Submitted by Dave Random
Leader of the Opposition Owen Arthur (l) Former Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley (r)
If there is stability in the Barbados economy and in Barbados – at a time when there is rioting in Greece; other parts of Europe, in America and in the Middle East – it is because there is stability within the ruling Democratic Labour Party. That has as much to do with the steady-hands of the present young Minister of Finance (in extremely difficult times) as it has to do with the confident innovative leadership-style of the present Prime Minister.
In contrast, the disunited Barbados Labour Party held its Annual Conference over the weekend (October 28-30) which (based on reports) ended with the BLP even more divided than before the Conference. If under it present leadership and given the type of politics being practiced, they cannot manage their own affairs, how can they manage the affairs of Barbados?
If you go in the supermarket, you are likely to run into someone still complaining to anyone who would listen that the atmosphere was like a funeral service in the Anglican Church and since pictures do not lie [Barbados Today Special Edition] it is mind-boggling how there could have been so many empty seats, when the delegates (who obviously stayed away in ‘loud-silent protest’) were all carefully handpicked, for a reason, leaving many to conclude that they agree with the approach taken by Mia Mottley and support her crusade to change course and the path that BLP is now on. How can you fault people who believe that there is hope and that better is possible? The article by Sir Roy Marshall published in the Sunday Sun of October 30th 2011 – under the caption: Strengthening Democracy [1] should be compulsory reading for all Barbadians.
If there is one thing about Barbadians, it is that they respect democracy and seriously resent seeing anybody get “unfair.” Since everything about the BLP’s recent Conference was pre-determined, with there even being elections without voting – it was foreseeable that the only perceived excitement would have been the speech by Arthur, except that it is equally well known that he has a trademark way of repeating himself and forgetting that he said the same thing many times before. And, judging from what I heard on VOB, Sunday was no different.
But there are a few things, which Owen Arthur said (based on newspaper reports) that can only be described as political comedy. He made reference to a BNOC combined profit of $110 million and used that as the basis for his announcement that a future BLP government will give a $35 million ease on electricity bills. This is pure smoke and mirrors because while he seems determined to continue his welfare politics of the past – he carefully side-stepped the real issue and that is that he left a massive BNOC debt of some $80 million, which still has to be paid.
Arthur alleges that the economy is in crisis and getting worst, yet made the announcement that on returning to government, he will ensure that persons earning $80,000 or less will pay income tax at 20%. Does Barbados need more welfare typed Owen Arthur politics of the past or a new politics for the future? This brings me to the main point I want to make. Arthur said that he is in no contest with anyone for leadership. But how could anyone in a modern Barbados, even contemplate following his model when his is the politics of the past and a style, which says that the leader must be feared?
Was it the apology of a man who (after a whole year) had nothing new or progressive to report? After 14 years as leader of the BLP, and after wrestling power from Mia Mottley on October 18th 2010 and now in a recession where it sent home card-carrying BLP workers from its headquarters – it would seem that Owen Arthur told party members that the BLP is NOW functioning ‘better than ever.’ Unbelievable, because the BLP is divided and more so now, than any time in its history. Then, as expected, Owen Arthur’s trademark attacked on Mia Mottley came!
It would appear that at a meeting held at the Bay Primary School (prior to the Conference) she made the patriotic called for a Joint Select Committee of both House of Parliament to discuss the matter of Transfers and Subsidies. But Arthur shot down the idea. The reason is simple: if Sinckler gets its right, Arthur is no longer relevant.
It is in Owen Arthur’s personal interest for Sinckler and the DLP to get it wrong or to appear to the public to be getting it wrong on the economy. Arthur wants no talk about unity or cooperation in the national interest because his thinking seem to be that there can be no Barbados without him. It is that divisive and tribal approach Barbadians hate most about politics and wants to rid the country of. Now is the time for national unity and shared sacrifice but Arthur wants to rule by fear and favour, even in Opposition.
If he cannot unify the BLP, how can he unify Barbados? How can the BLP be ready if there is such disunity, with the present leader attacking the past leader, every opportunity he gets? In contrast, despite there being social unrest all over the globe, the Barbados economy and the the country is stable with the DLP, which is demonstrating that Barbados is a society and not just an economy.
There are too many multi-pseudonym operatives on the blog repeating rubbish ad nauseam.This submission sounds very similar to one written by Carson C. Cadogan on the most recent PDC post.
| November 2, 2011 at 2:25 PM |
“It would appear that at a meeting held at the Bay Primary School (prior to the Conference) Mia Mottley made the patriotic call for a Joint Select Committee of both Houses of Parliament to discuss the matter of Transfers and Subsidies.But Arthur shot down the idea.The reason is simple: if Sinckler gets its right, Arthur is no longer relevant.”
Seems like CCC PR piece.
Now let pull the interesting info from it
BNOC made 110 million in past 2 year when most people profit took a hit. their previous profit was in the region of 10-15 million a year. Why the big jump.
BNOC debt has finally been fixed to real level of 80 million. Not the 80 million us claimed or the 180 million bds or 200 million bds that spoken about and toss left and right,
BNOC has covered the debt for the pass loss end point. BNOC can cover it 120 million loan in another two year but with its debt bonds for 20 years makes it they want to pay if off. Pulling excessive revenue while it may look good on on bnoc balance sheet cause inflation to go up thru the energy sector and transport. Keep prices reasonable with moderate profit help to drive the economy forward with lower inflation.
Now on to income tax. there are two main ways of getting taxes direct taxation and indirect taxation. When someone buy anything in the island there normally vat + duties in it tax. The idea is free up cash flow and get it spreading around before it get to government in vat & duties
Most discerning point is chris has got it wrong and hasn’t gotten it right as yet.
The annual conference of the Barbados Labour Party in not the 73rd. It is a plian lie. The first conference of the Labour Party was held in 1958, two years after the Democaratic Labour Party, No one should try to force-ripe history.
@ anthony:
It would be interesting to carry out a deeper analysis of BNOC / BNTCL balance sheets to see if this windfall cash via the FCA has been used to finance short term advances to central government or other statutory bodies. Remember government has been experiencing serious cash flow difficulties and will have no qualms about putting their hands in any cookie jar where the private sector accommodation is unable or unwilling to fill the breach.
Slightly off topic: What’s happening with the local stock exchange? How long before it closes its door to “business”?
@ enuff & anthony:
It would be most surprising if this piece came right from the brain of CCC.
Reads more like a piece straight from the PR bag of hh or george from the street brigade. Remember CCC gets thrown at him snips and bits from the same PR sewage tank which he then uses to spew his vileness and venom on this blog.
For BLP operatives on this site…..one thing is assured there is a lot of bad blood between Owen & Mia.
Can Enuff tell us why there were so many empty seats at the BLP 2011 Conference ?
millertheanunnaki(may2012)
Is this the same you who said before that you are independent? You are neither B nor D?
The more the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail, the only one you are fooling on this blog is DAVID.
