Submitted by Philip Skeete
Sir Roy Trotman
I should be grateful if you [BU] would get in touch with Sir Roy and tell him that a strike by the members of the BWU will not cripple LIME operations in 2013. All Sir Roy will be doing is crippling the Barbados economy. LIME’s survival depends on people using cell phones. While the workers are on strike, their idle fingers will be sending text messages to friends and family. Tops-up will be the order of the day.
Pointless boasting that the Union successfully took strike action for 3 weeks against the Telephone Company 31 years ago. Those were the days when radio telephone operators connected people worldwide.Now every home in Barbados has a MagicJack [Skype] and while they are on strike, they will be giving their friends and family a blow by blow commentary on what is going on.
Those were the days when newspapers had to wait hours for Reuters and Associated Press stories. Today, MCTV, Direct TV and Satellite receivers mounted on top of news media houses provide them with data before Reuters or Associated Press can get it right. Remember the 9/11 attacks? FOX News and CNN brought the news into the homes of Barbadians. They didn’t have to wait till the following day like back in 1981 (Bartel strike) to get the news. Every day youngsters watch European football on MCTV or on satellite TV at bars all over Barbados. LIME doesn’t provide these services. Nobody is waiting for an operator to answer the phone at LIME to send a telegram to friends and family overseas, Sir Roy. MagicJack is there for that purpose.
Karib Cable, TeleBarbados and Digicel are there to provide back-up communications for cellphone contacts overseas. Nobody is waiting for the Transport Board to transport their children to and from school. The ZR and Minibus operators will clap their hands. They wouldn’t have to break the laws of Barbados to get a load for the days on which he calls out the Transport Board workers. It is time that Mr. Trotman ponders on these things and don’t make the silly mistakes which he made during the past decade of threatening Sandy Lane, Royal Shoppe, Almond Beach and others with strikes. Has he closed down these operations?
Ask Mr. Trotman if he remembers the days when the Trades Union Congress of England threatened to shut down Ford Motors, the Fleet Street newspapers, bus and railway transportation weekly? Gone are those days. Trade Unions worldwide are redefining themselves. Read the overseas paper Sir Roy. The largest Trade Union ‘UNITE’ in the U.K has started a community membership programme which allows people, not necessarily union members , access to UNITE’s legal help-line, debt counselling and assistance in claiming benefits. Volunteers are asked to contribute 50p per week to help with the programme. This came about because of the massive redundancies in Britain.
Mr. Trotman, you and your policies have become irrelevant in the 21st century. Ask for help from the young IR experts who are frustrating you sitting opposite you at the negotiations tables
More laughs!!!
Sir ?? Who he paid for that title?, Unions at some point get in bed with the workers masters and then back stab the slaves.
Women and children first , as they say.
In this case Children first.
Adults can take their own time talking things over,
Replace the teachers until they come back to work, let them play hooky like little children.
Teacher need to know its better to fight from the inside than out side.
All Sir Roy has to do now is to announce the strike date.
Mr Trotman, I mean ‘Sir Trotman’. With all due respect, you’ve lost touch with reality. You’re views and policies are dated. The world has moved forward, sadly, you have not. The world is not as it was 30 or so years ago. You need to review and amend your policies. To be totally honest, I think it’s time to go! You are no longer a young man and it may be time to think about retiring and handing the banton someone who is more in tune with current affairs and not stuck in the past!
From what I have been hearing privately, the Duke of York agreed to the layoffs during the talks. The two parties were to meet early in January to finalise the deal. But it seems as if LIME who thought that the deal was done, went ahead and issued the letters before the meeting.
What this action by LIME seemingly did was to expose the Duke and the Duke was infuriated! Does this merit putting the economy of Barbados at risk? We have noticed though that the government’s chief advisor on this blog has been spurring on the Duke. The DLP wants this strike, it would seem. Do they really care about this country or only power? Does the Duke really think that LIME’s big bosses in the UK will back down? I think not!
We will have to wait and see if the Duke indeed calls a strike, how many folks he will get coming out as people are now afraid for their jobs I think now the Duke has gone too far with his threats to back down now, his EGO will take a beating. It is really time for the Duke to hang up his boots. His time and tactics are long gone.
miller,
Is it true that the PM’s not a leper friend is now one of the franchise holders???
Carson C. Cadogan | January 13, 2013 at 5:29 PM |
All Sir Roy has to do now is to announce the strike date…………….
Why dont you advise another person to announce the date everyone wants? This strike suits your ends, doesn’t it? The Duke better be careful that this strike call dont end his career ………..in shambles!
In other words LIME has made 97 BLACK BAJANS workers redundant based on LIES.
TIMELINE:-
Dec. 2012
Fantastic workers
1st Jan. 2013
Poor workers
god rule the day when Unions become irrelevant. those who have arrived at the top like Phillip owes a debt of gratitude to people like Sir Roy and other Union leaders who head the front of the line and fought for the rights of the working class and which many have benifitted.
ac,
I do not think for the most part that any of us on BU want to get rid of the unions and do not think that unions have a role to play. No one disputes the role that unions played in the days of yore but times have changed and all we are saying is that Sir Leroy’s strong arm tactics of 30 years ago CANNOT work in 2013!
