Submitted by George C. Brathwaite
Notwithstanding my personal sentiments of praise for Mr. Arthur’s leadership especially in respect of CARICOM, or my respect for the current Prime Minister, I am from St. John (born, lived, and schooled there). I am also a member of the BLP and a friend of the late Prime Minister David Thompson.
I do not take kindly to any ridiculing of the people of St. John, regardless of the architects of such fumbling comments, as have been reported in the press.
Barbados has too many issues that have potential to wreck the livelihoods of many. It is folly and an insensitive approach for politicians of whatever persuasion (i.e. both political parties) to be wasting time discussing personalities and origins rather than economy and society.
Let us deal with the issues and show, in my opinion, why the BLP deserves a look in as potentially better representatives of the people. No Hutson or Mara bashing! It is unnecessary and definitely not what the good people of St. John need as they grapple with rising unemployment, increasing crime, meteoric rises in goods and services inclusive of food, and with too many conflicting statements arising from stakeholders in relation to the overall state of Barbados’ economy.
There is way too much at stake for politicians to be spewing so much venom at each other and those that are not deserving of the mud-slinging. Those things can only cast the reputation of Barbadians in a bad light across CARICOM.
Always remember, I am in no one’s hip-pocket and I shall call a spade a spade.
I do agree with you 100% Mr. Brathwaite. To gain the people’s votes you should present an outline of what you have in mind to help give them a better quality of life; What who did, or didn’t do isn’t what’s going to make anything better. I feel that all people who are seeking office needs to understand, that they will be working for the people, and should keep the people in the forefront when it comes to making choices that they the people will have to live with even when that person, or persons are no longer in office; Barbadians let’s be first to show the other islands that we can get things done the right way without all the other mess and BS. Time for change is **NOW**; Let the world see that we know what we are doing;
While I too agree that enough serious matters are not being discussed, still the integrity of the candidates MUST be discussed. One has to know the quality of person that is seeking to represent the constituency. I can see this campaign getting pretty nasty coming towards the end .
It is indeed disappointing to listen to the campaigns of both political parties. This is at a time when the economy of Barbados is experiencing challenges like never before in our history. What does this say? The irony is that both parties are being led by ‘elder’ politician.Congrats to David Commisong for going public by voicing his criticism.
ha ha ha It seems like we need “a born-in-Barbados”, political party. LOL! Really though Arthur is a real disappointment. Does anyone still view him as a strewed politician? uh ask before, who is advising the BLP? has Mia made her platform debut in St.John as yet?
This has been one of the most unpleasant by-election campaigns I can recall. It is my prayer that the candidates and others speaking on their behalf on the platforms get away from cussing out each other, stay focused on doing what’s best for the people of St. John and keep their word. It’s time for us to move from the era of “gutter politics”.
AH,
What in God’s name is a “strewed” politician?
I agree with you George.
Isn’t Mara wonderful?
See her here:
http://vimeo.com/18628885
I would like to see these two candidates in a debate or responding to questions regarding the future of St John without written statement prepared by the Henry guy or John Boyce or some BLP person!!!
The way this election is structured or being carried out, there is no way of determining what these candidates know , why, when, where etc.
I can say that I’m not a supporter of either one.
The occasions I’ve seen Mara on TV responding to a question without a prepared statement, the thought came to mind that bajans would be out of their minds to vote for this lady!!
This has nothing to do with where she was born…..her late husband wasn’t born here either!!
I just do not think she would have any independent thoughts to offer the people of St. John or the Island of Barbados!!
……and I do not think being the former PM’s wife is enough!
On the BLP candidate, he has not shown me enough either…..but i’m not a voter!
Time is running and passing and I need to establish my legacy. It is a right, not a privilege and I don’t care if it is achieved for the wrong reasons. Furthermore, I will deport all Guyanese, Caribbean, English, American and other foreigners even if they are married or cohabiting with Bajans.
My ears are closed to arguments that these people contribute to all aspects of the island’s economy and constitutionally can sit in Parliament.
I will cleanse this island of all things foreign – stop tourism, curtail the importation of food, goods and services from beyond our shores. We are self sufficient and even though the world and his wife would like to be our friend we don’t want to have anything to do with them.
In the unlikely event that electors give our son of the soil the nod on Thursday, I will introduce this edict on the morning of 21 January 2011.
Mind you, if a major disaster should hit Barbados remember to hold hands and jump in the Atlantic Ocean for that will be our only ally or saviour. With a literacy rate of 98 per cent, these foreigners – the scourge of our lives – must be regaling in the fact that we have systematically excluded the voices of sanity from rational thought.
George you should know that the press like the juicy bits. It is not fair to pass judgement before having all the facts. The economy and all the ills of the DLP are being discussed by the BLP, but they don’t make big news. The Dems are doing more bashing and cursing than the Bees. And by the way in a political game the background of the candidate is important. If Mara calls St. Lucia her home while Hudson calls Barbados his that presents an issue as to how committed the one with the home in St. Lucia would be to Barbados if there is a conflict between the two countries. Don’t fall for the proaganda, this is a relevant issue in this context. You should also listen to the full text of Owen’s speech.
@Jenny M
You wrote: “The Dems are doing more bashing and cursing than the Bees.”
That is exactly my point. There are so many issues to be discussed that relate to the economy and society; too many issues that barbadians need elucidation on for the politicians from both sides to bamboozle the people with bullsh**.
In any event, you do not have to defend Owen or the BLP. I remain a member but I will not accede to what I think is not progressive.
Finally, I remain more engaged with what occurs, is said or written in Barbados, than you may think. Nonetheless, I do take your point that the full text of anything may change the context. May I remind you that at the end of the day, perception is very much part and parcel of politics.
Hello Mr. Brathwaite,
I would love to meet you some day. I keep hearing your name in good terms from various people around campus. St. John is obviously very dear to you. I am a little daunted by the extracts from Mr. Hudson Griffith which seem to paint a mental image of the people in a way that is not very dignified. What do you think?
Jenny M re. your post of January 13, 2011 at 7:52 PM;
That is the fairest comment I’ve seen so far on the BLP campaign. I’ve only just listened to Owen’s College Bottom speech that is producing all the negative comments and you are dead on target. The speech was a good one that only tangentially mentioned Mara and dwelt on the issues. It did’nt even mention the Polyclinic.
