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St. Joseph Hospital Report Laid To Rest

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Submitted by Micro Mock Engineer

President of the Senate, Dr. Branford Taitt
President of the Senate, Dr. Brandford Taitt

$3.5 million later, here are the main findings of the St. Joseph Hospital inquiry:

  1. Project was not brought before the Planning and Priorities Committee
  2. Main contractor was paid $2.9 million without a formal contract
  3. Main contractor simultaneously provided building services at hospital project and Minister’s residence
  4. No final account prepared by the contracted quantity surveyors
  5. Hospital recruitment decisions made by Ministry rather than hospital board
  6. No one guilty of any wrongdoing

ROFL

The main recommendations…

  1. Better training for public officers
  2. Better accounting system
  3. A Code of Ethics for holders of public office

LOL

The new Minister of Health says that he and his team will soon be announcing plans for the property. Hopefully they have received “better training” than their predecessors 🙂

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148 responses to “St. Joseph Hospital Report Laid To Rest”

  1. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    A classic piece of Owing See Thru Arthur’s grab of power at all cost while he was in his most evil prime.

    An exercise that was undertaken purely for a political motive and a political purpose, that was to destroy the person, having not gotten what they wanted out of this report they were then forced to conceal it from the public domain for in excess of 10 years because the report of itself did not serve the purpose it was designed to serve.

    Owing See Thru Arthur must be constantly looking over his shoulder not only for the big boulder that his own side may throw at him or the knife that Mottley with stick in him from behind but also to for that dreaded knock early one morning.

    He has much to answer for on this island he used the Treasury of Barbados as if it were his personal bank account and he, Mottley and Hallam Nicholls have stashed millions offshore and they need to account for projects such as the VECO DODDS Prison, VECO Oil Storage and DANOS 3 S scams.

    Does anyone have a clue what his divorce settlement was with his former wife Bev ?

    It exceeds expectations based on the salary of a Prime Minister of Barbados that is for sure, you tell me how he managed to do it??

  2. David Avatar
    David

    How is the revelation of the St. Joseph Report being received by the Bajan public? The public has had to wait for 10 years to hear about the contents of the report. Is there a sense that we understand why the report was withheld for so long? Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent to commission the report, are the media, PEOPLE and other stakeholder making enough noise to express outrage at how the matter was handled?

  3. Inkwell Avatar
    Inkwell

    Oh, the stench of red herring. When you have no defense, attack. Old, tired and tiresome tactic.

    Now if we had integrity legislation….

  4. David Avatar
    David

    What do you mean Inkwell? Are you happy at the length of time it has taken to release the St. Joseph Report? Are you happy about the ethical questions which have been raised in the report i.e. Taitt using the same contractor who worked on the hospital to do work on his house? When should citizens draw the line to say enough is enough? Agree with you that Intregrity Laws and FOI will help to make an issue like St. Joseph Hospital Report easier to manage, it is the reason we as citizens should make our voices heard, the media, NGOs, former MPs etc.

  5. Living in Barbados Avatar
    Living in Barbados

    Governments rarely act against their interests except under intense pressure. In a democracy, that pressure comes most directly through the ballot box. Therefore, in answering your question you have to say that the electorate (more than) tolerated the previous administration’s actions for all of the time. One also needs to look at what the opposition did (here I am ignorant, and wont make a claim–and polticos who want to tell the story, tell the real story not the partisan version).

    The other form of pressure comes from outside agencies (it could be ‘conditions’ on funds offered by international financiers who have an interest in transparency in such actions, esp. the EU and World Bank [the IMF is statutorily limited in such things by a a call for ‘macroeconomic relevance’, and if you are not borrowing from the Fund then that leverage does not exist]; it could be international opprobium, etc.). But, many elected officials and government functionaries are skilled at keeping embarrassing information under cover (unless they are forced by legislation–and as the US is showing even that can be effectively thwarted by the executive branch).