Would be very interesting to look at the balance sheet but as they seem to be closely guard top secret that are not put online i can’t evaluate them.
as for the bse I remember getting into that same conversation awhile ago the Dr. Robinson who does the caribbean weekly stock reports about some ideas that could help drive up trade as it is very stagnate now. If and when such idea could be done should increase trading but would mean some concession by current shareholders.
millertheanunnaki(may2012)
“he then uses to spew his vileness and venom ”
I see that you are using new terms for “TRUTH”, you are now refering to the TRUTH as “vileness and venom”.
Regardless how you try to reinvent the past, the people of Barbados remember that the Barbados Labour Party is a bunch of Crooks.
To david:
I do not normally get into the political mayhem that is witnessed here on this blog, but this piece by Bro Random leaves a whole lot to be desired. How can he challenged the BLP in terms of unity when the present DLP consists of factions of three. Donville Inniss has his faction (and Chris should remember on the day of the vote for a new prime minister, Donville said he would not be voting for an Garrrison school boy. I went to Harrison’s College.); Chris Sinckler has his faction and David Estwick has his faction. I am not sure where Ronald Jones is positioned but he certainly has his eyes on the prime minister’s job. This is why Fruendel Stuart has to be very careful with these friends of the DLP who carry long knives hidden behind their smiles and genuflections. What I can say judging from an informal poll, is that ALL are quite certain that they do not want Freudel.
This unity myth in the DLP does not stand to scrutiny, especially when the fellows are drinking have in two rums and start to rant and rave about who should be leader. Remember, Random that ONLY the boys from the newer schools voted for Chris Sinckler. Which tells me that he shall never reach that top post that you seem so ready to give, although you or I do not have the power to. I know that i shall be called all sorts of things political, but for once Random stop believing your own propaganda. The innocent public is to believe it not you.
Carson C. Cadogan | November 3, 2011 at 7:33 AM |
“The more the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail, the only one you are fooling on this blog is DAVID.”
The truth always hurt! You fell for the bait- hook, line, sinker! I don’t think you are capable of original or independent thought. Like a scavenger, you take away filth from george street to feed your dirty mind resulting in intellectual halitosis when you interact with others.
I hold no brief for the BLP. As far as I am concerned both parties are similar suits cut from the same bolt of cloth, only fitting different big guts people. But you must accept your big guts party is on stage now parading and performing in the circus act. If you are not making us laugh then you will be booed and pelted off stage.
One thing you can rely on, this monkey will continue to sit on the fence and watch the buffoons at play, especially those currently performing on stage. Unlike my cousin in the Mighty Sparrow famous” boxing in the jungle” song, I will not be backing those jackasses braying from the pen in george street. Unlike Cornwell, You are up for sale for any sound bite!!
As is advised in the poem ‘Desiderata’:
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
CCC, you have told your story and, as far as I am concerned, given your farewell speech. Now leave the stage. Be gone!!!
Unless you continue to outrageously abuse your right to freedom of expression and try to bury the Truth I will at this stage take “anthony’s” advice.
“Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit”.
millertheanunnaki(may2012)
Unlike you many of this blog do not have short memories. They know beyond any shadow of a doubt that the crooked Barbados Labour Party only wants to return to office to pillage the Barbados treasury once again.
I guess their secret overseas bank accounts are now running low and need to be replenise.
millertheanunnaki(may2012)
I noticed that a former Minister of Tourism who loudly proclaimed to all in Barbados that “he done wid politics” now seeking to run against our PM.
At that time he was trying to get a job in the Private sector. Neither the Private sector nor the US Govt. wanted him. He didnt get the job in the Private sector he wanted and the Mighty US refused to grant him a Work Permit.
How embarassing for a man who thought that he wss somebody.
I guess that the FBI knows about these former Ministers what we in Barbados also know about them.
And you know what that is millertheanunnaki(may2012)!!!!
What is that saying millertheanunnaki(may2012)?
A man who cant find work outside of the House Of Assembly!!!!!!
Carson…Annunaki doesn’t care about the B or D. He’s already stated as such, many times. But yard fowls don’t usually hear those things. I could understand.
But this is Barabdos…every man for himself, grabbling for what he could get! No, further…this is HUMANITY, grabbling for what they can without consideration to the next person. Sooner or later, the day’s gonna catch the night, and it’s not gonna be pretty…
The leadership will matter not at election time if the DLP appears united. The same can’t be stated if the accusations continue to fly about arthur ignoring ‘interlopers’ and the like.
A word of caution to the DLP, its inability to deliver transparency legislation may yet be an issue if the BLP summons the will to raise it as a secondary issue to hitch to that of the management of the economy.
All the ranking and raving Sincklar is doing, I’ve not heard him reply to the UWI who has calledhim a liar for saying that the government was pumping money into the Cave Hill expansion. What I’ve been hearing is many DLP supporters who are saying the party is heading for a one term government.
@ The Scout | November 3, 2011 at 4:45 PM | :
The mouthings and ditherings of the Country’ s chief financial officer are indicative of a person who does not know his elbow from his arse. A man out to sea just looking for a lifebuoy to leave the financial deck of a rudderless ship of state and seek refuge in an area where talk is more important than action, knowledge and competence . A chance to replace McClean would be welcome like the return of sight to a blind man.
A classic example of the Peter Principle in operation!
@Lemuel……Would you not be better served by just waiting for the perceived fracture of which you speak to become fully broken?The chasm that devides your party is too great for barbadians to look anywhere else.That chasm Sir separates not the sheep from the goats this time around,but good from evil.Right from wrong.It sends a haunting message that the actions of an evil few,done in the dark of night have not detered the Good in their quest to find a new day.They say that no man is a island,however your man thinks that he owns this one.Resoundingly Barbadians put paid to that myth in January of 2008. Just a modicum of self respect guides the Good to the constituency of St.James North where the blatant act of dishonesty was hatched and the padded vote was spoken about by all except the main stream media. So the King has reclaimed his crown,but can he sit on the throne? Though slowly the wheel of justice turns,a full revolution is bound to be made,and then for all the world to see Good shall prosper over Evil,Right will dominate Wrong and the people’s leader will win the real Revolution. The hired help at Nation News will not be ENUFFF.
HAMILTON HILL | November 3, 2011 at 6:51 PM |
I like your use of language, imagery and all that!
You sound like a revolutionary politician speaking to the “masses” in the Square! Or even a preacher man delivering his sermon from the pulpit in St. Michael’s Row or from the performing stage of one of the modern-day money spinning religious entertainment spots.
Hello BU.
