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119 responses so far ↓
Straight talk // December 16, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Thank you, David.
Are you there, Bush Tea?
The floor is yours, I’m intrigued by your analogy, and now is the time to “tell it like it is”.
Bush tea // December 16, 2007 at 7:36 pm
My Thanks too David.
Just got back St. Let me try to put some coherent ideas together…
If you don’t mind I will take a short while to summarize the discussion so far and we can go from there…
Bush tea // December 16, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Ok St,
…The story so far.
The question was “What is the whole purpose behind this experience that we call ‘life on earth’”? Specifically we were interested in the role of human beings in the whole scheme of things.
I suggested that, based on the level of complexity, sophistication and elegance of all we see around us, it would indeed be foolhardy to suggest that some level of superior intellect and design did not go into the ‘bringing into being’ of the reality around us.
..thus my conceptualization of our BIG BOSS ENGINEERS (BBE) – the designers and creators of the experience we call life.
I am tempted to suggest that you are willing to accept that BBE provided a manual of sorts in the form of the Bible and can surely be credited with having some coherent plan and objective in their creation.
We were at the point where I suggested that the problem we face on earth now, is that the project appears to be quickly approaching the termination stage, and that this will have dire consequences for all of us.
I took the liberty to use the example of my hero ‘Lowdown’ Hoad in deciding to establish his goat farm in order to sell milk and support his family. However happy and contented his goats are, (especially the favorite ram), should Lowdown decide to end his project next week (because he had achieved his objectives), chances are that sweet life will be over for Rambo and friends….
We also agreed that even our own observations suggest that with fuel shortages, over-population, global warming and increasing geographical instability it is clear that we are approaching the end of an era of relative global stability.
You appeared to be concerned about the ‘fairness’ of condemning billions of unfortunate humans to unfulfilled endings, and as I recall, I pointed you to the miracle of human birth where hundreds of millions of sperm, each one a potential perfect human baby- meet unfulfilled ends when typically ONE succeeds in fertilizing the egg and going on to birth and great rejoicing in the lucky family. …where is the great sadness and sorrow about the loss of those millions of other potential children?
I chose those examples deliberately.
Main points to note:
Human beings are simply temporary limited beings and our ‘value’ is largely in our own minds. In the grand scheme of things, a human life is neither here nor there. Of course in our own minds, nothing can be of greater importance….
There is one component of Humanity however that is SPECIAL. It is a difficult to define characteristic which comes with being created in ‘the image of God’. It gives us the ability to rationalize right and wrong; to reason and design; to love and hate, etc. (in other words we are MMEs (Mock Micro Engineers)
In other respects, we are very much like the other animals of this world.
Can you see yet what the project represents from BBE’s perspective?
Other questions to ponder:
Why is the Bible so confusing?
Why did Jesus speak in parables?
BLP & DLP TV Broadcasting On A Computer Near You « // December 17, 2007 at 6:54 am
[...] Submissions ← The Relevance Of The Brian Mulroney Affair [...]
Straight talk // December 17, 2007 at 10:51 am
Bush Tea:
or should I address you CSME (Company Secretary of Micro Engineers)?
My interest was piqued by your theory because even though we are travelling
different roads the ultimate destination and our ETA are startlingly similar.
I will come out and say now that I tend towards Evolution as against Creation.
However, as said previously, my mind is always open to be convinced of my error.
Nothing I have noticed necessitates a BBE hand, Nature and it’s myriad methods
of improving survival are, for me, sufficient justification for driving creation.
The widespread nature of religion throughout our world does puzzle me somewhat.
Why would the highest of mammals evolve such a sophisticated brain as you describe,
only for it to find solace in the continuation of some authoritarian moral code—religion?
Our unique, logical, scientific brain still clings to ancient folklore for comfort.
Maybe crowd control and the respect for our elders and betters, but who knows.
The past actions of the church in secreting all scientific and religious texts in
monasteries and all written in scholarly Latin to ensure only the chosen had access,
certainly points to mind control.
Anyway, I am drifting, back to your theory.
Human life is, as you say, inconsequential at an individual level vis a vis the grand scheme
of things, that is why I’m rather puzzled by the rather elitist notion of MMEs and so look
forward to your next episode.
notesfromthemargin // December 17, 2007 at 11:08 am
Dave,
I like the new look. The “Look Both Ways” is particularly well suited
Marginal
Softman // December 17, 2007 at 6:30 pm
What do you guys and gals make of the hospital user fees issue? I think the Minister of Health needs to hold a press conference to explain what is going on. Where is the PM in all of this? Health care is a serious issue and cannot just be left up to a board.
David // December 17, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Softman we suspect that the prime Minister being the master political tactician that we know him to be would prefer to be reactive to this issue on the eve of an election which will be his most challenging. Why would he ‘pull the lion’s tail’ by broaching the issue of the QEH to a public which has shown its propensity to be passive on the issues?
There is a Board in place at the hospital and the accountability should rest with them first. The PM should not feel constrain to meddle. The CEO and Chairman should be communicating to the taxpayers and only then should the PM comment if he wishes. The fact that the public, union and relevant stakeholders continue to ‘toe’ the line these fires will flicker and die as time passes and the PM knows this very well.
Bush tea // December 17, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Hi Straight talk,
…slight correction, my title is TMME (trainee micro mock engineer). More seriously though, I am a bit disappointed that someone of your perceptiveness would be swayed by Evolution. That theory was openly welcomed by a world drunken with their newfound ’science’ in the mid 20th century and anxious to find some alternative to accepting a devine presence.
Upon careful checking, you will find that all the REALLY great genius scientist were ultimately convinced of the reality of a divine existence.
In any case, as I said in another post to Mosquito, it is far more likely, statistically that something like the ABC highway project or the Suez or Panama canals could have evolved naturally than that this complex INTERCONNECTED existence that we experience daily could have evolved from un-intelligent chance evolution.
Tune into National Geographic sometime and watch an episode of ‘The incredible Human Machine’ and tell me afterwards that you believe in Evolution.
Now back to the ‘chase’
Mankind did not ‘evolve’ a sophisticated brain.. our human mind was specially created and is in fact the CENTRAL factor in ALL creation. (not our Intelligence, our wisdom our wealth our strength or any thing else)
Here is the bottom line…
Life is a process that was designed to create ideal conditions for the creation, nurturing and refinement of righteous CHARACTER.
‘righteous character’ is the characteristic of, having the option to freely choose; to always CHOOSE to make the righteous choice- however difficult, tempting, unfair, painful or otherwise the situation.
…a kind of maturity of the mind.
So what we have had on this planet for the last centuries, has been a crucible of conditions built around a procession of human candidates, the goal of which has been to facilitate the development of true godly character.
I challenge you to suggest any better method through which such ‘character’ could be created.
Two more points you raised….
Why did the church operate so secretively?
Two main reasons… First most have no real idea what the real story is. The secrecy is a good way on not letting on that they are also in the dark…
..second scenario is like Jesus choosing to speak in parables in order NOT to reveal the truth purpose of life. (Basically Jesus said “You expect me to tell the goats my business plan? It is not for them to know that… so when they ask, I speak to them in parables so as to confuse their backsides”) (well he probably put it more eloquently)
Finally the ELITIST attitude of the MME;
The thing that is special, elitist, unprecedented, newsworthy great and GOSPEL about MMEs (mankind) is the POTENTIAL to become BBEs.
…like the inconsequential single sperm, one of millions - but with the POTENTIAL to become a human being if that holy grail of the female egg can be reached and penetrated…
Have you ever experienced the great joy in a family when this happens? Do we question the other millions of sperm that did not realize this great potential?
…Now based on the examples i have given, reconsider Jesus’s answer to the question posed to him of what a man must do in order to inherit eternal life….
..he said to the man “You must be born again….”
David // December 17, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Bush Tea and Straight talk we read your thesis and you provoked us to ask some simple questions.
1. Why is it that Christians always expect non-believers to follow the good book or manual as you call it blindly?
2. Why is it that you ask people who have been highly educated to follow the ‘manual’ which from people who have read it thoroughly is filled with contradictions?
3. Why is it that Christians just don’t ask people to believe in God because of the amazing display of nature if they cannot justify it otherwise??
BT if you want to encourage people to explore the big doubt about religion you need to focus on these simple question. We are sorry to have slipped into our provocative role.
Bush tea // December 18, 2007 at 12:25 am
David, you know i like provocative…
Last question first - then maybe I won’t need to attempt to answer all the others.
I could care less if “others explore the big doubt about religion”. That is everyone’s individual right and responsibility.
