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Politics, People, Power And The Plight Of The Unwary: Ambush At Roebuck Street

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Submitted by Yardbroom

 

Photo Credit – Nation Newspaper

We often fail to see what is written large before our eyes; as we focus on what we want to hear and allow Party affiliation to cloud our judgement and perceptive powers.  Some months ago it was clear to me that Owen Arthur had given a clear signal he would be back; it was true that his language was coded but I felt so sure of my ground that I wrote a submission on “The Master Tactician”. . . he was waiting for the opportune time.

It is true he would not have known of the eventual change in circumstances in the DLP camp; but a properly prepared plan takes account of most eventualities. It serves no purpose to dwell on the past, it is the future which should concentrate minds.

Ms Mottley if she so chooses, can be back as a formidable and sterling fighter but she must have a plan; take a fresh guard and work towards a single objective.  It is, and should not be a question of losing face… there is no greater honour than to lead ones country.  Some advise her to go for the “female vote” a flawed policy, it will not work.
All major female political leaders have been able to get loyalty from both male and female supporters.. . in the trench warfare of politics the males have been their most loyal allies….this is not the time for emotionalism.

Owen Arthur is almost there, but not quite, there is still the battle with the DLP.  If the DLP hold their nerve and do not become divided they will be unstoppable at the next election, but they can defeat themselves.

Now to David Thompson, some years ago before the last general election I predicted he would become Prime Minister of Barbados and be one of our greatest sons.  If the proposed Integrity Legislation goes before Parliament and is passed and is properly administered by those with integrity, it will change the Barbados political scene, thus addressing major problems we have, that will be part his legacy.  Also important was his Cabinet reshuffle of the 30th September 2010, although forced upon him by circumstances; he was able to set out a clear vision for the future of Barbados.

No one is perfect mistakes have been made but in assessing a situation, you must look at the “body” of work done, as opposed to small, some would say insignificant examples.

A new name for CJ ( Chief Justice) has been mentioned, the proposed Integrity Legislation is on its way, a Cabinet reshuffle has set fair for a new dawn.  “There is nothing to fear but fear itself” most of it self-induced.

Look to the future, even now we as Barbadians can weather this storm, for a wonderful future still beckons.

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76 responses to “Politics, People, Power And The Plight Of The Unwary: Ambush At Roebuck Street”

  1. Asman Avatar
    Asman

    I do not like usually like being first.

    Ahmm, uhmm, what ambush?
    Since when do people get an invitation to an ambush?

    How can it be an ambush when one of your “supporters” was in attendance?

    Is unwary the word you really want to use or are you just being polite?

  2. A. Freeman Avatar
    A. Freeman

    The BLP today cleared its hurdle of leadership – there will be the usual healing from here on. The DLP, however, must still clear the major hurdle of leadership, with no clear choice. This will likely result in troubled times ahead for the DLP and being indecisive about making that decision will only add to the distress. The BLP made a hard decision – can the DLP?

  3. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Who said this?”I think the world of Mia Mottley”

  4. David Avatar
    David

    Maybe what Yardbroom is asking why couldn’t the parliamentary group have asked Mia to convene a meeting so that on the surface she would appear to save a little face.

  5. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ David
    What save what little face what??!!
    …you mean they should have allowed her to set up her own gallows?

    How could you be leader of nine people for two years and don’t know that you have lost their confidence – or never had it in the first place? Were there not meetings to discuss positions? or was she just saying what SHE wanted to? …. in which case what do you expect?

    …..what a non issue.

  6. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @David,
    I am still waiting to hear the reason why Mia was removed as Leader of the opposition.

    All I have heard is that 5 MPs decided she needed to be replaced but what reason have they given?

  7. David Avatar
    David

    @BT

    If you are a member of a team don’t you think there is a reasonable expectation from the leader that members of the team should table concerns?

  8. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    And you refer to these people as “Honorable” … Chris’ I don’ get it …! Who in any event would be inclined to follow the likes of Arthur, Marshall, Payne and Clarke…? What nonsense…! Clarke, Marshall and Payne are in their last terms anyway … what a crock..!

  9. Charlie Avatar
    Charlie

    You have not cleared no leadership hurdle. The battle just began. Remember when Rawle Eastmond went on the radio and spoke about diabolical forces. He was sick but was saying things he wanted to say.

