Hartley Henry - DLP Political Strategist
They said “Bring it” and Caribbean people brought it! The T20 world cricket tournament is, I declare, a phenomenal success! Not since the days of Lloyd, Richards, Lillee, Chappel, Botham, Gavascar and Bishan Bedi have I been so glued to my television screen, watching the battle of bat versus ball.
I am not getting involved in the argument of the adverse impact of this version of the game on the traditional test and one day formats. I leave that to the experts. What I am saying is that T20 meets the needs of persons such as me who simply want to watch good, exciting cricket and who do not have a lot of time to hang around waiting for a result.
Frankly speaking, I am West Indian, but, it bothers me not who eventually wins the 2010 championship. From where I stand, this outcome does not define or determine any aspect of cricketing supremacy. This is simply a case of cricketers having fun and spectators sharing in the excitement. Added to this is the fact that sponsors are getting good value for money and administrators are making a profit. Simply put, T20 is win-win for all concerned.
Even the host countries are benefiting, unlike in a tournament of recent memory when all but a few political operatives lost their shirts. Just imagine that the region is spending a mere fraction of what was spent on Cricket World Cup and is reaping benefits that surpass and far outweigh those of CWC.
In the case of Barbados, for example, it is true we did not have to spend hundreds of millions to refashion Kensington Oval on this occasion, but the question is, was it really necessary to spend hundreds of millions on Kensington Oval last time around? I think not! Indeed, the type of free spending that obtained three years ago was not evident this time around, and yet, the excitement is greater. No one knows the true cost of the remodeled Kensington Oval, because bills are coming in up to this day. What we do know, however, is that the dispensation back then did not do very much to cut corners and that the final cost will be several million dollars more than it should have been.
Of course, Richard Sealy made clear from the outset of T20 that there would be no hiring of a boat to transport a couple dozen passengers. Others before him spent $28 million on a boat that hardly brought 28 passengers for the full duration of the tournament. The same applied to catering, transport and security contracts. These were all given to friends and silent business partners with no tendering process or accountability. Money was spent like it was going out of style. Assurances were given to taxi drivers, small hoteliers, restaurateurs, private home owners and store and shop owners that a windfall of money was to be made. In the end, only friends and sidekicks of decision makers made anything and the poor citizens of this country were left saddled with the debts.
This weekend in Barbados the atmosphere is charged. The current government has spent exactly nine and one half per cent of what the previous administration lavished in the name of CWC and yet there is more energy and excitement in the country, surrounding this weekend’s T20 Final, than there was a few years ago for the final of what was proffered as ‘manner falling from heaven’.
Frankly, from a Barbados perspective, I am banking on a Pakistan versus England Final, for I know their supporters would descend upon Kensington and turn this country into Eastern Parkway on Labour Day. But, I know that is wishful thinking as there is the mighty Australia to factor into the equation. Nevertheless, no matter which two teams qualify, Kensington Oval will sparkle like never before on Sunday afternoon and, the good news is, this tournament will be leaving no major debts behind. Indeed, I predict local and regional cricket will benefit immensely from our having hosted this tournament and the taste it will leave in our mouths will be much sweeter than CWC.
Of course there are those who will argue the opposite. Can you imagine an ex-minister of government trying over the past few weeks to defend hiring the Carnival Destiny and paying many millions of dollars to have it sail empty up and down the islands? Can you imagine someone trying to explain their way out of this magical hoax that was played on local businessmen? It is like defending the cost of a prison paid for in United States dollars when local contractors could have built a jail, boasting similar features, for half the money in local currency.
I am saying that had the local consortium built that prison, Barbadian taxpayers would not be saddled today with a $700 million prison debt. Had local road builders been given a shot at that ABC Highway expansion project, we would not now have to look for hundreds of millions on top of what has already been paid, to settle that debt. Had the concept of the development of Kensington Oval been left in the hands of local architects and developers, the price would not have galloped out of control. But then, we all know, Bajans are not heavy tippers.
Nonetheless, this is T20 weekend. Let us roll out the red carpet and welcome our visitors. Let us welcome them the Bajan way. And yes, my money is on England taking that trophy back to Cameron’s country.
It is good to see that Barbados is reaping some sweets from the T20 tournament, however despite the wastage the former government caused in the CWC, it is because of what the venue is now, that is generating the dollars that it is capable of making. I’m convinced that, if used wisely, Kensington can bring much needed foreign exchange to Barbados. The failure of the CWC, not only to Barbados but the other venues, was not mainly the fault of the then government but the arrangement between WICB and the ICC of which the governments of the participating countries had little input. Let us stop crying over the past and look to the future, it is time the DLP stop feeding the public with the multiple mistakes the former government made and start putting their house in order. Another election will come up and find the DLP still canvassing the last election. Except for Mr Michael Lashley’s housing programme, who else in the DLP other than the P.M is really working; just a lot of long talk. Incedentally, H H, what has happen to the much talked about white paper on immigration? is this another 3 month wonder? Will Jagdeo and his parasites get what they want, namely the take over of this little country? To me these things are more devastating that the money wasted in rebuilding Kensington. At least the money spent on that venue can be reclaimed after a while with proper management but once these parasites take over Barbados, we’re doomed.
