real or imaginary, and from wuh i could gather there seems to be lot of similarities between cleaning a pig pen and cleaning toilets in public spaces in Barbados some would want to go as far as to suggest that they can’t smell the difference,…simply to drive home their point of course.
Wishing In Vain // July 13, 2008 at 10:28 am
This speech was reserved and presented at its best with the Max effect.
It stripped many of the blp members bare but none more so than Mottley and Arthur for whom he reserved his most telling lashes.
This is a man of great wit and sharpness of mind and it was on full display on Wednesday evening in its most telling form.
Pat // July 13, 2008 at 12:03 pm
JC, I personally, do not think is a Janitor. After leaving the army he went to college and is now, I understand, well employed. I understand he lives in a mansion as well in a suburb of Boston. From reading his posts, I would say he studied social sciences (politics, sociology, economics and some philosophy including logic). He tears apart some of the theories I studied and is always level headed. I would suspect he is in some kind of research and analysis job, probably economics and finance. But in case he is not, he should be. The part time job is true though.
Sam Gamgee, I may be lying, besides, I only go by Pat and live many miles away from Bim. Who white man going kidnap a poor old black woman, when they can get Michael Cowpland or Terry Matthews? Both filthy rich and move around without bodyguards. Then there is Michael Potter as well, to name another well heeled in these parts.
Adrian Hinds // July 13, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Pat // July 13, 2008 at 12:03 pm
JC, I personally, do not think is a Janitor. After leaving the army he went to college and is now, I understand, well employed. I understand he lives in a mansion as well in a suburb of Boston. From reading his posts, I would say he studied social sciences (politics, sociology, economics and some philosophy including logic). He tears apart some of the theories I studied and is always level headed. I would suspect he is in some kind of research and analysis job, probably economics and finance. But in case he is not, he should be. The part time job is true though.
================================
Please stop spreading rumours about me. :D If you call a 1930’s overprice colonial, a mansion (i don’t ) so be it, and all i have is a high shool diploma. Dahs de only one i can find. I am a living testament to the ability of the average man to be able to make sense of the world. :)
JC // July 13, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Adrian Hinds I dont care who you are I know that I am proud you are a sensible bajan!
thats all that matters.
ROBOT // July 13, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Now these very blogs who Mia tried to ban,are being overtaken by these BLP pimps – posting under multiple names to give the impression that there is a deluge of support out their for their point of view.
—————-
i am no B L P pimp
i call it as i see um
dont get tie up !
i do not like the budget
i call it a mugget -not a budget
it is going to create hardships in barbados
there was absolutely no need for the high taxation. i heard serenader singing tax-o-nine last nite on t v. i feel that was deliberately put on
the refrain goes–”lick dem sandi , lick dem”
up to now i have heard no speaker justify in sound economic terms why the taxation is necessary. even a bicycle tax ??
the IMF wrote this budget
this is a karoake budget. t-h-om-p-$ON was ‘lipsin’as we call it.
i called it a MUGGET—–Barbados has been mugged by the BANDALERO -t-h-om-p-$ON
already the men on the block planning to tek people–read that to mean robberies-
de men on de block seh everything gone up and dem looking for money
ROBOT // July 13, 2008 at 8:26 pm
black people who try to help black people are always cussed by black people
owen did good for this country
when he assumed office in 1994 , this country was in a complete mess. people in dominica, st.lucia and st vincent were refusing to take our dollar. there was despair everywhere, people had lost their jobs. their homes , their will , their spirit.
slowly but surely owen build back this economy because he is a skillfull master economist but now for people like Freudel STUART , owen is to be discarded and discredited.
there are some real jokers along with the DLP SPEAKERS ON PLATFORMS in this country who got on this blog and cursed the man for nothing, tell lies and say that he thief money. the DLP has always been a party of liars. i remember in an election campaign somebody dubbed the DLP– Damn Liared Party
t-h-om-p-$ON said that the wires in Oistins were cut by BLP people and wunna believe um—what other lie he wunt tell. that was a big stinking lie that could have led to violence.
i do not believe anything the man says.
TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT !—–He will prove to be the biggest liar we ever had in Bim.
Adrian Hinds // July 13, 2008 at 8:33 pm
ROBOT // July 13, 2008 at 8:26 pm
black people who try to help black people are always cussed by black people
===============================
Robot this statement speaks to the current predicament Hammie Lah finds himself in. Why did Mia summons him to her office for voting his conscience? what could she have done anyway?