  10. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    I am pleased to see that the good Dr. Duguid stood shoulder to shoulder with Mia. I am now looking at him differently. What a dog’s breakfast the entire event was. Bajan politics is really a dirty game. I truly feel sorry for Mia. I think she should split and start her own party. I would come down and canvass for her, or even run for the St. Joseph seat.

  11. J Avatar
    J

    I am glad tonight that Owen Arthur does not think the world of me.

  12. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    GLM

    The Gay and Lesbian Movement…
    Not offended in anyway, but not a very large demographic in these parts…

  13. ac Avatar
    ac

    REF: Comment:’Some advice her to go for the female vote that is aflwaed policy. Hey buddy there is strength in numbers. If Mia reaches out in a deliberate , genuine and passionate way she would reap great dividends. Believe me this story is felt by most women who have been in abusive relationship. Typical male dominace. One in her position would do well to stand up for Women issues.

  14. ac Avatar
    ac

    the polls are giving Owen a beating >NAY not a goodnight for Owen.

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

    Ms Mia Mottley, Ms Cynthia Forde, Mr. Rawle Eastmond, and Mr. William Duguid, MUST GO and FORM their own political party.

    They must use their House of Assembly positions to strengthen such an objective.

    A look back at the NDP’s formation in 1989, would show how by using their House of Assembly positions, Dr. Richie Haynes, Mr. Richard Byer, Mr. Peter Miller and Mr. Edgar Bourne, were able to give the NDP the nessary platform to strengthen its political position over the next two elections in Barbados.

    Indeed, Ms Mottley and Co can do a similar thing, if they so desire, and to greater effect – refashioning the scope of party politics in Barbados and offering greater party choices – and in a way that the NDP did not do then.

    Also, the former BLP leader has some advantages going for her that the then NDP leader did not have going for him, for instance, she is younger than he was at the time he helped to form the NDP – thus the possibility of resurging restrategizing is there for her in the future; she has had greater governmental ministerial experience than he did at the time of the formation of the NDP; she has had a greater amount of female and young people support (two critical electoral demographic groups ) than he would have had at the time he formed the NDP; she has had greater familial backing than he would have had at the time of the coming into existence of the NDP.

    So, Ms Mottley must recognize these and other advantages and go and form her own party or her political cakes will burn terribly in the future.

    PDC

  16. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    The question is now what? What are Owen’s plans to make the BLP more acceptable and electable now that Mia has been toppled? Does he have some magical elixir that will make the electorate forget all the bad memories of the last few years of his term? Will people overlook the lack of accountability that was so pervasive during his time at the helm? Will people forget the accumulation of wealth that fell on some politicians like manna from heaven? I hope that this generation of Barbadians would not succumb to the hero worship that accompanies political leaders in the Caribbean, too often we compare these leaders to Joshua and look for them to lead us to the ‘Promised Land”. I trust that this generation will see politicians for what they are, full of avarice and ego whose selfishness is their main character trait.

    Barbadians should ask themselves, what are the ramifications of this backroom deal If the BLP regains the Gov’t (with the help of DLP ineptitude and infighting). I’m sure promises have been made but hopefully the proposed Integrity legislation will thwart any attempt by those who would be tempted. The only thing left will be Civil honours so in a few years time we may have Sir George Payne; Sir Gline Clarke etc.

  17. UGLAB Avatar
    UGLAB

    United Gays and Lesbian Association of Barbados knows Mia will get her chance and fight for our cause.
    She is our PM.

  18. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    page 4 of The Advocate “Owen Arthur is “extending a hand of cooperation” to the Government.”
    Uh hope he doan tink de wirl uh dem too.

  19. KISSMYA Avatar
    KISSMYA

    UGLAB=UGLY
    GET off this blog with your bovine excretement
    ———————-
    PDC ?
    Where is the NDP NOW ?
    I really thought that you would have invited the persons to join your party
    Barbados has no room for a third party
    NONE !–Period !

  20. Zion1971 Avatar
    Zion1971

    I am sticking by my clairvoyance notion that Arthur will return. The voters are fickled. Or unless the DLP is waiting on David Thompson “sunset” in order to get the sympathy vote. In any event my money is on Owen Arthur.