I think all of us should listen to the whole speeches, on both sides, before commenting. WE might find that we are being taken in by the spinners on both sides.
@checkit-out
Owen Arthur is reported in the news that he will focus on national issues and drop the attacks on the DLP candidate Mara Thompson. Do you think this is in response to a groundswell of opinion from Barbadians who have made it known in no uncertain way that it disproves of the platform tactics of the opposition? It does not matter that Arthur ‘dwelled’ for a short time on the issue of Mara Thompson’s St. Lucia lineage, the point is he did so in a way that has not resonated well with Bajans from both sides of the fence. Perhaps it has taken on more currency because of Arthur’s lead role in CSME when he was PM. The fact that the government platform has reacted badly to the BLP strategy has only served to deepen the disillusionment which young Barbadians have with politics in Barbados.
From what I have seen Mr. Arthur is overshadowing his candidate. Does he even spend 5 mins endorsing him in his speeches? But that is not my point. I can’t remember hearing Hudson Griffith attacking Mara Thompson’s St. Lucian origins. Generally the BLP camp has taken us from the polyclinic, to representation, to Mrs. Thompson’s origins, to breadfruit and cow heel soup, to national issues. This is the same lack of focus that caused them the government in 2008. I suspect it is due to Mr. Arthur not sticking to the script of the campaign manager and team. Just a guess because it could actually be a plan to appear unfocused until the last minute.
Well Honestly. It could be or it be an election ploy. He as well as most if not all of the country realise that chances of wining in st john are slim to none. What it does offer is prime media access and television coverage. Now by attacking mara he bring attention to himself maybe with scorn too and people ask what in world is he thinking or some people might think he right. With the gather attention to him he can then bring national issue which affect us to forefront which he doesn’t get much media time to push. He could just be planning for the next general elections one time.
So anybody knows who the gov’t official that the article in today’s Nation refers to. Apparently the official’s 10-year-old child took to school a bullet and it was reported to the police. Now certain police records pertaining to that incident is missing.
http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/pages-probe/
@The Gatekeeper: “Now certain police records pertaining to that incident is missing.
Drilling down past the partisan politics…
Would not a serious military organization (like a sovereign police force) keep the information contained in each day’s diary very well protected?
Like, for example, scanning each day’s notes, backing them up to at least three different physical locations, and placing the “paper copy” of each day’s diary into a secure safe?
Or is that simply not how things are done here?…
@Chris
I suppose that is how things are done in a professionally run law enforcement dept., but bout here is a different story. Even at the courthouse and immigration office they lose and misplace important files and documentation whether deliberate or accidental.
@Chris
I suppose that is how things are done in a professionally run law enforcement dept., but bout here is a different story. Even at the courthouse and immigration office they lose and misplace important files and documentation whether deliberate or inadvertently.
@BU.David…
Your “studs” just came on me because I posted on another topic.
BU.David: Is there any chance you might keep your studs from coming on me?
David re. your post of January 14, 2011 at 1:22 AM;
I see that you and most commenters seem to be avoiding the fact that the purported attacks on Mara Thompson’s birthplace by Owen Arthur have been contrived spin in the main. Look at Owen Arthur’s speech again. It certainly did not say what most commenters are saying that he said, and Mara and her origins was not the area of focus of the speech. The groundswell was contrived by a superior machiavellian operative but it is somewhat disingenuous for those who know better, to continue to try to promote Arthur’s speech as an attack on regionalism, etc. etc. as they know that few average readers or listeners are willing to go to the original sources and really see what was actually said.
I agree with you that the bajan public has swallowed the spin and it is quite likely that in response to this that Arthur has changed his tactics. He should have known better in the first place. But it does leave a bad taste in the mouth where spinning wins out once again and the objective truth has to take a back seat.
My beef is with the expert commentators etc., who allow the spin to be further promulgated. Politicians are and will be politicians. The youth will not analyse and look closely at the facts. They will do like practically everyone else and accept the commentaries of the persons they trust, whether BLP or DLP or PEP.
Look at and listen to Owen Arthur’s speech at College Bottom again and tell me if it merited the national consensus that he attacked Mara’s origins with malice and that in so doing he damaged Barbados’ relations with its neighbours. The consensus is also that the main plank of Arthur’s speech was Mara. Tell me if that is your considered view after looking at the video clips.
Richie Haynes was quoted as saying that in politics it is only the impression that counts. This campaign is an absolute confirmation of the truth of that comment. But the Media can do something about it. Blame them, in addition to the politicians themselves, for the youth’s dissillusionment.
I think a lot of people missed the point on this whole nationality issue.
From what I gleaned from the BLP platform, they took issue with the DLP and their St John supporters declaring Mara as the queen. Maybe, for the Dems, it was a silly thing to do knowing how raw Bajans’ nerves are when it comes to those from outside.
But wait, weren’t these Dems, the same Dems who now declare Mara to be their queen, the same ones who demonised the Guyanese and whom Mara’s husband kicked most of them out of Barbados? Where was the compassion and CSME love when the Guyanese were singled out to be bundled out of Barbados at 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning having to leave all their possessions behind?
You know the Dems can get away with anything in Barbados, I dont know why the Bajan public holds them to a different standard than the Bees.
The more the Dems focus on this issue, the less time they have to defend their stewardship. I want to hear the Dems account for:
1. The Clico mess
2. The mess at the QEH
3. The confusion with the UWI
4. The high cost of living and dont insult my intelligence by highlighting 3 or 4 items, the cost of living did not start to go up in Dec and if the DLP knew this, why increase the VAT? Dont make sense.
5. Tell the people how much money is being spent on the highway, where are the contracts and who is getting them? The higgest bidders?
6. Explain why Freundel only has a ministry a dying PM held, what does he do all day long?
7. Explain the Coverley land give away.
Barbados seems to be on hold, one cannot point to any thing that is going on. There are some ministers you don’t hear from like George Hutson, what does he do?
Each night if I were the BLP, I would highlight the mess this country is in and let the Dems keep noise. But wait, how in all good conscience could David Estwick defend Mara after the cussing he put down on DT even on DT’s dying bed? He should know that Mara is just like her husband.
