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Time To Ask The Hard Questions About CSME

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Submitted as a comment by Ecoanalyst

csmeLet us stop making this a political football that aims at revising history and making the BLP blameless for the present situation…. It is not a question of political blame BLP vs. DLP, but rather the political parties reflecting the majority will of the people. We still have to decide whether CSME is good for Barbados, notwithstanding the statements of the politicians over the years .

The key issue is how rapid immigration will affect the voting patterns of the country if immigrants are allowed to vote. The party encouraging immigration stands to benefit if there is not a backlash by the majority. That fact may have lost the BLP many votes last year.

Last year 12% of the Barbados registered voters were immigrants. In Antigua’s last elections 24% of the voters were immigrants. For this reason the issue of immigrant voting rights and their effect on national elections is of paramount importance in both of these islands.

CSME as theorized means one country, one economic space, one currency; one Central Bank one economic policy; many countries with reduced control over economic and social policies. The eight OECS countries have the most developed structure in this regard… Maybe that is why Trinidad wants to join them.

To my thinking the CSME as now drafted and implemented, will never become a reality as countries will cherry pick the things they like and ignore the rest. Therefore opening the borders to unrestricted immigration will ensure drastic changes in the country’s politics and social stability, that most Barbadians will not like.

The solution is to get out of the CSME “pipe dream” goals of full integration, especially as they relate to free movement. Make decisions that are in the best interest of the country and its long term stability and establish the bi-lateral trade/economic arrangements that make sense.

Stop the talking and the posturing . The vested interests promoting the CSME mirage are protecting their own jobs. We have been rehashing the same ides for over 50 years. Let us get real and support the things that work for Barbados, and the future stability of the country economically, culturally, and politically.

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103 responses to “Time To Ask The Hard Questions About CSME”

  1. sylvan Avatar
    sylvan

    CSME is not good for Barbados. What has happened shows that everyone wants to come to Barbados because our standard of living is good but Bajans would have to accept a fall in their living standard to go to some other countries. So that is why Bajans are not keen to go anywhere else if it is not at the same standard as Barbados. Barbados will so be a big loser because everybody will come in here and when we say we cant take anymore, these people will curse us and say nasty things about us. We cant be in CSME if our neighbours hate us. Look at the things the Guyanese had to say because our government is enforcing the laws which says that if you are here illegally, you have to leave. Barbados should pull out of CSME. It is not good for Barbados.

  2. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    What about the argument from the former PM and the current LOTO, who are always reminding us that we should leave the immigration laws and illegal guyanese alone because we export the majority of goods to the region? Never mind that they (blp)would have attempted to institute an import montoring scheme on regional imports during the Fishing/maritime boundary dispute with Trinidad. If I remember well we got cuss bad for that too.

  3. The Scout Avatar
    The Scout

    These regional leaders that wanted for years to get their hands on Barbados is forcing our leaders into a corner. Mr Thompson came out with some “fighting” words but by the time the Heads of Government Conference was over, it was a TKO for him and Barbados. Open market for qualified maids and nannies and their families. Come on, that is like saying anyone can come but to be sure he don’t get back up, they reminded him about the controlled trade threat. In other words move out of the way or else. Well the or else is to clean the slate, send home, deport, whatever, ALL regional illegals first and forget about Caricom/ CSME. The products we have we can look at filtering into the EU, because since we have signed that agreement with the EPA, these people will start coming too. Where does that leave the authentic bajan that has worked so hard to make this nation so attractive? This government needs to get back to the people, call townhall meetings, anything, maybe a referendum, so that Barbados can chart a path forward. This has to be done by September because these Heads are meeting again in October to sign the final document to allow a bigger gap in this migration process to start 1st Jan 2010. This is where politicians need to show maturity and come together for the good of the country because at the end of all this Barbados will be the country who gets hurt the worse.

  4. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    @The Scout

    I completely agree or we can market our goods to the US,French,Dutch or British owned isles in the Caribbean.This latest farce of free-movement concerning domestic workers is complete bullsh*t.Barbados needs skills NOT importation of poverty from the rest of the CSME countries & the fact that the Prime Minister has agreed to this signals a retreat from his stance as it relates to population density,strained social services & more laxed Immigration laws.

    Has the DLP become BLP-lite ?What happened to representing Bajan interests abroad ? Is Caricom not just a Community of Sovereign states or has Government sold Barbados for more cheap imported labor ?

  5. Dennis Johnson Avatar
    Dennis Johnson

    At the risk of being hammered out of the park, may I offer another view.

    The OECS territories have a common currency and one Central Bank; BUT … there is no freedom of movement!

    CSME does NOT mean free entry for whosoever may! Nor does it mean freedom to come looking for jobs, wives and husbands, or hiding out and having children to get “status”.

    What is does mean is that RPB, Alison, Krsofyah, Dorsey Boyce, Merville Lynch, DJ Fuzz, Peter Coppin, Peter Ram, QSI Sounds, and a whole group of very talented Bajans could go to any Caribbean island and perform, set up stage, sound, lighting etc. and get paid for their various talents [in US dollars if they so desire] and continue to live in Bim, their homeland.

