est. 2007

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Question Mark Looms Over Chapo/Boxill Poll~Revisited

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has labelled a new poll as irresponsible propaganda because it failed to print all of the data including an alleged significant swing in favour of the DLP. The Poll printed in another section of the printed media on Sunday reportedly originated in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Cave Hill Campus…

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Question Mark

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has labelled a new poll as irresponsible propaganda because it failed to print all of the data including an alleged significant swing in favour of the DLP. The Poll printed in another section of the printed media on Sunday reportedly originated in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Cave Hill Campus under the name of the Cave Hill Associates Polling Organisation. Professor Ian Boxill functioned as polling director, Dr. George Belle as an analyst, and Dion Greenidge as data manager and had a sample of 1 220 enumerated voters. General Secretary of the DLP, Chris Sinckler, held a press conference yesterday morning stating that we knew for some time that this poll was being conducted. What we find interesting is that the information that is being withheld is far more significant and damaging to the Barbados Labour Party

Source: Barbados Elections

The just released Cave Hill Associates Polling Organization (Chapo)/Boxill poll has generated a lot of debate in Barbados, especially amongst the political pundits. Although Peter Wickham has ‘reluctantly’ agreed that competition is good in an area which was his sole preserve until the Chapo/Boxill poll, the BU household has some concerns.

We believe that the dissemination of information which is expertly packaged can have the effect of influencing public opinion.The science of polling has been introduced by the late Pat Emmanuel and refined by his protégée Peter Wickham. Despite what Peter Wickham’s detractors are saying his success rate of forecasting the outcome of elections in Barbados and in the region is a matter of public record.

The timing of the Chapo/Boxill poll has raised a question mark in our minds. Although we welcome more pollsters to the market, we question why the owners of the Chapo/Boxill poll would have allowed the Nation newspaper in its edition of 23 December 2007 to print only a snapshot report of the results. Dr.George Bell in a radio call-in offered the poor excuse that the owners of the Chappo/Boxill poll wanted to beat the Nation deadline. The response obviously disregarded the effect that incomplete information dumped in the public domain could have with a general election on the horizon. We are not experts in the science of polling but would it not have made more sense to have formatted the Chappo/Boxill poll to make it easy for the public to make a comparison to the last Peter Wickham CADRES poll?

The other issue which we have is the disturbing report reaching BU which questions the data collection method used by the Chapo/Boxill outfit. There is strong indication that the criteria used to identify some of the subjects who participated in the poll was not a true representation of ‘Barbadians’. In one case that we know of the subject lives outside of Barbados. Could we ask Dr. George Bell to publish the methodology which was used to collect data for the poll? Was the data collected using door to door, telephone, Internet etc?

The PEOPLE want to know!

We wonder why the Chapo/Boxill poll would have been published by the Nation newspaper with such urgency against the background that Chapo/Boxill outfit has no track record in Barbados. Dr.George Bell has himself admitted that the University of the West Indies needs to build expertise in the science of polling.

109 responses to “Question Mark Looms Over Chapo/Boxill Poll~Revisited”

  1. Avatar
    Anonymous

    I am no memeber of the DLP.

    The room I am in is my living room, only one computer in it and my wife is sitting watching TNT.

    No group of DLP supporters here. Sorry to disappoint you.

  2. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Let me also add, I just an ordinary Joe who has had enough of the BLP and can’t wait for Jan. 15, or Jan, 16th to go to the polls vote the BLP OUT

  3. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Hi Anonymous, Goodnight to you, How was your Xmas and my blessings for good health to you and your family.

    As you know I am not for any Bees or Dees. I deal with issues that are posted, and unfortunately, the most posters are Dees, thus my constant fights with my friend WIV and Jerome. I would also like a change of Goverment, based on a transparent form of Governance, where our people will have a better way of life, corruption will be eliminated, political pestering using individuals to undermine others will be a thing of the past, health care must be improved, although we are in the forefront of health care in the region, the lowering of cost of living and finally a two-term government.

  4. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Are we having 2-day polling? Please let me know since I see you mention 15th & 16th.

  5. Undertaker Avatar
    Undertaker

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Arthur

  6. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Frankology
    How would you improve healthcare Sir?

  7. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    And i live in Pawtucket Rhode Island USA

  8. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    How would you improve healthcare Sir?
    ……………………………………………………………………
    An improvement should consist of the embracing of all the goods and services designed to promote health, including “preventive, curative and palliative interventions. It should embrace physical and mental well-being of the newborn to the old age.