@checkit-out
Let’s accept your position that Arthur has been taken out of context which is a reasonable position given his lead role and public pronouncements on CSME matters, the question which follows is whether you listened to Barney Lynch on the BLP platform addressing the same issue?
Who is in charge of the BLP platform? Doesn’t the buck stop with Arthur?
@check-it-out,
we know that the spin doctor is the sane one who fell short of saying he had a heart attack and on pun the platform every night jumping bout like a chicken.
My problem with Mara is, will we see her speaking from speeches prepared for her all the time, or does she have an independent thought.
as for Griffith, his inflections are a too bit low- keyed for me
correction,
was that suppose to be insane or same , h….mmmmm
Sent by DLP people obviously:
Next stop on the Mara Thompson campaign trail – a relaxing cultural extravaganza on the Bay, Martin’s Bay. Bring out the family for this entertaining and informative event. Relax to the sound of the breaking waves and the and enjoy some of Barbados’ best entertainers.
When:
Saturday, 15th January 2011
While you are there, enjoy the Laff it off Promo compliments the other candidate and clown in the election.
How Hudson Griffith Views The St. John People -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux_aCSumNJY
Owens Rage 2 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCz2VL_4Gc4
Mr. Impolite Owen Arthur -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BsQPXQvykc
Don’t forget distasteful Lynette Eastmond –
Mr.Brathwaite
As a friend of Owen Arthur could you please speak to him about how he is perceived by Barbadian school children? Since he is on television and now on YouTube so regular because of the bye election they are saying he always behaving like he is drunk.
@ David
The issue of nationality was constantly used against media personnel (Vic Fernandes, Rickey Singh, Roxanne Gibbs); yet it is WRONG for it to be mentioned in questioning the candidacy of a woman seeking to become the representative for the safest, and one of the most historically significant, seats in Barbados.
One would think that a parliamentary seat would be of more concern…….I guess it is a case of’who the cat like he lick’; rather than consistency and fairness.
David re. your post of Jan 14, 2011 at 4:20 PM;
I have’nt been to any political meetings over the last 2 campaigns and I haven’t seen Barney Lynch’s speech on the web. Grateful if you could point me (us) to where I (we) can see it on the web.
@Enuff
The references to foreigners in Barbados were made by some to demonstrate they had a biase/pushing an agenda given the open door immigration debate which was being discussed.
@Enuff
There was a ‘snatch’ of his delivery on VOB.
David;
I found this one by Noel Lynch on Bajan Reporter
http://bajanreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Absolut-Lynch.mp3
This probably wasn’t the one you were referring to.
@ David
So is there no concern over what biases Mara may/will have towards stlucians/stlucia? This again highlights the gist of my argument, which is that we obviously seem to view CEO positions as more threatening to our ‘democracy’ than that of an MP.
@checkit-out
That was not the clip but have you noticed how turned-off many have become at the political campaigns being mounted by both parties? BU as an example has not felt inclined to blog about the St. John by-election to any great degree.
@Enuff
BU is on record that we should have a national conversation about it and let the chips fall where they may.
@ david
Be naive not!!! There will never be a discussion, as one person noted above–the DavidLP got Bajans in a trance. How many people are willing to admit that this government has been poor so far? Apart from telling us how many forex we have, what other positive stats the governor of central bank announces? Imagine if the Bees did really leave a mess, our ass would be grass by now!!!
Hey !
where is Bonny
the most popular commenter on this Blog
the real “queen ” of this blog is missing and it is not like her.
Is Bonny pulling a Mia ?
Is Bonny well ? She had complained about not feeling well sometime ago.
This DLP Government is NOT A GOOD GOVERNMENT
Ask the Question and you would get an answer from all right thinking BJs (Bajans) that is similar to the one below.
What Is A Good Government?
——————————————–
NOT THE DLP GOVERNMENT
The DLP is the worse (WORST) Government in the history of BARBADOS.
TALK ABOUT GOOD
THERE IS NO GOOD IN THE DLP that we can see.
The DLP has always operated on lies LIES lies LIES–however you look at it
LIES and liitle substance. One of the bad things about when one man dominates an institution to extent that the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow dominated the DLP is that in his absence, the institution loses its soul. The DLP lost its soul in 1987 and subsequent events confirmed this..
The demise of Richie Haynes and the fragmentation in the DLP since that time has rendered the DLP illegitimate in refernce to the ideals of the founding fathers and the legacy of its dominant figure head. Richie’s demise ? (this is where and when the rot really started)
Every thing since then has suggested that the DLP should really in all fairness disband.
The lastest act of running Mara Thompson in St.John smells bad; it smells stink. (That is my way of putting it)
Inasmuch as it might please Hartley Henry and his crowd , one can sense a similar feeling to what has transpired before with regards to the former representative for St. John and his clamour for the position he eventually attained.
KISSMYA predicted what eventually happened to that representative and I am saying now without trying to explain what it means that the situation here with Mara Thompson running in St.John smells “STINK”
It smells “STINK”
It smells “STINK”
It smells “STINK”
and I really dont know what that means
Do any of you remember Mia Mottley speaking these words and the context, “Political class”?
David, You said at 10.21 a.m.
” have you noticed how turned-off many have become at the political campaigns being mounted by both parties?”
Yes! and I think it is a sorry state of affairs. Not from the standpoint of the gutter type attacks by the parties on each other, as I think that is merely traditional politics dating from cave man days, but because it allows the party with the best spin machine, more attractive campaign, more money to spend, and perhaps speakers with the best delivery, to win irrespective of whether or not the “facts” spouted can stand up to in depth scrutiny (The Americans would say fact checked) or the preferred party is objectively the best to lead at any particular juncture. This is true for every country that practices any variant of westminster politics, including the USA.
So yes, I think there are several people turned off of politics because of the general nature of politics and a few more turned off because of the specific nature of the current campaign as publicised and spun, primarily by HH, but with other media practitioners being involved in the dirt and misrepresentations as well.
Do you really think that it matters to many people outside of St John, if the BLP speakers say ill or are inputed to say ill about Mara. In St John it matters but there willprobably be other concerns that matter to them that have not been spun significantly yet and that may have some impact on the election.
The result of this is that we may reach the sorry stage where only the yardfowl on either side bother to vote, supplemented by a few people in the middle who try to get a valid, balanced picture of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the protagonists.
