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Adrian Loveridge Takes-Up The Fight Against Royal Dutch Shell PLC On Behalf Of Barbadian Farmers

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Adrian Loveridge ups the ante by posting recent events on the plight of the Southern Farmers to anti-Royal Dutch Shell PLC website.

Personal attention of

Mr. Stuart Bruseth

Head of Global Media Relations

Royal Dutch Shell plc.

I have sent under separate cover by email a story that appeared in our local newspaper, The Daily Nation, this week. I understand that Shell have accepted responsibility for the leaking of the A1, kerosene pipe sometime ago, but the settlement figure has yet to be agreed by the Southern Farmers group. I personally witnessed this week, a bucket being lowered into a recently built well in a heavily populated residential area some distance from the original pipes. When hauled-up the bucket appeared to contain a highly flammable liquid that smelt like kerosene.

Very close by residents attempting to grow ground provisions and animals were feeding off the grass. The well was also located less than 500 yards from one of our most pristine beaches, Enterprise. I fully understand that there are lawyers representing your interests, on Barbados, but I implore you to ensure that immediate action is taken before this issue develops into a major environmental problem. I have read the Shell environmental mission statement on your website and I fully support your good intentions and work in this area.

Sadly, this matter has been allowed to drag on for an unreasonable time and in the interests of all Barbadians, would ask that you ensure satisfactory closure.

Thank You

Adrian Loveridge

5 January 2008

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67 responses to “Adrian Loveridge Takes-Up The Fight Against Royal Dutch Shell PLC On Behalf Of Barbadian Farmers”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    I did phone and leave a message for Sir Kyffin Simpson but he did not return my call.

    Adrain L you wrote that you have called Sir Kyffin but what can he do besides suasion? SOL and Shell are now two different companies.

    Here is some background to oil spills and Royal Dutch Caribbean (Shell).

  2. David Avatar
    David

    Moments after we wrote the above comment, Adrian L received the following response from SOL.

    Dear Adrian,
    Please be advised that as much as we would like to help in resolving this matter, Sol is not in any way involved in this matter as Shell retained ownership and liability of the Oistins storage facility and pipeline to
    the airport as part of Sol’s acquisition of Shell’s marketing business back in 2005. Shell has made it perfectly clear to Sol, that we have no right to represent them in this matter and that we should not get involved
    in any way    . We do know however that Shell has commissioned a thorough environmental assessment of the entire area from Oistins to the airport with the intention of identifying and remediating affected areas.
    Unfortunately for Sol having licensed the Shell brand for its retail business in Barbados, our business suffers as a result of this publicity.

    We hope like you that this matter can be resolved in the soonest possible timeframe.

    Sincerely,
    Stewart Gill
    Executive Director
    The Sol Group
    2nd Floor Mahogany Court
    Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados
    (246) 431-4885, (246) 431-4880 fax
    stewart.gill@solpetroleum.com

  3. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    David..

    I was hoping for moral persuasion.

    I know a phone call from Sir Kyffin to Shell would do a lot more than I could do.

    I understand SOL’s position, but the average consumer in the street just sees the Shell logo and colours.

    We cannot sit back and allow neat kerosine to polute our water system and pristine beaches.

  4. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    So long as Adrian Loveridge in involved in that, those farmers have lost any sympathy or support they would have gotten from the Bajan public.

  5. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    Adrian Loveridge,

    Do you know that you are a pariah in Bajan society?

    Funny how you can only come running to get a photo op with these black Bajan farmers now that elections have been called.

    These are the same sort of people whom you routinely chase off your precious hotel property if they ever set foot there.

    STOP EXPLOITING BLACK BAJANS WITH YOUR FRAUDULENT POLITICAL TRICKS!

  6. David Avatar
    David

    Shiela Thomas can you explain your comment?