  21. David Avatar
    David

    To those DLP supporters who are revelling in the BLP’s tussle hear this, if the economic conditions continue to slip one can easily see a reversal of public opinion as the people look about for options like rats jumping ships. Be warned!

    The BLP has taken their medicine 2 years out from the next election due, they have the time to heal the wounds, when will the DLP take its medicine?

  22. Zion1971 Avatar
    Zion1971

    So true David. Two years before the next constittutional due election is like light years away in politics. Why do people always seem to be feel unsettled when behaviour of a political nature like this happens all over the world on a daily basis. We seeemed to forget that politics is not for the faint -of -heart or the nice guy but rather suited more to those rugged personality whose take-no-prisoner approach is akin to trench warefare.

    Politics has it own laws,morality and theology that is anchord by a foundation built on Macchiavilism. The strange bedfellow it makes add fuel to its survivability and relevance. Any political leader who fail to grasp these notion s ( Like Ms Motley) becomes a casualty of the process. Basdeo Panday -former PM of Trinidad – learned this lesson the hard way also. Go.figure.

  23. Yardbroom Avatar
    Yardbroom

    Hi Asman
    You wrote:” Ahmm,uhmm, what ambush? since when do people get an invitation to an ambush?
    I used “ambush” in the sense it was an unexpected event for Ms Mottley, if we are to believe her, and I have no evidence to doubt the statement that she first heard of the meeting on face book.

    Bush Tea also made the point that Ms Mottley should have known of dissatisfaction in the camp at meetings held, that is a fair assessment, but perhaps she was not reading the signals correctly as was evidenced by the outcome.

    You wrote: “Is unwary the word you really want to use or are you just being polite?”
    I used “unwary” because Ms Mottley was not being cautious in trying to place people in key positions, for in so doing she telegraphed her intentions; it was pragmatic but some might say not astute.

    On another front my concern in this new scenario for both parties – DLP & BLP – is that those in and seeking power, must be very careful who their close lieutenants are. Offers of all sorts will be made to neophyte politicians, the weak will succumb, only to be discarded when they have served their purpose. They should not take the smallest inducement however innocuous it may appear on the surface, because once you do, you are “locked in” never to be your own man/woman again…. others will write your destiny.

    Hi ac
    You quoted me, and then responded: “Some advice her to go for the female vote that is a flawed policy”. Hey buddy there is strength in numbers”.
    There is of course strength in numbers, but in most democracies women outnumber the men, but that is not reflected in those women who are elected to political office. Barbados might be a particular instance when that will not be the case. . . but we can agree to differ.

  24. Expatriate Avatar
    Expatriate

    Foolishness, Don’t tell Mia to start her own political party, third parties never win in Barbados, so that’s an idiot’s journey. What she should do, is eat some political crow, humble herself and wait patiently. “Position is the art of gunnery.” You see father time has a way of righting all wrongs, remember always dear fellow bloggers, “Right is an abstract thought, that proves nothing.” One may be as wrong as two left shoes, but still right, because our “Right lies in our might.” All politics are local, thirty days in a politicians life is a lifetime. Change for the most part is incremental, and leadership can be done not only at the political apex, but at the lowest common denominator. Ms Mottley must, rethink, regroup, reinvest, and recommit to outshining the enemies from within. They did her a favor, the perpetrators uncovered themselves, before she could not see the “Daggers”coming, now she knows in whose hands lie the poison. Now she’s ready to be a leader. I contend that in most things dealing with Homo Sapiens(Humans)we must traverse many struggles, and even serious significant emotional events. It is those seminal struggles, from which the fabric of our souls are woven, and the fight or flight in us takes place. Without struggle, there can be no victory, hence no success. If a person truly believes in something, anything, they do it. I believe, generally speaking, one does what one believes. If you don’t do something, anything that’s worthy to you and your value system, then you did not believe in it. In the bible, god tells Gideon to stand firm, the battle is not yours, it’s god battle. If you believe in something Mia, anything, stand firm, the battle is not yours, but it’s god’s battle.

  25. checkit-out Avatar
    checkit-out

    From Today’s Advocate;
    “Time for healing

    10/19/2010

    “Let the healing begin.”

