BARBADOS: Pathocracy or Democracy?
Submitted by Terence Blackett
“If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.” – George Monbiot
In the book, Political Ponerology, author Andrew Lobaczewski (1921 – 2007) studies the architects, primogenitors and supporters of psychosocial repressive/oppressive political regimes.His methodological approach examines the variables that lead to the promulgation and proliferation of man’s inhumanity to other men and the politics of subliminal intrigue used as a weapon to silence protest, dissent or peaceful revolutionary change.
Lobaczewski argued that moral conscience and basic humanity (natural precursors of natural law) will not be able to withstand such overt predations of social and political evil for much longer. His fundamental belief surmises that knowledge of the “nature of evil” and its effects on the poor; its Machiavellian effects on the common person; as well as other susceptible groups in society; can be the only rational object for making informed decisions given that true knowledge of our current reality is power and it can give resonance and light to an increasingly dark world.
Lobaczewski cites that in light of objective naturalistic language; [Ponerology] studies the causal components and the inherent processes of the “genesis of evil”, presupposing the psychosocial, socio-academic and its political parameters. He argues that we may attempt to analyse these ponerogenic processes which have given rise to human injustice, armed with proper analytical knowledge, particularly in the area of psychopathology, but again and again, as the reader will discover, in such a study, we meet with the effects of congenital as well as pathological factors whose “carriers” are often individuals in political leadership, who are characterized by some degree of various psychological deviations or defects of character.
Lobaczewski argues that what we’re seeing unfold in the politicosphere around the world today is worrying – tendentiously so, labelling the social policies of our governments as totalitarian, fascist & other incendiary forms of governance. Even in a small nation state like Barbados, (further amplified throughout the so-called Western world), the 20th century project, controversially labelled “DEMOCRACY”, have surreptitiously morphed into this new paradigm that many are finding increasing difficult to fathom.
We are witnessing the leadership of democratically led monolithic nations like Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States of “Amnesia” reverting to a social trajectory where political engineering uses the state as a tool of mass surveillance, repression and slavish control – creating deleterious effects upon the populace, electorate, working class & most importantly, the marginalized, downtrodden and dispossessed.
Democracy has been defined as a “system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.” “Government by the people and for the people” cited by 14th century ‘Morning Star of the Reformation’ John Wycliffe – a so-called Protestant maxim of (AmeriKKKan) democracy!
But in all fairness, this model now appears flawed and defunct – incapable of producing the “greatest good for the greatest number” – a utilitarian concept fogged & mired in the mist of a dystopian 21st century hyper-reality – soon to be relegated to the garbage dustbin of Enlightenment thinking. A postmodern relic of a bygone 1950’s era, where Western, Caucasian, Church-going, Conservative-Leave-It-To-Beaver type principles were held up as the governing norms of a compassionate, capitalist democracy – the poster child of what democracy was supposed to look like, with the 2 & half kids and the white picket fence. It is now evident that this kind of mendacious (AmeriKKKan) propaganda, sold as a bill of goods through mediazed “Pop Culture” indoctrination, did precious little to develop Barbados’ unique identity as a small nation state, given the ubiquitous nature our historical colonial past and the disembowelment of our African ancestry.
What Lobaczewski saw emerging out of the democratic project was what he called a “Pathocracy”: an insidiously dubious system of evil government engineered by a tiny ELITE* (“pathological minority”) which include heads of BIG BUSINESS & POLITICS, exercising control over a country and its populace, (in AmeriKKKa’s case, the global architect & engineer of its Washington Consensus), resulted in the entire planet being ruled and motivated, by purely pathological values of rampant consumerism based on demand/supply; proscribed civil obedience; and the sophistry & embellishment of human worship – all fed to us through the medium of mass M.E.D.I.A (an acronym for Mass Education Devils In AmeriKKKa).
Some on Barbados Underground, like “No-Holds Barred” agent provocateur Bush Tea AKA The Whacker* are amongst an enlightened few based on their geopolitical clarity on issues of governance facing our great country of Barbados, repeatedly ask: “have we entered a similar phase of political and socioeconomic reality, where for two long decades of BLP & DLP rule, yet our nation’s problems continue to exacerbate?
In our soon to be celebrated [49] year history – have we ever seen such widespread corruption encroaching on every segment of Barbadian society? The country appears stuck in a stagnant, malaise, DLP government that has become increasingly paranoid, reactionary and spiteful towards its own citizens. The local print & visual media spin ongoing insalubriously needless propaganda (as if we’re in the bewildering stasis of a cricket match) – refusing to call out the predatory capitalists in the country who rob, pilfer, embezzle and openly steal at will without fear of repercussions. All the while, visionless, out-of-touch politicians, implement egregious social policies, that keep the rich getting richer and the poor poorer. Religious and civic leaders openly decry the dearth and impoverishment of moral and spiritual values, yet ride high on the hog of entitlements, where church leaders preach greater “TITHE-PAYING” from sleeping sheep to support their decadent lifestyles and the pot of largesse within the society, needed for the persons of the poor gets siphoned off to lobbyists, political cronies and other capitalist stakeholders.
What a disgrace!
So from thousands of miles away, political voyeurs and others, watch in almost stark disbelief, as social activists organizations like “Barbados Underground”, daily rehearse the seismic dilapidation caused by the denigrated social structures of integrity, transparency & accountability – democratic pillars that could achieve much social parity were they legislated into the laws of the land. Sadly, the promise of just laws (a comfort for a fool) gets undermined by egocentric self-interest and perfidiousness, rather than the altruistic alacrity of “love thy neighbour”.
In Barbados, we are witnessing like never before, the abrogation of fundamental human rights, due to the punitive political policies of government, which restricts and even denies families, basic life necessities & essentials. Tax refunds not paid to working class citizens while ministerial salaries, perks & emoluments are paid as well as the crony capitalists who slobber at the trough of economic largesse have their accounts credited with millions of taxpayer’s dollars. Many cannot provide proper food, clothing & shelter for their families in a society so blessed with affluence yet financial & corporate embezzlement by predators like CLICO* et al sees no one go to jail while “BAGMEN” for poLIEticians and others walk free in a broken judicial system of two-tier justice, unlawful non-enforcement & non-detainment of the ruling class.
Most pugnacious of all, are the countless references of employees who are abused and slave wages paid to the poorest in our society – where the CEOs can earn 331 times as much as the average worker and 774 times as much as a minimum wage earner. These repressive conditions have resulted in suppression of creative individualism & the ability of our young educated class to explore their entrepreneurial capabilities – yearly precipitating an ongoing brain drain, as many leave the country in search of a better life elsewhere.
Such a refusal by past and present governments (both BLP & DLP) to implement INTEGRITY, TRANSPARENCY, & ACCOUNTABILITY LEGISLATION have resulted in duplicitous business activities within government, partner organizations and other state sanctioned luminaries. In stark contrast, a salubrious society prides itself on transparent internal and external processes, while respecting private property; the rights of the individual citizen; the right to protest against injustice; and, a healthy acknowledgment of freedom to disagree “strongly” with government policies. These fundamental pillars are the purest forms of democracy!
Barbados is fast becoming an intolerant and suspicious society – in part bolstered by the trickle-down effect of macroeconomic partisan politics & policies, where socioeconomic divisiveness brings in its wake, gun & knife violence and death on our streets – causing anyone who is different to us, whether CARICOM* national or “foreigner” to be subject to the “holier than thou” attitude or whoever disagrees vociferously with the state apparatus mindset of social control.
Conclusively, Lobaczewski “evil Elite” as viewed through the prism of the centralization of power control dynamics – oozes an attitude of rank hypocrisy and blatant contempt for the poorer working classes, as their actions show that the “0.01% Ruling Class” does whatever is necessary to maintain its wealth, privilege, political clout and largesse. Po LIEticians who are elected “PUBLIC” servants, continue to safeguard these imperialist, colonialist ideals, by strictly following a proscribed policy script, even at the expense of their taught values or the poor average citizens they represent, because representation of such extremes in inequality, will continue to perpetuate, between the richest and poorest in Barbadian society, thus securing the status of the richest, as the average citizen is considered a mere ‘resource’, to be exploited, (hence the term “human resources”), rather than as human beings with God-given human worth, talent and virtue.
The political class have successfully created these clandestine yet arbitrary divisions in the population (aptly termed, partisan politics) where class, ethnicity and creed have inflamed race relations, social disequilibrium and seething conflict between the HAVES* & HAVE-NOTS*; between Caucasian and indigenous folks and most noticeably with one another based on Black on Black crime statistics. Dissension is suppressed; free speech monitored and public debates frowned on and open demonstration and protest against the establishment rebuked. Anyone attempting to go beyond these boundaries are considered terrorists, barking mad lunatics and therefore, dangerous radicals and subversive.
It may be time for a rethink as to where we are heading as a nation!
Barbados Underground 
What is your point? The article failed in its effort the examine the Absolute-Power which certain men seems to crave and which is at the root of this totalitarian attitude of the modern day politician. The question which we ought to ask is this: what gives rise to the attitude of disregard for the cares and concerns of the populace, by the people who are supposed to be the arbiters of the nation’s destiny, and who are by all intents and purposes the products of same system? Where does this attitude of disregard for the needs and wants of the masses comes from? And is it fueled by this Absolute-Power? Or is it rooted in the need for ill-gotten-gain by the ruling elite? This is where we ought to focus or attention, if we hope to understand the psychology of the modern day politician.
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This is an excellent and a comprehensive academic article. Although it fails to offer an alternative to a political system which requires fundamental tweaking.
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“Vanguard of the Revolution”: New Film Chronicles Rise of Black Panthers & FBI’s War Against Them
http://www.democracynow.org/2015/1/30/vanguard_of_the_revolution_new_film
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Why is there always an expectation by others that an alternative must be given if someone takes the time to point out the deficiencies in the model? It does not logically follow this should be the case always.
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@ Terence
“It may be time for a rethink as to where we are heading as a nation!”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LOL
ha ha ha
Oh Shirttt!!
Surely you wrote this ten years ago…
TIME TO RETHINK….?!
Rethink shiite!!! …too late….
Boss, we now have only TWO OPTIONS…
1 – Think about where we want to be buried as a nation…(Canada /China/Trikidad/UAE…)
2 – SACK CLOTH AND ASHES…
An excellent contribution however, except for your unfortunate (and incorrect) description of Bushie as “agent provocateur”…. Bushie is just one of BBE’s boys, who is wont to carry a heavy duty whacker and to call shiite “shiite”….
