Prime Minister David Thompson Address’s Barbadians

Prime Minister David Thompson

Prime Minister David Thompson is scheduled to address the nation tonight (30 September 2010) at 7 PM in his first press conference since confiding details of his illness to Barbadians.  To opine that Barbadians at home and abroad will be tuned-in is probably an understatement. Since assuming office Thompson in the opinion of BU has been the most accessible Prime Minister to both public and media. It is well known ordinary Barbadians email the Prime Minister daily who is a Blackberry addict and get replies!

The government has been criticized in recent weeks for its indecision regarding how the economy is being managed. Even before the Prime Minister’s illness it was rumoured a reshuffle was in the offing. Tonight we may find out despite Senator Branford Taitt’s warning to the party if Thompson will anoint a heir apparent given his handicap.  Word on ‘underground’ contrary to the recent CADRES poll points to a healthy interest in the job by Minister David Estwick.

Let us wait and see how the next chapter in Barbados politics unfold.

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167 Responses to Prime Minister David Thompson Address’s Barbadians

  1. It is clear Minister Chris Sinckler is the man anointed by the PM.

    Minister David Estwick reported to have scheduled a press conference tonight.

  2. It seems that certain elements within the party is back to their dirty linen exposure. I was hoping that maturity would prevail.

  3. Yes, much given to Sinckler, but do not underestimate the position given also to Darcy Boyce.

  4. The PM also shows confidence in Michael Lashley despite all the attention from the Opposition.

  5. Fellow Barbadians, residents, friends and well wishers –

    I am honored to be spared this opportunity as your leader to renew our special relationship and update you on our partnership to build a better democracy and a better Barbados. I assure you that working together we can uphold each other and build a glorious legacy for our children.

    Last week Dr. Richard Ishmael, my personal physician, issued at my request, a full statement on the condition of my health and the challenges which have confronted me since March. I am again grateful to those of you who have responded with overwhelming love and compassion towards me and my family.

    On this occasion I have chosen not to speak to you by live telecast. The nature of my medical treatment has occasioned obvious weight loss. I would rather that you get the portent of my message rather than the picture; and be concerned about the message, not the medium.

    While we cannot control what happens to us, we can control how we respond to what happens to us. In that sense I wish to assure you that my family and I are determined to battle this illness and are fully co-operating with the medical teams here and in New York, to ensure that all that’s humanly possible is done to arrest and reverse this condition, while humbly recognizing that ultimately the Will of God will prevail. We are well aware that the future of us all rests in the hands of the Almighty. In recognition of this truth, I continue to solicit your intercession and prayers.

    The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians pleaded with the Lord to remove his impediment, but the Lord said: “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.

    Thus I am able to rejoice in hope and be gracious through faith.

    All relationships, including those between premier and people, involve times of closeness and times of distance. I have grown to appreciate you in both circumstances, and I hope your experience has been the same.

    In the meantime my reduced physical capacity has placed a strain on my ability to serve you as I would dearly want to, particularly in these challenging economic times when the signs are clear that full global economic recovery is still a fair distance away.

    One of the blessings of my extended periods in North America is the opportunity to read and observe, on a daily basis, the performance and analyses associated with the U.S, European and North East Asian economies.

    We in Barbados and the wider Caribbean should not bamboozle ourselves with the notion that recovery is dependent on factors of our exclusive design and making.

    The approach of our partnership over the past two and a half years has been to cautiously but judiciously proceed; while ensuring at all times the maintenance of a desired social protective net for the most vulnerable. We will not be deviated from this path for it is most difficult to build a lasting democracy when the needs of daily shelter and daily living remain a struggle for far too many among us on this island.

    That is why you may not have seen an abundance of buildings going up across the country, but there has been an improvement in the quality of health care, better management and operation of social welfare agencies such as the National Assistance Board, the Urban and Rural Development Commissions, the National Housing Corporation, Child Care Board and associated agencies, and the upkeep of our schools and conditions of work for public officers. Additionally, we have made the sacrifice of containing bus fares and have even offered free access thereto, to school children.

    Fellow Citizens and Friends, these are all deliberate strategies geared to cushion the shock and to minimize the impact of the economic decline.

    The weeks and months ahead will be equally challenging and it is for that reason that I have assessed the future, in the context of my illness and reduced capacity, and have determined that it is necessary and prudent that I divest aspects of my ministerial portfolio that require robust, day to day oversight.

    But before I outline proposed changes to the Cabinet of Barbados, I wish to address a matter of fundamental concern to me, as head of government.

    Fellow Barbadians, Ladies and Gentlemen, General Elections are held in Barbados every five years. Historically, in the intervening period we have always conducted ourselves in a focused, mature and patriotic manner. We have placed the best interest of Barbados foremost in our consideration.

    The Right Excellent Errol Barrow taught us that size does not have to be a deterrent to greatness. And former Prime Minister Tom Adams had a vision for Barbados that defied our limited landscape. Indeed, former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on his visit to Barbados in 2002, noted that Barbados was a country “punching above its weight”.

    If we can unite first and foremost as sons and daughters of these fields and hills we call our very own, nothing will hold us back. We did it in the 60s and 70s, and we make no wanton boast of what we can achieve.

    Michael Jackson of late memory reminded us in his song “We are the world” that change will only come when we stand together as one.

    In his seminal work he wrote:

    “There comes a time, when we heed a certain call, when the world must come together as one. There are people dying, and it’s time to lend a hand to life; the greatest gift of all.

    “We can’t go on, pretending day by day, that someone, somewhere will soon make a change. We are all a part, of God’s great big family, and the truth, you know, love is all we need.”

    That’s my fondest wish for Barbadians. That we use adversity to refocus our energies on what’s best for Barbados and that we wrap our actions and our utterances in the national flag and the furtherance of this great nation we call home. That’s my challenge to you. Unite and love.

    With respect to the path forward, I have today advised his Excellency, the Governor General to reconfigure the Cabinet as follows, as of October 4th 2010:

    Hon. David Thompson – Prime Minister and Minister of National Security

    Hon. Freundel Stuart – Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs

    Hon. Christopher Sinckler – Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs

    Hon. Ronald Jones – Minister of Education and Human Resource Development

    Hon. Michael Lashley – Minister of Housing, Lands, Urban and Rural Development

    Hon. Patrick Todd – Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing, Lands, Urban and Rural Development with responsibilities for Urban and Rural Development

    Hon. John Boyce – Minister of Transport and Works.  Mr. Boyce will also assume the added responsibility of Leader of the House

    Hon. Denis Lowe – Minister of Drainage, Water Resource Management and Environment

    Hon. Donville Inniss – Minister of Health

    Hon. Richard Sealy – Minister of Tourism

    Dr. the Hon. David Estwick – Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Industry and Small Business Development

    Dr. the Hon. Esther Byer-Suckoo – Minister of Labour

    Hon. Steve Blackett – Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development

    Hon. Stephen Lashley – Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth

    Sen. Hon. Haynesley Benn – Minster of Commerce and Trade

    Hon. George Hutson – Minister of International Transport and International Business

    Sen. Hon. Maxine McClean – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

    Sen. Hon. Darcy Boyce – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibilities for Energy, Immigration, Telecommunications and Investment

    Sen. Irene Sandiford-Garner – Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health

    Senator Harry Husbands – Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister

    Senator Jepter Ince – Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs

    These changes will accelerate the delivery of vital policies and services. I have every confidence in the public service of Barbados to implement such, with the efficiency and alacrity that is required.

    I take this opportunity to reassure you that I continue to feel greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved. Thank you for your expressions of support and fervent prayers during this testing period.

    May God bless Barbados and may grace and peace be multiplied unto all Barbadians.

  6. David, the Opposition attacks on Lashley have less to do with his work and more to do with recognising a rising opponent and working to pre-empt his success, certainly trying to destroy his perceived success.

    The BLP has a avvy advisor group, they analyse next moves and threats very carefully.

  7. Agreed Crusoe, let us hear Estwick he is said to be coming to the public shortly.

    Comment of the night from Mia Mottley, ‘she feels for Estwick’…lol.

  8. Henderson Bovell

    STATEMENT BY THE HON MIA AMOR MOTTLEY Q.C., M.P., LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION – TO A REASSIGNMENT OF MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS BY PRIME MINISTER DAVID THOMPSON

    “I continue to empathize with Mr. Thompson as he battles against his illness. I understand that his health has forced him to shed some of his ministerial responsibilities, and that his focus must now be on his health and getting better.

    It is unfortunate that the opportunity was lost to bring new energy and talent into the Cabinet. It was particularly noticeable during Mr. Thompson’s absence from office that his Ministers were not able to step up to the plate and were not equal to the task of dealing with the many issues facing the country.

    We therefore do not expect that changing the same people to different portfolios will have different results this time around either.”

    +++++++++++++++++++

    The above statement was released moments ago by the Leader of the Opposition of Barbados – The Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P.,

  9. “Who the cow likes he licks, who he hates he kicks!”.
    A night in politics sometimes can seem like a hundred days!

    Institutions rule!

  10. Looks like the DLP has been able to calm Estwick down, no press conference yet!

  11. David
    David Estwick would be a very stupid man to try stirring up problems within the party at this stage. The problem with Estwick that he needs to think before he speaks. After having to eat humble pye when he ran on Starcom call-in program brasstacks and swore he would never support David Thompson, i thought he had learn his lesson. He seems to be a slow learner, that’s why he was put out into the fields.

  12. @David,
    If Estwick wants to self destruct thats his choice but surely he realises that there is a lot of empathy for the PM.

    These are exceptional circumstances that requires careful planning and Estwick should chill.

  13. To me, it seems evident re. the changes in portfolios, that the PM had little choice but to appoint Chris Sinckler as Minister of Finance, given Chris’ very good track record and achievements in dealing with International agencies, and recognizing that Barbados will certainly have a big fight with the IMF re. conditionalities in the not too distant future. It also seems to mean that the PM has recognized the leadership qualities of Mr. Sinckler and significantly elevated his future claims for a prime ministerial position.

    All this at the expense of Mr. Estwick’s possible dreams of becoming a future Prime Minister. Indeed, the transfer of Mr. Estwick to the Agriculture Ministry, while perhaps necessary to ensure harmony between the two important Ministries of Finance and Economic Affairs could not help but be viewed as a demotion by most, especially since Dr Estwick was #11 in a list of Ministers that appear to have been ranked by degree of importance (E.g. why not list the ministers alphabetically after naming the PM and the Deputy PM if a message was not being sent to the other Ministers about their position in the heirarchy?)

    In addition, if one checks out the history of persons named to be Ministers of Agriculture in the last 3 decades or so in both administrations. It can clearly be seen that Ministers of Agriculture were generally either not persons seen as being highly competent and progressive and with significant voices or influence at the cabinet level but were either “lightweights” or quite competent persons with high political ambitions who had to be relegated to a cinderella ministry where the Ministry of Finance could ensure that their measurable performance could not challenge him.

    I suspect that Dr Estwick has been placed in that position. If so, it is also another metric to gauge the confidence that PM Thompson has reposed in Chris Sinckler and points to his anointment as the PM in waiting.

  14. Dr. Estwick stocks fell when he got involved in that ignorance in parliament. Do you feel Barbadians would vote for Dr.Estwick for PM after that foolishness?
    David Thompson is still of sound mind and therefore recognizes his government needs persons like Chris Sinckler in positions where international negotiations are constantly going on in the Ministry of Finance.
    I am backing Chris to do a good job.
    David Estwick should remember Clyde Mascoll. Had he chill out he would now be the man to be in charge. Davis Estwick has no political capital going for him right now therefore he should take the Ministry and perform like Dr Christopher Tufton Minister of Agriculture in Jamaica. Jamaicans see him as a rising star to be PM.

  15. @Charlie

    Well said!