    What Adrian L has done is what any Barbadian can do. Regrettably many of us prefer to sit quietly while we witness the suffering of others and do nothing. Let us all think how we can do our little part to relieve the hardship many of the Southern Farmers are facing because at the moment is seems to BU that not enough is being done by the government, by the politicians and by the citizenry.

  7. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    Shelia Thomas..

    What have YOU done to assist the Southern Farmers in any way?
    If you can help resolve this matter, I will gladly walk away.

    Earlier this week the Farmers asked me to be at the media meeting and I was happy to offer any support that I could.

    Now tell me again, what have you done?

  8. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    Adrian Loveridge,

    I can tell you for sure that one thing I have done today is warn the Southern Farmers about a FAKE and a FRAUD like you!

    Why don’t you allow them to hold a press conference from your precious hotel?

    Oh, I forgot… poor black farmers are not allowed to set foot in white massa’s hotel.

    Once again we see what we have always seen… Adrian Loveridge EXPLOITING black Bajans for cheap publicity in order to promote his hotel and put money in his own pockets.

    Loveridge, you would make a real good SLAVEMASTER. Your divide and rule tactics are well honed… and you have the right COLOR for it too.

  9. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    If the Southern Farmers really want to promote their cause, they should find another spokesperson. Adrian Loveridge is tainted with his well known political agenda in Barbados.

  10. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    If a group of black farmers in Barbados has a quarrel with international oil giant Shell, think about what happens when they call on BBC or CNN to tell their story to the world.

    Who will take them seriously when the cameras show a WHITE BRITISH HOTEL OWNER speaking?

    What does a WHITE BRITISH HOTEL OWNER have to do with BLACK BAJAN FARMERS?

    We as a people must think carefully and choose wisely who we want to represent us!

    FOREIGNERS like Adrian Loveridge have no business in our business.

  11. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    Gee. Sheila has a serious beef here. She should at least be woman enough to lay his/her case as to the real reason for it.

    David, I agree, Barbadians are too docile. We do not utilise the avenues and options available to us. I commend Adrian for his attempts, providing it is with the endorsement and support of Southern Farmers and urge them to take whatever “legal persuasive” action is necessary to at least get feedback or discourse from the alleged offenders.

  12. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Sheila Thomas
    WHAT IS WRONG WITH HAVING A WHITE BRITISH HOTEL OWNER WHO IS A NATURALIZED BAJAN DOING ANYTHING IN BARBADOS?

    WHY CANT A WHITE BRITISH HOTEL OWNER HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH BLACK BAJAN FARMERS?

    Here is one reason. Think about it

    He might just be buying thier produce to serve in his hotel. I dont suppose that you know that it is black Bajan farmers that provide the hotels all over Barbados with produce?

    Well I do. My mom used to do it. My ex still does it. And by the way both of them are FOREIGNERS like Adrian Loveridge.

    Have you thought a bit about ALL THE BAJANS WORKING OVERSEAS THAT COULD BE CALLED FOREIGNERS IN THESE COUNTRIES.

    I dont know Adrian Loveridge. Will someone kindly tell me what sin, what evil think that he has done that he is so villified on this forum?

  13. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Where is the loyal opposition in this matter. We do have a shadow Minister of the Environment, why is he silent. This has been going on for years and we now seeing Ronald Jones and his team. BLP, where are you?

    Adrian, your book cover have been removed and we can now see your agenda. Are you singing with the choir?

  14. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    He might just be buying thier produce to serve in his hotel. I dont suppose that you know that it is black Bajan farmers that provide the hotels all over Barbados with produce?
    ……………………………………………………………………
    Would he take such a risk?

  15. David Avatar
    David

    Let us ask all those people who are attacking Adriam L a question. Barbadians are reputed to be an educated people, right? Do the Sourther Farmers have a just cause? If the answer is yes why are some of you expending energy attacking Adrian L? Use that same voice to write the government, Royal Dutch etc.