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these attitudes are not new ,in fact they are traits which have been handed down from generation to generation. from the beginning to the end of time mankind would be caught up into this cesspool of selfishness ,deceit and self serving arrogance, this is supposedly the times we are living a time when morals are uprooted and replaced with society demands
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Terence, glad to see you are back on your horse never mind he may have blinkers but let’s see where he leads you.
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A ‘government by the people, for the people…’this is where we struggle.
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David, you better than the average person understand well the millions of words written on the left, the right and right down the middle on politics and government and wealth and all other subjects under the sun. Cause you are a writer also.
As said by others re this impressively written, sweetly sourced and logical argued piece the question does remain: SO WHAT, DO YOU (to the blogger) OFFER?
So in that sense, I do disagree with you, “Why is there always an expectation by others that an alternative must be given…”.
The fact is that “if someone takes the time to point out the deficiencies in the model” I do believe that the intellectual heft they are using to show those deficiencies DEMANDS that they should logically follow it through and offer their perspectives of how things can be done better.
That sir is always the tough challenge.
So this blogger may have the first page for a Masters treatise but it’s nothing more than that….just a beginning.
So, how do we move beyond : ” … these clandestine yet arbitrary divisions in the population (aptly termed, partisan politics) where class, ethnicity and creed have inflamed race relations, social disequilibrium …”.
Intellectually clear but I knew that when I was in 2nd form and its still the same 50 years later. I personally can offer absolutely no damn idea how to get politicians in power to resolve ethnic and class issues. Is there a way?
And to be fair, I have presented just a few editorials here (maybe 3) but in all cases my critiques included thoughts of different paths that could be used.
At this stage of life and use of forum you can’t seriously have a critique without an alternative proposition.
—Although many (GP you at church) would say whatever I noted were the most insidiously ingrunt remarks ever made in life!
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@Word
We can agree to disagree. Why can’t the treatise as you term it be used as a jumping off point for others to take the baton and run with it?
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@ Terence Blackett.
An excellent article that threaded across many vistas with great pellucidness.
Immediately after reading it I had to do a search to see the face behind the thoughts and even though mine is a disposition to believe that, in the absence of GOD, what is manifest in society, is what you refer to as your Pathocracy.
It is interesting to note that, irrespective of where we come from, be it Christian, Rosicrucian, theologist, or, as violent as it may be, ISIS, we are seeking to arrive at that one point of convergence where we acknowledge that “the systems that we are serving” are failing and that there is a need for “A Higher Love”
@ De Ingrunt Word
David the Blogmaster is right.
There are as incredible as it may seem to you as an “enlightened” one, a mobaton of people in the highways and hedges, WHO HAVE NOT GOT A CLUE as to the state of affairs that we are in.
You can see it, the ole man, at this point of life when I almost in the plane to go home, have a glimpse of it, but there are those who simple do not know of its existence.
There is a point to the ranting and raving which the dipshits of the first order, who rise to make themselves seem intellectual, CANNOT SEE and commensurately CANNOT REMARK ON!!
“Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free” is not based on some type of “telepathic broadcasting system” contrary to public opinion.
Not everyone finds GOD or conviction to de the right thing in “the Church by the Wayside” such is the story of Saul on His way to Damascus so you cannot decry Mr Blackett for this effort.
My Damascus came in a moment of “death” of a status quo but yours might come from a moving church service at an evangelical meeting on the pasture in Gall Hill, a testimony over a radio programme on BBC, a Creflo Dollar encounter, a Gideon Bible in a drawer in a motel after a meeting with a lady of the night, or while reading a king reflection of a Jehovah Witnesses’ pamphlet, remember you are NOT the arbiter of HIS WORD.
Similarly so, the morass that we are experiencing, and the need for there to be a rethinking and reset, might come from a well crafted Blackett article for someone who needs a nudge.
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Pieces, all that you say may be quite true that “a mobaton of people in the highways and hedges, … HAVE NOT GOT A CLUE as to the state of affairs that we are in”.
But good sir do you really believe that any of that mobaton would read past the first paragraph in that treatise of sweet words and references to little-known authors.
NO sir, the readers of that are people like me and you who have a craving for discourse and interesting commentary. Yes, the blogger does show his/her intellect but is not moving the debate forward and CERTAINLY is not exciting any of those mobatoners with that stylie and fashion.
Realistically, any of them who will read and digest that would be sharp enough to already know that rant. Yah feeling my vibe here Pieces?
So to you and David I say more power but intelligence is about synthesizing the problems and the possible solutions and particularly if you want to be taken seriously that is absolutely required.
Bush Tea speaks often that our education system does not produce ‘doers’ only persons who fit in and join the throng to his concept of brass-bowlery. Unfortunately the author’s remarks tend to validate that. There is learning and then there is vigorous analysis of knowledge.
Look at it this way: Pacha’s pieces are very clearly left of wow! but he always gives a clear perspective of how he would FIX the problems he identifies. Disagree with him as much as you want (and I do) but he carries heft of word and purpose.
So David, I have no problem with building on his start but I am very disappointed that the author speaks so eloquently of the problems and yet is so willing to leave the solution to others.
I have not read Andrew Lobaczewsk but I am positive that he would have offered his brand of solutions.
And that too Pieces is what the mobaton need to hear more. Solutions!
I never said I have them so I am quite interested in hearing someone who does and less of the same rant we know only too well.
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@ De Word
I understand.
We are encouraged that “Faith without works is dead”
And I concur
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Pieceuhderockyeahright
It cannot be charged that some here are ingrained- optimists and that they haven’t any inner- grasp of the pessimism which awaits a hopeless humanity. What arrogance sir… many here have already sounded the depths of despairing interrogation- regarding our present and that which has already been predicted to come brother.
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Davidddddddddddd[BUUUUUUUUUUU]
Helpppppppppppppp!
You did promise man…you did promise man
I taught you did block de IP address for Equus africanus asinus ….
Whu I do you blogmaster????
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Piece
Is this the way in which an old man who is schedule to shed his earthly-tabernacle behave brother? Come on now… you can’t obviously think that you and your troop of compadres are privy to the prognostic -analysis of the political happenings in our present era? Man I don’t know bout you pg, but it looks like de old fella is in de last latter of cognitive-decrepitude.
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Oh lawsie……
Oh lawsie…. de man wanta kill muh “…but it looks like de old fella is in de last latter of cognitive-decrepitude….”
Whu it mean man,,,whu it mean??
Davidddddddddddd[BUUUUUUUUUUU]
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Piece
Old boy… man yah old time jokes still meking me laugh, but bee side dah point … I mean tah sah dah yah in de latta stages of cognitive-decline yah hear.
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Piece says: ” People who are in the highways and hedges, WHO HAVE NOT A CLUE as to the state of affairs that we are in.”
And I would kindly like to remind Mr. Piece that we are now living in the year 2015 and not 1815 as he somehow seem to believe. Man in the era of the internet and with the advancement of social-media- which linkage the four corners of globe, Mr. Piece is telling us that the politically- conscious and the social- astute masses aren’t cognizant of the corruptive nature of the instrument of government in our present times. Man your little statement is interwoven with pure intellectual-arrogance and it does affronts the collective-conscience of the Barbadian electorate. Speak fah yah self old man and not for those of us, whom you obviously believe do not know or cannot see the writing on the wall. Respect!
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I am quite sure Piece is contemplating his prolix response right about now, the human ego won’t suffer a man of his arrogance to resist such an opportunity.
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I agree with the some of thei deas of D ingrunt one.
An observer who says “Collision with the land mass ahead of us is imminent” makes no greater contribution than the observer who shouts “we gun hit de rocks”. The first observer may have emonstrated a sound command of the English language in identifying a well known problem but without offering solutions he/she has contributed nothing to the situation.
D igrunt one 🙂 states “There is learning and then there is vigorous analysis of knowledge” . I would state that this article is the recycling of old whine in new whine casks; nothing more.
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I agree with the some of the ideas of D ingrunt one.
An observer who says “Collision with the land mass ahead of us is imminent” makes no greater contribution than the observer who shouts “we gun hit de rocks”. The first observer may have demonstrated a sound command of the English language in identifying a well known problem, but without offering solutions he/she has contributed nothing to the situation.
D igrunt one 🙂 states “There is learning and then there is vigorous analysis of knowledge” . I would state that this article is the recycling of old whine in new whine casks; nothing more
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I agree with the some of the ideas of D ingrunt one.
An observer who says “Collision with the land mass ahead of us is imminent” makes no greater contribution than the observer who shouts “we gun hit de rocks”. The first observer may have demonstrated a sound command of the English language in identifying a well known problem, but without offering solutions he/she has contributed nothing to the situation.
D igrunt one 🙂 states “There is learning and then there is vigorous analysis of knowledge” . I would state that this article is the recycling of old whine in new whine casks; nothing more
My comments are for the “analysis of the situation in Barbados”; otherwise, an excellent article.
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As a student at Cave Hill, I would pay a short visit to the bar before I went home. I remember one young economist who held court with the most eloquent of verbiage. A few of us would sit and hear him pontificate on various topics. We would roar with delight as he drew on his extensive vocabulary and utter words that we rarely encountered. Alas, when all was said and done, it was just sweet sounding BS.
That is the product of an educational system that teaches us to recite and never analyze. We can paraphrase and regurgitate what we took in, but we often lack the spark that allows us to propose new ideas.
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You must be talkin bout de former BLP as well as DLP Minister Dr. Don Blackman den? He commaded an extensive-vocabulary which often sent his political opponents, as well as the electorate in search of the dictionary, every time he spoke at a political meeting back in de day. Dr. Don Blackman was a skillful orator and a rhetorician unlike any other in the history of politics in Barbados. He was a true childhood inspiration to me and I am quite sure to many others in my generation.
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“Why is there always an expectation by others that an alternative must be given if someone takes the time to point out the deficiencies in the model? It does not logically follow this should be the case always.”
Your dismissive reply to my, reasonable, assertion at 3:46 AM beggars believe.
I have a question for you. What is the purpose of BU? BU has done a wonderful job in exposing injustices within Barbados. BU is the go to media darling if one would like to know what is really happening in Barbados.
My problem with BU is that it A) consistently fails to offer a clear solution to the crooks that are running Barbados and B) fails to quantify to the masses how the corruption being practiced by their government and others will impact on the lives of present day and future Bajans.
