CHOGM (Commonwealth Conference 2011) Official Photograph
It is generally accepted civil servants in Barbados are technology averse. A litmus test would be to ask the question: how many government departments use teleconferencing facilities? The technology is not very expensive and can repay on the investment in short order by generating cost saving from reduced travel and overseas calls. There is also saving time if we were able to reduce the number of man hours civil servants spend on our highways and byways negotiating traffic to attend meetings.
A search of the Internet will toss-out millions of results of ways companies have adopted to reduce cost brought on by the world recession. One of the popular decisions is to introduce teleconferencing. For example, Bayer Corporation is using high-tech teleconferencing, or telepresence, to help cut the cost of travel; local and overseas. BU understands many private sector companies in Barbados have installed teleconferencing facilities in their board rooms to communicate with employees located in different offices. It seems a no-brainer if private sector companies see the benefit why shouldn’t the public sector? The civil service seems to be living up to the label appended to it by a former Prime Minister as an army of occupation.
The news this week that Ronald Jones is acting Prime Minister has raised the awareness in the eyes of some Barbadians to ask – why are so many government ministers and civil servants travelling at a time when government is printing money to pay civil servants salaries? Yes we know managing government is a complex business in a modern world but the question must be asked, is all the travelling necessary?
Prime Minister Stuart, Foreign Minister McClean, High Commissioner to London Tony Arthur and the obligatory team of civil servants are in attendance at the Commonwealth Conference in Perth Australia this week. BU cannot speak to the benefits the Barbados government expects to derive from attending the Commonwealth conference Down Under, however, as citizens it is our right to be curious about how public officials are spending our tax dollars. A plane ticket to travel to the land of Kangaroos drops at about S25,000. The High Commissioner is traveling from London so his ticket is cheaper at about $9,000. If we assume the PM and the Foreign Minister travelled with a minimum of two civil servants plane tickets alone rack up $100,000. We have not bothered to tabulate per diems, hotel accommodation and miscellaneous expenses. You do the math!
It seems so silly that several leaders from Caricom will be attending and some arrangement could not have been made to ask the Caricom Secretariat or some other regional agency to represent the region, the upside being the sharing of cost while at the same time fostering a kindred spirit.
Should we repeat? We are operating in extraordinary times which call for our leaders not to be afraid to depart from the ordinary; our survival depends on it.
@ac: “How could this be the butt lickers of communist and socialist regimes demanding FOI.
Please forgive me if I am wrong, but did not the Great Late David Thompson promise FOI as part of his election platform?
Was he a Communist Butt Licker?
@ CH:
“Was he a Communist Butt Licker?”
What a goal!
In cricket parlance , that is a hit for six right outside the grounds!!
Deal with that, ac!!
A ‘promise’ by a politician is never regarded as a promise.
BAFBFP | October 28, 2011 at 6:27 PM |
Was out walking my wife”
White chick, black cropover chick or real real wife?
David when are we going to discuss the “loss” of Foul Bay?
Hans
You do not walk Crop Over chicks, you wuk dem … LOL
The hypocrisy of the DLP never ceases to amaze me. If this was done by the Bees, they would be having a field day. I agree that the PM should attend but the delegation should be limited.
Why the hell Maxine McClean gone for? She is a waste of time. You know she only travels first class. I went to the UK last year and she was on the same flight, flying first class of course, she was on her way to Geneva at that time. Then a few weeks later she was flying first class again to the Shanghai expo and you know she went back to China with the PM earlier this year!
To top it all off, Mr Kellman called in today to defend this travel. Yet Stetson Babb refused to ask him what did he achieve on his recent trip to South Korea or to whom did he talked to in the corridors as Kellman put it, to bring business to Barbados. To me it is like they have a sixth sense that they may lose the next election and they are trying to see the world at the taxpayers expense.
May God help us!
Talking about wasting money. I could not believe my eyes when I see the DPP with a new brand Mercedes.