Robot says:
already the men on the block planning to tek people–read that to mean robberies-
de men on de block seh everything gone up and dem looking for money
=================================
Anybody in their right mind would dismiss this kind nonsense out of hand, this has got to a really big lie. Robot why would you lie like this? Schuupppssse.
JC // July 13, 2008 at 9:13 pm
The men on the block love the budget no one aint even say nothin about the Zrs and i was very surpriesed that some of my friends cuss me and told me that they glad david deal with thwem.
I am telling you i was shocked! Since they dont usually care about anything
Wishing In Vain // July 13, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Reports reaching me minutes ago state that on Friday the former PM Owing was seen at Hammy Lashleys home in Halls Road from reports he was begging Hammy not to continue to side swipe the frauds of the blp but the reportsd also state that Hammy is most upset and dissapointed with his party and will not be muzzled because as he said the DLP have done what the blp failed to do in 14 years in office and that is have a heart for the weaker ones in society and to provide relief and compassion for the needy.
Instead we are forced to listen to the short runt George Payne complain for he and Dale Marshall about how they are to apply the six dollars and change to the billings they have no concern about the people that elected them they are more concerned about their bank accounts and how it affects their bank account.
I say it is really sad when lawyers such as Pain and Marshall can find nothing else to discuss but what affects their personel well being.
Jukecheckedeyskirt // July 14, 2008 at 2:25 am
You got to respect Hammy La. He stands up for what he believes to be right and will not stiffle his conscience for the sake of what he deems wrong. Hammy La is the peoples politician, a trade mark that has served him well in his long standing political career. It is clear that he is not a victim of influential persuasions but one who follows the rule of justice and fair play. Maybe members of the BLP club can take a few lessons from the Peoples Politician. Serve the people and not yourselves.
Anon // July 14, 2008 at 8:53 am
wiv
Instead we are forced to listen to the short runt George Payne complain for he and Dale Marshall about how they are to apply the six dollars and change to the billings they have no concern about the people that elected them they are more concerned about their bank accounts and how it affects their bank account.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Is George Payne the twin brother of Dale Marshall.? These Mutt and Jeff clowns act as one speak as one and never differ on anything. Uncanny! Payne a very runtish short man indeed tends to lead and Marshall a much taller man looks the follower. We dont need these copy cat self servers in the house. Independent thinkers like Hammie la serve us better.
Real Ting // July 14, 2008 at 11:06 am
What Taxes what – lol to borrow from bush tea
you Don’t have to buy cigarettes or rum. mind u i love a cold pint or a vodka and tonic or an aged whiskey and soda BUT I cant be asking for a tax ease in these trying times to drink rum.
my grandmother say all alcohol is rum hence the use of the term.
you have to make choices so you can party all you like but just know that the government will take a bigger share from you if you do.
road tax – has been at that figure for 15 – 17 years maybe more. It had to be raised . Was it raised too much ? no i dont think so. if you can find $150 to go to soca on the hill, VIP and $60 – $80 then I think that you can find an extra $135 to keep your car on the road.
the professional fees – they were getting away with murder. Imagine a dentist or a doctor with a lucrative practice paying only $350-$500 to operate and a funeral director only $50. simply not realistic.
cell phone tax – if you can find the money to buy a $700 cell phone or to buy $30 in prepaid cards a month or to have 2 or 3 cellphones then you can give the government $4 per month
Real Ting // July 14, 2008 at 11:08 am
people will still find $400-500 to jump kadooment day and fete weekend after weekend so tell me who the taxes killing.
Anonymous // July 14, 2008 at 11:20 am
Directed 2 REAL TING
……………………………………………………………………..
When someone can make so much diatribe about not seeing any problems with increases in taxes, we can see that this person is wearing partisan glasses. Road taxes from $265.00 to $400.00 and you say that’s OK. If you want to find out the feelings of Barbadians, ask your neighbours, your family and let us know the answers.
Tell me Why // July 14, 2008 at 11:22 am
Real Ting, are you retired? Your answer will allow me to ask a fundamental question.
Anonymous // July 14, 2008 at 11:45 am
The taxing of cell phones, cigarettes, cars, alchohol is great because I don’t deal with any of these. The professionals must be made to pay more to the gov’t and to stop them from passing on the increases there should be fee controls issued by the state. The gov’t should determine the fee for a doctor visit or a lawyer’s fee.