Unless you are prepared to offer a solution to the problems facing Barbados than you like the government must be held responsible for the decline of Barbados.
There is a danger that we are on the brink of a revolution in Barbados and the wider Caribbean region. Our leaders have no empathy for their people and feel embarrassed by the presence of the many Negroes who reside on their islands. These leaders are working to a clear plan as directed by their foreign masters and donors: “Rid those islands of your Negroes!”
If you doubt me take a look at what has happened on the west coast. What about Port St Charles? Apes Hill? Speighstown? There is a pattern to this trend it is called MARGINALISATION. This is a fate often practised on poor and dispossessed groups such as the Aborigines in Australia and indigenous groups who reside in South America.
There is a solution to this; our Prime Minister should be given an ultimatum to step down. This man and his party have become an enemy to the people. Was it not Bob Marley who sang that “a hungry people are an angry people?”
What are the consequences of leaving this rogue Prime Minister and his equally rogue party in power? There are many:
1) The formation of dangerous ghettos where life is cheap.
2) The increase use and commercialisation of the drugs trade.
3) The force mass migration of the Negro race who could become a minority within their own island.
4) Mass scale prostitution practiced by the masses
5) Growth of private beeches
6) Influx of private security companies
7) Mass extermination and the imprisonment of Negroes
8) Massive cuts in public expenditure
9) Mass immigration
10) Virtual no go areas for low and working class Negroes
11) Massive growth in domestic servitude.
10) Reduction in agriculture and the mass importation of food
12) A future with no future!
13) Bloodshed
Thirteen reasons why Mr Stuart has to go!
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Exclaimer May 24, 2015 at 8:08 PM #.
………………………………………………………………………
And its people like these from Long Island and Red Neck USA, especially, who will come to Barbados ,own holiday homes on the West Coast and other exclusive enclaves, and then proceed to further implement some of the things that you have listed ,i.e .(3), (5), (6) ,(10) , (11).
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/letter-tells-li-black-family-you-dont-belong-here/ar-BBkaWYW
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@Exclaimer
By now you should realise that we Bajans on the whole ,are fitted out with Kevlar knickers and skiddies . Attempting to light a fire under our arses is a futile exercise. We will just fart and put it out, or let a politician kick our backsides to bits until the flame in us is extinguished. We seem to like it so.
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The issue is not necessarily to show alternatives or options but more about exposing the injustices by shaming those who masquerade as the respectable in our society. By do doing hopefully the people will eventually force these JAs to the table. They will not willingly implement anything Sir.
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David, is looks like the time for talking has reached a climax? Now is the time to actively rally the Barbadian masses into action. Since you’re believe to be the conscience of the downtrodden in Barbados. Now, I read sometime ago on Barbados-Facebook that the QEH had run out of toilet-paper; a basic necessity. And I said to myself: how did the most progressive island within the Caribbean-archipelago finds itself in such a predicament? And why did a forward thinking people allowed it to continued unabated? Is it because we cannot find that one unique Barbadian who is capable of arousing the collective-conscience of the nation and inspiring into action? As long as the masses are resolve to accept the common state of affairs, the longer the politicians will continue to take them for granted. These are the words of one who used to be a downtrodden Barbadian from the lowest echelon of the Barbadian society. And who now understands the pathway of social protest that the American has consistently employed from as far back as the Women Suffrage Movement, the Civil Rights Movement and the Mothers Against the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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David, as you well know: shaming those persons who masquerade as the respectable has down little to effectuate real and meaningful change in the common state of affairs. So therefore, it would appear as though that all your efficacy is to no avail.
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Thanks Mr. Blackett, for putting Barbados’ current woes in somewhat of a global perspective and identifying the path that has led us to cowed citizenship in a newborn “Pathocracy” having left the ideals of a Democracy behind in our wake.
I fear that Freundel’s Republic, if and when it gets here, should be more aptly named the New Pathocracy of Barbados as if the trajectory he has birthed is maintained there will be no other reasonable alternative classification for us.
Mr. Blackett appears to consider that we are merely on the road to becoming a Pathocracy. I, however, think that we have already arrived there. Almost everything we read or hear in the news reports confirms this as fact. From the news about BL&P to the incredible postures at the Central Bank to the way that our politicians treat with all organs of civic maintenance and advancement like the Police, the Unions, the near dismantlement of our Health, Education and Financial systems, etc., there appears to be no where else that we can go.
But is there some solution possible? Should Mr. Blackett be faulted for his seeming inability to identify measures to take us back to the 20th Century? I think not. The solutions are not easy. I think they require us to recognize the truths that encompasses similar, but non-academic diagnoses by several posters who have graced BU with their writings over the past 7 or so years.
The problem is global. It is a situation that was preordained by a Higher Power just as Scientific advancement is preordained and new knowledge is revealed to several people at certain times leading to concerted guided development of Mankind in all spheres. Mankind is nearing Teilhard de Chardin’s Point Omega, or the Biblical end times or Bushie’s full employment as a bush whacker. Barbados is just one little cog in the wheel of global change but we are nevertheless full fledged global citizens. We can individually choose where we stand in the fight between those of the service to self persuasion and those of the service to others persuasion.
Our Government has clearly stamped itself as being composed of largely service to self people whose almost every action can be construed as largely being manipulated to benefit the political class or their families or friends, not the general public. That this is so can be seen by the fact that the Freundel Stuart administration is still there. Not a soul on the Government side has protested the anti citizen policies of the Government and voted conscience in the numerous decisions that have catspraddled thousands. Similarly, none in the Opposition has made a sustained and credible move to do what was necessary to move the DLP albatross from the people’s neck when they had the means to do so in a legitimate way. Choosing instead to allow intra party wrangling to upstage the interests of the People and now waiting til 18 even though little might be left of the Barbados we know at that time if DLP mismanagement continues apace.
Can we pull back from the brink? We might if somehow the Government could be removed from FS’ leadership and soon. We might then see an improvement in righteousness and thereby eventually a shift back from galloping self- centredness.
(To be continued….)
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Sorry guys – more bad news
Could it be possible that the Caribbean islands have passed their peak? Errol Barrow and Eric Williams represent the zenith of our political aspirations and now we are locked in a deadly spiral towards oblivion.
Has our free and fair elections become the selection of the lesser of two evils? A choice of the “East Coast” gang or the “West coast” gang? What we consider as a treatment for the ills that plague our community is nothing more than taking a placebo that provides illusory relief.
Called us republics or whatever you like; but as time passes, our leaders have realized true power lies in their office and not in the symbolic trappings left behind by the colonial powers. There are no checks and balances.
Where/when did the demise of our country begin. Who knows? I would like to believe that it began when non-nationals from any part of the world could buy land in Barbados; effectively pitting the poorest Bajan against the wealth of an Oprah or a Keith Richards. Or perhaps, it began when we transitioned from an agricultural economy to a service economy (tourism).
I find it amazing that the ills of tourism (sexual tourism, pedophiles masquerading as tourists) are known and recognized in Asia but never mentioned in the Caribbean.
We continue to act as Bajans have always done – treat every situation as a theoretical discussion; it displays our brain power and serves to hide our impotence.
Perhaps, there are no solutions or just temporary solutions.
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Mr. Blackett,
The arena of public education is not for the faint-hearted, so I urge you to be brave.
As I said before on this blog, and I will say again, there are four basic steps to problem solving:
1. Identify the problem
2. ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS (“noisemakers” in any “public system” try to ensure that this step is never achieved)
3. Formulate a solution to the problem
4. Implement the solution
Now let us apply these steps to the contribution you have made via your article.
Step 1. This is the problem which, to my mind, you have identified:
Globally, a pretence at democracy has led to the evolution of a “dubious system of evil government engineered by a tiny ELITE* (“pathological minority”) which include(s) heads of BIG BUSINESS & POLITICS,
Looking specifically at the experience of Barbados, your article asserts that 2015 has arrived and found us burdened by unprecedented problems. Some of these problems include the prevalence of “visionless, out-of-touch politicians”, widespread corruption, a reactionary government aiming spite and punitive policies at its citizens, “predatory capitalists in the country who rob, pilfer, embezzle and openly steal at will without fear of repercussions” or without fear of being scrutinized by the complicit traditional media, many citizens unable to “provide proper food, clothing & shelter for their families”, religious and civic leaders riding “high on the hog of entitlements”, and “gun & knife violence and death on our streets”.
Step 2 calls for each and every one of your readers to accept that the problem you identified in Barbados is real and deserves to be confronted. Alas, my friend, on BU and in the wider Barbadian society, acceptance of the fact that the problem exists is rendered impossible by the following group of noisemakers who insist on forming a maddening crowd:
a) Those who feel that they have already identified the problem, have accepted that the problem exists, and are only interested in hearing or reading about a solution. These people will dismiss you out of hand as being a stupid, ignorant joker because, as far as they are concerned, “intelligence is about synthesizing the problems and the possible solutions and particularly if you want to be taken seriously that is absolutely required.” Members of this group will quickly let you know that they are “very disappointed that (you) speak so eloquently of the problems and yet (are) so willing to leave the solution to others.”
b) Those who your message will never reach because they believe that they understand the nature of the problem, but in actuality, they don’t. Although you might hint at the unprecedented nature of some of the problems you have identified, some of these people will tenaciously cling to the mistaken notion that “I knew that when I was in 2nd form and its still the same 50 years later.” Others, totally clueless about the importance of your message will foolishly conclude that your “article is the recycling of old whine in new whine casks; nothing more.” The remaining set of members of this group will ask you up front, “What is your point?” They will derail your effort and then attempt to advise us, your readers, “where we ought to focus or attention”.
c) The ubiquitous political pimps and parasites who spend a lifetime waiting, hoping, and praying that a few crumbs of taxpayers’ money would fall from the mouths of careless or ‘generous’ politicians into their laps.
However, on BU and in the wider Barbadian society, intelligent voices will rise above the din in your defence. You can bet your last dollar that those impatient voices, who believe that they already understand the problem and want to rush headlong into the solution phase, will be rebuked and reminded that, “there are as incredible as it may seem to you as an “enlightened” one, a mobaton of people in the highways and hedges, WHO HAVE NOT GOT A CLUE as to the state of affairs that we are in.”
Educating the clueless must be viewed as the number one priority of BU. We cannot move on to step 3 of the problem solving phase without completing this process.