We are in a deep recession, the government cannot pay its bills, they owe the UWI $90 million, borrowing from the NIS every day, they cannot find money to give me my tax refund but the DPP can get a new Mercedes? The one he was driving looked pretty good to me. Yes, I know that his contract may say, he is entitled to a new car every three years but we are in a recession. Even if the government has a trade in deal with the dealers, this should have been rearranged in view of the economic conditions. But there again, the DPP is such a pompous and arrogant man that he would probably have said, my contract says I am entitled to a new car and I have to get it!
Goodness me, this government goes from blunder to blunder. I await the press conference of Sinckler. I wonder why he always does these things when Stuart is away. He is just trying to divert attention and grab the Monday headline away from Owen Arthur. Plain and simple. why did he not have this press conference last week when the PM was still in Bim??? I wonder!!!
@Prodigal Son | October 28, 2011 at 8:39 PM |
To me it is like they have a sixth sense that they may lose the next election and they are trying to see the world at the taxpayers expense.
May God help us!
********************************************************************
Indeed!! DEM always knew that DEM would only be there for one term (or less) why do you think DEM have behaved as they have?
@BU.David: “A ‘promise’ by a politician is never regarded as a promise.
Really?
Why?
@Chris
A promise by a politician is designed to play upon the expectations of the electorate i.e. win votes in the moment.
When the moment is gone it is back to champing at the trough.
@David: “A promise by a politician is designed to play upon the expectations of the electorate i.e. win votes in the moment.
I remain a bit confused… I hate being confused…
Why do the politicians get to lie when no one else is allowed to?
This whole debate actually started when the PM died and the question was asked about how his wife was to be paid … as a back bencher or as the wife of an dead PM plus that of a back bencher.
The point about the DPP is absolutely disgusting. Now will this be the case for all of the Judges as well?
From before the last budget, I was saying, if our ruling government was serious about easing the economic crisis in Barbados, they need to set the example. They should have taken a 10 or 15% cut in salary and invite the opposition to accept a 5 or 10% cut,restrict the amount of travelling by doing tele-conferences, even when travelling fly economy class. What I’m seeing now is a government that don’t care much about it’s people but trying to see how much they can gain before the next general elections in case they lose.
Denis Kellman and Richard Sealey trip to Costa Rica and Panama was a contingent of 28. Hope we will see benefits,
A forum such the CHOG meeting requires the physical presence of representatives in a single location for more than one reason. Firstly, such a high level intrnational meeting requires formal protocol…teleconferencing is a bit too informal for such a meeting. Secondly, teleconferencing would be an inadequate medium for any meeting with such a large number of attendees.
With regards to the delegation from Barbados, no more than three (including the PM) should be attending.
Gradually more and more gov’t offices are using teleconferencing and less overseas travel. Invest Barbados is one such entity.
To clarify the BU blog has not suggested that teleconferencing would have been an adequate replacement. Secondly to repeat there has been no significant take up of technology in any serious way in the civil service. Invest Barbados is a Statutory Board which by the nature of its job it is not surprising teleconferencing exist.
@David who wrote:
To clarify the BU blog has not suggested that teleconferencing would have been an adequate replacement. Secondly to repeat there has been no significant take up of technology in any serious way in the civil service. Invest Barbados is a Statutory Board which by the nature of its job it is not surprising teleconferencing exist.
=================================
My statement is directed at anyone who may think otherwise. . .so if the cap fits, wear it.
Statutory boards also operate on tax payers’ money, and we’re talking about reducing cost by reducing overseas travel, therefore it is pointless to distinguish statutory boards from the civil service in this regard. To say that there has been so serious take up of technology in the civil service is erroneous. That statement would indicate that you’re speaking of technology in general rather than teleconferencing specifically.
@Senor
Statutory Boards are not considered for the purpose of general discussion part of the civil service.
They are run by Boards.
The heads of government departments are Permanent Secretaries.