I never saw Jesus wringing anyone’s hand to believe him so why should I? I enjoy discussing concepts with interested folk like you and St but i am not a prophet.
Christians are largely like sheep who believe what their pastors tell them to believe. They try to force their beliefs on others so that they feel more comfortable in large flocks (like real sheep do) I would be happy to be the only one to follow my concepts.
Who are these ‘highly educated people of whom you refer? the Cave Hill types? The moneyed folks? or do you mean the people with CXCs?
You will always hear me ridicule anyone who claims to be ‘educated’ and have NO IDEA what the objectives of their life are..’ and i certainly don’t “ask anyone to follow the Bible… I like to quote from that book because it is so well known, consistent and relevant to the lines of argument that I tend to follow.
The whole “Christian” thing is a farce anyhow… even Jesus said that the greatest of deceivers will “come in his name…” (be called ‘Christians…’ you go figure…
Floyd // December 18, 2007 at 9:28 am
How this QEH thing is handled will influence my vote a lot. User fees at the QEH will primarily hurt the poor and lower middle class. The govt is the main financier and I will not accept that its a board decision. Such a fundamental change in health care delivery requires a political consensus, or the courtesy of a public announcement.
On balance I have tended to favour the current administration, but this issue is a make or break one for me. The Minister of Health should have held a press conference on Monday. He did not, I find this indifference intolerable and insulting . The Pm has not commented on this. I can only conclude that there was a nod and a wink with these user fees and if BAMP had not come out so strongly it would have remained under the radar.
Thank god for BAMP to hell with the administration and their political games. health care is not a matter for games. I have zero confidence in the Minister of health and my confidence in the govt has seriously dipped.
I need an explanation:
What is the precise nature of these fees?
Who knew what and when?
Why was there not a public announcement of any policy changes?
Are the persons who paid these fees going to be compensated?
Has the govt relinquished control of the qeh to the board?
How could the board be unaware of such changes?
Owen and his crew can attempt to deal with this after the elections. I will deal with it at the voting booth.
Floyd // December 18, 2007 at 9:29 am
I think you guys need to start a thread on this topic on the website. Submissions never generate as much comment as a main thread.
Straight talk // December 18, 2007 at 10:58 am
Bush TEA ( Trainee Engineering Apprentice )
I am not “swayed” by evolution theory, after examining the evidence, it is up to now the most plausible explanation.
I accept that the ability to choose is what sets man apart from all other creations, oops should I say evolutions.
Modern man alone can choose to ignore the laws of natural selection, if he so desires, and he can also freely choose the path he takes through life.
This individuality is not, as I see it, the intelligent design of a creator ( BBE ), but the engine of our advanced evolution.
In the same way, a gene can replicate itself ad infinitum, but it requires an occasional mutant gene, and an even more occasional mutant gene with a distinct advantage in its own environment, to progress the species.
If this is what you refer to as “maturity of the mind”, I’m with you all the way.
Admittedly I have no idea of the real story you have discovered, and am restless with anticipation to hear the full story.
As for your sperm analogy, I can sympathise with the unsuccessful, but that is natural selection again as the stronger swimmers ascend the podium to receive their rewards.
In the same way I can envisage the trials and tribulations of all my ancestors as they struggled through life in order to provide a better one for their progeny, culminating in my and my family’s now comparatively cosseted life.
One of the greatest attributes we have developed is the ability to second guess the thoughts and behaviour of our fellows.
But you are still puzzling me.
I await with your next epistle.
Bush tea // December 18, 2007 at 9:22 pm
St,
I suspect that you are either a lawyer or you should be…. You manage to so eloquently use my positions to support yours that I myself see your point quite clearly…even though I disagree.
However, I will not try to change your mind about evolution, I will be content with a promise from you to view an episode of National Geographic’s “the incredible human machine” and if you still think that this is the result of ‘random mutations in gene replications, I will definitely give up.
But the objective here is not for me to convince you of my ‘correctness’ - just to tell you about my theory.
….so to the question “WHY ARE We HERE?” the answer, according to my theory, is as follows:
1. Absolute reality is in fact a spiritual world which operates beyond our scope of understanding. (much like Lowdown’s goats could never conceptualize the complexities of human existence. )
2. All life forms have as a common denominator the process of reproduction.
3. The process of reproduction in a spiritual world would be complicated by the challenge of ‘creating character’. (How do you create a baby BBE and be guaranteed that that newborn has the correct CHARACTER as well as FREE WILL and omnipotence?)
4 The solution? Establish a limited (physical) world with MMEs created ‘in the image of BBE’ - but limited by time and space.
5. Supply all conditions needed to build the needed CHARACTER acceptable for membership of the BBE society. Conditions include Good, Evil, Love, Hate, Hardship, Success, peace, war, fuel, food etc etc.
6. Allow billions of MMEs to live the experience - each with the POTENTIAL to achieve the character development needed.
7. After a proscribed period, the process is terminated and the successful MMEs, who at the end of their temporary existence in the process, demonstrate that they have the CHARACTER required, are then ‘born again’ into the BBE society to complete the cycle of reproduction.
Now during the process of reproduction, many MMEs find ways to really enjoy themselves in all sorts of ways - some become rich, some become educated, some have great sex lives- while of course some others fail miserably and some suffer quite badly.
I would be surprised if individual human sperm were aware of the GREAT prize that awaits the ones that successfully completes the course to the egg….no doubt some of them have great fun for the few minutes of their journey.
The problem is that when the BBE reproductive cycle is completed, ALL MMEs will be terminated.
So as Jesus summarized… what shall it profit a man even if he gains the whole world - only to lose his soul?
So for the short answer - we are here as part of a process of extending the family of BBE. That is the Gospel.
The fact that (like human sperm) the vast majority of us are totally unaware of this Gospel does not change the fact- as I said, truth is not determined by popular poll.
However, by this time next year it will all be much clearer to everyone on this earth… I can assure you of that much.
Straight talk // December 19, 2007 at 3:21 am
Bush Tea:
I.A.N.A.L
No I am not a lawyer, but that does not preclude me from being conceited, or just plain wrong.
Unconventional theories, by their very nature, always need some clarification to those hearing them for the first time.
Help me out with the following :-
Why should the BBE need to reproduce, if their creative capacity is such that it far exceeds nature’s best efforts? Immortality should be a doddle for them.
Incidentally, if the whole exercise is to select MMEs worthy of promotion, why create the incredibly complex system of bio-diversity of which the novice can only experience a tiny proportion in its gestation?
According to your theory, has all human life as we know it one been one “pregnancy”, i.e. for one BBE inductee, or is it a more “heavenly” concept where many candidates with the necessary Character have qualified and are raised up?
Using your sperm analogy again, I suppose what I’m trying to understand is whether our world is one ejaculation for one new B(a)BE and we must await, as it were, a second coming for the next one, or can we expect many new BBEs from this unique existence.
What cataclysmic event do you predict for next year?
And finally the biggy - Who was the first BBE, and more importantly who was his grandfather?
Hope you can help me out.
St
Bush tea // December 19, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Hi St, sorry about the delay - busy period for me…
I am not surprised at your concerns; these and some others were my initial stumbling blocks. I really wanted to make sense of the whole mess so after persisting for some time, I was able to satisfy myself completely.
All I will do here is tell you what satisfied me - NOT try to convince or satisfy your doubts.
1… Why should BBE reproduce… etc?
A- I do not know why. But I have observed that EVERYTHING that lives in this creation (..still plugging away there..) does. Since our world is modeled on BBE’s (and in fact man is made “in his image”) I feel that it is reasonable to deduce that reproduction is a common feature across worlds.
Another strong indicator lies in the ‘manual’ through the frequent references to mankind becoming ’sons of God’ ; being ‘born of the spirit’ etc.
B – Why not just create baby BBEs?
Think about this one a bit…. ‘Creating’ is clearly not a problem for BBE. However the METHOD of creating PERSONALITY, CHARACTER and RIGHTEOUSNESS is interesting. It is what differentiates a HUMAN from any other being.(except BBE) (..and interestingly, it is a characteristic that continues to defy understanding by our most modern science)
If you create omnipotent beings directly, you end up with angels or devils. CHARACTER and PERSONALITY needs to be built up, groomed, refined and ingrained. As I said –the solution is to place TEMPORARY MMEs in a suitable short term environment where the only real thing that can be accumulated of worth is …you guessed it… RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHARACTER and PERSONALITY.
2… Why such a complex arrangement WRT biodiversity etc for ‘selecting’ MMEs?
A – Well ‘complex’ is a relative term. What may be complex for a MME may be basic stuff for a BBE. There were lots of challenges that I considered complex before I understood integral Calculus or C+ programming.
