Submitted by Yardbroom
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart
In arriving at a just determination, when a plethora of evidence must be examined by a properly constituted tribunal, it is often best to decide first on what can be agreed on. In the Alexandra issue it is agreed – or appears – that the problems there started before the term of this DLP Government. However, when elected to government problems should be solved which you inherited, that is the nature of being elected to govern. So the problems despite their history must be solved by this administration.
In the first instance Prime Minister Freundel Stuart stood back and was criticised for so doing. With a cabinet consisting of Ministers with portfolios in charge of respective departments, they are expected to discharge their responsibilities. A Prime Minister should not be seen as a dictator, he must allow his ministers an opportunity to make decisions. When the problem of Alexandra appeared intractable the Prime Minister agreed to meet with BSTU and if the speech made by them after the meeting is to be believed, they were listened to. In politics being cordially welcomed and politely listened to does not always mean an agreement with your stated position.
The Prime Minister decided having listened to the complex issues involved, to go the route of a Commission Of Inquiry. Here (On BU) there was “some” disagreement with this course of action. However, this decision gave the electorate to whom the Government is ultimately responsible an opportunity to learn first hand of the issues involved and form an impression – on the plausibility of evidence – of the major players giving evidence before the Commission.
Why is Alexandra important?
(a) Most of us have children and like the majority of the Barbados population have been to school.
(b) We have at some time therefore interacted with Heads and teachers.
(c) We want our children to have a rounded education, in an environment that is conducive to learning.
We have an issue which is complex but to which the electorate can “relate.” It matters not if you support BSTU or Mr. Broomes, the situation at Alexandra could not continue as it was. It is a teaching establishment, where it is “alleged” the teachers could not co-exist in peace and harmony,when discharging their duties; one has to question what were the core values being taught. It was finally decided that a cancerous root had taken hold and in order to make a fresh start, drastic action was needed.
The transfers were many but so were the problems. Can any “reasonable person ” believe that after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Barbados, the findings of a Commission of Inquiry and an order signed on behalf of the Governor General of Barbados we could go back to the “status quo” as if nothing has happened.
There is talk of the transfers being “punitive”, are we expected to believe that after the evidence at the COI the blame lies only with Mr. Broomes and only he should be separated/transferred from Alexandra, would that be justice? If you accept there is fault on both sides, then both sides should be admonished. Even if “mitigation” is warranted it does not extend to the point where the impression is that one side has escaped unscathed.
The teachers at Alexandra like “most” teachers in Barbados have the interest of their students at heart and in the main are honest decent people and try with due diligence to do what is best for them. How then have we arrived at this impasse? It is because they have become entangled in a situation where like snowflakes, they are snared in a snowball rolling downhill at speed, around which is tightly tied a red scarf flailing frantically in an icy wind.
There is also a feeling they must show solidarity with colleagues, some of whom they have known for many years. If you are not part of an inclusive group; a staff room can be a “lonely place” particularly for those who transgress unwritten rules. Often some staff members only go there to collect mail or read notices and dread passing through the school gates in the morning and that is not because the task of teaching causes fear. That is the human aspect of this situation, to them much sympathy is extended.
Alexandra (Greek) feminine form of Alexander a name sometimes given to the Goddess Hera is usually taken to mean: “One who comes to save warriors”. It would be ironic would it not, if the astute leadership skills demonstrated by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart – you may disagree- has caused she – Alexandra – to come to the aid of a true warrior and so define the outcome of the next Barbados General election.
@ Islandgal 246:
cc: 70th week
I know you are strong enough to defend yourself both intellectually and on the verbal battlefield.
But you must forgive my intrusiveness when the likes of “70th week” come along with their pseudo-intellectual arrogance hiding behind a false flimsy facade of nationalism. If he knew his history he would realise that Xenophobia has always limited the socio-economic development of a nation.
Bim has always been and should also continue to be a place in the Sun where people go from and people come whether temporarily or permanently.
Just imagine if people who are indigenous to other nation states were to demand that the Bajans living there be “sailed back home on banana boats” where would they live and what would they eat?
Stupid small-minded clowns like 70th week need to be put in their place forthwith. Ignorance is a curse hopefully 70th would be transmogrified and become an enlightened 71st year living in the 21st Century in a global village virally connected to all humanity.
@David
Granted. but, I’ve sat in interviews already, where persons of a particular experience, background or “source” virtually always had the advantage and almost always got the job. Opportunity and exposure makes the world of difference to how you comport yourself. I admit though that the perception leaves alot to be desired.
