est. 2007

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CLICO Insurance Executive Appointed Chairman Of Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)

Insurance Executive Leroy Parris Prime Minister David Thompson has announced the names of members to 12 other boards He says cabinet is working assiduously to get the various boards in place so that the essential work of government would continue apace. Insurance executive Leroy Parris has been appointed as Chairman of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation,…

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Leroy Parris

Prime Minister David Thompson has announced the names of members to 12 other boards

He says cabinet is working assiduously to get the various boards in place so that the essential work of government would continue apace. Insurance executive Leroy Parris has been appointed as Chairman of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, his deputy chair is Jeanette Layne-Clarke. Other members on the CBC board are Peter Boyce, Evette King, Pastor Wesley Dear, Father Clement Paul, Muriel Sealy and the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office or his nominee.

Source: CBC

We have always wondered through the years, the criteria which successive governments in Barbados have used to appoint persons to several Boards of management charged with overseeing many of our important institutions. One such agency which has been perceived by the public to have been managed like the proverbial political football is the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). We are inclined to go along with the view that successive Barbados governments have erred on the side of caution by appointing a party lackey in light of the aversion of governments in developing states to relinquish control of state owned information entities.

We do not know what qualifies Mr. Parris for the job of Chairman above someone like Janette Layne Clarke and others, but if we were to rely on our on the ground knowledge and instinct, we must admit we don’t like the appointment. Prime Minister David Thompson gained the government to some degree on a platform of bringing change to Barbados. The Prime Minister has been in the media speaking to the number of consultants hired by the past administration which in his view added no value to the running of the government. Thompson has promised Barbadians that he will be bringing people on board who add value to the business of running the government. The appointment of Mr. Parris smacks of cronyism and begs the question what value will he be bringing to managing the problem plagued CBC. What message is the Prime Minister sending to the world and in particular the Fourth Estate, by appointing a man as Chairman of the government owned radio and TV station, known more for inflicting green verbs on anyone standing close-by.

The other concerning point about the appointment of Chairman Parris is to question whether his position as head of a CLICO company which is owned by the Trinidad conglomerate CL Financial does not create a conflict of interest situation. CL Financial owns a media company in Trinidad and a short while ago, according to our source, was known to have applied for a TV license to operate in Barbados.

The CL Financial’s Media and Communications Group, CL Communications, is comprised of one television station (ieTV); three radio stations (Music Radio 97, Ebony 104 and Radio 90.5) and a video production house (Video Associates), which has been responsible for films of international acclaim – Source: CL Financial Website.

We should take this opportunity to ask the incoming Chairman if the plan to privatize CBC is still on the cards.

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108 responses to “CLICO Insurance Executive Appointed Chairman Of Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)”

  1. Tony Hall Avatar
    Tony Hall

    I said already give these boards a chance. Leroy Parris may well turn out to be a good chairman. It sometimes takes someone who is outside the realm of things to come up with positive ideas. He has competent persons to assist him and I am sure the board is going to do well.

  2. Brutus Avatar
    Brutus

    If the DLP government does not appoint known DLP supporters to boards, and in particular to chair those boards, who would they appoint? Known BLP supporters?

    Would it be better if they only appointed people with no stated political affiliation, even if they are experts in their respective fields? That would not be smart politics.

    Did we really believe that the DLP government would have left in place all of the BLP political appointees? Let’s face it, these boards are to some extent just an extension of the DLP team.

    We knew that Leroy Parris would have to get something in exchange for his financial support, so I would be very happy if the CBC pick was the extent of it.

    My concern with all of these statutory boards and those of public companies too, is what do these people really do? I suspect that key decisions are made either by management or by cabinet. My experience is that most board members try not to rock the boat and keep their mouths shut on contentious issues – in fact, on most issues. Not many have the strength of character to go up against the Chairman or the CEO. This is the way most boards “function” (even in the US public companies), and seats on the board are just a cushy way of rewarding loyalty.

    I have however noticed some names among the appointees to the various boards who are fairly outspoken and who we would not expect to toe the political line. Is Jeannette Layne-Clarke a DLP supporter, or can we expect her to blow the whistle on any infelicities? Peter Boyce is also on the CBC Board, and Pastor Wesley Dear.

    I am not sure what specific skills Leroy Parris brings to the CBC Board other than general business acumen, but were these questions asked when Allan Fields was appointed chairman of the CBC Board? And look at who was his deputy.