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

    Both the DLP and the BLP must be kicked out of the parliament of this country by the majority of voters before 2020 in this Barbados, if a greater culture of integrity, accountability and transparency is to – be in the long term – established in this country.

    Surely, the entire St. Joseph Hospital Scandal, which took place during the DLP’s tenure in governmental office from 1986 to 1994 – and consequently the BLP’s non-sensical appointment of a Commission of Enquiry to look into that said scandal, among other matters, whilst it headed the government during it tenure from 1994 to 2008, are undoubtedly another set of clear cut cases involving fundamental breaches of public trust that must point to why the broad masses and middle classes of voters in Barbados MUST TOTALLY REMOVE the DLP and the BLP from the parliament of this country.

    These very clear cut instances of the DLP and the BLP using well publicized indictable cases of clearly corrupt acts that took place during the tenure of one or the other of these increasingly stupid parties, and then they using these cases of clear misappropriation and infelicities in the governance of the country – some of these cases against that party and the others against the other – apparently primarily for partisan political purposes, profit and gain, whereas they have each during their tenures time and time again blatantly criminally refused to put in place serious and fundamental laws to bring greater levels of integrity, accountability and transparency to public life and to the governance of this country, does and must instruct very politically conscious people in Barbados as to WHY THE Y MUST CAMPAIGN FOR THE REMOVAL OF THESE TWO BILGY MUSTY PARTIES FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF OUR COUNTRY.

    However, the latest of such well publicized and obvious cases of clearly corrupt acts in the governance of this country – and which appears this time around to be another case too of the DLP – whilst in parliamentary opposition – using such a case against the BLP – whilst it was in government – in order to help get the majority of voters to elect the DLP into office – and more so which really did assist the DLP in getting into political office – thus it can be concluded that such a scandal was also used by the DLP for primarily narrow political purposes – did take place – as so many people in Barbados would know – during the last years of the last BLP Government – and is called the Hardwood Housing Factory Scandal that involved the former Minister of State Mr. Clyde Mascoll.

    But, in spite of the many threats of legal and criminal action against Mr. Mascoll and who so ever else that has been involved in this scandal by the no less a set of persons than Mr. Thompson, Mr. Sinckler, and some other DLP members, when they were in opposition and campaigning during the last election, and just after they would have won the government, the public of Barbados has as yet to hear or be informed as to how far legal, or if so, criminal investigations have gone into this said matter.

    NOT ONE WORD PUBLICLY BY THIS JOKE DLP Government on such a serious matter recently.

    What another farcical political play on the minds of many voters during an election campaign. Political drama and intrigue for the asking, we in PDC say – while those same so-called politicians allow and participate in damned political theatrics, there is accompanying those theatrics a political realism that sees the moral and ethical fibre of our culture of governance further deteriorating and our country fast becoming “a banana republic”. What a reality, indeed!!

    And, so, in the mean time the public of Barbados has been taken for a rickety ride by these dreadful awful DLP and BLP factions, on yet another dirty scandal involving some government minister(s) or former government minister(s). But, ultimately, the broad masses of voters have the opportunity to throw the DLP and the BLP off their backs.

    So long!!

    PDC

  7. STINGING NETTLE Avatar
    STINGING NETTLE

    Hey BU and others … do you – did you -expect to hear anything other than what was presented?

  8. Themis Avatar
    Themis

    I thought that Taitt was guilty of ethical misconduct. It’s just that there are no laws to indict him under. This report is not at all the absolution he, Taitt, seems to think it is.

  9. David Avatar
    David

    It does speak to the lack of an ethics compass in Barbados. Given what has been revealed in the St. Joseph Hospital Report in another place Taitt would have felt compelled to offer his resignation.

  10. Avatar
    Anonymous

    While the report does not indict Taitt of criminal wrongdoing, it does explicitly say that the St. Joseph’s hospital was run outside of every safeguard in the Government system, and in good management practice.

    It is a joke to say that this report exonerates anyone.