@Additional
Shorey Village does not St. Andrew make. However, I concede that St. Andrew is the best shot for the DLP to pick off a seat. Holder has familiarity in St. Joseph, but no leftover tailwinds from Rouse days and definitely no national coattails. If Irene comes down to help she risks eroding the slight strength she has. In this election no one has the luxury of spending too much time helping anyone. There are very few absolute sure seats on the DLP side (MT, ML, DE, CS, DK and RJ). EVerything else is potentially up for grabs.
Just Observing
@Miller
So wanting guests to your house to bring something to the party is jingoism isn’t it?
Your reasoning is nebulous at best. Your rabid partisan sycophancy has left you discombobulated. If you look a little closer you would realise that you are arguing my point.
You said, “Why don’t you tell the Trinidadians who own and control the commercial life of Barbados to return to Port of Spain?”
Perhaps if the likes of you and the other ladies were a bit more jingoistic we would never be in this pickle where Bajans are minority shareholders in Barbados Inc – a nominal vote and no control.
You and the other bleeding- heart leftie lunatics continue to sell Barbados short.
70th week | January 15, 2013 at 3:19 PM |
Why don’t you shut your gob? You have nothing of value to add.
Miller thank you for the support and the lambasting you gave the weak 70th. He has forgotten where David Thompson and his wife were born. I have more a right to live here than him. I have contributed more to this country than he has. Igrunt rass klat!
@miller and islandgal
I commend you both. but since the gent/lady already has reached three score and ten, and since they have also clearly misspelt “weak”, I suggest that you let them saunter off into which ever sunset they choose.
Fret not thyself.
Just Observing
@ Observing
You really think that RJ will retain his seat? I thought so before, but now I’m not so sure.
@independent
Any election is as much about the strength of the incumbent as well as the perceived suitability of the alternative. In this case the alternative hasn’t crossed that threshold yet.
@70th week | January 15, 2013 at 3:19 PM |
“If you look a little closer you would realise that you are arguing my point.”
And if you read between the lines you would also realise that I am taking the ‘mickey’ out of you and those Bajans who think like you.
With regard to the Trinidadian comment you don’t even recognize sarcasm when it is staring you right in your face and bitter sharp irony right up your rear end. But that is a trait of Bajans like you who can hardly read between the lines (far less below the belt) and take everything at simplistic face value
Now how can you refer to the miller as a “lunatic leftie”? Lunatic maybe; since we are all influenced somewhat by the Moon. But a leftie, OMG? That takes the biscuit!
How can you describe someone who is the chief proponent of the privatization, divestment and outsourcing of many State owned and controlled assets and functions as a leftie? Or do you mean leftie as in “gay”?
If you describe me as a “Mad Privatization Leftie” keen to improve efficiency in socially needed functions and minimize the corrupting power of the pork barrel politicians then the title fits admirably.
If you mean ‘gay’ then it takes one old “queen” to know a rent-boy called John Dear.
But I will take “Observing” advice and leave you alone to tilt at windmills like Don Quixote but not on the Miller’s farm.
well miller i commend your stance for taking a bigoted person to task .however you can take it a step further and reject the RT hon for his bigoted remarks and uncalled attacks on Mara Thompson during her candidature in the ST john election.
Poor BSTU.
Actors on a stage with no audience, lights or cameras.
Just Observing
well commonsense has prevailed the CPO have decided to meet with the BSTU. this could have happened two weeks ago withstanding egos and theartrical drama by the CPO and MOE.
one should commend the BSTU for once again standing up for principal when all said they should go along with the outcome and accept resolution with out given reasons. Respect lost is hard to rebuild !
@observing
the stage is all set once again and there is an audience. i believe some possibility of maintenance and repair will be held on friday. with the possibilities of some “upgrading” a win! win! for all . what say ye observing,.
i suspect the talks were cordial with much needed greivances given preference no promises were made. however i believe that in the coming months going into new school year that some teachers which BSTU said was punished would be transfered from the schools at which they are required to teach in preference of schools to their liking.. This might be further down or perodically done in less hostile and aggravted conditions away from public glare and suspicions..
Hi AC January 18, 2013 @ 6:29AM
I am always inclined to accept what people say in good faith, unless I have good reasons to believe otherwise.
Reference the CPO and BSTU Meeting, I note you wrote: ” . . . no promises were made”. . . . That is a sound basis on which to communicate with the public. I will not go over old ground here, just “perhaps” we might be able to draw a line under this matter.
ELECTION POLLS: WE MUST LOOK AT THE QUESTIONS ASKED BEFORE COMING TO CONCLUSIONS ON THE NUMBERS GIVEN.
No one can in all seriousness can ask “Do you believe the Alexandra issue is now settled?”