  16. Barbadians will be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils- Mia Mottley or Owen Arthur. Since Mia is the greater of the two evils, we can agree Owen will be the next prime minister.

    DLP will lose at the hands of one individual- Michael Lashley. BLP has enough evidence of corruption to send him to jail. And Chris why did you support Michael Lahsley. You dug yourself a grave.

  17. Little country … only quarter million … with cabinet of SIXTEEN citizen …. wow no? BWA on radio today to introduce new PR wonder woman … velly exellent … Intelligent agent still not know reason for Executive Chairman … Chairman maybe, but Executive Chairman not make chord tickle

  18. Another point. Has anyone looked at the possible spin-offs of the PM assigning himself the responsibilities only of PM and Minister of National Security? In the Barbadian context National Security may be essentially considered as a sinecure which the parliamentary secretary could easily handle. Therefore, and quite understandably, Mr Thompson should be able to fully look after his health and familial concerns while retaining the position of Prime Minister.

    It therefore seems as if there may be minimal chances for Mr. Stuart to act as PM at anytime when the substantive PM is in the Island, irrespective of the PM’s state of health. Thus there may be a receding possibility of Mr Stuart being able to redeem the impression that many had of his recent performance as acting PM and show his true prime ministerial worth. If this is so, it again adds to the metrics that suggest that Mr. Sinckler is the anointed one since his reassignment ensures that he can show off his considerable leadership attributes and make a difference in the key Finance and Economic Affairs ministry.

    In one fell swoop therefore, both Mr. Sinckler and Dr Estwick are handed handicaps in a future Prime Ministerial race.

    It is clear that the PM’s mental faculties are as sharp as ever.

  19. Deathbed Announcement?

    This sounds like a deathbed announcement.

    Why is he keeping himself as prime minister? The man seems desperate to hold on to power.

    “On this occasion I have chosen not to speak to you by live telecast. The nature of my medical treatment has occasioned obvious weight loss. I would rather that you get the portent of my message rather than the picture; and be concerned about the message, not the medium.”

    Is he now telling us that he looks like a skeleton?

  20. Oops!
    In my post above the second last sentence should have read:
    “In one fell swoop therefore, both Mr. Stuart and Dr Estwick are handed handicaps in a future Prime Ministerial race.”

  21. I think it is time for Barbados and all Bajans to wake up and face facts… we need a new Prime Minister who is fully fit and functioning.

    David Thompson needs to step out of the picture completely and deal with his personal health problems and however much time he has left. How can we have the prime minister of Barbados hooked up to some machines in New York and supposed to be running this country?

    Time to face reality, no matter how hard it may sound to some others.

    It is better to “degrade gracefully” than to embarrass oneself by appearing to be the ultimate champion in power-hungriness.

    David Thompson, step down now and end this unseemly spectacle.

    I done.

  22. @Black Cow,
    Google Stephen Hawking and learn the difference between brain and brawn.

  23. Maybe Black Cow run risk of insensitivity no? But Black Cow not citizen that recognize funny thing of man holding on to PM post and little bit other ..? This be no confidence in party to lead itself or this be ego… In event however, this maximum leader not very maximum at all no?

  24. @ Black Cow

    “David Thompson needs to step out of the picture completely and deal with his personal health problems and however much time he has left. How can we have the prime minister of Barbados hooked up to some machines in New York and supposed to be running this country?”

    Right on! It was high time that somebody looked at this dismal situation in the governance of Barbados and call it as they see it. Hants’ analogy is misguided. David Thompson is no Stephen Hawking! Clearly this whole process has been cleverly(?) stage managed, with Dr. Richard Ishmael telling the Bajan public that despite the wasting effect of pancreatic cancer on DT’s body his brain remains fully functional. But fully functional for what? I, personally, would have to poll a panel of oncologists before I would be prepared to accept that statement, and all its implications.

    It will take a while before it sinks into the consciousness of the Bajan public, after the heavy load of sentiment wears off, but trimming down the responsibilities of the PM to the bare minimum that he can manage in his condition is not a solution. After all, in our type of democracy (kleptocracy) the PM is the public face of the country. And when that face cannot be shown because the average person would recoil from the sight, what does that tell us?

    Obviously, there is a process that is being manipulated by the Rasputins around the throne, whose outcome is not difficult to predict. Sadly, in this type of “politricks” an original thinker and hard worker like Dr. David Estwick is being sacrificed. MY PREDICTION IS THAT BARBADOS WILL BE ALL THE POORER FOR IT!!

  25. @poster above”DT’s body his brain remains fully functional. But fully functional for what”

    When one views stories of similar patients online, together with their doctors opinions, it is clear that in such cases one can be lucid and sharp until one passes, if it goes to that. That is not a question.

    The only time lucidity will not continue may be due to painkillers.

    On the issue of the statement, as David of BU indicates, a clear succession plan is now in place.

    Sinckler provides the popularity and balanced thought, Stuart as Deputy PM (who apparently did not originally want the PM’ship anyway) seniority and stability for decisions and Darcy Boyce’s ability and respected hand in guiding all other major PM responsibilities, apart from finance and security.

    This is really the only approach the PM had, in the circumstances.

    The one thing is that if there is a bye-election as a result of the PM retiring, it looks as if there will be efforts to have Senator Boyce elected.

  26. To those close to politics in Barbados they would have been aware of the stress Estwick has brought to the table. Also the gun incident still hangs low. It is amazing some Barbadians have already forgotten. Do we want a man controlling an important ministry such as finance who from all reports has had to consider anger management?

    Thompson is sick but he is no fool. Giving up the PM’s position opens the flood gates for an eager Mottley or possibly Arthur.

  27. I totally agree with Lincoln Carrington Harding Harper’s post above as well as Black Cow’s. LCHH’s post provides a clear analysis of the current situation we are in.
    It is clear that the Prime Minister is in full control of his mental faculties but not so of his physical ones since he could’nt even allow a current photograph of his face to be placed as a backdrop for the TV address and his voice was indeed weak.

    The question should then therefore be asked; why should such a gravely ill person have set himself up to be in total control for as long as humanly possible?
    Is it his great love for Barbados and his confidence in his own mental abilities that suggest that Barbados would sink if he were to demit office?
    Is it because he needs to keep a tight rein on actions, statements or otherwise by those members and only by retaining the full authority of a Prime Minister to create or cut down ministers that such control can be maintained?

    Does Barbados really need a Cabinet looking over its collective shoulder and tip toeing to carry out its functions at this time?

  28. @checkit-out

    The question is a simple one to answer if you follow Crusoe’s point. The PM maybe sick but still a political animal, he needs to give the new power structure being establish time to settle/ferment.

  29. David;
    A most excellent point above and it is interesting that you said settle/ferment. Ferment connotes some sort of chaos. Could’nt one of the effects of this “big-foot” move by the political animal extraordinaire be exactly opposite to what he is likely trying to achieve? The shuffling of cards would have damaged the political aspirations of many even though DT used the surgeon’s scalpel in this operation instead of the blunt “any number can play” instrument by the Skipper a few PM’ships ago. Some of them are independent and can survive without a Ministerial position. Is’nt it still possible that they could revolt and bring the whole ship down? Couldn’t the perception of high intrigue surrounding this situation alert the public that there is much more in the mortar than the pestle if and when they have to be involved, be it months or 2 years from now?
    Is it really in Barbados’ best interest to bless the current prescriptions and allow the situation to settle / ferment until it blows up?

  30. It is clear that the PM hopes to recover and if he does not recover he intends to die in office. Maybe at this point it is not so much about power, but about wanting to go out in the honorable office of Prime Minister (or maybe the faint hope of recovery). I’ve know many many people including the very old (over 85) who retained their mental faculties until just a few hours before death, in spite of profound, profound physical deterioration. Truthfully that is how it is for many people until the final sleep comes.

  31. I also think that the PM expects the new Cabinet to get to work and get thier jos done, instead of the present stasis the country is enduring.

  32. @Hants,

    Google Stephen Hawking and learn about marauding aliens.

    Stephen Hawking does not impress me. Of late he seems to be going senile.

    No condition is permanent, not even the condition of a healthy mind.

  33. @checkit-out

    Sometimes despite all the orchestration linked to a succession plan a leader emerges.

  34. At first glance I thought the P.M was putting Sinckler to breath down the back of Stuart but I understand Stuart don’t really want the job of P.M. Therefore he can groom Sinckler to succeed David Thompson in the event of the P.M retiring. This is the time the DLP should close ranks and show maturity, if not there can be back in the political
    wilderness. At this moment, the press conference by David Estwick would give us an indication of which direction the party is going in. I suspect Estwick is not in this alone, as many oldsters in parliament sees Sinckler as a young upstart. For some of them, they just kept quiet because they saw some sweets for themselves but they don’t want others to gain more than them. Boy Oh boy, Braddie’s is going to be HOT HOT HOT tonight. Arrow’s spirit is going to be lingering in the shop tonight.

  35. DAVID @ BU

    Thank you for the written transcript of the PM’s speech…We across the divide do appreciate it!!!

    As a speechwriter, I wonder how much of the content is actually his own?

    I was especially “moved” by him alluding to GOD’s GRACE* in the way that he did…

    Isn’t it interesting how GOD* really gets our attention!!!

    Another analytical point is the symbolic reference to “JACKO* and his collaborative timeless piece with Lionel Ritchie & Quincey Jones – “WE ARE THE WORLD”…

    It is almost as if he was giving “HYMNAL” status to what is a decent song but within the ethos of Christianity – we are DEFINITELY* NOT the world….

    One commentator cited that his speech forebodes of a type of “death-bed” final “will and testament” speech where as you peel away the “lyrics” – you see the BIBLICAL* story of the King Hezekiah who the prophet came to and told him to get his house in order because you’re gonna’ die…

    The King put his face to the wall and reminded GOD* of all the things he had done and how he had walked before HIM*…

    The prophet was asked to return and heal the King and he was granted another 15 years of life…

    But what did Hezekiah do with those years?

    Actually, instead of glorying in the God who healed his cancer – he became a egocentric “BRAGGART”!!!

    Classic….

    A lesson for all of us…

  36. Harold Hoyte can’t be serious. Haynes Benn was a failed Minister of Agriculture. These analysts on the radio and TV really confuse issues. If a vote was carried out about non performance, Haynes Benn would be first.
    If David Estwick does not accept the Ministry of Agriculture, the PM should bring in some person through the senate removing Jepter Ince. The person should have good managerial qualification and experience. The person should be bold enough to get those highly qualified employees to use the land around the ministry to do more research projects for product improvement or transfer them to another ministry.
    Can you imagine the ministry speaking about shade house technology and they cannot get a functioning one in operation. That is the way forward for Barbados agriculture with the limited land available for agriculture.
    You do not need an agriculturalist because they are too many persons to please that are your friends as Haynes Benn experience.

  37. Haynesly Benn meant well but he lacked the leadership skill to mobilize the MOA. His tenure became too divisive.

  38. St George's Dragon

    “Why is he keeping himself as prime minister? The man seems desperate to hold on to power.”
    —————————————————————
    I heard that his wife gets a pension if he dies in office – the implication obviously being that she doesn’t if he resigns.

  39. By Hal Austin

    Within the space of a 36-hour period, two developments have taken place in Barbadian political space – an ailing prime minister David Thompson has emerged from his sick bed to reshuffle his top team of ministers; and, almost unmentioned by the print media – a sad reflection of what journalism used to be in the days of Carl Moore, Robert Best, Carlton Proute and others – Opposition leader Mia Mottley made a speech to the chamber of commerce which, I predict, will be seen over time as one of the more important post-independence speeches to be made by any political leader.

    First, the decision to reshuffle his ministerial team speaks volumes for the prime minister’s dignity in the face of physical adversity, his stoicism and commitment to public service.

    But, it also went to the heart of the problem with this grossly inept and incompetent government which, missing its leader, has been fluffing about like headless chickens.

