Attorney General, Minister Adriel Brathwaite
The news that the Prevention of Corruption Bill has been sent to a Joint Committee of parliament for deliberation has not come as a surprise to many. It is only naïve Barbadians who expect politicians to proclaim integrity legislation in this century or the next. The promise by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to deliver integrity legislation in 100 days has finally been exposed for what it always was, an election gimmick. Culpable as well has been the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Opposition who have been relatively silent on the matter.
The promise made by Opposition member of parliament Dale Marshall that it is hoped a revamped bill will emerge from the joint committee quickly, must be taken with several grains of salt. In fact, it should probably be dismissed as an untruth delivered with the confidence of a politician who knows the tolerance threshold of Bajans to be passive.
It is more than one year Barbadians have waited for a ruling on the David Estwick/Dale Marshall gun issue. Subject to correction the matter was referred to the Committee of Privileges by Speaker Michael Carrington and that is the last heard of the matter. Is it any wonder there is a growing cynicism and lack of confidence about the inner workings of our democracy and politics in Barbados by young people? Many literate Bajans believe that a true measure of our democracy is the ability to vote.
Some may remember this is not the first time there has been an attempt to enact integrity legislation in Barbados. Under a Tom Adams government BU recalls Sir Henry Forde’s effort. Thankfully he was able to replenish his political stock when he successfully championed a bill for women’s rights for which he is not fondly remembered by men to this day. Why would those issues reported to have stymied the progress of the Prevention of Corruption Bill not be anticipated by the drafters of the legislation? Why would the draft bill have to disappear in joint committee because of impracticable and contentious clauses? Why would we not have learned from the last attempt to move the legislation?
It is shaping up that the battle on the political platform next general election – forecasted by some BU family members – will be about the performance of the economy. Given the protracted and unprecedented nature of the economic problems facing Barbados, the electorate is likely to be more sensitive to rising prices which continue to threaten the ability to provide food, clothing and shelter. Promise by the DLP to deliver Integrity and Freedom of Information Legislation will just be another opportunity of politicians maintaining reputations.
While this government will exact some sympathy as it confronts the global economic challenges, its failure to enact Integrity Legislation and Freedom of Information will seal its legacy in this tenure as a government who followed the worn path of those who went before it.
Ralphie was correct after all, there is no difference in philosophy between the DLP and the BLP.
Barbados Underground 
@George
On the evidence of what Caswell extracted from the law it reads that the name is required, your recollection of what you did in 2003 therefore becomes redundant. Why should Barbadians not know how much money certain companies are donating to political parties? Do you think they are making contributions out of the goodness of their hearts?
@ David
I share the same concern. However, we must be practical. If we do not want political parties to receive monies from independent contributors then the state has to sponsor the very elections that are expressions of democracy. You may say the naming of companies is essential; my question is what about persons (not companies) who because of membership, affiliation wish to donate contributions and especially wherein the sums are reasonable small. Hence, I said clearly that I would support the legislation once they are other criteria that delimit major contributors from the average John Doe wishing to make such contributions. I further said, and you can check my first statement on the matter, that there has to be a reasonable cut-off point less we run the risk of the legislation being counter-productive. In fact, it is very likely you would find that only those persons with what we on the street will call a very long bank account would want to enter politics. Certainly that cannot be desirable, because I think it is not necessarily the rich or wealthy in terms of money who also have a similar disposition regards to thinking and the capacity to serve the people.
Now you know, Caswell knows, and I know that from the smallest individual, the first question almost all the time is: what is in it for me? It is not a matter of it is right or wrong; it is a matter of ‘what is the reality’. I genuinely believe that I have a contribution to make in Barbados and I do not and most likely will not be a candidate in any election. But do you think if I make contributions to the 3 political parties in varying degrees it is really anyone’s business, or for that matter, do you think it would reduce the propensity for anyone who wants to be crooked not to be? Let us have fair, open, and realistic discussions. Do not let us believe we can fool people into thinking that an overly restrictive legislation that is not balanced by commensurate criteria inclusive of the state funding political parties is viable considering all the technologies and other means through which money transfers hands. I respect the opinions of those who do not agree with me. What I shall not tolerate from anyone regardless of if they are members of either political party, Caswell, or yourself, are suggestions that I am a yardfowl or political operative. When I do become a political operative (again) it means that I will be paid for my services; and then I only work in a professional and honest environment.