    The problem is: other Caribbean islands took steps to secure their borders; made sure our artistes had work permits, visas, and whatever other immigration documentation they required BEFORE letting them into their countries.
    WE let in all and sundry for all sorts of spurious reasons, and then started to bawl when the flood started to wash everything away.

    The fault is not CSME; and you are all wise enough to know where the fault lies.

    Be bold enough to put the blame where it belongs.

    Dennis Johnson

  6. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    The Barbados Labour Party is responsible for this whole sordid mess.

    A visionless man was Prime Minister for fourteen years and all we have to show for it is Guyanese like dogfleas all over the place.

    I have no problem with people from other countries residing in Barbados, but it must be done in a proper and managed way.

    The idiot we had as leader of this country went all over inviting whosoever will, legal or illegal to head for Barbados. This was the end of the rainbow where they would find their pot of gold. Anyone who got in his way, customs officers, immigration officers, private citizens, got a tongue lashing both at home and when he went abroad.

    I am happy that something is finally being done about this rediculous situation.

    I will encourage everyone within the hearing of my voice to refuse to vote for the Barbados Labour Party come next General elections.

  7. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    The Barbados Labour Party is responsible for this whole sordid mess.

    A visionless man was Prime Minister for fourteen years and all we have to show for it is Guyanese like dogfleas all over the place.

    I have no problem with people from other countries residing in Barbados, but it must be done in a proper and managed way.

    The idiot we had as leader of this country went all over inviting whosoever will, legal or illegal to head for Barbados. This was the end of the rainbow where they would find their pot of gold. Anyone who got in his way, customs officers, immigration officers, private citizens, got a tongue lashing both at home and when he went abroad.

    I am happy that something is finally being done about this rediculous situation.

    I will encourage everyone within the hearing of my voice to refuse to vote for the Barbados Labour Party come next General elections.

  8. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    The Barbados Labour Party is responsible for this whole sordid mess.

    A visionless man was Prime Minister for fourteen years and all we have to show for it is Guyanese like dogfleas all over the place.

    I have no problem with people from other countries residing in Barbados, but it must be done in a proper and managed way.

    The idiot we had as leader of this country went all over inviting whosoever will, legal or illegal to head for Barbados. This was the end of the rainbow where they would find their pot of gold. Anyone who got in his way, customs officers, immigration officers, private citizens, got a tongue lashing both at home and when he went abroad.

    I am happy that something is finally being done about this rediculous situation.

    I will encourage everyone within the hearing of my voice to refuse to vote for the Barbados Labour Party come next General elections.

  9. David Avatar
    David

    It is amazing that Barbadians and its media have shied away from having this conversation. As it stands it may appear the Caricom countries may still feel guilty at the failure of the Federation or the observation that many of the larger countries in the world today preach the need to have unions in the globalization phenomenon.

  10. sylvan Avatar
    sylvan

    yes, the blp sell out bajans to these wolves from the region. owen arthur should hold his head in shame. he created this mess. when bajans tell him to control the foreigners coming in, he cursed us. tell us we too xenophobic. now we got this stinking mess. take back barbados, david. bajans are behind u. remember politics is local, not regional. bajans elect you to look out for them, not caricom. some of the same people barbados take in, rickey singh among them, now insulting bajans and nastying barbados image. they want to take over barbados. they have a plan but we bajans must smash this plan for our children and grandchildren. bajans build barbados so bajans should enjoy barbados. if we need foreign people, we can bring them in and control how much. not allow every and anybody to come in as owen arthur did.

  11. "*Adviser to the President*" Avatar
    “*Adviser to the President*”

    “The fault is not CSME; and you are all wise enough to know where the fault lies. “…Dennis Johnson
    July 9, 2009

    Will some one be wise enough and gracious enough to please advise the Adviser on this Advice

  12. Rumplestilskin Avatar
    Rumplestilskin

    The article is well written, particularly regarding the ‘cherry-picking’ by individual countries.

    Three recent glaring examples of the feasibility or lack therof of CSME exist.

    All have been mentioned before on this blog.

    Firstly, as mentioned above, the rancor that accompanied the argument between Barbados and Trinidad on the fishing issue was noticeable.

    How can one expect to be close colleagues and partners if such bitter enmity exists?

    This was not just a quarrel between brothers, but an almost unsolveable situation.

    Secondly, the CCJ, albeit headquartered in T&T, after all this time has only two subscribers.

    This is not only reflective of the glaring distrust by leaders, of the ability of Caribbean institutions, but such a passage of time since implementation, indicates less than full intent on making this work.

    Thirdly, as mentioned before, an as yet unexplained action by the leaders of T&T, St.Vincent and Grenada stating intent towards political and economic unity within their own parameters, is contrary to the very spirit of CSME.

    I do not agree on the reason surmised above, that T&T is basing this upon leveraging the OECS advanced union.

    If this was so, then in a similar line of thought, why has T&T not subscribed to the CCJ, as a member, which would go a long way to unifying one of the important pillars of the community, the system of justice.