    At a time when the nation is crying out for firm and visionary leadership, not a single member of the Cabinet has been able to even make a coherent speech in the absence of the prime minister.

    They have not shown any ability to manage nor indeed have they come to terms with the mechanics of policy-making – just look at the mess that is the civil service, the inability to come to terms with financial regulation and supervision, the crisis in the police, the anarchy on the streets with 30000 uninsured motorists, the meltdown at the hospital and the lack of an overall health policy, the failure of the educational system, the collapse of the criminal justice system.

    So, fundamentally, the prime minister’s reshuffle is aimed more at putting right these small management and policy-making details than at refreshening his top team.

    However, it is Mottley’s speech to the BCCI which has caught my eye since it has embedded in it answers to the implicit promises made that wet November night when we obtained our formal constitutional independence from Britain.

    Her call for the fire sale of a large number of the government-owned and controlled business and property portfolio comes at a time when the nation’s balance sheet is seriously over-loaded with debt.

    But, the important part of her speech, which should grab most taxpayers, is her call for ownership of these assets by Barbadians.

    Such a policy, if driven down, could transform wealth distribution in Barbados in such a radical way that it would neutralise the over-dependence on tourism as the key driver of the local economy.

    By developing a substantial local middle class – and here I am not talking about those who have qualification which they mistakingly believe entitles them to be middle class. I am talking about substance.

    Mottley also raised the issue of governments owning air and sea ports, the Transport Board, hospitals, highways, and everything in between as historically outdated. Many of these could be run by social enterprises, including the National Housing Corporation.

    More importantly she also called for the overhaul of the anarchic and lawless public transport system, and asked, quite rightly: why can’t the Transport Board be owned by the workers and trade unions? And why not.

    Also, with 350 ZR owners causing chaos on our streets, the time has come for the re-nationalisation of the entire public transport system, then privatising it, with owners and other ordinary Barbadians getting the majority share, leaving the rest to professional and institutional investors.

    Mottley has raised an issue for public debate that should now dominate political discourse for sometime. It is a real answer to the economic mess we are in.

    Hal Austin, London

  40. David Estwick has nothing to be ashamed of; I think he needs to be a bigger man than he is showing and make agriculture WORK!

    We keep on forgetting that he is also in charge of small businesses as well. He can make things happen. What he needs to do is to proof alllll of us wrong about his pitbull attitude.

    David and Charlie I agree with your points. Benn wasn’t doing nothing as far as I was concerned.

    GET TO WORK MINISTERS AND DO BARBADOS PROUD!

    I don’t understand why everyone is thinking about themselves and not BARBADOS!

  41. Crusoe; I beg to differ in your analysis re. Darcy Boyce.

    You said; “and Darcy Boyce .. provides the … ability and respected hand in guiding all other major PM responsibilities, apart from finance and security. ……. The one thing is that if there is a bye-election as a result of the PM retiring, it looks as if there will be efforts to have Senator Boyce elected”

    Darcy Boyce’s performance has not been exactly stellar since being named a minister and especially since the PM took ill. In addition, the message being sent to perceptive persons out there is that D’arcy Boyce has effectively been demoted, even if it is within a perception that this demotion is in the better interest of the Party.

    Why Darcy Boyce for an eventual St John seat? Why not Hartley Henry or Haynesley Benn or one of the other unelected members outside of Cabinet? Do you expect that Darcy Boyce will be rewarded for babysitting the physical needs of an ailing prime minister in Cabinet by giving him the St John seat on a platter? Does Darcy Boyce really have serious political aspirations?

  42. The PM’s voice was barely recognizable. He sounded very weak. David, he has now answered the question that many people thought was insensitive of you to have asked him at his press conference, that needed to be asked .

    Like any wise leader there must be contingency plans in place in the event of any disaster. This is called risk management, we hear so much about from many of the financial institutions. Does any political party put this in place when they are elected?

    Risks can come from uncertainty in financial markets, project failures, legal liabilities, credit risk, accidents, natural causes and disasters as well as deliberate attacks from an adversary.

    Talk about a bull in the china shop! Agriculture has again been given another heavy/dead weight on its back. Can this be the straw that breaks the donkey’s back? Or is this the perfect job for the right animal?

  43. To market to market to buy a fat pig
    Home again home again jiggedy jig!

  44. Come on Barbados, help me rearrange the deckchairs on the Titantic. Sinking or not, we much ensure the deckchairs are arranged neat and tidy, we don’t want to be responsible for a untidy but sinking ship.

  45. Darcy Boyce’s fortunes are tied to the PM Thompsion’s health, let’s hope they both make a recovery. The removal of Ministry of Finance from with the PM’s portfolio means Darcy Boyce, now only a Minister in the Prime Ministers Office, is no longer the line Minister for such important government entities such as BTII, Needhams, KOMI, GEMS and InvestBarbados. The Prime Minister is obviously not impressed with Darcy Boyce but given that he has nowhere to go now, he has been allowed to draw a salary by effectively being a personal assistant to the PM. He can also look forward to the role of Yo-Yo, one week reporting to PM Thompson and another week reporting to PM Stuart. Maybe his work is over, who the hell knows.

  46. @ David et al

    I don’t know how many other folk noticed it, but I could not believe my eyes when I saw a photo in the Nation News this morning online showing the PM’s house with a member of The ROYAL Barbados Police Force (RBPF) sitting out in the YARD under a tree supposedly on security detail. In this day and age? Really?? Could better accommodation not have been provided for this officer, a professional in his own right? Or is he viewed as “only a policeman”, in other words a 2nd class citizen?
    And David, I believe there is still a thread running right now here on BU entitled “Do We Have A United Force?”. My question is, David, do we need any further evidence as to how police officers are viewed in this country?? The PM of this country could not provide better accommodation for his security detail??

  47. Albert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

    Think about this quote for a second and ask yourself, does this quote apply to the four Cabinet reshuffles the DLP has had in less than three years?

    Now, Thompson’s personal physician said that he is of sound mind, even though he is no Einstein. But in circumstances where you have a Cabinet that even die-hard dems feel – does not know what it is doing or what to do – how could anyone feel that by shifting them to different positions will suddenly make them competent?

    Isn’t that the same insanity Einstein warned about? Now! What happens when Einstein’s insanity meets the DLP’s incompetence? David Estwick becomes the new Minister for Fish Markets, Rat Poison and the termination of the Giant African Snail; Sinckler becomes Minister of Finance and Blackett is given a full days work.

    The closest Estwick will now get to economics, is if he decides to count the number of African snails he shoots/kills while the closest he will get to a budget – is deciding how much he will pay per pound to kill those African Snails.

  48. Sharpie; What’s your take on Darcy Boyce and any devolvement of responsibility to him for further action on CLICO? Would that be in Darcy’s or Chris Sinckler’s plate?

  49. Just a couple of observations from the PM’s speech.

    Quote from the PM’s speech:-”We in Barbados and the wider Caribbean should not bamboozle ourselves with the notion that recovery is dependent on factors of our exclusive design and making.”
    *****************************************************************
    No, certainly, we should not “bamboozle” ourselves! All we should do is wait on the DLP to “bamboozle” us. I recall for most of 2009 and even earlier this year hearing from the DLP that all was still “fairly” rosy even if there was some “sluggish” periods things were not serious. We were told to spend whatever we wanted. Remember folk? Or is it that my memory fails me? I acknowledge that I am advancing in years so perhaps senility may be setting in.
    ************************************************************
    Another quote from the PM:-”Fellow Barbadians, Ladies and Gentlemen, General Elections are held in Barbados every five years.”
    ************************************************************
    I do declare, my memory must really be failing. Is it a fact or not, that the elections of 1994 took place within the 5-year limit?? Can this not be repeated or has a law be instituted to prevent this re-occurring?

  50. @de hood

    The management of the RBPF should be responsible for judging the kind of physical surroundings that is adequate to accommodate a police sentry at the PMs residence.

  51. It was a very interesting cabinet reshuffle.I believe that the future leadership of the Democratic Labour Party was revealed at that reshuffle.
    The elevation of Chris Sinckler to the Ministry of Finance & Economic Affairs is a clear sign that he is being groom as the future leader of the party.Remember when a young David Thompson was given the Ministry of Finance by the then Prime Minister Erskine Sandiford.
    I am of the opinion that the cabinet of Barbados is too large and even though some ministries were amalgamated into other ministries,the cabinet is still too large and some of the dead weight in the cabinet should have been removed.
    Harry Husbands former Minister of State in Prime Ministers Office with responsibility for Immigration & Social Partnership.Immigration has been taken from him, he is only a Minister for Social Partnership – a waste of a ministry & wastage of taxpayers money in paying a salary to him as a minister.Jepter Ince former Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for financial matters is now a parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs – another waste as a minister.I believe both of them should have been removed from the cabinet of Barbados.
    Patrick Todd my favourite MP in this government has been shifted in every reshuffle.He was Junior Minister to Dennis Lowe when Dennis Lowe was the Minister of Social Care.He was then shifted as a Junior Minister again to the Ministry Of Education & Human Resources.In the previous reshuffle,he was shifted to the Ministry Economic Affairs as Dr Estwick Junior Minister and now in this reshuffle,he has been shifted again as another Junior Minister in the Ministry of Housing,Lands,Urban & Rural Development.I believe that Patrick Todd has the ability to be a Senior Minister in any Ministry in Barbados. If Esther Byer-Suckoo can be a Senior Minister in a Barbados cabinet with her limited ability,then I see no reason why Patrick Todd a gentleman with much more ability than Esther Byer -Suckoo can not be made a Senior Minister in Barbados.
    I am fairly satisfied with the changes and I agree with JC,that Dr David Estwick should show more maturity and take up his position as Minister of Agriculture with the enthusiasm he has shown as Minister of Economic Affairs.I do not think Dr Estwick should feel ashamed or be aggrieved by being shifted from the Economic ministry to his present position.All the ministries are vital for sustainability of Barbados and if he has the interest of Barbadians & Barbados at heart,he would performed his duties in his new ministry with fervent enthusiasm Barbadians have come to expect from Dr Estwick.

  52. To all you BLP haters on this blog. The Prime Minister s not resigning. He is fighting the battle with pancreatic cancer. He has a competent set of young person’s around him who have done well in keeping the government functioning as against the gloom and doom by the BLP opposition. I have not seen any deterioration of things in Barbados to the extent of persons that the government is doing nothing. The BLP left the country in shambles and now want persons to believe they have all the answers after just two years in opposition.

  53. @ David

    Sure David, point taken. However, I believe that it was Commissioner Durant (not too sure, memory failing!)who once said that his “hands were tied” pertaining to some issue with the Force, perhaps this might be a similar instance.
    Remember the funds must be provided to the RBPF from the GOVERNMENT for them to carry out various projects. Therefore if there are no funds provided then the “hands may be tied” again!

  54. @ Charlie
    You claim:- “The BLP left the country in shambles and…………”
    **************************************************************
    De proof, man bring de proof of all these alleged wrong-doings and get the DPP to do his job, nuh man!

  55. Anonymous Numero Uno

    My heart really goes out to Prime Minister Thompson, his wife, children and extended family as they battle this challenge they currently face. It hurt deeply when I heard him lastnight, and I pray God’s grace and peace on him and family.

    However, there are other matters for consideration, and among them:
    Does anybody have a comment to make on the fact that President of the Senate, and DLP Stalwart said words to the effect that PM Thompson should NOT be allowed to select/groom a successor for the Prime Ministership neither should there be any hint or suspicion of any “king-maker” group clandestinely making appointments for replacement P.M. ?
    He said that such procedures should be subjected to the normal democratic processes of the party.

