Fallacy In Shoddy Robes

Submitted by Looking Glass

Fallacious diagnoses, especially those made by the morally suspect, beget fallacious remedies. Some politicians laden with infirmities see them as natural, even noble qualities. Like a beast of burden laden with deficits of the past they shift the burden to the other side. And so Lord Arthur, cackling with malignant pomposity, tells the Conference the present government mismanaged the public finance “on a scale without precedence… …one that will take an extraordinary effort to fix.” Among other things his government paid the bills, rescued the country from economic distress, and generated a surplus which the present regime turned into a deficit (Advocate 11/14/2010). Can a person or group of persons mismanage or control what wasn’t there? Comic books stupid without pretence make more sense.

In assessing economic performance we need to grasp historical facts. Without them the facts become distorted and biased. The national budget is forced into fiscal deception leaving us with a false picture. According to Barbados is Bankrupt (4/22/ 06) the national debt had risen from $2 to $4 billion. Elsewhere it was said that the debt had been “narrowed debt to 6% of GDP in 2006-2007”. If that were the case sustainability would not have been a problem. The IMF (2006) Report would not have projected debt at 75% of GDP by 2011, the 2008 Report would not have noted the “75% likelihood the debt ratio will exceed current levels,” and the 2009 recommendations would have been quite different. Substantial ongoing GDP decline and borrowing mega billions by the current regime would be required in order to increase the debt ratio from 6% to 75% in just three years.

Fiscal deficit does not address the total national debt (TND) which happens to include the sum total of “all-budget” loan guarantees and contingencies. In 2009 the regime’s share of the $64 bn TND amounted to no more than $3bn (Indebtedness: No End In Sight). Given our static economy it is unlikely the current debt (which will increase) can/will be retired in say twenty years. As was noted in Walking On Thin Air we will be looking at a large black mass sitting on the edge of serfdom.

Crooks, Tax Dodgers & Scurrilous Sporting Soccer Officials: How Are FIFA Executives Able To Get Away With Highway Robbery While Petty Criminals Do Hard Time?

Submitted by Terence Blackett

 

On the eve of Britain’s FIFA World Cup Bid 2018 in Zurich, a Panorama documentary again highlights and exposes the sheer cesspit of corruption endemic within this monolithic, monopolistic organization controlled by Sepp Blater (who for all intents and purposes is the proverbial “fox” guarding a multibillion dollar hen house).

The three FIFA bosses in the news piece are being cited for dodgy insider dealings with ISL (a Swiss consortium) accused of paying huge sums of money for commissions when in actuality they were nothing more than bribes, kick-backs and dubiously secretive payments for God knows what – routed, deposited and shrouded in the murky offshore tax-haven world of Liechtenstein.

But what is remarkable in this film and from the reports was the historical track record surrounding Trinidad “don” and CONCACAF football cartel BOSS* as well as Sepp Blater’s Gestapo Lieutenant – Jack Warner, who as a West Indian and a Caribbean power-broker is portrayed as nothing more than a miserable ingrate, a chauvinistic swine, a nasty piece of work and a pathetic excuse for a human being.

Where Are We Headed After Independence?

Kammie Holder

What is your mirror image? Barbados as a sovereign nation became independent from Britain 44 years ago. As an island we have achieved much in the last 44 years, thanks to the foresight of our past leaders. Most Barbadians, enjoy a standard of living which is the envy of many of their neighbors and others. Free bus fare for school children, free lunch for primary school children, free health care and free education.  How much better can it get? A per capital income of $19,300 and a Human Development Index Rating of 42 out of 169 countries. However, have our progress and successes blinded us from being strict guardians of our fate?  Probably a case of complacency and ignorance replacing Pride & Industry! Many man hours lost due to water outages and construction work being carried out on highways during peak traffic. Some may complain about my highlighting of the creeping cracks which threatens our accomplishments over the last 44yrs, but my responsibility is to my son and to Bajans not born yet. Therefore I will never forfeit my right to freedom of speech and expression; too many of us want to win a fight without fighting! Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself who or what am I fighting for.

In 2010 we have the major telecommunications companies being foreign owned. Where are the local black businessmen who brag about how much money they have? The power company is about to be gobbled up by a Canadian Corporate giant whose only motive may be supernormal profits. Will the Barbados Water Authority be next? Why would we consider a Waste to Energy plant in Barbados with the toxic Dioxin being a byproduct, when we can utilize the free sunshine we receive 300 days a year for energy generation.   How much smarter are we in our 44th year of Independence? Where are the investigative journalists in our 44th year of independence or is it a case of media houses putting commercial interests before reporting relevant news?