    ___________
    Sir Allan to chair CBC board
    Published on: 7/15/06. (NationNews)

    BUSINESSMAN Senator Sir Allan Fields is the new chairman of the board of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

    The official announcement came from Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Reverend Joseph Atherley, at a Press conference at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St Michael, yesterday.

    Sir Allan, who is Barbados’ Special Envoy to China, will head an 11-member board charged with the responsibility of making sure the CBC is financially and commercially viable.

    Deputy chairman is former Minister of Energy and Consul-General in New York, Clyde Griffith.

  3. samizdat Avatar
    samizdat

    Ok Notes, thanks.

  4. negrocrat Avatar
    negrocrat

    What is the difference between Allan Fields and LeRoy Parris?
    Owen Arthur felt that he needed a successful businessman to Chair CBC’s Board.
    David Thompson feels that he neefds a businessman to run CBC.
    Mr Parris runs one of the most successful array of companies in Barbados, and in my humble opinion more successful than Allan Fields.
    Mr. Thompson and the DLp have a mandate to fulfill and he therefore has to choose in whom he has the confidence to carry out the mandate.
    Furthermore, what is wrong with CLICO getting a license to run a TV Station in Bdos?
    That Company has a proven positive trach record in making a profit from its business ventures.
    We cannot afford to be constantly cow towinng to CBC. Just look at how the CBC treated the DLP during the last elections.
    I hold no brief for mr. Parris but, fellow, go with your chest in the air as you always do and do the job that you were put there to do.
    Also make sure that you get the TV license for CLICO early in the term.

  5. David Avatar
    David

    We hold no brief for Mr. Parris either and this is why we are questioning the appointment for many reasons. The main reason being that it is the same old same old. On the subject of Mr. Parris being the successful head of a business in Barbados. The last time we checked many the CLICO owned companies are PRIVATE companies and those balance sheets which are published annually have reflected average performances.

    If there is consensus that Parris has gotten this job for his loyalty then so be it.

  6. negrocrat Avatar
    negrocrat

    So what is wrong with loyalty? Does it no longer count for anything?

  7. Jerome Hinds Avatar
    Jerome Hinds

    Mr. Parris elevation to be Chaiman of CBC…..is a master stroke by His Most Honourable , PM David Thompson .

    CBC at this juncture requires strong leadership from someone with a proven and untarnished business acumen.

    Mr. Parris credentials in this regard speaks volumes.

    CBC needs to embark vigorously on its commercialisation process.

    Allan Fields recognised this……but he was unable to tell the public before demiting office who were the BLP ” big wigs ” getting FREE MCTV services !

    A shame !

  8. Inkwell Avatar
    Inkwell

    David,

    You think the appointment as CBC chairman is the real payment for party funding and loyalty? Don’t make me laugh!! What you think going happen to all the plantations in St John Clico bought up years ago and up to now produced little other than bush? You know which minister of finance approved the sale of those plantations to Clico? I am sure Dupre and Parris did not buy them to grow bush. That may well be the real payday for all concerned and the joke will be on Barbados.

    Perhaps some aspiring “journalist” will do a feature on these plantations and enlighten the country. Hint, hint!!

  9. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Inkwell: Cud dear, you expect an answer from these official spokes person? These guys are ‘hit and run’ posters.

  10. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Lets say that the prophecy to which Inkwell hints and that Frankology salivates over, is on the cards and slated to be realize in similar fashion to what took place with Land at Sandylane, options bought, Lawmakers manipulated to get legal changes made for profit. What makes any of you think that my views would be any different or that i would ignore such an occurance? What you are failing to realize in your rush to have something on the DLP that is as corrupting as has occurred under the BLP is, such has not occurred, and whether Leroy Parris is the chairman of CBC or not, If Thompson intends to be as stupid as Inkwell and Frankology would like him to be for their sake, he would so do.

  11. ROBOT Avatar
    ROBOT

    a sad day in the history of the c b c

    will c b c recover from this latest in the continuing saga of d l p political largesse that has become a staple of d l p eversince the days of e w b

  12. ROBOT Avatar
    ROBOT

    it seems to me that barbados is up fo sale—i.e -up for grabs. this thing looking funny . it seems that we made a mistake on jan 15
    signs not looking good for barbados
    oh gosh !
    we sorry now that we put d l p in power
    unfair dismissals. governor general not reading throne speech, industrial action at various places, hon david thompson granstanding according to sir henry, economy beginning to slip (not reported yet)
    oh gosh –what next –the big D ?