3…Has all creation (LOL) been “One pregnancy” seeking a single MME for promotion?
Definitely not! This world has been a project aimed at producing a significant number of new BBE inductees. It is more like a marriage than a ‘pregnancy’.
4… Next year?
That is a long story. But as I said the project is winding down, and the ‘manual’ provides many indications of what is to be expected in the end game. Years of research tells me that 2007-2008 will mark a dramatic change in global affairs. People have a tendency to look more carefully at spiritual matters in times of difficulty than in times of boom. I expect spiritual interest to pick up significantly by this time in 2008….
5…The Biggie…
The biggest challenge I had in seeking to comprehend this concept is to remember that WE are the limited pathetic beings here – bound by two concepts that were created SOLELY to constrain us in time and space.
The whole IDEA of time sequence with ancestors etc is a time initiated concept. Such constraints are not applicable to BBE.
I have NO IDEA where the first BBE came from – perhaps there is a Super BBE operating at an even higher level, but then there are so many other things that I have no idea of, that I do not find this void to be daunting. I can picture two of “Lowdown’s” goats trying to figure out where he came from too….
Paul said it this way “For now we see through a glass, darkly. But later we shall see face to face. Now I know in parts but then I shall know just as I am known.
dafadil // December 20, 2007 at 8:34 am
As I read this article I could only agree with the comments made. We are indeed still slaves to the culture and norms that are presented to us. We have not yet evolved into right thinking individuals, but if not now then when? We still teach our children to be safe and find a job, forgetting that there is another choice, open your own enterprise. Teaching our children to take chances on a heartfelt idea is a hard sell for us blacks, why I wonder? Because we are not by nature risk takers, our spirits have been beaten down so often that our risk taking needs are all but non existent. This needs to change. As the article indicated the 10% has to be responsible enough to help the other 90% rise up and succeed. But the usual route is to go the ‘white’ man and what do you think will happen?
Take the East Indians they loan to each other to help each other, what happened to us blacks? I think this might be constructive criticism, so blacks might wake up to reality. Please read what has been said about us…
Straight talk // December 22, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Bush Tea:
In my mind your theory is too close to classical Judeo- Christian belief for me to comment at this most joyous time, when all men come together and celebrate whatever.
I sincerely wish you and your dearest, and in fact the whole of Barbados, the very best of eveything and that their fondest dreams come true.
Merry Christmas everybody.
David // December 22, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Sources close to BU confirm that although Prime Minister Arthur did not attend the Church ceremony of the wedding of Minister Eastmond he definitely put in an appearance at the reception. Reports also confirm that he was in an expansive mode and had to be quickly escorted from the area by party faithfuls.
worried // December 24, 2007 at 12:18 pm
I am concerned about how people like Chris Halsell who was fired by all the telecommunications operators could be a big advisor for Invest Barbados and Ms Mottley. who is he and what does he bring?
Also who is Elliott Sachar for him to be getting everything he wants from the Ministry of economic development?what does he bring to the table?
Adrian Loveridge // December 24, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Worried…
Elliott Sachar is currently the President of BIBA (Barbados International Business Association).
You can find a profile of his career on their website.
Former President of Blue Communications and FutureKids (Caribbean).
Chartered Accountant and studied at University of Cape Town.
Currently listed as head of Island Fax Limited which I have not found listed in the Barbados telephone directory or on the CAIPO site, but that maybe because it has not been updated since April 2007.
David // December 24, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Does anyone know whether there was a tender to manage the Concorde operation at the airport by the BTI?
Donavere Alberto Codrington // December 24, 2007 at 7:56 pm
The Codrington Family would like the Barbados Media Relief Fund to announce to the Barbadian Public that not one cent of the funds which they collected in the telethon have been given to any of Donavere’s surviving children.
They are refusing to do so despite several emails and calls concerning this matter.
The Codrington Family accepts the fact that the money was not collected on our behalf (as stated by representatives of CBC, who said they are guided by the Min of Social Transformation in the disbursement of the funds) so let the public know this.
It would seem to me that the Barbadian public paid for their own, xmas and election hampers this year, thanks to their generous donations to the telethon.
Wishing in Vain // December 24, 2007 at 8:09 pm
This is indeed a shame that monies collected on behalf of these stricken families will never make it to where it ought to make it, disgraceful indeed disgraceful.
May you all have a safe and healthy Christmas and New Years may the Lord bless you all.
Bush tea // December 24, 2007 at 9:55 pm
David,
I have to tell you that the snow on the Blog is TIGHT!?!
You deserve some kind of special recognition for the work that you are doing here….
I am not a ‘Christmas person’, But I wish you and yours all the best of the season and BBE’s protection in the new year….
Wishing in Vain // December 24, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Let us look at the number of articles written on the subject of the Louis Lynch Scholl fiasco, in this clipping it ends on the 26th Jan 2006 and on the 24th Dec 2007 we are still awaiting a decision on the future of this school this is really a disgraceful shame.
Worried // December 25, 2007 at 7:00 am
Adrian, thamks for the info. I heard yesterday that Sachar is running Blue Communications and apparently is very close to Mottley so he can get her to do anything. I still waiting to hear about this Halsell guy who seems to be a big time advisor to Mottley even though all the telecommunications operators got rid of him.
Why is he here? Does he have a work permit to advise Mottley?
Fred // December 25, 2007 at 7:27 am
No wonder that he was so uncomfortable at a certain party of a big corporate event and he was in the company of so many DEMS around those DEMS in Parliament and those from the Senate were present he did not last too long at the event, maybe he felt uneasy in their company.
Seems to me that a lot of these BLP hopefulls are no longer so confident in themselves or their staus at the polls the are making fleeting appearences at social events and generally the guest are not flocking around to hear what they are saying as used to the case hence they have lost the limelight and the glow and it is clearly manifesting it in their actions to the public.
I am also now hearing that the two seats that the blp considered safe seats are no longer so these two being the clown Rawle Eastmond’s and Ronald Toppin’s seats my understanding of the rsult of a poll conducted indicates a very narrow margin of seperation between the candidates of the blp and those of the DLP.
Well done guys keep the effort going to the finish line.
Georgie Porgie // December 28, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Arthur added: “I look forward to the next term especially in the area of health care, the opportunity to build a new hospital excites me (and) to build the University College of Barbados, to have all of the communities in Barbados fully developed by the end of the first decade . . . . All have to get roads, all lights, all community facilities and stuff like that.
This excerpt from some drivel delivered by the drunken dwarf depresses me. Here is a medical illiterate talking about something about which he knows nothing.
BARBADOS DOES NOT NEED A NEW HOSPITAL—IT NEEDS A SECOND HOSPITAL or other special hospitals.
We actually had a second hospital operating in the early nineties that was closed down by the BLP!
Provision was made for a new OPTHALMIC WING ON TOP OF CASUALTY by the DLP in the last administration
Bajans must resist the idea that HEALTCARE = HOSPITAL CARE (OR TERTIARY CARE).
What we need is to ensure that our Public Health preventative institutions maintain their integrity, and we need to improve them.
We need also to ensure that we improve our delivery of primary and secondary care to the poor, the elderly and all children. The well off are traditionally able to pay for their of primary and secondary care. Once our Public Health preventative institutions are functioning properly and our primary and secondary care is available to all and improved, our tertiary or hospital care will be reduced drastically.
A large proportion of folk who are so ill to be treated in hospital are at deaths door.
A new spanking hospital building is a legacy for those who like to see their erections, but buildings don’t hospitals or healthcare make.
LET COMMON SENSE PREVAIL
VOTE THIS BETZPAENIC MAN OUT OF OFFICE.
HOW CAN YOU CLOSE A NEWLY REFURBISHED AND REFITTED HOSPITAL 13 YEARS AGO AND NOW COME AND TELL US WE NEED A NEW HOSPITAL NOW.
DID YOU CONSULT ANYONE IN THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY?
REAL DOCTORS WILL TELL YOU THAT THEY NEED PROPER NURSING STAFF AND EQUIPMENT SO THAT THEY CAN EFFECT PROCEEDURES.
THE SURGEONS AT QEH WILL TELL YOU THAT THEY NEED MORE ANAESTHETISTS SO THAT THE LISTS DON’T STOP AT 1 AM WHEN THE PART TIME ANAESTHETISTS GO HOME CAUSING THE REMAINING CASES ON THE LISTS TO BE CANCELLED.