@BAFBFP
As usual we filter all issues in a political lens. Many are agreeing there may be an opportunity to network to the benefit of Barbados. What is amazing is that many would not want citizens to question the objectives of the trip and whether it makes sense in the context where this government is cash trapped and operating in harsh economic times.
On 29 October 2011 12:54, David wrote:
> @Senor > > Statutory Boards are not considered for the purpose of general discussion > part of the civil service. > > They are run by Boards. > > The heads of government departments are Permanent Secretaries. > >
“Denis Kellman and Richard Sealey trip to Costa Rica and Panama was a contingent of 28. ”
Jesus H C’rist! This is the reason, the ONLY reason for staying in public life … exploratory missions. I know of one CEO who was to go on pre-retirement leave in a couple of months and still found it necessary to jump on a plane to London on a fact finding mission!
@ David
Your being familiar with my apolitical DNA aside, both the objectives and the size of the contingent are up are fair game.
I must tell you though that with teleconferencing, each participant has a camera focused on him/her so any attempt at nodding off will be quickly spotted. Maybe this is a reason why it is not a popular initiative in the service … hmmm
Watch the opening of the CHOGM 2011 Opening Ceremony, held at 10am WST in the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre.
WHAT does cravee your indulgence, mean ?????
WHY do you assume that I am male ???
HAVE you seen the female bodybuilder from Jamaica originally who is guest posing in the local competition ???
AM I to assume that you millerthe–‘ would call her a man too ???
SHOULD I steupse???????
JUST ASKING
@ Prodigal son-To me it is like they have a sixth sense that they may lose the next election and they are trying to see the world at the taxpayers expense
====================================================
Was there truth to the rumour about Billie Miller travelling via New York to get to St. Vincent.
Just asking.
Is there truth to the rumour the elite private sector big boys fly between plush homes on the Mediterranean and ,London and Argentina even as they price gouge and under pay poor black Bajans.
Just asking.
@ JUST ASKING:
“Just asking! (I crave your indulgence, MR. JUST ASKING!!)”
I was asking your permission to use your moniker in making a repartee to CCC. I was being polite not rude! Sorry if I address you in the wrong gender. I should have said Mr; Mrs; Miss or Miss; or plain old Just Asking!
BTW, I like looking at “feminine-looking” women but a woman can do whatever she likes with her own body. Same applies to men, too! You agree, Jusk Asking?
I Have been informed that Mss McClean does not TNORMALLY TRAVELfirst class. Ckeck it out.
As far as I am aware only heads of stated and PM’s can travel first class with Gov money.
Only Senators are provided with a free female bed warmer in African countries … Senators, NOT ministers of any kind, even Prime!
@David
To clarify the BU blog has not suggested that teleconferencing would have been an adequate replacement.
***********************
That is some serious back peddling you doing there; did you forget what you wrote or your subsequent remarks? You painted all Gov’t travel by Gov’t representatives including the PM’s attendance at CHOG with a broad brush and the Lemmings and political operatives predictably followed.
I made some facetious remarks and you termed them “ridiculous” and threw in a comment about the overseas accommodation that the Barbadian representatives occupy. (Never mind that they are representing the Gov’t and people in Barbados and are expected to entertain or host their counterparts at various receptions).
I can go on but I think you get my drift.
Hants | October 28, 2011 at 8:33 PM |
David when are we going to discuss the “loss” of Foul Bay?
Since this is a “free” blog I will use it to pay tribute to the Barbados I used to knew. lol
I remember going on Church excursions in leeward (wood ) and later transport board buses.
River bay, Bath and Foul bay were the venues I went to in the 50s and early sixties.
As a young man I picniked at Maycocks, Cove Bay,East coast road and Bathsheba.
Over the years these beaches that were the Bank Holiday spots enjoyed by average Bajans are being targetted for Development.
I don’t live in Barbados and unlikely to return to live there given that I am 59 years old.