Ironically enough, once the majority of Barbadian citizens reach the stage where they accept that the problems suffocating the country are real, a solution will not be far behind. Everyone, including those who were mistakenly viewed as docile brassbowls, will be able “to take the baton and run with it.” Having become unified in their understanding, the many oppressed Barbadians, through an enlightened concerted effort, will then be able to easily rid our country of our relatively few oppressors.
The educational process has just begun and you have a vital role to play. Have you noticed the attempts and threats being made to destroy it?
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Good post, as usual Walter!
It builds on Blackett’s heavily academic musings, puts our situation into clearer perspective and provides outlines for future corrective actions.
My position re. sequence of necessary actions is that Education through BU, and its widely disparate messages and relatively small audience will not be enough to turn us around before Freundel and his crew totally wrecks the country. Such education is necessary but it is absolutely imperative that the political class is sent a clear message that Freundal must go for Barbados to survive and that several persons can see through the rationale for the current gross propaganda of Barbados having turned the corner and now moving full steam ahead to the lights in the tunnel.
The Unions have to be supported. Have we noted what Caswell’s small union has been able to do by shaming the BWU to at least talk what is right? The few voices of dissent in the main media have to be supported. The “Call in Programs” have to be enhanced with new voices from the blogs dissecting the actions of our current leaders, political and otherwise.
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Walter, as one of the noisemakers as you described do clarify for me how ” acceptance of the fact that the problem exists is rendered IMPOSSIBLE (my emphasis) by …” “Those who feel that they have already identified the problem, have accepted that the problem exists, and are only interested in hearing or reading about a solution.”
Please help me to understand how a search for solutions prevents acceptance that a problems exists.
How do you start seeking a solution for a non-existent problem?
So according to you I am a noisemaker to push those who expound on problems well known to also give some form of solution or plan that can show a path towards a resolution.
Yet you laid out a four point plan about problem resolution, half of which dealt with the solution. In short, a person is spinning top in mud if you only complete one half of your process.
So, aren’t your overall remarks the ultimate contradictory type of noisemaker!
If like Mr. Blackett a blogger wrote the most startling, erudite article on CLICO with sweet prose and told us nothing MORE than we already knew other than citing a source that we had not heard of previously…. How fundamentally useful would that be.
According to you, not very.
If he or she wrote that same piece and identified paths legal and social that could feasibly be explored to build on what has already been done, how fundamentally useful would THAT be.
According to you, very.
But yet you critique. Strange.
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@ Walter Blackman May 25, 2015 at 2:57 AM,
I can remember the blog which you wrote some several months ago. I seem to recall that you wrote something similar to Mr Blackett. I challenged you to bring solutions to the table. You replied that it would require a four stage plan in order to create real change in a society; and that you were at stage three formulating a solution to the problem.
May, I ask you sir whether you have completed stage three? I would say no; and this is the problem we face when dry academic theorists pretend that they have the solutions to assist the poor masses when confronted with a vicious and a neo – liberalist government.
By the time you have completed your academic research the spirit of the masses would have been crushed; whilst the government and her unholy foreign masters and donors would be in complete control of the land and all her resources. We seem to have forgotten that our government, under the stewardship of the imbecile Stuart, has made plans to exploit our oil resources.
You Sir need to go back to the drawing board. The film Battle of Algiers @ 3.46 is a clear indication of how to plan for a revolution.
I would suggest to you that a good starting point for implementing changes in Barbados would be to draw up a plan for regaining the beaches on the west coast, particularly in St James. Access to the beach should be the first stage in the battle for change. The erected fences which block access to public beaches should be ripped down – immediately!
One victory will lead to other victories. Mark my words: Fight, fight, fight!
@ Dompey, welcome back.
@ Colonel Buggy May 24, 2015 at 8:58 PM is tragically correct. Do we really want to share our island with a group of racists? We as a people have lost our minds.
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Exclaimer, I appreciate your efforts in welcoming me back on this forum, nonetheless, I am not so sure if I am please to be back here once again.
Nevertheless, Walter Blackman writes: ” Having become unified in their understanding, the many oppressed Barbadians, through an enlightened concerted effort, will then be able to easily rid our country of our relatively few oppressors.”
Walter from the get go your hypothesis meets with considerable difficulty because who amongst us has the testicular – fortitude to lead the charge in rallying the collective-conscience of the nation in an efforts to achieve this enlightened concerted effort- which you have so eloquently spoken about? I do recall that a year or two ago Bobby Clark, made a valiant effort to aroused the collective-conscience of the nation through the pathway of social-protest, but his efforts were all but futile. So your hypothesis appears in my estimation to lends itself to an argument made for idealistic philosophy?
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David
I have bone to pick with you regarding your above statement because if the primary purpose of BU is to expose the irregularities of those persons who occupies high office in Barbados. And who have from time to time undermine the public-conscience, then it is time for you to contemplate as to whether or not BU is or has been meeting its objective. I have said in the past and I shall reiterate here once more: for BU to be an effective medium of communication, it ought and must appeal to the younger generations of Barbadians who brings what I believe to be a fresh perspective to the discourse. And whom I guess, constitutes more the haft of the Barbadian -electorate, but we have seen little in the way of discussion from the younger heads of Barbadians on this medium thus far.
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are-we-there-yet May 25, 2015 at 7:02 AM #
My position re. sequence of necessary actions is that Education through BU, and its widely disparate messages and relatively small audience will not be enough to turn us around before Freundel and his crew totally wrecks the country. Such education is necessary but it is absolutely imperative that the political class is sent a clear message that Freundal must go for Barbados to survive…………
are-we-there-yet ,
Social media, including BU, represent a game changer and remind me of the emergence of the printing press in 1445. You had no idea that I was reading Mr. Blackett’s article at 2 o’clock yesterday morning. How many other persons read that article? What methods are you using to determine that BU attracts only a “relatively small audience”?
Over the past 35 years, Barbados, with its small, open, fragile, brittle economy has been beaten and bludgeoned consistently and illegally by short-sighted and corrupt politicians who were aided and abetted by their most beloved partners – civil servants.
You and other Barbadians watched silently as a select few wrecked our country over that period. Now, in 2015, you are desperately searching for something or someone that “will..be enough to turn us around before Freudel and his crew totally wreck(s) the country”? You can tolerate the country being wrecked from 1980-2014, but are against it being wrecked totally in 2015?
As I write, discussions are going on internationally among politicians and foreign business interests about who will pay how much for government projects and contracts that will be dished out for the period 2018-2023. These discussions, and the deals and kickbacks which they generate, represent a fatal stab at the heart of our democratic process. If you want to find out about similar discussions that are taking place locally, ask Bizzy.
At what stage of our national development do you believe that the selling out of Barbadian interests to foreign and local speculators started? Under Barrow, Adams, Sandiford, Arthur, Thompson, or Stuart?
Who do you believe will end this destructive practice?
If you chose Stuart as your answer to any of these two questions, you are incorrect.
The point here is that if we continue to idly sit and allow this nefarious practice to continue, getting rid of one individual, and replacing him or her with another, will have little or no impact.
Let us slice and dice your comments a little further.
Barbadian politicians routinely go through a process of introspection with the intention of identifying that personal trait which they believe to be their greatest political liability. Then they twist that personal trait into a heralded and proclaimed strength and feed it to a gullible electorate, for a time. However, the electorate and circumstances eventually catch up with them.
Here are a few examples.
Whilst wooing the electorate to become PM in his own right, Erskine Sandiford tried to portray himself as an honest christian gentleman and a sound capable manager of the Barbadian economy. Circumstances proved him to be a serial liar, and as far as managing the economy was concerned, he turned out to be a classic example of “monkey handling gun”. Three short years later, the Barbadian electorate unceremoniously dumped him forever, as PM, in 1994.
Recognizing that he was a megalomaniac, Owen Arthur potrayed himself as an individual who had no interest in holding on to power for any great length of time. Barbadians therefore watched in surprise as he then proceeeded to attempt to become PM for 5 terms! Could it be that the electorate dumped him as PM forever since 2008 and he hasn’t realized it?
David Thompson knew that he was a liar, a crook and a thief. He also knew that such moral and legal shortcomings precluded him from holding public office. So he took the bull by the horns and fooled the Barbadian electorate into believing that he “would not lie, cheat, or steal.” The sins David Thompson committed against the people of Barbados were so egregious that the Lord decided it was too risky to wait upon the Barbadian electorate to punish him. Divine intervention stripped him of the PM title, and life itself, in 2010.
Freundel Stuart, perceived by many to be handpicked by a thief in order to protect and defend vested interests, portrayed himself to the Barbadian electorate as being “Mr. Integrity” himself. Circumstances have now proven that Mr. Stuart has remained more faithful to the cause of protecting vested interests (“I will not be accused of treachery”) than to the idea of pursuing policies aimed at genuine national development. Not surprisingly, to date, Mr. Stuart has ensured that integrity legislation in Barbados “remains a fleeting illusion” to be talked about, but never enshrined in law.
You are wasting your time believing that something would happen if “the political class is sent a clear message that Freundel must go for Barbados to survive.”
Like the others before him, Mr. Stuart will ultimately be dealt with by God or the electorate of Barbados.
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@Walter
We have repeated many times BU blogs are immediately posted to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn social media platforms where they take on a readership of their own. BU and the other social media platforms are cogs in the wheel which continue to grind out the message to enlighten the masses. We should remain focused on the message to expose wrong doing and spiritual wickedness and allow the spring to occur of its making.
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David;
I take your point fully that BU, through its linkages with Facebook and other social media can and will spread the messages that are required to educate the public on what is happening and what is likely to happen with our society and our development if the status quo remains. I must plead guilty to being a dinosaur as far as social media is concerned and therefore it doesn’t spring to my mind immediately as being the most likely and efficient vehicle for ensuring the dissemination of the necessary education. But I feel in my old bones that you are right.
Walter;
Looks like I inadvertently mashed some corns there in daring to identify Freundal as the main architect of our current woes at this time. I am sorry that you can’t see the changes that Freundal’s mismanagement of his cabinet and what the direliction of his duty to manage his cabinet effectively has wrought in a short space of time in Barbados. Of course the slide didn’t start with him but he made it much worse and accelerated its effects by his detatchment from energetically managing his cabinet and ensuring that the private sector sharks were kept on a short leash. I’ll just give you one indicator, Barbados’ economic performance numbers as relative to all the other countries in the Caribbean. Abject leadership caused them. We are in the same sea with those countries, buffetted by the same waves, yet we retrogressed from being near the top to being at the bottom. The major cause was Freundal’s leadership or lack thereof and a handpicked Cabinet of largely venal politicians of like mind to him by DT, not the slide started in the times of previous leaders.
