Mara Thompson MP should defend her husband’s legacy by championing transparency legislation
Barbadians were ready to change the government last general election for several reasons, an obvious third term lethargy at the top of the list. It did not stop the Opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) from promising the sky and the 7 seas. One platform promise which resonated and persuaded many Independents to vote DLP was Freedom of Information (FOI) and Integrity Legislation (IL). Barbadians like many around the world became intoxicated by the message of hope promised by Obama, we bought into the same message of the late David Thompson and his team.
On the 20 November 2007 a resolution was laid by the late Prime Minister David Thompson in the House of Assembly giving his support to IL and FOI legislation to be drafted as soon as possible. We are about to enter anther general election five years later and ….If the government were to rush this legislation to book before the bell is rung one wonders if it would not be a dishonest act.
Barbados Underground (BU) is on record admitting to having bought into the Thompson message of enacting transparency legislation to improve governance in Barbados. To say we are sorely disappointed by the lack of priority given by this government to enacting transparency legislation would be an accurate statement. Five years later there is not even the sense, if we listen to members of parliament from the government side, that transparency legislation is top of mind.
One of the most interesting observations has been the lack of advocacy by the Fourth Estate and the Opposition Barbados Labour Party. If only there was a little attention in the same way CLICO got the full press from Kaymar. We know that politicians from both sides are lukewarm to transparency legislation. We the people wait!
It will be up to frustrated independents to decide whether to punish what they may deem an incalcitrant government.
Dear NationBLPnewspaper:
The late Prime Minister David Thompson said “the fatted calf will be slaughtered and shared” At the time I thought that this was foolish electioneering talk, because I was convinced that there was no fatted calf, (more likely a scrawny bad looking beast) but anyhow since I am only a Simple Simon I said to myself let me see how this slaughtering and sharing works out.
Lo and behold the DLP now looking for freeness from the Nation. Methinks that the DLP should should use some of the fatted calf money to buy space in the Nation (but oh dear, dear, there never was any fatted calf was there?) That was only foolish electioneering talk
Oh shute!!!
David everybody (except me of course hee!!, hee!!) has an agenda, even you, or especially you.
The Nation is under no obligation to participate in the DLP’s agenda (nor the BLP’s)
The DLP should stop their childish crying and get to WORK. Nobody loves a cry baby.
Note that the BLP is mounting their elections platforms nearly every weekend, and live streaming on their website.
My question remains.
Who or what is stopping the DLP from doing the same?
As I said NOBODY LOVES A CRY BABY.
@Simple
This maybe a little complicated for you to understand i.e the role of the Fourth Estate.
David:
Ask the question, does it make any sense passing IL now that T’dad owns practically 50% of Bim?
Keep a close eye at T’dad Government behaviour and see the reflection here in Bim. An amendment hurriedly passed on Aug 3, 2012 in Tdad will allow two Government buddies and a former campaign manager to walk free because the trial has not commenced.
Furthermore, the Minister of Justice booked a hotel for public servants to sleep, wine and dine at a man under investigation for alleging to defraud his country in the Piarco Airpport scandal.
Who stands to benefit from this new to Bdos legislation?
Integrity??? Freedom of Information??? Ain’ making no difference in TT. A minister refused to take a breathalyser test and was fired. Justice Minister booked hotel owned by a man under investigation for extradition in the US and he is still employed.
If Barbados would change the cadre of politicians I say go for the IL and FOI if you keep them all nothing will change. Tdad invests heavily in Bim do you really think that Starcom Group of Companies will broadcast/publish corruption in Gov’t should the BLP regain power?
Did they ever? And which Police Officer will lay a charge against a Minister in this country? Or will the DPP say a word?
Read up on TT. The CLICO trouble started under Manning he kept his mouth shut. The CLICO trouble started under Owen and Mia they kept their mouths shut and the SOI offered no further investigation or advice under the BLP.
What are you really asking for? Legislation with teeth or gums?
However, I encourage you keep pressing on, our children will take the baton and ask as well and we will hope for the change whilst agitating, requesting, praying etc, etc etc (Anna and the KIng).
@Brief
Been following, note that Dumas has questioned the Integrity Commission about PM’s sister accompanying her on visits; the transparency of the decision making.
Bottom line we have to do what we need to do and execute. Because they have failed it does not mean we can’t do a better job.