Operation Diazepam

Submitted by Napolean Bonaparte

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, we have switched to auto pilot but for a short while…

As we sat momentary in silence, confirmation came from over the aircraft’s address system, that it was  business as usual.  Only weeks before, all incoming deputation were put on orange alert before release of any retrogress information.  In the interim, CA heads sought to prelist their take with an uncanny sense of urgency to defer any IMF pending  group therapy. Up pops a most laudable head of union suggesting congestions, which now transmits that certain underlying tectonics forces are at play.  More silence and still more silence…Of clever moves or deception?

All in the games we love to play.

Deliverance Leadership Pragmatism: (DLP or BLP) A New Direction

Submitted by Yardbroom

Barbadians urged to vote INTEGRITY

Deliverance from Whom?

Leadership to Where?

Pragmatic in what we can reasonably afford.

All underpinned by “INTEGRITY” for without that, we are nothing.

In a matter of days Barbados’ electorate will go to the Polls and elect a Government for the next five years.  The time for crunching figures is over.  The pollsters have trotted out their numbers, the columnists showing bias have pontificated on the rightness of their selections and those in the shadows with much to gain, have invested their dollars and largesse to be distributed, no doubt expecting a large return on their investment.  The manifestos are near ready but they too rely on that word INTEGRITY for without it, they will be as useful as a loser betting tickets discarded at the Garrison Savannah.

I asked deliverance, from whom?  Deliverance from those in the shadows, whose faces are never seen but their dollars are.  They do not mount platforms and tell ribald jokes, and their parentage, domestic arrangements and physiognomy are never questioned, but like a fox at a Leghorn fowl shin-dig, they cannot be ignored.

Democratic Labour Party (DLP) NOT Responsible For ‘PARO’ Ads

George A.Pilgrim, General Secretary, Democratic Labour Party

Issue : DLP Ad scraping the Bottom of the Skillet (Posted January 23, 2013)

The executive of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has categorically denied that its President, its General Secretary, any member of its Executive / General Council , or its campaign management team is responsible for recent advertisements carried in the local daily newspapers, ostensibly sponsored by a group called PARO.

In dismissing any responsibility for the ads or semblance of association with the group, the DLP’s General Secretary, George Pilgrim, in a clear-the-air statement today stressed that the DLP was not party to the advertisements. “We have not commissioned nor authorised any such ads; and, therefore, for anyone to associate the DLP with these newspaper postings is not only totally untrue but very misleading, and designed to put the ruling party in a bad light. As a mature, political party, we do not resort to or condone such tactics that have been the hallmark of the Opposition BLP in recent months,” he noted.

The Story Of Housing Since 2008 Must Be Told

Submitted by Stephen Williams

Michael Lashley, Minister of Housing

The story of housing since 2008, when the new government took over, needs to be trumpeted. It is a success story; and one that should leave the BLP hanging their heads in shame, after the mess they left at the NHC, Warrens, Coverly, Buckley, and the housing sector in general. Take a bow Michael Lashley, the Ministry of Housing and Lands, the NHC and the DLP! We are PROUD of your performance and achievements.

Look at the wonderful work done at Country Towers, Tweedside Road, Coverly, Work Hall, Ruby, Marchfield, Woodbourne, Foursquare, Six Roads, Lancaster, Cherry Grove, Vineyard, Parish Land, West Terrace, etc. Now, drive through Brittons Hill and look at the magnificent structures that have graced Valery and Forde’s Road – one word aptly describes them – SUPERB.

And, do not forget the 500 lot programme, the very successful $5 per sq. ft. low income land programme, and the NHC tenants of 20 years standing who have gotten their units free of cost.

DLP In a ‘Gifting’ Mood

Submitted by Hamilton Hill

The Hon Steve Blackett, Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development.

One of Country & Western’s most prolific song writers the late Bill Andersen once wrote a song called “Where Have All The Heroes Gone”. While listening to that song not long ago,the sense of frustration that I had subconsciously buried for quite some time, fought its way back to the top of my thought process, bringing to the fore this question.

Where have all the stalwarts of the DLP gone?

With such history, such a glowing legacy of performance in the name of nation building, why now do we seem so hell bent on gifting away the reign of leadership, as was done in 1994? Old sea dogs the likes of Greaves, the both of them and others like Branford Taitt, F.G.Smith, Keith and Erskine Simmonds must make sure that the gaffe of 94 remains a haunting memory never to be repeated.

If such must obtain then they must assume leadership of a vessel that for the most part gives the appearance of a rudder-less craft aimlessly sailing the choppy waters of this economic storm. For the most part the First Officer Mr. Finance Minister still has our confidence. Of grave concern however is the epidemic of verbal diarrhoea that seemingly is now the crew’s affliction. Dennis Kellman….almost every day. Minister Blackett who needs to be told that he spoke out of turn {dat shit you talk, shouldda come from Fruendel} and then the AG who chose to call David Ellis, who is chomping at the bit (de same one Fruendel spit) to hold feet to the fire. How do they not see that their actions seem to suggest abandon ship? Is it that or is it every man brek fa e self?