    My opinion is that the T&T, St.Vincent and Grenada union is more about jostling for maritime boundaries and political control than anything else.

    So, with three recent examples of less than full intent on forwarding of the CSME ‘agenda’, do we really think that this will be successful.

    The point above on the movement of artistes etc is taken, but really, is a matter of convenience only, as shows will go on, in any case, even if one has to go through the inconvenience of licensing etc, in each island.

    What one must look to is the ‘spirit’ of the issue and when I assess the issue, the whole agenda seems more about who can gain for their own political agendas, as noted above ‘cherry pick’.

    It is better to implement a manageable and cordial relationship, than an impossible ‘dream’ that will end up in ruin and bitterness.

    Peace

  13. The Scout Avatar
    The Scout

    The problems with Caricom is reflected in the West Indies team. This region is so divided that we’re on the brink of collapse in every area. Funny thing, there are entities just waiting to pounce on a sick Caricom. Chavez and his Judas’, Jagdeo and Gonsalves are preparing themselves. Do you see who the WICB to pull them out of this abbys? Barbados, because we’re the only serious and committed country, they will use us and dump us. I risk to bet that when this impasse is over, the WICB will return to picking the majority of it’s players from Jamaica. If this continues we would be fielding a West Indies team in the future, since the present situation will be replaced by Indians who are repidly taking over the entire region. In the mean time we black indeginous caribbean NATIVES are allowing ourselves to be trampled by these stinking people. Blacks really like crabs in a bucket.

  14. Jon Avatar
    Jon

    People, story worrying your head and enjoy life.

    Caricom will never become a reality. Csme will never become a reality.

    Politicians will be politicians with yard fowls in pecking order.

    Enjoy life! Forget this sh*t*.

    Go drink a rum.

    When Caricom and Csme start meaning something to us on the street, then let’s comment, not before.

  15. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Denis Johnson incredulously wrote

    “WE let in all and sundry for all sorts of spurious reasons,..” “WE” ?????!!!!!

    You mean Bajans! Unfortunately WE did not follow his “advice” earlier so that certain mealy mouthed, insufferable Grenadians would not now be here to pontificate to us.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    Relating to. The posting by Adrian and the news which is currently burning the wires that local government AGAIN been postponed with laws amended. Interesting development when judged for relevance to the CSME question.

    There is no doubt the Manning government is currently engaged in high stakes political manoeuvres. Is Barbados and the rest of the region aware?

  17. The Scout Avatar
    The Scout

    David
    No, and that is what I fear. Barbados is playing the game according to the rules, yet there is the OECS and ALBA and all the other little underhand things going on, yet my P.M is gradually allowing himself and the rest of Barbados to be srawn into a hole. A hole that we can’t get out of when this Caricom thing collapse.. My P.M, stop, think, sometimes it is better to play the deceitful game than to be “nice boy.” When you’re hunting with wolfs you can’t pretend that you’re a docile dog, bite just like the rest, you have bajans backing you, don’t let us down. The road will get rough but we bajans can weather the storm.

  18. sylvan Avatar
    sylvan

    denis johnson is a expert on everything. why the hell he ain’t up on Cave Hill? he can blow up on this comment. I ain’t care. he talks a lot of b/s all the time and somebody must tell him so. why he don’t save VOB. it gone to the dogs and i glad. it behaved too pompous. he and ellis and the whole bunch. you aint see they now begging people to advertise. Radio works! we hearing every minute. Radio works, my foot! if the radio is working, they would not be begging for advertising. starcom too involve in politics.

  19. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Sylvan and Anon, Dennis point is good one. That point cannot be stress enough that there is no Law local or regional, nor is there any agreement with in or out of Caricom, that legitimize illegal immigrants. This, in of it self nullifies the long-standing Anti-Bajan opinions from the region, that is now being remake as a legitimate argument. It has to be said and continued to be said. Equally,.. blame for the presence of these out of status persons being in Barbados has to be shouldered squarely by Owen Arthur and the BLP, and at the same time we must continue to search for the benefits to Barbados from CSME and contrast them with the negatives if any. We can do all these things at the same time. Dennis Johnson has over the years demonstrated he wants to be in Barbados and fully immerse himself accordingly. He has shown how he can be a Grenadian and a Bajan and I do not sense any intention on his part to practice a Grenadian style “Apanjaat” in Barbados.

  20. Matt Avatar
    Matt

    I have always said that the free movement of people is wrong. The people from the poorest countries will always gravitate to the richest countries. Wouldn’t you? I sure as hell would!
    What we need is FREE MOVEMENT OF BUSINESS and FREE AND FAIR TRADE between in this case the caribbean countries but the world in general. We should all stay in our individual countries and develop them for ourselves and for future generations.
    BUSINESS is what generates employment, taxes and the expansion of our economies and this is what we should focus on. Why would I want to leave a country that is prosperous and that has employment opportunies that are plentiful? Do the above and the immgration problem will dissapear!