I will not attempt to suggest what modern day Bajans should or should not accept.
I just want to say that it was a glorious privilege to grow up in Barbados enjoying all those beautiful places some of which will soon be “modernised” to provide “Pure Jobs” and luxury residences for Rich right people.
2 halsalls
1 with a mathematical equation logo
1 with a pink face (see white/black mixup thread)
what a horrible face/thought
@ CH &miller
If the shoe fits wear it.
The bill for the Bajans in Australia may be even higher, if our people are caught up in the QANTAS airline strike/ grounding,as news from Down Under is that 17 Commonwealth leaders are affected.
Excursions and picnics at Foul Bay might soon done.
let’s discuss eff any uh wunna k bout it.
@Hants
Stop flogging a dead horse. Bajans care nothing about such at this time.
@ Colonel Buggy:
This might be an opportune time for CS and his in house supporters to call a meeting to select a new leader of the realm.
I know you come from an environment where your leaders believe they represent the 2nd estate and any move to undermine the supremacy of the state by the commoners (3rd estate) would usually be dealt with by a swift show of military might. But this option is not recommended in this case. Just a change of horses!
Millertheanunnaki
You wrote:
“This might be an opportune time for CS and his in house supporters to call a meeting to select a new leader of the realm.”
Sorry to disappoint you: it does not work like that. The Rt. Excellent Errol Barrow was no fool: he placed safeguards in the Constitution that such a situation could never succeed. Whenever the Prime Minister of Barbados leaves these shores, he leaves with the certain knowledge that he can’t be replaced by constitutional means.
In order to remove the PM, the leader would have to inform the GG. At that point the GG must give the PM an opportunity to resign or call new elections. In any event an acting PM has all the powers of a substantive PM except the power to advise the GG to dissolve parliament and call elections. The substantive holder of the post of PM is like asbestos, can’t be fired between elections.
Wunna pick up de PM in that picture that David post? Everybody else where sombre dark blue and dark grey … our boy in light grey, and at the back of the pack. I see significance in this
David | October 29, 2011 at 8:24 PM |
@Hants
Stop flogging a dead horse. Bajans care nothing about such at this time.
Ok David, But this Bajan cared about such when Owen Arthur and the BLP were in power.
A friend was doing some consultancy work for a government agency. She provided the agency with leads and phone numbers and email addresses. They complained that they sent emails and have gotten no responses.She suggested that they call, they replied that the calls are too expensive.She asked them if they know about skype, magic Jack , MSN, Gmail Yahoo all these have internet calling. These people have degrees.
caswell wouldn’t 66.2 take precedence then ? they just need to meet at the house and vote via point of order ?
2. If the House of Assembly a resolution which has received the affirmative vote of a majority of all the members thereof resolves that the appointment of the Prime Minister ought to be revoked and the Prime Minister does not within three days of the passing of the resolution either resign or advise the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, the Governor General shall, by instrument under the Public Seal, revoke the appointment of the Prime Minister.
So it just need to be Tuesday before he get back. then he has 3 days to respond?
this was to last part of you post as he can be fired.
@ Caswell:
“In order to remove the PM, the leader would have to inform the GG. At that point the GG must give the PM an opportunity to resign or call new elections.”
If there is protracted delay down under don’t you think CS could muster enough backers to present a petition to the GG thereby forcing FS hands’, on his return, to resign or call general elections?
Are loyalties split in such a way to embolden CS to usurp the throne under the pretext that FS as leader is a major liability going into the next general elections?
I know FS learnt his political skills from his mentor CT the kingmaker but he could still be outwitted by the garrison duet.
I note someone said that Ms McClean does not normally travel first class, I dont know if this is quite true, she was in first class on the flight I was on to London.Can you see that pompous woman travelling down in economy? I was on flight to Miami once and Sinckler was in first class and the MOH was in economy, dont know if the MOH was on personal business.