    That appeal came from Owen Arthur as he spoke to the media last night at the Barbados Labour Party’s headquarters. Arthur, who is expected to receive his instrument of office from the Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands sometime today, noted that yesterday was indeed a difficult day for the Party. However, he said their supporters can be sure that there are institutional resources which they will draw on, to go forward united and stronger than ever.

    Arthur made his comments in the board room of the Party’s headquarters before what he called the “extended parliamentary group” which included five of the current Members of Parliament, members of the Senate as well as prospective candidates for the next general election.

    “I want to begin by therefore saying that there is no Owen Arthur Labour Party, there is no Dale Marshall Labour Party, there is no George Payne Labour Party, there is no Mia Mottley Labour Party, there is the Labour Party and there shall be always the Labour Party. There will be no bloodletting, there must be healing,” he said.

    Arthur once again reiterated the position he has made earlier in the day that he did not yearn for the position, but that he will serve with all of his heart and all of his soul. Moreover, he gave the assurance that he will advise the Party that all those persons who had been nominated as candidates under Mia Mottley’s leadership, should be allowed to remain as candidates.

    “There must be and will be no process of de-ratification. We are all colleagues together bound by the same mission. I must also say that I would like to meet with the extended parliamentary group as soon as practicable so that we can begin to plan the affairs of the Party, to make the Party’s affairs truly inclusive,” he added.

    He was set to hold an initial meeting with that group last night and stated that every effort would be made to meet with them again before the end of the week.

    On another note, Arthur said that he was extending a “hand of cooperation” to the Government, maintaining that the country was in a “state of serious uncertainty” and facing its biggest crisis since Independence.

    “It is not only an economic crisis; at stake is the stability of this country. The political system is on trial and I believe that we in the Barbados Labour Party, a mature institution, we have a duty to make sure that the stability for which this country has been renowned, the stability without which we would have no prosperity nor progress in this country, we have a duty to this country to make sure that this country is both protected and enhanced,” he stated.

    He said that to date he has not spoken publicly of Prime Minister David Thompson’s illness, but had sent him a personal note and preferred to keep it that way. He therefore maintained that no one wished Prime Minister Thompson any ill nor did they wish the Democratic Labour Party to remain in a situation of uncertainty. He said that his Party will look to bring carefully measured judgements to the business of the process of governance in this country and will seek to be a constructive opposition.”

    A good start.

  26. Ping Pong Avatar
    Ping Pong

    I find it contemptible that politicians (like the rest of us) make Biblical references only when sick, facing some disappointment or attempting to convince people of the “rightness” of their (the politician’s) “views and actions.

  27. Watching Avatar
    Watching

    A person serves as Opposition Leader at the pleasure and support of your parlimentary collegues. When Ms Mottley realise that that support was withdrawn she should have resigned immediately.
    Who was it that leaked the letter to the press ? Didn’t Mr Bovell share his email with the press. It is my belief that the leaked came from Mia’s side maybe to create the impression that she is the “Damsel in Distress”.
    She is nothing out the sort. As the saying goes time longer than twine one should join with your opponets to the detriment of your team member.

  28. Watching Avatar
    Watching

    Sorry I met to say “As the saying goes time longer than twine one should NOT join with your opponents to the detriment of your team member”

  29. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    From the vantage point of objectivity – let me ask the obvious questions (if anyone dare answer them):

    “IS THERE A VACUUM IN MORAL POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN BARBADOS?”

    Where have all the good guys gone?

    Where are the men/women with not only sound moral backbone but those whose penchant is the good of the populace – not the special interests, the power-brokers and the “millionaires” who finance socioeconomic and political policy?

    Where are those amongst our political classes who “TRULY” believe that “WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER” – and does not use this expression as a hollow chant which reverberates a noisy, meaningless echo?

    Where are the “TRUE” disciples of “THE RIGHT ‘HONORABLE’ ERROL WALTON ‘Dipper the Skipper’ BARROW?

    With much regret, I must admit that if the partisan nature of the religious and ethnic politics in my country has come to this – I HOPE “YOU ALL” WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE FUTURE RAMIFICATIONS OF OBFUSCATING RESPONSIBILITY TO HOLD ALL OUR SO-CALLED LEADERS TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF INTEGRITY!!!

    For such an educated society with so many affluently-minded progressives – I am afraid that there has been a fracturing in the psyche of my people or it is something in the “drinking water”…

    Whatever it is – BARBADOS* is in SERIOUS trouble!!!