Sandra // December 28, 2007 at 2:03 pm
So now that xmas is over did anyone think that by giving the title/name Christmas to what was previously a pre-christian festival the church may have made a mistake? I mean how can anyone put Christ back into Christmas if he was never part of it in the first place? In all my years I have wondered what his role is cause’ I sure can’t see it. I can see the end of the year being a good time to have parties and just celebrate that one lived for another year but where does the baby in a manger come into it when informed minds know that he was not born on December 25th? Do these questions bother anyone? Should the season be given its original name now?
Concerned Bajan // December 28, 2007 at 6:37 pm
I have a friend who has confirmed that the rate of deaths at the QEH as reached alarming numbers. The number is distressing because the mortality rate of newborn babies is also rising. Can we discuss?
Jerome Hinds // December 28, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Concerned Bajan // December 28, 2007 at 6:37 pm
I have a friend who has confirmed that the rate of deaths at the QEH as reached alarming numbers. The number is distressing because the mortality rate of newborn babies is also rising. Can we discuss?
**********************************
Concerned Bajan,
What you expected ?
The ” ACE ” Abortionist….George Griffith is on the QEH Board !
Georgie Porgie // December 28, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Concerned Bajan
We cannot comment on why the rate of deaths at the QEH has reached alarming numbers. But we can ask questions such as
1- What are the diagnoses of the deceased?
2- What are the ages of the deceased?
3- Did the deceased die because of poor medical or nursing care or human error?
4- Did the deceased pass because of terminal illnesses like cancer etc?
If the answer is not # 3 we need not be alarmed. We have a population with a large number of elderly folk with diabetes and hypertension who are prone to strokes. They didn’t die from childhood illnesses and have survived to over seventy. Since 100% of folk who have been born die (except Enoch and Elijah) we might see many elderly dieing. At least that is the trend I see in the death notices in the Nation online.
5- To comment on the rising infant mortality rate we would have to look at many variables, which I cant really properly get into here, without having the statistics.
Mr Griffith’s presence on the Board is very unlikely to be a factor as stated by the last poster.
Anonymous // December 29, 2007 at 6:58 am
Is it true that former Chief Immigration Officer was viciously gunned down while reading a newspaper on his patio last night?
David // December 29, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Word reaching BU from a reliable source who lives in the area confirms that the late Hutson’s killing is being linked to a transaction with Guyanese. Info is sketchy and we will update later.
Anonymous // December 29, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Yes David
Sad but true.Mr Hutson apparently had to take action against some guyanese and he was killed as a result.
Owen really got these guyanese people feeling real powerful in bajan country - that they could boldly go up to a former CHIEF Immigration Officer home and shoot him multiple times point blank.
Mr David Thompson I hope you know what to do with these large number of guyanese when you get in - Ple e a a s s e e Do It With Haste.
transaction David? // December 29, 2007 at 2:34 pm
If this was a regular immigration ‘transaction’ why was there a murder? This is a very disturbing new thing to happen in Barbados, indeed.
Who remembers murders in Barbados being anything other than domestic, and it has always been said that violent crime in Barbados is almost completely domestic, barring and excepting for some resulting from the ‘drug’ trade.
What category and motivation do we have in this case? This should be closely watched.
David // December 29, 2007 at 2:58 pm
transaction David ~what has happened provoked us to blog on it. It is truly a disturbing trend which has emerged in Barbados. See our recent blog.
frankology // December 29, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Hold it right there!.. Why are we speculating how and why the late Kenrick Hutson was killed. I am close to the Hutson’s family and it brought tears to my eyes. My family and I grieved with the Hutson’s family during this tragic period.
Anonymous // December 29, 2007 at 5:51 pm
If you are so close to the Hutson family as you claim,then you would know what the family suspects.
frankology // December 29, 2007 at 6:14 pm
During a tragedy like this, the family will be trying to come to grips with the killing and the questions will be why will someone murder a gentleman with a impeccable character and demour.
Let’s hope the perpetrator is brought to justice, meantime, let’s stop the assumptions about the involvement of politics until we are guaranteed that is the reason.
David // December 29, 2007 at 7:42 pm
frankology you response is part of a problem/dilemma which Barbadians will have going forward. So lets wait until all the facts are in before we realize that we have a problem.
Georgie Porgie // December 29, 2007 at 10:45 pm
no need for change posted on BLP blog
In an article entitled No Change For Change posted on its blog on December 30, 2007, the BLP begs not to be booted out of office remain in office after three term, because
a) in Jamaica ruling parties have benefited from four terms in office,
b) in Australia the John Howard administration was able to retain the confidence of the electorate on four occasions until it suffered a crushing defeat earlier this month,
c) Americans are wont to say that if a thing is not broken you do not change it,
d) a talented BLP team of ministers have introduced innovative programmes which have propelled the country into the category of the number one developing in the world,
e) the fact that you don’t change such an administration for one that brought the country to its knees in 1994 when unemployment rose to the unprecedented level of 22 per cent.
The author of this article needs to understand that Bajans do not have to follow the pattern of either the Jamaicans, the Australians or the Americans.
The author of this article needs also to realize that this is not 1994, and that the DLP are now ready to take over the reins of Government. The DLP HAS BOUNCED BACK.
The author of this article needs to list the members of this talented BLP team of ministers for the Bajan public to understand what they are trying to fool us with.
Does he mean that Wood, or Rommel, or Liz, or Gline Clarke etc are talented? After 13 years Liz cant open the dump. Tell us more about this team of talented ministers. Is Cinty talented too, besides as a primary school teacher?
We are told that “there has been a dramatic turn-around in the country’s fortunes and that foreign reserves have now reached the record level of $2 billion.” They forget that Bajans both at home and abroad are cognizant of the fact that this because the PRIME MINISTER HAS SOLD OUR PRIME LANDS to achieve this! The most serious injury one can attempt to do me is to insult my intelligence.
Strike me, beat me, bite me; do what so ever you will. But do not insult my intelligence.
The author of the article opines “One only has to take a drive along the West and South coasts to witness the evidence of the return of investor confidence.” This is because the Owen Arthur administration has sought to measure success by its erections! Erections like a renewed Kensington Oval that is not owned by the people, a new prison that was built with great cost over runs. Now they want to erect a new hospital?
Are we to understand that the PM having now probably suffering from erectile dysfunction secondary to his chronic alcoholism, is now so focused on the attainment of erections that erections of any sort consumes his every thought?
It is noteworthy that all the Deputy Prime Minister, Mia Mottley can projest for the future is that 3000 persons living in urban tenantries will soon have the titles to their lots transferred at a cost of $2.50 per sq. ft. Is this not a project that should long ago have been completed, having had its origin in the BLP administration from 81-86? All that the “talented” Deputy Prime Minister can currently offer the people is the commitment to the removal of pit toilets from the landscape by the year 2017.
A future BLP government can only offer help from the UDC, the RDC and the Enterprise Growth Fund Ltd to help farmers, barbers and hair stylists. WOW! What rocket science!
The BLP is so determined to have a one party state that the purveyor of this pithy, puerile prose government found it again necessary to comment that “the current pleas being made by the DLP for a change of government are born out of fear of extinction.” The extinction of the DLP, not their defeat at the poll is their main concern. The Jamaican or Australian oppositions that suffered quadruple defeats at the polls did not become extinct. But the BLP seeks that the DLP become EXTINCT if they should lose a fourth consecutive election in Barbados.
A word of warning to the wise ought to be enough!
The author concludes by suggesting the party which rules the streets, rules the country. Is this another veiled warning?
The only sensible or serious sentences in all this drivel with which we can agree are that “ Common sense dictates that people change a government when they recognise that it has lost direction or its relevance. You change an appliance if it is broken or not working well.”
This is what the Bajan electorate must do, at the next election.
Georgie Porgie // December 31, 2007 at 10:16 pm
In an article entitled Haven in the Eastern Caribbean posted on Dec 29th at . http://blp.org.bb/index.phpposted on December 29th at The BLP seems to be trying to make a case for not dealing with excessive migration to Barbados which accounts for the large numbers of Guyanese in the country that seems to be causing great discomfort to Barbadians.
The author pontificates that “ Barbados is to the nationals of the Eastern Caribbean and Guyana, what Britain is to the nationals of Eastern Europe, the Indian Sub-Continent, Africa and the Middle East” totally incognizant or uncaring of the repercussions this is having on Bajans.
Despite admitting that they know that the goal of these illegal immigrants is to in most cases “to gain employment; avoid political marginalization or persecution in their homelands or benefit from the the educational and social programmes that are in place in Barbados.”
I am forced to debunk this pithy puerile prose emanating from their website, because they make it sound like they are manna from heaven and that Owen is the Messiah. Nothing is further from the truth.