  9. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    And i live in Pawtucket Rhode Island USA
    ……………………………………………………………………..
    Greeting Adrian to you and your family. Are you looking to have a Barbadianise healthcare system in Rhode Island?

  10. Anon Avatar
    Anon

    If someone asks you how you will vote, there is one safe answer – BLP. People are scared to say DLP.

    I predict that there will be a sizeable swing of declared BLP voters changing over to the DLP on election day.

    The DLP has not made their presence felt, but the BLP are tripping over themselves in their efforts to lose this election.

  11. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    Yardbroom
    December 26, 2007 at 1:27 pm
    The BLP poll, not only exposes them as failures but it also indicates how we, as a people, have waited patiently for this time.

    A new dawn is breaking, and with that dawn’s awakening, rises the dreams of Barbadians. More than four decades ago, a Barbadian of great talent and endeavour, brought our beloved country to independence.

    I will give him and his family, the courtesy his eminence deserves, by referring to him by name, that being the Rt. Hon Errol Walton Barrow, father of independence.

    A name such as his, should be mentioned, because he taught us, that although a small island, we are not a small people.

    At this moment, when a rebirth of our country is possible, when a chink of light seeps through the dark void, in which for too long we have recently inhabited, a new leader has come before us.

    The time for change is upon us, and a decision has to be made, the decision will be about stewardship, proper governance, honesty, probity, integrity and a genuine love for the community for which parliamentarians will be elected to serve.

    In assessing the governance of an administration at the end of term – in this instance three terms – one must ask what have they done; how have they done it, and were promises freely given, kept; were they prudent with resources; and were they accountable for their actions.

    Do you recall the Chinese workers, who were not supposed to be in Barbados, and yet they were. No one was prepared to have the honesty, to step up to the plate and tell the general public what was going on. There was the arrogance of silence. Like children, we are expected to quickly forget, Barbadians are like that, they believe, but are we?

    What about the cheque for $750.000.00 mentioned in the houses of Parliament. I make no allegation of any kind, I will only refer you to the incident as it happened in Parliament, you come to a conclusion.

    The prison contract over runs, was the contract in US dollars or Barbados dollars, no one in a position of authority seemed to know.

    Do we need a flyover, how will it be funded, is it too expensive, cost over runs, incompetent financial management, the experience of the selected contractor and his history in that field.

    The Cricket World Cup, heaven and earth moved, money in prodigious amounts spent, but a “dark evening” was had by all. The gloom in which the final was played, symbolised the sorry debacle of management. I will not dwell on the humiliation of our police, I mention it only in passing, it pains me.

    The beaches, our pride, and beloved by all, we always knew regardless of how poor we were, we could go to the beaches and frolic with our family and friends. Now the roads , tracks and little alleys to them are barred, rocks and man made outcrops obstruct our path – officials give acceptance by silence, inhibited often by knowing what actions certain people expect of them.

    Large tracks of land are sold, indigenous people are “invisible,” the only consideration is how much the foreigner will pay. Barbadians therefore suffer exclusion by price, colour does not prevent you, price does. When you have to be super rich to buy a small piece of land, something is very wrong indeed. These lands might as well be in “Afghanistan” ordinary Barbadians will “never ever” be able to purchase them. The end result is, the general population is gradually being squeezed into a smaller area.

    Some rich people seem able to flout the Law, the law as we know it, does not apply to them. The law is to be obeyed, only by the unrepresented poor, the “common man.” When the rich see no need to respect the law, the common people will ultimately do the same, and the result will be anarchy.

    Fortunes are being made, and squirreled away. Two, three, or even a dozen very rich black men/women will not make Barbados a great nation. What will, is the opportunity for our sons and daughters to prosper, that prosperity will permeate through the wider society, from which will come enterprising, businessmen and leaders. The base of opportunity and wealth for the average black citizen must be spread.

    We must think less of “the poor black man” culture and concentrate on the “undustrious black man/woman”. We must think of our society, and what is needed to give the majority population a good standard of living,and life opportunities. I repeat, a couple very rich black men, is not good enough.

    Finally we must be “inclusive” never against white or those who think they are. We must be for citizens of “our country” regardless of shades of pigmentation. I know how difficult this is considering our past, but it is a must, there is no other way, if we are to move forward as a nation.

    We have come to a fork in the road, thankfully we are free to make a choice. One way will take us back from whence we came. Or we can move forward and upward and reach for the sky. Future generations will thank us, if we change for a much improved Barbados, our country deserves better, it is time for a change, and that change can best be brought about by the “Democratic Labour Party” led by David Thompson. The BLP have proved it will not happen under them.