  30. John Avatar
    John

    Yardbroom, a bit over a month ago, 15th September 2010, you were penning the following article:

    http://bajan.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/has-the-tide-turned-for-a-female-prime-minister-in-barbados/

    Barbados Free Press then carried an article about the new president of Brazil, a woman, and former Marxist urban guerilla.

    I thought that really showed the changing world trends and just how completely different Barbados was from the norm.

    http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2010/09/26/dilma-rousseff-about-to-be-elected-as-brazils-first-female-president-meanwhile-in-barbados%e2%80%a6/

    I hope Owen and the boys did not go and act prematurely to out all this woman talk and demonstrate who is the boss in Barbados based on a couple of blog articles.

    I just can’t see this group of five MPs coming with anything new or edifying.

    It seems to me like they acted prematurely and are bringing only O$A to to table to justify their action, …. no new policy or idea or philosophy, …. nothing, … just O$A.

    I don’t even think George Payne even brought a hat.

    Time will tell if they did it because they could …. or if they really really really have a plan for the benefit of Barbados.

    Mia must be laughing.

    Maybe they should have demonstrated a capability and willingness to “engage in meaningful dialog” because we in Barbados sure need to take stock and use our collective heads to get out of the hole we are in.

  31. Sonny Avatar
    Sonny

    @Watching
    I agree with you. I don’t understand all this talk about being “unfaired”when she serves at the pleasure of her political comrades. If that support subsides, then she has to bow out. That’s the democratic way.

    For here to be trying to cement herself in the position, shows what she really is inside.

  32. willie Avatar
    willie

    Is it only me or is George Payne contradicting himself? Six members attended the meeting. He said that the majority of those in attendance voted in support of Mr. Arthur (apparently Duguid did not vote for Arthur). Then Payne declares that the vote was unanimous. Did Duguid agree to make the decision unanimous after not supporting Arthur? Or is Mr. Payne’s assessment misleading?

  33. Barbados First Avatar
    Barbados First

    Does anyone remember what happened in 2006 with Dr. Estwick and his constituency branch – it will make for some interesting reading. Check out who proposed the no confidence motion at that time. We here in Bim have short memories. The Nation Newspaper reported:

    Estwick out?
    by NEVILLE CLARKE

    Posted: Jan 9, 2006 13:00 UTC

    BRIDGETOWN – The St Philip West Branch of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) last night spoke in a loud voice.

    They do not want incumbent MP Dr David Estwick to represent them at the next general election.

    Last night the branch overwhelmingly passed a resolution expressing no
    confidence in the embattled incumbent.

    The resolution, which was proposed by constituent and attorney-at-law Adriel Brathwaite and seconded by Fitz Harewood, asked that steps be taken assoon as possible to identify a candidate to carry the party’s banner in the constituency in the next general election.

    By a margin of 22 votes with one abstention, the constituents made it clear they no longer had any confidence in Estwick, who failed to turn up at the meeting.

    Speaking to the DAILY NATION at the conclusion of the meeting which attracted over 40 party members and supporters, Brathwaite said: “No one is more important than the branch or the DLP. Estwick has publicly said that he has no intention of working with this branch as can be seen from yesterday’s article carried in the SUNDAY SUN and the branch has resolved that the party finds a replacement candidate for Estwick as soon as possible.”

    Chairman of the branch, Carl Mapp, said the resolution would be forwarded to general secretary of the party, George Pilgrim, later today.

    Mapp also assured the party faithful present that he expected the resolution to be brought before the Executive Council on Wednesday and the General Council at a later date.

    Meanwhile, reacting to last night’s development, Estwick said that “no illegitimate management committee of St Philip West can call a branch meeting of the membership”, and has scheduled a Press conference for 10 a.m. today at his branch office at Garrett Road, Mangrove, St Philip.

    Questioning the legality of yesterday’s meeting which was held at Princess Margaret Secondary School, the St Philip West MP said: “The Executive Council for 2004/2005 ruled that the management committee which called yesterday’s meeting was illegal and ruled that it could not hold office in St Philip West because several of the members were not resident in the constituency.

    “This is in breach of Clause 41 of the party’s constitution. This means that the management committee cannot determine anything about the constituency.”