It is interesting that the BLP spouts that “An independent judiciary also attracts the attention of prospective emigrants. Non-nationals taking up residence in Barbados know that they can have justice in the law courts. Barbados has a long tradition of an incorruptible judiciary. Judges appointed to sit on the bench have never been removed from office for wrong-doing or the miscarrige of justice.”
This is how it ought to be. What is the fuss? Prospective immigrants and our residents want to know too what was the nature of the quantum of the settlement between Owen and Beverley. This knowledge which has been suppressed by the local courts would inform the populace of the degree of wealth that Owen has accumulated on his salary of less than 200,000 per annum in 12 years, given that in 1993 he claimed he could not live on 48,000 per annum. Ah lie?.
Barbados is being seen as the Gem of the Eastern Caribbean. because for decades there has been good leadership in Barbados. Owen Arthur has not done anything more than anyone else as a leader in their tenure. Adams, Barrow, Adams, St John, Sandiford were all worthy leaders.
Just as artisans and professionals from across the region have flocked to Barbados, so to have Bajans gone overseas seeking work. The fact that our neighbours from the contiguous islands wish to make Barbados our home, is also nothing new. This has gone on for decades. Folk from the Windwards especially used to come over to trade in the days of the inter island schooners and the Federal boats. Many stayed. The current building boom in Barbados has offered many job opportunities to nationals from Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean. That is probably the real reason they are seeking work in Barbados today.
He speaks in another place of setting up a University of Barbados .Let us not forget that university education in Barbados is as old as the hills. Long before UWI, Bajans went up to Codrington College to study for external degrees from the University of Durham. Let us not forget that the Community College that the BLP want to turn into University of Barbados was THE BRAIN CHILD OF ERSKINE LLOYD SANDIFORD.
That Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines has gone on record as saying that Barbados “is the best run black country in the Western hemisphere,and that Non-nationals from the sister territories of the Eastern Caribbean and Guyana are confirming this observation with their decision to work and live among us is NOTHING NEW. THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO SINCE I WAS A LITTLE BOY. It is well written that THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN.
Georgie Porgie // December 31, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Illegal Immigrants Poem
I cross ocean, poor and broke.
Take bus, see employment folk.
Nice man treat me good in there.
Say I need to see welfare.
Welfare say, ‘You come no more,
we send cash right to your door.’
Welfare checks - they make you wealthy!
Free Insurance - it keep you healthy!
By and by, I get plenty money.
Thanks to you, you BAJAN dummy!
Write to friends in motherland.
Tell them ‘come fast as you can.’
They come in turbans and Ford truc ks,
And buy big house with welfare bucks!
They come here, we live togeth er.
More welfare checks, it gets better!
Fourteen families, they moving in,
but neighbor’s patience wearing thin.
Finally, BAJAN guy moves away.
Now I buy his house,then I say,
‘Find more immigrants for house to rent.’
And in the yard I put a tent.
Everything is very good,
and soon we own the neighborhood.
We have hobby, it’s called breeding.
Welfare pay for baby feeding.
Kids need dentist? Wives need pills?
We get free! We got no bills!
BAJANS crazy!
They work all year, to keep the welfare running here.
We think Barbados A. darn good place.
Too darn good for Bajan race!
If they no like us, they can scram.
Got lots of room in the dump at Greenland !
Watchman // January 4, 2008 at 6:33 pm
What is the situation with the first televised debate advertised for tonight? Am I right in hearing that it has been called off? Why? Anyone heard anything about the reasons?
David // January 4, 2008 at 7:04 pm
It was reported in the news that the BLP campaign management did not agree to the format and consequently Dale Marshall refused to turn up even though Michael Lashley was in attendance ready and willing.
YVON MARSHALL // January 6, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I AM A BAJAN LIVING IN ATLANTA GA FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS….I HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY FOLLOWING BARBADIAN POLITICS AND I AM CONVINCED THE OWEN ARTHUR AND THE BLP HAVE LED BARBADOS THE UNMATCHED WEALTH AND FINANCIAL STABILITY..THE FACT IS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN A 106% INCREASE IN CAPITAL PROJECTS AND ULTIMATELY IT BENEFITS ALL BAJANS …
David // January 7, 2008 at 2:13 am
Yvon Marshall do you agree that prosperity is not only measured in economic terms but the social equity must be measured as well? How do we weight one over the other? Do you agree that it is a balance which is critical to gauge success of countries?
frankology // January 11, 2008 at 10:00 am
Goodmorning David.
Both blogs were criticising the fourth estate of of stifling articles by writers with a political slant. The BFP and you lambasted the ‘fourth estate’ on what you saw as a ‘curtailing of expressions’ and of being “bias”. Now I am realising that everyone do have an agenda. I tried to remain constant on the views I express and deal with the issues that have a ’strange underlying cloud’ where partisan views override the real truth, where innuendos are the favoured recipe to entice a sleeping public.
In the past hours, I have realised that my submissions have been placed on moderation by the other blog. Information that I have been submitting are based on actual finding, real research that are linked to reports published in various papers. What I can say is, I never accused anyone of being ‘different” sexually or otherwise, I never using vile remarks or threatening statements to get over a point. Maybe, this is not the view of a blog, it seems that a commenter must be harsh, rude and crude and most of all a’DLP supporter”. This is where the problem lies with the BFP especially. I mentioned in one of my submissions that the commenters are 95% DLP supported writers and I feel that the refusal of my submission is by no means a moderating or a ’spam’ problem, but a deliberate attempt to silence a writer. The elections has not be won and this is just a manifested behaviour of things to come.
If this article is not printed, I can firmly say, Freedom of information and ideals are being challenged.
A Family Saturday Gone Sour // January 13, 2008 at 4:30 pm
My family and I were on our way to Sheraton Centre on Saturday, 12th January, 2008 when we happened upon a motorcade being conducted by the BLP. Staying safely behind the motorcade in an effect to avoid breaking their congaline possession we were noticed by the last jeep which was driver by a woman whom we did not know. She, feeling threatened by the fact that our family car bore the DLP slogan and a picture of Thompson, she beckoned to the ‘trouble threes’ of the motorcade that we were causing her some discomfort.
By the time we reach St. Barnabus we had all intension of using the Mapp Hill Roundabout to continue on our journey toward Sheraton, but this was not to be a peaceful decision.
Some low rate householder decked in a red dress and a pair of white flowered panties left her veranda and came down to our car and started to tear off the DLP stickers, ripped them to threads and threw them into our car. How did I get to know the panties she was wearing? She lifted her dress into the air and showed off herself.
She was then joined by a number of BLP supporters who had stopped a few feet in front our car leaving all four car doors open and joined the bombastic woman in her verbal abuse of my family.
I was not surprised that those offended by our presents were women. I must mention however, that one male happened to approach the car after we proceed away from them and parked on the side of the road to replace our damaged posters.
Forgetting I had my husband’s camera we were only able to capture the women in the background behind us attempting to throw stones at the car.
Frankly I do not see the scene of the whole fiasco. My seven year old son and my fifteen year old daughter were advised by one of the BLP party supporters not to be idiots like them – their parents.
Who are the idiots here? The lady at the rare of the motorcade who wanted us to pass some fifteen or so vehicles in breech of the law for overtaking. (2) The woman who was not even apart of the motorcade exposing herself in the road and in front of minors a (3) cursing and carrying on like there was no tomorrow or (4) the lone man who proceeded to follow the car on foot leaving the Hire car with its doors wide opened partly in the middle of a road beyond the major stop.
Is this still a Democratic country where one can have freedom of movement to reach one’s destination?
David // January 13, 2008 at 4:41 pm
In an election which has been as hotly contested as this one there is a lot at stake. In a way it is God’s Blessings that this election will have a short campaign. Not withstanding the indicators are present that the political landscape of Barbados is starting to change face. Maybe it is not too late to arrest the slide.
frankology // January 13, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Empathy and lies do not match. I read the above article and I can see a poorly concoct story that have no merit. The lady stated she travel to the Map Hill round-about, which I presume is the Bussa round-about. If she proceeded uphill towards the CBC. The majority of houses back the highway, and it will be impossible for someone to go to a car to pull off stickers. This whole episode depicts a failed attempt to create problems with our electioneering process. If this was true, she would have the exact location - house, colour, left or right side location and real facts.
frankology // January 13, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Regrettable we have had to can some comments which in our judgment was leading BU down a path to lalaland.
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I don’t know what you trying to portray of holding back my comments. Comments by WIV, and some commenters, not only borders libel, but goes far past what is construed as downright libel and an insult to public officials that will degrade our island. Ever article I post, I do endless research before any posting. My information comes from actual statements and not from what commenters say. As you know, commenters usually makes wild statements that people refuse to challenge.