It is good to be in Barbados and it was exciting to be in the Beehive over the weekend. While the DLP propagandists will want to continue to speak in terms of a disunited BLP and overlook their inability to deal with the issues of the day that are burdening average Bajans and dismantling the economic solidity that was part of the BLP’s post-1994 legacy, I can assure you that the rhetoric will be in vain and at your peril. The DLP is in such a bind that it is becoming more and more unlikely for them to reverse the almost obvious determination that it is about to enter its final year as a government. Sometime by 2013 the DLP will return to the Opposition benches where they are more suited. With a BLP administration in place, Barbados can be saved from the total creation of mess delievered by the DEMS and especially since the departure of PM David Thompson despite he too played a hand in the ordeal that afflicts Barbados. Sadly, the Dems promised so much but have delivered far too little to merit as many as the 9 seats occupied by the stinging Bees. Barbados must be rescued and the BLP will rescue the country.
Any thoughts on the rebellion which has surfaced in the DLP St. Thomas selection process to select a candidate to represent in the next election?
@BU.David et al…
I find this somewhat interesting…
I have somewhat sensitive information, which you use against me.
Sucks to be be me, hey?
David the rebellion is Hal Martin ghosting behind a few idiots to try to run for St.Thomas. Jesus H. Christ the whole of Barbados knows Hal Martin is unelectable the rebellion is a tiny storm in a tiny tiny teacup.
@St. Thomas ah come from
The issue is not whether Martin is orchestrating the rebellion it is more if the DLP’s constitution has been breached.
George C. Brathwaite
The people of Barbados will not be returning to their vomit(BLP).
George C. Brathwaite
Can you remember when the Israelites were liberated the Land of Egypt?
For a while things were a little challenging, and a few just like you wanted to return to Egypt?
But good sense prevailed and they were ushered into a land flowing with milk and honey, but what happen to the idiots who doubted the divine process?
All who doubt the Democratic Labour Party will be left by the wayside!!
Hello George Brathwaite. How was life in the Beehive couldn’t be all that pleasant having to hear all that buzzzzzzing .but then again you must be used to such noise being around the BLP for a long time. Keep on Buzzzing!
The BUZZ word on the street is MIA MOTTLEY. Can you substantiate on that! and is there any truth in the rumour that the BLP is long on Words and short and substance and before you go back to the :BEEHIVE’ Can you tells us what great plans OSA have to revive the economy Sorry to inconvience you but is the BLP if elected going to pass legislation on FOI,
@CH
REF Comment”IT SUCKS TO BE ME”
I almost felt like giving you a hug . But on second thought you might not remember as it seems you had one too many
“Laing(Minister of State for Finance Bahamas)said, “Everyone knows, except it seems the PLP, that the global economic circumstances of the world have changed dramatically… and that we in The Bahamas, like everyone else in the world, have been impacted.
“I think any objective observer will note and the international community comments upon it, including Standard & Poor’s, that in these circumstances, we have managed ourselves as well as could be managed.””
the Nassau Guardian
It seems as though the PLP in Bahamas has an Owen”seethru”Arthur as leader. In every country it would seem that you are finding “seethrus”, opposition leaders who are blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other.
At some point someone somewhere has got to address the somewhat artificial takeover perpetrated by one Owen Seymour Arthur.Past experience tells us that the main stream media will not.Perhaps too many of them were caught up in the spread-the-wealth culture that rose in our Barbados prior to 2008.Cloaked in impunity it seems,Owen Seymour Arthur is yet to explain how seventy five thousand dollars earmarked for his party ended up in his personal account.This time the stakes are much higher since the ballot system is still the one we employ at a national level.Does it not give pause to the thought that this may well be the same group entrusted with the administration of FREE and FAIR general elections in our country? Should we not be given an insight to the concerns of Rawle Eastmond?As a member of not only the party,but the cabinet the royal shaft was shoved up you know where.Is it not reasonable to ask if that was done to your own,wa bout we?To what end does one go to achieve what one wants? Just asking.The plague of vote padding started in St.James North where the beneficiary stole the crown. Through this site and the rest of the social media diligence shall mark the path to the throne,for one thing is for sure,and it is that Owen Seymour Arthur will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Owen is power hungry.
“This is the first time in recent memory that a failing and fading politician finds it so difficult to resettle in civilian life. It is as if he had plans of remaining there until death. Owen Arthur, having served his party and country with distinction in his formative years as leader, has now become a sad, sorry spectacle on the political landscape of Barbados.
We are about to witness an epic case of political-murder-suicide. The fowl cocks are in the coliseum. The battle is about to begin. No blood shall spill on me. This millipede shall watch from the safety of the stand.”
http://bajan.wordpress.com/2009/09/19/no-place-for-millipede-at-fowl-cock-fight/
Trouble the DlP in trou ble as we come to engaage in this rubble. Nonsense the DlLP is talking nonsense as we near the election timetable. They have time to put their stewardship on the LINE but their problem is Owen and their slime. Ggentlemen back up come with something of substance. Do you think your drivel has any effect? You ask how money for Owen ended up in his bank account. You will have be foolish. Can a check wrtten in your name be cashed by any one other than you? An ididt is an idiot now mattter how sensible he wants to appear to be. David Thompson said he had 2 millions to fight the last election. You should try to investigate that. It must make interesting reading.,but I dont think you would want to go there . If Owen is not to be anything you are certainly do a good job to make him so, .If Owen is power hungry then this group is ideas-straved. Have no fear Owen is here and You will have a lot of time to vent your spleen. Go for it.
What amazes me is that intelligent people would come on this blog to find every reason why Owen Arthur should be Prime Minister again but he Owen has proven on Sunday why he should not be PM again.
Mr. Brathwaite please give me two uplifting points from Mr. Arthur address on Sunday that could give Bajans the confidence to reelect him as PM.
He speaks about taking 35 million from BNOC to reduce electricity bills. He did the same thing in 1994 when the civil service was restructured and at a manageable level by the sending home of persons, he came with his Jobs #1 is Jobs and carry back up to thirty something thousand before he left office causing the problems today with a bloated civil service
Now the BNOC debt that he caused by subsidising gasoline for people to drive about foolishly has been paid back and making a little profit he standing on the sidelines making the same disastrous ignorant promises again. As I said before he never made any hard decisions to restructure the Barbados economy in the past.
The DLP is doing it again by tightening up ship so that the future could be better and he wants to come in to give the people the feel good syndrome again and then back to hardships again.
Mr. Brathwaite are you one of the interlopers and if not who are they? What sort of unifying talk is that?
@David
The issue is not whether Martin is orchestrating the rebellion it is more if the DLP’s constitution has been breached.
*********************88
If Hal Martin is who I think he is I salute the leadership of the DLP for doing their due diligence.
@tony
Couldn’t Arthur have written, ‘please pay to the BLP Campaign Account’ on the back of the cheque?
DIDNT this country prosper under Owen Arthur’s leadership ??
WHAT nonsense is the person named “CLONE” above talking ?
DO you think you can fool people with that trite ??
DO you know that the statement that Owen is power hungry betrays your fears of OWEN and the BLP defeating the DLP in the next elections ????
WHY do these assholes- I mean (people) keep bringing up this matter of a cheque deposited in Owen’s name ??