    Indeed the entire DLP administration of the day must be considered tainted by this report. There was a multimillion dollar capital project that was conducted by Government that was not subject to the overview of the Planning and Priorties committee? The question should be asked WHY was this allowed not only by the Minister of Health at the time but also by the Minister of Finance? The decision not to submit it to the PPC could NOT have been made by public servants and if it had it should have been noticed by the PPC and they should have been brought to book. The report is silent on why this was not done.

    While the report does not brand Taitt as a criminal, the most charitable interpretation that could be placed on this report is that he was woefully incompetent at best.

    Red herrings about the size of Owen Arthur’s divorce settlement do nothing to increase my level of comfort with this report.

  11. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    When the BLP took office in 1994 the St Joseph Hospital was functioning.

    Doctors working in the north were referring patients there for consultations.

    This was very convenient especially for the residents of the north.

    The the St Joseph Hospital was then carrting out the role it was refurbished to do effectively.

    What ever his failings might have been, Taitt was one of the better Ministers of Health we have seen in the last two decades- if not the best.

    He listened to the voices of the consumers, and not only to those of the meddling beaurocratic civil servants in the MOH, including his friend “Gravy” Knight whom he made a Senior Medical Officer of Health.

    {PS I am not a DLP Yardfowl}

  12. Avatar
    Anonymous

    And WIV it should be noted that the Minister of Finance THEN is the Prime Minister NOW.

    The people have dealt with OSA. Let us deal with what we have today.

    Your party is now in power, If there was such corruption under the BLP then your group is free to investigate it just make sure you don’t sit on the report like the BLP did in this case.

    Smears an innuendo work for an opposition mouthpiece but when you are in Government you need to put some money where your mouth is.

  13. David Avatar
    David

    @Georgie Porgie

    Good people (public servants) have had to resign because of ethical and moral issues despite exemplary records to that point in other jurisdictions. What makes Barbados any different? The AG Report has perennially listed the questionable practices of successive governments by blatant violations of the financial rules of government.

  14. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Mr. David, you talk about ‘lack of an ethics compass in Barbados’ and at other places you have spoken about Barbadians wanting to seem to do the right thing. These do not seem like consistent position. If you are constantly without guidance (no compass) how can you possibly know when you are in the right direction?

    Also, those people or persons called PDC, do they know how to say anything that is not a book long? They should practice on Twitter, and stop drilling everybody with those long tedious speeches. Tsoupse!

  15. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Mr. David. What makes Barbados any different? You gave the answer already: a ‘lack of an ethics compass in Barbados’. Do you not understand your own analysis?

  16. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    David

    I am not at all disputing the accuracy of your position. I was just trying to state humbly that in 1994, that the St Joseph Hospital was performing its role as a small regional hospital in a small country, in the way that it ought to be doing.

    I dont know and can not comment about how it was renovated or such issues. But I know it was functioning in 1994, and I know its in no state for operation today. That is of great interest and concern to me.

    I can attest to the fact that “Good people (who wanted just to be public servants) have had their contracts terminated, at the whim of a monstrous minister, and NOT because of ethical and moral issues despite having exemplary records to that point under the BLP administration.

    I conveyed too that Taitt tended to get direct feedback from those who were being served by the facilities made available by the GOB. e.g who knew who worked and didnt work at BRPC, and who didnt. And he didnt let his stupid friend destroy the lives of the workers that he hated.

    I just telling you what I know, Sir.

  17. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Does the report explicitly exonerate Mr. Taitt (and what legal bearing does that have anyway?), or is that an interpretation put on the report, which might have been silent on the matter? Sorry, I have not read it. Are there grounds for him to still be prosecuted for criminal wrong doing?

  18. Inkwell Avatar
    Inkwell

    David,

    My remarks earlier were directed at the vitriol spouted by WIV, which had absolutely no bearing on the subject matter of the blog.