Wishing in Vain // January 13, 2008 at 7:58 pm
You are so full of a load of crap you are, take your licks like a man and shut up with your constant crying.
David // January 13, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Let us state for the record that we have never deleted any comments posted by Frankology.
frankology // January 13, 2008 at 8:29 pm
You are so full of a load of crap you are, take your licks like a man and shut up with your constant crying
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I always take my licks like man. Do you?
frankology // January 13, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Let us state for the record that we have never deleted any comments posted by Frankology.
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Thanks BU for being the fairer blog. We all have our partisan views, but we must act professionally whilst carrying out our mandate.
This is hope for all our voters on Tuesday. It’s your democratic right to vote for the party you see fit to govern this country. In so doing, you must vote for the candidate within your constituency in order for the party of your choice to win. Another thing, you might vote for a particular party, or you might vote for an individual that in your observation, would make a better representative, here again, that is your right.
So whoever you vote for, do it for yourself, do not be intimidated by people, but it must be your conscious that will motivate you.
I will be voting for a chance for change, or a change for chance. I will do my thing on Tuesday and may the better party win. Regardless of the outcome, we still have to eat and sleep in this land call Barbados.
David // January 14, 2008 at 6:59 am
Frankology we do not appreciate the comment about BFP. In fact we go further ans attribute a big part of our decision to start this blog because we bought in to what BFP was/is doing. You don’t have to agree with BFP but you must agree that their emergence has started a new way news in Barbados is and will be handled in the future.
frankology // January 14, 2008 at 10:31 am
David, I had no alternative but to air my objections of how BFP handles commenters. From the time BFP stated who it will be voting for, I submitted over 15 submissions and onlt three reach the blog. All the others were either deleted or still on moderation. This is not ‘Free democracy”. Ask Marcus or Cliverton why my posts are still on moderation, and please do not blame ’spam’ for the refusal.
Anonymous // January 14, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Frankology, frankology,frankology, I thought you were not going to vote. You don’t seem to know sometimes if you sitting or standing. Ever thought about getting your own blog?
David I agree with you. Barbados’ landscape has changed and obviously it is not for the better. I shudder to think what may happen in the next Gen Elec.
I also shudder to think what is going to happen when people realise that they have only themselves to rely on and everything done gone. I cannot see it being pretty.
Barbados has entered another phase of its development or life. It is not looking good. Hooray for the economy according to some but I see bare stress for the people. Lost and not even aware.
Well, we will live until we die I suppose.
Bizzy and Nichols know better // January 14, 2008 at 3:21 pm
My take on it is different. Whoever wins it has to be a beginning and a mandate to do the right thing. If we now can view understand that there is widespread corruption it is up to Barbadians to work with every sinew they have to stop it, to correct it, and to redirect a course that we can be proud of.
By taking the high road yes, we live until we die. By taking the low road we are already dead.
David Moves Sister Baby comments // February 1, 2008 at 6:35 pm
#
Prof. Wren, Please kindly allow me to tell you that you are born a Hindu, that is why there are missionaries converting others to Hinduism. However, I have attended the Radhna Krishna Mandir in my country Guyana. Yiu also claim that Dr, Jagan’s book, and I gather it’s The West on Trial is one sided, well, may I kindly suggest that you read PM Burnham’s book A Destiny to Mould and you will see the other half. Now I have heard the late American newscaster Mr. Ed Bradley say that Guyana has a wonderful tension to it and the he really enjoyed touching down on BWIA now Caribbean Airlines at GEO and then heading into GT to have some roti and curry. So I don’t know what Dr. Gibson talking about. Oh gosh MASH is coming up and it is celebrated on the birth date of the first PM of a free and fair Guyana, His Excellency Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, and then of course President Jagdeo’s birthday is a few days later. YEAH Oh we welcome everyone to Guyana for MASH, CARIFESTA and in Cayenne GUYAFESTA. GUYANA an equal place under the sun, Come to Guyana and see for yourself. Those Guyanese that are coming to Barbados are really Barbadian, including the East Indians ones, you know they are dougla, but since you all know nothing about racial types you classify them as East Indians, they coming home. I don’t have any Barbadian in me so I have no desire to come to BGI. I don’t even stop there anymore on Caribbean Airways, I going nonstop to POS and on to GEO.
#
Sister Baby // February 1, 2008 at 1:08 am (edit)
Prof. I meant to say NO MISSIONARIES
#
Sister Baby // February 1, 2008 at 1:13 am (edit)
Yes we have oil in our country, and if that Fineman who is now Devilman to me had any sense he would have waited for the rig to come form Trinidad to dill for oil and then try to get a job on the rig, but no he goes and kills people in their sleep. That is a sin and I as a sometime Hindu knows that he will come back as a rat and we set a trap for him and that will be the end of him.
#
Sister Baby // February 1, 2008 at 2:09 am (edit)
I was born in Guyana of Guyanese parents of course in those days it was British Guiana and the then Governor was Sir Patrick Renison. I have no Barbadian blood in me, but I am a Hindu, Obeah, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of God In Christ and Anglican. My favourite foods are curry and roti, anything curried, except goats, lanb, pork and beef. I love prawn curry and a nice aloo roti. Analysis, you are Guyanese whether you have Barbadian parents or English parents, you are Guyanese. And this nonsense of about there will be no Guyana is utter rubbish. You don’t understand the dynamics of our country and that is why you can say NO Guyana, which is foolish thingking, it is more like NO BARBADOS, as global warming is coming and will swallow up Barbados. And as Our lovely Minister of Social Affairs was saying to Lusignan residents ayo bettah behave ayo selves as ayo gun get hurt, the same applies to you all, behave yourselves as it is to this pressure cooker ayuh coming tuh in the next 50 years when there is NO MORE BARBADOS. Yes ayuh coming home soon, and as Granny Wilson use to say the world is circular and what goes around comes around. There you go. Oh I saw that Dr. Esther Sookoo in the papers today, and I can tell that giel is one smart girl. Dr. Sookoo come home to Guyana and practice your medical profession at the New Georgetown Public Hospital. Rihanna, lovely ad about me, except I can’t drink milk straight down, I have to add milo and ovaltine, so now you got to get into those ads. love you and hope you come to Carifesta. To the residents of Lusignan, ECD, The lOrd told methis morning that Fineman the man who carried out the killings has cancer of the brains and will die soon even if he is not caught by GDF
Sister Baby
Dr. Wren, You are wondering which university Dr. Gibson graduated from, well dear Dr. Wren, Dr. Gibson certainly did not graduate from the University of Guyana at Turkeyen, I had to say Turkeyen, because there is the University of Guyana at Tain in Berbice, UGB. Had Dr. Gibson obtain her degree from UG the book title would have had to change to Racial Tensions in the United States, East Indians would become white people, Afro Guyanese, African Americans, Stabroek News, the New York Times, Dr. Clive Thomas would be Dr. Alvin Pouissant, and President Jagdeo would be President Bush. With those changes the UG Board of Examinations would have said to her Great Wrtiring Skills Dr. Gibson, and with that we confer you with your degree of Doctorate in Literature.
Overlook // February 11, 2008 at 12:51 pm
It was interesting reading the composition of the N.C.F board and notice there is no place for a qualified musician.I am making this statement because over the years the music department was staff by persons who had or have very little knowledge in music education.Some of these same people are working with young children at the primary school level.
Music is considered not merely a skill to be mastered, but more deeply as an expression of the feelings, values and convivtions found throughout humanity.It is my feeling that the study, performance and creation of music can lead to an awareness of one’s own values.As in many other parts of the developed world we need to expose our kids to various aspects of music history, theory and performance with the intent of fostering a life long understanding of music,thereby influecing their careers.
Over to you Hon. Minister.
Concerned Bajan // February 12, 2008 at 5:48 am
Overlook you are making a telling point. Remember all the confusion at Crop Over about judges etc? Remember that Crop Over is a significant even on the national callender? Music is a big part of the festival and our culture. Your observation is bang on Sir.
Overlook // February 13, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Concern Bajan, I think we should lobby for some change at the N.C.F. There are too many consultants and not professionals in the various disciplines at that institution. I have attended meetings and workshops and observed very few members making presentations in their special areas and in the case of music none.
I’m very concerned about the music programe or lack of done by the N.C.F. We know that Culture is nothing static and can also be referred to as patterns of human activity and symbolic structures that gives such activities significance and importance.
One of the first discipline you will find in culture is music, so if the Foundation is going to take it into the schools it should be a well structured programe taught by qualified and competent musicians.
Our children deserve better.