WHOSE name is a mortgage cheque , a lottery ticket cheque or any other document for which a third party has claim deposited in ????
WASNT this matter adequately explained but has been constantly used as red herring by DLP syncophants just like how David Thompson used it to fool Barbados by creating an impression of wrongdoing??
DONT you all know that no amount of LIES by the DLP will help it to win the next electioms
DO you all know that this is reality and not fantasy ???
JUST ASKING
JUST ASKING
JUST ASKING
WHY dont you==yes you ! why dont you answer the questions
The difference between Arthur and Thompson is that the BLP up to know has not produced proof only speculation the Family’s First Account was used as a DLP Funding Account.
The DLP produced a cheque which Arthur explained not to the satisfaction of many.
Perhaps if the BLP would become strident about the need for campaign reform and transparency legislation it would make Arthur’s position more palatable.
DOES the world economic changed sitaution has anything to do with Mismanagement of the COUNTRY by the DLP ??
DOES it mean that the DLP should send old people’s pension to the Bank ?
DOES it mean that the DLP should spend tax -payers money stupidly or that the Central Bank Governor-who is a creature of the DLP- should undermine the work of the people at Statistics or that the loud mouthings to reduce COST OF LIVING should not be thrown aside???
WHY has the DLP not reduce the COST of LIVING
DONT you know that to answer the above question that you have to go back to the 2008 and the BIG NASTY LIES told by the WILD BOYS in the DLP ???
@Just Asking
The independents will decide when the bell is rung and it will not be based on the red meat stuff you are coughing up.
So, is Minister Inniss’ word the final word? Or will Barbadians be made to wait for word from a new Minister of Health or a new Prime Minister?
@Clone
If I thought your questions were accurate or serious, I would answer them. If I believed otherwise in regards to your patronising title ‘Mr. Brathwaite’ I may have concluded that you were indeed giving the issues thought. What I do know is that the proof of the pudding is in the eating; hence, after the next general election, tell me if you continue to buy into the DLP-led propaganda that Arthur did not have a tremendous and positive impact on Barbados political economy. Come to me with seriousness or facts, or stay away, for life is too hard in Barbados for me to waste time playing politricks.
@clone \
I would have thought you would have been able to say two things which Sincckler said to move the country foward, but alas the two things which I can mention are the University called him a liar and he refused to give the Barbadians the relief which they are all calling for.He over burdened the Barbadians by making them repay a debt in two years which they could have paid at a much longer time and give them some rrelief. Two ponts which Arthur made were ,there should be a new way at looking at entitlements in education and health. People should have to pay a percentage of their education and health contributions and these contributions can be claimed on their tax returns, What do you think?
Owen made the very important point that unity is what is he striving for, as far as possible without surrender I will be on good terms with all persons He said he is not in conlfict with any one so aal should get on board .A leader will always have to make decisions and Arthur to his credit made it clear that he is bringing this nonsense to a close,. that ‘s what leaders do..
The thrust of the employment drive was private sector concentrated but the public sector was not left out.There were so many other Caribbean people working in Barbados and the number of private sector business offering work was tremendous. Some people live on Mars and make up their own facts,As I have said before Your problems will be solved Owen is here. thank God.
tony | November 4, 2011 at 8:04 AM |
“Two points which Arthur made were ,there should be a new way at looking at entitlements in education and health. People should have to pay a percentage of their education and health contributions and these contributions can be claimed on their tax returns, What do you think?”
Sorry to disappoint you, Tony! But these “proposals” are not “new”. These are just old soup warmed over and repackaged for sale to a new audience or those with short memories. These tax concessions were around in the 70′s and early 80′s. Even life insurance premiums, NIS contributions, allowances in respect of 2 incapacitated dependant relative and 1 other dependant and wages paid to your housekeeper (if you were widowed) were allowable deductions.
There is a saying that “What goes around comes around”! Although these repackaged proposals should be welcomed to the table for consideration the symptoms currently manifested by the local economy are indicative of a more serious underlying illness. If major testing and invasive actions are not performed immediately the disease would spread leading to long-term complications and even disability.
Politicians and the so-called economic guru advisers need to stop the long talk and carry the patient to the operating theatre before septicaemia sets in.
@millertheanunnaki
Based upon your comments, is there ever anything new under the sun? Will you really condemn a man for proposing what the government fails to do? Can you truly continue to blame a recession or the BLP administration of the past if after almost 4 years in government there has been such short-sightedness as not to recognise that the people of Barbados have absolutely no problems with tried and tested practices, especially, when through creativity and innovation, they are refined to specific dynamics of the day? Surely it would be in Barbados’ interest to get back a sense of confidence in the economy, or would you otherwise see us continue to promote change, change, change that has resulted in burdensome and traumatic experiences for the average Barbadian? Let us get real!
TONY
“As I have said before Your problems will be solved Owen is here. thank God.”
But, before the ink had dried on that declaration and the appointment of other “unknowns” to key portfolios, Arthur shot back saying he had returned to ‘save the party’. Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Draw near! The Messiah has arrived! Of the close to 310 000 souls in this country, there is only one man and one man alone capable of saving Barbados and the Barbados Labour Party from eternal shame and destruction. He has the magic formula. The Midas touch! Barbados and the Barbados Labour Party cannot survive without Owen Arthur at the helm. He and he alone can save this land. What crass arrogance! Is this what power does to you?
Arthur abandoned the ships of state and party in their most perilous hour of the past 70 years and now wants the fatted calf killed to herald his return from exile.
http://bajan.wordpress.com/2009/09/19/no-place-for-millipede-at-fowl-cock-fight/
Just a little something from the past again.
Mr.Brathwaite
I was brought in an old fashion Barbadian home where I was taught to be respectful and therefore your moniker is not any form of pandering.
You cannot produce any facts that Barbadians are unduly suffering. Our HDI remains high in 2011 as compared to some wealthy countries.
If the number of Blackberries with data plans owned by the average working class can be used as an indicator then you do not know what is suffering.
As a PhD candidate you should be able to step above the crowd and honestly say that Barbados is experiencing the same economic pains as most of the other countries in the world.
By the way do not tell me that Guyana economy is growing because Barbados is 48 on the HDI scale Guyana 178.
@ Clone | November 4, 2011 at 9:45 AM |
Please don’t try to attribute Barbados’ high HDI rating to this current DLP administration, please don’t! Since the early 1990′s Barbados has always enjoyed this status. No politricking here, remember Clone you said that you were raised in a decent Bajan home where lying was frowned upon.
@CCC
Owen is here and the people of Barbados will put him back at the helm. The Dems will asked what have you done while in power. It will say the recession was here . Owen left too many debts. the BLP was corrupt.Our ministers were neophytes. Our leader died. We had to change our cabinet three times. Our new leader is trying to understand things. Our people are making too many demands. We have had to tax our people harshly because we can spend the money better, But sir what have youj done,The Dems will reply with all those problems what did you expect? Away from me they wll be told you have taken the confidence and trust and you have squandered it,Move over and let those who know how to make things work continue.