  12. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    frankology // December 29, 2007 at 10:34 pm

    And i live in Pawtucket Rhode Island USA
    ……………………………………………………………………..
    Greeting Adrian to you and your family. Are you looking to have a Barbadianise healthcare system in Rhode Island?
    ==============================

    Barbadianise healthcare? what might that be? …… There are a number of retired Barbadians still living in the US who have decided not to return to Barbados, hindered by healthcare concerns. I don’t know what they may have concidered in concluding as they have, but I personally do not have a problem with my access to healthcare or it’s delivery and therefore do not comtemplate any change.

  13. David Avatar
    David

    Dr.George Belle rushed to the airwaves last week to discuss/explain the Chapo/Boxill poll which has come under heavy criticism; the result was to plant confusion and doubt about the poll in the public’s mind. Today Voice of Barbados is advertising that no less a person than Ian Boxill, respected pollster who has been associated with the reknown Carl Stone poll out of Jamaica will again have an opportunity to defend the Chapo poll. To bring balance,the radio stations seem hell-bent on this, Peter Wickham and New York correspondent Tony Best will put in an appearance. The program will be hosted by the indefatigable David Ellis.

  14. Roger Rabbitt Avatar
    Roger Rabbitt

    Bush Tea // November 28, 2007 at 9:11 am

    David,
    You see what could happen if intelligent, informed comment regularly came from Cave Hill on issues of public interest?
    …………………………………………………………..
    This comment was made in reference to Dr. Justin Robinson’s article published on BU on the cost of living.
    When one considers the drivel coming from Dr. George Belle re: Chapo/Boxill poll, one wonders if there are really two Cave Hills. Sound intelligent reasoning on one hand, while on the other, comments are off the radar.
    Would love to hear Bush Tea’s take on this one.
    Roger

  15. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    David, The media here in BARBADOS has been tested and found very sadly wanting, it cannot gain an even near passing mark it is in a very sad state.

    I say this because it was with very sad regret that I learnt than the freedom of the press has been kidnapped by the BLP and its gang of crooks with the intent to muzzle the press and to continue to do the dishonest and corrupt acts that it has long done.

    I say this with every confidence that we are fuelling a CREEPING DICTATORSHIP when we look in today’s Nation newspaper and we look for the balance and the sincerity of the PETER WICKHAM article and find that there is none today, nor will there be any of his articles for the public to read and to take during this election period, add to that HARTLEY HENRY’S article has also been pulled but EZRA ALLEYNE’s is continued to be featured it smells, it looks, it feels of a CORRUPT DICTATORSHIP.

    When the Prime Minister will get to lowest level to affect what the PRESS is allowed to PRINT OR PUBLISH and dictate to them who to remove as their writers, we are in a downhill slide to a DICTATORSHIP.

  16. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    We also have another very sad development in this setup and that is under the present conditions we may not be provided the benefit of another free and honest poll before the elections, because of this action taken by the Nation Newspaper.

    Well Arthur you certainly know how to trample on a DEMOCRACY and how to move to a DICTATORSHIP.

  17. David Avatar
    David

    WIV~Peter Wickham is being advertised as a member of the panel on the Down to Brass Tacks program today. Last time we checked VOB is owned by the same parent as the Nation newspaper. Maybe Peter will get a chance today to confirm the information you have released to day.

  18. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    Maybe some one should directly address him and that issue with him.

    Further to this development there is some doubt that DAVID ELLIS will be allowed to continue the CALL IN SHOWS.

    We have so many questions to ask about our freedom and our continued rights.

  19. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    Right up front and moments ago Peter Wickham has now confirmed to the public of Barbados that his four articles have been pulled from being printed in the Nation News.

  20. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    LEADERSHIP
    The true test of leadership comes during difficult times for the leader and his team.

    In January 2006 the former DLP Opposition Leader Clyde Mascoll, the BLP’s most strident critic, in a move unprecedented in Caribbean Politics, crossed the floor to joint the bosom of Owen Arthurs’ Cabinet. Independent analysts stated that it had so devastated the DLP and left it in utter shambles that the party would take a very long time to ever become a political force to be reckoned with in Barbados.

    In less than 23 months the DLP under the astute leadership of David Thompson has been transformed to so potent a Political Unit, that is now seen as a viable alternative to the BLP.

    In this his second phase of Political Leadership, there in no doubt that David Thompson has displayed the substance that those ultimately rated as good leaders are made of.