It was interesting to hear former HR practitioner Elsworth Young on the talk show today make mention that only 30% of the workforce is unionized in Barbados. The numbers seem to be dwindling also. What story does it tell?
Can anyone confirm that of the 97 severed more than 60% have gotten jobs in the reconstituted LIME stores?
ccc,
You and this race talk have become boring. How do you know that all 97 persons are black? Get off the race baiting!
prodigal son
“how many folks he will get coming out as people are now afraid for their jobs ”
…..”the BEC has sent off a notice to is members………..to brace themselves for the action.
“Ensure that your staff understands that you are not part of any dispute with the BWU and you fully intend to be compliant with the legislation and will not penalize them for being part of industrial action once they are a member of a recognized division,” it said, noting that pay should not be withheld for days workers participate in action sanctioned by their union.
……….the confederation reminded its members that they COULD FIND THEMSELVES ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW if they seek to discipline employees who excercise their right to strike.”
Barbados Employers Confederation
Sunday Sun
13 Jan. 2013
Page 5a
You were saying PRODIGAL SON?
Sir Leroy’s strong arm tactics of 30 years ago CANNOT work in 2013!
The tactics can and will work
Unions are relevant and its only idiots who do not know their history that would argue otherwise. Instead of sending people back to the canefields , we should be setting up adult education classes for the masses to teach them their history
LIME cannot operate in the same way it did before deregulation. Digicel currently outsources its Stores, LIME is doing the same. One gets the impression this is not about 97 workers.
@ac
Can’t you read and comprehend? The topic is whether the BWU has become irrelevant NOT if unions are irrelevant.
The above is the mission statement of the BWU. What has it doneof late for its members to try to improve their ‘socio-economic’ and wellbeing? Yes they own the credit union but a quick glance at the financials show their has been slow balancesheet growth in the last 10 years. For example 2008 over 2007 shows the balancesheet grew by about 7 million when compared to 2012 over 2008 where the growth was about 10 million.
These unions feel that the only way to help workers is to negotiate wage increases and a few conditions of employment.
@ac
Do any of the trade unions in Barbados own a buyers club? A bank? Any alliance to help their members combat the challenges of life?
In would be interesting to know if the 12 million in 2012 shown as investments represent deposits in commercial banks. in is interesting to not investments is listed as 9 million.
prodigal @ ac
I do not think for the most part that any of us on BU want to get rid of the unions and do not think that unions have a role to play. No one disputes the role that unions played in the days of yore but times have changed and all we are saying is that Sir Leroy’s strong arm tactics of 30 years ago CANNOT work in 2013!
prodigal so what are saying. ? and what tactics would you prefer to be use when all other avenues have been exhausted. ,Times indeed have changed which explains the need for unions to be more vigilant in the defending the rights of the worker.
prodigal can you imagine ac “going up” against an employer like Bush Tea without union representation. Bush TEA underscore the meaning of “strong arm tactics ” and the only response would be one with full force and firing power the kind Bush Tea would have to respect.
ac,
You can always call on you buddy old onion bags for help and I am sure Caswell would not forsake you in your hour of need! LOL!
Agreed, David!
What a stupid headline, there is always a place for a Trade Union perhaps the leadership has become irrelevant and stale just like the politicians in Barbados they become an “Army of Occupation”. Both of these groups think that they are the ‘gift that continues giving” while to these eyes they continue to take and take and…..
Sir Roy has been part of the union leadership for “donkey years” ,organisations just like countries need new blood; new ideas, new faces , some of these people ain’t leaving unless you carry them out feet first.
the writer has a short or convient memory . bajans who work in the canefields can relate to unfair treatment .low wages. inconsiderate and unconscienable working conditions with no representation ,. only today the airconditioned working elite tells you that unions are irrelavant cause most of them have never had to work in similar conditions as there fore parents and are privilege to enjoy many rewards and benefits because of unions. how quickly we forget.
The Barbados Labour Party is stragely silent.
I wonder why the cat has their tongue?
Interesting post. The world has indeed become an interconnected place where wid knowledge on many areas and an appreciation for their intertwining is critical for general success far less representation. Always had “doubts” about Sir Roy but he represents his workers. Sandy Lane, Royal Shop and the most recent Jew exposed his rear. Now LIME has prepared for full a battery. Will make for an interesting case.
Point taken though…unions, like religion, politicians, leaders and our educational system has not evolved to meet the current and emerging realities. We’re suffering as a result.
Just observing
Lets hear your voice, MIA.
You had plenty to say on Alexander School.
to say that UNions have become irrelavant is ludicrious because the same problems which plagued workers of yore still exist although might not be so widespread, case and point Lime !
no the BWU has not become irrelevant!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.one might have problems with the tactics but the message is still the same , today the BWU tomorrow Caswell unity and so on. what difference does it make i believe the article only reflects what is happening and the messenger but it reflects a growing trend among barbadians that Unions are irrelevant. hence my previous responses
david
These unions feel that the only way to help workers is to negotiate wage increases and a view conditions of employment.
is that an opinion or a fact? .
