Going, Going, GONE!

Theory of value and property – Locke [John] uses the word property in both broad and narrow senses. In a broad sense, it covers a wide range of human interests and aspirations; more narrowly, it refers to material goods. He argues that property is a natural right and it is derived from labour.

Locke believed that ownership of property is created by the application of labour. In addition, property precedes government and government cannot “dispose of the estates of the subjects arbitrarily.” Karl Marx later critiqued Locke’s theory of property in his social theory – Wikipedia

Barbados celebrated Errol Barrow Day on January 21. One of the pleasures of the day was to listen and view the many audio and video clips which were broadcast on the day which featured The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow.  Clearly evident was the vision of the man – many of the concerns he expressed in the 70s and 80s are still with us today. In one of the clips Barrow lamented that our banking, insurance, tourism and other key sectors were controlled by foreign interest. Sadly two or three decades later nothing much has changed on this front.

One of the many imponderables which seems to be confronting Barbados at this time is the extent to which, as a people, we have forgotten who we are. How do we want Barbados to be defined for our children? Do we still want to be friends of all and satellites of none? Why do we continue to allocate 20% of our education budget to education but seem to have a growing predilection to sell the fruit of our labour to foreign interest?

Politics – A Fool’s Game For The Masses: “CLOWNS TO THE LEFT, JOKERS TO THE RIGHT”: How Party Politics Made Imbeciles Of Educated Men And Nationalist Demagogs Out Of The Uninitiated

Submitted by Terence Blackett

 

“If religion is the opiate of the masses – then politics is the “crack-cocaine” of fools”

Western Anglo-Saxon style democracy prides itself on being a representative democracy subscribing to Duverger’s Law as a foundational principle which asserts that a plurality vote will eventually foster the creation of a two-tier party system set in place to offset checks and balances in the proper functioning and running of a modern society.

But is this really the case?

After decades of careful systematic study of political science, like many others, I believe the system is fundamentally flawed; dysfunctionally capacious; and the majority of us are sadly wearing blinders and have been fooled into our current ideological positions – taking one side or another forgetting that the system is rigged for social control and for “suckers” who are willing to sell out.

Let me make it clear – politics is the domain where angels refuse to trod (at least at this time) yet mortal men believe that they can tame this wild BEAST* which roams our planet polarizing mankind into determinant camps creating a “HERD” mentality – a sort of cognitive bias in which people automatically agree and support (LESS* enlightened) individuals whom they have determined are a part of their “group”.

A Dispassionate Clarification On The Appointment Of Chief Justice Designate Marston Gibson

The name of the author (lawyer) has been withheld by BU

 

Chief Justice Designate Marston Gibson

IN 1973, Lord Reid, had occasion to comment on an apparent absurd legal conclusion which arose in the case HAUGHTON v SMITH.  The absurdity arising from the decision in a Lower Court was that the law had made it possible to steal from an empty pocket.  Reflecting on an earlier assessment by Mr. Bumble of Dickensian fame, the learned Law Lord remarked “the law may sometimes be an ass but it cannot be so asinine as that.” The absurd notion was therefore rejected.

The Nation’s Editorial of Monday 13 December 2010 caused me to reflect on the above assessment. The emphatic and unambiguous assessment of the writer was that a person who had practiced in India or any other Commonwealth country for a period of fifteen years was qualified to be appointed Chief Justice of Barbados; Mr. Marston Gibson who qualified to practice in the Courts of Barbados and was admitted to practice in 1981, WAS NOT.  It was the most magnificent piece of foolishness I had ever seen in the editorial of a newspaper and which was being passed off as informed comment.

The genesis of the debate surrounding the appointment of the Chief Justice which has taken on a very unfortunate political element may be located in the last appointment when Mr. David Simmons, the then Attorney General was appointed Chief Justice.  Further fuel was added to the already inflamed political passions when the political directorate refused an extension of his tenure earlier this year and he had to demit office.  This unfortunate event has in my view stripped the debate on the new appointment of the much desired objectivity; I shall therefore try, by this contribution, to give some greater insight into the law affecting the appointment of a Chief Justice.

No Freedom Of Information Act, No Ministerial Code Of Conduct, No Declaration Of Assets And No Integrity And Transparency Legislation.

Kammie Holder - Social Commentator

The aforementioned must be the bedrock of any modern democracy if we are to keep politicians and government officials are above corruption. Corruption is now recognized as one of the world’s greatest challenges. It is a major hindrance to sustainable development and is corrosive on the very fabric of society. Its disproportionate impact on poor communities is considerable, curbing economic growth, distorting competition, and representing serious legal risks. Technically, corruption covers an entire host of abuses, of which graft is one. Graft and corruption are charges that are typically levelled at highly-placed government officials, who are able to use public funds to improve their own fortunes due to increased access, influence, knowledge or power that comes with an elevated position. An official engaging in bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, extortion or graft is guilty of abuse of public trust at minimum, and may often be charged with a crime.

Graft
Graft is defined as a use of public stature to gain illegal benefit. For instance, a senator who sits on the armed services committee in the U.S. senate cannot use his knowledge of military contracts to buy stock in a defense contractor’s company. His position gives him unfair advantage over other investors. It is similar to the notion of insider trading in business.

Negative Report On Almond Beach Club Barbados Uploaded To Youtube

Professor Robin Mahon, Director, Centre for Resource Management And Environmental Studies (CERMES) Faculty Of Pure And Applied Sciences, CAVE HILL CAMPUS, BARBADOS

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Mara Thompson Succeeds Her Husband In St. John

Mara Thompson MP

The people of St. John in unprecedented fashion elected the wife of the late Prime Minister David Thompson to represent them in parliament. It was an expected result in a DLP safe seat which should encourage caution by Democratic Labour Party (DLP) supporters. To demonstrate the overwhelming support for Mara Thompson, she benefitted from a 5.5% swing in a recessionary economic climate by winning her seat 4,613 to Hudson Griffith’s 553 votes.  Bear in mind she did this in a rural parish which is described as the poorest in Barbados.