  16. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Let us ask all those people who are attacking Adriam L a question. Barbadians are reputed to be an educated people, right?
    ……………………………………………………………………..
    My statements are not directed at Adrian, but the deafening silence of the two major political parties. He only fall into my equation in the timing of his presence at the 11th hour prior to elections. That’s to my mind is political representation for a cause.

  17. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    why are some of you expending energy attacking Adrian L?
    ==========================
    Because it is easier to express hate and racism than to actually stand up and let one’s voice be heard for a just cause.

  18. David Avatar
    David

    Frankology what if Adrian L is engaged is being opportunistic as you say, does it matter? Look at the big picture i.e the farmers.

  19. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Because it is easier to express hate and racism than to actually stand up and let one’s voice be heard for a just cause.
    …………………………………………………………………….
    An individual do not have the power to fight a corporate heavy weight like Shell. It would have been better for a force like the DLP to fight Shell with the backing of the Barbadian Public. It is the DLP who should be writing to and retaliate against this oil giant.

  20. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Frankology what if Adrian L is engaged is being opportunistic as you say, does it matter? Look at the big picture i.e the farmers.
    …………………………………………………………………….
    It is commendable effort, but I am still seeing a distinct political effort. The picture I am seeing is a “small picture”. The “big picture” for the farmers will be better with a mobilization of forces led by the opposition. That’s my final position.

  21. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Frankology what if Adrian L is engaged is being opportunistic as you say, does it matter? Look at the big picture i.e the farmers.
    …………………………………………………………………….
    It is commendable effort, but I am still seeing a distinct political effort. The picture I am seeing is a “small picture”. The “big picture” for the farmers will be better with a mobilization of forces led by the opposition. That’s my final position.

    It should be your final position because it is an indefensible one. History is replete starting with the bible of the giant being slain by Davids.

    David

  22. Kola Avatar
    Kola

    Adrian Loveridge the political FRAUDSTER.

    When did he ever become a friend of black Bajan farmers?

    He has his own political agenda and personal vendettas to pursue.

    Adrian Loveridge the “Saviour of Black Bajan Farmers”? … HA!

  23. Kola Avatar
    Kola

    David,

    The Bible is also full of stories of wolves in sheep’s clothing.

    Adrian Loveridge is one of them!

    Kola tell what has leds you to your position.

    David

  24. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    THE BLP IS the “Saviour of Black Bajan Farmers” Right ? … HA!

    They were in power for the last 13 years.

    We must agree with Frankology that the DLP should be injvolved in this fight at this time.

  25. David Avatar
    David

    Geogie Porgie do you know the reason the BWU has waited until now to press for his demands from C&W? You are a smart guy and we know you know the answer.

    The 13 year battle by Southern Farmers has had to wait for the opportunity where their raised voices might embarrass the government.

    Time Gov’t ‘helps oil-spill victims’
    Date August 11, 2007
    Brief

    GOVERNMENT NEEDS to help victims of the Shell oil pipeline spillage, who have gone more than a decade without compensation.

    Member of Parliament for Christ Church East Central, Ronald Jones, made this appeal in the House of Assembly yesterday.

    Government ought to assist farmers occupying the 200 acres contaminated by the spill in getting “some final solution to their agony and pain and suffering”, the Opposition politician said.

    Jones complained that farmers had experienced “12 years of struggle in the wilderness” against the oil giant.

    “Part of our responsibility as a Parliament is to stand up for the rights of the disadvantaged…,” he pointed out.

    He questioned what role Government was playing in the battle for compensation.

    He was speaking during debate on a bill establishing rules governing Barbados’ offshore petroleum sector.

    In 1995, an aviation fuel pipeline running through Christ Church ruptured and contaminated underground irrigation water supplies.

    Shell acknowledged responsibility and offered compensation reported to total $2 million to these affected farmers. The group, however, rejected the offer as too low.

    Lawyers from both sides have been discussing the matter ever since.