    Mr Taitt should in no way be comforted by the report, because it did expose him as being unethical and/or incompetent. His actions merited censure at the highest level and only escape criminality because of the looseness of local law.

    I can see no political benefit gained by the BLP for having sat on the report all these years…could it be that they did not really want to expose Mr Taitt?

  19. Nostradamus Avatar
    Nostradamus

    “I conveyed too that Taitt tended to get direct feedback from those who were being served by the facilities made available by the GOB”

    It seems he got some direct feedback from the hospital contractor. How comforting to the taxpayers.

    DLP/BLP the same bunch of jokers wasting our hard earned money.

    Ministers should set policy and see that it is carried out, not get involved in the day to day running of departments.

  20. Themis Avatar
    Themis

    I don’t think that there was (and still is not) any law under which he can be charged. I don’t understand the point that GP is making…Is a person a good Minister simply because he listens, even though he is ethically challenged?

  21. Themis Avatar
    Themis

    Incidentally, when did Mr Taitt become DR?

  22. Living in Barbados Avatar
    Living in Barbados

    Notwithstanding what I said before about IMF programs, other lenders such as the World Bank or EU or DFID, who have strong policy lines on governance and accountability could justifiably go back to these issues as they underlie the St. Joseph affair. At the least, they could reasonably be expected to ask for safeguards going forward with respect to control and traceability of public financial operations. If there were an IMF program in such circumstances, then there could be a sort of cross conditionality (ie leaving the WB and/or EU, if they chose, to satisfy themselves on these sort of ‘structural’ issues). All to be negotiated and discussed and there may even be a need to ask for independent auditors to review what took place. (This has happened and does happen quite often as a means of safeguarding the lenders’ funds.)

  23. Right On Avatar
    Right On

    When the Catholic Nuns operated the Hospital, it was run extremely well, always clean and tidy; I personally visited four friends there as patients, no complaints at all; the grounds were well kept, etc, etc.

    I also spent a weekend retreat at their premises behind the Hospital, wonderful facilities, spotless, clean, with lovely and so peaceful grounds.

    But, look at what the Government did with this truly amazing property; run it into the ground, wasted Millions of tax payer $$, and now the report from the Commission of Inquiry, in so many words, says it ALL!! What a sham and utter disgrace!

  24. 2009 Avatar
    2009

    Dr. Branford Mayhew Taitt has been vindicated from the vile and inept charges of corruption as made by Owen Arthur and his other BLP Charlatans !

    I am especially motivated and determined to see that Owen his ANNULLED from the politics of Barbados !

    When Anthony Wood announced that water rates were to be increased in 2005…..Owen Arthur shot him down….but look at the Consequences 4 years later !

    This is just one example from among a myriad that I can point too !

  25. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Branford Tait has not been vindicated by this report. That assertion is ridiculous.

    And trying to blame OSA for your govts ham handed 60% at the stroke of a pen increase in water rates is just plain stupid.

    YOU WERE ELECTED! NOW GOVERN!

  26. "Dr. Taitt?" Avatar
    “Dr. Taitt?”

    Mr. Branford Tait is being referred to as “Dr. Taitt”

    Does he have an earned doctorate, honorary doctorate , or – any type of doctorate?

  27. David Avatar
    David

    See earlier BU link on the conferment of an honorary doctorate on the gentleman.

    @Anonymous

    Don’t grasp the point you are trying to make. Trying to do the right thing will always create tension among people.

  28. John Avatar
    John

    “Dr. Taitt?” // July 20, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Mr. Branford Tait is being referred to as “Dr. Taitt”

    Does he have an earned doctorate, honorary doctorate , or – any type of doctorate?
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++

    He is also the President of the Senate.

    Were the GG to take sick, he would be second inline, after Sir David, the Chief Justice, to become the acting GG, arguably the highest post in the country.

  29. John Avatar
    John

    Who actually appointed the Commision of Inquiry and who actually received the report?