You are right in many aspects of your 5:29 am post. I will probably respond to them later.
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@ are-we-there-yet
Walter is correct.
Freundel is just about as useless as those that proceeded him… it is always more obvious that a ship is sinking when the water is actually gushing on deck and the sharks are circling and smacking their lips, but that particular captain is no more at fault than the first idiot that plotted the course towards the iceberg….
…or the monkey that increased speed in the middle of the icebergs..
…or the joker fooling around drunk with his CARICOM lovers while the wheel remained unattended…
The ones REALLY guilty are the brass bowls that paid NO ATTENTION to all this shiite because they were busy enjoying kadooment, accumulating bling and partying on board.
Now we will ALL pay the price….
Ever since BU started….when Arthur was still spending big and everyone was conveniently ignorant, Bushie was warning that, like the Titanic, we were speeding among icebergs while distracted with CARICOM shiite and kickback schemes….
Hard ears yuh won’t hear….own way yuh will feel.
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@ Bush Tea
Nobody is that ‘correct’.
Whereas we agree that the DLP guvment under FJS has been feckless, we will also argue that anybody else would have done the same or worse. In other words, this is not a uniquely DLP failure. It maybe a cultural failure, but put properly, a global, historic, failure.
So notions of wanting to get the rid of the DLP, in and of itself, will do nothing to ameliorate circumstances. Where are the articulations, other than your BBE, by the people with whom you are above agreeing which speak to this fundamental point we have agreed on prior?
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are-we-there-yet May 26, 2015 at 6:52 AM #
“Walter;
Looks like I inadvertently mashed some corns there in daring to identify Freundal as the main architect of our current woes at this time.”
are-we-there-yet,
Whoever corns you mashed, deliberately or inadvertently, let them stay mashed. You certainly have not mashed mine!
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Exclaimer, here is the dialogue that took place among you, David, and me in respect of an article I wrote captioned “Damaging the Barbados Brand”.
Exclaimer November 19, 2014 at 8:05 PM #
@ Walter,
“Thank you for your excellent submission. I do have one problem with it: you have offered no solution to the problems we face in Barbados. There is not a crumb of hope for the dispossessed working class masses living in poverty in Bridgetown, St Andrews, St Johns and all those other pockets of poverty in Barbados.
Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself what would you do if you were in their position? Would you put your faith in a government that is overwhelmed and sinking or would you take matters into your own hands and engineer change by challenging those who have “le pouvoir”.
I would urge you as a patriotic Barbadian to speak to the impoverish working classes. This group has the least to lose. They are becoming impatient. Overtime they will find their voice and a solution to their problems. God willing they will overcome.”
David November 19, 2014 at 8:18 PM #
@Exclaimer
“Why does Walter have to give solutions although it is a nice to have? Sometimes coherent articulation of the issues is all that is required to mobilize.”
Exclaimer November 19, 2014 at 8:30 PM #
@ David,
“There will be no mobilisation. Barbados is full of educated people. Where has it got us? If you want change in your society you must arouse the conscience of the working class.”
Walter November 19, 2014
“Exclaimer,
Up front, I plead “guilty with an explanation”.
Effective public education, driven by a problem-solving agenda, calls for lots and lots of discipline.
The first step in the process of problem-solving is to identify the problem. In the case of Barbados, there are now many, many problems so time must be taken to identify and highlight the major ones. Rest assured that we have more than enough competent people in Barbados to take us through the first step.
The 2nd step, the most difficult of all, involves getting a critical mass of people to accept the fact that the problem exists.This is where the influence of politics and the media enter the picture, and this is where the “educator” is subjected to threats, intimidation, or personal attacks.The political objective is to make sure that members of the populace never, ever agree among themselves on anything.
The 3rd step calls for conceptualizing a workable pragmatic solution to the problem.
The 4th step calls for executing the strategy needed to achieve the solution.
I am battling with step 2, and you have sent out an SOS with a problem demanding step 4. That’s life in the real world, so it deserves our attention.”
Now, pray tell me Exclaimer, where did I tell you that I was working on step 3 formulating a solution to “your” problem?
If you want to denounce me as “a dry academic theorist” you don’t have to go to so much trouble.
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As far as I can see the horse has already bolted on Barbadian society and has met with a donkey and bred a mule. We are only concerned with individual rights and privileges forgetting that these should end where another person’s begin. This individualistic perception of life or the “I glasses” as I call it is myopic and does not see that we would ALL be better served if the majority of people weren’t oppressed and abused by the few. I really don’t believe this is going to change in any hurry. There is no system, political or otherwise, that will stamp out corruption. It has to do with the empty hearts and deficient minds of man. Those of us smart enough to understand that God’s way is smarter and actually works out better for all concerned can only work to influence the younger ones who have not yet hardened their hearts to their fellowman. The present as I see it is practically a lost cause.
P.S. And please, I am not speaking about exclusive, finger pointing, holier than thou, know-it-all, passive and empty religion which worships the pastor or priest, but the Way of Christ which is LOVE that is extended to all in a tangible way and demands that we take off the myopic “I Glasses” and replace them with those that allow one to see a far distance ahead.
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May 26, 2015 at 5:56 AM #
@Walter
“We have repeated many times BU blogs are immediately posted to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn social media platforms where they take on a readership of their own. BU and the other social media platforms are cogs in the wheel which continue to grind out the message to enlighten the masses. We should remain focused on the message to expose wrong doing and spiritual wickedness and allow the spring to occur of its making.”
David,
I concur wholeheartedly.
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As far as I can see, a change in political system or an overhaul of the current system will achieve little or nothing as long as human beings with the prevailing moral values are involved. The system will continue to be corrupt no matter what checks and balances are put in place because they will find a way to circumvent them. The masses as far as I can see have the same value system as the political leaders and would do the same as they. I would trust very few people to be different in today’s society because most of us judge our worth by our possessions and nearly everybody wants to be seen as somebody. So changing personnel will most likely mean a change in faces but not in hearts or minds or actions. That is why I say that the few who remain who can see further than the end of their own noses and can see that we will all move forward together or perish together need to connect the dots for the younger, more malleable Barbadian and show them how we are all interconnected. The older ones are too far steeped in individualistic greed and consumerism.
@Bushie,
The trouble with being earnest is that you can be seen as a party pooper. Kadooment and partying, like drinking is a form of escapism. For a while you can forget about your problems, the state of the island and the world and be a part of a make-believe kingdom. I believe I became more earnest when the West Indies cricket team became the laughing stock of the cricket world and my escape hatch was closed. It is always good to escape from reality for a while but most people do not want to return these days to face reality because they believe that they have no control over it. So they “control da bumper” instead and “wuk” instead of work. We’ve become a nation of escape artists promoted by the state.
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Hey, Terry.
Are you still claiming to have academic credentials that you don’t have?
Are you still a fabulist and a liar?
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i like that word “fabulist”
guess it comes from the latin fabula, fabulae, f story LOL
dont mess wid terence YEH
the bu sage once said that he, terence, “raised the bar” on BU
I GUESS IT MEANS DAT HE PUSH SOME PIECE OF IRON TO ALLOW THE BU RUM SHOP AKA BAR TO OPEN LOL LOL LOL
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Please, Dr. Terry, PLEASE, tell us more about the Elders of Zion, one of your best topics. Please, Dr. Terry, enlighten we.
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Bushtea et al;
While under ordinary circumstances I would agree with you that FS is merely the current standard incarnation of a line that contributed to the wrecking of Barbados. I cannot in this case do so.
For Freundal is a special case.
He turned a blind eye on the doings of many of his Ministers. Praised them even in the face of obvious unsuitability for the job that they were supposed to do. Took a number of public stances that were at variance with what one would expect of someone with his carefully coiffed reputation for uprightness, decency and honesty. Looked the other way in the face of credible, proven misfeance of some friends in the political class. Mismanaged situations that were referred to him or directly concerned him such as the Eager 11 affair and the Alexandra situation. Always ran from making timely decisions thereby being directly responsible for significant monetary or other losses. In fact, it appears that it is impossible for him to make a timely decision on any matter, even choosing a date for an election. The list can go on and on.
No other former Prime Minister is anywhere near his class in regards to not doing most of the things that are necessary for leadership. All of the others did something worthwhile. There is nothing positive on his and the Island’s current trajectory that anyone can point to and say with pride “Freundal did this”. Indeed, it is almost certain that this realisation is at the heart of the Republic sprat which he recently threw out for discussion.
Given the above, how could he NOT be one of the major causes for our retrogression? How could any thinking non-partisan person not see that, with attributes like these, it would be almost impossible that a steep decline, such as we’ve suffered, was not occasioned in large part by the current leadership.
He is the ultimate outlier in the pantheon of PM’s in this Island.
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are-we-there-yet May 26, 2015 at 4:50 PM #
ARE YOU SAYING THAT FUMBLE IS A TOP BRASS BOWL?
OR IS HE THE HEAD OF THE BRASS BOWLS?
DO YOU THINK THAT WHAT THE WICB, LLOYD AND SIMMONS DID TO CHANDERPAUL IS PATHOCRACY?
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@ Walter Blackman May 26, 2015 at 12:12 PM,
I am slightly puzzled with your reply. I am not a politician running for an election; so why did you deem it necessary to delve into the archives to highlight a minor discrepancy. Good lord, am I supposed to be on trial?
Our worlds are very different. I grew up in London where I witnessed at first hand the dynamics of groups and individuals who held revolutionary views. More to the point, I learnt that those groups who fought for their rights made giant strides at all levels: economic, social and politically.
I can remember the power of the UK trade union movement in the seventies where they had the power to bring down governments. I can recall when the government of Iran shot and killed a female British police officer (Yvonne Fletcher) on UK soil. As a youngster I remember vividly how the IRA brought there bombing campaign over to mainland England. They brought terror to the streets of Birmingham, London and other towns and cities. One of the most savage revolutionary acts that remains etched in my head was the literal butchering of a male police officer (PC Blakelock) who was hacked to death by a baying mob in the infamous Broad Water Farm estate in Tottenham, North London. This death was due to the untimely death of a black woman who passed away when the police raided her home. Well, Tottenham erupted and the black community with the aid of others gave the “Police a bloody good hiding!” These words were used by one of Britain’s first black parliamentarians – Bernie Grant (Guyanese).