The portents of this bye election do not seem to be good for the BLP at this juncture (based on the relative severity of the expected loss). I think they will have to revise their strategies to stand a chance of being competitive when the General elections are called.
‘Check it out’
Your last post seem contradictory.
If David Thompson had a so-called St. John Development Plan, and given that the DLP’s candidate wants to be elected simply to continue his legacy – then why is that candidate said to be bringing yet another ‘Thompson Development Plan?’ What happened to the first one!
Secondly! Why new plans for the youth of St. John when there is already a ‘DLP Youth Manifesto?’
And if this candidate now has a new ‘Thompson St. John Development Plan’ for the same St. John Constituency, when the first one is yet to be implement, does this new ‘Thompson St. John Development Plan’ mean that the old ‘Thompson St. John Development Plan’ was pure crap? How then can anyone justify the allegation that there could be a David Thompson legacy?
Is that so-called legacy in St. John, which shows no signs of development or is it at the national level? And how could it be nationally when the manufacture economic crisis within the Barbados economy started under David Thompson’s watch with his 77% increase in the price of diesel and other inflationary fiscal polices, which were compounded by bad decision and poor judgment that have resulted in a $538 million deficit and over 10,300 being placed on the breadline by the DLP since 2007, which is far more than the 4,000 the DLP caused to lose their jobs between 1991-1994?
Since the first ‘Thompson St. John Development Plan’ did not work, even after 23 years, what guarantees are there that this one could, especially given that David Thompson was Leader of the Opposition, Prime Minister of Barbados and Minister of Finance? Already the DLP is borrowing to pay bills (domestic consumption and not to build productive capacity) with things getting worse daily and will continue to do so because Barbados is saddled with this government it cannot afford?
@ Charlie
You wrote: “Mr.Brathwaite
As a friend of Owen Arthur could you please speak to him about how he is perceived by Barbadian school children? ”
Please sir/madam, never make assumptions. I have never anywhere suggested that Owen Arthur is a friend. Indeed, he is my political leader since I am a member of the BLP. He was one of the outstanding Prime Minister’s of Barbados. His leadership record, though not perfect, speaks volumes about his capacity to outline a vision, set goals, and achieve those goals. If I want to impress anything on the minds of children, it is those positives that I would choose to shape the perceptions of those who may want to be future leaders. The crap talk about drunken appearances may appeal to you and those whose minds are so myopic that they neither have the capacity to be discerning or to go beyond the obvious. Should I encourage children to go beyond the obvious, I would let them know that one should never judge the book by its cover. Now please, would you tell BU what lessons are there that you can teach the school children that Owen Arthur, George Brathwaite, or others are missing? Be an example!
It is known that Owen like his “see-through” but few people knew that David was a strong Vodka drinker. These little things means little to me, I judge persons by their tenure of office,
The St.John people have smashed the xenophobic theory of which Peter Wickham, Rickey Singh, Norman Girvan et al have been wicked proponents. Then again the nomination of Mara and her soon to be ‘coronation’ maybe considered an outlier by some.
Enuff re. your post of Jan 15, 2011 at 2:32 PM;
Reading back the post, which was a hurried one as I had to drop someone to an appointment, I agree with you that the arguments in the main body of the post do not entirely mesh with what I wrote in the final paragraph.
Essentially, what I was trying to get across was that I feel that the mouthings by both BLP and DLP in this bye election campaign are par for the course and no more egregious than various things said in previous campaigns. What makes them seem so bad is the current wellspring of sympathy for the late David Thompson, the vigour of the pushback by the DLP to hide a number of inadequacies in the DT legacy, an attempt to mask the moves being made for the development of a dynasty and an inability to show any real developmental progress in the last 3 years or reliable promise of such (outside tourism) in the next 2.
On the BLP side I sense a frustration because of an apparent inability to connect with the electorate on several matters that should be of concern to the country and a realisation that the aspect of their strategy that targeted Mara’s ascendancy to the “throne” does not appear to be working well at this time.
The Mara issue, at the present time, is merely a parochial one, but it has the distinct potential to take on significant national importance if other moves towards a dynasty, such as an early ministerial appointment and provision of a seat for Mara to oversee everything the Cabinet is doing in detail, and thereby to put into flesh the feeling that DT is still ruling the DLP and Barbados from the grave by not allowing the current cabinet to make decisions in the absence of e.g. someone involved in the CLICO situation. Indeed, Mara has to be given a cabinet position to ensure that the Thompson legacy lives on. A mere seat in the House of Assembly will not cut it.
Given the above, if Mara wins with an increased plurality, the BLP will have to modify their strategy to more frontally, but delicately attack Mara and the so called Thompson legacy in the general election campaign whenever one is called.
Re. The Scout ( January 15, 2011 at 4:04 PM )
Interesting post!
David – Vodka, the regal drink of the upper class
Owen – See Through, the drink of the professional rum drinkers, of the Ordinary Class as the Mighty Charmer would say.
Freundel – Could you tell us what is his favourite drink?
Checkit=out
I know nothing about Stuart except that he was dropped by the voters in St Philip because of his aloft appearance and behaviour. I see he, now wearing a ring on his “marriage” finger, just hope this is for real and that he’s not sleeping in Illaro Court alone. Campaigning is such sport, i heard he referred to Owen as a lonely man. Is it that we have two lonely leaders facing off against each other? ” lonely, I’m Mr lonely, I have nobody to call my own”, I’m just a lonely man, lonely a blue, I’m all alone with nothing to do”, I don’t like to sleep alone, our leaders in trouble, when you’re lonely you can’t think straight.
Checkit-out ” the so called Thompson legacy”.
All this tells me is that David Thompson wanted his wife to continue doing what she was prepared for over 20 years of campaigning with him.
Here you have an Educated woman running for office and it is a problem fuh some uh wunna.
Her daughters are likely to get a good education and if one of them chooses to become a politician like mummy an daddy what is wrong with that?
Besides, elections in Barbados are free and fair and politicians are not “appointed”. They still have to campaign and win an election.
It is the voters who will decide who gets elected.
I am just enjoying this particular thread started by George Brathwaite. The contributions by Checkit-Out, Scout, George himself, “Yet Another Thompson St. John Development Plan” , Hants to a lesser extent, and of course, with the fires being constantly stoked by BU’s David, make this blog the most enlightening, analytical, provocative, and real funny too!