Dear DLP

Submitted by Observing

You are suffering and you are indirectly suffering the independents that support you. We like you, really we do. We believe that you have the most integrity and desire to help all Barbadians and with time could do so. But you are doing an atrocious job of showing it, proving it, or at the very least talking about it properly.  Let me pause to offer a moment of sympathy for your departed leader, former PM David Thompson. He truly went too soon. He also left big boots to fill and an unfinished vision and mandate that desperately needed time and hard working, honest souls to bring it to fruition.  Fast forward two years and we must now ask. What have you done? How have you done it? How have you shared it?

I’ll declare my hand and admit that my philosophy, leaning and beliefs endear me to the DLP rather than the BLP. But, my objectivity will always question right from wrong, good from bad, sense from nonsense and efficiency from ineptitude.  In too many cases you have collectively chosen the latters. To make matters worse, it has been so blatant, so obvious, and in some cases so bumbling that it seems you are still now trying to “settle” into the role of government, four years after the fact.

While on that, let me turn to your chairman, the PM, the numero uno, Mr. Freundel Stuart.  A good man.  A liked man. A decent man. An intelligent man. But clearly a man with flaws in some of the critical areas of leadership, team building and emotional intelligence.  They say a leader gets the job done. Full stop.  But there are many tasks he/she must undertake and people he/she must work and talk with to get there.  The jury will decide on Stuart’s performance as PM and leader.   As for the team? Likeable fellows somewhat. But, complacent, sometimes arrogant and now conveniently blind to the very things that swept them into power, and are poised to sweep them out.  They should pray for light.

Minister Sinckler’s Memo

Submitted by Porridgeboy

Photo Credit: Barbados Today

On a point of observation I could not help but notice the look on the face of the Finance Minister Mr .Chris Sinckler in a recent clip from the luncheon meeting held by the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was held at the Barbados Hilton on the 25 January 2012 and aired on the CBC news the same night, and a pictured of the Minister in the Barbados Today News, page 41 25 January 2012 [see embedded image].

In my opinion it was a face of distraught, a look of someone lost in the forum which he was in at the time. Is this because for the first time in the last three years of the Democratic Labour Party’s governance of this country, the Prime Minister has taken the lead in his [Sinckler] Ministry by delivering his first address to the Member of Chamber? Is it a face of worry wondering what next, would it be the Estimates and then the Budget that he will deliver?

Well Minister Sinckler, maybe the PM has just decided to start dealing with the eleven  MPs who allegedly sough an audience with him to discuss his leadership style,  or is it that he has the feeling of his Ministers falling short of the mark lately?

DLP, Let David Thompson Rest In Peace

Submitted by Caswell Franklyn

Credit: Nation Newspaper

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11^th in Commonwealth countries because World War I formally ended at 11 o’clock on the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918. The day therefore has special significance as a day of remembrance for members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. However in Barbados, and some other countries, Remembrance Sunday is observed, on the closest Sunday to that date, with a military parade, a church service and the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph. It bears repetition; Remembrance Sunday is set aside for members of the armed forces who fell in the line of duty.

It is therefore quite surprising and totally inappropriate for a Government Minister to lead a band of his constituents, with photographer on tow, to St. John to demean the significance of Remembrance Sunday. The Daily Nation of Monday, November 14, 2011 carried a story, with photograph, about Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy et al laying wreaths on the grave of the late Prime Minister, David Thompson. By now, the members of the Democratic Labour Party should have come to the realization that every occasion, especially days of national and in this case of international significance, is not an opportunity for politicking.

Government’s Proficiency Test

The Hour Of Decision: A Pressing Need To Cut Cost And Articulate A Divestment Strategy

Submitted by St. George’s Dragon

 

Chris Sinckler, Minister of Finance

There are some, including the Prime Minister, who after the Moody ratings downgrade think all is going to be ok, and that we just need to sit tight until the economy comes right.  I see a strong swell of opinion that there is no alternative but for public sector cuts. Here is my somewhat random list of where the Government should look for cuts and other income. Feel free to add your own.

