The Caswell Franklyn Column – Prime Minister Stuart Causing Much Anxiety
Caswell Franklyn, Head of Unity Workers Union
BU shares the Caswell Franklyn Nation newspaper column – he is the General Secretary of Unity Workers Union and BU Contributor.
NOT ALL BLACK AND WHITE: PM causing much anxiety
RECENTLY, THE Prime Minister threw many government workers into shock and panic when he declared that the Governor General has power to compulsorily retire public officers at 60 years of age.
He cited certain sections of the Pensions Act, Chapter 25 of the Laws of Barbados and concluded that this power is exercisable in much the same way as the board of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation had done with its employees who had passed that age.
I received many frantic queries from public officers who are approaching 60 years of age and who are now worried about the prospect of a forced unplanned retirement. Their fears were understandable when you consider that the Prime Minister spoke with such passion and conviction. If I were in their place, I would have been worried too, if I didn’t know any better.
The compulsory age of retirement in the Public Service is presently sixty-six and a half years. However, as the PM pointed out, in accordance with section 11 of the Pensions Act, the Governor General can retire a certain class of officer at age 55 years; and according to section 13B other officers can be compulsorily retired, by the Governor General at 60 years of age. But it is not as simple as the PM would have us believe. He neglected or omitted to say that the Governor General can only exercise that power on the advice of the Public Service Commission, after they had conducted or ordered an inquiry into an officer’s conduct.
The PM ought to be aware or someone should tell him that the compulsory retirement, of a person who had not reached retirement age, is a penalty that can be imposed on an officer who has been found guilty of committing an offence of a serious nature. The Third Schedule of the Public Service Act (the Code of Discipline in the Public Service) states at paragraph 6:
6. (1) The penalties that may be imposed on an officer against whom a disciplinary charge constituting misconduct of a serious nature is proved are as follows:
(a) suspension on half pay for a period not in excess of 6 months;
(b) reduction in rank;
(c) suspension of future increments for a period not exceeding 2 years;
(d) reprimand in writing;
(e) compulsory retirement; or
(f) dismissal.
When a public officer is found guilty of misconduct of a serious nature, and it is determined that his/her services should be terminated, there are two options – dismissal or compulsory retirement. It was called compulsory resignation under the 1978 Public Service Regulations. In the event of a dismissal, the officer forfeits his/her pension.
If the officer is compulsorily retired that person is allowed to retain the pension and gratuity. Compulsory retirement in the Public Service is therefore a more humane form of punishment but a punishment nonetheless, that cannot be imposed whimsically or to balance the budget.
As if scaring the living daylights out of unsuspecting public officers, who are approaching their 60th birthday were not enough, the PM took aim at trade unionists who refused to practice their calling according to the script that had been prepared for them by politicians. He accused them of not following the process of the much vaunted Social Partnership.
When in opposition, Mr Stuart was one of the most ardent critics of the Social Partnership. Apparently, his views have evolved to the point where he now seems to be one of the most passionate supporters of that arrangement. I, like many other right-thinking Barbadians, supported his views, on the Social Partnership, when he was in opposition. He cannot now expect all of us to have the same Saul to Paul conversion that inflicted him. To expect such could only be described as a monstrous perversion of common sense.
Caswell Franklyn is the general secretary of the Unity Workers Union and a social commentator. Email: caswellf@hotmail.com
– See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/70329/black-white-pm-causing-anxiety#sthash.hPvNEebc.dpuf
Barbados Underground 
@ Prodigal,
You know how many known felons, thieves and rapists who, after greasing a man’s palm, or pooch, I did not say Parris) find themselves “washed clean of all their sins” and no longer pariah nor still able to have unprotected sex, notwithstanding the Anti-Retroviral Drugs that you are known to be on?
DEM fellows does phvck up royally but dem friends ovah seas does tek care uh dem.
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LOl…….piece, you could be right, yeh!
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@Prodigal
you said “Wow, this sums up the DLP……………. the supporters are ignorant as shi..rte!”