And the funny part is serious business too, because look at what heavy Vodka drinking probably did … the reverberations from that excessive exercise have delivered a pot pouri of interesting and unique circumstances, never before seen on the political landscape of this country!
MR. Checkit-Out, Regarding your question ….. “Freundel – Could you tell us what is his favourite drink?”
I will hazard a guess that it is BUSH TEA! “Cause the man real BITTER! Attacking everybody vicious then …… even calling Right Honourable Owen a RAT and accusing the man of being “LONELY” even though Mr. Arthur has a young, beautiful, and clearly loving wife, plus children at home.
So, as SCOUT OPINED, the place where LONLINESS really pervading would be up at ILARO during these cold cold nights and that RING ON THE MARRIED FINGER don’t mean a pang ….. cause the speculated wifey seems non-existent! Could that be the REAL cause of the BITTERNESS, and not the bush tea? Serious.
By the way, so many serious economic and social issues facing the country, and the DEMS decide to hold ANOTHER FETE , I think designed to blindside the young people!
Mr.Brathwaite
Children all under twelve years do not know anything about this great leader with vision you are talking about .It is what they are seeing on a screen in their living room. This is not about perception.
Now you are on this visionary leader tell us what vision you are talking about. Are you talking about selling land to the highest bidder? Are you talking about borrowing money for a rainy day? Those are the policy that has in this mess today.
The great inflow of foreign direct investment dried up when the world economy when belly up. The money for the rainy day was already spent on cost overruns.
His policy of a car in every garage was never visionary because it led to grid lock roads all over the place.
A graduate in every home was laudable but it came with a cost of the educational budget way over our heads. Hilary Beckles lowered the standards by letting in school children with five CXCs to help him achieve his goals.
Charlie
It is not the car in every household that has the road gridlock. It is the household that has five and six vehicles parked out front and the occupants can come out and decide which vehicle they feel like driving today. Are you suggesting that ordinary bajans should not be driving a vehicle? Are you suggesting that artisans and gravediggers, etc should not be driving a vehicle? There is a lot of foreign exchange wasted daily in barbados by vehicles on the road and it ids not by the ordinary person, it is by the “big boys” who driving their big expensive vehicles with the powerful engines that waste the petrol. It is their children that drive recklessly on the roads and if reported they know who to call.
In my list above showing plaudits handed to others for making this Blog the place to come, I forgot ‘PRODIGAL SON” and “KISSMYA” (although I don’t really like the latter name). Apologies for the omission my friends, and I appreciate your contributions.
I was trying my utmost best to avoid discussion pertaining to a fantastic lady who now finds herself feeding along side with the wolves. Knowing the protectionism of the late Prime Minister and the way he believed in Family First and the love he portrait to those three lovely ladies, I find difficulty in the aledged pronouncement to Hartley Henry in having the apple of his eyes involved with the heartless power play of politics. I am saying without prejudice that David would not have given permission to anyone for his wife to be involved in politics, knowing the lies, hatred, prejudice, past injustices, the denigrated behaviour by politicians and certain electorate and most of all the way bajans react to anyone that is “NOT BAJAN”.
David loved his family too much to leave them on a lonely road without him being at their side.
What say you Hartley?
Scout
We always shift the arguments to the big boys. Well drive through the Government housing areas and see what you are talking about. Do you know that some of those people pay$ 45 a week to NHC and have two and three cars park outside.
A country like Singapore has strong leadership because they put a cap on cars in the country. Who get one get one. I know they would have a reliable public transport system which would be run under strict discipline.
Barbadians are seeing the BLP hypocrisy and that is why they are not getting traction on anything they say on the economy.
For example after fourteen years in office Mia Mottley is calling for an increase in the minimum wage. When money was flowing in for businesses and they could afford to pay an increase in minimum wage not a word from Mia and the BLP. The girls at the gas station were getting foolish money for all the BLP rule and DLP too.
Tell me Why @ January 15, 2011 at 6:33 PM;
Nice!!!
Following up on Tell-me-why’s post above that I interpreted as beautifully tongue-in-cheek but which also encapsulated a fact that should have been obvious earlier. If HH’s recollection of how DT proposed Mara as succeeding him is true there can be little doubt that DT would have been proposing a dynasty. It makes no sense for Mara to have been cast to the wolves merely for the sake of an MP position. To have her working towards setting up a dynasty is the only thing that makes sense.
Therefore, it seems to me that the PM can prove fairly conclusively that the Dynasty talk is pure conjecture if he does not offer Mara a Ministerial post. She would therefore be just an ordinary MP and who ever heard of a common MP being part of a dynasty. Unfortunately, the DLP would also have to stop referring to her as their “queen” as with 2 DLP ladies in the house, it would seem somewhat incongruous to continue to refer to the obviously junior one as their “queen”.
The lie would therefore be given to the HH generated rumours of David wanting his wife to take on the rigours of real Political life and HH mobilising the St John folk to put that rumour into effect. The Dynasty talk would die a natural death as an ordinary MP could not a dynasty make.
On the other hand, if she were given a Ministry the rumours might possibly escalate and we might even see her replacing Freundel as leader in a coming general election in 2 or 7 years time.
This could be the conspiracy theory to end conspiracy theories. Would Freundel collaborate so extensively in his own putative removal from office?
Could the BLP be complicit in such moves? Could they be trying to trick Freundel into refusing to go to the next step of anointing Mara as a Minister? or are they seeing it more strategically.
Could the BLP Mara attack campaign have been designed to ensure that Freundel, in a petulant move, makes a Minister of Queen Mara fairly soon. Wouldn’t this be exactly what the BLP should want as they need a sitting target in the Cabinet to wilt under their attacks on David’s record on CLICO and other matters, for them to have a chance of winning the next general elections.
There are a number of signposts (built from my Conspiracy Theory bricks) that could signal if the dynasty talk has any validity. They could also give us some idea of the strategy being used towards implementing that putative dynasty.
1. Watch for HH being reinstated as Mara’s advisor and assistant for constituency matters in St John.
2. Watch for Mara being offered a Ministerial Post.
3. Watch for Mara accepting that Ministerial Post in a reshuffle that will see Freundel taking on greater Ministerial responsibility.