1. Agree a public sector wage freeze. Ministers and MPs to take a pay cut of 5% if Unions agree to the freeze
2. Employ a foreign consultant to get off-shore oil exploration going again as quickly as possible. Pay them a flat fee with a bonus dependent on how quickly they can get income in and the % profit the Government makes on it
3. Privatise the BWA
4. Cut down the number of Barbados High Commissions abroad
5. Tender a significant number of Transport Authority bus routes to private sector operators
   

Barbados Labour Party Supporter Highlights 23 Mistakes Inflicted By Government

Submitted by Apollo 13 (comment)

 

These are good things that the DLP has done:

1. Free bus fares for children resulting in adding to the Transport Board’s $48 million deficit
2. Free summer camps to the tune of millions to the taxpayers but fatted calf shared to its supporters, including Kenny Best who had a camp, some of their supporters had three camps each
3. High petrol costs and allowing the Transport Board to run  a gas station illegally so that SOL can make back its millions spent on the DLP campaign and cover the costs of David Thompson flying up and down the world on SOL’s private jet
4. Increase VAT to 17.5%
5. Increase water rates by 60%
6. Building a lot of poorly built chicken coops for houses and not being able to get neither renters or buyers resulting in the NHC not being able to access loans.
7. Turning NHC into a hell hole in which to work with nepotism running rampant
8. Firing Marilyn Rice Bowen and installing a brother as chairman while pretending in the by election to be champions of women
9. Giving away the taxpayers land to JADA at Coverley in exchange for  free plane rides and gifts
10. Ronald Jones cursing the principals and creating such a hostile atmosphere in the MOE that many senior staffers have left
11. Stephen Lashley cursing out public servants and telling them to shape up or ship out as if he don’t know the rules governing the public service and now putting a gag order on NCF workers
12. Raising unemployment from 6.5% to 11% in three years
13. Spending over 2.5 billion dollars left as foreign reserves and cleaning out the sinking fund  in two years with nothing to show for it
14. Running up the highest fiscal deficit ever over $500 million
15. Three cabinet reshuffles in three years

Anticipating Owen Arthur’s Address To The 72nd Annual Conference DLP Style

George Pilgrim, General Secretary, Democratic Labour Party

Good morning, Mr Chairman, Officers of the National Council, Members of Parliament, specially invited guests and comrades, It gives me great pleasure to address the 72nd Conference of this great party.

I address you with a heavy heart amidst our internal turmoil. I am fortified in our past successes and so we will overcome this. “We have had crises in the past and we will rise above this” A party founded on the principle of providing a Better Life for our People must not be put out to pasture by a few who don’t understand the basic principles of democracy. Our founding father, Sir Grantley Adams, fought to ensure the principles of democracy were paramount in the ideals upon which we were to evolve as a nation. We have a proud history, let us not consume it in this quagmire of darkness.

I know most of you here today must be wondering what type of speech I would deliver as your reappointed political leader. It has only been a couple weeks since my return to this lofty office. I must repeat at this junction, however:

“I am here to build and I look forward to that opportunity. This is a very difficult time for the country. It is a very difficult time for the party. It is a very difficult time for me.” I came to office as the son of a shopkeeper and led this great party for 14 years through the rough and tumble. I have said that persons on the other side treated politics like a blood sport and I would not want our party to go down that road. I swallowed my pride and acceded to a response from my parliamentary colleagues and decided to accept the post of Opposition Leader.

THE Creation Of A Legend

Submitted by Bajan Truth

The Late Honourable Prime Minister David Thompson, Combermerian

Legacy for sale, created by MEDIA CREATIONS LTD.  You do not actually have to do much, intent is as good as the deed. Talk about Families First, no programmes, no initiatives, no legislation, mention in a few speeches and it is legacy.  Talk about Barbados is for all of us and not a few, it is a society not just an economy and you have transformed the Barbadian landscape. Pass free busfares and free camps and apparently that is sufficient to have impacted the lives of Barbadians and lift them from out of poverty. Go to the Gaza and Red Sea attend a few dub fetes and the youth have become a champion of youth, an inspiration, a community worker par excellence that has powerfully impacted on the lives of part of a wonderful legacy, legacy for sale. The intent is as good as the deed. A storm an unprecedented event in Barbados it is the spiritual power of David Thompson, such an outstanding leader the earth itself has groaned as it did for our Lord on his death (earthquakes) according to
Matthew Farley.

The creation of this legend so fixated the Dems and the media that they forgot to warn Barbadians about the storm, or did they deliberately withhold that information because they did not want to disturb the worship at the shrine of David Thompson (Combermere) now hailed the greatest leader Barbados has ever known. David you worried about the short time in office, the fear that you did not get to do what you wanted and about the legacy you would leave behind.  You did not have to worry, your faithful Dems have ensured that your name is lifted above all names, even above Prime Ministers of yore. Apparently in two years you did so much for this country and the region that my God had you been here longer you would have ushered in Paradise. Apparently no leader before, Grantley Adams, Errol Barrow, Tom Adams, Bernard St.John, Erskine Sandiford and Owen Arthur could ever compare with you.  One media Dem worshipper even said that your death was a loss not only to Barbados but to the region and indeed the world.