As an aside, Caswell has not produced evidence; Caswell has produced perhaps what the law intended. I assure you that a practice undertaken from time immemorial constitutes sufficient to have a legal ground. Dispute that!
George
Oops! I struck a nerve. You cannot name and shame me I have nothing to hide. You wrote,
“As you would know, at some time in the past, we both turned up at the same office, requesting the same person, to facilitate us in ways in which we did not think were forthcoming by normal means.”
My recollection of that event is somewhat different. I was there to see the person of whom you speak by invitation because SHE was seeking to use me to attack the present Government. I went to see how much gall she had after having me fired from my job: I declined the offer. On the other hand you were there begging. As a result that meeting, you hitched your wagon to a falling star, that is why you were recently spewing your venom on Owen Arthur. My case is vastly different; I believe that neither SHE nor Arthur is suitable to lead this country again. I have stated that Dale Marshall is the only viable option to lead the BLP at this time. That does not mean that I will not comment negatively on things that he says if warranted. You attacked me for doing so, which is my right, and now tells me to know my place. George, I remember you from cadets, so you will understand when I say to you do not get into a battle with me, your powder is wet.
@George
How can we hope to win that battle of words which easily flow from a lexicon supplied from your world of academia?
Of course it is nobodys business to know your contribution, of course reform of existing and introduction of new legislation is required, isn’t that what the discussion is about?
Brother George we have to embrace new approaches if we are to manage effectively given the current realities.
CAWELL EXPOSED
“For your information my dear friend, I am neither political operative or yardfowl. I am a member of the BLP and when last I checked, you were a member of that political party.”
That explains the colour of all his discourses on this blog.
As CASWELL and some others attack the Democratic Labour Party on this blog they always profess to be “non political, independent, I think for myself”.
Yeah, right!
@ caswell
Your memory is dwindling, it must be age or discomfort. You did not go to see a ‘she’ but a he; and you were begging while I was expecting based upon my qualifications and capacity to do the job. It is a pity, that you only remember me from cadets. It is even worse that you say my powder is wet. If truth be told, the same today as yesterday except that I am wiser through experiences of all kinds. Caswell, like anyone else and many persons in Barbados who feel that they have been marginalised for one reason or another, I did not give up, I remained determine to succeed at everything I attempt.
On the point of Mr. Owen Arthur for whom I have loads of respect for his leadership and economic qualities; I have never written any venom or disdainful comments about him as a person or as a person who has held office. I never did it to any Prime Ministers of Barbados before him or after him. However, I shall call a spade a spade. I still believe that his return to leadership speaks volumes about the generation that I grew up in and those that have followed. I believe that there comes a time in life when the mantle has to be passed on and the support one once enjoyed, one should be committed to extending to others. I disagreed with Owen then (and perhaps more so with those who felt it necessary to make another fellow MP of the same party a public spectacle). Arthur is the leader of the political party of which I am a member, under those conditions, he shall receive my fullest support if it is ever required. I am about the party not holding onto the hem of anyone’s pants or skirt.
If there is merit in my abilities, then I shall likely progress with the party. If there comes a time when a different calling should welcome me, then it is my choice to do as I deem fit. Caswell, it is sad to say, that you have an attitude of bitterness that clouds what otherwise is a clever and intelligent persona. I wish you every success in all that you do; but in the very proverbial and accurate sense, you are a lightweight!
@George
To shed clarity to the last statement can you define what you mean when you describe Caswell as ‘lightweight’?
George
This is my 7th letter: I will not write you anymore, but by way of parting shot let me explain.
