Submitted by Alex Fergusson
Attorney General and Deputy Prime Minister Freundel Stuart voiced concern about the working of the Court Process Office, which he said can only be described as: “a dereliction of duty” in some respects. Speaking to the media following a tour of the new judicial complex in Whitepark Road, the City Friday morning (September 11, 2009), our Attorney General disclosed that since taking up office, he has received a litany of complaints about the way in which the Court Process Office has been functioning.
At a glance, Mr. Stuart’ comments seem innocent. But, that is until you ask yourself, which Minister has responsibility for poverty eradication in Barbados. Again, this highlights the rift and power struggle within the DLP. Stuart seems to be sending a firm message to Sinckler that he might only be popular because Stuart was keeping quiet. Then Undene Whittaker – Government’s Advisor on Poverty spoke and Stuart’s point becomes crystal clear. Miss Whittaker was reported as having said that same day (September 11) that the level of poverty in this country is increasing, but as predicted – she blames the former government for it. This is yet another attempt to protect Sinckler. The Wickham Poll did say that Sinckler was more popular within the DLP than Stuart. Undene proves that the Poll is right.
It is why it escaped Undene Whittaker that while the BLP was in office, the United Nations (a highly respected, independent authority) ranked Barbados highly for its success in eradicating poverty. Not surprising, it is extremely difficult for Undene Whittaker to also understand that money allocated to the Welfare Department might not have been spent because unemployment under the BLP was the lowest ever in the history of Barbados. She will not tell you that (in contrast) since the DLP came to office, some 4,200 Barbadians have lost their jobs up to the end of June this year.
But here is where it gets really ugly. Through one corner of his mouth, the AG seems to be saying: “since taking up office, he has received a litany of complaints about the way in which the Court Process Office has been functioning,” and through the other, he says: “It is not a dereliction with which I have become familiar only after taking up the office of Attorney General; I have practised as a lawyer for upwards of two decades and I know what has been going on in that department. Halt has to be called to it.” It is at this point that Sinckler should pay attention, since Stuart holds all of the cards.
Mr. Stuart, forget the rift between you and Sinckler! However you look at it, the level of poverty in this country is rising fast. This is “change” which the DLP brought but which Barbadians do not need. Still we accept that your comments, Undene Whittaker’s confirmation, and the long line out side the Welfare Department, recently – is further proof of the increasing hardship the DLP is casing, effortlessly. But, didn’t the DLP say that it is good at fixing social problems? How is it then – that Barbados now has increasing unemployment, especially among men; hardship and frustration among women; disappointment among the youth and a lack of confidence among investors and consumers?
The bottom-line is, increased hardship and pain is being felt by Barbadians because ‘the DLP does not know what it is doing’ and this country is not only running out of foreign reserves fast, but Barbados’ capacity to pay its bill is dwindling hourly – just like the average household across this country. In short, Barbados has been D’ minished yet again and is in poverty. This is a classic case of: “from prosperity under the BLP to Poverty under DLP Rule.”
The question is, how does the DLP intend to fix this social mess, having triggered a meltdown of the Barbados economy? The primary issue which our learned Attorney General should really address – could hardly be Officers of the Court not serving Orders on men, who in many cases – may not be working because of flawed DLP economic policies. The question is, how does the DLP intends to fix the bigger social issue of giving Barbadians the relief from the social and economic pain they are seeking?
Even die-hards Dems now admit that such is very impossible with a DLP government in office, since the policies of the ruling party are designed to: balance the budget, impose taxes and please the IMF, while giving entitlements without the concomitant creation of new Enterprises.
The sad thing is, not only does Barbados now have a series economic crisis on its hands (the creation of which, the DLP played a significant role) but it also has a serious social crisis, which the DLP is not be able to fix because of its poor judgment, bad decisions, and flawed economic policies.
And, as the level of unemployment, poverty and hardship increase – the DLP arrogantly maintains that Barbados is on the ‘Pathway to Prosperity.’ Drunken men and mad men are known to argue that they do not have a problem. We all know different. The sad reality is, the DLP’ blame game and power struggle continues while poverty and hardship in this country is increasing rapidly.
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