Prodigal, I see Lammie Craig taught you well. Anyone that does not support the BLP in your opinion is “ignorant as shi*te”. It is that kind of nasty, mean spirited behavior and speech that has sowed the seeds of hate in many countries around the world leading neighbours in some extreme cases to turn on each other.
We are too small for that type of hate speech Prodigal. I sincerely hope that you speak out of an intoxicated state and not reflecting the views of the official opposition. You will win them no votes with such statements.
Some people might think you are “ignorant as shi*te” Prodigal but I would never say that all BLP supporters are in that category. I will see if you are man or woman enough to change your statement or head further down the gutter. The ball is in your court.
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Bajanfuhlife
These people do not seem to get it through their tough skulls that we all view life from many different angles of visions. What troubles me most about these BLP savants is the fact that they can’t seem to entertain the thought that some of us have a right to our own opinion, irrespective of its intellectual content. Isn’t that what the essence of democracy in the western hemisphere is all about: freedom of choice within frontier of constitutional protection? Bajanfuhreal, could it be that we are witnessing a new phenomenon in the making: that the BU savants are hardwired different than the rest of us? In any event, Bush tea is best that I be frank and ask you this question I am quite sure some here are curious ask: are you craving for the attention that you haven’t gotten when you were a child left to own accorded to roam the desolated streets of Barbados with your finger in your mouth. This dude seems to think that the only way to win an argument is by employing character assassination tactics. What a Poor soul. Bushie, how about focusing more on the topic before deliberation and leave puerile attacks to the young men and women who are yet to take up residency here on BU?
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Artax
I find much more pleasure in responding to Bushie ignorance, than your failing effort in trying to school me on the proper employment of the English Language, as though you and many other here aren’t guilt of its misuse from time to time. Artar, I think your time would be better spent trying educate Bajan kids on the art of frying pancake, rather than trying to educate me or anyone else on a subject which has could many a reporter great difficulty. Brother, thank but no thank for your English lesson because you ain’t that smart in my book after all.
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Artax, I am quite sure you’re gifted with an English usage sharpened on the wetstone of the Queen’s English. lol
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Stop telling lies DO Caswell…!!
What respond to what Bushie ignorance what…?!?
Bushie has been ignorantly pushing you for YEARS now to use your unique GOD-given talents to help save this land of brass bowls from itself ..and you ain’t say a thing…..
Even ordinary Bajans are now seeing you as a straight-talking representative of down-to-earth common sense – and as a fellow who could hold his own with the best of them (except of course Bushie who knows you better that you know yourself…) ha ha
…and not a response from you…
…except some shiite bout “you ain’t interested in politics…” ….as if it is about what YOU want…
THAT is what you need to respond to….not shiite talk about a flawed voting system…
BTW …Bushie still waiting to hear you provide us with the value of having unique marks on each ballot in a National election….
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The news breaking over night is that government read BRA has agreed to pull back and restart negotiation. The option forms have been rescinded. What has to wonder.
@Caswell
Your Union was not mentioned. Is it your members continue the go slow?
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A picture of pure joy and happiness. The New Star boy Union leader.
http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/70528/-slow
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The unions appear to be clawing back some ground Hants but remember a battle was won but the war beckons.
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@ David
COMMON SENSE is knowing when you do not have a winning hand and acting accordingly.
These idiots listened to AC and play ‘big-powerful’….
Now, having been brought down to earth on this issue (and the BIDC) by the unions (LED BY CASWELL) the idiotic government has now opened itself to the full power of the unions in an environment where REAL PRODUCTIVITY REFORMS are truly needed if we are to make any progress.
A “catch 22″ situation if ever there was one…
As Observing would say, ” let the games begin…”
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Hants;
Thanks!
I haven’t seen the Nation Newspaper yet nor heard the news but that picture speaks a thousand words, among them “This Government is bare boo”, “Akanni is a boss!”, “Caswell played a large part in this”, “Unionism is into a belated upswing”, “When we gine get rid of the prevaricating and two facedness in the MoL?”, “Why is there such a disconnect between the PM’s robust words and the deeds of his Ministers?”, etc., etc., etc.