    Also, I see no value in Mr.Estwick holding a press conference. Maybe he is doubly riled up because of the fact that Senator Jepter ” Mr. Physical Deficit” Ince, the man who appeared to be part of a clandestine effort to replace him as a candidate for the St.Philip West Constituency, is now “ahead” of him as understudy to Mr.Sinckler in a ministry that Estwick had his heart steadfastly set on!

  56. I am going to assume charlie meant dlp hater at the begin of his post.

    well charlie i glad you think they doing something. Could you tell them to do some more now so everyone else would agree with you.

  57. Donald Duck Esq

    Minister Estwick should resign

  58. Comparing Stephen Hawking to the Hon. David Thompson is the equivalent of comparing Isaac Newton to Denis Kellman; pure lunacy.

    Actually, if Stephen Hawking were to write a concise equation summarizing the DLP’s performance thus far it would be:

    free bus fares – clico debacle -3 reshuffles -spiralling cost of living =failure

  59. @scientist | October 1, 2010 at 2:51 PM |
    Hope you haven’t forgotten 60% increase in Water rates $108million in additional taxes (to pay for ABC H’way but still requesting additional funds subsequently for same ABC!) and all the other travesties foisted on a (naive) population.

  60. JC, Charlie
    I am in agreement with you both. I love Estwick bad but I hope he doan go n open he mout at na news-conference and cause me ta hate he now. Keep ya trap shut Estwick. You can get the Agricultural sector up n blooming so try n get on wid de task ahead. stupseeeeeeeee.

    But what about James Paul? He’s a good fella fa agriculture too so wah happen?

    May the Lord continue to bless you Mr.Prime Minister and restore you to good health.
    He did it for Lazarus and He can do it for you too. Keep hope alive.
    Bless you.

    Negroman,
    mwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

  61. Maximum Leader tell BIG Men and Women in Cabinet what new job they have and tell Whole public at same time … no discussion, no fore warn… Maximum Leader not maximum at all no? How big men and big women allow to be treat like this … Not big men and big women no?

  62. Even man from East speak better English than James Paul … Not consider Paul … he embarrass whole country with first language no?

  63. So for the Fourth Time in less than three years – we have yet another DLP reshuffle of Ministers.

    So the tours will start again, so too the hand shakes; the talk and new promises. Letterhead will have to be changed, vehicles repainted and new chairs ordered for ministers (more cost to taxpayers).

    The Boards will have to be changed, the country will still be in recession with a serious fiscal crisis on the current account. All now the IMF is packing to return to Bay Street.

    Mean while, cost of living will increase so too crime and more will lose their jobs.

    One question: giving the findings of the recent Wickham Poll, how does this the DLP 4th Cabinet reshuffle address the concerns of Barbadians (unemployment, crime, cost of living, the economy)

  64. @ de hood
    “I don’t know how many other folk noticed it, but I could not believe my eyes when I saw a photo in the Nation News this morning online showing the PM’s house with a member of The ROYAL Barbados Police Force (RBPF) sitting out in the YARD under a tree supposedly on security detail. In this day and age? Really?? Could better accommodation not have been provided for this officer, a professional in his own right? Or is he viewed as “only a policeman”, in other words a 2nd class citizen?”

    It’s late in the day for you to realise that in our corrupt society policemen get no respect. That is why when I was a boy and anyone asked me whether I was going to be a policeman, like my father, he would ask them whether they thought he was raising a nincompoop.

    Wouldn’t it have been a nice touch to have provided a portable toilet, since I doubt that the Thompsons would allow the policeman to shit in their privy, but I guess DT was too busy to think of something as fundamental as that!

  65. @checkit-out | October 1, 2010 at 6:58 AM |
    is it not better for his family for him die in office as PM, if that prospect is before him? if i were him, i WOULD NOT resign. many people have done it before, the last PM of Nigeria was ill for many, many months before he died and no one asked him to resign, why are we pushing of thompson to do so. must me continue to display a small man mentality in every issue?

  66. Wunna just like ta jump ta rasthole conclusions. Wunna only see a policeman sitting unda a tree at de PM’s house and all kinda shite talk stirring. How de fcuk wunna know dat he won’t be able ta ‘shit in their privvy’? Mara Thompson is a very down to earth lady, so cah wunna scunt n stop mekkin mountains outa molehills do. stupseeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

    BAFBFP
    But James Paul into agriculture man. I does hear a lotta people attempting to spoke english and dem does mek a mess a um so dah in nutton new.
    He is a good man fa de job man and he real cool too. I had he all fa myself one time at Agrofest and he is a aaighttttttttt fella.

  67. Hog Squeal | October 1, 2010 at 3:46 PM |

    You said, quote:- “All now the IMF is packing to return to Bay Street.”
    ***************************************************************
    Man, dem was packed and waiting since Jan. 2008. Dem was only waiting ta ketch de ‘plane.

  68. @ Hog Squeal | October 1, 2010 at 3:46 PM |
    “So for the Fourth Time in less than three years – we have yet another DLP reshuffle of Ministers.

    So the tours will start again, so too the hand shakes; the talk and new promises. Letterhead will have to be changed, vehicles repainted and new chairs ordered for ministers (more cost to taxpayers).

    The Boards will have to be changed, the country will still be in recession with a serious fiscal crisis on the current account. All now the IMF is packing to return to Bay Street.

    Mean while, cost of living will increase so too crime and more will lose their jobs.

    One question: giving the findings of the recent Wickham Poll, how does this the DLP 4th Cabinet reshuffle address the concerns of Barbadians (unemployment, crime, cost of living, the economy)”

    Albert Hirschman had this to say in the preface to his book “The Rhetoric of Reaction”:

    “Curiously the very stability and proper functioning of a well-ordered democratic society depend on its citizens arraying themselves in a few major (ideally two) clearly defined groups holding different opinions on basic policy issues….As the process feeds on itself, each group will at some point ask about the other, in utter puzzlement, and often with mutual revulsion, “How did they get to be that way?”.

    When I read the contributions on my BLP friends I become even more convinced that despite the difficulties in the organisation and functioning of the Right Excellent EWB’s great party that appear from time to time it maintains a legitimacy in the instutional development of Barbados that people on the other side cannot claim!

    And, in response to ANU(S)’ posing of the following question:

    “Does anybody have a comment to make on the fact that President of the Senate, and DLP Stalwart said words to the effect that PM Thompson should NOT be allowed to select/groom a successor for the Prime Ministership neither should there be any hint or suspicion of any “king-maker” group clandestinely making appointments for replacement P.M. ?
    He said that such procedures should be subjected to the normal democratic processes of the party.”
    I say that Brandford Taitt is absolutely right! I would have hoped that our party had moved beyond the antiquated process of private anointing, which should be roundly condemned in any society that prizes the ideal of open democratic functioning of its institutions.

  69. @ BP

    Howdy do, to you BP. But allow me to, please, ask you a silly question.
    Do you think that as part of the security detail (protection) for the PM that the police officer should be so exposed to all and sundry as well as exposed to the elements. Or is it that you, too, believe that, “he is only a cop”? I thought you were the mother of a cop, BP?

  70. de hood
    Jumping to conclusions is not good since they tend to jump on you. How do you know of his work conditions? Did you ever stop to think that maybe the cop was taking a break? Or maybe just relaxing? Exposed to the elememts? stupseeeeee.
    And what does my being the mother of a cop have to do with anything? He NEVER discusses his work details with anyone at home. NEVER. He’s very professional at all times. Once he was working at Gov.t house and I asked him if they don’t get tired standing there for 8 long hours and he just said that one person doesn’t stand for 8hrs. straight. End of discussion. He in na ‘lick-mout’ body. Never was. LOLLLLLLLLLLL

    But off topic, I know one of those youngsters that was held for the RBTT bank at 6 Rds. I know him to be such a quiet fella that i almost went into shock when I saw his face in today’s news. Ron, such a quiet lad. stupseeeeeeeeeeeeee.

  71. RavinCravenRaven, re. your post at 4.15pm.
    I don’t understand what you are trying to say. How can you say that the DLP maintains a legitimacy in the institutional development of the country that the other party cannot claim and then go on to say; “I say that Brandford Taitt is absolutely right! I would have hoped that our party had moved beyond the antiquated process of private anointing, which should be roundly condemned in any society that prizes the ideal of open democratic functioning of its institutions”.

    As I see it Brandford Taitt was obviously talking to his party, the DLP. The DLP, through the Prime Minister, has just all but anointed a successor, precisely the situation that Brandford Taitt appeared to have been attempting to forestall. How does that jibe with your earlier statement? The logic doesn’t seem to be quite right.

    Care to check the logic and repost?

  72. Please give the P.M a break, he has enough on his plate already. The house he lives at in St. Philip is like an open house for many. I guess now because of his illness, there is extra security but the folks in Sandford/Mapps are like one big family. All that that police officer was doing is enjoying the hospitality of the Thompsons.

  73. I agree with Bonny Peppa that one should not jump to conclusions on the conditions the police guard is operating under at the PM’s residence based only on a picture of a small portion of the house and its environs. I think it may however be legitimate to ask if any modifications are being made to the house to host the occasional Cabinet meeting in the future.

  74. Bonny Peppa!!!!
    Bonny Peppa!!!!
    Bonny Peppa!!!!

    You know dat I will always love yuh, but leh we talk good befo we come tuh blows, cause I might got ta gih you uh big hard butt.

    David Estwick? I did NEVAH like he! I hate dah man like piezon! He mout too damn big and he doan behave like nuh sorta respectable person. I wun even put he tuh look aftuh pigs. An doan even talk bout how GODDAMN UGLY e look!

    And as for David Thompson, I already said my piece. The time has clearly come for him to step aside completely and stop trying to cling on to power. I shudder to think what he looks like now, based on his own comments.

    Wuh you got tuh seh bout dah?

    Lemmuh hear.

  75. Anthony
    I mean what I said. All the persons who are on the blog who support the BLP and hate David Thompson as evidence by their vicious, nasty, ridiculous and insensitive comments of a sick man.
    You supporters are so spiteful and vindictive that you are now saying that David Thompson and family are so uncaring that they have a police officer sitting in chair in the sun, not knowing if the man chooses to sit there.
    Since David Thompson moved into Illaro Court the Police Guard hut has been improved after Owen Arthur’s fourteen years.

  76. Charlie,

    Did you say “a sick man”?

    Thank you.

    Because that’s exactly what David Thompson is… a sick man. Not a God. A sick man, just like many other nameless sick men and women in Barbados, some of them terminally so.

  77. David,

    Tried to post this morning before going off to earn a dollar, but here goes now:

    The Owen / Mia issue is to me, not. I really doubt that Owen has re-designs on the PM’ship at this time. If you notice, the BLP attack is a group one, in which Owen is participating in full. Hence, he has been brought on board for the work to be done.

    That means that there is an agreement, I suspect that he will agree to support Mia, in the hope that after the next election, IF they manage to win, he will get the GG’ship.

    On another issue, one MAJOR matter that has been brought to light here, is that all roads lead to the PM.

    This is not new, indeed it came from the days of Barrow, Adams right down to current structure.

    The former PM said it himself, that all roads lead to the PM.

    This has multiple impacts, in assessment of decisions and in the ‘final’ decision and also results in a Minister being reticent to making serious statement and actions, without the prior ‘approval’ of the PM.

    Not only is this cumbersome, but it can also lead to perceived incompetence if a Minister is not talking or does not appear to make a decision, particularly if he is acting in a position, far more if he is an appointee, rather than an elected MP, get my drift?

    As such, an ailing leader is a serious thing, but Ministers must have the gumption to take action and work with Cabinet as a whole, to take responsibility where necessary.

    But, in the long run has this taught us a lesson? Should Cabinet, in of itself face more emphasis, less the PM? Rather than the administration being fully of the current PM?

    This is a difficult question, particularly as world governments caertianly all follow this approach i.e. the ‘Cameron’ government, the ‘Obama’ administration etc.