Walter if you want change be prepared to agitate. Again I would ask you to view the link at May 24, 2015 at 3:46 AM
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GP;
Re. FS, Yes! I think he is the ultimate BB (as an extension of the definition of that species by BT) and I also think that he leads a cabinet and government made up predominantly by certifiable BBs, with just perhaps one or two exceptions.
Re. the WICBC and the absolutely ridiculous situation with Chanderpaul that the Chairman sought to deflect by floating a prior suggestion that Chanders should be honoured when he obviously knew what they had planned, I say No!
I think it could however qualify as one of the elements or indicators that several WI organizations, Islands and Institutions are combined in giving effect to totally pathocratic situations but Pathocracy is an ultimate unmistakeable situation achievable only by Governments.
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@ Exclaimer
We almost always agree with you.
However in reading your 08:08 comment we think the time has come to consider how we can traverse ‘knowledge’ and move to ‘wisdom’. For even the abundance of knowledge just ain’t hacking it anymore. Wickedness is prospering now, more than ever.
Wisdom is seen, inter alia, as an ability to look beyond the facade of the sets of meaningless narratives presented to find deeper truths. These truths are rarely reductionist. They liberate the human spirit and may spark revolution.
Knowledge is unfortunately based on several implicit assumptions which keep the status quo dominate. It keeps the neo-liberal structure in place – the BLP-DLP duopoly. It wrongly assumes that human development is linear. That history only progresses to betterment. That time is not dynamic. That we cannot fall back to a state like, for instance, The Dark Ages, for Europeans. It dresses up itself in words like ‘hope’ even when we are more impoverished than before.
Advances in technology, diffusion of ‘education’, are seemingly ending up as mere hi-tech control apparati. Even when you win the ‘logical’ argument nothing changes. Even when things appear to change, we get more of the same. Even when we think we have greater freedoms there is higher controls.
We say its time to engage a radical human spirit! The esoteric, maybe?
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Exclaimer, do you actually believe that a violent -vi et armis as the Latin says – overthrow by Bajan blacks, of a black government duly elected with-eyes-wide-open by those same black Bajans will bring about fundamental change that moves this nation forward?
If there was any substance to such a thought I would ask you to summarily sketch out a play-book of such an event that shows a clear path of long term success and gains for the oppressive black masses of whom you speak but I know that’s a fool’s errand.
The fundamental take away from other bloggers above is that the Bajan masses have perpetuated this ‘plantation’. Not the politicians but those who elected them.
And if that does not tell you that any uprising would be a repeat of Orwells’s ‘Animal Farm’ then you need to revisit your psychology on this island’s citizens.
Simply stated sir, anarchy or ANY level of violence is not and never will be a viable option here.
By the ballot box and courts – as bad as they are – because what’s the benefit to violently replace one group and install another group which quickly acts just like the first group and then we have to take many years to rebuild our country operations.
How does that help the oppressed masses?
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Donna,
I can’t help but to laugh when I see modern man still entertaining the dream of this perfect human society, erected on utopean- ideals and which continues to eludes him. Tell me how is it possible to construct a perfect human society with the social, political and economic ingredients, taken from an imperfect world?
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We too often forget that old American adage which says that:” When we plan that we ought to do so with the Devil in the details.”
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@ Donna
The problem with refusing to deal with reality is that it always comes back to bite you in the tail…. you know how some things taste good for the short time in your mouth…and then hurt your belly and behind for MUCH longer….
@ Pachamama May 26, 2015 at 8:58 AM
You are saying the exact same thing as Bushie said…..before awty’s correction… 🙂
@ are-we-there-yet
WRT Froon being a special class of brass bowl…
Bushie stands corrected…
LOL…the previous leaders were on the wrong side of the common sense fence, but shiite man, Froon is completely off the damn field….
@ GP
Terence writes well.
If it is any consolation to you…he probably believes the “Trinity” shiite too…. but is smart enough not to bring it to BU….
You REALLY need to get over having Bushie ‘up your craw’….
shiite fella, ….you seem incapable of forgetting the Bushman’s old comments….
Don’t take these things so personally boss….. you are not THAT important in the overall scheme of things… just ‘breeze’ …and take it easy….
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oh sage I COMMENDED TERRENCE FOR “RAISING THE BAR” ALTHOUGH it is true that I was mocking when I did so
DO YOU THINK HE GETS HIS FACTS ON WICKEPEDIA? LOL
re Don’t take these things so personally boss….. you are not THAT important in the overall scheme of things… just ‘breeze’ …and take it easy….
what you expect? I not very intelligent, YOU FORGET?
you have no idea how easy I tekking it
I WAS HERE listening to some good pointing of the Psalms for nigh on 4 hours BY SOME GOOD ENGLISH CHOIRS
I GUESS I WAS LEARNING THEM BY ROTE
now listening to TOCATTA AND FUGUE IN D
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Exclaimer May 26, 2015 at 6:27 PM #
“@ Walter Blackman May 26, 2015 at 12:12 PM,
I am slightly puzzled with your reply. I am not a politician running for an election; so why did you deem it necessary to delve into the archives to highlight a minor discrepancy. Good lord, am I supposed to be on trial?”
Exclaimer,
No. You are not on trial.
I delved into the archives to make you ponder and reflect a little.
The archives show that I believe we are at a stage where we need to get a critical mass of people to accept the fact that our problems exist.
You have the ability to contribute to the effort. Just because you understand the problem, dont believe for one moment that every one understands it. That mental acuity is your gift.
However, you must be careful. Let me show you what I mean.
Through your threads, you have made strident calls for most attention to be focused on the masses, however defined. You see their problems, and already have formulated a few solutions. You are energetically calling out for others to join together and fight, fight, fight for “your” masses.
Meanwhile, in his article, Mr. Blackett is telling us that a structure has been established that is very efficient at diverting money and resources from your masses. They don’t know that. How do you get them to understand that?
Let us imagine for one moment, Exclaimer, that we lifted you up and threw you among the Barbadian masses as their leader. Charged with the responsibility of articulating their major concerns, let us pretend that you addressed them thus:
“My dear masses,
Our worlds are very different. I grew up in London.
The film Battle of Algiers @ 3.46 is a clear indication of how to plan for a revolution.
I would suggest to you that a good starting point for implementing changes in Barbados would be to draw up a plan for regaining the beaches on the west coast, particularly in St James.
Access to the beach should be the first stage in the battle for change.
The erected fences which block access to public beaches should be ripped down – immediately!
Thank you.”
If a black Exclaimer made that speech, the masses would be nudging each other and saying “Oh, Lord. Another mad one from England.”
If a businessman Exclaimer made that speech, the masses would try to out-applaud each other and then rush to beg him for a job as soon as he has finished.
If a white tourist Exclaimer made that speech, some of the the masses won’t care about the speech. They would be looking for clues as to whether Exclaimer wants drugs, sex, entertainment, or robbing.
I am not knocking you Exclaimer, just simply trying to show you how depressed economic conditions can create and harden attitudes based on personal survival. A critical mass has already reached the stage where they can be easily bought. They have adopted a myopic “what’s in it for me?” approach to almost everything. How do you get them to accept that that is a problem?
Hopefully you see the enormity of the task. Find a way to help educate.
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An African role model?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32877213
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D Ingrunt Word May 25, 2015 at 12:36 PM
“Walter,
So according to you I am a noisemaker to push those who expound on problems well known to also give some form of solution or plan that can show a path towards a resolution.”
D Ingrunt Word,
According to me, you are a noisemaker because Mr. Blackett is bringing the existence of some problems and their genesis to the attention of readers, and you are claiming that you had a 50-year headstart on Mr. Blackett and that his effort is of little value.
50 years ago, you knew these problems existed. So what happened to you since 1965? Did you fall into a deep state of mental aridity and have now awakened, as a premature Rip Van Winkle, to harrass those of us who are alive in 2015 for solutions?
If you pause for a moment, you will hear 2 peals of laughter coming from Bush Tea after hearing you beg for solutions.
You merited the first peal because Bushie, a veritable poster boy of cynicism, has been repeatedly stressing that, as far as Barbados is concerned, the only solutions left are infeasible ones. Sack cloth and ashes, is how he phrases it.
Peal two you deserve because Mr. Blackett’s article is political in nature, and by extension, you are impatiently begging for political solutions. Just for starters, do you agree with the political solutions embedded in the BU 10 point plan? Have you seen the need to comment on any of them? Or are you going to claim that no one took time to make sure you understand the problems that the BU 10 point plan is trying to solve?
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Change the politician corrupted nature and you will change the many wrongs he has and continues committ against the ill-represented in our society today. History has taught US that no amount of CHECKS as well as BALANCES, can quell the corruptive side of Man’s nature. Walking through the hall of Congress one day, a red blooded American asked Sir Alexander Hamilton who happened to be born in the Caribbean: why was government instituted in the first place? And Hamilton looked that boy in his eyes and said as I quote:” Because the PASSIONS of men wouldn’t conformed to the dictates of REASON and JUSTICE without CONSTRAINTS.” And it is funny how these CONSTRAINTS which Hamilton spoke so long ago about are a discussion yet to be had regarding the irregularities and improprieties of movers and shakers who traverses the political halls there in Bridgetown.
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@ GP
“…..I GUESS I WAS LEARNING THEM BY ROTE
now listening to TOCATTA AND FUGUE IN D”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You should really try and get some sleep when the nights come, and rest those old eyes…
…….you think you is David (BU) or wuh?
…else next you will be using CAPS BOLD…. 🙂
Thanks for clarifying these ongoing references to Bushie’s past comments…. for a moment there it sounded like they were REALLY getting to you.. and keeping you awake…. LOL ha ha ha
@ Walter
Skippa, you continue to surprise Bushie with your perception…
If only we had recognised and valued talents such as yours 20 years ago and encouraged persons such as yourself (and GP) to remain at home and to bring their special perspectives to the development of the country ….Barbados could have been a different place altogether.
…..instead, we went with the Alan Fields, Bizzies, Frank McConnies, Leroy Parris, Wilkinsons etc….. So we are where we are…
Caswell was our last hope.
Unfortunately, like Jonah, instead of heading for Nineveh as instructed and bringing the populace to repentence, he jump into a boat called “Unity” and heading out to sea….
Bushie warned him that there are ingrunt whales out there that can swallow him whole…
You (probably correctly,) have labeled the sack cloth and ashes option as “infeasible”. …leaving only the Sodom and Gomorrah solution to the levels of wickedness currently endemic in our beloved country……
A potentially sad end to a brilliant pilot project by BBE….