    Last year, chairman of Simpson Oil Limited (SOL), Kyffin Simpson, reported that he went to London to speak with the top brass of Shell on the matter and had received an assurance from them that they wanted to see the matter resolved in the shortest possible time.

    Jones said yesterday that he saw SOL’s intervention as “positive”, but wanted to know “what has been the voice of Government relative to the suffering of these people”.

    (TY) – Nation Newspaper

  26. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    David,

    “The 13 year battle by Southern Farmers has had to wait for the opportunity where their raised voices might embarrass the government.”

    And that is exactly the same OPPORTUNITY which the OPPORTUNIST Adrian Loveridge has been waiting for. We know what his agenda is… “embarass the government” at all costs, even to the detriment of the country Barbados.

    The BWU has ALWAYS represented worker’s rights in Barbados, unlike Adrian Loveridge the FRAUD who only now chooses to hang around black farmers when it is a few days away from an election. After he has used them for political expedience, come January 16th 2008 they will revert to being the same grimy black people who are not welcome on the premises of Peach and Quiet Hotel.

  27. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    As a Bajan my ultimate loyalty is to my country Barbados.

    Where does Adrian Loveridge’s loyalty lie? In the UK where he comes from? In his personal vendetta against black ministers in the BLP? Or in his hotel bank account?

    I know for sure that he is NOT a Bajan. If he really wanted to help those farmers, he would have done so YEARS ago when he was writing articles in the Advocate and sipping whiskey with Owen Arthur and the BLP. Now that he has been ejected and disowned by the upper ranks of the tourism power brokers in Barbados, he is trying to cry wolf and fool gullible Bajans.

    Again I caution Bajans… do not be deceived by this charlatan, FAKE and FRAUD called Adrian Loveridge. The history of the Caribbean is replete with stories of foreign fraudsters coming to our shores to deceive people… Jim Jones, Eddie D’Andrade, and that other foreign white crook who came here as an investor some years back and swindled businesses out of hundreds of thousands…

    If we take your argument then David Thompson’s loyalty should be to England where he was born.

    David

  28. Warrior Avatar
    Warrior

    Again,

    we easily lose track of what is pertinent for discussion and revelation. How did this topic suddenly become an Adrian Lovridge discussion.

    This is about the Farmers and their plight, not if Mr. Loveridge is white or British, and to add insult to injury no one is laying any facts as to why Mr. Loveridge should not be trusted.

    There must be international organisations and bodies that can join the fight against Shell for these farmers. If any one knows of any such organisations perhaps they can post it in this discussion

    This discussion is about the Farmers and not Adrian Loveridge get back on point.

    And a suggestion to Mr. Loveridge, if what Ms. Thomas is saying is correct, and you are viewed as a pariah, then you can do much more by stepping away and advising. This is just my suggestion I have nothing againt you.

  29. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    Warrior,

    “And a suggestion to Mr. Loveridge, if what Ms. Thomas is saying is correct, and you are viewed as a pariah, then you can do much more by stepping away and advising. This is just my suggestion I have nothing againt you.”

    If Loveridge was REALLY interested in helping those farmers, he would have done exactly that, and he would have done it a long time ago. But look at the HOW and WHEN of it all.

    HOW: There he is pushing himself to the front of the crowd to get himself in photos on CBC, and trying to mouth off in the Nation to make sure that his NAME and the NAME OF HIS HOTEL get more free publicity.

    WHEN: Two weeks before a general election he suddenly discovers that he loves black Bajan farmers.

    What a FAKE and a FRAUD.

    As you correctly pointed out, he could have advised them on what to do or who to contact without this blatant and shameless ATTENTION-SEEKING which is characteristic of him. Why does his name have to be the only one being promoted on these blogs? Where are the names of the farmers? Why is it that this white massa is the only one who can call Kyffin Simpson or send a letter to Shell? The operator of BU has also done these farmers a GREAT DISSERVICE by not contacting them. Instead you are happy to be seen fawning over your great white saviour Adrian Loveridge. Why is that? Who bewitched you?