    But, surely Ministers can understand and act on the known philosophy of the current government and act accordingly, take responsibility within those parameters?

  78. wuh wrong wid wunna . Wunna need to resign yuh self to de fact dat the PM is still de PM now get over it and go smoke a liitle weed or eat two salt bread or do something wid yuh time. De PM brain ain’t shut down neither is de mout . Yuh all in shock because wunna din nhear what wunna wanted to hear. Anyhow he appointed a man who can carry on the up and downs fuh he while he say de say so. Black Cow yuh need to go mow yuh yard fuh de PM ain’t goin away nuh time soon. Lawd hav merci pun wunna vicious souls!

  79. Raymond
    @Black Cow
    Tek warning!People doan choose duh sickness and nor how de sickness mek dem look! You I agree mek some good contributions but now is the time to not loose the focus on what your role will be for the good of your country in the near future.Now you can tek a swing at me but like T.C say” I can take dat!” Blessings still.

  80. Barbados is still a stable democratic country.

    The PM may way want or try to groom a successor but ultimately,a PM will be chosen by the elected members of the winning party in the next election.

    Thats how it is done in Barbados.

    A new leader will emerge in good time.

  81. @Crusoe

    By Mia’s own admission the situation which our PM and Barbados finds itself is a unique one, therefore to speak in absolutes is tricky. Interesting to listen to Dr. George Bell on the radio today who opined that the PM conceivably could run the country from his bed if he wanted assuming his mental faculties are alert.

  82. Well, looka muh crosses!

    Look how dese DLP vagabonds want tuh butcher me before my time.

    Just because I dare to state the obvious… dat David Thompson is sick.

    Wuhloss! Wid all due respect… Yuh mean dat de DLP ent got nuhbody else dat cud do de job o prime ministuh ef Thompson cock up and dead?

    Lord ha’ mercy!

  83. love the life

    @I-Prophet | September 30, 2010 at 10:55 PM |
    Barbadians will be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils- Mia Mottley or Owen Arthur. Since Mia is the greater of the two evils, we can agree Owen will be the next prime minister.

    Mia has never been PM. how do u know she is the lesser of 2 evils? whenever that time comes I WOULD BE voting for her

  84. @love the life,
    You are aware that you can vote for Mia as an MP but you don’t get to vote for her as a PM.

  85. Carson C. Cadogan

    Prime Minister David Thompson continues to shift around the talent in his Government. This will ensure that the SS Barbados stays afloat in these turbulent economic seas, also he is bringing new perspectives to the various Ministries which will redound to the benefit of the country. Shifting around his Ministers will have the added benefit of reassuring the Bajan public that honesty and transperency is prevailing in this Democratic Labour Party Government.

    The Prime Minister is making sure that there is no corruption in his administration such as we remember from the last Barbados Labour Party administration. Barbados Labour Party Ministers held positions for very long periods of time and as a result they plundered the Barbados treasury storing their ill gotten gains in secret overseas bank accounts.

    I am very happy with the PM’s reshuffle.

  86. Yeah Back Cow! Like how yu wanna kill de PM befor he time. Wats good for de goose is good fuh de gander. Like yuh almost dead after de PM didnt give you he resignation. HA! HA! HA! Good job MR.PM. i guess wunna gonna hav more sleepless nites thinking about ways to get rid of he. Good luck.De road ain’t always fuh de swift but fuh those who can endure till de end. I hope yuh make it to de end fuh yuh sure got a lot of worrying to do! HA! HA! HA!Black Cow

  87. BTW David Eastwick. Yuh don’t even think of causing no rucuss among we DlP supporters . Yuh already caused us enuff embarassement wid de gun ting. So please take de new position wid honour and respect fuh yuh country and fellowman.Ask not wat yuh country can do fuh yu, but wat yuh can go fuh yuh country.We de voters still hav de final say so as to who go and who stays in de next election. Now take it eay !

  88. Black Cow I was tempted to call you an ignorant cat because I love dogs too much to call you an ignorant dog.
    Crusoe
    That spin is not going to work.
    Owen Arthur said that Mia would not be a good leader and he has not retracted that statement yet therefore he could never become GG under Mia.
    I think that most of the BLP supporters want Owen to be leader again because Mia surely will not win the government for the BLP. The DLP must pass integrity legislation when the parliament reconvenes so that any corrupt politicians can be placed where those arsonist are.
    Chris Sinckler will energize the DLP as Minister of Finance. He is a dynamic speaker and very political. As you would recognize bajans love talkative politicians. Case in point Freundel Stuart got a poor grade as acting Pm because he kept silent too long. He should be in the limelight every week saying anything as Mia and Owen often does even if they are saying nothing.
    Bonny Peppa
    I think your friend is the one who said thank you to the customers

  89. Robert Deschappé

    @ Carson C. Cadogan

    I graduated from university in the country I grew up in with a BSc Fraud Investigation and Forensic Accounting, I also have a BA (Hons) Accounting Information Systems and Computer Forensics, and a MSc Forensic Accounting. I have over ten years experience as a detective in that country’s Financial Investigation Unit. I am very interested in investigating the corruption of the BLP administration, that you and a few other bloggers so often write about.

    Can you please direct me to any evidence or supporting documentation, such as the amounts stolen from the Treasury, the names of the banks and the account numbers where these secret accounts are, names of the persons involved, some paper trail… anything…. just give me something to start with and I will assist your DPP.

    But I bet that you cannot.

    I hate political pimps, yard fowls, et al. Get a life CCC.

  90. @ CCC
    So where is your proof of all this alleged plundering. You are a typical Bajan……………shooting your mouth off without any proof of which you speak! I say to you bring any proof that you think you have and let the DPP get things moving. Failing this put a zip on that airhole you have for a mouth! Better still make sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in action (if you have a brain that is!).

  91. Robert Deschappé
    If the country had integrity and freedom of information legislation in place over the past years you would not be here tonight bluffing.
    In Trinidad Basdeo Panday was put in Prison for not declaring a London bank account he had.
    There is integrity legislation and freedom of information legislation in Trinidad. It seems that some of the DLP parliamentarians do not want this legislation and they will be voted out for that. They promise they will do it and they have to do it.
    If by chance Owen had to become Pm again the media would not be afraid of his constant law suit threats.

  92. Robert Deschappé and De Hood
    Do not quarrel with CCC go across to BFP and oppose them for writing that the BLP are crooks. They wrote that Owen was so rich that he gave the cricket legends a gift of US $150000.00

  93. Robert Deschappé

    Mr. Charlie Sir,

    I did not want to reveal any details about myself, but some of the nonsense that I see written in defence of politicians on this blog makes it seem that politicians are your gods, and it is to them that you pray to and worship. For me life is different, my unit have investigated from politicians, CEOs, bank presidents to the ordinary tax evader. Unlike any of you I worship no politician, or no man.

    I also challenge you to bring proof, post it on this blog. Call my bluff.

  94. @ Charlie | October 1, 2010 at 8:54 PM |

    Robert Deschappé and De Hood
    Your quote:- “Do not quarrel with CCC go across to BFP and oppose them for writing that the BLP are crooks.”
    ***************************************************************
    Quarrel? Quarrel? You fuh real, tho?? No one, (at least I surely ain’t) is quarreling with anyone least of all CCC! We just trying to show him how dumb he sounds by sayings things here of which he has no proof. As a matter of interest why does he not write to the Nation newspaper with such unfounded drivel and see how fast he will be dealt with by the people concerned (if the Nation will print such a letter in the 1st place!).

  95. Robert
    That was the point I was trying to make. The jurisdiction that you studied and worked in allowed for freedom of information to be given to the average citizen who wants to find out about anything. I f not say so. Here in Barbados for all the years under both parties none of them saw fit to place freedom of information on the statue books because most of them are frauds.
    Now in the US some of them would be in prison.
    MR. Deschappé this is a small society and people talk about the persons at the lower levels who get kick backs for favours can you imagine what happens at the highest levels.

  96. Carson C. Cadogan

    Robert Deschappé

    It is a real pity that you with all this paper to your name could not get the Barbados Labour Party administration to be more honest.

  97. @Dehood
    Shazamm! man iwas thinking dat wid bonny hot on yuh tail yuh had jump from the frying pan into de fire.,but at this point i think yuh must have gone in head first.

  98. Carson C. Cadogan

    Robert Deschappé

    Go to the Cayman Islands and ask anyone to show you the two palatial homes owned by two former Barbados Labour Party Ministers?

  99. @ac
    I ain’t too worried, I been there done that! Accustomed to being in a lot of fire (literally speaking) so that’s nothing new to me. But don’t bust your head about my Bon Bon and me, we solid. Ah is Bonny only bruno! :-) Iffin yuh doubts meh ask Bon yuhself.

  100. Carson C. Cadogan

    Charlie

    “It seems that some of the DLP parliamentarians do not want this legislation and they will be voted out for that.”

    …..and return to office the same crooked, corrupt Barbados Labour Party that we recently removed.

    That would be a really smart move, Charlie. I tip my hat to you!

  101. all due respect to The Honourable Prime Minister David Thompson
    but is Chris Sinkler really the man for the job. On the political platform leading up to election what was the difference in behavior between himself and the former finance minister pray tell

  102. Carson C
    Tawk ya tawk man. doan leh dem scare you talkin shoite bout dem is detective or fbi’s. who de fcuk k bout dem credentials. People a nuff did accusing dem bout tiefing, especially wid dis ova-run n de nex ova-run. People did sayin dat de only ova-run did in dem pockets. Tawk ya tawk CC. Dem doan scare we.

    ac
    you gettin worsa n worsa evry day. i doan kno wah ta do wid you. wah you worsa dhan me now. murtherrrrrrrrrrrrrr, ya bad.

    Black Cow

    black cow
    black cow
    black cow
    Estwick is my ideal man. Rough, tough n cruellllllllllll pun de outside but GENTLE on de insideeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
    Now deal wid dah.
    And I will not join with you to mek mock sport at anyone’s illness regardless to who he/she is. Life is too fragile. I will not join you in your igrance. Sorry. I’ve had friends who died from cancer n AIDS and it is far from a joke. To see a person reduced to nothing is heart-wrenching. No joke Black Cow.

    But i gun still invite ya ta ‘we’ weddin.

    Robert Deschappe

    ‘I hate political pimps, yard fowls et al. Get a life CC”

    So whose fault is it that you hate yourself? Mine?stupseeeeee.

    Charlie
    It would be nothing to doubt that he is the one who told the customers, ‘thank you’. He’s such a quiet lil fella. And hardly talks.
    I tell ya, ya gotta watch dese youngsters dat playing dat dem sa quiet. It look like dem does be quiet so in order to plot n scheme in dem head. I would like ta gih he a lash or two wid a dog-hunter rite pun he ballz. stupseeeeeeee. he got me real vex wid he man. And he got a cute lil gap between he teet. I got one too an ya know wah Sparrow sah bout women wid a gap between dem teet? Sumting bout a bag a sugga down sumway. murdahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, ya nawty.

  103. Prime Minister David Thompson Address’s Barbadians
    /
    Please remove the apostrophe and s now
    It hurts my eye
    and injures my sensibilities
    /
    NOW
    /
    EVEN ON A SICK BED David Thompson is F…… UP PEOPLE.
    Even on a sick Bed !
    How can you be sick and want people to pray for you while you are preying on others ?
    I feel for Dr.David
    Think about the anguish that Dr. David is experiencing right now !
    You cant do them kinda things to people
    Those Things will return to you like a boomerang even if in a different form
    You mean even on a sick bed yuh frigging up people??
    Man !
    I feel for Dr. David.
    Afterall he is human and he got feelings too. The way he feeling now , it is a good thing he cant get he hands on the perpretrator

  104. Carson
    I am a sick hearing nonsense of your kin regarding politicians having homes in other countries. Politicians salaries are over seven thousands per month with perks left, right and center. If other bajans can purchase homes in Canada and the States with half the salary, do tell me what’s the problem with any politician owning a home even in the Cayman Islands. Man, you real politically blinded and your mouth seems to have prostate cancer because you constantly speak bear stool.