YoungDem // July 14, 2008 at 11:47 am
I ain’t the same anonymous as the one before. I fergot to type in a name.
Tell me Why // July 14, 2008 at 11:53 am
Is Hammie La that faithful to the disadvantaged or is he concentrating on personality and media theatrics? A clear example was the highway issue. We had a Meeting with the major players and instead of representation by the honourable member assisting the constituents affected by the dangers of the flyovers and the under/over passes, he proceeded to pat himself on the back and ignore the pain by the residents. Mr. Lashley hates the background, thus his performing act to get in the ruling party. He was adamant that his constituents give him the approval. Did he had a meeting with any of the 2,476 voters who placed a tick on the ballot paper for him? My problem, is Hammie ready to jump? If the answer is positive, will we call it ‘inclusion’ or should we state that he is a ‘turncoat’ or ‘recreant’ politician who loves to be in the limelight and in power. If I was the PM, based on his critical behaviour of the party that nurtured him first and that is the DLP and 11 years later he is ready to beg for a lodging.
Real Ting // July 14, 2008 at 11:55 am
tell me why,
No I am not
Real Ting // July 14, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Anonymous,
its not a diatribe, All of the taxes are avoidable or can be negated through lifestyle choices and paying $33 a month to put your car on the road is not excessive. if you want to say that the level of the increase was too much too soon i can understand that but that is invariably the situationwhen a tax remains constant for an inordinately long period of time.
i am not partisan, never will be partisan and resent being classified as such. The truth is however , as a middle class income earner i have to admit that there is precious little in the budget to benefit me as an individual but given the economic climate I expected as such. What I will say and i am thankful of this is that there was also very little in it to take from me.
YoungDem // July 14, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Freundel Stuart’s speech was brilliant and showed that Arthur and that blp gang really did nothing but bad for Barbados. Prime Minister David Thompson is working hard to make life better for people like me, a young uwi student.
Tell me Why // July 14, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Directed 2 Real Ting
…………………………………………………………………….
Since you might be gainfully employed, I hope…., why are you so comfortable with these taxes. Do you realise that after a parent completed paying fees at at UWI and now will be burdened with an exorbitant licence fee and the graduate ain’t even make a cent as yet.
Also with the additional $135.00 in road tax, an addition $50.00 per month in Utilities, an additional $100.00 in groceries, additional fuel cost and all the underlying price increases and you see no problem with these taxes.
ROBOT // July 14, 2008 at 12:19 pm
if you can find $150 to go to soca on the hill, VIP and $60 – $8
——————-
nonsense ! foolishness ! gooblypoop
not everyone goes to soca hill
——————-
71% of people polled were against this mugget , referred to as a budget
——————–
all of you who defending this mugget are people who voted for the the DLP and are sorry NOW!
Tell me Why // July 14, 2008 at 12:25 pm
if you want to say that the level of the increase was too much too soon i can understand that
…………………………………………………………………….
The operative word that I have been constantly using is ‘exorbitant’. If you agreed in principle that the increase were too much in one go, I can firmly state that you agree with me that the taxes were reckless.
Tell me Why // July 14, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Prime Minister David Thompson is working hard to make life better for people like me, a young uwi student.
…………………………………………………………………….
So I can firmly state that when you finish UWI and become a doctor or druggist or an architect and will have to scrape up $750.00 licence fees and if you purchase a new car what about the environmental levy of $1,500.00 along with $400.00 road tax. Before I forget, gas gone up. The reason you are not feeling the pain is due to your parents supporting your lifestyle.
Just wait until you become responsible for your future and having to pay your own bills.
YoungDem // July 14, 2008 at 12:54 pm
They are going to complain about $750? My cousin is a draftman and he does charge $2500 for one set of house plans. He sometimes does two sets of plans a month! If the goverment dont get some money then uwi fees will go up and only rich people children will get degrees and I got two younger sisters that still in school and my mother will be glad for the ease in bus fare.
The blp is worried that they going only get 4 seats next election ,Eastmond, Hammie, Payne, Clarke and even Arthur in bare trouble.
Real Ting // July 14, 2008 at 12:58 pm
tell me why, think before you talk,
Any professional coming out of Uwi can get a licence without working experience.
So any surveyor, doctor, engineer cant get a licence without working and obtaining the relevant experience.