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I forgot;
Wunnah see that the Nation chose a picture showing Akanni up front and the BWU boss behind the Minister.
I wonder what subliminal messages that is meant to portray?
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Bush tea;
I wonder what Observing will make of this news?
Freundel has a master plan that foresaw all this happening?
Its just a new rope-a-dope strategy?
The young Unionists won by pure luck, they still need to learn the old tried and true techniques which would have been more successful and put the country into far less peril?
Offer his congratulations to the young Turks and Caswell?
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I think, vis a vis this result that you were wrong when you said:-
“COMMON SENSE is knowing when you do not have a winning hand and acting accordingly.”
I think it was more like, for the Unions, COMMON SENSE was knowing when they held a winning hand and acting accordingly.
The last set of BBs in the Union leadership would not even have reached the stage of playing their hand.
The BRA and Government could do nothing else but capitulate since the Unions, led by Caswell even though he might now be strategically invisible, held all the aces at this cropover time. The Government had no other options.
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We await the court’s decision in the BIDC matter today!
I hope the NUPW and BWU got that agreement from the Stinkliar in writing.
I still cannot understand what was the difference in what the NUPW said at their press conference and the statement which the Minister of Labour eventually issued! JA’s!
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Ha!Ha!what a bunch of early morning jackasses once again trying to claim so sort of wishy washy victory. Misfits there is no victory both parties have agreed to go to the table to seek resolution and in the interest of country allowed the workers to go back to their normal schedule until all matters pertaining to the issue is given due process.This form of reconciliation is not new in industrial disputes. What victory misfits Hush do! Lmfao ! Good grieve. Uh no victory nothing has been signed issue still to be resolved
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Actually the government was forced by the unions to recind the option forms and start negotiations from scratch because customs department brought cargo and passenger clearance to a halt in Barbados at a critical time. Hignorance surely knows no bounds.
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It is reported that customs have returned to work the go slow is over the same was announced on the sanitation workers a month ago. The reality is neither the sanitation or customs will ever return to normal. Before the strike and threatened shutdown sanitation and customs were on go slow. Many small businessmen who’ve been negatively affected know those two bodies have been on go slow forever nothing will change.
McDowell and Moore attended the meeting with MOF where was the Unity man? The unions couldn’t care less if the economy collapses. Their intention is to teach government a lesson and who hurt hurt who vex stand vex. Fair minded citizens don’t let your guard down .
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@awty
In the face of unanimous opposition the BRA really had zero choice. Imagine if the unions (and workers) would apply this same principle of unanimity to other issues!
As Bushie said, let the games begin! As MoF Sinckler knows the perils of allowing the stalemate to continue. Good call by the Unions (and Caswell) though he won’t get any public credit.
The real negotiations and outcomes are now left to be seen.
@hants and others
Mary was happy in Jan 2012. Trottie was happy in November 2013. Roslyn was happy with the SAME Customs issue before Caswell start to kick dust. Moore is never happy (but that’s Trottie’s fault). Pedro was happy with a letter from PAD.
Morale of the story, happiness based on short term talk doesn’t mean Jack to those that matter. The photos have been taken, the country is “peaceful” for Kadooment. Let’s get some real substance now.
Just observing
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@ Dompey
Your response was just as I anticipated, inclucive of the multiple posts.
Dompey, you are a very obnoxious individual who likes to insult other people. You also have the misguided opinion you are much more intellectual than EVERYONE that contributes to BU. However, the content of your contributions proves otherwise.
And what does that say about your character? You are a NARCISSIST………… you constantly exhibit an attitude that is symptomatic of nacissism, i.e. a grandiose view of your talents, an inflated sense of your own importance and a craving for admiration.
Consequently, in an effort to boost your ego, you read a few books and on-line articles to regurgitate the knowledge contained therein so as to impress upon others that you are an intellectual.
You see yourself as incomparable with your peers and this repulsive attitude makes it rather difficult for you to interact well among them.