  105. so what these people want ?
    The country was running good under the BLP
    There was no need to change the BLP Government –none whatsover.
    All the shite bout Noel Lynch having money
    Arthur getting money. this body got a house in this place and the next–a lot of bull—-nothing substantial—–bare foolish talk
    and wunna ignorant people change a GOVERNEMNT for this shit that we got now ?

    ONE TERM !
    ONE TERM !
    ONE TERM !
    I WAS SAYING SO FROM THE GET GO
    ONE TERM !
    I also predicted Sinckler’s rise SO WUNNA better take direction from I and I =Jah Rastafari in a Babylon System—Fire pon Rome !

  106. Carson C. Cadogan

    Tell me Why

    The people of Barbados have to be reminded that the Barbados Labour Party is not a party of Sunday School teachers.

    It is repetition for emphasis. If it offends you then I can’t help that. I can not allow you or your Barbados Labour Party to pull the wool over the eyes of Bajans. That’s all.

  107. KISSMYA
    PM Thompson’s damned if he does, and damned if he doesn’t by your judgement, so what the f……? stupseeeeeeeeee.

    Tell me why
    So wait, CC is de onliest person you evva hear mek such accusations? So wah you attacking he so fah? He got prostate cancer in he mout and wah you got? Lockjaw? Causen ya talking one-sided. All a we is be ‘politically blinded’ not he one. stupseeeeeeeeeeeee. We is wanna kill one anedda fa de politicians and all a dem is friens. You kno dah too.Leff he fa ma.
    Tawk ya tawk C C.

  108. Mr. David Sir
    Can you please put up a pic of OUR PM up to the top of the page in dat space please?

    Thanking you sincerely in advance.

    Yours unfaithfully,
    Bonny.

  109. CCC and BP
    You all behave like polititicians in Opposition. Reactionary behaviour in defending your party. Do like me, criticise both Bees and Dees as you see fit. Both political parties and politicians are looking for one thing – to get rich fast at the expense of the electorate. Do you defend your family the same way you defend your party?
    Bonny, ah luv yuh wit, but you developing tantrums an de cuss words from yuh mout shows you need ah level head like my boy Sinckler. He display anger in Sartorial splender

  110. Carson C. Cadogan

    Tell me Why

    It is not my fault that you choose to back a party full of thieves, liars, homos, wickers, frauds, prostitutes(political and otherwise), and downright dishonest people.

  111. @ checkit-out | October 1, 2010 at 4:59 PM |

    “RavinCravenRaven, re. your post at 4.15pm.
    I don’t understand what you are trying to say. How can you say that the DLP maintains a legitimacy in the institutional development of the country that the other party cannot claim and then go on to say; “I say that Brandford Taitt is absolutely right! I would have hoped that our party had moved beyond the antiquated process of private anointing, which should be roundly condemned in any society that prizes the ideal of open democratic functioning of its institutions”.

    Your suggestion that I review the logic of my analysis really turns on our possibly different interpretations of the term “logic”. While my statement that the DLP maintains a greater institutional legitimacy in the political environment of Barbados than the BLP may be a bit of hyperbole, one should examine the evolution of the practices of the two institutions over time as the empirical basis for determining whether what I have said is fallacious or not. I suspect that our interpretations of that evidence may differ.

    What Brandford Taitt may have said about future process does not impugn my premise, since it rests on the weight of the overall historical evidence.

  112. @ Tell Me Why
    Who just bought a $350,000 Range Rover?

  113. Food for thought:
    Olga Kalinina, a senior Standard & Poor’s analyst, in an interview with the SATURDAY SUN in New York

    “Basically, we are maintaining the negative outlook as of now and we will be reviewing the credit [rating] shortly, taking into account the recent news on the fiscal performance, what’s happening with the banking sectors, what’s happening with the economy in terms of future projects and the way we see those projects and the performance of tourism kicking in to support economic growth, and how soon may be the rebound.”

    “We see revenue underperformance is more severe than we expected it to be, so the results of the first half of the year are somewhat disappointing.”

    ‘[Not] fully convinced that Barbados would see a return to positive economic growth by next year, as some analysts had forecast. ‘

  114. Now I am sure they going to say that S&P don’t know what they talking about since our economy is unique. That that has nothing to do with mia predictions of doom and gloom for the economy

  115. Carson C. Cadogan SAID
    “It is not my fault that you choose to back a party full of thieves, liars, homos, wickers, frauds, prostitutes(political and otherwise), and downright dishonest people”
    ——————————————————-
    Carson C. Cadogan !
    YOU ARE A JOKER !
    EVEN THE CHURCH GOT IN DEM PEOPLE
    ALWAYS HAD THEM
    HAS NOTHING TO DO PERSE WITH THE BUSINESS OF RUNNING A COUNTRY or talent and abilty.
    Problem is that the dishevelled DLP does not have a clue what to do but fight amongst themselves. The action by Thompson(and the Dark Shadows advising Thompson on a sick bed is reprehensible. Dr. David did not deserve this treatment. This is Barbados —not anybody’s rasshole plaything-Cor blind YOU

  116. CCC
    I am for honesty in government may it being the BLP or DLP. You should not take the stance that the BLP is corrupt but the DLP is not as corrupt. They must be no corruption full stop. This is about Barbados not about any party. I am an independent voter and will vote for the PDC if the DLP does not introduce integrity and freedom of information legislation.
    For sure the BLP will not introduce it because they had fourteen years and those words never cross their lips. The only problem with that is there was no PDC or PEP candidate in my constituency for the last election.
    Tell me why
    “Both political parties and politicians are looking for one thing – to get rich fast at the expense of the electorate”
    Do you feel the average hard working bajan who live from pay cheque to pay cheque should settle for that? No, they will soon stop voting all together. Then you are saying that the bank robbers are ok because they just trying to get rich.

  117. Dr George Bell analysis on the PM address and why the Pm made the necessary changes is correct!

  118. KISS MYA
    Are you the same person that spoke so disparaging of Dr.Estwick with the gun issue?
    I t suits your arguments now to want him elevated to the Ministry of Finance where you could raise the gun issue over and over during the budget debate.
    You have no love for Dr.Estwick just hate for David Thompson.

  119. “Do like me, criticise both Bees and Dees as you see fit. Both political parties and politicians are looking for one thing – to get rich fast at the expense of the electorate” – Tell me Why – in his above 11:52 pm, October 1 2010 post.

    Well said, Sir, from a position of political tactics and knowledge. But added to that, from the perspective of articulating a proper political philosophy and presenting a proper political developmental strategy for Barbados, both the DLP and the BLP – very small minorities in Barbados -must be KICKED OUT of the parliament of this country within seven years time, for continuing to bring massive problems to the broad masses and middle classes of this country and the country itself.

    Alternatively, the PDC and other parties must be given the necessary vital moral, political and other supports by thousands of esp. younger people in Barbados, and they themselves must make the best out of those supports, and must also do other things to make sure that they and the majority of people in Barbados are sufficiently organized and prepared to help run the government of this country by that time.

    Again, we wish the current Prime Minister well in his battle against cancer and hope that nation will continue to pray to the Almighty to give him more courage and strength at this very critical stage in his life.

    However, we must make three very points about the Cabinet reshufffle.

    1) The Prime Minister has managed – along with some media houses in this country that carried the announcement of the Cabinet changes and related news and coverage about them thereafter – to somewhat deflect – at least momentarily – the attention of many people in Barbados away from many of the material and financial problems facing this country of this country.

    This, as the material and financial problems of the country continue to worsen on a daily basis. Indeed, it would have been better if the Prime Minister had instead issued a GIS press release on those Cabinet changes, so that in that way he would have helped to minimize the deflection of critical attention of many persons away from dealing with the depression that is severely affecting this country.

    2) Whilst the reshuffle has been necessary given the declining state of health of the PM, and given the traditional workings of this still very outdated ineffective dictatorial mode and type of Cabinet Government, the Prime Minister should still have found a way to offer up – having consulted with the incoming Minister of Finance, some possible ideational philosophic solutions to our fundamental material and financial problems – at the time of announcing those changes to the public of Barbados.

    By not doing so, he has clearly shown that Sinckler is being mainly rewarded for his political loyaly to him and to his leadership, and for being the personality – NOT THE PROFESSIONAL/ASPIRANT – right now best suited, from the front or back benches, for MINISTER OF FINANCE/ECONOMIC AFFAIRS – and NOT THE PRIME MINISTERSHIP.

    3) The entire politics surrounding this reshuffle does show that this present type/mode of Cabinet government has long outlived its usefulness.

    For, there is a greater need to go on to a better, fairer more responsible system of Cabinet Government in this country; one where there will be a President of the Cabinet of a Republican system of government of Barbados – and that at the same time will see the President being the head of the Cabinet NOT THE QUEEN; one where the Cabinet will be made up of a COALITION OF PEOPLE – from parties, non-party political groups, and independents – that would have been elected by the majority of voters of this country; one where some of those elected – from those candidates vying for the independent and non-party political segments – will be elected into the Cabinet and then – ON AGREEMENT AMONG THEMSELVES – will be appointed to some positions, say, the Secretaries of the Division of Finance, the Division of Attorney General/Legal Affairs, etc, that would have been pre-assigned to them within the Cabinet from their independent, from non-party political segments, respectively; and one where once elected by the majority of voters in Barbados into the Cabinet, NO MEMBER OF THE Cabinet – including the President/Vice-President – will – outside of being recalled by the majority of voters – be liable to be dismissed from it, only to be appointed/disappointed/reassigned by the President/the Vice-President to portfolios/areas,
    outside of the portfolios/areas that would have been permanently set down for parties, non-party political groups, independents within the Cabinet.

    PDC

  120. Carson C. Cadogan

    KISSMYA

    “Dr. David did not deserve this treatment. ”

    What treatment? Feeding the country is the most important job in Barbados. Dr. Estwick was elevated to one of the most crucial jobs in the Nation.

    ……..and KISSMYA we are not fooled by you.

    “When you have only two dollars left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a rose with the other”

  121. if that was true carson why as no pm ever assumed its leadership if its the most important?

  122. sorry i mean Kissmya

  123. ignore the above comment

  124. When Mia Mottley was moved from Atorney-General to Minister of Economic Affairs, the Dems said it was a demotion. So now that David Estwick has been moved from Economic Affairs to Agriculture (to his obvious displeasure) this is now a promotion?

  125. @Ping Pong

    You have obviously not read BU’s position. Estwick is not in the pecking order, Thompson does not trust him and given the appointment of Sinckler to Finance Estwick had to be moved somewhere to manage the conflict and to assuage the power structures being cultivated. If Estwick decided to go it is obvious Thompson is prepared to accept the fallout. However to meet Estwick a little way the ministry has been beefed up to give Estwick a chance to shine if he want to. The ball is in his court.

  126. Robert Deschappé

    This Bonny Peppa person ??? People are also insinuating that ALL policemen in this country are corrupt.

  127. Tell me why
    “You all behave like politicians in opposition”.
    Don’t we all? Tell de trute?
    And yes, I defend my family if occasion arises but I do it honestly. I give Jack his jacket n Jill her jill-pot. LOL
    I agree wid you dat all politicians have dis get-rich-quick mentality. But dem is de onliest whuns? And I doan fall fa dis ‘luva country crap’ a’tall. bare folly. stupseeeeeeeeeee.
    In my nex life, I wanna be a politician too, all de talk. but fa now I gun settle fa wukkin wid my ol folkses.
    But wait, you mean ‘Sartorial splender’ or ‘Satirical splendour’? Get back ta me wid dah whun. Anyway……………….