Reasons: Mr Broomes is sick and a meeting was recently held between BSTU and the CPO, it is patently obvious to anyone with a brain and is conversant with the conflict. . . that there are “embers” still burning. Therefore the response will be no.
Sometimes I wonder. . .what is the point. ( Do check Barbados Today for the Figures) Agenda?
The reasons embers continued to burn is obvious .now that the CPO has met with BSTU a meeting of the minds would help to contain those embers with resonable resolve in sought not in the far too distant future. like they say Rome was no built in a day.
Yardbroom we cannot “draw a line on the matter” neither should one be drwan until “fairplay is done” and not presumed has been done
@Yardbroom
always was an agenda.
@ac
Enough said.
Just Observing
Hi Observing(…)
We must always allow the wounded to walk away with a little dignity. . . . magnanimity.
The lady is “pleased” she has faith in the “integrity of the process”: l wonder if the so called Polls that asked a NON-Question will still be relevant.
Observing / Yardbrrom;
What was the date of that video clip of Mary redman claiming a potential total victory?
@Check it out
January 2012
Observing; Thought so. It supports my recollection of the events then in that the body language and lack of and careful use of words suggested that some definite promises were given to get the BSTU to let the workers go back to work. Wonder if some details of those putative promises may get out during the upcoming campaign?
the video speaks with clarity 1. the objective of separating broomes 2; the teachers getting back to teaching the children of AX. nowwhere does Redman even hints of wanting the teachers removed from AX involve in the madness. she specifically stated her objective of which one was accomplished. however the removal of the teachers was not even one of suggestion on her part in the video.
@ ac
It is NOT up to Mary Redman to decide if teachers should be transferred or not. She does not have or need to suggest it!!!!
They do not work for her, she does not pay their salaries. The PM was not put there to do MR’s bidding but to run the country.
pat
listen pat my answer was to observing hinting that mary got what she wanted refering to the video . except that she did not stated seoaration of teachers which is in question as Mary says was “punitive”, my comment does not suggest that she can make request or recommendations as to where the teachers should be transfered. except in this instance as stated redman contest that the tranfers were “punitive”
@check it out
Redman knows that it takes a special type of gumption to “cross” a sitting Prime Minister.
@ac
I admire your consistency in contributions despite your fluctuations in logic and understanding. I would actually welcome you around my table even though I know you would make sense only 60% of the time. Keep striving for principled position and enjoy being the voice of the minority if ever it falls on you. You have your place and purpose.
Just observing
Observing
You should have said, normally it takes a special type of gumption to cross a sitting PM.
I would suggest to you that the PM was wounded by eleven of his own people, and because of that he is not being taken seriously by many. If he had dealt with the enemy within, he might have some friends without. If not friends, he would have been respected. He is now reduced to be a roaring toothless lion. Without teeth he is only soring up the country’s nipples.
Sent from my iPad
observing! well point out where i was wrong in assuming that your perspective of the video was mary got what she wanted. albeit the video was during the time of ths strike where the Pm met with redman to ward off further strike action. i real;ly don’t see the point of your off the cuff comment. it seems that when another observation is brought to the table one gets ” red hot “: under the collar”
my perspective.
you of all people stated that the resolution was a done deal and mary was without an audience only to be proven wrongcause of on thursday the CPO met with her and at least talks are ongoing.
@caswell
Agreed. The one sided meeting in January 2012 didn’t help either.
@ac
1. I still believe the resolution is a done deal
2. I always believed that redman deserved a meeting with the cpo
3. The point of the video was that feeling productive after a meeting means nothing
4. I walk around naked or in a towel most of the time so that my collar doesn’t get hot.
Sleep tight
Observing
observing ! so what is the purpose of the meeting if as you said the resolution is a done deal.
@ac
Time will tell. Redman isn’t one to keep quiet for too long. But rest assured, what’s done is done.
Observing
@ac
We have discussed this many times before: the BSTU is a recognized trade union who will have to interact with the very same stakeholders (MOE,CPO,etc) in the process on future occasions. The nature of negotiation is built on relationships, conventions etc necessitate that the BSTU be allowed to exit this AX matter with a little dignity intact. It is part of massaging the IR beast.
this is my final take on this ongoing saga .however aspreviuosly stated
ac | January 18, 2013 at 6:29 AM
i suspect the talks were cordial with much needed greivances given preference no promises were made. however i believe that in the coming months going into new school year that some teachers which BSTU said was punished would be transfered from the schools at which they are required to teach in preference of schools to their liking and criteria .This might be further down or perodically done in less hostile and aggravted conditions away from public glare and suspicions..
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