  30. Avatar
    Anonymous

    It is not the traditional protocol to refer to recipients of honorary doctorates as “Dr”. However I notice that this has been a feature in these parts of late. While there is no law forbidding the use of the title ‘Dr’ by those without the PhD or a medical degree, it smacks of the pretentiousness of insecure individuals befitting a small island mentality. Notably I have never heard Mr Taitt refer to himself in this way.

  31. Themis Avatar
    Themis

    But has he ever corrected others who might think he is?

  32. Avatar
    Anonymous

    I don’t know. Mr Taitt is a very intelligent, able and accomplished individual. I well believe that he has the highest regard for those that have earned their doctorates from reputable and accredited institutions. This is a small issue (read non issue) and if I were in that position would probably make no comment but not contribute to the use of such an appellation. I have not noticed the use of the title “Dr” in any official documents, etc in reference to Mr Taitt but I could be wrong.

    I suggest we return to the more important issue of holding Government up to scrutiny in the spending of the public money.

  33. livinginbarbados Avatar
    livinginbarbados

    Actually, international practices with honorary doctorate degrees is quite liberal, and taking on the appellation “Dr” is well within the norm. So, it’s not really some awful thing.

  34. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Great article MME!

    To the point and sharp as shirt.

    Message received:
    We are a bunch of jokers who have been had -over and over, on this issue.

    First, the then minister engaged in clear conflict of interest in having the contractor work on his home.

    He incorrectly bypassed the Board (which took this like sheep) and planning committee…

    He issued million dollar contracts without the required tendering process….

    Then the Other political side spends $3.5 M of OUR money on an inquiry which took a decade to conclude that we need to improve governance and other systems…

    They then ‘lose’ the report until the original side again regains office and these now release the report along with a PR spin suggesting some kind of ‘exoneration’…

    …and some of us actually buy all this shirt!!

    We have to be the most gullible, gutless, spineless excuses for human beings anywhere….

    ….robbing us does not even present a small challenge to even the most retarded politician or businessman….

    Micro Mock Engineer, I wish I could have put all that as eloquently and as succinctly as you managed to do in your short piece…. but what the heck – I am from the bush…

    And our solution?
    We want ITAL to come and save us!!
    …but then again,…
    We also want foreigners to come and make our tourism business successful.

    We want Guyanese to come and do our work …..

    ..and we have LIB to tell us how we should manage our country successfully.

    Lord!…Thy kingdom come…..

  35. livinginbarbados Avatar
    livinginbarbados

    @Bush Tea: Something that truly amazes me here is how someone like you can describe your countrymen in the terms you do and still have it that others can only be as or even more incompetent at solving any problems. I don’t know what psychologists call that, but it’s troublesome. That said, those who comment or even offer advice are mere donors. No one need heed or act. Let it all fall on deaf ears.

  36. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    What exactly do you not understand LIB?

    … that bad as we Bajans are in allowing others (including our own leaders) to take advantage of us, there are many others who are much much worse?

    Would you like me to invite 199 to outline an example of a people who have MUCH larger issues?

    What amazes Bush Tea is why someone would choose to offer their prolific
    global expertise to us in Barbados while their own kin are so clearly in need of even more basic guidance.

    This was also my response when one of your kin purchased one of our major tourism properties -Paradise Beach…..
    ..we all know where THAT went…

  37. David Avatar
    David

    It is time for Barbadians to ask themselves what kind of Barbados do we want to evolve to given the external pressures which can push us into auto-pilot mode if we offer no resistance.

  38. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Now what are YOU saying David?

    …that we Bajans need to ask ourselves “what is to be the purpose of our existence?”
    …and are you suggesting that it is only by answering these questions (both individually and nationally) that we will be able to avoid being pushed to and fro, or finding ourselves on aimless autopilot?

    Of course you are correct – but careful – you are beginning to sound like Bush Tea – or some religious fanatic….LOL

  39. Micro Mock Engineer Avatar
    Micro Mock Engineer

    LOL Bush Tea.