Mr Henry FYI It is because of the cwc that theses governments only had to spend a fraction of what they did in 2007.
This is what the legacy benefits are all about.
All of the success of this T/20 International Cricket Tournament must go to the Barbados Labour Party. It is all as a result of the “Legacy Benefits” of the 50 Overs version held here in 2007.
The BLP kept the Oval and objected to all arguments to build something else.
It was the BLP that gave power to those who now occupy Herbert House
The BLP built/transformed the Grantley Adams Airport .
The BLP built and rehabilitated roads
The Sea Port was redeveloped
Hundreds of volunteers were trained, so too medical personnel, Police, Fire and so on.
Because of the Barbados Labour Party, this country is now well prepared to host anything or any tournament on earth.
That is part of the legacy of the Barbados Labour Party. It gave the people the confidence to believe that they can.
What are the facts:
+++++++++++++++++++
The ICC reduced it restrictions.
There was no sunset legislation. No restriction on musical instrument. It now cost less to see cricket at the Oval than it cost to go to a dub fete.
There were no demands by the ICC for additional rooms. In any event, the hotel were already empty.
Everything was put in place by the BLP for a successful ICC T/20 tournament. But left to the DLP, it would have flopped. The DLP did not have to do anything. Nothing. Everything was already done by the BLP.
Barbadians must congratulate the Barbados Labour Party for ensuring that our country is able to host this tournament.
Long Live the BLP!!! All Hail the BLP!!!
Hartley henry said: “I am saying that had the local consortium built that prison, Barbadian taxpayers would not be saddled today with a $700 million prison debt.”
The DLP will have to find $300 million to bailout Clico in barbados in 2010 and another $777 million for the OECS – a whopping $1.7 billion doolar to support Clico, which up until now – was a highflyer – too poor great to travel on LIAT.
Then there is the matter of two persons importing Cigarettes; Brandy and Vodka into Barbados, on the black market, while a senior DLP MP owe the Police Credit Union over $98,000, which he will not pay.
That is part of the reason why the Dodds Prison is there.
HH
Where is the Minister of Finance these days? Why have we not heard from him recently?
Rumors around in Barbados at this time are that the P.M is not well . However knowing this country to be a very rumorous society, it would be nice if the BGIS would make a statement about the status of the health of our P.M. The longer it takes to dispell the rumor the more it would take root./
The scout
Where u get ur info from?
HH
How much will Thompson’s erection in warrens cost us?
Hot squeal
What happened to the clico plane these days?
It is utterly beyond me how this man has reached a position in which he advises a prime minister. He’s so immature, lacking in dignity. He spends his time trying to score political points using the most flimsy material.
Mr. Thompson needs to cut him loose before he becomes a serious liability. He is a clown, and the perception that he is writing the “musical score” for the DLP is seriously damaging the PM’s credibility.
Donald Duck Esq
Please note, I’m not saying that the P.M is sick, I’m just saying that that is the rumor that has hit the airwaves. I understand that someone called the VOB brasstacks program and told David Ellis that the P.M is sick overseas. Mr Ellis, I understand told the caller that he don’t know but BGIS listens to the program and they are the one to inform the country. I further understand that the topic came up again today and the only response was from a party supporter who called to say that the P.M is overseas on a mission. On another section of the BU blog someone said that he has not been seen or heard since Mia spoke about the $ 800,000.00 payout from Clico. All I’m asking for is a statement from the BGIS about the whereabouts of the P.M so as to stop the rumors going around. Only this evening this talk was the topic of discussion among some well known people in society. PLEASE, I’m NOT the person spreading the rumor, I’m just asking for a statement from BGIS which will calm me and many others. I hope it is just a rumor.
DLP Column: Well done, Minister Sealy!
Congratulations are in order for the Honourable Richard Sealy, Minister of Tourism. The Ministry and the Barbados Tourism Authority have done an excellent job in enhancing out tourism viability.
We were successful in hosting the Fireball Barbados Worlds 2010 and the Tourism Conference on Sustainable Development. We have on the cards the Mount Gay Rum Boatyard Regatta and the Sol Rally Barbados 2010, and we are in the final stages of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup Championships.
All these events have endorsed the quality of our tourism product. The Minister gave the assurance to the public that hosting the ICC World Twenty20 Champion- ships would be at a fraction of the cost of what taxpayers experienced three years ago. He promised the people of Barbados that the event would have the desired effect that it was intended to have – to encourage spending and expose the country’s product. This event would not mirror the lavish spending on the variety of contracts, which are still churning out bills as we speak today. The massive security contracts that led to our Police being searched by security persons who have the same powers of arrest as civilians on any day of the year would be a thing of the past.