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Walter, you picked on the facetious 2nd form/50 year remark. OK. Easy one.
Please give me your take on some of the other more pertinent and non-facetious comments. If you are serious that is.
I think we all understand Mr Blacket’s political commentary.
As a comparison, cancer exists sir. If you are comfortable with another exposition of the aspects and context of cancer by another learned oncologist then I am happy for you.
But as a possible cancer patient – who isn’t – I personally and millions more could care less about what the doctor says of what is already very readily available. I am much more interested in his views of new modalities of treatment or new possible cures.
You know like your 4 point plan. A solution.
Yes, I have looked at the BU 10 point plan but really not sure what that has to do with this.
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@ D Ingrunt Word
Bushie told you already that you are a cricket expert. You know the game, the history, …the nuances…..
The complex issues of life are however, not like cricket….and your BU name comes into play when you delve there…
If you think that a cancer analogy is a good ‘comparison’ to the article, then your previous statement about ‘ all understanding the commentary’ is flawed …cause clearly YOU fail to understand it.
You inability to grasp the relevance of the BU 10 point Plan to the current moot ALSO shows you ‘ingrunce’ of the issues of life.
Boss…the REAL issues of life on earth are SPIRITUAL in nature. The physical consequences to which (y)our senses are limited merely REFLECT the spiritual realities. The problems facing Barbados (and the rest of the world) cannot be solved by physical, financial or such interventions, ….but ONLY by addressing the UNDERLYING spiritual imbalances….. the unrighteousness …..the institutional dishonesty ….the lack of justice …the lack of wisdom.
It is NOT like cricket where you can just drop Chanderpaul …or bring on a new fast bowler…
BTW
…not one shiite is wrong with cancer.
If you don’t die from hunger, war, accident, natural disaster, crime or some such shiite.. …wuh you GOTTA DIE from something….
You plan to live forever? ….fuh wuh?
The best “treatment” for cancer is a clean and pure life …UP FRONT.
All the fancy ‘cures’ that are being pursued are just spitting in the air
…VERY MUCH like your non-spiritual solutions to our perilous problems are …..
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Bushie,
For once you and I are in agreement. As I said before Barbadians at this time are for the most part spiritually bankrupt. We need to meditate on our behavior and what it has brought us to but we (and I use that word loosely) are too busy wukking up to very loud noise which drowns out our conscience. Have you noticed how everything has to be loud these days. How many people sit in a quiet house for more than a few minutes without the television or radio on? People cannot stand quiet. In the quiet they start to think. They cannot stand their own thoughts. They refuse to face any issue until it bites out a huge chunk of their gyrating bumpers.
Dompey,
The world will never be perfect with man in charge but there is still a minority of people who know there is a better way. We have to work to convert those who are still reachable so as to lessen the damage that mankind does to himself. We can make the world a better, though still imperfect place. And we will have to work to maintain any strides we make because things tend to regress over a period of time. The struggle never ends. The battle between good and evil is ongoing.
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Bushie my ingrunce is ingrained, like the color of my skin, so its the type of thing I really can’t do much about. Just gotta manage it carefully, yes.
I can agree with you on spiritual faith and its singular importance to each of us. On a real and meaningful perspective faith is an individual contact between you and your God.
But how do we make righteous the unrighteous exactly? How does “ONLY addressing..the spiritual imbalances…” work? WHO will help us address that?
You always speak so forcibly of the faith and that being the only way to get us out of the mess we are in but yet the physical church in Barbados and the world has perpetuated numerous sinful, un-Godly acts.
So good sir, do not be confused.
I like the cricket and know a little bit; and believe it or not I do also understand the nuances of the Faith and know a little bit but I surely would not try to talk of that because the many anointed saints will cuss and rant and excoriate any illiterates like me; all in the name of God.
Cussing in the name of the Lord. I presume if crusades can be righteous killing in the Faith then so too can cussing.
We can agree that we need more righteous people. Where and how to get them to that point is where my ingrunce overtakes me!
So I really ain’t sure how that supplication alone will get us to a solution.
Let me stick wid de cricket and other mundane matters.
And btw Chanderpaul clearly knew he needed at least one excellent score against England to make this series. His omission may be tough but it certainly is not unjust or dare I say, unrighteous!
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Bushie,
There are still more than ten people here for whom Abraham could advocate . Heck, seems like there’s more than that on this blog alone! We just have to get up off our behinds and pews and work!
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LOL @ Word
You are perfectly correct on Chanderpaul….as expected….but still at sea on “how do we make righteous the unrighteous exactly? ” Unfortunately, the latter is the ONLY real challenge facing currently mankind…..solve that and we have perfection…
You then went on to mention the ” physical Church” in Barbados….the only set of people in Barbados who will suffer more than the thieving, greedy, selfish, dishonourable politicians…
…these are the people who are meant to address this CRITICAL question of “making the unrighteous righteous”….
THESE are intended to awake and warn the brass bowls of the dire consequences of ignoring spiritual realities and of focusing on short term kadooment distractions….
THESE are the ones that should be whacking. ….not stinking Bushie…
…not cussing Bushie….
…Bushie should be down by Islandgal getting some breadfruit cou cou and salt fish…
…or si-ine so…
Talking bout cussing though….try not to be distracted with trivia….
“cussing” is simply a style of language ….effective PRECISELY because it bothers a particular set of “highty tighty” nobodies who think themselves special- when they are really filthy inside …when the heart is examined…
….consider the “sorts” that Jesus CHOSE to associate with…
….FISHERMEN, wine-bibers and Sea Cat women 🙂
What….do you think they spoke the Queen’s English then old chap????
yuh gotta call shiite …”shiite” …..else you are just like a empty cymbal – like Froon – with a lotta Shakespeare words ….with Ossie Moore meanings….
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@ Donna
…name five!
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D Igrunt Word,
The apostles were practising Jews, as was Jesus, who came out of a religious system which had been corrupted by its leaders. Building on the relationship with God started in the synagogues they formed the Church. This was because they had received a new revelation of God through the life and death of Jesus the Christ. Over time, even in the days they were still alive, the Church became corrupt. Once man is involved this will happen. The few that have not been corrupted can still work to spread the true message that was received through Jesus. The corrupted church may have lost its way but there will always be the faithful few who remain true to the Word and these must work to reclaim lost ground. The message that Jesus preached was a powerful one. When one reads it one can feel it in one’s heart that this is the way to go. Simply this, “Love the Lord your God…. and love your neighbour as you love yourself. Do to others what you would have them do to you. Be your brother’s keeper.” The fundamentals are easy to understand but man has confused the message because he wants more than his share of respect and resources. Forget the former sins and the current sins of the Church. It is and always has been made up of flawed people. Strive to be one of the faithful few who fight for the integrity of the Church. The battle is ongoing!
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With Goddards Enterprises Limited now teaming up with T&T, this is the final nail in the coffin of Commerce Barbados (1627and 1966) Ltd.
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• Here are the contents of two slides from a presentation I am to make soon that outline the prophesy, and progression of the “church”, during the Church age or the Age of Grace.
• Seven historical churches were selected by the Lord that embodied the characteristics that would be (and have been) exhibited by the “church” during the Church age or the Age of Grace.
• These characteristics are representative of what can clearly be seen today, and what historically came to pass.
• Ephesus represents the Apostolic & the (post Apostolic Church) (A.D. 33 to A.D. 100). —Revelation 2:1-7
• Smyrna represents the church of the martyrs ( the persecuted church)(A.D. 100 to A.D. 313). —Revelation 2:8-11
• Pergamos represents the period of pa¬gan Rome (the patronized or state church) (A.D. 313 to A.D. 590). –Revelation 2:12-17
• Thyatira rep¬resents papal Rome of the dark ages to the 16th century (the Papal church) (A.D. 590 to A.D. 1517). –Revelation 2:18-29
• Sardis is the church of the Renaissance and the Reformation- the Protestant church) (A.D. 1517 to A.D. 1792).– Revelation 3:1-6
• Philadephia (the practical church) is the missionary church of the revival of the 19th century (A.D. 1792 to A.D. 1914).– Revelation 3:7-13
• Laodicea (the present day church)is the end time apostate church (A.D. 1914 to the second coming of Christ). –Revelation 3:14-22
• Ephesus sets before us FUNDAMENTALISM -It was the FORMAL CHURCH
• Smyrna had a problem with RITUALISM- It was the FEARFUL CHURCH
• Pergamos had a problem with CLERICALISM- It was the FALTERING CHURCH
• Thyatira had a problem with SACERDOTALISM- It was the FALSE CHURCH
• Sardis had a problem with LIBERALISM- It was the FRUITLESS CHURCH
• Philadephia existence of REVIVALISM- It was the FEEBLE CHURCH
• Laodicea has the problem of MATERIALISM- It is the FASHIONABLE CHURCH
WE LIVE IN A DAY WHEN MOST OF CHRISTENDOM ARE APOSTATE AS IS CLEARLY DESCRIBED AND PREDICTED IN 2 PETER 2 & the book of JUDE vs 3-17
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Bushie,
Well, I’m not perfect. I’m struggling to overcome a bad temper which erupts when confronted by your brass bowls. Sometimes have a “trivial” problem when that happens. (Don’t always call them “brass bowls”) But my heart is in the right place. And so, I believe is yours. There’s Caswell ( who was very impressive and helpful when I spoke to him at the NUPW). There’s David, D Igrunt Word, Walter Blackman and all the others who are fed up with things as they are and are obviously crying out for social justice. This whether they recognize it or not is a desire that originates with your BBE. That’s six and counting, Bushie!
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Bushie,
Well, I’m obviously not perfect (got a bad temper and a “trivial” problem when confronted with your “brass bowls’) but my heart is in the right place. And so I believe is yours. There’s your “main man” Caswell who was very nice and helpful when I spoke to him at NUPW. There’s D Ingrunt Word, Walter Blackman, The Observer and of course David and all the other contributors who are tired of man’s way and long for social justice which whether they believe it or not is God’s way – part of your BBE’s original plan.
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Oops! Thought it was lost so did a retype. Sorry!
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LOL @ Donna
Bushie was thinking that you were repeating for emphasis …or to boost the number of people… ha ha ha
Have you considered the condition that YOU premised this count…?
“….for whom Abraham could advocate”…
Abraham was not an easy fella yuh….