  13. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Indeed Robot you speak the truth. These things you make mention of are FACTS.

    Yes all FACTS that do not as yet exist. 😀

  14. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Against my better judgement of engaging FACTS THAT DO AS YET EXIST…….

    Lets say that the prophecy to which Inkwell hints and that Frankology salivates over, is on the cards and slated to be realize. What kind of development would CLICO most likely put their land into? Condos? back into argriculture? an urban center? what? Whatever it is, is there any benefit to St.John from any of it? what about the people of St.John would there be work for them?

  15. David Avatar
    David

    Inkwell you maybe correct but our best information is that CLICO has maintained many of their plantations in agriculture unlike others. If Thompson were to be so silly as to sell-out to Parris and CLICO he would have something in common with Bree St. John next election around.

  16. Sam Gamgee Avatar
    Sam Gamgee

    We live really fast on these blogs. Today is February 11 2013. You think!
    Who died in the last 5 years? Who resigned? Who struck it rich? Who got married?
    Who got divorced/ Was there another earthquake? Was there a tsunami?
    Are we still here on BU? Any body lost everything in a fire? Any body went to prison?
    Any body became a parent? A grandparent? A politician, God forbid?
    Got the point? We live only for as long as we are able to breathe. That could last for as long as the next five minutes for any or all of us.
    Tek it easy neh?

  17. Sam Gamgee Avatar
    Sam Gamgee

    Adrian Hinds, I like your comments. Most of the time anyway.

  18. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    What you think going happen to all the plantations in St John Clico bought up years ago and up to now produced little other than bush?
    Did it even cross your mind that these same lands maybe used to provide housing for the low income earners??
    Then again that would to worthwhile a cause to mention.

  19. pride Avatar
    pride

    I have no problems with new cbc board except Leroy Parris. His mumerous faux pas with Queens english not a good omen for entity whose core function is proper grammar. I hope and expect Janette Layne Clarke to do most of the public speaking required by the board. Parris should concentrate on the finance side. I am guessing thats where his strength lays. Please Janette be assertive as deputy chair do not allow Parris on the flatform. I are serious about that.

  20. bussa Avatar
    bussa

    George Bush is the most powerful man in the country yet he does not have a clue about the queen’s english come on guys stop nick picking give the man a chance the Thompson admin will be the hardest marked in the history of Barbadoseverything they do will be placed under the microscope

  21. Sam Gamgee Avatar
    Sam Gamgee

    “Please Janette be assertive as deputy chair do not allow Parris on the flatform. I are serious about that.”
    Pride, that was real low down dirty.

  22. Cancerman Avatar
    Cancerman

    I wonder how many of the persons on this blog have had an intellectual discussion with Mr Parris or basing their opinions based on his faux pas which were always highlighted by the BLP media services?

    Leroy Parris got to his position on the basis of ability not because he was someones friend. Clico has grown in Barbados despite his being a firm supporter of the DLP.

    Why must we always act like crabs in a barrel – always pulling each other down?

  23. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    If Leroy Parris was a BLP supporter his errors in speech would have been long forgotten like those of Sir Louis Tull.

  24. Sam Gamgee Avatar
    Sam Gamgee

    “Why must we always act like crabs in a barrel – always pulling each other down?”

    The crabs can be excused since that is their nature and they probably can’t do otherwise. Human beings are supposed to be more lofty creatures so more is expected from us.

  25. Time will Tell Avatar
    Time will Tell

    I have been trying fervently to remember the name of the High School,College or University Leroy Parris attended. I’m having enormous trouble….HELP

  26. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Time will Tell // February 13, 2008 at 2:00 am

    I have been trying fervently to remember the name of the High School,College or University Leroy Parris attended. I’m having enormous trouble….HELP
    =============================
    Why is this important for anything? Isn’t Harrison college currently manage by a HeadMaster that went to school down at Richmond? Didn’t a celebrated Barbadian author once referred to UWI graduates as intellectual idiots?

  27. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    I have been trying fervently to remember the name of the High School,College or University Leroy Parris attended. I’m having enormous trouble
    ……………………………………………………………………..
    I might not be in agreement with Leroy as chairman, but I do not see any problem with him being on the board, I will be more comfortable with him as ‘deputy’. But “Time will Tell”, I totally disagree with your ‘cheek in tongue” talking about not hearing which High School he attended.