  21. sylvan Avatar
    sylvan

    enough talking. bajans who against CSME got to come out and march and protest this sell-out and rape of our country the BLP allowed because it always put foreigners before bajans. we got to march and protect what is ours for our children and grandchildren and greatchildren who going to get kick bout in barbados if we dont stop CSME now. bajans build barbados but CARICOM wants to destroy our way of life. CSME is a conspiracy.

  22. Victor Hunte Avatar
    Victor Hunte

    The noise made by Jadio is a smoke screen. He is badly running Guyana and as a result his people are leaving in droves. He is exporting his unemployed and is recieving in return remittences
    from all over the world particularly B’dos to prop-up his regime.To make himself look good he is telling the world that Barbados is misstreating his people. If he cared about his people why is he not creating the right environment in Guyana so that his people can stay at home and make a living. He is trying to blame B’dos for the problems he has created and making himself look good in the process.

  23. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    But to whom can he instill this fake “good” image? Only a willing audiance and those complicit in their intent towards Barbados,which i dare say includes Owen Arthur and Mia Mottley. Indeed he seems not to care about the Guyanese people, and those who vote for him and his party are both his enablers, and very same ones who are leaving in droves? It boggles my mind.

    Proof that he cares not is to be found on the website of the President of Guyana where the President is quoted to have said that he finds it a bit odd, that Canada would accept refugees from Guyana and deport people from the same country.
    Now Canada said it deported criminals.

    But let us talk about the benefits of CSME to Barbados and why they are, and when they became benefits?

  24. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Why do we have to import Bottle water from Trinidad? Or patties from Jamaica? Cant’t these things be bottle and made in Barbados?

    The Japanese are singing reggea rather import the likes of Bennie man to sing fuh dem.

  25. Ready-Done Avatar
    Ready-Done

    I like what BIZZY say in the nation the other day.

    Immigrants should have to wait 18years to vote like a normal Bajan

  26. y. paris Avatar
    y. paris

    Caricom has failed, is failing and will continue to fail. A pillar in the treaty is supposedly a political union. Which island is going to surrender its sovreignty to be ruled by an outsider? Caricom is a waste of time, money, and resources. Small member states cannot be expected to support a large state which is guilty of human rights abuses. The OECS a more better managed organization and more effective than caricom. The OECS already has a single viable currency, central bank, etc… Eventually, in the not too distant future, member states that have membership in caricom and the OECS will have to decide which organization is better for their island on a local and regional level. The answer is patently obvious.

  27. Johnathan Avatar
    Johnathan

    Victor Hunte, you are on the button about remittance with Guyana. Jagdeo knows this too. This is one reason why he is forcing his people to live in another country either legally or illegally. Remittance is responsible for 43% of Guyana Gross Domestic Product. Jagdeo and his team will cuss out Thompson for upholding bajan law. Obeying laws means less remittance.

    Here’s more information on the remittance issue:
    http://www.stabroeknews.com/2008/news/local/03/17/guyanas-remittances-as-gdp-percentage-highest-in-region/

  28. Negroman Avatar
    Negroman

    Bharat Jagdeo & David Thompson had a cuss out at the conference last week that nearly resulted in a physical exchange between the 2 leaders.When I say a cuss out it was a real cuss out.It was serious.

    Also in Guyana Michelle Arthur & her CBC television team were on the receiving end of a verbal attack by Guyanese.Their safety was challenged.I would like David Ellis to tell us about his experience in Guyana.He was also the subject of a verbal attack by Guyanese.

    I have Black Guyanese friends and I am being warn that all types of attack are being plan against Barbadians visiting Guyana.I would advise Barbadians travelling to Guyana to be very careful because the atmosphere in Guyana today is not very receptive to Barbadians.

    This region has leaders both political & civic who are prepare to stir up the emotions of their people because countries in this region are prepare to implement policies to protect the sovereignty of their countries.

    Bharat Jagdeo,Ralph Gonsalves,Sir Shridath Ramphal,Rick Singh,musty Norman Faria,Annalee Davis our own political cadaver David Comissiong,funny man the freak Peter Wickham & others have written & said a whole set of untruths & lies about David Thompson & Barbados on the new immigration policy. The comments from those miscreants have enraged the people of the region who countries are going to be most affected to the point that irreparable damage is being done that could result in not only verbal assault but it might degenerate to physical & other scenarios.

    In the present circumstances I think we Barbadians must be prepare for the backlash that will come our way.All the warning signs are there and we must take heed of those signs.

    Brother Scout the true patriot your predictions are coming true.The storming clouds are gathering and the hurricane is about to strike.Barbados be prepare.

  29. Paradox Avatar
    Paradox

    How I view CSME is similar to that of EU, in which one should draw comparisons.
    The EU is not new; should be taken as an example.
    (1) Size; (2) Strength; (3)Developed; (4) Population density.

    The EU can absorb large quantities of people, qualified or non-qualified.

    Germany is perhaps the richest, with few Immigrant problems; why?

    UK is one of the smallest, yet many are trying to enter; why?

    The reasons are for you to find out!