    Over the next 10 years or so, the DLP will conduct its evaluation of the ABC and Dodds fiascos… it will be completed just in time for release by a re-elected BLP government.

    You think the St. Joseph hospital inquiry was expensive… LOL

    Wait… did I say in another 10 years… I forget.. you and GP en give us dat long 🙂

  40. John Avatar
    John

    My initial digging and I admit I have not done much seems to indicate that it is the Governor General who signs the instrument appointing a commission of enquiry and I presume gets the report of what the commission has to say.

    http://books.google.com/books?id=q41uBEoSwP4C&pg=PA429&lpg=PA429&dq=commission+of+enquiry+appointment+barbados&source=bl&ots=73F95PLAXy&sig=yDW77TJc_znsoPr4bZaNKZqgoI0&hl=en&ei=OUplStuhBYmwtgf84KgB&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

    The Governor General is Her Majesty’s representative in Barbados where her loyal subjects reside.

    We are her loyal subjects.

    Why did the Governor General sign the instrument of appointment in 1996/7?

    Who does he take intructions from?

    Isn’t the Queen of Barbados also somehow tied up in the process of a Commission of Enquiry?

    Can we loyal subjects of Her Majesty the Queen of Barbados petition Her Majesty to the effect that due process is being flouted by Her Majesty’s loyal Government and Opposition?

    Up to now Her Majesty’s loyal Government and Opposition have run us, ie Her Majesty’s loyal subjects, around in circles.

    I figure we are missing something really basic here and we are just flailing wildly.

    Let us just spend some time and go through exactly what the process involves and see if there isn’t somebody we could get involved to twist an arm or box a head ……..,

    …… somebody much higher,

    ……. somebody to whom all of our MPs have to swear oaths of allegience as a condition of their employment.

    It is obvious our MP’s are giving us the run around, there has to be a procedure to call them to account.

    We are not a Republic …… yet!!

  41. John Avatar
    John

    Bush Tea // July 20, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    Now what are YOU saying David?

    …that we Bajans need to ask ourselves “what is to be the purpose of our existence?”
    …and are you suggesting that it is only by answering these questions (both individually and nationally) that we will be able to avoid being pushed to and fro, or finding ourselves on aimless autopilot?

    Of course you are correct – but careful – you are beginning to sound like Bush Tea – or some religious fanatic….LOL
    +++++++++++++++++++++++

    Here is a quote from Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine

    “I was once mistakenly beaten and arrested by police when trying to protect students at a UWI Cave Hill student protest. But I refused to leave my students. It is my belief that as Caribbean people, we do not always have to follow. We can lead, be original, pioneering and the best in the world in what we do. I want to encourage us to think big and believe in ourselves.”

  42. livinginbarbados Avatar
    livinginbarbados

    @”What amazes Bush Tea is why someone would choose to offer their prolific global expertise to us in Barbados while their own kin are so clearly in need of even more basic guidance.

    This was also my response when one of your kin purchased one of our major tourism properties -Paradise Beach…..” [I guess your comment reflects a certain myopia I often detect, which seems to suggest (or maybe even believe) that that all the advice that flows in the world is seen on the pages of BU. Like a patient thinking that the doctor only has one ‘client’. Some would see that as conceited. Maybe I can even eat and chew gum.

    The other surprise I had, but have less of, is what Barbadians see as “kin”. As I have pointed out to 199, your kin are those to whom you are related and have common ancestry. If you are so sure that the kinship on Barbados is so exclusive that it crosses no border elsewhere in the Caribbean, then roll with that. Maybe ‘kin’ in your mind only started after the slave ships landed on these shores.

  43. livinginbarbados Avatar
    livinginbarbados

    @Bush Tea
    I should also thank you for reminding me that ‘Paradise’ is still on hold, after the latest set of promises from Mr. Pemberton. I know the bloodhounds of the local investigative press have been all over the case and just can’t wait for another press release to help us understand if it is still a case of Paradise Lost. Maybe also time to refresh my memory of Milton’s words.