  30. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    David Thompson was born in the UK Sheila. He is a BAJAN because his parents are BAJAN.

    One other way that you can become BAJAN, besides by birth is by naturalization- like Mr Loveridge.

    I dont know what sin that Loveridge committed but since he is indeed BAJAN, he does have a right to speak at this time or at any other time, despite his color or land of birth.

    GP we should add that any citizen from the Commonwealth living in Barbados for at lease 3 years can vote.

    David

  31. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    To be discriminated against because you are white or black or a foreigner is a hurtful thing.
    I have suffered from being discriminated against because both because I was black in one place and being a foreigner another place.

  32. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    David,

    “GP we should add that any citizen from the Commonwealth living in Barbados for at lease 3 years can vote.”

    Interesting that you are never use that argument when you are ranting and railing about the GUYANESE who are living in Barbados. Oh, I forgot, they are only blacks and Indians… not lily white like your massa Loveridge the FRAUD and publicity-seeking FAKE.

    Again your argument is flawed because our position has always been the open door policy which the Arthur administration has practiced which because of an inefficient Immigration Department has seen many illegal Guyanese and others entering the 21×14 Barbados. BU will continue to support Adrian L or whoever has the guts to stand the courage of their conviction. Please remember that Shiela/BFPE.

    David

  33. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    David wrote “History is replete starting with the bible of the giant being slain by Davids.”

    I like that googly!

    David you know of course that the inaugaral David had previously killed both a lion and a bear with his bare hands. So a giant of a man was not a big problem.

    David can I challenge you to go thou and do like wise! Figuratively of course. LMAO

    Theres nothing like Bajan jesting and jousting. I really miss it where I am. Am I glad to find BU? Wow!
    “

  34. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    BU,

    The same 21×14 Barbados is TOO SMALL for even ONE white massa.

    Adrian Loveridge is not a Bajan and will NEVER be a Bajan. He is a white British foreigner who qualified for Barbadian citizenship because he has lived here for X number of years. His wife is the same British as him, and he is an alien to Bajan culture. As some very dear friends of mine like to say, he doesn’t even know what coucou is!

    Matter of fact, I wonder if he can even identify half of the crops planted by those Bajan farmers.

    Yoohoo, Mr. Loveridge, do you know what pigeon peas are?

  35. Sad Sheila Avatar
    Sad Sheila

    It is very sad that there are people like Sheila Thomas in Barbados! Instead of seeing through colour and trying to help the small farmers, she is trying to find fault with someone who is trying to help them. More than she / he is doing. Shame on you!!!

  36. Ayub Avatar
    Ayub

    Sheila Thomas, people like you gave Barbados a bad name with you racist opinions……………If you want something positive to do. Why don’t you go out and canvas for the desperate BLP and stop taking up space on the blog… Your behaviour is shameful!!!!!!

  37. Kadri Avatar
    Kadri

    why am i of the opinion that sheila thomas int one of de poppits at bfpe.

    this is what im talking about, unity among people and some poppit always ready to give a bad name by talking crap. thank god loveridge and other white people dont think like her.

    sheila why dont you do something about the matter then? stop being a stupid racist woman you are and do something to help de people then.

    adrian kudos to you for taking a stand, let we see how far this will go.

    ya know what is funny about sheila, i hope wunna people see it.

    SHEILA IS BEING NEGATIVE ON A MAN WHO IS DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE

    how ironic, sheila you cannot be from earth, i hope you only use natural products from natural resources, cuz almost everything we use begins from the white man with the green bills.

    only one word can describe you and thats stupid.

  38. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    Well Sheila is showing her BLP colours – Intolerance, Intolerance, Intolerance.

    She like the rest of that party sits on their bums, and criticise when somebody tries to help another human being.