    In the EU, the Prime Ministers/ Presidents, supported by a European Parliament take turns, (6 months) to govern or dictate policies for all member states.
    Those people in their individual countries, who have voted for their governments, have now become impotent.

    Are we heading down this road?

    Take a look at how things are done in other Caribbean countries, look at their currencies, human rights issues,(without naming a particular country), etc. Do you want this?

    Listen carefully to what both parties are telling you; “Read between the lines”.
    It is high time that both parties explain in simple language for all to understand.
    Debate the ‘Pros & Cons’ in a public open forum.

    Then leave it for the people to decide if they are for or against CSME.

  30. David Avatar
    David

    Are we supporting CSME because of known economic and political benefits to be derived or does it have to do with a shared history which some think makes a union inevitable.

  31. mash up & buy back Avatar
    mash up & buy back

    Negroman

    Over and over again that treacherous David Ellis has been saying on VOB that he was treated well down in Guyana and he saw no tensions.

    David Ellis’ pro guyanese position suggests to me that there may be more to it than meets the eye.

    I know based on what almost all the guyanese whether those abroad or those in guyana was saying – that there would have been tension.

    Persons were also talking about reports of bajans in guyana calling home and speaking about guyanese ill treatment towards them.

    Notice how now the Caricom Summit is over – Starbroek News not pushing these stories any more – they got what they wanted for sure.

  32. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    @Paradox
    Why do you think caribbean leaders are on their second campaign to force integration on us without our input? Edward Seaga told them plainly why the Federation failed and why CSME will also. “Top to Bottom” instead of Bottom up.

    @David
    If you listen to Mia Mottley and before her Owen Arthur, they will tell you that a significant percentage of our exports goes to the region, that the region represents a significant portion of our tourist arrivals. When they attempt to make tie these to our continued involvement in CSME they tend to falter. They don’t elect to tell us when our economy was altered to become more integrated with caricom and CSME, or what it was like before that occured, or what in recent times was the driving force behind CSME and if that force is still with us or has be replace with something else that may now be competing with CSME for membership.

    When did our economy become more integrated with Caricom/csme?
    Under who’s leadership?
    When was the FTAA schedule to come into place?
    When was CSM schedule to be implimented?
    What seems to have replace or out bid the FTAA for members in the Americas?
    What entities seem to be competing for members to their group from within the CSME grouping?

    Boy i have so many questions as a result of no answers from the academics, regionalists, Elites all.

  33. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Mashup and Negroman. Where is the proof? Those that shout Bajan ill treating illegal guyanese did not bring any. You gine be just like them too?

    If Jagdeo and Thompson had it ding down why are we in the dark about it? If the CBC team had threats why is there silence? And if David Ellis also had threats made to him why would he lie? I would think that David Ellis would welcome the opportunity to get back at Thompson who made him look silly at the press conference. David Ellis could use any threats to his personal safety in Guyana as continued fodder for the “leave de people alone” campaign. You did not hear Elombe with his fear mongering before they disconnect due to poor audio?

  34. Sir Bentwood Dick Avatar
    Sir Bentwood Dick

    In order to make appropriate representation to the issue of immigration and Caricom representation, Julian Hunte should be made Ambassador-at-Large.

    All queries from dissenters to be addressed to him and answered by him.

    Really, he has interesting ideas and such representation would be fitting for the feedback that we are currently experiencing.

  35. Zoe Avatar
    Zoe

    There is a far deeper more sinister ‘reason’ behind the concept of CSME, than even most political leaders probably know about!

    External pressure in very subtle ways,were brought to bear on the leaders of our region, i.e., World Trade Organization (WTO), World Bank, IMF, and so on, re ‘Globalisation’ this is precisely why we already have (NAFTA) (GATT) (EU) which are all miccrocosm’s in varying degrees of the well planned for decades ‘Setting the stage for World Government’ which cannot be stopped, it is just a matter of timing, before it becomes a living, miserable, reality.

    From a Biblical perspective, this is all part of the ultimate One World Anti-Christ Government.

    The present world economic crisis, is all part of this sinister, evil, well planned agenda, by the ‘New World Order’ elite, as they cannot further this plan without an economic crisis, world wide.

  36. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    I understand very clearly that Barbados needs Skilled LEGAL Labor & for that CSME would do a great job,but the very idea of trying to force a Sovereign state in the Caricom Community such as Barbados to accept all poor & sundry from the rest of the Caribbean is imo outrageous.

    There is absolutely NOTHING Skilled about ‘Domestic workers’ & it cannot assist in anyway Barbados’ development.It is an absolutely outrageous form of Free movement described as “SKILLED”.

    Migration into any country is not a right,but a privilege.Those who run counter to the rules DO NOT respect the country’s process at all & everytime I see the P.M. soften his stance it just showcases the country’s Government as not having any standards even though Barbados’ Citizens are adamant about those standards being enforced.

    I think that if the Prime Minister cannot handle the matters of immigration he should allow either Minister McClean or Minister Stuart handle it in its totality.

    BTW,One more reason has been added as to why Barbados should get out of CSME.Most of the independent Caribbean states [except Barbados] are considered failed states.