Accountants even worse since they have to do and pass professional exams and get work experience before getting a designation. And then in order to get a practising license they then have to spend a certain amount of time in a recognised Big 4 accounting firm before they qualify. So you talking ish bout coming out of UWI and being burdened with paying for a license right away.
Secondly almost all firms which employ professionals pay their license fees for them. So most likely if you are paying yourself you are running a practice and if you are running a practice you can afford to pay $2500 a month.
finally i dont agree with you at all. What i am saying is that if you make the point of the road tax increases being too much too soon you may have a well reasoned point but it comes down to a matter of approach. u may prefer to increase the tax incrementally over 2 or 3 years until it reaches the $400 while another person may decide to increase it at once because it was too low; had not been adjusted in recent times, and was a good way to raise government revenue
Real Ting // July 14, 2008 at 1:02 pm
sorry first line should read
“Any professional coming out of Uwi cannot get a licence without first obtaining relevant working experience”
Tell me Why // July 14, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Would you be making these callous statements in 2009 when these fees start affecting us. Real Ting, will your brother still get the $5,000.00 per month in house plans when the contraction of the country begin. Or if your family working a professional company and the company paying these fees. What if these companies start contracting, don’t you feel that dismissal will be eminent?
Anyway, if you all are relaxed with the increases in taxes that is your fundamental rights. But me. I damn vexed. I have nothing else to say.
nubian // July 14, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Anon
I think that they should call George Payne and Dale Marshall..the long and short of it LOL!!
Wuh wunna tink!!!
Real Ting // July 14, 2008 at 1:33 pm
its obvious you would have nothing more to say.
you cant seriously think that $2500 per professional will affect a firms bottom line especially when the average professional bills hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees a year.
do you understand that a professional accounting firm charges around $135 to $170 a day for an auditing assistant and around $300 to $450 a day for a new professional accountant.
Do you understand that for a simple non-problematic survey lasting half a day an independent surveyor will charge $800 – 1000 while a firm charges more and this is for a small one-lot survey.
do you know that engineers bill a percentage of the building cost; so imagine the fees on a 4450,000 house or a 1 million apartment building or a 20 million office complex.
Professionals are guaranteed an exclusive monopoly over certain services. There are certain functions which are mandated through legislation by government and companies and persons have to pay these professionals to perform these functions. there is therefore always a high level of demand for their services.
furthermore in the true way of man lots of professionals dont report income for the under the table jobs and some even avoid reporting income for over the table jobs.
I have a social conscience and I am a young professional from humble origins. WE CAN AFFRORD TO PAY $2000 MORE A YEAR IN FEES.
ROBOT // July 14, 2008 at 4:25 pm
ADRIAN HINDS !
ROBOT does not lie unless what was fed to the ROBOT is a lie
ROBOT -DOES -NOT- LIE
ROBOT -is correct-about the men on the block and what was said
Sam Gamgee // July 14, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Real Ting, you will soon realise that TMY has his own Zip Code.
I don’t know if my income qualifies as being middle income but I know that a gov’t/ country needs taxes to do its business.
If I could advise the gov’t I would have recommended a raise in bus fare and the free ride for the school children. Some things might need to be revisited though but they will work it out.
Still I am more concerned with my budget than the govt’s. Unless the ship really sinks I am sure survival or even thriving is a given.
ROBOT // July 15, 2008 at 8:35 am
SAM GANGEE !
THE VAT is supposed to take care of taxation and bring all those who were left out before vat , into the tax net and that is why Owen did not impose those silly taxes such as a bicycle tax as thompson has done now.
you all are too damn partisan and if this foolishness continue it is going to end in physical violence much like what happens in other countries: people refusing to be objective because they support a certain political party much like how one would support a sports team.
this is ignorance pure and simple and it bothers me. a
already in the last election we saw the emergence of the party colour awareness and with t-h-om-p-$ON’S OLD SCHOOL style politics of vitimisation and villification this situation can get worse.
we need to show some maturity
a bicycle tax ?
next time it will be dog licences because he seem to have forgotten them so the dogs barely get away but even the dogs t-h-om-p-$ON will tax in his future mugget
what with all the negative things happening in barbados: homosexuals, minibus foolishness, high prices, uncalled for taxes, immigration matters (guyanese) etc
what is going to become of sweet little bim ?