Those persons with whom you prefer to associate, tolerate and may socialize with you in certain informal environments (e.g rum shops or on the block), but not within their intimate social group, because your usage of the English language would embarrass them among their peers.
For example, you wrote “…..rather than trying to educate me or anyone else on a subject WHICH HAS COULD MANY a reporter great difficulty.” What the hell does that mean?
Fortunately, BU has made it possible for you to reclaim some semblance of pride, by providing you, under the cloak of anonymity, with an opportunity to exhibit your “intellectualism” and criticize or challenge those who fall within the groups who view you as being repulsive or are intolerant of you.
Being the coward you are, it also provides you with a sanctuary whereby you don’t have to undergo the humiliation of facing them.
I may not be “that smart” in your “book after all,” but I’m EDUCATED enough to evaluate you.
However, “I think your time would be better spent” checking your grammar and spelling before posting.
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Artaxerxes
I am sure you have already been advised to disregard the Donkey and it’s rambling,incoherent,babbling.Hizonner dismisses the diatribe with the famous quote”Ignorance knows no bounds”…….end of story.
Secondly,Trottie looked so out of place in that group entering Bay Street yesterday.I suppose,based on Stuart’s ill advised statement comparing old approaches and new approaches to unionism,Trottie was in touch with Stuart’s advisers that he would make sure his Trottie’s presence is felt at that meeting,in return for some future favour from Bay Street.It is noted that Trottie has a problem lifting his left foot in the same way that Kellman’s problem is not only using his mouth too much and saying nothing but his facial appearance seems affected below his nose.
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Was that the PM heard on the news today delivering in a calm voice how much he admired the important role the social partnership has played in Barbados?
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@david
Of course! Soon Akanni and Roslyn will be saying the same thing. Lol
At least we FINALLY got to hear the head of CTUSAB speak. 🙂
Just observing
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David
Yes it seems to me that the PM has been told by his advisers that with only a support base of 31% of the electorate he had better tone down his ‘powful foolish’ attitude and wake up and smell de caw fee that’s being brewed by the 69% of the electorate.
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Observing July 31, 2015 at 11:24 AM #
Observing you’ve usurped Bush Tea’s role you speak with the voice of God, you are all knowing , all seeing , all powerful. If government was as callous as the unions they could call the NUPW and the rump of the BWU’s bluff with a double bluff. As Dompey alluded to without realizing it the people of this country don’t want to overthrow the DLP. If they did Fruendel and the MOF would’ve been out of Bay Street long ago. I’m putting it to you were the DLP to embark on counter marches to the rabble rousing marches of the unions and the BLP you would understand where the real power resides. In spite of the sweaty and heavy chatter from the union leadership and its apologists no compelling reasons have arisen for the masses to take to the streets. The unions have acted irresponsibly in much of the recent debacles. The silent majority knows government is trying hard in the most difficult economic circumstances since the Great Depression.
Are you telling us the PM and MOF are in a sick manner inflicting pain on the population or don’t care about people’s suffering? No person who possesses the slightest grey matter believes that. Its not in the national interest for the people to take to the streets in disgust at the unions behavior or to bring down the government but there is widespread disapproval of the uncompromising stances of the unions and their minions . The people know the government is caught between one of those big arse rocks in COW quarries and a place as hard as a yard fowls head.
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Oh!please speckled fowl that is what Unions do and it is called strike action no breaking news here
Also both parties agreeing to suspend both actions.nothing new here that is called bargaining. Duh
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@ In and Out
Observing you’ve usurped Bush Tea’s role you speak with the voice of God
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bush Tea’s role? ….no bozie…!!
Skippa, um ain’t the voice of God you does hear from Bushie … that is just the twang of the .80 nylon percolating in the whacker…
When you finally hear THAT voice your ass will TREMBLE ….. believe it!!
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Again thine Hignorance knows no bounds!