Minister Of Finance Chris Sinckler Warned In The Pierhead Halcrow Matter

Submitted by AAA (as a comment)

Chris Sinckler, Minister of Finance

Attention: The Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler

Your Budget presentation and wrap up session was keenly observed by many. When all hope seemed lost you then addressed the Pierhead Marina saga. This was under the guise of HMBS Pelican base at Spring Garden and the faults with that design and construction. You attempted to link the Pierhead Marina designers Halcrow to the minor construction problems with HMBS Pelican although you know that reports on the issue of liability have repeatedly indicated the problems rest squarely with the contractors and developers JADA CONSTRUCTION LIMITED and or abnormal sea conditions.

It was a crude mistake made by an immature politician who already on this ice for having tried his level best to leapfrog Freundel Stuart MP for the post of prime minister, has taken on additional political liability which he himself cannot imagine and the likes of which will severely damage is political ambitions including the position of Minister of Finance. Mr. Sinckler has shown his hand the result being he will have a brand seared into his palm for all to see.

This is a man that certain special interest factions sought to have elevated to Prime Minister, its a good thing his fellow MPs realized the problem that would create and back raised him when the vote was called on the morning of David Thompson’s death.

Having defamed the reputation of a company whose annual revenue is nearly that of the total annual budget of Barbados, the Minister of Finance can look forward to lawsuit for defamation from the same company. The privilege of parliament will not protect him, remember Don Blackman and COW Williams? The Privy Council ruled against parliamentary privilege, sure Mr. Sinckler is aware of this.

Minister Sealy It Is Time To Exploit Social Media

Richard Sealy, Minister of Tourism

The global economy continues to fight its way out of the recession with the United kingdom, one of Barbados’ key source markets being hit hard. Over the years tourists from the United Kingdom have been wooed the most by Barbados because the British are known to be higher level of spenders and   book longer vacations compared to arrivals from other countries. To make it more challenging, the English visitor has had to deal with the implementation of the Air Passenger Duty effective November 1, 2010.

In the recent budget Barbadians were informed by Minister Richard Sealy that arrivals for the year so far are up 4.1%. Minister Sealy lauded the promotional efforts of those responsible but  “…expressed concern over the continuing decline in the British market, saying he was “terribly troubled”. Barbados’ position contrasts starkly with that of Jamaica. A report today trumpets the success of Jamaica’s to attract UK tourists.

New figures from the Jamaican Tourist Board show the destination experienced its highest August UK visitor numbers since 2006 this year. Arrivals for the month compared to August 2009 jumped by 13%, with 17,085 people heading for the Caribbean island – TravelMole

The obvious question which will be asked coming out of Jamaica’s success will be – what the hell is the Jamaica Tourist Board doing?

44 Years Of Stability And Success Explained

Submitted by Bush Tea

 

The annual debate about the story of Barbados, ‘the little rock that could’ seems to have gained added momentum this year of the forty fourth anniversary. No doubt this is because of the increasingly dire reality of the global economic crisis added to the series of uncharacteristic challenges in the form of flooding, Tomas, and the loss of a loved prime minister, which our country has faced in recent months.

Even in ‘normal’ times, however, the debate about the developmental path that we have taken as a country has been an interesting, challenging and evasive story of stability, success and pride that has been realized very much against all the odds; contrary to established logic; and despite our best efforts to sabotage our success.

Listening to various panels discuss this topic every year at independence time has only served to reinforce the Bush Tea opinion that no one really understands what has happened to us as a country. Clearly, our results are not a reflection of our outstanding productivity and ingenuity. Indeed one wonders how we could be weaker in these areas.  In most of the normal measures, we have been punching way above our weight classification – but how….?

Well the bushman found the answer today.

Barbados Confronting An Identity Crisis

But quite apart from his immediate political and economic agenda, the Prime Minister (Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart) is concerned about the general direction in which the country seems to be headed. In an exclusive SUNDAY SUN interview this week, Stuart, 59, pointed to falling national standards while using excellence as his benchmark for performance. The Prime Minister is equally troubled by an attitude of “instant success” most pervasive among the youth in a “press button age”  – Nation Newspaper

 

Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart’s statement is insightful. Its relevance in the month of November should be taken advantage of by stakeholders to collaborate an set the agenda for the kind of society we want to build. In recent weeks there has been the debate whether as a country we should be focussed on building a strong economy at the expense of a society. Although there is merit in the concept, its genesis seems to be compromised by the public perception of the government trying to gain political advantage.

It appears from observation our success as an independent nation is now defined as the number of cars parked in the driveway, the number of trips taken overseas, the number of KFCs, Subways and other foreign brands which populate our landscape, you get the idea. Most disappointing is the  surrender of the NOW generation to embrace anything that is foreign. Perhaps we need to blame the parents. On the current path by the time we celebrate 50 years of Independence it will probably be regarded as purely ceremonial, devoid of emotional attachment to ‘yella, blue’ and any idea of self-determination.