Sorry about that.
I don’t see why all of you are directing your rage at Sir Leroy. It should be directed at the union members who are too lazy to remove him which has allowed him to behave as he likes. The union is a democracy, so figure out why he is allowed to behave as though nobody else matters.
A national strike at this time is not an option.This however has nothing to do with the reasons given by Mr.Skeete,and right thinking bajans certainly know that to suggest that trade unions are irrelevant is nothing more than a notion rooted in retrogression.@Prodigal Son…Surely you know that if CCC is whom everyone claims him to be,his every stance is taken not based on reason but driven by a deep seated hatred for your BLP,and rightfully so.
@ Carson C. Cadogan
“……it said, noting that pay should not be withheld for days workers participate in action sanctioned by their union.”
The above quote from the dimwits at The Nation is not what the Barbados Employers Confederation sent out to members and is actually the opposite. What the BEC said was firtsly“ Your organization is under no obligation to compensate them for time away from work, unless that time is legitimately covered under another policy within the organization.” And to emphahsise under a heading DON’Ts – “Agree to pay employees for periods away from work due to participation in industrial action.”
Below is the full text of the memo sent to members by the BEC
Dear Member:
Given the current state of Industrial unrest, the following recommendations are being made to all employers.
DOs
1. Communicate to your employees the following, in times such as these, having open, frank communication is critical to ensure that matters do not escalate unnecessarily. Be sure that you impress on staff the damage which such action can have on the sustainability of not only the company, but the economy of Barbados. Ensure that your staff understands that:
• You are not part of any dispute with the BWU
• You fully intend to be compliant with the legislation and will not penalize them for being part of industrial action once they are a member of a recognized division,
• Your organization is under no obligation to compensate them for time away from work, unless that time is legitimately covered under another policy within the organization.
2. Develop a contingency plan for the organization to minimize the impact of your employee’s joining the proposed industrial action, ensure that the plan looks not only at staffing and ensuring the business is able to be adequately covered, but also bearing in mind the potential impact on critical areas, e.g. Transport Board, Barbados Port Inc. as it relates to inadequate coverage.
DON’Ts
1. Seek to discipline any employee, who as a member of a RegisteredTrade Union, participates in any Industrial Action called and sanctioned by that Union. Sections 8, 8A, and 40A of the Trade Unions Act Cap 361clearly outlines that any employer who seeks to take action against employee for taking part in a strike is guilty of an offence and may be prosecuted and if found guilty, may be fined up to $1,000.00, imprisoned for up to 6 months or both.
2. Agree to pay employees for periods away from work due to participation in industrial action
The BEC and the Barbados Public Sector Association continue to do all within their capacity to keep you informed and provide guidance during this uncertain period.
david
Do any of the trade unions in Barbados own a buyers club? A bank? Any alliance to help their members combat the challenges of life?
the 25thousands members might have a good enough reason/s for remaining in the membership. given all what you mentioned lets say the first two does not apply. can you not see the real importance in having a team comprised of lawyers to bat on behalf of an individual. can you not understand that if individually a person had to fight to retain their job how much more so it would cost them so yes as far as i am concerned without all of the above mentioned the emplyoee still have more to benefit .
It was interesting to listen to Dr. Belle refer to the BWU as a sophisticated union. Is this a true position when one considers the BWU continues to struggle with succession planning?
..
HH
“but driven by a deep seated hatred for your BLP,and rightfully so.”
I wonder what gives you that impression?
CCC, Your very words!Haven’t I told you that hatred is a wasted emotion!
David,
For the longest while I was hearing of this Julian Hunte being groomed to take over from the Duke, bearing in mind that the Ambassador was forced out for reasons best left unsaid.
Low and behold, Julian Hunte leaves the union, the Duke now claims that he never said that JH was being groomed to take over from him and he also said that in fact he is grooming many people for leadership. This man is incredible!
It is time for change!
For the good of the country maybe Lime could throw Mr Trotman a bone, when he announces a general strike date they could lockout their employees the day before allowing him to file a grievance with the tibunal save face,and cancel the general stike before he cripples Barbados.
@prodigal Son
A short term strategy is to allow Mayers, Scott or Richards to act and give Toni Moore some more tome to step up.
99.9% of all the posters on this blog, and you can throw in the blog owner as well, carry a pro BLP and anti DLP bias.
I am one of the tiny number who offer the alternate view.
Now tell me is that so bad?
No one on this blog must represent the DLP, is that it?
Maybe if we had a bajan “Margaret Thatcher” or a bajan “Ronald Reagan” we would be hearing a different tune tonight!
@David
Is this a true position when one considers the BWU continues to struggle with succession planning?
***********************
Take a good look around, are there any Bajan institutions that have “succession planning”? Arthur pulled the plug on his successor and Freundel hasn’t named a deputy, perhaps the name “Little England” is well deserved, Lilibet has kept Charles waiting for so long that he has been giving to sounding off in public.
For many of these organisations there are no obvious leaders waiting in the wings so leadership is acquired by default, if you show any inclination of assuming leadership the word would come down from the leader “off with his head”.