George C. Brathwaite | November 4, 2011 at 8:51 AM |
If you follow my contributions you would notice that I am no fan of the current DLP Administration. Neither do I blindly follow the Owen bandwagon harping back to the glory days of borrow and spend to make Chinese and Japanese rich.
All that I was pointing out, mate, is that these rehashed proposals- although worthy of consideration and possible implementation with the appropriate adjustments and refinement to reflect modern variables – are just scratching the surface of the economic and financial challenges that lie ahead of us. Even you have pointed out the signs that are indicative of what lies ahead. So under this current DLP Administration we can expect a repeat of the 1991 to 1994 scenario being played out. Nothing new under the sun!! But this time around twice as intense!
“Barbados have absolutely no problems with tried and tested practices, especially, when through creativity and innovation, they are refined to specific dynamics of the day?”
By George, I absolutely agree with that statement! But we want to hear and see the Creativity and Innovation coming to the fore in this new economic paradigm we are already painfully confronting.
I know the truth hurts and it might be electorally self destructive to tell Bajans frankly that the days of universal free social services are over. No more free university education; no more free books, free school meals and free bus rides; no more free medicines or general medical care except for the very poor and indigent!
millertheanunnaki(may2012)
“No more free university education; no more free books, free school meals and free bus rides; no more free medicines or general medical care except for the very poor and indigent!”
You have reached the top of the ladder and now you want to kick it down.
Tony said: ‘Your problems will be solved Owen is here. thank God.’
Just Asking said: ‘DO you think you can fool people with that trite ??
DO you know that the statement that Owen is power hungry betrays your fears of OWEN and the BLP defeating the DLP in the next elections ????’
Tell me guys since Owen stands for all that is good and provided such a haven for Barbados, and was present in 2008, why did the lose the election?
In 2007 were you thanking God that Owen was here? and The ‘tripe’ explained by Clone based on JA’s description certainly could not have been the reason for the change in Government or else the BLP supporters are telling the public of Barbados that the monkeys sent overseas for research purposes voted for the BLP and they lost the Government and the sane, educated, ambitious, soundly thinking people of Barbados threw their full support behind the DLP. So there really wasn’t an election. The DLP won unanimously!!!
Yuh know people (members of the BLP), I find it baffling that we spend so much money in education and still expect our people to be unable to read, assimilate, think, make knowledgeable decisions to elect the people and party they want to lead the country of their birth and citizenship.
Give us some credit. We were here just like you and we saw, lived, tasted, handled and refused the Party BLP to lead us. Now tell us why we should change the Party DLP with substantial evidence taking into account all factors (leadership (not imagery nor figment of your imagination), worldwide financial crisis, ability of Barbadians to seize opportunities and invest, freedom of association (trade union, political party, religion), freedom of speech).
People voted for the DLP!!! Yes we did!!! We will do it again with knowledge and not to be bullied into doing so. We see, read, listened and yes we understand good and evil. The people of Barbados will do it again except we see a reason why we should not. We are still awake and we are here. We choose. We choose.
Give us a reason to choose party BLP. For right now it is Party DLP. Sound, articulate, understanding, decisive, crisp leadership living in 2011 preparing for the future recognizing activities of the past. That is it. We are in peace and at peace.
@ Home | November 4, 2011 at 11:41 AM | :
“I find it baffling that we spend so much money in education and still expect our people to be unable to read, assimilate, think, make knowledgeable decisions to elect the people and party they want to lead the country of their birth and citizenship.”
When the DLP administration puts in place the much promised Integrity and FOI legislation we will listen to you! In the meantime our educated citizens motto is: “A promise is a comfort to fool!”
Now don’t blame the international economic for this one!
Carson C. Cadogan | November 4, 2011 at 11:38 AM |
“You have reached the top of the ladder and now you want to kick it down.”
Me! Wrong person! Wasn’t that fortunate to be given freebies!
But CCC, the ladder is already broken in the middle from the weight of those parasites and fat pigs climbing over one another for the little trimmings left.
ccc according to wikileaks the us embassy informed their government the the dlp was creating an illusion(diplomatically correct words for telling lies)in their election campaign in trying to get the public to believe that the blp government were corrupt.
Daivd:
It seems the DLP administration is on another PR exercise. This time the Finance Boy Wonder is pushing out the public sector reform conjurer’s cart to attract the gullible fans to participate in the upcoming silly season menu of activities and attractions.
Here we go again: Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the mother of all public sector reforms, the One and Only, Central Revenue Authority (CRA). Folks, this is not a home grown idea! Only the best will be followed even if 15 years behind our Mother Country which we just cussed and dismissed for telling us we should be able to bring home our same sex friends without opprobrium from the backward natives.
But, by golly, the CRA would result in significant cost savings! After all, the fellows at the various agencies such as Customs & Excise, VAT Division, Inland Revenue, The Treasury and the most efficient cousin Land Tax would have to come together as one smaller “nuclear” family. The question is: How would cost savings and efficiency gains be achieved if every family member still wants his or her own car, own consumer items (fridge and stove), telephone and computer. Sounds like you will have to avoid this obvious duplication of operations and support services by requesting that certain redundant members take early retirement or golden goodbyes to go and rent elsewhere privately or go to the area for the homeless and reminisce about the good old days like many of us who have been thrown out of our the private homes.
Do this Boy Wonder and his band of circus performers who have a habit of putting “their feet in their mouths” and the main attraction have the intestinal and testicular (in some cases ovarian) fortitude to bring about this IMF requested family gathering?
It is amazing that the so-called educated elites on this blog are arguing over the economic policies of the two political parties in Barbados Both political parties practised basically the same economic policies.The only difference is,the Democratic Labour Party policy has more of a social component to it,wheres the Barbados Labour Party policy is more business oriented.Therefore arguing about the economic policies of either the Democratic Labour Party or the Barbados Labour Party is an effort in futility
I support the Democratic Labour Party economic policies because of the social components behind those policies.Emphasis is place on the human resources of this country.In this regard education & health are the major beneficiaries of funding.Any government seeking to look after the education & health of the citizens of this country will always get my support.Unfortunately the Barbados Labour Party economic policies do not placed much emphasis on the human development aspect of this country.
I also support the many social programmes carried out by this Democratic Labour Party administration.No bus fares for school children is a very noble initiative that safe many poor Black Barbadians parents thousands of dollars.As a product of a very poor Black Barbadian family,I know the struggles my mother endured in finding bus fare to send to school five (5) children.Therefore I support the free bus fare initiative.
The other social programmes such as constituency councils and summer camps,I also endorsed.
In these trying economic times,the Democratic Labour has done a very commendable job.This view I know is supported by many Barbadians.There is financial turbulence in all regions of this world.Countries such as England,France,Greece & even the great United States of America,there are massive demonstration as a result of the economic situation in those countries.In Barbados we have no such problems.Our economy is stable and there is no undue hardship on Barbadians.