    Red or Yellow, Black or White, all are precious in His sight.

    Time you bunch learn a little love and humility

  39. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    Make sure not to miss the interesting DISCLAIMER on that website…

    This is not the website of Royal Dutch Shell Plc nor is it endorsed by them or affiliated with them in any way. For the official Shell portal website, click on “Further Information and Links” below.

    Yet another Adrian Loveridge FRAUD!!!

    Who is he trying to FOOL?

    I like the reply that ~B~F~P~E~ just posted on it though!

    Loveridge is a FAKE and a FRAUD.

    🙂

  40. Avatar
    Anonymous

    I think Sheila is Noel Lynch. I wonder how he get the time to come on the blog from his busy campaign schedule?

  41. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    The DLP website is like the party… NOT READY YET.

  42. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    I like the cartoon though… it reminds me of my dear colleague: 900 lb Gorilliphant!

  43. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    I wonder how he get the time to come on the blog from his busy campaign schedule?
    ====
    Try via a laptop.

  44. Hard Driver Avatar
    Hard Driver

    Ah mm Sheila? the email from Adrian Loveridge was posted by John Donovan who is the web master of this site which is obviously a site that opposes the policies of Shell. I am pretty sure that Mr Bruseth of Shell would have received a copy as well.

  45. Undertaker Avatar
    Undertaker

    I think that this back and worth with this “Sheila Thomas” has done what it was designed to do, to take us away from the point at hand, to take us away from the plight of the farmers. The point is that no one else of substance has come to the farmers’ aid and it has been going on for years. I think the Adrian has the right policy if we also put some pressure and some calls to SOL, then they would also push the pressure up to Shell. But when we have people making arguments of no or little substance then we will always be “spinning in mud” Most people would only talk, but will crusify the ones that try to make a difference. This is what the politicians do, pure laughing and pretty talk and little substance.

    I believe that this “Shiela Thomas” that has suddenly appeared, is one of our regular political pimps who are only here to cause strife. R.I.P.

  46. Undertaker Avatar
    Undertaker

    Currently I support the BLP, not everything they do (alot I disagree with actually) but in general they have made mistakes but they have done a reasonable job, I have voted DLP, BLP, NDP (actually I belived the NDP had the right ideas but were never given a fair chance, a lot of NDP ideas are not implemented by the BLP, Income Tax etc.) I don’t mind voting against the BLP, but show me the alternative and what they REALLY have to offer. I told my representative already, I will give my vote now, but when if I decide not to give him I will LET HIM KNOW. I have nothing to hide, I am direct and I tell it like it is. When he, or them do crap I tell him that. R,I,P,

  47. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    Shell has only just settled a pipeline leakage case taken out against then in 1988.
    The Limestone Township (Illinois) received a
    settlement of US$46 million.

  48. David Avatar
    David

    Here is some resource info which gives some idea of the magnitude of the effort which will be required by the Southern Farmers. It makes us wonder if Shell should have been allowed to exit the Caribbean by selling its distribution network in several of the islands.

    Oil suits filed since 1999

  49. Green Monkey Avatar
    Green Monkey

    You all need to understand if you are trying to get compensation for corporate wrongdoing by a powerful, trans-national corporation like Shell what forces you really up against.

    Watch the video documentary “The Corporation” ( see: http://www.thecorporation.com ) to get an idea of just how much power these large, multinational corporations have at their disposal.

    Excerpts from the documentary are also available on Google Video, Just go to http://video.google.com and do a search on “The Corporation” to get the links.

  50. Davidin Avatar
    Davidin

    We have consistently been making the point that an Arthur administration which is focussed on creating a climate for foreign investment will not want to be embroiled in any head to head with a multi-national over a few acres of land and the plight of a dozen farmers. The administration would be more concerned with being fixed on the big prize i.e. uninterrupted foreign investment flowing into the country.

The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.

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