Richard Sealy is another travel junky, Central America now seems to be his favourite haunt. Stephen Lashley seems to be always off somewhere as well as the MOH, who recently said that the dead king told them that there would be no unnecessary travelling. The king was the greatest offender. DO we know yet how much the taxpayers of this country paid to CLICO for the dead king’s use of the then CLICO jet?
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oVxQHf9nNS8/S9-Y5R2Fk1I/AAAAAAAAPLA/FJFBV5f8_0A/s1600/Rihanna+Self-Pleasure+Performance+In+Concert+www.GutterUncensored.com+01.jpg
Ah boy … That’s my girl …
@ BAFBFP:
I think you would make a good Raelian. You must check them out at rael.org
millertheanunnaki
I am a good law abiding atheist
Imagine Bajans in some quarters are quibbling over the expenses of our delegation to CHOGM in Australia. Aren’t we the same people who bought tickets costing up to $2000 and collectively paying much more than $1/4 Million s to see Rihanna perform at Kensignton for a couple of hours?
The leaders of the Soviet Union during its heyday could not understand why former British colonies, having given their independence,opt to be part of an organisation where, the former rulers are still head of, and they , the Soviets, with all their tanks and occasional invasions have problems keeping their satellite nations in check.
Its always a matter of how much that we will get out of it, in terms of dollars and cents.
The Nation newspaper is rather misleading. I saw a comment that Minister of Health Donville Inniss is the second most travelled Minister, having travelled 10 times for the year. I was recently chatting with him at the airport as he was seeing his sons off to the US to join their mother for holiday. I admired his commitment o his family despite is bsy schedule.
During the chat he indicated that sometimes he takes off for 2 or 3 days to join his family for little family time abroad. I asked who pays for it and he made it clear that he pays for it all – not one cent from Government. He does not even take a few days off when travelling on government business. He would rather return home and leave later to join his wife and sons.
Now really, the Nation ought to ascertain how many of the trips are paid for by Government and how much by the Ministers themselves or by host bodies.
To just list number of trips made is very wicked and misleading. For example, Maxine Mcclean invariably travels business class and tries to fit in several meetings on the same trip.
Also note that it was during the tenure of Chris Sinckler and Donville Inniss in Ministry of Foreign Affairs that all overseas embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were equipped with video conferencing facilities which are all being used and have reduced travel costs. Also, all overseas offices now use VOIP and have a Barbados telephone number.
Come on folks, let us look at the bigger issues. Whether it be DLP or BLP he issue of Ministers travelling and perceived perks would be an issue. Ministers shoulder far greater respondsibilities than any banker, lawyer, doctor, businessman and yet is paid a fraction of what those others receive. Ministers do not get cars and drivers. Ministers still have mortgages to pay and children to send to school.
I think that we are being childish an asinine here. If all Ministers stayed at home, that will have no effect on the cost of living. No one wld really care anyhow. Just let them get on with the job.
Peter Piper
In defence of Ministers of Government, you said:
“Ministers shoulder far greater respondsibilities than any banker, lawyer, doctor, businessman and yet is paid a fraction of what those others receive.”
Even if that statement were correct, and it is not, no one put a gun to any minister’s head and forced him /her to take the job. They must live within the means of the country. If what the country could afford was not sufficient to sustain them then they had options. Then again, tell me which member of parliament is not better off as a result of taking on the burden of public office.
Look at the world leaders who attended the CHOGM and look at the state of heir economies. then ask yourself if Barbados needed to be absent as the whle world is seeking to discus and find solutions to global challenges.
if we are not present hen we cannot influence the outcomes and we may have to take what we get.
peter piper- you mean after all the free education you still believe that barbados is a player on the world stage or that what we say can influence any major outcome in world policy. even expatriate barbadians after living abroad are quick to pint out that we are not up to scratch. we cannot even find the money to build a little hotel like four seasons; look i in going no further continue to fool yourself.
bafbf for the benefit of those on the forum who do not know; what is a good law abiding atheist?.