    ——————————————-

    http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/19640/88/

    Eleven Caribbean nations have been included in the 2009 Failed States Index.

    The authors of the Index say this does not mean the countries have failed however, there are issues that need to be addressed to avoid de-stabilization.

    The report, published by the US organization Fund for Peace, ranks 177 countries based on their social, political and economic indicators.

    The best rankings are in the sustainable categories while the alert level is the lowest.

    Barbados is the only country in the region to receive a moderate ranking.

    Haiti has been placed in the alert level, but the others – the Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Venezuela – have all been placed in the warning category.

    This means that there are significant pressures that could lead to destabilization in those countries if they are not addressed.

    Mark Loucas, the organization’s research associate, said that rating does not mean there is impending failure in those countries.

    “It is a fact that it has the potential to be very destabilizing but if you look at the Caribbean, some of the issues which have been undermining the progress of so many states are poverty and unequal development, lack of opportunities and economic stagnation which really traps so many people at an economic disadvantage. Not only does that put into question the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Government but also the social and demographic health of the country,” he said.

    But Grenada objects to the report saying the Failed States Index assessed the region unfairly.

  37. The Scout Avatar
    The Scout

    Negro man
    I’m so concerned, I think the revolution has started and bajans are just talking. Things are going to get so hard in Barbados, it’s going to be much worse than the early ’90’s. The big problem is that bajans are the ones to hold the squeeze while these illegals and other immigrants aregoing to eat away at the little that is available. Right now, guyanese are senting close to
    Bds$ 400,000 home per week and Jagdeo swear that David Thompson can’t stop it. I have already said that a guyanese living here in B’dos told me quite recently not to go back to Guyana alone, I must go with a known guyanese or else. Plus, those indo-guyanese are prepared to start somethingwhen this amnesty is over and the Barbados government starts rounding them up. According to some that I overheard, You can’t get them out of Barbados just so.” This is the calm before the storm. I’ve already told you I have a plan “B” ready to institute. In true bajan terms, it’s going to be cat piss and peppa just now, A mini USA/ Iraq situation. These indo-guyanese don’t care much about life.They alway plan the victim role while playing nasty. I just don’t trust them, I predicted this would happen from my experience with them but I was hoping the day would never come. Only God can intervene right now, it has gone too far.

  38. The People's Democratic Congress Avatar
    The People’s Democratic Congress

    Let us say that had the PDC won the government at the last elections – all like now Barbados would have been absolutely withdrawn from out of the CSME. We have said it over and over again on here and elsewhere that this CSME enterprise is non-sensical, farcical, and backward.

    Well, the CSME as defined by joke people like Owen Arthur has meant freer and greater movement of capital, investment, labor, the capacity of certain workers and business people to enter member territories without work permits, the establishment of contigency rights, the setting of a Regional Development Fund, the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice, etc

    Those things notwithstanding, we have previously said and will continue to say avowedly that the concept and practice of the CSME is a very deficient and backward one based on a number of propositions:

    1) That it represents the development of a higher but more dangerous phase of imperialism/international political economy within our CARICOM region – which as a global social political trajectory unavoidably therefore renders the CSME as being very antithetical to notion of greater political independence for the CARICOM region, and being very detrimental to the harnessing of a greater regional political cultural and racial identity and territorial integrity among certain countries within CARICOM itself;

    2) that the CSME exists largely at the political psychological emotional level – where most CARICOM persons who think about it are concerned – and as such is NOT grounded in a political realism that speaks to certain parts of the region seriously producing and delivering – on its own – great amounts of material and other benefits to the great satisfaction of the peoples of most of the component structures;

    3) That it does NOT coincide with the existence in CARICOM of a supranational political entity (state) that wields significant sovereign power and authority over the constituent states. Thu, the absence of that means that the status quo at the level of CARICOM will continue to be well known for indecision, dithering, non-action, among other things, as they relate to many decisions and commitments that are necessary to help strengthen CARICOM;

    4) That it was formed with or without regard to the fact that the major races – Blacks and Indians – that are found existing in CARICOM states really do have substantially different histories, cultures and religions, and – as such – this makes the potential for tension and conflict at various levels of further and greater integration within the context of the CSME, very great indeed. Such realities would therefore rightfully threaten the existence of the very essence of a CSME. So, by seeking to deepen and widen regional integration beyond what CARICOM had meant or originally intended – through this CSME foolishness – would have signified that areas of life and activity that were thought to be previously no-go areas by the founders of CARICOM – because of the great possibility for conflict – were NOT going to be shunned any more by so-called leaders like Mr. Owen Arthur, whatever the political and other consequences, it seems, under the guise of the CSME; and, finally

    5) That the CSME represents a most horrendous, improper and inane attempt to apply an euro-centric political model of integration and regionalization EEC/EC/EU) on this CARICOM region, without careful consideration for the fundamental ontological existential differences that existed and still exist between CARICOM and the EEC/EC/EU – and without careful consideration for the fact that many of the existing defects in the operations of CARICOM should have been first remedied before running off and dealing with this CSME foolishness. But, it is popularly known in the region that the idea of a CSME was senselessly hastened by this half-baked idea of some regional politicians technocrats that the people of this region – as a whole – had to seriously come together more as a unified block of people primarily because many other peoples within other regions (said EEC/EC/EU – ASEAN – MERSUCOR – NAFTA) – were continuing to or staring to come together more to make themselves stronger and more resourceful within the global scheme of things.

