Notwithstanding my personal sentiments of praise for Mr. Arthur’s leadership especially in respect of CARICOM, or my respect for the current Prime Minister, I am from St. John (born, lived, and schooled there). I am also a member of the BLP and a friend of the late Prime Minister David Thompson.

I do not take kindly to any ridiculing of the people of St. John, regardless of the architects of such fumbling comments, as have been reported in the press.

Barbados has too many issues that have potential to wreck the livelihoods of many. It is folly and an insensitive approach for politicians of whatever persuasion (i.e. both political parties) to be wasting time discussing personalities and origins rather than economy and society.

Let us deal with the issues and show, in my opinion, why the BLP deserves a look in as potentially better representatives of the people. No Hutson or Mara bashing! It is unnecessary and definitely not what the good people of St. John need as they grapple with rising unemployment, increasing crime, meteoric rises in goods and services inclusive of food, and with too many conflicting statements arising from stakeholders in relation to the overall state of Barbados’ economy.

There is way too much at stake for politicians to be spewing so much venom at each other and those that are not deserving of the mud-slinging. Those things can only cast the reputation of Barbadians in a bad light across CARICOM.

Always remember, I am in no one’s hip-pocket and I shall call a spade a spade.