I do not feel marginalised. I did not give up. I chose to use what little talent God gave me in other pursuits because I could not support some politicians after what I saw their behaviour first hand. I moved from you and your cohorts because I could not stomach their behaviour, like taking bribes and calling magistrates to get their desired result in a case. What you mistake for “an attitude of bitterness” is really a sense of shame. Shame because I helped some of those who performed the shameful acts to get elected.
I will remain a lightweight but an honest lightweight.
Paul Barnes (July 21) has suggested that to get rid of corruption in the House, we get rid of 75% of the dishonourable members I propose that we get rid of 100% of them! Let the honourable members of the House who would be willing to vote for integrity
legislation and to declare their assets stand up and let us know who you are!
That exchange between George and Caswell has been very illuminating even to the cynical among us.
However I was jolted by Caswell’s last statement about politicians taking bribes and calling magistrates to obtain certain decisions in their favour.
I hope everyone understands the import of that submission; here we have an admission from a former insider that politicians were using their office to enrich themselves as well as pervert the course of justice.
It demonstrates the need for Integrity legislation more than ever, Bribes and calling magistrates? One would think that if a politician called a magistrate about an active case, the next call should be from the magistrate to the CJ complaining that he was being pressured by the politician to make judgments favouring the politician. However when the CJ was also a career politician what’s a lowly magistrate to do? That’s presuming the magistrate would be inclined to call the CJ, perhaps such calls are a routine part of the job.
Unbelievable.
@ Charles Cadogan Snr
These politicians dont have a clue about statesman like leadership. They purposely get involved in politics to feather their nests ONLY. The people are purely pawns to be played with in the attainment of their wealth goals. This is precisely why I have great difficulty in understanding why some highly educated non insiders continue to believe that one party is permanently better than the other.LOL, but sad.
@Sarge
No doubt you would have also observed after that last salvo by Caswell George retired from the debate.
Wow…there was nothing lightweight about that exchange between Caswell and George. This was Ali and Foreman all over again…the rumble in the jungle. Caswell knocked me clear out of my seat with his last post…and I’m only a spectator. I’ve always known that corruption exists to some degree in all governments, but it really shook me to read what Caswell wrote in his last post. It’s like knowing that we all have to die some day, but we still hurt immensely whenever a family member or close friend dies.
@David
What Caswell has written in his last submission has been hinted at and bandied about these pages by many during the past few years. However, Caswell lends credence to the discussion as a former insider who is willing to pen his own name to his posts.
To use a cricket analogy, the tussle between Caswell and George was like Charlie Griffith in his prime against someone who was formerly thought to be a good batsman. We all sat back expecting each to give as good as he got but the batsman (George) parried at a few balls missing a couple and edging the others through the slips, then the short pitched which found the rib cage, finally when he is expecting another short pitched ball he gets the Yorker, stumps catspradlled and bails flying
George is now relaxing in the comforts of the pavillion why he didn’t retire hurt early in the over.
@ Sargeant,
You should be the bowling coach for the West Indies cricket team.
If you have something to hide DON’T become a politician.
The recent crop of politicians do not realise that integrity legislation and a Freedom of information Act will protect them from people like Hants who has a Blackberry with a very good camera and a Digital (silent) tape recorder.
It is absolutely ridiculous that Barbadian politicians would not be happy to declare their assets.
A FOI and compulsion to declare assets did not stop multi millionaire politician Paul Martin from becoming PM of Canada.
This lotta long talk can stop if Politicians in Barbados are honest enough to pass FOI and Integrity legislation.
As intensely as I dislike Owen Arthur, I accept that he and MIA (who I do like as a person) declared their assets. Fair is Fair.
I remain a 99.79% DLP yardfowl.
As intensely as I dislike Owen Arthur, I accept that he and MIA (who I do like as a person) declared their assets. Fair is Fair.
________________________________________
Hello Hants,
Was it Owen or Mia…..that Pick A Fair ?
Ooops…leave MIA with her……POPSICLE !