    Charlie
    Pay KISSMYA no mind. She good at predictin foregone conclusions. LOL If ya doubt me, ask ac den. Na lie. You got she dissect to a T man. She so hate she PM dat she would show deceitful empathy fa Estwick but she in kno dat we up ta all she nasty tricks. murtherrrrrrrrrrr.

    KISSMYA
    Me n ac still waiting fa de numbas fa de Mega 6 draw tanite. Yes, ya gun get a lil drawback. we know dat you doan read de ‘cards’ fa free.
    Lawdddddddddddddddd, help meh.

    Josh
    That is politics for ya child. And it is demonstrated on every political platform leading up ta elections. Ohhh, the things they will do n say just for dat lil sacred “X”.

    ac
    We man tek we advice and talk like de real gentleman dat he is. Doan mind de naysayers. Dem gun always be amongst we. But he talk like de sweetheart dat he is. He gun do all he could in Agriculta n tings should start ta turn ‘roun, hopefully. Well I hope ta meet he at Agrofest nex year. I gun be on pun he like a chink pun blood man. LOL

    KISSMYA
    Ya ring-neck-vagabond

  128. Robert Deschappe
    Let me tell you a little secret: (whispering)
    People all over the WORLD are always insinuating that ALLL policemen are corrupt.
    The same is said too about Politicians, Business men, Lawyers etc.
    And your point is??????????

  129. First of all LET ME REPEAT and I have said it a thousand and one times. I am an independent opinion commenter. I love OWEN SEYMOUR ARTHUR -good –no pretentions there

    BUT I WORSHIP NO MAN – so I will criticize anybody/ praise anybody as I see fit. I call it as I see it.
    Dr. David has been badly treated. In all 3 reshuffles, he has been ‘reshuffled’. This is designed to undermine his confidence, break his will and render him to a state of perpetual worry. I am warning whoever does this to an individual that the mystic forces will come back at them 7 fold because you cant do these things to people and get away with it. While you might think it prudent and necessary in your particular circumstance, be prepared to face the consequences —-it is the law of the Universe. That is the Cosmic reality.

    I predicted the elevation of Sinckler right here on this blog. Search the archives and you will find it
    It is there.
    I saw it happening and I wrote about it right here-
    That is the undeniable truth and what is on my side is that it is there for all to read.

  130. By the way Sidney Burnett Alleyne has called on
    David Thompson to resign.
    I think Alleyne believes he can win that seat in St. John and probably become Prime Minister.
    ————————-
    BONNY -How you going get the numbers ?
    Seeing that I have indeed predicted past Lottery numbers. How are you going to get them ?
    But let me warn you even though I say predict-
    I dont ‘predict ‘ anything
    Things come to me and I reveal them -They come to me -I dont go searching for anything-like say —let me predict the lottery numbers now -oh the numbers are 10, 34, 17 , 22, 1, 12
    -Oh no it does not work that way-Sorry !
    and then there is interpretation of what you see or hear.
    I am not pushing an agenda here but the Haiti earthquake was shown to me weeks befor it happpen. How do you tell people these things.
    Let me tell you what I have seen for little while now so if you live in the area be careful and this has nothing to do with recent rains but I have been seeing Black Rock under serious water-Black Rock especially the FREE HILL AREA.
    and I am talking serious water. Having talked about it now –Lets hope it does not happen.
    Cuss me now !
    Call me names !
    Go ahead !

  131. KISSMYA
    And i hope n pray dat you too are ready n willing to accept the consequences of your misdeeds too so cut de crap. Leff you Sermon pun de Mount fa tamorrrrrrrrr.
    You love Owen? Me too. A tad short but wah. I bipolar? You too? Aaightttttttttttt den.

    We still waitin fa de Mega 6 numbas doe.

  132. KISSMYA
    SYDNEY BURNETT ALLEYNE? Wait, he still living? De las time i see he was when I went down Jinkins ta collect my medication. He did in line waitin fa his too. Had not fa dem tick glasses, I din gun reca’nise he yah. stupseeeeeeeeeee

    No, I doan live near Free Hill. I live neara ta Jinkins. But i got fambly livin in Free Hill. I gun call n leh dem kno ta get de dingy inflate, jess in case. B/dos unda flood-watch today til 6 so wah I should do? Ga up pun my roof n sit dung jess in case?

    Since tings does come ta you, leh my fone numba come ta you n gimme a call dat I could get de Mega numbas. Aaighttttttt??
    Anyway, I gine n pun de ladda gainst de house dat i could get up pun de roof. Stan up day till when?

  133. @ KISSMYA | October 2, 2010 at 12:04 PM |
    “By the way Sidney Burnett Alleyne has called on David Thompson to resign.
    I think Alleyne believes he can win that seat in St. John and probably become Prime Minister.”

    Maybe he is looking for title but there is a bigger concern; does he have the constituents and the country as a whole at heart – primarily being first and foremost? chupse

    So many people today are all about themselves and to hell others pitch. All this me-ism is sickening. Selfishness and Greed.

  134. anonymous too

    @ Scientist Oct 1, 2010: 2:51 p.m.
    “Actually, if Stephen Hawking were to write a concise equation summarizing the DLP’s performance thus far it would be:

    free bus fares – clico debacle -3 reshuffles -spiralling cost of living =failure:
    single moms no longer have to worry about busfare for school – single moms no longer have to worry about money for camps -
    easy access to Welfare Dept if on one income – PRICELESS

  135. @anonymous too,
    My reference to Stephen Hawking was to show that physical incapacitation does not always mean a loss of intellect or brain function.

    Nuh wunda GP does be on hey cussing!

    In plain Bajan language; Thompson brain still wukkin so he did not need to resign.

  136. Henderson Bovell

    I wish to set the record straight. I think it is incorrect to say that the DLP has had three (3) Cabinet reshuffles in the past 990 days or in less than three years.

    The truth is, there have been four (4) Cabinet reshuffles. We must not forget that Adriel Brathwaite was shuffled in and then out of the Cabinet as Attorney General.

    In short, the DLP has had 4 Cabinet reshuffles in less than 3 years.

    The question is; given that the Nation Newspaper/Wickham Poll – lists the economy, crime, unemployment and the cost of living as the issues of concern to Barbadians – how will this 4th DLP Cabinet reshuffle address those concerns, especially when the 3 reshuffles before did and could not?

  137. I agree with Henderson
    4 reshuffles
    PLUS
    ONE TERM !
    ONE TERM !
    ONE TERM!
    = 5 YEARS OF DOOM AND GLOOM
    DLP –DOOMED

  138. Carson C. Cadogan

    Henderson Bovell

    Had owen shaken up his cabinet more frequently, there would have be more money in the Barbados treasury today. Barbados Labour Party Ministers with their dishonest ways would not have become so entrenched and corrupt. They realised that no one was looking over their shoulders so they stole black and white as the saying goes.

    Instead of you worrying about what the reshuffle will achieve you ought to be imploring your Barbados Labour Party friends to return the money which they stole and have stashed in Bank accounts overseas.

  139. Carson C. Cadogan

    Henderson Bovell

    You are a last person who should be offensive to the Democratic Labour Party. The Democratic Labour Party made you a man. It is a pity that you morphed into a political grasshopper.

  140. @ carson

    alas as it been said if you have proof send to the dpp or you just blowing alot of hot air.

  141. Carson C. Cadogan

    anthony

    Henderson knows what I am talking about.

  142. Lordy, alla de canvassing here on this blog.

    But seriously, I would advise the Opposition to desist canvassing, until they get some candidates. Currently, even to the point of the former PM’s words, the opposition candidates are ‘poor-rakey’, as said by none other than Sir Owen himself.

    Aside from Mia of course and maybe Dale Marshall, what do we have?

    Well, that young Braddie is a lovely girl and for that alla the young fellows may vote for her, but who else?

    So, the DLP may have a leadership issue if the PM resigns, not that there are not those who can lead the government.

    The Opposition has its own problem, that it needs viable candidates.

    But no one has mentioned this.
    Then again, if we go by current structure and way of government, maybe the pundits above think that we only need Mia anyway?

  143. I just come up with something to backraise the Opposition (IF I were in government).

    How about offering Owen the GG’ship before them, i.e. agree to do so when the current GG retires?

    He might refuse it….maybe.

  144. Carson C. Cadogan

    When is the Governor General going to retire? Or is he waiting to die in office?

  145. Crusoe
    Owen Arthur is not getting anything. Let him fight Mia for the leadership. He called the present government the most post rakey and they send him into opposition in shock.
    Barbadians just get carried away with personalities at elections but what would Santia Bradshaw bring to the people of the Pine, entertainment. Hammy la will take care of her. He is still well loved in the Pine.
    I always wanted to know what was going to be Owen Arthur’s legacy. It seems it will be the booming constructon years when we spent all the borrowed money on edifices and left the restructuring of the economy to those who he perceived to be the poor rakey.
    Well the Poor rakey seem to be doing a good job keeping the country afloat in these cruel economic times.
    The economy of Greece crashed, all across Europe people are striking because of job cuts and the opposition here wants people to believe that Barbados is this utopia where we should not experience what the world is experiencing. Man give me a break. The only economies that are doing well are the $2 a week salary nations eg China and India and some in South America with massive proverty.

  146. Carson C
    Henderson Bovine morphed into a grasshopper? Lawdddddddd mek peace, ya got ma cryinnnnnnnnnnnnn. You in easy a’tall. you getting like my husband de Negro now wid ya names. I luv um.
    you in got ta send na proof ta na dpp nor xyz. tawk ya tawk.

    Charlie
    you does mek real sense in your submissions. stupseeeeeeee, who is Santia Bradshaw now?

  147. Ravin’CravenRaven; re. your latest above.
    I don’t think it is on the question of logic that we might differ. I think it is your “the DLP maintains a legitimacy in the institutional development of the country that the other party cannot claim” that is quite difficult for me to understand and I would like to explore the statement some more.

    I would think that both parties have been significantly involved in the institutional development of Barbados and the development of a number of national institutions . The BLP is no longer in power so it cannot at the present time be significantly involved in official institutional development in the Island at the National level but it obviously can be involved in the development of its own Institution, the BLP, which is clearly a legitimate national institution in its own right.

    Here are a few random examples of National Institutions in Barbados. The Police Force; The Prisons; The QEH; The Barbados Water Authority; The Central Bank; The Offshore Banking Sector; Service Clubs; The Secondary School System; The Primary School System; The University of the West Indies; The Community College; The Polytechnic; The Airport; The Turf Club; The National Sport facilities; kensington oval; The Barbados Library system; Barbados Light and Power; The National Insurance System; The Tourist Board; The Seaport; The Transport Board; The Insurance Companies and the bodies that regulates them; The Banks and the bodies that regulates them; and the list can go on and on.

    All Barbados Governments must have maintained a legitimacy in the development of the majority of national Institutions which they met on taking up office or several institutions would have collapsed as they would not have been supported by Governments which were not maintaining the development of these institutions. Instead, we see Institutions being maintained from Administration to administration.

    For your statement to have been true there would have to be a trail of institutions which died or nearly died during the BLP periods and, if they were only surviving, picked up steam whenever the DLP came into power.

    I haven’t done the research but I would bet that there are no empirical facts to back up your claim of the DLP maintaining a legitimacy of institutional development and the corollary that the BLP doesn’t. I’d be glad to see the examples.

    Institutional Development could also mean the conceptualizing and development of NEW national institutions. If that is what you meant, again, I think you need to put some facts on the table. What new national institutions with a potential for staying the course have the DLP developed in this administration so far or what new institutions have they fostered? You would obviously have to give examples of these to support your claim that the DLP is maintaining a legitimacy in institutional development in the country.

    Somehow I think you were not referring to true institutional development but to things like free school meals or bus fares or summer camps. Those aren’t institutions although the new Constituency Councils could be so considered. But I think before you could class that as a real institution you should give the councils some time to see how they actually perform and if they are cost effective and can stand the test of time.