4. Watch for Chris Sinckler being reshuffled to a less prestigious Ministry.
5. Watch for Freundel ultimately stepping down from the PM post.
6. Watch for leaks of signs of mutiny in the DLP.
Watch for deposit money being lost .Watch for expulsions or resignations from a party soon . What not to expect anytime soon is the emergence of de undercover supporter from the B.L.P. closet. Check that out .I maybe onto something here.
This is the appropriate heading in which I would like to express the way I feel about two people who the electorate was looking up for an alternative to the economic crisis that prevail this nation.
These two people are Owen and Mia and I am mad, bursting with madness. Why should two grown people allow forces to destroy the work done by the opposition. Why should these two political gurus be in opposition with each other.
Owen, you are to blame, knowing your leadership capabilities you could have had dialogue with Mia and deal with any leadership problems. You could have brought Mia into your confidence and inform her that due to your age, you would use your ability to lead the pary and if by God’s grace the party wins the election, you would have pass on the mantle to her. That is political diplomacy. Now Mia, I ain’t done. I would have continued with the election for chairman of the party and stamp your authority. I would have worked with the political leader and show everyone that you are a professional. If Owen prefer to distance himself from you knowing that you hold the chairmanship of the party, the onus would be in his corner to explain to Bajans why he remain a stubborn politician.
Anyway, I must hand it to Mia for her stance to appear on the opposition’s platform and speak from the heart. What Bajans need now is these two powerhouse to hold hands and embrace each other and deal with issues. I hope that Barbados’ politics would never experience such callous political behaviour. The loser will definitely be the electorate.
@ Truthman Burton our hands became detached as we took our strool down memory lane . Since then I’ve searched and searched and finally here you are in a town where as evidenced by your posting timed at 5.51pm , the sign post reads the SUBJECTIVE — the GRATUITOUS . I gine back home .Holla at mah wen ya get back.
Checkit-out
I agree with your statement of “stop referring to her as their “queen” as with 2 DLP ladies in the house,”
If you keep referring someone as “Queen” it will remain on the lips of all members of the party. However, the the other ladies will react after the elections and this can bring problems. Was Dr Suckoo dethroned? Suppose Irene wins the St. Andrew’s seat. Will she be installed as the new “Queen”? Stop the foolish talk of political Queen. My Queen is my wife and my daughters are my princesses. That’s my prerogative and no one can fault me for saying so.
I am still waiting for comments about the Queen of the “political class” and the Head of the Mottley Dynasty.
How about the Bradshaw dynasty with Princess Santia.
Then there was the Adams Dynasty (Grantley an Tom represent) but Rawdon let down the side an gone long bout he business.
You all realise this whole Queen/Dynasty bs is just political rhetoric.
Re. HAMILTON HILL @ January 15, 2011 at 8:37 PM and 8:52 PM;
I like the 2 watch-fors but the reference to THE Undercover supporter of the BLP has me scratching my head. When I’ve figured it out I’ll let you know.
Re. the parable in the second post. I’m completely mistified. But it seems that you have some very interesting IT skills worthy of a Christopher Halsall unless you are a BU insider. Is Truthman Burton the Undercover One?
Hants | January 15, 2011 at 10:13 PM |
You said “I am still waiting for comments about the Queen of the “political class” and the Head of the Mottley Dynasty.
How about the Bradshaw dynasty with Princess Santia.
Then there was the Adams Dynasty (Grantley an Tom represent) but Rawdon let down the side an gone long bout he business.
You all realise this whole Queen/Dynasty bs is just political rhetoric.”
AS I understand it, and I might be wrong, dynasties refer to First families, not also-rans or deputies. i.e., in the Barbados situation only a PM and his offspring could constitute a dynasty. e.g. The Jagans in Guyana had a short lived dynasty and in India there was the Ghandi Family dynasty
Thus the Mottley’s and the Bradshaws, by definition, could not have a dynasty at this time. They might be part of the Upper Class political crust but they are not dynastic material.
In a country that has dynasties there is usually a long and usually unbroken line of family members who, almost by fiat, assume the leadership of the country when it is their turn to do so. The population merely goes through the process of a system that is designed to return only members of the dynasty, and assents. It is the right of the dynastic family to rule.
The Adams family in Barbados, Grantley and Tom, could arguably constitute a mini-dynasty but one that arose purely by chance as far as I know. The Adams family have none of the main identifying characteristics of a true dynastic family.
The HH disclosure of DT wishing Mara to succeed him and the rumour of Mara then holding the seat for Oya, is the first hint of a contrived, strategic plan for the setting up of a faux-Dynasty in Barbados. If the rumour turns out to be true the Thompson family (starting with David) would be in the process of building a dynasty of sorts headed first by David, then Mara, then Oya.
Of course our system of representative government, which practically ensures changing from one party to another after a few terms in office, would make the development of a true dynasty very unlikely.
The hint however that suggested that the DLP might indeed try to set up a Thompson Dynasty was the way in which the party went about almost deifying DT when he died and then set about to ensure that Mara became qualified to become PM at some time by ensuring her as safe a seat as has ever existed in Barbados.
Yes. I realise that the whole Queen / Dynasty thing is political BS and has little chance of succeeding but the DLP hierarchy seems to be treating it seriously. If they are really doing so bajans should scoff at it at our peril.
Hamilton Hill;
Coming out of one of your watch-fors above. Perhaps the best indicator of success in this election might be whether or not the BLP candidate loses his deposit. Percentages or pluralities may not tell the full story. The loss of the deposit, even in St John, might.
Since I am told that she recently became a converted fan and big supporter of BU , I say this to Mia . Dignity abounded as you strooled to the podium to make your first appearance. Your booming voice brought reverence to once lost workers and opportunistic drones alike. Having given the assurance that the Queen had returned to the hive , if not to the throne ,while calling on the experience of your legal teachings , Barbados was treated to a marvellous display of semantics . Now please tell us what your true feelings are.
BU understands there was a reasonable crowd at the last BLP meeting due mainly to Mottley being on the platform. We also understand several people left after she delivered. What can we read into it? A case of people expecting fireworks or…
What about Sylvan Greenidge, Henderson Bovell, Royal Rumble, Bajan Panday? Are to to conclude the Arthur regime does not intend to make use of the Internet to get their message out there? They have a website and a blog.