  21. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    My fear of a DICTATORSHIP is a very serious aspect of my reason for change.

    This admistration has clearly shown its willingness to take us down the road of a DICTATORSHIP.

    Let us address the withdrawal of PETER WICKHAM from writing articles for the Nation and the risk of the halting of CALL IN SHOWS, and from what I have been reading and what I have heard that this gov’t has undertaken illegal means to tap into private citizens telephone calls, text messages and internet activity such as the interception of emails etc, this was facility was first introduced with the CWC and has since been put into active use to control and monitor the actions of those not favourable to the DICTATOR.

  22. David Avatar
    David

    Seems to BU that Tony Best was sent to the call-in program to act as some kind of blocker? We had a negative vibe from Best contributions. David we scored highly on the program today.

    What we found interesting is that Dr. Boxill was unable to speak to the nuances and cultural peculiarities of the Barbados political landscape.

  23. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    WIV, are your articles banned from the Nation?

  24. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    avid // December 30, 2007 at 1:14 pm

    Seems to BU that Tony Best was sent to the call-in program to ask as some kind of blocker? We had a negative vibe from Best contributions. David we scored highly on the program today.

    What we found interesting is that Dr. Boxill was unable to speak to the nuances and cultural peculiarities of the Barbados political landscape.
    ==============================

    You all does give Tony Best to much credit. Most Barbadians in diaspora don’t know who he is, and could care even less.

  25. David Avatar
    David

    With the election on the horizon can we safely assume that the final national poll will come this weekend?

  26. POLLSTER Avatar
    POLLSTER

    DAVID,

    Kindly do some investigation on what I am about to say .

    Information reaching me indicates that the soon – to – be released Ian Boxill poll have the findings 18 seats to the DEMS. 12 seats to the BEES .

    Unfortunately, Owen got wind of these results after Ian Boxill shared the information with his cousin living in the parish of St. John and other close associates.

    THE RESULT : Owen Arthur has insisted that he REVERSE the results.

    BOXILL RESPONSE : CORRUPT Owen Arthur pay me my money…..then you can
    ” doctor the poll results ”

    ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS !

  27. David Avatar
    David

    Those of you who has been asking us to review/comment on the recent polls, please note that we have not read them. We believe that polls which are released so close to election date only serve to be manipulative. If it is one change we would make to the election law next time it would be to ban the release polls a couple months leading to elections.

  28. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    GEorge Belle is a Bee. Ian Boxill lacks knowledge of the local political culture (his quote on Brass Tacks). This poll attempts to make leadership as the major criteria for choosing a party, yet, their own data shows that people are more concerned with thier MP, or a combination of MP and Prime Minister when making their choice. The analysis seems skewed towards presenting an already decided bias. Sad.

  29. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    I think the people of Barbados are treating to Mr. Boxhill and his work in the same vein as they would have treated Jennifer Lazzlo and her work. Mr Boxhill barbadian heritage being overshadowed by his strong Jamaican accent. Somehow bajans don’t like non-bajans messing with their politics. 😀

  30. David Avatar
    David

    The silence of Boxill in this discussion is revealing. Should we read anything into it or is he being a respectful participant.

    He keeps repeating that he does not have the historical data. Yet he is able to make a clear prediction of the swing vote. Tuesday will do a lot to build Peter Wickham’s reputation as a pollster we think

  31. Avatar
    Anonymous

    “The silence of Boxill in this discussion is revealing.”

    What sort of rubbish is that?

    We can sense the sadness among the BU yardfowls.

  32. Dr. Justin Robinson Avatar
    Dr. Justin Robinson

    The leader of the DLP put the ABC project under scrutiny as part of his party’s electoral campaign. After his comments and allegations I was rather pleased when it was indicated that Ralph “Bizzy” Williams had taken the time to write a letter to the newspaper on the issue.

    I must admit that I was rather disappointed with the letter.

    Mr. Williams makes no comment on the allegation of no formal contract between the government and the main contractor 3S. Mr. Williams also makes no comment on the allegations of an absence of formal drawings, specifications and Bills of quantities for the project. I had rather hoped that someone with the knowledge and experience of Mr. Williams would have shed some light on what appears to be some rather glaring management errors.

    Mr. Williams appears to attribute most of the “cost overruns” to increases in the price of steel. He would have been rather more persuasive if he had provided some information as to what percentage of the cost of the project is related to the price of steel. Maybe its my ignorance about the cost structure of these types of projects, but simply saying that the increases in the cost of the project are in line with the increases in the price of steel seems inadequate. For example, if steel accounts for 50% of the cost of the project, a fifty percent increases in the cost of steel would lead to a 25% increase in the cost of the project.