The Role Of George Payne As Kingmaker

 

George Payne, Chairman of the Barbados Labour Party announcing Owen Arthur's return back in October

The decision by the parliamentary group of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to oust Mia Mottley as leader of the opposition has caused some to question the role of the Member of Parliament (MP) for St. Andrew George Payne. For about six years George Payne warmed the backbench of the House of Assembly of Barbados and did not ‘unpick’ his teeth. By doing so BU has always held the view he disrespected the August Chamber and by extension the people of Barbados. The fact he was able to defeat his DLP opponent Irene Sandiford-Garner in the last general election should raise other questions about the sophistication of the electorate and more particularly how Payne has been able to foster ironclad support in the Orange Hill ‘box’. BU is on record agreeing with the decision to fire then Minister of Tourism George Payne by former Prime Minister Owen Arthur.  The extreme reaction by Payne to his firing which drove him to be silence for so many years should make political independents question his behaviour. If he were an employee in a company, how would his manager appraise his performance?

Q. Why does a citizen of Barbados aspire to represent fellow citizens by seeking their support to be elected to the House of Assembly?

A. When Parliament is sitting (meeting), MPs generally spend their time working … This can include raising issues affecting their constituents, attending debates and voting on new laws. Most MPs are also members of committees, which look at issues in detail, from government policy and new laws, to wider topics like human rights – Parliament UK

Is it reasonable to conclude that by not speaking in parliament for six years it can be concluded that George Payne failed to fully represent the people of St. Andrew? How then can one explain Payne’s re-election in the face of a national swing in the most recent general election? Perhaps some day our political scientists and others better versed than BU in political behaviour will be able to explain how a dumb MP in parliament could still win his seat albeit with a narrow margin.

A Stroke Of Genius Or A Major Miscalculation By Owen Arthur?

Submitted by Yardbroom

 

Leader of the Opposition (l) Former Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley (r)

There are times in the affairs of men – and women – when a decision taken, can alter the course of history.

The decision taken, which engineered the removal from office on the 18th October 2010, of the BLP leader Mia Mottley, had major reverberations on the political landscape of Barbados.  I venture to suggest even now, before the embers are yet cold, that those decisions will be seen in the future, as  defining moments in Barbados’ politics.  Even at this early stage, any discerning neophyte to the political scene in Barbados, can see that since the first flash, when the flint caused the kindling to burst into life, the fire has been gently subsiding.

That suggestion leads to the question, who will rise like the phoenix from the ashes.

The question any reasonable person must ask.  Is why was Mia Mottley removed from the leadership of the BLP?  Is it a question of performance? If it was, surely the ordinary citizen did not notice it.  Was it due to personality?  When elected  leader, she was the same person as she is now, and in the public consciousness that has not changed.  Or were there circumstances and issues, beyond the control of Mia Mottley, over which she could never have an input, which caused her “temporary” demise as leader of the BLP.

With a tentative glance around me, I venture to ask.  Was it opportunism, the lure of power and authority to be regained?  Some politicians are very pragmatic, they will do what is required, often in their own interest.  Opportunities perceived, can often bring enemies together, but when expected outcomes are not realized, does that pragmatic bond still hold.

2010 Budget Debate Reveals Lack Of Understanding Of The Economic Challenges Facing The Country By Both Government And Opposition

Submitted by People’s Democratic Congress (PDC)

Yes!! Absolutely nothing at all coming out of this year’s Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals that were delivered by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, The Honourable Chris Sinckler, on Monday, 22 November, 2010, and coming out of the Reply by the BLP Opposition Leader, The Honourable Mr. Owen Arthur, the next afternoon, has suggested that these two political scions and their respective parties – the DLP and BLP – have a proper firm grasp of the severity of developmental crisis engulfing Barbados at this stage.

Truth be told too, neither of these gentlemen, in their insubstantial perorations, would have indicated the stage at which they wished to see Barbados within the next 25 to 30 years, far less uttered a statement on what developmental models, strategies, issues are needed to be engaged now by the government, the social partnership, civil society and wider Barbados, in any possible bid to pull the country out of this vicious developmental crisis, and to ultimately see the elevation of the country in the pecking order of international states.

So, as far as the People’s Democratic Congress (PDC) is concerned, with the very odious, backardist, fiscal budgetary measures that this DLP Government has introduced this year – e.g. the atrocious 2.5% increase in the so-called  VAT, the brutal increase in the so-called Excise Tax on gasoline, and the horrendously ill-timed increase in bus fares from BDS $ 1.50 to BDS $ 2.00 -  on top of the very harsh fiscal measures that it imposed in 2008 and kept in 2009, there is and must be every single possibility – barring popular intervention – that these recent measures, as well as this week’s, are and will presently be helping inevitably to push this little country further towards becoming a second rate so-called Third World Developing country in the said next 25 to 30 years. Right!!! And we have talked about this several times before!!!