I came in at the end of the game between Caswell and George! A verygood over
@David and BU
Thanks for following the slight tussle between two lightweights. However, I had a coach to take from Newcastle to London; I could not afford the cost of postponing. Anyway, I am in London for a few days and I have no desire to engage Charlie again less I return to the pavilion out rather than not out. The comments after that hoopla were hilarious. Anyway, hoe everyone has a good weekend, I expect that I shall do just that. Talking about lightweights, none of us seem able to address the real issues confronting Barbados without a personal tirade. Lord Have Mercy!
@ Sargeant
“…someone who was formerly thought to be a good batsman”
********************************
BY WHOM??!?!?
George
What kind of individual would want to support at any cost a person who put 75 grand in his personal bank account that did not belong to him while as Prime Minister?
As an intellectual heavy weight should you not be fighting for Integrity legislation to be pass so that kind of thing done by your leader will never happen again.
@clone
You obviously know things that I do not know. You obviously have facts that I do not have. Maybe you understand why I do not comment on things I do not know. I am not sure who is an intellectual heavyweight? Are you sure that you are not describing yourself? If you read my comments carefully, I am not opposed to integrity legislation. Go read, and try to understand the points I made rather than focus on George, that may be misleading you. Cheers and have a good weekend.
@Clone
You should leave that line of defense alone because we were told many politicians on the huskings do the same thing.
have a friend but never to them your secrets tell for when your friend becomes your foe then to the world your secrets go. it is a good thing that george nor caswell were only lightweights in the party which they support or continue to support.in my view, it was a draw. dale marshall beware.
Balance
I think you misunderstood what transpired. No one told me any secrets: I discovered certain behaviours that I considered to be either unethical or illegal, or both. I did not believe that because of my membership of a political party that I should stifle my conscience and continue to support persons who I considered to be acting contrary to the interest of this country. I have to look myself in the mirror and I prefer to like the person that I see looking back at me. I could not do that and pretend that all was well. No one has to fear me if they do the right thing.
I guess he maybe getting his last wearing of a red shirt for some years to come so he is making the most of his publicity, only thing miss is Owen Arthur and Mia Mottley, Hallam Nicholls and a few others around him with hand cuffs on as well.
Ex-Sagicor manager and BLP candidate off to Dodds
Roger DaCosta Smith (centre) being escorted to court yesterday to answer theft charges. (Lennox Devonish)
By Tim Slinger | Sun, July 24, 2011 – 12:11 AM
FORMER SAGICOR MANAGER Roger DaCosta Smith was remanded to Dodds Prison yesterday when he apppeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court on charges of stealing over $1.6 million.
A stoic Smith stood in the dock as Acting Magistrate Manila Renee read out 18 counts of dishonesty, dating from as far back as 2003, and including offences of fraud, money laundering and theft from Sagicor Life Incorporated.
Some of the charges included the purchasing of several thousands of dollars of household furniture and appliances from Courts, DaCosta Mannings and Designer Decor.
An application for bail was set aside when defence counsel Sir Richard Cheltenham, QC, along with Shelly-Ann Seecharan, conceded that prospective bailors for Smith were not able to satisfy the required documented proof of sureties’ assets and worth at the time.
As a result, an agreement was reached for an adjournment until Tuesday for the next hearing of the matter.
Information around the integrity legislation debate of 79 is sketchy, would be appreciated if someone with a recollection could share with BU.
my apologies caswell for drawing the incorrect inferences. i do agree that the actions of those persons more than anyone else who seek and hold positions of trust should be held accountable. the exchange between you and mr brathwaithe has emboldened my view that political parties no longer serve the interests of the country as a whole but the party first.
Integrity legislation and a FOI act would see fewer Lawyers becoming politicians.
Client “accounts” may be a problem.
Just saw the photo of Smith being “escorted”.
In Barbados is a normal for prisoners to be escorted without being in handcuffs?
@Hantsie
Must hand it to you, you just had to find a way to plant the Smith story eh?