    Thus, these difficulties and irrelevancies notwithstanding, the CSME could only – in terms of gestation – have been the manifestation and reification of a very flawed and impractical idea of a small consortium of politicians, regional business people and regional technocrats, etc. for the primary purpose of the deepening and expanding of this dreadful and vicious elite political exploitation social marginalization of the masses and middle classes of people within this region.

    Hence, as a party that is for the masses and middle classes of people of Barbados, the PDC could NEVER – if it had won the government in this country in January 2008 – have allowed for such elite exploitation and marginalization of our people of Barbados. NEVER. EVER. Therefore that would have been one of the reasons why a PDC Government would have withdrawn Barbados from out of the CSME and why we – as a party that has NOT won government – will continue to have that as a fundamental policy of our party until there is NO MORE CSME for Barbados.

    SO LONG!!

    PDC

  39. Hopi Avatar
    Hopi

    @Ecoanalyst……..Superseding any benefits of a voting block, is the reality that there is a greater force at the root of this global instability and the ‘leaders’ of these mini states are ‘agents’ of this force whether willingly or unaware. These ‘agents’ are creating conditions in home states that make life intolerable, thus, the ‘immigrants’ are forced and encouraged to leave and encroach on the sovereignty of others. The incompetence, corruption and deprivation in Guyana is being facilitated by external forces, just like Haiti has been denied the right to self-determination for years, also by external forces and thru the clandestine activities of internal ‘agents’. Saying that this is about votes is to trivialize this whole issue.

    @Negroman……My great patriotic brother, sad to say, but I think that you are grasping at straws. No ‘fight’ between these two ‘agents’ can change the reality on the ground. It seems like the PM went to GT to personally bring back domestic workers. This act in itself makes one question his strength as a leader. If there was really a ‘fight’ why did he give in to Jagdeo and dump more of the same crap in the laps of dissenting bajans. At a time when economies are still heading for the dumps, where will the PM get the money and resources to accommodate this madness? Who is the PM serving? The horse has already bolted and now it is up to the people to rein it in and remove it. Power to the People!

    @Zoe……It must be a ‘cold day in hell’ since I concur with you on this issue. However, you still refuse to see that those who’ve planned these bogus unions are the descendants of those who patchworked that bible and have everything going according to their script, causing sovereign nations to surrender their powers to this clique? I think I’ll chalk up your nearsightedness to your ‘religious’ indoctrination.

    How ironic, that the US Org. Fund for ‘Peace’ can put out such a list. Where does the Amerikkka stand on this list, a bankrupt corporation which sheds blood all over this planet to uphold an extravagant, depraved lifestyle, a corp whose ‘nationals’ got rich because they’ve ransacked, pillaged and povertied other nations. Why should we listen to them when they are rapidly spiraling toward beggar status now? Why is Grenada and Venezuela on that list? Who depraved Grenada? Who is constantly trying to destabalise Venezuela?

    Any report put out by the #1 failing state should be taken with a bucket of salt.

    The europeans, the chinese, the japanese, and now the indians are all turning toward our Motherland – Al-kebulan, but the only people running away from her are us, her descendents, the Black man. We should be ashamed of ourselves for wanting to forge ties with others who look down on us and think that they are all better than us. I say to hell with all these parasitic ‘unions’ which do not have our interest at heart. You will never be on par with them. They all see you as food- to be eaten and then expunged. Self-preservation and determination of the Black man should be our focus, not 2nd class citizenship with leeches.

  40. Zoe Avatar
    Zoe

    The agenda of the One World Government, which will necessitate the surrender of all soveriegn nation states, is so ungodly and utterly Anti-Christ, that to suggest as Hopi vehemently believes, that this is plan of the Bible, is so absurd, asinine, fatuous, as Almighty God’s divine revelation, from Genesis to Revelation, is in fact the complete antithesis, contradistinction, contraposition, opposite, diametric, reverse, of this evil, wicked, godless agenda of the ‘New World Order’ it is therefore, utter nonsense, illogical diatribe, and entirely incoherent, to associate this from the ‘pit’ of Hell One World Government, with God’s Word, the Bible, and those who the Lord divinely inspired to record His Word, which is centered on Redemption for all of mankind, through choice, not force, and blessed Peace, Joy, and eternal life for those who respond to this offer, paid for in FULL, by Jesus’ atoning Death, and Glorious Resurrection.

    Whereas, the diabolic, Satanic agenda, of the New World Order, is utter bondage, for ALL nation states, the very opposite of Almighty God’s revealed plan of redemption for those who willingly accept his Love, Mercy and Grace in, by, and through Jesus Christ.