The Owen Arthur administration trumpeted the ICC World Cup 2007 as the foreign exchange saviour to Barbados, stating that the public would be the direct beneficiaries of this grand strategy to transform this island into a host destination. The town was painted red as houses within the environs of the Oval had paint splashed on the front with the back left to the elements of nature. A Restoration Fund was put in place to assist in the upgrade of the housing stock in the New Orleans and the Pickwick Gap areas. A colonel of the army was even put in place to oversee this upgrade. A floating hotel at the price tag of nearly 30 million dollars was docked off shore, while homeowners were encouraged to build on additional rooms in an effort to reap the sweets of the influx of the promised visitors.
All of the above was done under the guise of supporting the success of the ICC World Cup 2007. Of course, we were aware of the calculated political intentions of the purported World Cup distortions. The political intentions of the last administration acted as a compass to inform their policy initiatives concerning the spending priorities for the World Cup financial fiasco. Barbadians were made to believe that the efforts were part of the conditions necessary to host the event, and that anything short of these requirements would have meant omission. The public now has the opportunity to judge from the current experience the true intentions of the Arthur World Cup 2007 debt trap. We are days away from the ICC Twenty20 Finals and life in Barbados goes on uninterrupted, with hotels experiencing bumper occupancy levels.
Minister Sealy has already highlighted the positive impact of the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Series. He indicated that the arrivals for the month of May will move pass the 10 000 mark. The Ministry has done an excellent job at integrating the international sporting activities around this period. All of this activity was undertaken at less than ten per cent of the cost to host the World Cup three years ago.
Yet the critics on the other side would want to give the public the impression that nothing is happening. The taxi drivers, vendors, hoteliers, restaurant owners, beach sports operators, tour operators and craft vendors are all witnesses of the stewardship of the Minister of Tourism. He has kept his word to be on the job and see that the sector is proactive and not responsive. To date, Minister Sealy has been a breath of fresh air as he is a man on the job and not a man looking for a job or a work permit.
Thank you, Minster Sealy! All of Barbados appreciates what you have done thus far. Keep up the good work!
ǀ
WIV
The Boat Yard/ Mount Gay Regatta and the Sol Motor Rally is nothing new, these have been going on for years and started under the administration of the former government. Plus what other bloggers are telling you is that this administration is reaping the legacy that the former government had put in place. Don’t you think it is time you stop doing the DLP so much harm by spouting off your crap. Most of Barbados voted for the DLP already because they thought the BLP were not doing their wishes, now you are pushing these “waving voters” away from the DLP by your constant stupid remahks. I am a staunch supporter of the DLP, even when you were maybe in diapers but as a true barbadian, I must say that every government in barbados has done something/s to improve this country. Given some has done more good than other but because of stable government over the years, the international business world has reted barbados highly, please don’t with you primary/ gutter mouthing cause doubt in the minds of those who for years think much about Barbados. You and H H are pushing people away from the DLP, people are just fedup with your mouthings, if you really support this party, you would just SHUT UP.
You are so needy of praise for Lynch it is so sad, what would Lynch have known or done about getting these sailing events Barbados ?? NOTHING, he sailedc off into the Sunset in the thought he had a a big job in Miami until some documents were revealed and cat spraddled him, as for the Mount Gay Reagatta your party had no part in that even because if you were to read well you would see it started 25 years ago but it is only this year thatr the BTA has seen it fit to get involved and by so doing reports are that it will be a bumper record year, how can you even in your wildest dream stake claim to something your party neglected so badly over the years SPORTS TOURISM?
@David
For clarity are we saddled with a +US$700,000,000.00 debt or is it a +BDS$700,000,000.00 debt?
Can’t remember the currency being quoted.
Plenty in either currency when one considers that a commission of $ 400,000.00 from VECO is paid for the next 20 years to former high ups of the BLP.
@ Wishing in Vain
I use my real name and would be obliged if you would allow me the courtesy of doing the same.
I know that it is plenty in either currency. But my question remains is it +US$700,000,000.00 debt or is it a +BDS$700,000,000.00 debt?
By the way I was once a staunch supporter along party lines, however, I have woken up and realised that I am a stauncher supporter of my Country and will no longer along political operatives who are paid to spread propaganda to colour my opinions.
Barbados First, party after!
W.I.V
You are so childish that everytime someone does not agree with the DLP, you automatically label them a supporter of the BLP. PLEASE grow up, that level of childishness don’t even exist with teenagers any longer, then maybe you are not capable to think beyond that of a 10 yr old. About the regatta, are you protraying that the DLP is playing a tag team match? You said the regatta was going for years, now that the BTA has asked to be tagged in you are claiming the regatta. CHILDISH.
No wonder there is much meaning to the old saying ” the more the monkey climb, the more you see the tail.” Please don’t climb any further or you might be charge with total exposure. I continue to tell you as Shantelle White is pointing out to you, you are doing great damage to the party, the once supporters are getting fedup with your silly mouthing. Maybe you ARE a supporter of the BLP and using reverse psychology but then I don’t think you are that intelligent.
True !
H H
I hope you realise from this article that barbadians are fedup with your mouthings. Let me suggest that you send some time first asking God to forgive you of your sins and then if you are really a friend of the Prime Minister, you ask God to grant him a speedy and full recovery. i hope I’m not asking too much from you.