  34. Yardbroom Avatar
    Yardbroom

    Hi checkit-out
    From Mr Arthur’s statement I have honed in on one sentence:

    “He [ Mr. Arthur] therefore maintained that no one wished Prime Minister Thompson any ill nor did they wish the Democratic Labour Party to remain in a situation of uncertainty.”

    Prime Minister Thompson is already ill and the good will of most of Barbados is with him but here is the punch line…

    “…the Democratic Labour Party to remain in a situation of uncertainty”… For Democratic Labour Party read Government but where is the “uncertainty” do you see any? of course it could be manufactured. It is that supposed uncertainty which is the key. The Democratic Labour Party – read Government – should hold their nerve and “bind together”, they have all the aces.

    @ Terence M Blackett
    There are many good men/women of integrity in Barbados, but they have distanced themselves from active politics; because of the perceived moral decay in which it resides. Naked unashamed greed has taken over the body politic, as people endeavour to become as rich as opportunity allows.

    Hi John
    You are quite right on 15 September 2010 I wrote:
    ” Has The Tide Turned For A Female Prime Minister In Barbados?

    Please note the question mark (?). . . I then went on to explain with evidence it has happened in other countries.

  35. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    @ YARDBROOM
    “There are many good men/women of integrity in Barbados, but they have distanced themselves from active politics; because of the perceived moral decay in which it resides. Naked unashamed greed has taken over the body politic, as people endeavour to become as rich as opportunity allows…”

    Sorry BRUV* – can’t agree with you on that!!!

    Are you suggesting that if your next door neighbor’s house is on fire that because of emotional angst between two of you that you won’t throw water on his that you may save yours???

    We ALL* know the maxim Yardie – “ALL IT TAKES FOR EVIL TO PROSPER IS FOR GOOD MEN TO DO NOTHING”!!!

    If there’s no moral compunction on the part of those who are deemed to have some shred of social integrity – then are you suggesting that we are fighting a lost cause and a losing battle?

    The “BODY POLITIQUE” according to Marx* is YOU & ME Bro…

    If we are not holding these “bastards” accountable – then they will continue to create “PARTISAN” politics – polarizing the electorate along “TRIBALISTIC” lines… So will we fight on BU & on the street – they are deciding where to offshore some more “BORROWED” cash…

    Sadly, in the long-run what sort of social climate do we ultimate want to create anyway – where corruption, backstabbing and malevolence is so rife that it permeates every sector of society?

    Barbados is a 166 sq.ml plot of rock out in the southern Caribbean… There’s only so much to contest for!!!

    We can’t keep borrowing our way out of social, economic and spiritual depression!!!

    Soon enough the Pied Piper will come a-calling!!!

    Time for the nation’s pathetic leaders to wake up and self-actualize that “GOVERNANCE” is about the people…

    After OWEN ARTHUR’s* power-grab – it showed that a leopard cannot change his spots… But as I remarked over on another thread – KARMA* is a B***H and Ms. Mottley is having her Hindu moment….

    When all is said and done – ALL* these guys have past their sell by date… The BLP has lied, stolen, misappropriated, embezzled and like “PIGS” have for far too long had their snouts in the “PUBLIC TROUGH” gorging on what is rightfully the largese of the poorest in Bajan society…

    Surely, the time has come for a new “hybrid” breed of politician or better yet (PUBLIC SERVANT) – folks who will put the greater good before political expediency or partisan gerrymandering….

    If we are not wise enough to ACT* – and it’s only about verbal clamor – may God help all of us!!!

  36. Weary Baje Avatar
    Weary Baje

    It is ridiculous and disheartening to read the rubbish and tripe that learned bajans are putting on this blog…….
    If any of ya all can show me a politician who is honest, sincere selfless, and have integrity, in any party or in any part of the world, then I will show you the Lord Jesus Christ………..
    Ya all people need to get real …Mia aint no different from Owen or David…..neither is David any different from Owen…… all them have two interest at heart…. themselves and the business folks who help them there

  37. alpha Avatar
    alpha

    Mia Mottley (as PM, as a leader) is no good for Barbados. Her lifestyle is vile and I am not only speaking of her perversions. She is morally bankrupt. The leadership of a group dictates the direction in which the group travels, whether that group be a cricket team, family or nation. If Al Capone were to be PM of Bim where do you think Bim would go? What about Woggy? These are crude analogies but the direction in which a country goes is determined by its leadership.