    Mr. Williams refers to delays caused by technocrats , but he provides precious little information to support his contention. In my view the relevant issue is whether or not any interventions by technocrats were outside normal procedures.

    I expected rather more from such a well informed and knowledgeable commentator, and in my view he has done little to advance discussion on this important issue.

  33. NEW POLL FAVOURS BLP TO WIN Avatar
    NEW POLL FAVOURS BLP TO WIN

    NEW NUMBERS

    UWI poll favours Barbados Labour Party to win fourth term

    See the FRONT PAGE of today’s SUNDAY SUN!

  34. Brutus Avatar
    Brutus

    Dr. Robinson,

    I have assumed that part of the reason for proceeding with the highway work before the designs were completed and the contract properly negotiated, was the haste to complete it prior to the World Cup. In the position that Mr. Williams has taken (as per his letter to the press) he implicitly suggests that he is happy with the weaknesses identified. In fact, his expressed opinion is that it should all have been done a lot faster.

    The flyovers make a lot of sense to him, and in his own companies that is sufficient to proceed as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, we must hold public projects to a much higher standard.

  35. REB PLASTIC BAG now singing for the BEES Avatar
    REB PLASTIC BAG now singing for the BEES

    I heard it on an announcement last night and thought that my ears had deceived me.

    But TODAY when I opened by Sunday Sun, on the inside of the BACK PAGE, is an advertisement for the BARBADOS LABOUR PARTY free concert starting at 4:00 pm at Wotton Playing Field in Christ Church, and there among the long list of singers it appears:

    RED PLASTIC BAG

    On the eve of a general election in Barbados, how come this particular Bajan calypso legend and fierce political commentator is now SINGING WITH THE BEES?

  36. Undertaker Avatar
    Undertaker

    RED PLASTIC BAG

    On the eve of a general election in Barbados, how come this particular Bajan calypso legend and fierce political commentator is now SINGING WITH THE BEES?
    ***********************************

    What is the big deal? Does he not have his family to support and provide for? Lets get real here, the politicians want our vote. The singers what their money!

  37. anon Avatar
    anon

    Does anyone realise that the dlp is in breach of the law in not indicating on their manifesto who published and printed their document. It appears that the dlp candidates are also in breach of the law when they did not indicate on their election flyers who published and printed them.

    It appears david thompson is condoning the erection of billboards on people’s land even if the landowner approves. He however has not told the public that even if the landowner approves it is the town planner who has the final say.

    Is Thompson’s mouthings on this matter symbolic as to how he proposes to run a country.

    has anyone asked david thompson how much funding he is receiving from the former owners of Caribbean commercial bank

  38. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    Anon

    “It appears david thompson is condoning the erection of billboards on people’s land even if the landowner approves. He however has not told the public that even if the landowner approves it is the town planner who has the final say.”

    The Town planner is stooge. Town Planning refused to help persons in dire need of their assistance e.g.persons in French Village that are being affect by an asphalt plant which has NO permission and STILL have not shut them down.

    Yet they can complain about billoards??? Gimme a break. The DLP have 60 days to remove the billboards, so they are NOT in breach of the law.

    Furthermore I have noticed Miss Mottleys visage on the back of large road signs in the stretch between Hostheral Turning and the Junction at Combemere. I wonder if they are in breach of using Governmental infrastructure to mount a campaign.

    Stop nitpicking and deal with the issues at hand.

  39. anon Avatar
    anon

    Anonymous

    Read the law. They are in violation of the town and country planning act. However even though there is a period for removal ( which is 28 days and not 60) they are still flouting the law.

  40. Jerome Hinds Avatar
    Jerome Hinds

    Dr, Robinson has made some salient points on DIZZY BIZZY crazy clarification !

    How can DIZZY BUZZY be taken seriously when he is in bed with the BLP on this project ?

    Millions of $$$$$$ spent on a project with no DESIGN , BILLS OF QUANTITIES etc. yet this GREAT WHITE HOPE DIZZY BIZZY only raises his voice now that the CORRUPTION has been exposed by the DEMS !

  41. Jerome Hinds Avatar
    Jerome Hinds

    Dr, Robinson has made some salient points on DIZZY BIZZY crazy clarification !

    How can DIZZY BUZZY be taken seriously when he is in bed with the BLP on this project ?