    Hopi, you are so blinded and deceived, that you cannot distinguish the ‘trees’ from the jungle!!!

  41. Negroman Avatar
    Negroman

    Hopi my brother
    I totally agree with you.There is no fundamental difference between the 2 clown leaders.I just mentioned the cuss out to let everyone know about the infighting that took place in Guyana.

    Adrian Hinds
    My sources who were in Guyana related those stories.I wasn’t there in person,therefore I have to rely on information from my sources in Guyana.

    It must be noted that those events would not be substantiated by the persons involved for obvious reasons.I do not think the authorities will want what transpired with the cursing & threats to Barbadians in Guyana be made public.I know the authorities do not want to inflame an already explosive situation,but what I said occurred in Guyana.Michelle Arthur of CBC gave a little insight on Morning Barbados on CBC this morning.

    I indicated that Prime Minister David Thompson signed on to the expanded category of workers because Barbados has lead responsibility for CSME and not signing might have set a bad precedent.

  42. Jack Bowman Avatar
    Jack Bowman

    A fascinating thread. It’s a little hard to follow sometimes, because many contributors seem to find basic grammar a bit difficult. But that makes it even more fascinating.

    Does anybody yet have any reliable data about the number of illegal immigrants in Barbados?

    Anybody …? Even an educated guess …? Anything ….? Anything that isn’t simply a subliterate expression of incoherent racism …? Any number at all?

    Many thanks if you can help.

  43. Jack Bowman Avatar
    Jack Bowman

    @ David

    Your contributor “Zoe”, clearly, is absolutely priceless.

    Without question it is wonderful that you give “Zoe” and her fellows an outlet through which they can express their opinions.

    “Zoe” seems to be a religious person. Perhaps she or he can correct me on a matter of theology. I think that the Gospel of Mathew says this in Chapter 25, Verse 35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you told me to fuck off to my own country because I was a ‘stinking Guyanese’.”

    Is that right?

    David, your site is still Number One in the Entire World for anyone searching the term “stinking Guyanese”.

    I hope for your sake that you’re happy with that.

  44. Avatar
    Anonymous

    I pity this jerk Jack Bowman

    He cannot get any attention at BFP so he has to return like a dog to its own vomit.

    After all he was one condemning this site,the very one he now rushes to,so as to give us insight into his wisdom.

  45. David Avatar
    David

    Thanks to Dennis Johnson for the shout out to BU on Fireworks today. Really enjoyed your program with Taylor and Mac!

  46. Jack Bowman Avatar
    Jack Bowman

    @ the little anonymous man

    Ah! The anonymous little man makes an anonymous little reply from his little overseas anonymity. How nice.

    Dear Mr. anonymous little man,

    You need a comma after the insult “jerk”. You need another comma after the word “all”. You need a space between “site” and “the”, and another space between “to” and “so”.

    Don’t hesitate to try to insult me again just as soon as you’ve learned how to put together a basic English sentence.

    My best wishes to you and yours.

  47. Dennis Johnson Avatar
    Dennis Johnson

    @David:
    Glad to know you listened.

    Just to add another thought to the CSME exchange:
    Peter Wickham, of CADRES, has worked [and continues to work] in several islands of the Caribbean, and always returns home to Barbados.
    Sen. Maxine McClean [prior to becoming a Senator] did the same. Worked in other Caribbean islands, and returned to her home.
    Sir Richard Cheltenham was recently holding a Commission of Inquiry in Grenada; Sir Frederick Smith was a Justice of the Court in Grenada; both completed their assignments, and returned to their homeland.
    SRM Architects have designed buildings in other Caribbean islands, and Altman Realty has an office in Grenada.
    And, last but by no means least, the gentleman who is currently the Political Advisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados has done [or is doing] similar advisory duties to other political leaders across the Caribbean.
    Question: would these, and others who may also be engaged in similar arrangements, be supportive of Barbados pulling out of CSME or Caricom?

  48. Mongoose Avatar
    Mongoose

    Jack yuh got me almost pissing my pants here. Wuhhhhhhlossssssss

  49. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Bowman

    Yuh too glad that somebody notice you huh?

    You posted today on BFP some more nasty comments about BU,yet you can’t keep away.

    Bowman bourne,yuh hidiot.

  50. Checkmate-123 Avatar
    Checkmate-123

    Interestingly put Denni J. Indeed, most persons living in a county other than their own, continue to be desirous of ‘returning’ home. I hope though that Caribbean people would come to realise that while their are expressive of ambitions for regional integration vis-a-vis economic more than political, at the end of the day it is social integration that will undergird any success. Things make me ask how many persons out there are cognisant of the Charter for Civil Society wit respect to CARICOM? I am sure that once we remove the myopia and narrow-mindedness that spills over into xenophobic sentiments, we may come to cherish the social capital that exists within CARICOM. CARICOM is blessed with rich diversities and differences; how we meet the challenges of fusing these into wholesome products for the development of the region is the task which remains. So, yes! We need CARICOM, we need the CSME, and we need each other very much.

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