Ex-Sagicor manager off to Dodds
By Tim Slinger | Sun, July 24, 2011 – 12:11 AM
FORMER SAGICOR MANAGER Roger DaCosta Smith was remanded to Dodds Prison yesterday when he apppeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court on charges of stealing over $1.6 million.
A stoic Smith stood in the dock as Acting Magistrate Manila Renee read out 18 counts of dishonesty, dating from as far back as 2003, and including offences of fraud, money laundering and theft from Sagicor Life Incorporated.
Some of the charges included the purchasing of several thousands of dollars of household furniture and appliances from Courts, DaCosta Mannings and Designer Decor.
An application for bail was set aside when defence counsel Sir Richard Cheltenham, QC, along with Shelly-Ann Seecharan, conceded that prospective bailors for Smith were not able to satisfy the required documented proof of sureties’ assets and worth at the time.
As a result, an agreement was reached for an adjournment until Tuesday for the next hearing of the matter.
Full story in today’s SUNDAY SUN.
Honestly David, it was not about the story.
I live in Toronto and I have never seen an accused person being escorted without handcuffs.
What if Smith had grabbed the cop’s gun?
Smith still wearing HIS RED SHIRT.
Can some one remind me which political party’s members wear RED SHIRTS?
Can you assist me SCOUT?
This is a new twist on political fund raising.
@Carson Cadogan
In the history of Barbados, there have never been any members or potential members of the DLP or any other party in Barbados besides the BLP that have been accused of a criminal offence (proven or otherwise). Moreover, anyone who has or has been alleged to have stepped over the line, naturally joins or is a current member of the BLP.
With that thinking, why should there be integrity legislation? Based on what you are saying, all one has to do is to banish the BLP and anyone who is a potential candidate, or supporter of the BLP from Barbadian politics. That said, one would save so much of the taxpayers’ monies so that all of the development projects promised in late 2007 and January 2008 would come to fruition.
Strange enough, you know this entrenched trait of distinguishing every thing in a red or blue or yellow or what ever colour shirt, sounds like the demarcations of warfare that erupted in Jamaica since the late 1970s. Is that the type of Barbados that you are gleefully cherishing and promoting? Are we no longer interested in blue, yellow, black as a combination for which all should strive to respect and work to progress?
A reminder to the electorate:
@ david
No right thinking person should take anything the late PM said with a grain of salt.
Here he is pontificating about $2m given to a ‘private company’, yet approved a $10m ‘loan’ by the Central Bank to CLICO at a time when one of his law firm associates was a member of the Central Bank Board. Further, it is alleged that the same late PM and board member prepared, signed/witnessed a contract outlining a $10m bonus for his client and head of CLICO. Then there is the alleged loan, against the wishes of the NIS Board, to BPWCCU to purchase CLMFC.
Of course the DLPites would seek to piggyback on how an employee at Sagicor is alleged to have pilfered and which came about as a direct result of internal fraud systems.
There is an irony there somewhere.
George C. Brathwaite | July 24, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Thank you for your comments.
This thing is not only about Smith.
Sagicor is supposed to be a World class Company. Yet this guy got away with whatever he got away since 2003. This is a serious indictment on the Control systems within this company.
I am told that his actions were only spotted by outside Auditors. To fully investigate him, what was done he was promoted out of the dept. where he worked so that Auditors could go through his work with a fine tooth comb.
That he was able to do what he is alleged to have done for such a long period is a mamouth failing of the Sagicor Management.
Are they any others in that company? My experience with serious infelicities in companies has taught me that there is always more than one person.
If I had money or a policy in Sagicor I would be worried.
Smith is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Good news. I just come back from a West Indian store that had 3 brands of real Barbados pepper sauce. There is hope for Barbados exports.
I bought a bottle of Windmill to which I will add a packet of tumeric and one day somebody will tell Miller that he needs to add tumeric to his pepper sauce.
Why would I want to implement legislation that would stop me from getting money I do not have to raise a sweat to get. If the lengislation get past I will kiss my own ass
@Johnny Postle
TRUE DAT!