    I actually see Mia’s exit from leadership of the party as a step in the right direction and not really worthy of this volume of debate.

    ‘The world’ system believes that morality should be separated from leadership. Well, just look around at the world and form your own conclusions.

    I find bajans really duplicitous. In one breath they want a morally upright and crime-free society; on the other they are clamouring and arguing for Mia-type leaders.

    All is not lost at least there are still upright’ leaders’ like Owen/ Dale Marshall/ David Estwick/ Kellman!

    Bim is in for a rough ride!

  38. Yardbroom Avatar
    Yardbroom

    @ Terence M Blackett @ 12:25pm

    @ Yardbroom
    You quoted me: “There are many good men/women of integrity in Barbados, but they have distanced themselves from active politics, because of the perceived moral decay in which it resides. Naked unashamed greed has taken over the body politic, as people endeavour to become as rich as opportunity allows.”

    Your response, quote: ” Sorry BRUV* can’t agree with you on that!!! are you suggesting that if your next door neighbor’s house is on fire that because of emotional angst between two of you that you won’t throw water on his that you may save yours.”

    I have re-read my statement and I cannot find anything in it, which suggest, that those who for whatever reason, choose not to participate in active politics in Barbados, is as a result of “emotional angst.”

    Other reasons of course, but I did not write or alluded to emotional angst. . . with respect, on this we may differ.

  39. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Terence
    If we are not wise enough to ACT* – and it’s only about verbal clamor – may God help all of us!!!
    *****************************************************
    LOL…. ‘ACT’ and do exactly what Terence….?

    Let us assume that there are a dozen or so genuinely good and even (let’s be optimistic) ‘wise’ persons in Bim.

    Let us also assume that they are willing to sacrifice everything and answer your call.

    What could/would/should they do?
    Let the bushman repeat the analogy to clarify the situation for you…..

    SS Titanic Bim has been penetrated below deck by massive icebergs a while back. Since that time, water has been filling the chambers below deck. Conditions have long been rough for the lower classes housed there, however those living in the upper decks refuse to acknowledge the problem. After all, they continue to be relatively high and dry for the time being….

    Here we are with SSTitanic Bim limping along lower and lower in the water, and we have these upper deck types fully focused on a tussle for the position of chief obstructionist….

    So when Terence calls for some wise and honest souls to man the wheel ….. tell us exactly what you would like them to do for our ship… or did you answer the question with the last six words?

  40. ac Avatar
    ac

    @BUSHTEA
    When you gonna run for political office? you alwys talking about transparency and morals . Why not set an example!

  41. Orson Avatar
    Orson

    Alpha
    And we are to believe that Owen is a source of morality. RLOL

  42. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ ac
    @BUSHTEA
    When you gonna run for political office?
    ***********************************
    …. soon ac.
    Real soon.

  43. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Post coup, the faces tell the story. Arthur with a wide smile, Marshall with an even wider one, in fact Marshall looks like the cat that swallowed the canary and if you look closely you will see some feathers poking out of his mouth.

    Meanwhile Mia and Rawle as doleful as ever, faces full of mourning as if a close relative died. Don’t they know there is no crying in politricks?

  44. M Avatar
    M

    We can say how politics is war etc. At the end of the day people are still human beings with feelings. Some may hide their hurt well, some not so well.

  45. J Avatar
    J

    Terrence M. Blackett wrote something like this and I’ve added only one tiny correction “When all is said and done – ALL* these guys have past their sell by date… The BLP/DLP has lied, stolen, misappropriated, embezzled and like “PIGS” have for far too long had their snouts in the “PUBLIC TROUGH” gorging on what is rightfully the largese of the poorest in Bajan society…

  46. J Avatar
    J

    George Payne is qouted in Monday’s Nation as saying politics is not Sunday School.

    We know that Georgie. And we shall remember it in the polling booth.

    And when you get sick Georgie (when Georgie, not if) I won’t be praying for you and I hope that I don’t hear any of your family members asking us to pray for you or Owen or the rest.

    Georgie you will have to get the wife and the children and the 15 siblings to pray for you (if they will pray for you)

    Wunna will have to take wunna sick and dying lashes like the real men wunna is (just like Davey is tekkin’ his now)

    Remember guys we don’t know how to pray.