That man was gonna butcher his OWN son …just because BBE told him to…
…and you counting a cuss-bird like Bushie and a hard-ears trouble tree like Caswell in your list?
…you serious?
LOL …and you obviously did not know Walter B when he was growing up …. talk ’bout TROUBLE!!! ….and the only thing he change is domicile……
Look Mistress! …so far you have David (BU) and possibly Pat (but she up in Canada) …. so you looking for 4 more (and don’t come with D Word either) – we ain’t picking a group of selectors to replace Lloyd when the WICB fire him for focusing on performance instead of show….
Pieceuhderock is not eligible either …causing he and that sister Headley (yuh notice the name?) gotta be up to something more than feeding the homeless when the day come…
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Bushie,
You mean Caswell more hard- ears than Peter? And as for you, you cannot fool me with a few cusswords because I’m from a fisher family. The “brass bowls” try our patience. As for Walter, nothing gets done without a little trouble. De Word is seeking answers and that is the beginning of knowledge. We are a motley crew just like the first apostles. Perfect!
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Shiite Donna..
What manner of woman are you…?
Bushie is impressed…
There MAY be some light at the end of the tunnel after all …
..unless is it the Froon train barrelling down on us…!! 🙂
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Well Bushie,
The brass bowls call me a mad woman. And no, it’s not the Froon train. This train is a holy train. On board are the people who have tried man’s way and are sick of the journey through this hell.
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“Unless the LORD builds the house ( Family, village, parish, NATION!) They labor in VAIN who build it. Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”(Psa. 127:1) emphasis added.
There is simply NO way around it, it IS* EITHER/OR, but NOT BOTH/AND
In the lush natural reserve (Eden) that God created, were found TWO TREES, that are the KEY to EVERYTHING that follows in ALL HUMAN history. They were the physical means God used to transact SPIRITUAL REALITIES. The tree of LIFE* is associated with experiencing the LIFE of God, including immortality. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil, represents human autonomy, that IS* SELF-RULE, an assumed independence FROM God in ALL areas of life. (Spirit Filled Life Bible, p.7) emphasis added.
We ARE literally at the LINEAR End-Time, era, generation of God’s Time-table, for mankind on earth; they are NO solutions for any of our social, economic, political, et al maze of societal problems, other than REPENTANCE to God the Father, In, By, and Through THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The CHOICE is each and everyone’s to make. Choose LIFE or DEATH! Both of which carry ETERNAL consequences, NO Souls sleep or annihilation either, for the LOST souls, who volitionally, and stubbornly REFUSED God’s GRACE, MERCY, LOVE and forgiveness, offered and extended in, by and through THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
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The Central Bank of Barbados reported a loss of $3.7 Million at the end of December 2013, and a further $7.3 Million at the end of December 2014,bringing the accumulated deficit at the end of December 2014, to $22.1 Million.
And these are the same people who want to sell Barbadians Government Bonds?
If Leroy Parris’s Clico can fleece Bajans, not to mention Trade Confirmers and CCCB, why not the Sinkler and Stuart Barbados Government?
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@ Bush Tea
My name get call?
I din bout heah fuh one day AND, not only my name get call, BUT Sis Headley name get call too.
I did had was to go back and read dese articles and see why i get me name call for AND, of all people I see dat was call me name, it was Bush Tea who leggo my secret.
I really hope de madam and dem udder ummens dat I does send my greetings to here from time to time doan see dese spurious remarks relative to Me and Mistress Headley. You would tink dat I did say “Me and Mrs Jones” a la Billy Paul
And by de way doan include de ole man in dese long term nation building exercises causing, given dat i in de departure lounge, I ent want dat as soon as wunna elect me to de House de nex ting wunna got to do is tex de gun carriage and walk all ovah Bridgetown behind my sorry behind like dem do wid David Thompson.
Bush Tea, you tink dat AC and Asinus gine come to give me a wave off?
I moreso tink dat dem gine come and pelt two or three gunshots down in de coffin to mek sure dat i gone home in trufe and Asinus gine pee in de grave…
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Pieces,
We are not speaking about political service we are speaking about spiritual and community service. To cut a long story short for you, Bushie was all for solving Bim’s problems with fire and brimstone a la Sodom and Gomorrah and I said that there were still more than ten people for whom Abraham could advocate. He challenged me to name five. Then he took issue with my list (which incidentally didn’t specifically include you as It wasn’t an exhaustive list). That is when he called your name as not being eligible because of your supposed shenanigans with Sister Headley.
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LOL @ Piece
…sorry Boss,
..but Donna was looking to find five Bajans of virtuous character to try to save Bim from the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah….. and called some dubious names in the process….
Bushie was just trying to preempt her getting to some other potential candidate names in vain…
Miss Headley is your Eve
…and Islandgal is Bushie’s…
…so um looks like we will burn…. and David (BU) better ensure that the mistress don’t look back ….else he going suck salt…. 🙂
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Bushie,
Didn’t say anything about virtuous character. Just talking about people who have a heart that the Father could work with. We all sin at some time, Bushie. I’d wager that neither you, nor David (BU), nor Pieces have done what King David did for lust and yet he was a man after the Father’s heart.
Don’t get tie up! Ain’t no “self-righteous” people anywhere! We are made righteous in Christ.
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Wait Donna…
You is a Bajan…?
wuh you don’t sound like nuh kinda bowl….. You from Grenada or St Vincent right…?
You DO know that David always kept a set of sack cloth and ashes handy….?
You ALSO know that the Father CHOSE David…..even as a shepherd boy…
“Many are called….but few are CHOSEN….”
…so now we are looking for five (imperfect) Bajans, but wearing sack cloth….. or who have been chosen…
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Bushie,
I’m not taking about persons being chosen for high office or as rulers or anything so grand. I’m speaking about people who have some spark of the Father in them who are worth having their lives not snuffed out by fire and brimstone a la Sodom and Gomorrah. I’m speaking bout people who have even a partial vision of a world as the Father intended it. I’m speaking about people desirous of making a contribution to what we know to be the Master plan in any way no matter how small. I work in a very small corner. Some of us have a wider scope. My reference to King David was just to show that being sinless is not necessary for being worthy of God’s consideration. Because if it was then we’d all be doomed.
I’m a Bajan born in England, Bushie. Or to use the Bajan brass bowl terminology – I’m mad!
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@ Donna
“……I’m not taking about persons being chosen for high office or as rulers or anything so grand”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bushie neither….
Born in England is it…?
…it COULD NOT have been Barbados….. 🙂
Too rational….
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De Ole man has two observations to make.
One is a reply to Simple Simon’s or Diana’s (??) observation on the blog about FIFA (I think) about a correlation between “Ugly ole gargoyles” and (the pudenda of) the younger fairer sex…de young tings as Baffy wud call dem
This has long been the ole man’s thesis and it has been proven under the selective application of “Newtons Law of Gravitational Force” which speaks to the attraction between two bodies being proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to some ting else. me son, de one who does wuk at the *** bank, know bout them tings
http://image.slidesharecdn.com/astrotalk-150314091218-conversion-gate01/95/planetary-motion-the-simple-physics-behind-the-heavenly-bodies-3-638.jpg?cb=1426324437
Ugly Ole Menses = Gargoyles = $$ (sometimes ergo my use of selective)
Young sexy girls = no $$
Therefore the “attraction” between the gargoyles and the young tings (heavenly and not so heavenly bodies) is “directly proportionate to” the amount of money in de ole menses pockets and inversely proportional to the square of “the emptiness of the young girl head and her empty purse”
I am however now working on another of Newton’s laws regarding gravity as such relates to pudendas and “phalanges” and the inability of “the dead” to be raised.
I must admit that I have come to a impassible point which I am calling the Lazarus effect and am prepare to rely on the more knowledgeable Zoe and Dr. GP with regard to this ecclesiastical component of my thesis.
I am inclined to offer that “the jowls and puffy eyes” on the faces of these gargoyles are not gravity at work as has been proposed by one of my cyberspace brethren, but are the result of people sitting on one’s face, (to compensate for the Lazarus effect)
@ Bush Tea and Diana
The second speaks to “boundaries”
Dere is a man up here by me that is about 90 years old and he more hearty and sprightly than me, he still riding he bicycle and ting.
The last time he went to bridgetown was in 1969!! He ent been back since.
His conversations, and commensurate mental horizons are resultedly lacking, euphemism fud de man doah a likeable fellow is an idjut) BECAUSE he did not went no where outside his community!!
Now earlier I spoke about gravity and being that you are educated people you are not of the opinion that “if we travel too far to the east in a boat we will fall off the face of the earth”
This is the issue facing our country at so many levels, an inability to go outside of these “boundaries” which have been engrained into our psyche over the years”
What we have is “a cadre of Redifusion men and women” who, when they heard the hooves of Kid Grayson Rides the Range that first Saturday morning wondered, and are still wondering, “how my fadder get dem horses up in that box pun de wall in the corner”
Diana, I is not gine comment bout de Englant ting doah, I ent going axe you how long you did live there…because while wunna does really got “no boundaries” causing wunna is a travelled lot, I still wukking pun a theory bout ammmm… tings and de ole man gine lef it deah…
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Pieces,
It’s Donna not Diana and I left still a child but with a spirit of inquiry and an open mind and since I had been the only black kid in the school and the only black member of an adoptive white family I learnt very quickly how to stick out like a sore thumb and not care a fig.
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Read my lips. THERE WILL BE NO MORE LAYOFFS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. errrrrrrrrr that is after we send home a host of employees at BIDC, in a more inhumane style that what the union and Government of Barbados seem to be accusing the Barbados Light and Power of. Bajans learn very quickly. In true EMERA’s (Canada) style, some BIDC workers were escorted off the compound by security guards.
But have you noticed,the reverse Stalin concept where, factories and industries in Barbados are closing down,while mega churches and Kadooment Bandhouses are on the increase.
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Lack of transparency in public matters is one of the indicators of pathocratic behaviours and the most recent edition of Barbados Today reports that Government has recently signed a 300 million deal with Jada to construct a plasma gasification plant in Barbados.
If this is so, is this part of the agreement signed with Cahill, which if my memory serves me correctly, also has an agreement for the construction of a Plasma Gasification plant with Government, the source of funds for which was to be Cahill investors with no need for Barbados direct funding?
Yuh know anyting bout dat Due Diligence?
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@ Pachamama May 26, 2015 at 7:02 PM,
Your above comments are very deep. However I do not have a full understanding of what you are trying to convey. Could you break it down for me please.
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