    I have managed companies and employed UWI grads who were absolute failures. As a matter of fact, the employees who were unable to attain large amount of certificates, performed far better as employees. This is not about bashing the academics, but to show you anyone, regardless who attend UWI or those who might only scrape third form and failed to gain certificates, can perform miracles once you give them that chance. It is like stating you only need experienced candidates for a job. How on earth these people can gained experience if you don’t give them a chance. Peace.

  28. Technician Avatar
    Technician

    As a young man, this is the very problem facing us today in getting jobs.
    You see an ad in the press but you are hesitant because they want 3-5 years experience.You are fresh out of UWI……where the hell would that experience come from?

  29. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Technician // February 13, 2008 at 10:34 am

    As a young man, this is the very problem facing us today in getting jobs.
    You see an ad in the press but you are hesitant because they want 3-5 years experience.You are fresh out of UWI……where the hell would that experience come from?
    =============================

    In my neck of the woods most job adverts that calls for or requires vocational qualifications also accepts a determine number of years experience in the Job as an alternative.

    Maybe most employers in Barbados are of the same opinion as that of a celebrated bajan author. 😀

  30. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Hi David. Things that slow or my computer freeze? This is a long time without any posting.

  31. Technician Avatar
    Technician

    Does it matter where Leroy Parris went to school?
    What about Sir Gary?
    My good friend Smokey Burke nearly made me shit my pants with Gary’s quotes.
    Like……’I have 2 sons…..both of them are boys’.
    Or…..’I have been all over the world and other places’.
    I mean, Parris did his bit too….’ a lot of people making allegations about me……but don’t worry….I know who de allegators are..’.
    Lets just judge him on performance and leave the slips of tongue or bad english to Bajan Girl to critique ok.

    You believe this girl got me checking every damn thing I type.

  32. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    ha ha ha ha those quotes attributed to Sir Gary and Lerop Parris cause me to recall one that was a popular AD for Huntes Plant nursery i think it was called, …..” WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDING SUNDAYS” 😀 wunnuh remember that?

  33. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Technician // February 13, 2008 at 3:31 pm

    You believe this girl got me checking every damn thing I type.
    ==============================

    As i have said before the intended effect is shut you down, don’t let her win.

  34. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    Adrian/Technician

    It seems that Bajan Girl get place in the detention. Ain’t hear her for the day. Or maybe, she is composing an article since she take real long to post an article, or she is only versatile with one subject – Critical of Rihanna.

  35. Yardbroom Avatar
    Yardbroom

    Sir Richard Branston – of Virgin Atlantic – left school at sixteen years of age. Dare I say it, he is a very successful business man.

    His net worth is said to be about £4 Billion.

  36. Sam Gamgee Avatar
    Sam Gamgee

    Time will Tell // February 13, 2008 at 2:00 am

    I have been trying fervently to remember the name of the High School,College or University Leroy Parris attended. I’m having enormous trouble….HELP

    If you are Black I am ashamed. You, my blogospere acquaintance, are a snob.
    Brother Bob said long ago we should emancipate our selves from mental slavery. Tough ain’t it!
    I am almost positive without knowing you that Parris has more money than all of us passing judgement on him if I can be allowed to use money as some measure of success.
    The name Bill Gates ringing any bells???? Go figure.

  37. Sam Gamgee Avatar
    Sam Gamgee

    Yardbroom, a question. How do you manage to keep on on these blogs when for the most part a losing battle is being fought for fairness and truth? There seems to be a big hurry to have “breaking stories” or something.
    And then we all, well not me, tend to go crazy with the purported facts of the matter. How do you manage?

  38. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Yardbroom so you know , as a person myself who makes many grammar and speech errors my laughter at Parris errors are good natured.

  39. Yardbroom Avatar
    Yardbroom

    Sam Gamgee
    I am a typical barefoot bajan boy who had an opportunity to go from a poor upbringing in Barbados to even Buckingham Palace and many other places along the way.

    So what I say is always from the heart, I believe in honesty and decency, the sons of poor people are also capable of good, and some of them cannot be bought or corrupted.

  40. ??? Avatar
    ???