    Because…

    LIFE LIKE POLITICS IS NOT SUNDAY SCHOOL.

  47. J Avatar
    J

    KISSMYA wrote on | October 18, 2010 at 11:48 PM UGLAB=UGLY…GET off this blog with your bovine excretement

    Dear Kiss My Ass:

    There is no need to be abusive to the TAX-PAYING gay citizens of Barbados, you semi-literate cow.

  48. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    @ YARDIE*

    “EMOTIONAL ANGST” – a clear euphemism insinuating that we have taken a moral position based on what we see and feel that “RUBS” us the wrong way and as a result we “CHOOSE” to distance ourselves from the process…

    “NEUTRALITY IN A TIME OF CRISIS IS TO GIVE MENTAL, MORAL & SPIRITUAL ASCENT TO THE EVIL BEING PERPETRATED”…

    Case in point – yesterday, in France [1,000,000 folks] hit the streets over “SARKOSI’s” plans to raise the retirement age to 62 years of age…. Check the news for yourself and see the state of “CHAOS”…

    QUESTION Yardie* – (and I ask this with all due respect – with no clear malicious INTENT* as I know how easy it is to incur “JUDGMENT” based on genuine sincerity) –

    “WHEN IS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE & UNREST JUSTIFIABLE?”

    I will leave you to ponder the above question – maybe, somewhere in the margins of intellectual HONESTY* there is an answer!!!

    @ BUSHMAN

    Brother, you know I love you!!!

    In the same way you ask me what course ACTION* should take – Let me ask you – “WHAT IS THE PENULTIMATE RESULT OF INACTION & INERTIA?”

    Above I cited the current state of affairs in FRANCE* – and I asked Yardie* to answer the question posed – “MAYBE” you could help us with an answer yourself!!!

    Brother man, doing “NOTHING” is clearly not an option…

    Today, myself & others will be on the doorsteps of the House of Commons as Chancellor George “WHIPPERSNAPPER” Osbourne delivers the most far-reaching austerity measures in a generation which is sure to impact the poorest (including PEOPLE OF COLOR) in the ere British Isles… And in the weeks and months ahead, just wait and see what ensues!!!

    If you think (as I have PROPHESIED) sorry “Freudian slip” PREDICTED* (LOL) that what we saw in GREECE, SPAIN & now in FRANCE* will not be coming to the shores of BRITAIN* & ELSEWHERE*- think again!!!

    The only difference – it is quite possible that it may be 100 times worst!!!

    Today, you can’t even get a flight out of France – far less, a drop of petrol… Prices are soaring and OUR YOUTH* are HELL-BENT* on ANARCHY*…. GO FIGURE!!!

    C’mon folks – do we not see the writing on the wall???

    Good God!!!!

  49. Yardbroom Avatar
    Yardbroom

    Hi Terence M. Blackett
    My original statement: “There are many good men/women of integrity in Barbados but they have distanced themselves from active politics, because of the perceived moral decay in which it resides. Naked unashamed greed has taken over the body politic as people endeavour to become as rich as opportunity allows.”

    Your response:
    “Sorry BRUV*- can’t agree with you on that!!!
    are you suggesting that if your next door neighbor’s house is on fire that because of emotional angst between two of you that you won’t throw water on his that you may save yours???”

    The honourable people in Barbados to whom I referred are NOT suffering from “emotional angst”.

    They have taken a “pragmatic” decision.
    Pragmatic: practical, sensible, realistic, down-to-earth, utilitarian, businesslike, hard-headed.
    ********************************
    We are obviously thinking of different people: Yours are
    emotional: of or denoting emotion of the emotions.

    angst: an acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or personal freedom.

    anxiety: a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some ( usually ill-defined) misfortune.

    You see mine are “happily” going about their daily business taking care of family and doing good when and where they can.

    As to your question: “WHEN IS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE & UNREST JUSTIFIABLE?”

    We will fire a rum on that another time; this one is about Mia Mottley.

  50. David Avatar
    David

    Many political commentators like Harold Hoyte have opined that Mottley was unfaired by her colleagues. Is this so or can what happened be regarded as Machiavelian politics practiced at its best?

The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.

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