Submitted by Bajan Truth
Sage advice from the acting P.M. Freundel Stuart about the wisdom of putting ‘vulnerable’ persons in the way of temptation. The remarks by Marilyn Rice –Bowen raises questions about commitment of the Minister to the promises of the manifesto; it raises questions about what possible deals may have prompted the Minister to plough ahead and give contracts without due process; it raises questions about the regard the DLP has for small black businesses; it raises issues of transparency, integrity, honesty and accountability.
It is appalling that two years later after the promise of change, honesty and accountability that today we the nation of Barbados have strong reasons to doubt the integrity of ministers of its government, who came to office on the strength of corruption on the other side, and a promise of transparency and honesty with legislation to back it up. When challenged about commenting on Marilyn Rice-Bowen’s allegation the Minister declines to comment.
The broken promises were disappointing, the incompetence disheartening but the dread spectre of possible corruption in less than three years and by the golden boy, just fuels my fury. All of this after week by week of accusing the other administration, now this. Here is Marilyn’s press statement in whole.
PRESS STATEMENT
This statement is designed to set the record straight as regards my termination as Chairman of the board of the National Housing Corporation.
When I willingly accepted the role of Chairman of National Housing Corporation in December 2008, I viewed the position as an excellent opportunity to broaden my service within the community through alleviating many of society’s ills that are rooted in the twin issues of inadequate housing and overcrowding.
Despite my social intent, unfortunately there were fundamental differences between the Minister of Housing and Lands and the Board in terms of our interpretation of established rules and protocols, as well as the role and function of the Board in respect of all NHC projects. The established rule is that in respect of all NHC funded projects the Board recommends and the minister is free to accept or reject any such recommendation. Regrettably, in some instances, the Board was never accorded the opportunity to give due or any consideration to and/or make the appropriate recommendation in respect of some NHC projects. This attitude and disposition on the part of the Minister ultimately led to an impasse between the Minister and me and ultimately, my termination as chairman of the Board. Case in point work at Forde’s Road, Clapham, St. Michael.
Prior to my termination and as a result of the said impasse already referred to, I considered resigning on several occasions but felt that I owed it to Prime Minister, the Hon. David Thompson, who was instrumental in my appointment, as well as my commitment to the cause of social justice, to persevere in what was fast becoming an impossible situation, in the hope and expectation that the matter would be resolved amicably. Sadly this was not to be and I exited the Board on July 31st, 2010.
Whereas some strides were made under my stewardship at the NHC, I leave somewhat disappointed that certain issues were not adequately addressed, for example, the awarding of contracts to small contractors. I feel passionately about this issue given my direct dialogue with many small contractors, many of whom are on the brink of failure. I have repeatedly sought without success, to persuade the Minister to buy into the concept outlined in the DLP manifesto of awarding a far greater portion of NHC contracts to small contractors.
Additionally, I leave with the knowledge that despite my best efforts and alerts, I could not ensure that a contract be put in place with the contractors, CLICO Holdings, re: the ongoing work at Constant, St. George.
The experience I gained as Chairman of national Housing Corporation will be forever etched in my mind. Hence I wish to extend sincere gratitude to the Board, as well as the Management and Staff for your cooperation.
I also wish to take this opportunity to publicly thank all well wishers for their notes and calls of encouragement. To my clients and policyholders, the YWCA sisters and our many sponsors, rest assured of my adherence to the highest standards of professional responsibility.
To date I have not received any direct or indirect explanation as to the root cause of my termination as Chairman, nor have I received any prior warning. In the absence thereof, I can only conclude that my termination was due to my interpretation of and strict adherence to established rules and protocols. If so, then I leave with my head high as a proud and principled Former Chairman of the National Housing Corporation.
Signed: Marilyn Rice-Bowen
There are a number of questions that the Minister needs to answer:
- Is it true that land sold to Bjorn Bjerkham to build houses for Bajans was sold under the market price at $3.00 per square foot, yet houses sold at over 200,000 and 300,000 dollars?
- Is it true that the mortgages are inflated to include a furniture package of 40,000 which by the end of the mortgage will increase the total cost to 600,000.00?
- Is it true that the furniture was imported bypassing Bajan manufacturers?
- Is it true that the Minister is being flown on the jet to Miami provided courtesy of Bjorn Bjerkham?
- Is it true that the minister received 5000 – 10,000 on each house from persons awarded contracts?
- Is the minister upholding the manifesto promises to promote the interests of small businesses or could the minister possibly explain why small contractors were dismissed in favour of large business?
- Has the DLP gone to the dogs?
This on top of the issue of the incompetent management of the economy; Mr. Lowe, Pickering, and more revelations apparently to come, requires further investigation. David we leave it to you to find out about these new matters, I only have one side as passed on to me and the facts are needed to ascertain their veracity. This was passed to me. I feel it requires discussion and our investigation.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.