Prime Minister David Thompson has delivered on one election campaign promise; to hold regular media briefings. Tonight Thompson will host the first press conference for 2010 at his official residence at 7.30PM. Given the precarious positioning of the Barbados economy BU hopes the Fourth Estate will send senior journalists to challenge the Prime Minister. After several press conferences BU contends the Prime Minister has been enjoying a free ride.
Points of interest to BU arising from the Press Conference
- Prime Minister indicates success at his government containing unemployment to 10%.
- In response to the discussion about wage freeze the government will be discussing with the Social Partners soon.
- The government will do all in its power to protect jobs.
- The 2009 fiscal deficit number cannot be repeated in 2010 in the view of the PM.
- PM forced to defend the argument that the government has exacerbated the deficit problem e.g. free bus rides for school children and summer camps. PM stresses the importance of building a society and not to be seen in pure economic terms.
- Fiscal deficit higher than the PM wants but he deems the situation manageable. He believes positive signs in the tourism industry augurs well. March 2010 statistics will paint a clear picture of the state of the economy.
- Prime Minister exorcises the accusation he initiated a tax grab in government’s first budget. Many taxes have not been collected e,g, cellphone tax and taxes on casino.
- Increase in the water rate is defended and Barbadians told to expect improvement at the BWA down the road, restructuring has started i.e. replacement of mains, improvement to the customer service etc. He indicates increases at the BL&P and LIME to be unfortunate at this time.
- Prime Minister admits he prefers moratorium over wage freeze. The idea is to give the government a breathing space at a difficult time. Roy Morris forces the PM to admit a cut in Ministers salaries is a worthy one. Did Minister Estwick step out of line by jawing about wage freeze?
- Prime Minister David Thompson chides opposition forces for not taking a national position at this difficult time.
- PM hints government’s minority holdings in BNB and ICB will be placed on the selling block along with crown lands.
- CLICO Mortgage company approved for sale to BPWCCU. The settlement of the CLICO issue still simmering, currently an Ernst & Young acturarial study commissioned by parent.
- The Al Barrak matter is sub judice. PM promises to reveal more in parliament. PM Thompson admits government does not have the cash to pay. PM ask for for reasonableness.
- Government has allocated funds to renewable energy and developing SMEs and entrepreneurship with the diaspora. Overseas embassies to play a role among other initiatives within the diaspora.
- PM speaks to the problems associated with introducing integrity legislation and FOI. Draft bills at final stage of consideration.
- Chief Justice David Simmons term not extended PM says. He stresses the next CCJ will be appointed based on the ability to dispense justice and not to help lawyers.
- PM invites blogs and commenters to attend the Constituency meetings and ask questions. (He admits he doesn’t read the blogs but prints are provided to him (LOL).
- The new immigration law will follow soon after the town hall meetings are finished. PM fingered one journalist as being responsible for fuelling xenophobic talk. Who???
Prime Minister in closing has asked Bajans to rally around the flag as the government grapple with the widening deficit. Congrats to Roy Morris of Barbados Today for bringing a hard-nosed approach to the proceedings.
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