The Democratic Labour has done a tremendous job and it will be reflected in a massive & comfortable win for the party in the upcoming general elections.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart & his team are doing a fantastic job.
David i just sent a post where is it
@Comrade Hants
Am I right in stating that you are our Canadian news correspondent ? lol.
How come you didn’t tell us that the Canadian manufacturing sector is in trouble? . Just heard that several thousand jobs have been shed in manufacturing and that the economy has shrunk for the second consecutive month, being the only country of the G7, apart from tsunami-hit Japan, to suffer a contraction in that period. May be you can recommend some of our brilliant Bajan economists to the Canadian Government for advice on how to halt the slide. lol
Unable to pay bill, Mich. city turns off lights
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (AP) — As the sun dips below the rooftops each evening, parts of this Detroit enclave turn to pitch black, the only illumination coming from a few streetlights at the end of the block or from glowing yellow yard globes.
It wasn’t always this way. But when the debt-ridden community could no longer afford its monthly electric bill, elected officials not only turned off 1,000 streetlights. They had them ripped out — bulbs, poles and all. Now nightfall cloaks most neighborhoods in inky darkness.
I am somewhat unsure how many street lights the Democratic Labour Party Govt.has ripped out over the past year or so.
Can you help me millertheanunnaki(may2012)?
Balance
Ask the FBI the reason why they recommended that Muscle Mary be denied a work permit.
Hint, the word starts with a “C”.
In fact let me tell you why, CORRUPTION.
@Carson C. Cadogan | November 4, 2011 at 6:12 PM |
“Can you help me millertheanunnaki(may2012)?”
When the forex gets real low and the guv is confronted with the dilemma?
Food or Fuel?? Remember no body can eat sea water and sand! But smut lamps, kerosine stove and wood fire could still work! But of course you old enough to know about these things!
Cant believe Muscle Mary running again. Did he not he announce in the media he done with dat?!!
@MTA: “But smut lamps, kerosine stove and wood fire could still work!
Please correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it Barbados produces none of these. (Except for, perhaps, Smut.)
@ Negroman
“Our economy is stable and there is no undue hardship on Barbadians.
The Democratic Labour has done a tremendous job and it will be reflected in a massive & comfortable win for the party in the upcoming general elections.”
____________________________________________________
You must be living in a cocoon or got a chip implanted. Kindly tell us of this fantastic job–list some policies that worked/ing. They gave ALL school children free travel on the buses and increased bus fares for their parents not to mention the debt at the Transport Board. The constituency councils have nothing but a memorial football tournament to show. In contrast, after THREE years the BLP had established the Rural Development Commission, Urban Development Commission and amended the Tenantries Act to benefit ALL Barbadians living on non-plantation tenantries.
And what about the economies of Panama, Costa Rica, Chile, India, Brazil, China, Singapore. Poland, Germany, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina and more?
I must remind you that the DLP won the 1991 election too despite a poor performance between 1986-1991, and by 1992-93 the bottom fell out….the rest is history, and history has a funny way of repeating itself.
ANON
Have no fear, we will wipe the floor with MUSCLE MARY.
They are are a number of FILES the contents of which will be made know much to MUSCLE MARY’S chargrin.
@CCC: “They are are a number of FILES the contents of which will be made know much to MUSCLE MARY’S chargrin.
Just putting this out there for consideration…
Why are not ***ALL*** government files available to the public?
By definition, the public paid for them.
@Chris
Perhaps another pertinent question is why use info to win an election when the more noble position would be to seek justice on behalf of the taxpayers who these politicians represent?
millertheanunnaki
Whichever party is in power I am still a proud Barbadian and will remain that way until death. I am sensible enough to know that our HDI position could not have been achieved by this administration only but you must admit that the data collected since 2008 would have to be in this administration favour because everything that is going wrong since 2008 you blame them for it. No politics there.
I can remember when it was it highest in 1989 when Sir Erskine Sandiford was Prime Minister.
My point was that if Barbadians are suffering so bad, then our HDI would have fallen to about 100.
@David: “Perhaps another pertinent question is why use info to win an election when the more noble position would be to seek justice on behalf of the taxpayers who these politicians represent?
An excellent question.
@ Clone | November 4, 2011 at 7:00 PM |
Have you heard about the “drag” effect? If you take the credit for post 2007 it is expected that you take responsibility for any slide next time around and don’t blame it on the “international’ recession since all countries (according to the DLP PR bulletins) are affected, some much more than Bim.
@ Clone
Life expectancy, literacy, access to education etc don’t decline overnight.
There is a very good reason why in the upcoming general election, not only BLP members and supports but the entire country should say “a big thank you” to the late Prime Minister David Thompson: It was David Thompson who ensured stability within the BLP from 2008-2010.
The facts are that there are now ‘false-tears’ about the economy, coming from Owen Arthur but no such concern was expressed by him, after his defeat in 2008. He did not wait around and even with a global financial crisis (which started in October 2008) he was travelling the region doing work for other Governments. Not what one would expect of a patriotic Barbadian, is it? That is your answer: Owen Arthur is about deals and Owen Arthur!
The same people who he refers to as “wild boy” were running the country then! And all during that time, our late leader Mr. Thompson and the DLP – kept the economy, Barbados and the BLP stable. In contrast, Owen Arthur “only” went to Parliament to prevent the Speaker from declaring his seat vacant.
It was only when our late leader Mr. Thompson took seriously ill, that Owen Arthur’s greed and his politics of “opportunism” went into over-drive. He and four others immediately hatched a treacherous plot (in the dead of the night) to destabilise our government and take-over our country. It is not about service to Barbados but about the “DEAL’” which Owen Arthur and four others, hatched ‘in the dead of the night,’ to take-over Barbados for themselves. Anybody who tries to stop them will be targeted as a threat to be persecuted and destroyed.
Owen Arthur feels that this is his last chance to take over Barbados at any cost. He feels it will be a walk-in-the-park because, once the price is right anybody can be bought. He also feels that bajans like too much money and if you flash it in their face – they will fall for his gimmick.
That is why through one corner of his mouth, Owen Arthur says that the economy is in “perilous crisis” but through the other corner – he is already promising the sky and the moon. He feels Bajans will fall for it: just promise them and because of greed, they will take the bait and he will achieve his plot to take-over the country.
If anybody is making Barbados unstable by undermining everyone and everything, it is Owen Arthur. For him, it has nothing to do with Barbados! For Owen Arthur, it is about “revenge;” getting back at bajans; making good on his “Prior Park Accord” and taking over Barbados. It is plain for all to see that Owen Arthur is willing to cut deals for himself. But, what other “DEALS” will he cut (in his interest) if you allow him to take over Barbados?