    Millions of $$$$$$ spent on a project with no DESIGN , BILLS OF QUANTITIES etc. yet this GREAT WHITE HOPE DIZZY BIZZY only raises his voice now that the CORRUPTION has been exposed by the DEMS !

  42. Jerome Hinds Avatar
    Jerome Hinds

    anon // January 13, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    Anonymous

    Read the law. They are in violation of the town and country planning act. However even though there is a period for removal ( which is 28 days and not 60) they are still flouting the law.
    ***************************************

    Only Owen Arthur flouts the LAW around here !

    REMEMBER : Asking the SPEAKER of the HOUSE of ASSEMBLY to remove his
    ” INDENTURED SERVANT ” speech from……HANSARD !

  43. Jerome Hinds Avatar
    Jerome Hinds

    anon // January 13, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    Anonymous

    Read the law. They are in violation of the town and country planning act. However even though there is a period for removal ( which is 28 days and not 60) they are still flouting the law.
    ***************************************

    Only Owen Arthur flouts the LAW around here !

    REMEMBER : Asking the SPEAKER of the HOUSE of ASSEMBLY to remove his
    ” INDENTURED SERVANT ” speech from……HANSARD !

  44. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    anon // January 13, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    “Anonymous

    Read the law. They are in violation of the town and country planning act. However even though there is a period for removal ( which is 28 days and not 60) they are still flouting the law.”

    How is it flouting the law?? elections are called n the 15th, The boards went up NOT before the 30th therefore they are well within their rights. 28 ays ahve not passed.

    You have yet to answer the question of theuse of the PUBLIC signs acting a surrogate billboard.

    Nor have you commented on the incatio of Town Planning in FAR more serious matters, especially whe they BLP claims it is committed to being a Green government yet they are allowing some industries to do as they please.

  45. Athony to boycott Taiwanese reception Avatar
    Athony to boycott Taiwanese reception

    SUNDAY SUN, JANUARY 13,2008, 48A

    Caribbean Link

    Anthony to boycott reception

    CASTRIES – The Opposition St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) says it will boycott a government reception to be held next week for President of Taiwan Chen Shui-ban who is scheduled for a state visit to St. Lucia.

    In a statement Friday, Leader of the Opposition Dr Kenny Anthony said his party will not sit, eat or drink with representatives of a government who bribed officials to re-establish relations with St. Lucia.

    “The SLP cannot endorse or welcome the President of a country whose Ambassador engages and interferes in the domestic pilitics of St. Lucia

    “Ambassador Tom Chou is openly supportive of the UWP (United Workers Party) regime, finances political projects of the UWP parliamentarians, routinely ignores the financial rules and procedures established by the Parliament of St. Lucia, even to the point of selecting and paying the so-called contractors for projects selected by him and the UWP parliamentarians,” Anthony said.

    The statement said that Ambassador Chou’s openly partisan behaviour has been provocative and disrespective of the sovereignty of the country and its people.

    Corruption scandals

    “It is also well known that the days of the president are numbered. A stream of corruption scandals has rocked his government, engulfed high-ranking officials of his party and the presidential family,” he said, adding that the president is not the kind of leader who should be welcomed to St Lucia at this time.

    “The SLP will not, by any act of association, grant any legitimacy to a government that does not observe internationally accepted codes of conduct and behaviour,” the SLP leader noted.

    The governing UWP last year established ties with Taiwan, resulting in China breaking off diplomatic relations with this tiny Caribbean island. China considers Taiwan a renegade state that is a part of its proper territory. (CMC)

  46. Hard driver Avatar
    Hard driver

    I hear that Owen Arthur is to make an address to the nation at 8:00 pm tonight ….
    Is this fair ?? isn’t there rules governing election campaigning ?? If Parliament is dissolved and technically there is no Prime Minister, on what grounds does he have the right to make an appearance on national TV and does David Thompson not also deserve that right as well??
    It just doesn’t seem fair to me …

  47. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    David had his already

  48. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    REMEMBER THIS IS BARBADOS Hard driver

  49. Avatar
    Anonymous

    LIVE and IN PROGRESS – The Barbados Labour Party FREE CONCERT at Wotton Playing Field, Christ Church.

    Enjoy!

    http://blp.org.bb/livetv

    I will be voting BLP bright and early on Tuesday morning!!!!

  50. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    I viewed it and it sounds very lack lustre and flat.

    Are the performers copying the body language of the candidates and are accepting defeat will throw their tails out and the NEW DPP will asked to do his job?

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