Maloney doth protest too much, wethinks – BU
Before the advent of social media political bag men like Hallam Nichols, Rodney Wilkinson, Gline Harrison and David Shorey blissfully operated under the radar. An unsuspecting population were ignorant of the ‘deals’ made to the benefit of a few members of the political class and others in the private sector.
The traditional media has always been complicit during this dark period by playing the role of pariah to the establishment. Listeners to the exchange between David Ellis and Dennis Johnson on talk radio today (1/07/2014) experienced the timid DNA of our leading media practitioners. Moderator Dennis Johnson rightfully questioned, on live radio, why David Ellis – listen to the Brasstacks Show 1,2 and 3, Manager of Programming at Voice of Barbados, had not taken the opportunity to probe Mark Maloney who called the programme on Monday (30/05/2014) about the level of political contributions by his company. A question made relevant by Bizzy Williams’ recent begging politicians statement. Ellis was provoked by Johnson’s comment to call the talk show and once challenged Johnson became convinced if he wanted to receive his next pay check he had to publically apologise. It was another dark moment for David Ellis to follow the Adrian Loveridge located in a separate studio Barney Lynch interview.
It is an open secret both political parties have attracted millions in contributions to finance political campaigns and have felt no pressure to publicly disclose monies received. Common sense suggests if a political party receives large campaign donations, when elevated to government, there maybe the temptation to show favour. Bizzy Williams’ revelation served to eliminate any doubt about how political parties have been operating in Barbados post-Independence. Why should the authorities leave it to companies to be ‘even handed’ when having to deal with political parties?
Mark Maloney has become a household name in Barbados especially when the Governor of the Central Bank chose to hold him up as an example for Barbadians to emulate. Those who have ears to the ground know that his companies have been winning several public sector contracts. About public sector tenders, one only has to read a decade of Auditor General reports to be aware of the graft and wilful flouting of government’s financial rules to be suspicious of any company doing voluminous business with government. Mark Maloney should have enough sense to appreciate that the goody two shoes argument that says Barbadians should only look at the benefits his companies bring to Barbados is a moot position. Governments of Barbados, and especially the incumbent, have operated in a culture which lacks transparency, why the hell should the citizenry be expected to be so gullible to accept Maloney at his word?
Mark Maloney, welcome to the age of social media, expecting citizens to stop asking question is like trying to push a genie back in the bottle. Of course some will take bites out of you but this is the nature of beast if you operate in the public eye 24/7 . One question Dennis did not pose to you – why is the gas station at Coverly Town Square not open for business? Please confirm or deny it has something to do with Town Planning permissions.
We are watching your Maloney.
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