David // February 14, 2008 at 5:26 am
We agree with you Outlook. There is a new government let us hope that it brings the promised change. We wonder why people like Boo Rudder and Elombe and others have not been invited back to work with the NCF full time.
Georgie Porgie // February 16, 2008 at 12:20 pm
The new St. John Polyclinic will be completed as a matter of priority and other capital investments, both private and public, in the health care sector will be undertaken to ensure the restoration of Barbados place as a number one community health care provider, he noted.
==============================
I read the above nonsense in today’s advocate, and wonder why one would follow such an idea. Any clinic to serve the interests of the St John folk is best sited below Salters intersection where Highways X and 4 meet. By placing the clinic at this location we enlarge its catchment area, because the catchment area for such a clinic will then be most of St George, most of St John, sections of northern St Philip and an area in the central easterly section of St Michael.
We need to stop thinking parochially and in terms of constituences, and think in terms of regions served by available public transport. To place a clinic in St John where the abandoned clinic is sited is out of the way for most St John residents using the current bus system.
Currently there is a badly sited clinic at the Glebe and there was one at Gall Hill. Both of these satellite clinics Satellite clinics at these sites were established in the fifties by the late Prof Standard. But now these clinics should be amalgamated and cited below Salters intersection where Highways X and 4 meet, and where they really belong. Such a move facilitates attendance by those who depend on the public transport services.
area in the central easterly section of St Michael.
Relocation of these clinics will also free up the building at the Glebe, and the abandoned building in St John for use as a center for educational, social and other activities (police station, courts etc, library post poffice, as at Holetown .
By placing the Zone four Polyclinic/Emergency Center below below Salters intersection where Highways X and 4 meet, we enlarge its catchment area, and get more bang for our buck! We also free up the building at the Glebe, and the abandoned building in St John for use as a center for educational, social and other activities.
Finally the clinic does not have to be a sprawling monstrosity as some of those currently existing, in which there is a lot of unused space.
Karia // February 17, 2008 at 9:45 am
As an individual who works in the Social Serice sector in North America, it is sad to read about Mr. Stephen Grant’s diagnosos and the ongoing problems he has faced his entire life.
Are Barbadians so preoccupied with wealth that they refuse to address social issues such as Mr. Grants health and housing issues. It is sad when a Welfare worker refuse to accomodate him in their office and nothing is done about their attitude towards this man. I am sure there are great bajans out there who are willing to advocate on his behalf. His support plan is simple, health care and housing. This man is not on any form of drugs or does not have any mental health issues that is being mentioned. Come on let Mr. Grant spend the latter half of his life in dignity.
One day while vacationing abroad take a trip to our shelters here and then you will be thankful for the minor cases you have there. Barbadians are suppose to be God fearing people where is that fear and compassion when addressing the serious needs of your own people.
Media Dissertation // March 2, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Media Freedom and Political Debate in the Digital Era
Jacob Rowbottom**King’s College, Cambridgea*King’s College, Cambridge
aKing’s College, Cambridge. With thanks to Michael Birnhack, the participants of the Cambridge University Public Law Discussion Group and the anonymous referees for comments on earlier drafts.
Go to sectionTop of pageAbstractMEDIA FREEDOM AND MODELS OF ME…HOPES AND FEARS FOR ONLINE EXP…SELF-EXPRESSION AND PARTICIPAT…MEDIA ELITES AND ONLINE EXPRES…MEDIA REGULATION AND DEMOCRATI…CONCLUSION
Abstract
This article examines the impact of online expression on theories of media freedom. While media freedom has generally been justified instrumentally, the opportunities for expression via the Internet may require greater emphasis on the interests of the individual speaker. Despite this development, this article shows how a small number of speakers will still command a much wider audience and have greater influence over political debate. For such speakers the approach to media freedom devised in the mass media era will remain applicable.
Since its inception, the new media has been predicted to revolutionise political communications.1 While it is still early days and the technology continues to develop, many predictions have been partially realised. In the 2004 US elections, the weblog (blog), which allows individuals to keep a log of their comments and views online and to update them regularly, was the most talked about development. The blogs produced by individual citizens were seen to act as a watchdog on both politicians and the established media. While this was the big story of 2004, there is no reason to assume the blog will be the dominant format in the future. Already there is talk of podcasting and videoblogging superseding the text-based blog. The new technology is said to be breaking down the barrier between citizen and journalist. An indication of this process was apparent in the wake of the July 2005 bombings in London. Pictures of the immediate aftermath and videos of police raids taken with mobile phones helped to tell the story to the rest of the world. Developments in technology are not restricted to individuals; the established media are also adapting their services. The BBC, for example, already makes a number of its television programmes available for viewing online and many media providers are looking for ways to allow the audience to interact with and comment upon their content. A number of established media entities are buying up companies associated with new media, for example BSkyB has acquired the broadband supplier Easynet;2 ITV has bought Friends Reunited and News Corp has bought the owners of http://www.myspace.com, Intermix.3 Such moves reflect the established media’s goal to increase their use of digital technologies to distribute content.
These developments raise the question of whether online content should be subject to the same regulations as other types of media or be relatively free of any restraints. If a website features political advocacy in an election campaign, should it carry the name and address of the publisher as is required for printed posters supporting candidates?4 Should some online content providers be subject to right of reply laws or a duty to cover certain types of content? A heavy-handed approach to regulation may discourage innovation by individual users, as seen in the blogs and many individual websites. However, a hands-off approach carries the danger of undermining the public duties of the media and allowing political debate to become skewed. Such issues are heightened if online technologies become the dominant mode of political communication.
This article does not seek to answer these specific questions, but will address two preliminary issues. First, whether the normative approach to dealing with media freedom should be modified in the light of these changes and place greater emphasis on the individual speaker. The second issue is whether these changes lead to a new paradigm in which regulations to promote the public service element of media activity are inappropriate. In addressing these issues, this article will consider arguments that online expression requires a different approach from that accorded to the traditional mass media. The main grounds for a new approach are premised upon the low cost of communications; the relative ease of participation; the greater emphasis on user control and consequent demise of mediators and controlling elites. While accepting the many beneficial changes brought about through online communications, this article will argue that rather than generating a level playing field, online expression can not only perpetuate existing media elites, but also create new ones. Consequently, online expression operates at different tiers, as found in the offline world. The regulatory approach may therefore require different methods depending on the tier of expression.
In making this argument, the article will be divided into five sections. The first will look at the traditional approaches to regulating the mass media and the relationship between expression rights and media freedom. The second section will examine some of the academic responses to the Internet and its impact on the media and freedom of expression. The third section will consider the increased opportunities for individual participation on the Internet, which differentiate it from traditional forms of mass media. The fourth section will then show how certain media organisations/speakers maintain an elite status online that gives disproportionate influence over public debate. Finally, possible strategies of regulation and the various pitfalls will be outlined. While this raises a range of important issues for different categories of expression, the central focus of this article will be the coverage of politics and political debate, an issue that lies at the heart of the democratic and public service functions of the media.
Underlying this argument is a view that the regulation of the media and the protection of its freedom must be understood in the context of how people communicate. A system designed with pamphleteers in mind would surely be inappropriate in an age where television is the dominant form of mass communication. Similarly it is necessary to ask whether the development of online expression, such as the Internet, changes why and how we should protect media freedom.5 This is not to adopt a position of technological determinism. Law does not take a secondary role; it takes an active role in shaping how the technology develops and how it will be used. The current media practices are in part a product and reflection of the regulatory environment. However, the regulatory environment may need to be adapted to respond to these practices. Such changes in the regulation may help ensure that the technology and its use continue to develop in ways that reflect democratic and public service values.