Now that the final distraction of the by-election is over, independent Barbadians would urge the government to focus its full capacity to managing the economy of Barbados. Since the late Prime Minister announced his illness last year there is the belief by many that the country has lacked forthright management for the last six months.

Both parties have their internal fires flickering and we hope that as we turn the page the interest of Barbados is put first, at this time, above the petty political ambitions of a few. The dire economic situation confronting Barbados merits a level of sacrifice, patriotism and enterprise by all Barbadians. Managing the economy in a sluggish global environment will not be easy and it will call for extraordinary vision and leadership from our leaders. Given the adversarial nature of our Westminster-style politics one must expect the unexpected in the fickle political climate which currently exist in Barbados.

The St. John By-election,

It is instructive that political pollster Peter Wickham has not bothered to conduct a poll in St. John. One does not need any political acumen to understand why, St. John is a DLP safe seat and the discussion has turned to how many votes will Mara gather.

What the campaign will be remembered for by many, including BU, is that rum shop politics is alive and well in Barbados. Both political parties should feel they have contributed. The Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) use of a ‘shock strategy’ according to Dr George Belle by attacking the DLP’s candidate nationality, was not well received by Barbadians. It also did not impress some regional commentators and is the issue which remains top of mind for many. Minister Chris Sinckler disparaging reference to former Minister Lynette Eastmond’s husband, Prime Minister Stuart’s reference to former Prime Minister Arthur as a rat and on and on we could mention.

INFLATION NATION, a layman’s guide to America’s coming monetary destruction – and how to survive it

Reproduced from Whistle Blower on request from Zoe

 

The signs are everywhere: In the midst of a brutal recession, with Americans already burdened by sky-high unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies, shoppers are noticing disturbingly higher food prices. Indeed, a survey of Wal-Mart stores analyzing price movements in 86 products widely used by Americans reveals price inflation to be twice the government’s “official” rate.

But that’s just for starters. Indeed, much of the current price inflation in commodities, including food – like wheat up 50 percent and cotton up a staggering 100 percent over last year, not to mention oil, beef, soybeans, coffee, cocoa and more, all way up – is due largely to international factors out of our control: flooding in Pakistan decimating cotton crops, the diversion of corn for ethanol driving up corn prices, China’s exponentially growing consumption rates, and so on.

But when it comes to explaining precious metals prices – gold and silver are up five-fold over the last decade – all eyes turn to government and its maniacal, indeed incomprehensible level of deficit spending, borrowing, money creation and regulation, all leading inexorably to the debasement of the U.S. dollar. This has led many, not just in the U.S. but worldwide, to seek refuge and stability in the time-honored monetary metals.

If Duvalier Can Travel On An EXPIRED Haitian Passport, Why Can’t President Aristide Do The Same?

Reproduced from the Ezili’s Haitian Lawyers Leadership Network

Ousted President of Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide

Dr  Jean-Bertrand Aristide
Former President of Haiti
19 January 2011

I would like to thank the government and the people of South Africa for the historic hospitality, deeply rooted in Ubuntu, extended to my family and I Since my forced arrival in the Mother Continent six and a half years ago, the people of Haiti have never stopped calling for my return to Haiti.  Despite the enormous challenges that they face in the aftermath of the deadly January 12, 2010 earthquake, their determination to make the return happen has increased.

As far as I am concerned, I am ready.  Once again I express my readiness to leave today, tomorrow, at any time.  The purpose is very clear: To contribute to serving my Haitian sisters and brothers as a simple citizen in the field of education. The return is indispensable, too, for medical reasons: It is strongly recommended that I not spend the coming winter in South Africa’s because in 6 years I have undergone 6 eye surgeries.  The surgeons are excellent and very well skilled, but the unbearable pain experienced in the winter must be avoided in order to reduce any risk of further complications and blindness.

So, to all those asking me to return home, I reiterate my willingness to leave today, tomorrow, at any time.  Let us hope that the Haitian and South African governments will enter into communication in order to make that happen in the next coming days.

United to the Haitian people, once again my family and I express our sincere gratitude to the government and the people of South Africa.

Evolution or Revolution: Political, Economic And Social Upheaval – Are There Lessons To Be learnt From The Tunisian “Jasmine” Uprising?

Submitted by Terence Blackett

 

On April 4^th 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King warned Anglo-Saxon America that – “We as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values… when machines and computers, profit motives and property rights, are considered more important than people, the giant triplet of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.” Forty-four years later, these words still resonate in a world that seems to hate the ideals of liberty, freedom from tyranny and freedom of the human spirit.

None of us can dispute that 2011 has truly started off with a bang. Change is evident everywhere you turn with powerful ideological forces ratcheting up the political cogs in the global machinery. Most are cognizant that the only thing in life that is permanent and constant is change – however, the pace at which it is occurring defies rational comprehension. It is for this reason that many have “switched” off from dealing with the sinister realities of modern life choosing isolationism as a form of escape from the harsh geopolitical winds which are blowing across the land while the opposite factions have chosen social protest, rebellion and anarchy as the only means of forcing change.

Herbert Spencer (the father of political evolution) unlike his contemporary Charles Darwin (the father of biological evolution) regarded evolution as involving much more than biology and its natural structures. Spencer saw social growth as the primary causation behind culture which would evolve in certain definite, predetermined ways.