  148. Carson C. Cadogan

    Morning Bonnie.

  149. Carson C. Cadogan

    anthony

    “alas as it been said if you have proof send to the dpp”
    Which dpp?
    This dpp:-
    http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/allegations-of-abuse-of-position-by-director-of-public-prosecutions-charles-leacock-ordered-police-thuggery-over-his-tenants-unpaid-rent/

  150. @ Checkit-out
    “…the DLP maintains a legitimacy in the institutional development of the country that the other party cannot claim”
    ***********************************************
    Under RHOSA, the BLP espoused a policy of ‘bringing the best for Barbados’, in pursuit of 1st world development status.
    This policy is supportive of the concept of CSME etc -where the intent was to attract capital (eg from Europe and Trinidad) to finance development; Labour from Guyana to back raise the high labour costs demanded by Bajans; and management from everywhere else (despite having a 70 year-old free university) -because such persons were presumably more creative (and more malleable) than locals.

    The BLP kind of development was therefore ‘structural’ in nature (new buildings, roads, projects etc) creating an IMAGE of development, however the main beneficiaries were largely not Bajan.

    Traditionally, the DLP favours a more indigenous type of development where the focus is on (local) people development (education, housing, welfare etc)

    Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches, however BT’s position is that the fundamental role of government, (like that of parents in any family) is to seek to develop citizens to their own maximum potential.
    Its role is not to import others to provide the trappings of development, while citizens idle on the blocks.

    There IS therefore, a fundamental philosophical difference between the two – in BT’s humble opinion.

  151. Carson C
    Hello darling.

    Bush Tea
    Ya tu swoite. oh lorddddddddddddd.

  152. @ Henderson Bovell | October 2, 2010 at 3:35 PM |
    “I wish to set the record straight. I think it is incorrect to say that the DLP has had three (3) Cabinet reshuffles in the past 990 days or in less than three years.

    The truth is, there have been four (4) Cabinet reshuffles. We must not forget that Adriel Brathwaite was shuffled in and then out of the Cabinet as Attorney General.”

    Listen, HB, your pencil lacks lead! You must make up your mind if you prefer to be assinine rather than bovine. Why are you persisting with this horse shit? Is it to prove that you are a horse’s ass? After all everyone knows that in this world if you could count all the horses you would find a few extra horse’s asses, like you!

    And to Check-it-out, I say that you have misunderstood my reference to institutional legitimacy, and you have led Bush Tea to play down the wrong line as well. I would have thought that from the context of my comment you would have understood that I was referring to the development of the two political parties as institutions on the landscape of Barbados.

    The Right Excellent EWB left the BLP largely because of the autocratic behaviour of Grantley Adams, who refused to countenance his ideas on the financing of government outlay. Further when GHA became PM of the WI Federation he hand-picked Gordon Cummings (Short-comings), a medical doctor, as his successor in preference to Mencea Cox, who had been a taxi driver before he entered politics. But in his choice he may have been influenced by the fact that Cox wore a heavy larder key around his neck which almost led to his death by drowning at Gravesend!

    I gone!

  153. Ravin Craven Raven
    ‘HB your pencil lacks lead’.

    That is a boss statement. Talk bout a pun. This is a classic. Never before seen or heard on BU.
    Talk bout playing wid words. My man you are blessed with the ‘gift of the gab’.
    I tip my felt-hat to you.
    Craven Raven, you are de bomb. No one can surpass your wit my man.
    I luv um baddddddddddddd.

  154. When parliament resumes will PM Thompson be taking his seat in parliament?Or be given a further extension of sick leave.

  155. @Macmalone

    Former Prime Minister Arthur hardly attends parliament and he is not* sick as far as we are aware.

  156. So, that speaks volumes. He is not after PM’ship again. When eventually ‘Sir’ Owen moves on up, into the deluxe partment on the hill, after Mia resides at de illustriatious court, rather than being championing causes in Court, you will know.

    That said, we bajans say ‘the PM did this, the Minister did that’.

    Then flipping well DEMAND accoubtaility and transparency legislation, DEMAND it.

    If every bajan does not demand it, it will not come.

    And we will continue to blame, without understanding, without recourse.

  157. I s BARBADOS better off now than it was pre January 2008 ?

    I challenge all who talking shoiiteee (to borrow a word from my idol and mentor -Bonny Peppa-)
    to answer that question. Answer um now SUCKERS ! OR DUCK SUCKERS !
    Be careful though I think I got wunna there.
    No ad hominem arguments here now -careful !

  158. KISSMYA
    Prior to the 1994 general-elections, Barbados was suffering bad, the economy was bad, persons were losing their jobs n homes left right n centre, persons were committing suicide, dying from starvation, children couldn’t attend school because parents couldn’t afford not even lil bus fare, prostitution was on the increase, robberies, killings, vagrancy was increased, mortality rate was sky-high, AIDS, tb, leper, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes,bullin, wikkin was out of control, private n public sector was striking every other week, polyclinics n QEH were turning away patients who couldn’t afford to pay, infrastructure was at de lowest in years etc. then along came Mr. GENERAL ELECTIONS and YOUR party WON. And for 14 long years, everything was turned around and B/dians were living the GOOD LIFE. stupseeeeeeeeeee.
    But then greed n complacency began to take charge and again, along came Mr. GENERAL ELECTIONS JAN.2008 but this time around YOUR party lost and we’re back to GLOOM N DOOM until Mr. General Elections comes along to save us again.

    THIS IS THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ONLY YOU, KISSMYA.

    And I refrained from using any ad hominems. I was careful.

    Have a bright n sunny day on this wet, rainy Monday.

    Shalom

  159. Ravin’ CravenRaven;
    Your response still does not make sense. I did’nt mislead the Bushman. He is too sensible to be misled. He responded, on your side, to an implicit argument in your original submission.

    Bushman;
    Your argument is, taken at face value, a very good one. However, anyone who is honest with him or herself and has worked as a senior Public servant at periods spanning both administrations know that there is absolutely no difference between the two of them. Personalities might differ slightly but policies are twins. The BLP is no more the party of the rich people than is the DLP. For example who did the DLP substantially assist when first they came into power in 2008? The answer is not poor people, but entities like the Turf Club and CLICO, and let me remind you that CLICO is being assisted up to now. Perhaps a reading of the PM of T&T’s address to parliament on 1st October ( http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/trinidad-and-tobago-prime-minister-clico-a-scheme-like-ponzi-a-house-of-cards/ ) might give us some cause for concern when we see the similarities of our situation with CLICO to that in the Twin Island republic. The DLP did nothing to protect Government funds in the face of what has been revealed as a Ponzi scheme by the Governments of Trinidad as well as Guyana. Why should CLICO’s operations here be any different to those in our neighbouring countries?

    Similarly, the DLP is no more the party of poor people than is the BLP. Both parties have utilized a development model that tries to improve the lot of small people while trying to ensure investment by the only people who are capable of doing this, i.e. those who have access to significant sums of money.

    The propaganda machine over the years has distorted anything the BLP has done for small people while accentuating the attractive but essentially vote catching entitlement programs carried out by the DLP. However, I think both parties have tried to stimulate balanced development in the Country.

  160. @ checkit-out about the Bushman…
    “He is too sensible to be misled.”
    ….you mekking sport at Bush Tea now, right?
    …so how come David and MME does walk all over the bushman? ..and how come GP does make mock sport at Bushie..??
    **********************
    Actually you may think that we have very different perspectives on this matter of the philosophy of the two parties, but probably not….
    The bushman can clearly see your perspective.

    Obviously it will not be a clear cut, black and white situation. …. more a balance of general positions.

    In any case it is very difficult to make good progress in arguments like this without a clear understanding of the ontology and epistemology of the debaters…. of the subject parties, and even of the citizens……else we risk the fate of the three blind men who explored the elephant.

  161. I understand the P.M David Thompson has returned to the hospital in N.Y. Let us hope it is just routine and not any more complications

  162. After Johnny Cheltenham, Estwick is the next most ‘prestigious’ Minister to hold the title of Ministry of Agriculture.

    Estwick show them why you are the MAN!

  163. The Ministry of Agriculture has a very important role to play in Barbados, especially at this time, because of its potential ability to provide foreign exchange with minimal domestic resource costs for export crops as compared with say, tourism; its required leadership in implementing a policy that would rapidy ensure true food security; its potential ability to provide jobs for our citizens; and its potential to partner with tourism to save scarce foreign exchange outflows through the utilization of our locally grown produce. Perhaps to this list could be added a potential ability to turn its african snail population into a valued resource that could save or produce some foreign exchange through developing cottage or other industries for using african snail protein for animal food, fertilizer or even gourmet delicacies for those with a taste for escargot.
    It is an historical fact however that the Ministry of Agriculture has practically always been viewed by politicians, plebs and Ministry staffers alike as being the Ministry accorded the lowest esteem in the hierarchy of all Ministries in Barbados. That has been proven time and time again by the demonstrable fact that workers at all levels on the administrative arm of the ministry that have been proven to be trouble makers, mentally unstable, or otherwise unfit for other ministries have traditionally been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture (or last resort). On the other hand, good workers, who showed significant administrative potential have generally been transferred out of that ministry to other better viewed ones such as the Ministry of Finance, etc. A look also at the allocations given to the MInistry of Agriculture, vis a vis those given to the other Ministries should also cement this fact.

    It is my view that the allocation of Minister Estwick to Agriculture was based on generally accepted views of the pecking order of the Ministries and therefore he could not fail to have recognized the message that was being sent to him by David Thompson. Haynesley Benn is a good fellow and tried his best in the Ministry of Agriculture but the results were no better in the context of these times than the results of that other talented and good Minister, Johnny Cheltenham, of BLP fame in his times.

    The problem is that Ministers of Finance pay beautiful lip service to the Ministry of Agriculture but pay little else that is tangible as compared to the other Ministries. The Ministers are not supported to the extent they should be to ensure fulfillment of the Agriculture objectives. In addition, there is and has been for several years, perhaps decades, a disconnect at the Technical level as well. The Public Service system and the Unions ensure that workers who are provably unproductive cannot be fired but transferred, usually on promotion, to eventually reach the Ministry of Agriculture where they marinate until retirement, often taking on the role of bad role models for initially good staff with a resultant decline in morale and standards.

    As far as I am aware, Public Sector reform was supposed to have remedied this but it apparently has not yet done so in a measurable way.

    Sorry for the above rambling, but I was saying all that to say this. The nature of the reshuffling and Dr Estwicks initial response to it as well as an understanding of the dynamics in the Ministry of Agriculture, has not suggested to me that there are serious grounds for hope that Dr. Estwick will turn the Ministry of Agriculture around. Perhaps when Chris Sinckler comes into his kingdom, If he adds Agriculture to his portfolio, we will at last see Agriculture taking its rightful place in the pantheon of Ministries.

  164. JC
    I could tell you dat he is indeed a MAN. But dat is a subject fa anudda day, not now. :-)
    Hold tite.

  165. Bro Scout
    I wonder how long this will go on for? This form of cancer is a real criminal. In fact any form of cancer is cruelllllllllll. Bro. Scout, if I was diagnosed with cancer tomorrow by Friday I would be dead man. Just cann deal wid nutton so. Pain is no friend of mine at all. No, doan ask me how I get children then? :-)

  166. The DLP IS DOOMED

    Wake up Bonny (Honey0
    Take the scales off yuh eyes
    The Emperor’s news clothes syndrome got yuh or what

  167. KISSMYA
    I din even notice dat de Emperor get new clothes girl. tanks fa bringin it ta my attenshun.
    As fa de scales, I did hay cleanin a few flyin-fish. Ya kno how um is? Scales flyin evry whay.
    stupseeeeeeeeee

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