Go to sectionTop of pageAbstractMEDIA FREEDOM AND MODELS OF ME…HOPES AND FEARS FOR ONLINE EXP…SELF-EXPRESSION AND PARTICIPAT…MEDIA ELITES AND ONLINE EXPRES…MEDIA REGULATION AND DEMOCRATI…CONCLUSION
MEDIA FREEDOM AND MODELS OF MEDIA REGULATION
The model of media regulation must be considered in light of rights of expression and media freedom. The relationship between the right of expression and media freedom is complex.6 Starting with freedom of expression, three well-known justifications are often advanced.7 The first view is that freedom of expression is essential to a person’s autonomy and self-fulfilment. The second is the marketplace of ideas, that minimal government regulation will allow robust debate between citizens that is most likely to lead to the truth. The third justification is that freedom of expression is a necessary component of democratic government. There is an overlap between these justifications and all have been subject to extensive criticisms.8 Instrumental justifications are often invoked to support media freedom, for example as providing a public function in disseminating information, viewpoints and ideas.9 As Lord Bingham explained in McCartan Turkington Breen v Times Newspapers:
the majority cannot participate in the public life of their society … if they are not alerted to and informed about matters which call or may call for consideration and action. It is very largely through the media … that they will be so alerted and informed. The proper functioning of modern participatory democracy requires that the media be free, active, professional and enquiring.10
It is harder to maintain that media freedom is valuable because it contributes to the self-fulfilment of the speaker. Only a limited number of people can air their views on television or write their own newspaper column. A barrier exists between the journalist or reporter, and the audience. Even if speakers are granted access to the mass media, this right can only be engaged by a small number of groups or individuals.11 The value of media freedom comes from the way it serves the interests of the public and audience.12
That media freedom is instrumentally justified tells us little about how this freedom is best protected. For example, in the US Justice Stewart argued for the autonomy of select media institutions, distinct from other speech rights, to secure independence from the government.13 This has not been the approach adopted by the courts in the US, under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) or in UK law. A contrasting view is reflected in Sir John Donaldson’s statement that the media’s ‘right to know and their right to publish is neither more nor less than that of the general public’.14 However, equating media freedom with that of individual speakers is not always helpful given that the way the media exercise their freedom will be different from that of individual speakers, given the scale and influence of their operations. Furthermore, the two freedoms may conflict. Those controlling the mass media may use their freedom to undermine the expression rights of others, for example excluding particular points of view. While the same point may be made about other institutions that control forums for expression,15 the point is particularly pressing for the media given its reach and influence over public debate. Consequently, Professor Judith Litchenberg writes:
Unlike freedom of speech, to which certain aspects of which our commitment must be virtually unconditional, freedom of the press should be contingent on the degree to which it promotes certain values at the core of our interest in freedom of expression generally.16
This approach can be seen in the European Court of Human Rights’ jurisprudence under Article 10 where special protection is granted to the media when performing its ‘public watchdog’ role ‘to impart information and ideas of public interest’.17 This protection is granted to the media not as an institution, but rather to the product of the speaker and its capacity to serve debate on matters in the public interest.
The view that media freedom should be protected in so far as it serves that value of freedom of expression helps to explain why some regulations of media activities are consistent with Article 10.18 The point should not be overstated, as the ECtHR’s support for media regulation is limited to merely finding it consistent with Article 10 as a necessary limit on the media expression, rather than finding it to be a necessary component of expression rights. Craufurd Smith argues that the regulation of the media need not be seen in this way as a necessary limitation of expression rights, but can be seen as a way of promoting the conditions for free expression.19 Even though the ECtHR has not gone this far, the recognition that some regulation is necessary in a democratic society is still important, as if media freedom is an unqualified guarantee against state interference, then the media may simply become an outlet for a self-interested point of view, such as the views of the owners of private media. Such a scenario raises the danger that media freedom will be asserted simply to protect the economic interests of the media company or other property owner, rather than to serve democratic goals or the public interest.20 The mass media, with the high costs of access and control in the hands of an elite, requires some oversight to prevent its important social and democratic functions being skewed in the interests of a small number of speakers or gatekeepers.
None of this is to say that all regulation of the media is justified, it must be shown that the regulation will serve democratic needs. What type of media regime best serves these needs depends on the model of democracy to be applied.21 While consideration of the various different models is beyond the scope of this paper, most models of democracy will require some level of news coverage, the presentation of information and analysis, and the provision of diverse viewpoints. Different regimes of regulation have traditionally applied to different types of media. The print media is subject to public interest regulation governing ownership and to those regulations applying to all types of expression, but is not subject to content regulations seeking to promote pluralism, for example it is under no duty of balance or fairness in political coverage. By contrast, the broadcast media in the UK are subject to stricter regulations. All licensed broadcasters are subject to a basic tier of regulation imposing requirements of accuracy and impartiality, and taste and decency.22 Advertisements on the broadcast media are subject to controls on timing and content, and no political advertisements are permitted on television or radio. Those designated as public service broadcasters are subject to extra tiers of regulation, for example requiring a certain level of educational and cultural programmes to be broadcast. The distinction is reflected in the Article 10 jurisprudence that permits more intensive regulations on the broadcast media.23 Why the distinct regulatory regimes have developed has been the subject of much debate,24 and the difference is presented as social and historical rather than theoretical.25 Consequently, many of the regulations applied to the broadcast media may justifiably be imposed on the press, and vice versa, if it serves democratic needs such as pluralism and diversity.
The precise model of regulation appropriate for online expression is still being worked out.26 It has been argued that online expression should fit the print model,27 or is at least closer to that model, rather than the broadcast regulatory regime.28 The White Paper that formed the basis of the UK Communications Act explained that Internet material should be subject to regulation a tier below the most relaxed standards applied to broadcasters.29 Online content is exempt from the regulations applied to broadcasters30 and is subject to general regulations imposed on expression, such as public order laws, defamation, confidentiality and intellectual property. However, the European Commission has proposed extending the Television Without Frontiers Directive to some types of audio-visual content distributed online, suggesting that some online content is similar to the broadcast media.31 Many of the services provided online have qualities analogous to either type of media. For example, more news providers ranging from the BBC to The Sun provide text based and video services on their websites. While online expression has been subject to less regulation than other types of established media, this position needs to be reassessed as more of its services move closer to the current output of broadcasters.
A further point to be noted at the outset is that the level of invasiveness is sometimes used to differentiate types of media. The broadcast media is seen to push its content onto the audience without request. By contrast, other types of media, such as newspapers, require active steps by the audience to receive content, the user pulls the material from the source. The extent to which this distinction accurately describes the different types of media has been questioned, as it may exaggerate the passivity associated with television. The television viewer still can choose whether he or she wants to watch the television and what channel he or she wishes to view.32 This level of control increases as more channels become available. Viewers of television are not only getting more choice in the numbers of programmes to watch, but also greater choice when to watch. For example, digital video recorders such as TiVo allow individuals to view programmes at their chosen time, filter advertisements and rewind live TV while watching. Many TV programmes also offer greater interactivity through participation in the form of SMS voting and the selection of additional content using the ‘red button’ on digital formats. The level of control given to the audience in the pull media can also be exaggerated given that a newspaper reader may be able to select a particular title, but beyond that cannot determine which issues are to be covered and in what depth. While the role of the audience varies according to the type of media, it is important not to exaggerate these differences.
Where the online media fits in this framework has been the subject of debate, and will vary according to the application.33 In ACLU v Reno, Justice Stevens argued that ‘the Internet is not as “invasive” as radio or television’, given that it does not appear on a computer screen unbidden and that users are unlikely to encounter content online by accident.34 Under this view, receiving content from an Internet webpage requires active steps in which an individual seeks out the particular source by either typing in a URL or choosing a particular link. While the digital media does provide greater opportunities for audience control and participation, this article will consider the limits to this argument. When an individual uses a search engine, he or she will not always be looking for a specific source or item of information, but is hoping to be told which sources will be most helpful or relevant. When a link is selected, it will normally be due to another source recommending that particular webpage. Furthermore, many users will simply return to the same sources or sites for particular types of content, or subscribe to direct feeds from that source. While the technology permits much greater participation for users, the social habits that shape the use of this media and the need for some guidance in navigating the mass of information will enable some online speakers to be able to push some of their content to a wide audience.
To summarise, many of the criticisms of the media lie in the fact that control lies in the hands of a few, whether this is through a state appointed broadcaster or through economic power in the private media. Consequently, media freedom cannot be equated with other forms of individual expression given that only a small group of people or institutions will be able to exercise media freedom. One goal of regulating the media is to ensure that media institutions perform their important social functions and exercise their power in conformity with their democratic and social responsibilities.35 Whether this concern applies to online expression is the question addressed in the remainder of this article.
Go to sectionTop of pageAbstractMEDIA FREEDOM AND MODELS OF ME…HOPES AND FEARS FOR ONLINE EXP…SELF-EXPRESSION AND PARTICIPAT…MEDIA ELITES AND ONLINE EXPRES…MEDIA REGULATION AND DEMOCRATI…CONCLUSION
HOPES AND FEARS FOR ONLINE EXPRESSION AND MEDIA FREEDOM
In the early days of the Internet it was hoped that the new media would remove many of the barriers that have traditionally excluded groups from public debate. In an optimistic vision, Professor Eugene Volokh argued in 1995 that online expression would promote ‘cheap speech’ which, while not eliminating inequalities, would transfer much power to users and speakers:
the new technologies will make it much easier for all ideas, whether backed by the rich or poor, to participate in the marketplace. Even if many individuals still