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@ Gabriel July 31, 2015 at 12:59 PM #
………………..”Secondly,Trottie looked so out of place in that group entering Bay Street yesterday.I suppose,based on Stuart’s ill advised statement comparing old approaches and new approaches to unionism,Trottie was in touch with Stuart’s advisers that he would make sure his Trottie’s presence is felt at that meeting,in return for some future favour from Bay Street.It is noted that Trottie has a problem lifting his left foot”……………………..
Gabs,
I too noticed last night on DLPTV news that Sir Roy was dragging his feet and was holding on to a female as he walked. I wondered if he had another serious problem and he looked to have put on a lot of weight.
I wondered why was he at the meeting……………after all he has retired and would not go home. Was he there to frighten the young unionists into “kow towing” to the government’s whims and fancies like he and Dennis Clarke did since 2008.
Now we have the Fumble man adopting a more sober tone today…………no choke and rob, no wanting to hold this government to ransom, no new wine in old wine skins rhetoric, no more I have powers under section 48 of the constitution.
Fumble may have come to a christian understanding that he alone does not have power!
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It is no secret Sir Roy is contracted as a consultant to work bring closure to a few negotiations one of which is Customs. Some may argue is to hand hold the new GM.
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the Prime minister knows and respects protocol , he had no need to tongue lash the misguided turks apparently they have learned that leadership is the ability to discern and appreciate , and that a striking while the iron is hot does not always make sense,
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@David,
Crop over in full swing, de bumpas an liquors will have a harmonising effect on the combatants.
It is “Spontaneous” but I prefer “Fire meh” lol
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Hants
The Trinis no doubt with lots of French influence sing and speak of ‘jammin’and wining’.Bajans with lots of Irish and Scottish influence sing and speak of ‘wukking up’and ‘brekkin up’.
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@Gabriel,
you mean “wukking up’and ‘brekkin “
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I have been listening to the 2015 crop over soca / calypso and there is a lot of good stuff.
Need a distraction from BU. lol
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Hants
Nice one….”wukkin up and brekkin” lol
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David July 31, 2015 at 9:23 AM #
”
The unions appear to be clawing back some ground Hants but remember a battle was won but the war beckons.”
Yes indeed- until the BIDC issue is satisfactorily settled.
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“This Government is bare boo”, “When we gine get rid of the prevaricating and two facedness in the MoL?”, “Why is there such a disconnect between the PM’s robust words and the deeds of his Ministers?”, etc., etc., etc”
True or false this volatility helps stoke the fire of intransigence in an administration struggling for solutions to problems
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Artax
Must I insult your intelligence or lack thereof, and inform you once again that your time would be better spent instructing Bajan kids on the proper techniques of frying pancakes, rather than trying to school me or anyone else on the proper employment of grammar. Listen sir, I challenge you unequivocally and categorically, to present to me any word that you do believe that I have written incorrectly here on BU. I see your problem though and it isn’t really your fault; just your willful ignorance. Do you not know that there is fundamental difference in the English and American spelling sir? Are you that ignorant of this fact sir?
Listen Fella: It is mindboggling if not perplexing how individuals of your sort endeavors unsuccessfully of course, to assault the character of those persons who do not necessarily agree or conform to your narrow political point of view. And when that fails you audaciously assaults with a reckless disregard the intellectual-stance of those people in an effort to aggrandize your want of attention. Is that what a conversation which focuses on the national interest of our country is all about sir? Come on now, is that the best we can do as a progressive and forward moving people sir? You have accused me in a previous conversation of being the intellectual savant here on BU. When my sole aim, purpose and desire here on BU is to pine for that social, cultural, political and intellectual connection, I haven’t had since my long departure from our picturesquely island. Such sentiment sir is not of my making and doesn’t in anyway shape or form constitutes the composition of my character. Now are we going to move above and beyond the puerile nature of what appears in my estimation to be a mundane and cantankerous conversation which is interlaced with the trapping of the ego, or are we going to assist our fellow country man or women in area of their intellectual weaknesses rather than castigate, denigrate and besmear their character for the want of knowledge, within a given area of academics? What amazes me about some of you so called intellectual- savants here on BU is the fact that some of you all do not know how to think outside the box so to speak, or how to engage your sociological-imagination, but when other do they are met with a considerable amount of resistance, which is predicated upon blatant ignorance. And your mentality of erecting a brick edifice because you somehow believe that the contributions of those persons, who do not necessarily ascribe to your political-narrative, are unintelligible, undermines the core purpose of academics. I was told by a very beloved pastor of mine who now respires tranquilly in the Great-Beyond that:” You can learn something of value from a fool, as does a wise man.” But your schooling or is it your education I suppose, have given you much cause and reason to dismiss the words of those persons you have consider less than intelligence? Let me say this finally Artax: your opinion I do welcome because it is your democratic right, but it doesn’t in anyway shape or form change the way I think about you and the way I view myself, because I do not value your opinion whatsoever sir.