Yeah Mia came out as a woman with integrity and she spoke from the heart! I applauded her for not having a breadfruit mentality as others seem to be willing to feast on .instead she briught home of the bread and butter issues that affects everyday barbadians. OAS can learn alot from MIA miserable old soul!
Hamilton Hill; You said “Barbados was treated to a marvellous display of semantics.” Having seen the web extract posted here. I tend to agree with you. But might they not have been her true feelings?
I am looking forward to seeing the clips of the speeches of the next few days on BU. primarily Freundel, Mia and Owen. The candidates’ speeches, even Mara’s, are of lesser importance re. gauging the future of politics in Barbados.
At the first D meeting in St JOhn Hartley Henry introduced Mara a the daughter of and I quote exactly “one of the most FEARED political opertives in St. Lucia”
Is Henry trying to tell us that we Bajans should FEAR?
And is so fear whom?
Hartley Henry?
Mara THompson?
The DLP?
Freundel Stuart?
But does Hartley realize that Bajans are not St. Lucians?
BAJANS DO NOT FEAR EASILY.
And there is no reason why Bajans should be guided by the (prescription) drug induced ramblings of a dying David Thompson.
Bajans, including the people of St. John are too sensible for this.
Hamilton Hill;
You’ve provided some interesting clues as to the identity of the BLP person who you suggest is lurking on this blog. Is it that you suspect that Truthman Burton is really one of the very top persons in the BLP?
I would like to see the day in Barbados, where politicians raise the level of politics. These mass neetings, where a lot of slander and non-issues are like a comic encounter, was around from back in the 50′s as far as I know. I would like to see more debates and structure discussions between competing candidates, more house to house canvassing and more politicians called to account for their representation or lack of. The days of the oldtime politics are pass and if we really want to attract a new breed of politician we need to change our method of operation.
“The Scout”
Visit the Rumshops,fish markets, Swan street. Walk bout in Speightstown on Saturday morning.
Then you will understand why the mass meetings will continue to be comedic entertainment.
We like it so.
@ Checkit-out . To your question the answer is no .Why would a very top person choose to respond to the nonsense I sometimes submit ? That profile fits perfectly the one whose savvy directs them to carefully pick their spots , respond always in measured tones, always mindful of the fact that in politics that side of the fence , stealth has more value than wealth . Truthman Burton like yours truly loves his party ,and defends its positions when he is at home . Again T.B holla at mah wen ya get back.
Mr.Arthur has a valid point, that elections and positions should be based on merit.
Maybe he said it wrong, but it is true. That said, I personally think that Mara Thompson has it in aces over the BLP candidate for St.John.
As I said, the BLP needs to carefully assess its candidate slate for the next election to be a viable choice.
I mean that with the best of intentions.
If we understand correctly the BLP has taken a decision not to use artists who are better able to communicate and or attract the youth to the campaign. The DLP on the other hand has been doing it with good results it seems. Another competitive advantage which the DLP has been building is in the use of the Internet, streaming, blogging etc. What will happen is that the DLP will learn more about using the different strategies and possibly make their campaign communications more effective in future campaigns.
Also note the full DLP team has mapped out a high powered strategy for St.John although it is a safe seat. It will serve them well in 2013.
@David, What was the VAT a year ago and what is it now?
@ David
Rubbish is rubbish however you present it. What will serve the DLP well is improving the Barbados economy by now and the 2013 elections.
@enuff
If you have been exposed to political science you should know it is never always about rationality. The political party that can conjure up a perception and sell it as the real mccoy wins.
They are showing reruns of “The secret caribbean” on TVO in Ontario.I am watching an episode right now.
Those with access might find it interesting. The episode featuring COW Williams was to say the least interesting.
@ David
But i thought your aim was to promote the real rather than the perceived?
@enuff
The conversation is about how political parties in Barbados could manipulate public perception to their benefit, it is not about BU.
David, that is what the Nation and Advocate would say stupse
Enuff
You are attacking BU for not taking your side of the argument .I find BU to be very balance in their approach. He asked that BLP writers post their views on the site. You and check it out who seems to be a great contortionist can write articles showing why the BLP should be put back in office at the next election.
The BLP is now running a national campaign because on my newspaper every day is a yellow sticker pinpointing the DLP shortcomings.
The World Bank said that the Latin American and the Caribbean countries feared better than most other countries during this period of recession. Yet the BLP doom and gloomers want us to believe that they who help put us in this trouble want back the trouble. No it is about your greed to get back in the public purse for contracts and travel; and under hand dealings.
I know we could have been worst had not for the good job the government and the social partnership did. Mr Stuart please pass the Integrity Legislation and FOI bills and the people of Barbados would give the DLP another chance in 2013 to continue the good work that they have been doing.
The BLP would get back two seats and lose 2 they now have.
As David said the DLP is practicing on you in St.John. Their campaign has been leap years ahead of yours. You see Mia and Henderson Bovell know about the technology not Owen. He now has to hire a young IT person to help him get the website looking like one again.
@Charlie: “Mr Stuart please pass the Integrity Legislation and FOI bills
Hear hear!!!
After all, The Honourable David Thompson promised these to his electorate (the People of Barbados) as a condition of his election.
Should not his wishes be honoured and obeyed?
And should they not, therefore, be enacted?
Mara Thompson will win the seat handsomely, however, I was expecting more fight from the BLP. There are too many serious issues that are left untouched, Mia Mottley has touched on a few of them but alas it is too little too late. Congrats Mara in anticipation.
My friend David is probably looking on and smiling , his Dynasty will live on.
@ Charlie
FYI I really don’t care whether or not the Dems win the next election. Furthermore, I don’t write anything to justify why the BLP should be returned to power, I simply highlight the non-performance of the DLP and the FACTS are there to support my view: cost of living, unemployment, taxes, deficit, ABC highway, indecision on QEH. Now you tell me what policies the government implemented that worked/ing?
I am not blaming BU, because like the traditional media, BU also performs a justificatory function and supported Mara from the outset. Why elevate a campaign of “manipulation” and “perception” simply because it is streaming and using other internet-based strategy?