Tony Hall // July 15, 2008 at 8:47 am
I see complaints again about the sharp increase in road taxes. Was the increase too sharp? Maybe, but Barbadians cannot expect to continue to believe that they can get something for little or nothing in these trying times. As for the increase from $10.00 to $100.00 for the visitor’s permits I personally have no problem with it. The visitor is usually given the option of having the cost of the visitor’s permit built into the total rental cost, and basically the average visitor is not going to feel it or complain when he/she is renting a vehicle. Persons who are coming to Barbados on vacation know that operating costs are up all over the world. Do you really think that they would allow $50.00 US to spoil their vacation? I believe the rental car companies are using this increase as a platform and eventual excuse to raise the rates down the road. It is just like the departure tax. People were complaining about the increase and the best thing that was done was to incorporate it into the cost of the airline ticket. We are always going to have the poor in society but I am sure that persons who are complaining vociferously about the vehicle tax increase need to understand that when the time comes priority must dictate, i.e save the extra $135.00 or spend it on luxuries. That’s only my opinion!!
Wondering // July 15, 2008 at 11:06 am
Wouldn’t it have made sense to have a Term pass for students at a nominal fee instead of free rides?
The Term pass would allow them unlimited bus rides (including the weekend even if they aren’t in school clothes). This would mean that the Transport Board would still be making money while the parents have a more affordable means of travel for the children to and from school.
What about bus passes for adults. Charge a fixed rate for bus passes also allowing unlimited rides for 1 month. I think that alot more people would catch the Transport Board than minibuses as they would be getting more for their. Money.
Anonymous // July 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm
dont think so
Anonymous // July 16, 2008 at 7:40 am
ROBOT // July 14, 2008 at 4:25 pm
ADRIAN HINDS !
ROBOT does not lie unless what was fed to the ROBOT is a lie
ROBOT -DOES -NOT- LIE
ROBOT -is correct-about the men on the block and what was said
=================================
So Robot which is more importanct to you?
to be a patriotic law abiding Barbadian?
or to be a partisan political diehard?
Will you inform the police about the intent of the guys on the block ?
Or will you ignore hoping it has the effect of destablizing the Gob?
ROBOT // July 16, 2008 at 10:02 am
the Police only reacts when something happens
–that has been my experience
they should be monitoring this blog in any case
if they are talking about wire tapping and all of that, they are monitoring this blog.
this blog is a source of information so dont put it past the police. they are some very intelligent policemen
Adrian Hinds // July 16, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Robot i take your answer to mean that your party regaining power trumps patriotism and love of country.
…anyway building on my premise that the GoB sees fighting “economic weakness” as the direction to go, and the Oppostions sees “fighting inflation” as the better way to go, and that the former is the approach of the US FEDS while the latter is the approach of the Europeans. Here is a report for you to decide
“Europe’s Economy Takes a Hit
By Marcus Walker in Berlin, Joellen Perry in Frankfurt and Jonathan House in Madrid
Word Count: 1,428 | Companies Featured in This Article: Martinsa-Fadesa, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group
Just a few weeks ago, Europe thought it could escape the worst of the global slowdown. Now it looks like the euro zone, the world’s second-largest economy, is headed for a hard landing and perhaps recession, compounding growth troubles around the world.
On Tuesday, Spain suffered its largest-ever business failure as construction group Martinsa-Fadesa SA, a company with assets of €10.8 billion, or about $17.17 billion, filed for bankruptcy protection, making it the biggest victim so far of Europe’s bursting real-estate bubbles. That same day, the euro, boosted by the central bank’s inflation-fighting efforts and fears of financial-sector fragility in …”
Is Mia wrong and David right? only time will tell.
Sam Gamgee // July 19, 2008 at 10:23 am
Robot I like I offended you with my opinion. You want an apology?
Now you talking bout’ VAT. As far as I know I pay hundreds of dollars in a direct income tax every month and still paying VAT on every shit I buy. Since Owen was God why didn’t you tell him to aboloish the P.A.Y.E. and only let us pay VAT?
I really think you missed my point which was that I pay more attention to my budget than the Government’s budget.
Anonymous // July 19, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Dear Wishing in Vain:
I though that one of a qualifications of being a Prime Minister is that one had to be a woman or wife beater.
Adrian Hinds // July 20, 2008 at 9:46 am
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=948607238800920036&hl=en
Bajan // July 20, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Thanks for the vid Adrian. I enjoyed it!