As his defense, he wants you to feel that you need saving; that he is the good guy and that people within the BLP are undermining him. This is why he is dangerous: he likes sympathy! But, isn’t it true that Owen Arthur is about Owen Arthur? Who else in this country ever put $75,000 intended as campaign contribution into their personal bank account? I am telling you that Owen Arthur is about Owen Arthur!
Barbadians must say “NO” to secret deals made in the dead of the night. As patriotic Barbadians, we must wrap ourselves in the flag as encouraged by our former leader and practice “one love and unity” Let us keep our country stable and united and away from Owen Arthur and his gang of five. Future generations will thank us.
@enuff: “Life expectancy, literacy, access to education etc don’t decline overnight.
At least two out of your above three could.
Possibly three.
Close all the schools and hospitals.
Kill all those who can read.
Job done.
enuff
Those components will not change overnight but there was improvement in access to education under the DLP because since 2008 as two nursery schools and one primary school have been built and opened.
You are a smart person as you neglected the indicator of standard of living and that could have fallen during the past four years. The decent standard of living component is measured by Gross National Income per capita. The HDI may have found that it had not fallen that much and so your mouthing’s that Barbadians are suffering does not hold water.
The late PM was also right when he said Barbados was a society first and an economy second this is revealed in how the HDI works. The HDI was created to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone.
@Prime Minister David Thompson Ensured Stability within the BLP…
Please correct me if I am wrong, but did not the late (great) David Thompson promise the People of Barbados a Freedom of Information Act within 100 days of his election?
Was this promise fulfilled?
@ David…. I for one concur with that thought that it is time to bring elected law breakers to justice…….ANOTHER AREA THAT CONCERNS ME.Journalism 101….neutrality breeds objectivity.How then does anyone read Albert Branford? As always I am Just Asking.
david i am pleased that your comments of nov 4th ,5.47 am seems to mirror my previous comments. didn’t know you used to take me seriously. but on another matter, the bitterness spewing forth on the blog against politicians and the parties they represent seem to suggest that that persons are fed up with the form of governance in place even if they ar4e afraid to admit it..
ccc your comment of nov4th , 9.16pm so did mr thompson and so did mr barrow after the 1976 elections. no wonder the dlp’s analytical base is so inept if a decision maker like you are not seized with certain basic facts. you always introduce points which come back to haunt you. you must spend a little time in the library doing research if you want to be a serious comentator ssking to attract the non-partisan vote.
cccyour 11.38 comments- kicking it down surreptiously and clandestinely is exactly what the dlp to their credit has been doing since they find themselves unable to manage the economy. are you too blind to see or is it a case that you are out of your depth?
home i would admit that i had seriousconcerns with certain aspectsof the the blp policies when they were in power but i had more peace during their 14 year stewardship than i am having in the last three years. the fuel subsidy charge which goes to the govt is nothing short of diabolical and tyrannical.
negroman, i have news for you. unfortunately, if you do your research, you will learn that the blp has introduced more social legislation to this country than the dlp.i am not saying that the dlp did not do anythind. let me make myself clear.
JUST ASKING who would believe that this LIE FACTORY called the DLP want to come and fool bajans again ??
JUST ASKING if there is any truth in the following statement -which was posted above ??
| November 4, 2011 at 1:59 PM | ccc according to wikileaks the us embassy informed their government the the dlp was creating an illusion(diplomatically correct words for telling lies)in their election campaign in trying to get the public to believe that the blp government were corrupt
@Just Asking…
At the end of the day, what the Voters of Barbados should be most concerned about is a functional “Freedom Of Information Act” (FoIA).
Which, of the two parties, will be willing to sign a contract for this?
ISNT it true that everytime the DLP run this country that we end up in dog stool ???
JUST ASKING -ISNT it true that the BLP always perform a rescue act and Barbados end ups in gold ???
JUST ASKING -ARENT the facts not there to bear out this reality ?
JUST ASKING -DIDNT the BLP not rescue Barbados in 1976 -1986 ; 1994 -2008 ; 2012 -2512 ??????
JUST ASKING
@ Clone
You sounding desperate.The new primary school replaced South District and St.David’s. Such a statement would leave one to believe that children were being deprived of a primary education due to the lack of access. Furthermore, two new nursery schools with 40 children each is negligible an unlikely to make any significant change.However, owing UWI $108m and eventually withdrawing financial support could negatively impact access in the future, as well as the continued failure to establish a facility to offer applied and technical HE opportunities in Barbados.
@ Prime Minister David Thompson Ensured Stability within the BLP
You mean secret deals like CLICO $10m ‘gift’, loan to NIS to purchase CLICO Mortgage, travel on CLICO jet, JADA, SMI and the $10m bonus for Parris?
And a society (Barbados) is MORE than supporters and members of the DLP, unfortunately the late PM Thompson didn’t think so.
@ JUST ASKING…
To be fair…
We’d be a devalued lower Third World country like Zimbabwe if Sandiford hadn’t kicked the IMF out when they came knocking!
As it is, we are still a higher grade Third World country that has fancy trimmings! If anybody wants to contest this, consider…we don’t have the land mass to be called First World! EVER! And we’re not communist, so we can’t be called Second World either!
Instead of quibbling, we have to look for the simple things in life and work with & live with them for a while! Who knows, we might even come out a happier…and wealthier…nation because of it!
How then does anyone read Albert Branford?
Good question the man like he drunk on BLP piss, Sanka Price is another you dont need to read you know precisely he will cuss the DLP irregardless of the subject and accuse them of starting and prolonging the world recession. Two embarassments to the fourth estate
WHERE have these JUST people like Just saying 2 and the rest of the Just (es) come from ???
DONT you know that you need my permission to use my name (JUST) ???
DO you know that I am chinese and JUST is what you call a family name and that it comes first unlike English names ???
@ negroman
“Countries such as England, France, Greece & even the great United States of America, there are massive demonstration as a result of the economic situation in those countries.”
You must also be aware that there are countries in the world that are not experiencing the effects of the current economic crisis.
What you have failed to tell us is what economic policies were being pursued by those countries prior to the onset of the current economic recession. We must also analyse macro and micro economic policies that were implemented during the global economic crisis to determine if the governments’ response was inadequate and may have made the recession worse. Failure to do so will make your arguments somewhat flawed.
Your analysis that a government is doing a fantastic job is based on “free bus fares”, constituency councils, and free summer camps, nonsense. Need I remind you that this administration pursued a tax policy at the height of the recession that was counterproductive for the island. Many of the policies articulated in the budgets were not implemented or had to be retracted. This is proof that they are still feeling their way in dealing with the Barbados economy. It is these variables that I would examine to determine if a government is doing a fantastic job or not.
@Artaxerxes
Can we analyze these countries which grew in the recession?
Are they economies that depend on services, manufacturing, agriculture…?
What are some of key indicators for these countries?
@ David
Did the policies of the DLP improved, stabilised or exacerbated the situation?
@ David
What exactly is your point; care to elaborate???