Why do you take anything Dr.Belle says with any seriousness?
He seems to be stuck in the time period when socialism was the buzzword.
While it is obvious that Trade Unions have played a leading role in Barbados’ development, times change and the role of unions must change accordingly. Strikes are a serious weapon which can damage other businesses and the national economy. The Trade Unions Act should be amended so:
1. Unions have to hold a secret ballot of their members before a stike is called. The threshold for action should be such that a significant proportion of the members have to vote in favour before a strike can be called.
2. Strikes should be limited to action against the particular employer in any dispute.
This would leave trade unions with access to the strike weapon so long as they can persuade their members to support it. It would also stop the country being held to ransom because of the actions of individual employers – something which is plain wrong.
Carson C. Cadogan | January 13, 2013 at 6:17 PM |
The Barbados Labour Party is stragely silent.
PERHAPS The Barbados Labour Party is STRATEGICALLY silent.
@ Carson C. Cadogan | January 13, 2013 at 6:17 PM |
Let those who accused the BLP of wanting to fire 10,000 workers show their solidarity with the BWU and the LIME workers.
A strange silence has enveloped both Sinliar and Pornville except for his usual annual threats to prosecute irresponsible and careless land owners. We want action not annual empty toothless threats. The first in line to receive a summons would be the Minister of Housing & Lands.
BTW, since you are the ‘blue-eye boy’ (sarcasm intended) of the Dems, i.e. chief pimp and messenger when is the Governor going to give his report on the performance of the economy or has he been given a gag order too?
i would like to ask a really stupid question, when does the PM plan to step in and try to stop this madness.
Dear David (not BU):
Here is a really simple answer.
He doesn’t
St George’s Dragon | January 13, 2013 at 8:35 PM
That would suit your class just fine.
i can’t see no good out come from the BWU following on their plan. the businesses around Barbaods have made it clear, it will not be good.
how could the PM stand on the sideline and let this happen? or maybe the plan is to jump in at the last moment and save the day, in which case one would have to ask if this was the plan all along?
i really don’t know now. this makes no sense?
OFFTOPIC
Democratic Labour Party
Official opening of the St. Michael South East Branch office
16 Jan. 2012 at 7.00pm
#13 Marsden Road, Pinelands
Speeches by candidate Patrick Tannis
Former candidate Undene Whittaker
Outgoing MP Hon. Hamilton Lashley
Minister of Tourism and MP for St. Michael South Central Hon. Richard Sealy and
Party Leader and Prime Minister Hon. Freundel Stuart Q.C., MP
@miller
report due Tuesday (Business Authority).
Letter: Savage the people, says the Gleaner
Dear Sir:
For the longest while, the Gleaner, through its editorials, has been pushing extremely hard for the government of Jamaica (JLP or PNP) to savage the public sector, to borrow a term coined by Edward Seaga to describe what must be done
For the Gleaner, anything the IMF wants the IMF gets. The IMF wants pension reform, tax reform and public sector reform, as the core of the savaging about to take place. The Gleaner is solidly on board with this.
In the midst of a debt crisis (worse than Greece’s) not to mention inadequate government revenues, it is hard to understand how the government or the IMF could justify such a tax reduction for this media conglomerate, among others, already making enormous profits.
The Gleaner, like the rest of the private sector, especially in the persons of Chris Zacca (president of the PSOJ) and Brian Pengelley (head of the JCC), is pushing for the IMF agreement to be completed as soon as possible because of all the goodies they stand to gain
The Gleaner conveniently chooses not to deal with the alternative — debt default — because it doesn’t suit its interests. But it has addressed the issue before
Read the entire letter here:-
http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Letter%3A-Savage-the-people%2C-says-the-Gleaner-14102.html
TIME IS UP FREUNDEL
WAKE UP FREUNDEL
YOU GONE BACK TO SLEEP
YOU WOKE UP AND TALKED
AND NOW YOU GONE BACK TO SLEEP.
Hon Freundel Stuart seemed to be asleep in truth. He woke up and went to the Bathroom probably sleep walked his way through the talk and went to sleep. He does not know what time , it is. IT IS TIME FREUNDEL
Stop given these complete nincompoops elaborate titles, in the days when there was no such crap and they could not drive Mercedes, they at least pretended to care about the people cause they themselves were suffering. Now they are all brain dead and self-serving.
miller,
Let’s wait and see if the Governor will indeed deliver his report on Tuesday. I read somewhere that if the date for elections has been announced, the Governor by law cannot deliver the report.
Did you notice that last week the Minister of Labour had to come out and deny that the DLP has not asked the officials of the Statistical Department to doctor the unemployment figures!
Passing strange………..who challenged the
figures? It is strange that with so many persons going home daily, the unemployment rate goes down. ICBL has been sending home workers, the offshore banks have been laying off, the stores have been laying off, the hotels have been laying off, how the hell the unemployment rate could go down two points?
I wonder, I wonder!
miller,
Donville Inniss made me laugh this morning. Mia was right, he wants to be the clown of this Parliament. He was very critical of the BLP not going to Parliament tomorrow.