Enuff
Exactly, I’m often accused of being a supporter of the BLP, truth is I don’t want to see them back in power again unless there is a drastic change in the whole administration of the party. However, I will continue to highlight the many serious problems the DLP has and needs to be resolved. Right now, I think Barbados is ripe for another party of genuine politicians ( if there is such), who will look to turn the tide and stop barbados from drifting aimlessly into disaster. According to the old folks, when we catch we self it would be too late.
Enuff. Your post above encapsulates most of what I might have written in response to Charlie’s latest post. I would have happily endorsed Mara’s nomination and coming victory if it did not appear, quite persuasively, to come with the baggage of DT’s willing the seat to her and his family. When one adds to that the lack of accomplishments in the last three years by the present administration it would really have been contortionist behaviour to put on blinkers as Charlie seems to have done and support the DLP campaign.
Re. the BLP I have plainly stated that I admired Owen Arthur and his contribution to this country but that I was very disappointed in the manner in which he evidently conspired to remove Mia Mottley from the office of Leader of the Opposition. But that does not mean that I can’t point out on this blog what to me seems to have been contrived outrage against him for speaking the truth about Mara and the DLP’s campaign to elect her in St John.
I still think Mia Mottley is now the best politician in this country, followed closely by Chris Sinckler, but that shouldn’t stop me from pointing out that She needed to stop what seemed to be a scorched earth policy re. the BLP party.
As I pointed out in an earlier post, I eagerly await developments in the coming weeks and months arising out of this election and Mara’s handling of her new throne.
@checkit-out
Given your adoration for Sinckler politics it would be interesting to get your view on the criticism which he has been under today on facebook regarding his decision to attack former Minister Lynette Eastmond’s husband on the platform. BU takes this opportunity to condemn such behaviour as reported.
David
Point me to the facebook information and any clips on Chris Sinckler’s alleged attack.
However, without having seen the background information, it would seem uncalled for that Chris would attack Lynette Eastmond’s husband. He isn’t a candidate as far as I know. So bringing him into the platform discussion must be ineluctably beyond the pale. But as I stated elsewhere on BU, imho Chris is an uncut diamond with several rough edges that needs to be cut and polished. Yet he has the potential to be one of our great leaders. Mia is almost there in that regard with lots of experience under her belt. Owen is waning despite an apparent invigoration perhaps arising out of the R &R of his reported recent cruise. Freundel is not in any of the aboves’ class re. leadership potential or otherwise. Only my humble opinion. I might be wrong.
David
Chris said that Lynette Eastmond was so out place to criticize where Mara was born and he would behave like that he had a husband name CHEESE too. That is the nick name of Lynette’s husband. That is not cursing anybody. In fact Chris Sinckler is devastating on the platform using words and not cursing
I check Lynette’s wall and she is trying to create mischief by saying Chris curse her husband.
He never curses on platforms
Charlie re. your post of Jan 18, 2011 at 8:47 AM;
I haven’t seen what Chris Sinckler said about Lynette Eastmond’s but your version above has a ring of truth about it. So I would accept that Chris did not curse “Cheese” and then say that it was customary political banter, no more. No attacking “cheese”. From your account, Lynette Eastmond is spinning what Chris Sinckler said. That is also par for the course. I posted a link where everyone could see exactly what Owen Arthur had said about “queen” Mara and conclude, if honest, that the general negative response to that statement was also spin.
AS a partisan DLP supporter you can see where Lynnette Eastmond is distorting facts but you can’t see where your party is also distorting the facts re. Owen Arthur’s platform address at College Bottom. You are definitely not a contortionist.
Cheese dawn bread. wunna bajans like nicknames bad.lol
There has always been the practice of not mentioning the family of the combatants on the political platforms. Even if Lynette is milking this issue in reaction to ‘Cheese’ the point remains.
David;
What practice what. Do you recall the attacks and lies told on Stella St John, the wife of Bree St John?
Someone told me that there was a news item on Radio this morning that Mara said on the platform that it was a deathbed wish of her late husband that she succeeded him in St John. Anyone on the blog heard it?
Wasn’t that what HH said in one of the rallies.
This article in today’s nation online, while not referencing the purported deathbed wish, goes a bit deeper on the story and expands the analysis on some of the things I have been writing on this matter over the last 2 months or so.
http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/the-king-and-the-kingmaker/
This Democratic Labour Party Government is the worst Government in the history of a post colonial Barbados—The F**king worst.
Every time the DLP gains Office, hardships come and what makes those hardships harder is the ignorant so and so people that call themselves DLP supporters .
THESE PEOPLE ARE SUCH DECEITFUL AND SELF-FOOLING LIARS: They lie to themselves first and then lie to other people. THEY MAKE EXCUSES ABOUT ALL THE NONSENSE that the DLP is doing and it is enough to make you puke. I heard some crap on the Brass Tacks show today that I could not believe a moderator would allow to go unchallenged but one sided Phony Marshall is a poor moderator
The kinda of stupid excuses DLP SUPPORTERS make are unbelievable. This DLP Government promised to reduce the cost of living after accusing the BLP of being in bed with the merchants. What has happened ??? The DLP has increased the cost of living four times over. For this alone they do not deserve another term.
ONE TERM IS TOO MUCH
ONE TERM FOR THE DLP
ONE TERM
ONE TERM
ONE TERM for a DOOMED DLP
DOOMED
DOOMED
DOOMED
@checkit-out
Besides Stella now Lady Stella what other examples can you come up with?
@Checkit-out
What practice what. Do you recall the attacks and lies told on Stella St John, the wife of Bree St John?
******************
Are you speaking of ancient history? Agree the level of debate on the political platform could be a lot higher but any attack on Lady St. John would have been in the 1971 General Election , could you provide a more current example
Sargeant;
“Attacks” on the same Lynette Eastmond’s husband on the political platform in the 2007 election campaign. Is that recent enough for you? I don’t go to Political meetings these days and the clips provided on the web might well be somewhat sanitized, but I am almost certain that there are several current by-election “attacks” on non-combatant family members on either side, BLP or DLP, given the nature of the game.
“Attacks” refer to ones on non-combatant family members not politically active ones such as members or former members of parliament who happen to be also relatives of political aspirants. Therefore the DLP attacks on former MP Bradshaw or the BLP attacks on David Thompson and the putative Dynasty shouldn’t count as out of bounds as their objects must be fair game.