    With a new board in place GOB should carry out a forensic audit on NCF. Former NCF chairman Al Gilkes writng in his column states he is addicted to Trinidad carnival. Of course he is because Gilkes along with his cronies, media lackies and friends jet to carnival each year at taxpayers expense. What this yearly juncket produces besides Gilkes addiction is unclear. Trinidad visitors to Barbados are down almost 20% .

  41. Time will Tell Avatar
    Time will Tell

    Time will Tell // February 13, 2008 at 2:00 am

    I have been trying fervently to remember the name of the High School,College or University Leroy Parris attended. I’m having enormous trouble….HELP
    ***********************************
    Adrian Hinds – frankology – Technician – Yardbroom – Sam Gamgee

    Well Said!

    However, the question remains, Where the hell did he go to school???????

    Your inherent need to question the validity of my question troubles me.

    I am merely reflecting on past acquaintances or the possibilities thereof. I might have known of him or admire his scholarly demeanor growing up…

    HELP…….

  42. Sam Gamgee Avatar
    Sam Gamgee

    Yea TWT I believe you. You sound real convincing. HELP…..

  43. frankology Avatar
    frankology

    I might have known of him or admire his scholarly demeanor growing up…
    …………………………………………………………………….
    Yea right!

  44. Technician Avatar
    Technician

    To Time will Tell:

    Why not just call him at CLICO or CBC ?

  45. Time will Tell Avatar
    Time will Tell

    The Art of War
    by Sun Tzu

    VIII. Variation in Tactics

    Read It………

    You can learn a lot from a snob

  46. m316 Avatar
    m316

    I have to say Mr Parris is a man of means like Allan Fields before him and should be able to manage the affairs of CBC without trying to fatten his pockets or be concerned about who will be upset when he says or does something beneficial to the finances of the corporation. Allan Fields is one of the few people in Barbados who could have gotten away with pulling the plug on free MCTV for Blp bigups because he did not need their money or be concerned about what they could do to him. Give Mr. Parris a chance and at least we are past the age of the L’s being in control for no other reason than their persausion.

  47. Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Launches Refreshed Website « Barbados Underground (BU) – bringing the news to the people

    […] was one of the first to question the credentials of new Chairman of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Mr. Leroy Parris, […]

  48. David Avatar
    David

    We had a listen to the press conference given by Chairman of CLICO Barbados yesterday, frankly we were embarrassed. Not because of the use of his English but the arrogance which exuded at a time when his policyholders/depositors would have wanted to hear a more comforting tone.

  49. J Peter Avatar
    J Peter

    Well…… well…. well talk about a painful press conference, this is what happens when these big companies decide to be more efficient and do everything in house. Let me be frank Mr. Parris does not, in my opinion, look or SOUND the part of a knowledgeable business man. I am not unreasonable so let’s have a look at the last 24 hours and grade CLICO.
    Fact, the going public with this situation on Friday cannot be ignored and especially at business close. I reason you cannot be confident about your present situation, you hide behind a weekend to calm the market and hope that on Monday enough damage control has been done. This irritates investors and sends the message that there is something else going on. I give you an F.
    Fact, the political meal of CORN BEEF AND BISCUITS COULD not have been served at a worse time. The association between Clico and the present PM is known, the administration changed, you are now, (NB!! I did not write you IS now….), Chaiman of CBC an ideal time for you to engage the best financial minds to give an informed opinion of the situation. We get nothing from Kent and an extra with you answering PAINFULLY questions from a press that needed a voice. I cannot believe that crowd complain about the fees. I give you AND THEM an F.
    To sum it up you have failed and to the Bajans walking around saying you don’t have an interest directly and therefore it does not affect you, take note. Like the USA and world markets there will be some degree of interconnectivity (you….that is a big word I hope I spell it right or is that spelt right….then again Mr. Parris could correct me), the good thing is that Clico’s investors may have some time to do something if they so wish…..the problems are the associations, thoes individuals and institutions who would be invested via a third party. (yeah I know you are looking at the phone wondering hmmm…. I wonder where so and so has my money invested…heheheheheehehe) they never seem to see it comming. I know for sure where I am going bright and early Monday……..I got the hole dig hope to see you there.

  50. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Unpatriotic,bad minded BLP supporters seeming to be in glee if Clico fails and there is a run on the company.

    Never mind the disastrous effect this will have on barbados.

    Once this will make david thompson look bad,that is all that matters.

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