Where was Donville when in 2007, his former leader walked out of Parliament with his troops behind him telling OSA, call the damn election. When the then leader was criticised, he said if you dont like what’s going on, take up your ball and leave. I well remember Ronald Jones supporting the dead king using a football analogy!
Talk about hypocrisy, the DLP takes the cake. At that time, the now dead king told OSA that he was like a cartoon of stale milk, past its sell by date. Well, we lived to see what life brings,eh?
Listening to Sir Roy in a news clip this morning he seems to be suggesting that LIME promised to pay the severed workers an agreed severance but changed their position for some of the displaced workers. The fact they all were paid about the legal requirement is not the issue. Why would LIME depart from an agreement which one must assume was minuted.
Prodigal Son, Jones probably don’t even remember that, so immersed in thinking of what secondary school he attended. Now there is a guy??? with an enormous chip on his shoulder and who should never, ever been allowed to assume the role of min of ed.
As for Donville, he better be careful his arrogance don’t see him one day walking bim in slippers, now he has a disgusting and slimy attitude.
prodigal son
what difference a boycott is going to make?
SEETHRU was boycotting parliament from 2008. Less than 24 hours spent in parliament since 2008 yet drawing a HUGE SALARY for pretending to work.
When MIA was in parliament as opposition leader carrying the fight to the DLP, he was at the UWI in his air conditioned office holding a press conference telling Barbados how nasty she is.
You forget already?
How many sessions did the king attend as PM?
I want to know why BUT sent out this notice?
From: Adrian Blackman
Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2013 18:54:13 -0400
Subject: Barbados Union of Teachers’ (Stewards Body)
To: Adrian Blackman , andrea.puckering@yahoo.com
Dear Colleagues
The Barbados Union of Teachers is seeking to update its database of
Stewards nationally. As a result, we would appreciate your assistance with
the following information:
1. Are you still present at the school listed below?
2. Are you a trained or an untrained *steward*?
3. How many stewards are there presently at your school?
*N.B.*
** If there are any stewards that are missing from the below list
please notify of such in your response to this email.*
** This information is needed ASAP.*
*
*
Ainsley Lovell Alleyne School*
*
Inez P Hunte Arthur Smith Primary
Rachael Hall-Payne Ch.Ch. Foundation
Carl Bascombe Ch.Ch. Foundation
Yvette Simmons. Jemmot Ch.Ch Foundation
Gerald Phillips Combermere
Anthony Alleyne Deighton Griffith
Ruth Cumberbatch Eden Lodge Nursery
Trevor Daniel Ellerslie Secondary
Lisa Greenidge Ellerton Primary
Denise Charles Garrison Secondary
Lana Dawe Garrison Secondary
Shawn Clarke Garrison Secondary
Melissa Belle Garrison Secondary
Judith Rowe-Spooner Gordon Walters
Rudy Lovell Grantley Adams Secondary
Anthony Reid Grantley Adams Secondary
Sonia Grant-Rowe Grantley Prescod
Lemuel Tull Grazette’s Primary
Venita Grimes Harrison College
Winston R. Brathwaite Harrison College
Stephan Scott Harrison College
Surleen Clarke Lester Vaughn School
Suzette Clarke Lester Vaughn School
Hyacinth Chandler Lester Vaughn School
Mycola Gill Maria Holder Nursery
Abigail Trotman Milton Lynch Primary
Ishmael Daniel Queen’s College
Nigel Marshall Queens College
Jason Griffith Springer memorial
Collis Hope St. Bernard’s Primary
Lydia Husbands-Browne St. Boniface
Michelle Husbands-Browne St. Christopher
Sonia Wickham St. Elizabeth Primary
Joylyn Inniss St. Gabriel’s School
Victor Hurdle St. James Secondary
Carla McConney St. James Secondary
Wilbert Morgan St. Lucy Secondary
Kevin Branch Hurdle St. Stephen’s Primary
Deborah Stoute-Burke Vauxhall Primary
Why did BUT circulated this email? From: Adrian Blackman
Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2013 18:54:13 -0400
Subject: Barbados Union of Teachers’ (Stewards Body)
To: Adrian Blackman , andrea.puckering@yahoo.com
Dear Colleagues
The Barbados Union of Teachers is seeking to update its database of
Stewards nationally. As a result, we would appreciate your assistance with
the following information:
1. Are you still present at the school listed below?
2. Are you a trained or an untrained *steward*?
3. How many stewards are there presently at your school?
*N.B.*
** If there are any stewards that are missing from the below list
please notify of such in your response to this email.*
** This information is needed ASAP.*
*
*
Ainsley Lovell Alleyne School*
*
Inez P Hunte Arthur Smith Primary
Rachael Hall-Payne Ch.Ch. Foundation
Carl Bascombe Ch.Ch. Foundation
Yvette Simmons. Jemmot Ch.Ch Foundation
Gerald Phillips Combermere
Anthony Alleyne Deighton Griffith
Ruth Cumberbatch Eden Lodge Nursery
Trevor Daniel Ellerslie Secondary
Lisa Greenidge Ellerton Primary
Denise Charles Garrison Secondary
Lana Dawe Garrison Secondary
Shawn Clarke Garrison Secondary
Melissa Belle Garrison Secondary
Judith Rowe-Spooner Gordon Walters
Rudy Lovell Grantley Adams Secondary
Anthony Reid Grantley Adams Secondary
Sonia Grant-Rowe Grantley Prescod
Lemuel Tull Grazette’s Primary
Venita Grimes Harrison College
Winston R. Brathwaite Harrison College
Stephan Scott Harrison College
Surleen Clarke Lester Vaughn School
Suzette Clarke Lester Vaughn School
Hyacinth Chandler Lester Vaughn School
Mycola Gill Maria Holder Nursery
Abigail Trotman Milton Lynch Primary
Ishmael Daniel Queen’s College
Nigel Marshall Queens College
Jason Griffith Springer memorial
Collis Hope St. Bernard’s Primary
Lydia Husbands-Browne St. Boniface
Michelle Husbands-Browne St. Christopher
Sonia Wickham St. Elizabeth Primary
Joylyn Inniss St. Gabriel’s School
Victor Hurdle St. James Secondary
Carla McConney St. James Secondary
Wilbert Morgan St. Lucy Secondary
Kevin Branch Hurdle St. Stephen’s Primary
Deborah Stoute-Burke Vauxhall Primary
prodigal son
can you tell us which Bajan member of Parliament advice to the Michael Manly Government has the People and government of Jamaica in the hands of the IMF up to this day?
Can you tell me which Bajan Member of Parliament owns a development with about 12 houses since he became a Minister?
See, pot cannot call kettle black!!!
@Caswell 7.08p Jan 13
…the union is a democracy.Neither the BWU nor the DLP have proved that they observe democratic practices.Sir Frank was “president for life” when a young turk Lawrence Nurse challenged both that thinking and the incumbent
he was forced to find other employment outside the BWU.
When a certain wet- behind -the ears young turk challenged the late ,greatEWB
for the presidency of the DLP,he was not only forced to eat humble pie,he never ever got over that big miscalculation.
When Freundel challenged the dead king for the presidency of the DLP,he lost and was sidelined by the dead king and his now surviving cohorts.
Btw,Stuart is boasting that the legislation covering Asset Declaration will not only refer to the politically exposed individual but also their families,as if that negates the current hot topic that will surely surface in this political campaign and that is did the dead king leave an estate of 39 million and to whom;where did that 39 million come from?Clico?And who are the intended beneficiaries?
This Asset Declaration will prove a two edged sword.Meanwhile why is the Probated Will of the dead king being withheld from public scrutiny?Is is true that the document is carried around by a high level public servant so as not to have published in the newspaper and eventually on the political platform?Did you say democracy Caswell? If the dead king won the last election on the night he raised the supposed signed cheque to OSA,can one expect any quarter to be given when the guard changes?It will be the first order of business.
Freundel arose from his slumber just to take a pee-pee and let go a hard stinking fart. shook his tool and has returned to sleep. I hope something wakes him up so he would know he must call a General Election.
Mia said that someone may have to hold his hands, carry him to Parliament and write the election date or make the announcement for him. Seems to be true. If this delay is a tactic of Freundel, it really has no cunning. It is simply stupid.
Is it true six (6) containers full of red valentine’s items have entered the port bearing the slogan Love BLP. It will be a sea of red if he announces it any date close to February 14. Freundel has backed himself into a corner, he must be pissing himself in fright NOW.
What is the purpose of posting the BUT email? People have no respect for privacy at all. It will stop one of these days though.
@Enuff
So you think the posting of the email is confidential? If the Nation newspaper had publish it (according to RPB) would you feel the same way?
unthinkable in 2013. Not anymore. My ears were assaulted today by a Nazi era white man Patrick Frost shouting at the top of his voice with utter contempt to an enlected Government in a black country. This apartheid relic is ordering black teachers to strike, to disrepect their black government and break the law. Government must not cannot yield one inch to Frost the Nazi and the spiteful Redman. Its a sad day in our country when dinasour Frost remains in leadership manipulating supposedly intelligent blacks on a path to destroy the nation’s educational structure and our children.
They like it so, like being told what to do by someone they consider white. Same old story, no mind of their own.
Hope he has jobs for them if they get fired. So many young people out their without jobs and with teaching skills. Let’s see if the government has any balls at all.
WAS not Patrick Frost a school boy at Lodge in the 6o”s and then went on to make a contribution to the nation by teraching at his alma mater for most of his life. Is he not a Bajan despite him being white. Since when has he become a Nazi.
Why are we so racist and full of hate?
Gabriel Tackle
I stand corrected. I should have said that the union is supposed to be a democracy. Mind you, nothing in this country works as it is intended. Even the Government of this country only appears to be democratic because we have copied the form from Westminster not the substance.
@GP
Why do you feel you have to respond to a commenter who is obviously being destructive in their comment?
@Well Well
When you understand IR, maybe you should then post something. Go learn IR101 it will serve you well.
By the Way, Sir Roy is black and he is also leading the way for a strike that will prove times deadlier and more impactful than BSTU. What do you consider him to be? a house slave leading the cane-cutting field slaves?