@Artaxerxes
Simply trying to establish points of difference in those economies doing well when compared to Barbados.
seeker – that mr sandiford kicked the imf out is another myth that needs to be exposed . all of the imf recommendations including the 8% salary cut on public sector wages were implemented by me sandiford in exchange for non-devaluation of the bds dollar.well, if you see that as kickinout the obviously you are seeing it through your political blinkers. up to this day, the effects of the kicking out policies are still wreaking havoc on certain barbadian households.
@balance
Didn’t the IMF call for a devaluation?
i am happy to observe that no less an emminent person than sir roy marshall is concerned about the issuie of governance in barbados and the use of the system by both parties to push their own agendas to the detriment of good governance. he makes specific reference to the negative impact of 1974 constitutional amendments which i have blamed time after time on this forum for the emasculation of the public service; that all important arm of administrative governance in barbados. i note too his reference to the abolishing of local governmwent and the establishment of statutory boards.his article in todays sunday sun is required reading for party apologists and operatives. this article from such an eminent scholar and legal luminary strengthens my view that the political party system has outlived its usefulness.oh’ for more sir roy marshall’s to speak out.
david i cannot comprehend your drift. i have no empirical evidence to support the contention that the imf called for a devaluation but the notion was bandied about in the media but not challenged so i would have to accept that the talk of devaluation was factual; but the talk of mr sandiford kickin out the imf was untruthful because he did no such thing and that was all i was was trying to convey to seeker.however david for your benefit i leave these words from the prime minister’s permanent secretary at the time with you if my notes are correct “public servants must show leadership by accepting an 8% wage cut, rather than a more unpalatable alternative of a major devaluation, work reduction, staff reduction or termination of services;this was agreed on during negotiations in order to avoid a change in the parity of of the barbados dollar vis-a-vis the us dollar” if this is kicking out then kick me. barbadians were placed into devastating economic hole through the ill-advised policies of mr sandiford who burdened the economy with a 33% increase in salary revision for parliamentarians and select public officers and who had proclaimed subsequent to the economic morass that the economy was batting better than gary sobers.
If recollection is right the talk was about Sandiford making the hard decision to cut the public sector size and wages instead of going the deval route.
talk was what it was david mere talk. i gave you the scenario lock stock and barrel according to my notes which i have verified to be true.do your research. and do not acceptt talk at face value if you want comments on your forum to be taken seriously. the public sector was coerced into accepting the cut or else suffer severe dislocations to their well being including devaluation
@balance
You stick with your ‘notes’, BU will stick with our recollection until empirically proved wrong.
http://www.thedominican.net/articles/stabilization.pdf page 11<- not to sure if that would count as empirical to you david but it suggest they where given options and what sandi did was one.
its unbelievable Barbados is the one country which did’nt give Sandi credit for turning back the IMF plus taking the tough decisons to save the Bdos dollar. Talking to a Jamaican economist he was profuse in praise of Sandi’s selling the IMF a dummy he insist no country did it before or since. Sandi never receive the plaudits for the IMF story. Owen See Trhu rode in on a white shetland pony exploited Bajan econmic fears and reap the sweets Sandi plant.
@ Anon
You implied that Sir Lloyd’s policies were successful in saving the Barbados economy during the 1990,s recession. Let us give him credit for that, bearing in mind that the 8% reduction in civil service salaries was no great feat. The salaries were reduced by 8% even before the civil servants were able to vote for it or not. Correspondence was sent to government departments instructing them to pay the new salaries and wages before the ballot papers were distributed. Those civil servants who votes against the 8% cut, especially employees of statutory corporations, were victimized. I know this for a fact.
If Sir Lloyd’s policies were so successful, can you please tell me why now that we are in a similar situation, where there must be reduction in government expenditure, the government have not implemented any of his policies? If it worked then, surely it can work now.
The 8% direct cut cause them to lose the elections in 94. they not willing to risk it again and ask bajan to be the bigger persons. Technically they already done a 8% cut indirectly by taxing the travel and entertainment allowances
mr sandiford was known to an adamant and no-nonsense person who had the temerity to remove about three ministers who refused to do his bidding; surely if mr sandiford were so confident about the policies you allege that he conceived and implemented without the imf; why did he hand over the all important finance ministry to a youthful and inexperienced mr david thompson? why didn’t he see his policies through to fruition? it boggles my mind.
@ Balance…
I don’t have political blinkers. Just because I said something favourable about the DLP does not mean I’m in their party. I can also say that the BLP have done an excellent job to enhance the business and economic side of Barbados…does that mean you’ll try to paint me with a BLP brush as well?
I can see that both parties did good things and both did bad things.
I can also see that both parties, right now, are quarreling amongst themselves; positioning themselves for election time BEFORE its time, rather than dealing with the economy, the cost of living, the transparency blockage, the crime rate, etc., etc., etc….
The time has passed for blame. Parties, get your act together…both of you! Or a lot of people won’t be voting “next year…” (Tongue-in-cheek)
seeker my apologies for misinterpreting your comments and anthony it is my view that the turmoil in the dlp fuelled by mr sandiford’s intransigence caused them to lose the 1994 elections and not the 8% cut whch was generally even if grudgingly accepted by civil servants including me as necessary to save barbados from devaluation.those devastated by the significant decresaes in their severance pay were too small to make an impact on the outcome and the dlp’ites grumbled but did not mind. please note that overall the dlp still held their own garnering over 40% of the national vote.
in 1994 election they got 38.3% of the vote. won 8 seats. In the 1999 election got 35% of the vote and won 2 seats. In the 1986 election blp won 40.4% of votes and got 3 seats. The small swing can greatly change things in certain districts which are hotly contested
Both Greece and Italy have opted for technocrats to steer the ship of state through these perilous stormy waters especially in the Eurozone financial rough seas.
The loud mouth “skinning-teeth” politicians seem to be running away from the heat of the engine room where the problem needs fixing.
I wonder if Barbados should opt for such a leader at this juncture instead of continuing with the clowns who don’t the difference between an economy and a society. What about Richie Haynes’ copy cat Dr. David or grasshopper Clydie?
Leave it up to the technocrats! Let them implement the inevitably harsh structural adjustment programmes to hurt the middle class and the poor. They can easily be sacrificed once implemented and then thrown to the lions to appease the masses.
miller the an the problem with the present crop of technocrats trained and certified free of cost at the taxpayers expense is that their advice cannot be trusted having been mostly installed because of political affiliation or because those not so favoured still are willing to sacrifice their intellectual for selection on some non-performing statutory to obtain public recognition.
Balance Nov 10th 5.27 a.m
In 1994, the voters did not vote for the BLP, they voted against the DLP because of the turmoil within the party. In the next general elections, if the DLP loses again, the same thing will happen, the voting public would vote against them but not necessary for the BLP;it so happens that there are only two major parties, so voting against one will mean voting for the other; the lesser of the two evils. What we need is a new party putting their foot into the door by contesting about 5 to 10 seats and hope to do like Britain and being asked to form a coalition government