  44. David Avatar
    David

    Now what are YOU saying David?

    …that we Bajans need to ask ourselves “what is to be the purpose of our existence?”
    …and are you suggesting that it is only by answering these questions (both individually and nationally) that we will be able to avoid being pushed to and fro, or finding ourselves on aimless autopilot?

    Of course you are correct – but careful – you are beginning to sound like Bush Tea – or some religious fanatic….LOL

    BT it is a serious question. Currently there is a feel that Barbadians are buffetting in the flow of the strong currents heading fast towards a 100 foot waterfall drop and are quite happy to keep their life vests on while a few are jumping overboard.

  45. livinginbarbados Avatar
    livinginbarbados

    @David
    “It is time for Barbadians to ask themselves what kind of Barbados do we want to evolve to given the external pressures which can push us into auto-pilot mode if we offer no resistance….Currently there is a feel that Barbadians are buffetting in the flow of the strong currents heading fast towards a 100 foot waterfall drop and are quite happy to keep their life vests on while a few are jumping overboard.” [I understood the first sentiment, but the metaphor leaves me confused. On the latter, the action of both groups that are being buffeted makes admirable sense, depending on what they believe will happen. Some (or the ‘few’ as you say) may believe they will fall the 100 feet and die, so jump now. They could be called those of weaker faith, lesser fortitude, etc. The rest, who stay the ride may believe that the vessel will withstand the ride and the life vests will do their job. So, why jump?

    But the basic question cannot be answered in one time and with one set of observations. You need to look at how people deal with issues that THEY define as important. Just at random, read about the new policies ahead for the vexed PSV sector. The solutions? New uniforms. Ask yourself what that will do to address the complaints that have been aired over the years, and advance the industry. Let’s say we are even agreed on these. New uniforms hold the key? One of this year’s Calyspos asks whether getting school children to dress a certain way will itself solve the problems that people see with youths. Some believe that it will. I wont venture an answer.]

  46. David Avatar
    David

    @LIB

    Not to disparage your feedback but in the scenario outlined leadership is required not vacillation.

  47. livinginbarbados Avatar
    livinginbarbados

    @David: Be careful what you wish for. A decisive leader may be wrong and just negative, relative to his predecessors and advisors. Being wrong but decisive can be much worse than indecision before making the right calls. Listen to another Calypso, Every thing in reverse. Think of the UK with decades of stop-go policies.

  48. livinginbarbados Avatar
    livinginbarbados

    @David
    Your scenarios have many real life aspects, so it’s a mish mosh. But decisive leadership means also principled leadership? [Do not misappropriate public money and position for personal gain.] Decisive leadership means honest leadership? [Do not urge a certain way and veer from it yourself.] Decisive leadership mean admitting when you got things wrong? [The consequences of projects were not as envisaged but what is done we now have to live with.] Examples can be supplied. And more.

    We are not a region blessed with many decisive leaders who fit these bills. We do have people who fit, but many of them choose to not go into politics, taking ‘leadership’ into less visible and narrowly focused arenas.

    Have the discussion if you will, but don’t sit there or let it wallow in the realm of the hypothetical and the metaphorical.

    Got to listen to Mr. Bernanke explain to Congress what he plans for the US economy.

  49. "Dr. Taitt?" Avatar
    “Dr. Taitt?”

    John@20/7
    And, what is your point?

    Anonymous @20/7
    Thanks. You are perfectly correct.
    It is not international custom for people to be referred to, or, to refer to themselves as being “Dr”, being the holder of an honorary doctorate.
    Tt certainly smacks of insecurity.

    Dr. George Lamming, Dr. Gordon Matthews, Dr. “Apostle” Mark …give me a break!

  50. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    But some holders of honorary do deserve the right to call themselves Dr for what ever one gets out of that, more so than some who are medical doctors or PhD’s.

    Some have made stirling contributions to humanity. Just a little thought.

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