You are stick in the rut of mental slavery? Be emancipated my friend.
This matter is now officially with PM Stuart. The threat of strike action has at this stage forced the parties to exhale for the moment.
David
This nonsense about calling in the Prime Minister to resolve an industrial relations dispute is an example of Sir Leroy polluting the processes for political gain, and misleading the entire country in the process. Arthur and Trotman popularised this new method of industrial relations and in the process, they have misled the country even trained practitioners.
Under the laws of Barbados the Governor-Governor is at the apex of the industrial disputes mechanism. Trotman is a politician and he used this process to build his friend Owen Arthur’s reputation. If there is a dispute, either side can refer the matter to the Governor-General who would enquire of the other side if they consent to the GG’s intervention. If both sides agree, the GG would then set up an arbitration panel whose determination would be binding on both parties. The PM should point the disputing parties in that direction and get to hell out of matters that do not concern him. He is being led into a trap.
I am not making this up as I go along: this procedure can be found in the Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Enquiry) Act, Chapter 360 of the Laws of Barbados. Tell the petulant Sir Leroy to use the laws and don’t invent procedures.
Sent from my iPad
Because David, I cannot understand the behavior. I thought we had emerged from thinking in that way. I have dealt with some simple, kind white folk in Barbados, who have lots of respect for even blacks that succeed. They dont pull down folk like we do.
Fedup, I have very little sympathy for those involved in further confusing these students, who are really the ones being disenfranchised and victimized, the students are the ones whose education will suffer, by this MESS, so call it what you want but THEY SHOULD ALL GO.
There are teachers in North America really upset about one thing or another, but they are being very careful in making sure students are not unduly put out. As much as Ronald Reagan was not a favorite of mine, someone with his guts, need to come forward.
And I could care less about Frost or Trotman, they just making things worse.
@Well Well
You strike me as the type of person who would know someone is sexually abusing your son or daughter and keep quiet because you are getting money to pay bills.
Again, go and read Industrial Relations 101…please do so, I plead and beg. become a little more enlightened before you post things. gosh man
Fedup, you are wasting your time, unlike you i do not feel sorry for white people or stupid black people. You are the one with the psychological grey area. It is a matter of principle, you do not disrupt the learning process for children. You are obviously enjoying seeing everyone mixing it up to the detriment of students.
Apparently fedup know nothing of these ADR rules.
Well Well please take a break you are crowding this blog with your multiple postings. You can’t seem to be able to say anything in a paragraph or two in one post. It is not very easy to read your multiple postings. Please take a break from the computer. Go and have a shower and some supper. Please take a break you are becoming very boring and very annoying.
If you are being unduly injured, you may consider joining forces and consulting a lawyer about a class action against the person(s) causing such injury. Always a first…
@Caswell
Is this a case of Minister of Labour Suckoo delegating upwards hence the opportunity for the PM to intervene?
David
Your comment at 7:27
Please follow me here: There is no role in the process for politicians. This nonsense about going to the Minister of Labour and then to the PM was created by Sir Leroy for political purposes. It has become part of our industrial relations practice to make the former PM look good and for others to get a knighthood. There is legislation that unions refuse to use because they would have to submit to binding arbitration.
Sent from my iPad
Caswell Franklyn | January 14, 2013 at 6:37 PM |
You making sense again.
Caswell
Spot on as usual. If the Union is pursuing a matter or “rights” as the general secretary keeps referring to, let him state what rights he thinks have been infringed. He would then be obligated to defend his members’ “rights” in the appropriate manner. We have laws in B’dos that are designed to protect workers’ rights. Sir Roy, the virtual complainant has not triggered the legitimate mechanisms for the defence of these rights he says have been infringed.
The former use of Prime Ministerial intervention is part of a perversion of a sound and well thought out system, as practised by Trotman & OSA. The GG is the official to whom parties should be turning, in conformity wih the law as long as “rights” are being trampled. Freundel should know his place & keep out of this- allow industrial relations to regain its dignity.
Trotman tried to make an issue about McDonald’s statement about customer service. He said that McD was wrong for publicly criticising his staff & blaming the company’s poor performance on them. he intimated that management should accept the blame.
Recently wasn’t Trotman in the Sunday Sun (December 30 2012) bitching about how a yound Deputy of his was leaving him? The young guy must have gotten tired of the smell of that rat. Wasn’t Trotman in his low-minded comments about investing in training staff doing at least the same ting he condemned McDonald for?
Trotman Please! Go HOME & put some ointment on those sores at the corners of your mouth do!
Gabriel Tackle | January 14, 2013 at 3:21 PM
“why is the Probated Will of the dead king being withheld from public scrutiny?”
Since we are pushing our big noses into other people business, answer this,
Was the Probated will of Tom Adams ever published for public scrutiny?
Was Tom adams death certificate made public?
Were the divorce details of a certain BLP man ever made public?
I am still at a loss to understand why an Island wide strike is necessary because 97 workers at 1 company were terminated.
There has to be a better way to squeeze LIME.
When all is said and done, LIME NEEDS to be taught a lesson.
It is treating BLACK BAJANS with no respect.
David wrote “Is this a case of Minister of Labour Suckoo delegating upwards hence the opportunity for the PM to intervene?
The operative word is Prime.
He has to come in and bat.
@Waiting at 5:45 p.m. “My ears were assaulted today by a Nazi era white man Patrick Frost shouting at the top of his voice with utter contempt to an enlected Government in a black country. This apartheid relic is ordering black teachers to strike, to disrepect their black government and break the law. Government must not cannot yield one inch to Frost the Nazi”
Simple Simon’s response: Your comments are uncalled for. Patrick Frost is NOT a Nazi and he is not an apartheid relic. This elected government has passed its “best by” date and has hardly any legitimacy left. Barbados’ Constitution protects the right of workers to join unions, and to strike. The teachers are not disrespecting anybody if they withdraw their labour. They have the right to do so.
@Well well at 5:54 p.m. “So many young people out their without jobs and with teaching skills”
This is a LIE and you know it. The young unemployed young people out there are not skilled teachers
In the Nation, Mr Trotman is quoted as saying that the union is planning industrial action against Lime initially, as well as against “unfortunate practices presenting themselves via the Barbados Employers’ Confederation and other employers who no longer seemed to respect workers’ rights.”
That sounds like a threat to take action against those “other employers” but if the national strike is to be called against Lime, it is difficult to see how it can be escalated.
BWU should announce who those employers are and what they are accused of. They should not be dragged into a national strike without the proper processes being followed.
@ David
Absofu**inglutely!! What kind of society are we becoming if an email between members of a union must be broadcasted. This is FOI too? No wonder ‘Waiting’ referring to Patrick Frost as a Nazi and racist, black government and a bunch of hogwash obviously forgetting that John Beale is Barbados’ Ambassador to Washington, Preconco and Jada are white-owned and David Thompson’s is white UK-born mother. Mara could come from St,Lucia and sit as an MP in our parliament but a born Barbadian can’t say anything about the government because he is white. The trinis right to tek over!!!
David Thompson’s mother is a born Bajan. The late David however was born in the U.K
Well my bad Simple Simon, but she white. No?
Conspiracy theory – BWU announces a national strike; all efforts to solve it fail; it is announced that responsibility for dealing with it has been passed to Fumble Through-it; he holds some crisis meetimgs and miraculously solves the problem; days later the election is called.
Fumble looks good and Mr Trotman stands a chance of getting the party he wants back in power.
Conspiracy theories are all rubbish, of course.
David | January 13, 2013 at 7:05 PM |
@ac
Do any of the trade unions in Barbados own a buyers club? A bank? Any alliance to help their members combat the challenges of life?
…………………………………………………………………..
The NUPW’s had plans to establish a buying club in Newton Ch Ch., at this old factory.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83717797@N04/8382461534/
I suspect that the Minister of Labour’s passing of the baton to the PM may not be the gift to him that some on this board seems to think.
What cards does the PM hold at this time, with an election in the offing and with the possibility that he might not be there to ensure that any promises he gives to either party to the dispute are kept?
Has the PM convincingly shown himself to be a scrupulously honest broker in the AX dispute last year in terms of established IR practice? Could this flavour the manner in which his intercession might be perceived in this current private sector dispute?
Does the PM have meaningful concessions or sanctions to offer Lime?
Is Lime likely to budge from what has been reported to have been generous separation packages? Will McDonald’s principals be willing to allow him to budge?
Does the PM have meaningful concessions to offer Sir Roy?
Is he and his team likely to come up with a skilful compromise solution that does not involve Government concessions that can assuage the stands taken by the opposing sides? Are well crafted apologies all that it will take to solve this matter? and if so, why wasn’t the Min of Labour able to extract these from the combatants?
A COI can’t work here and the Minister dealing with this matter has accepted that she can take it no further. Perhaps Caswell’s solution and analysis might have been the right one for this matter. Refer it to the apolitical GG and let established procedures be used to sort the matter out while keeping the silly season imperatives somewhat out of the limelight.
From tonight’s CBC news it looks as if the BSTU matter is not yet dead. Could the concurrent continuance of this and the BWU matter, and any other such in the offing, be good portents for a DLP win?
Interesting times!
Checkit-Out
I cannot take the credit for any solution that you might think workable. That process has be part of the Laws is Barbados since June 12, 1939.
I have been saying for a long time that politicians pollute everything that they touch, industrial relations is not an exception.
Sent from my iPad
Not quite an off-topic post but close.
The Sunday Times (UK) reports that after a series of sales of businesses across the world Cable & Wireless will focus on central America and the Caribbean. Its headquarters will remain in London but it could move to the Caribbean in the future.
Arthur wants to know how a poor boy from Deacons like Sinckler can spend soo much money on the good people of St. Michael North West. Interesting ,and Owen Arthur ease $75 000 of the Clico subsidiary money into his personal bank account and aint spend a cent on the poor BLP supporters. I now see why Arthur so hungry for POWER.He miss the money.
St George’s Dragon;
Oops! so freundel might have some leverage overall then.