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Gabriel, do me a big favor please: just try to focus more on the top before deliberation because as intellectually arrogant as Artax appears to be, I am quite sure he doesn’t see any need of your input regarding the discussion between him and I.
Artax here is a quick sample of American spelling to inform your shallow thinking.
1) Favour favor
2) Realise realize
3) Colour color
4) Labour labor
5) Offence offense
6) Check cheque
I tell yah brother: one goes through a process of reeducation in the Great White North.
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Bush Tea
Now, you know that the composition above would be of little or no real value without paying homage to my homeboy Bushie.This enigma of a man truly test the limits of
my last nerve and defies the commonly held belief and definition of an egotistical nincompoop.What is known of this man is difficult to grasp and confounding to comprehend because for one: he masquerades behind the verisimilitudes of plagiarism and regurgitation which makes it more than impossible to ascertain the true measure of his own intelligence. Bushie, allow me the pleasure to echo this sentiment sir: engaging in echolalia doesn’t by any stretch of the human imagination makes you appear smart brother. Children as young as two years of age learn by way of this medium sir.My dear friend, for such you will permit me to call you, pardon my egotism in which my question might betray me, but how else does one builds upon his knowledge except by allowing what he knows to be tested under the barometer of continual critique? And can we really claim an original knowledge? And isn’t knowledge exponential my dear friend? And aren’t we all beholding to others in regards what we know or claim to know? Listen! Einstein’s quantum physics is beholding to Newton’s classical physics;and Darwin’s Natural Selection is beholding to Spencer’s earlier theory of Survival of the Fittest. So all in all my dear friend, it is only through the collective exercise of the intellect and human imagination that we can claim our small contribution to the vast repository of human knowledge. So Bushie, you can keep on boasting with the knowledge beholding to those amongst you, as well as those whom have gone before you.
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Dompey, as I have crossed swords with you on this very same subject I feel I can jump in. As Artax alluded to, you come over as trying to hang your hat higher than you can reach. Not saying that is the case just the perception.
No one assaults your misspellings or US/UK English. He (and I previously) have assaulted your careless grammar and often pretentious long-winded prose that says in 10 words what can be said in five. You act so astute and proper with words yet display a carelessness in writing that is not equated with those standards. That’s the ‘hanging-hat’ analogy
Trust me guy, that jars a person who likes writing…
In other words, you parade ‘eloquently’ in your emperor robes, even as you display to all who care to look how naked you are. Make sense to you…not a condemnation!
Above, you highlighted many valid subjects but never addressed the simple quote Artax had cited. He basically asked you to explain what your sentence of “…..rather than trying to educate me or anyone else on a subject WHICH HAS COULD MANY a reporter great difficulty.” actually means.
Domps, understand that all of us are thankful to David for fulfilling our secondary life’s ambition to be a cow-dung dispenser in script who is read by many, so the practical amongst us do not condemn your opinions or wish to deny you the opportunity to make them…believe me on that. Afterall, we fertilise/fertilize pastures too.
If you would ‘chill out a bit’ as you were advised you may in fact realise that the comments about your writing were helpful criticisms…not negative put-downs.
So stop being a gully-boar! Or should that be the more US centric gully-bore or are they the same (LOL) !
Happy Brooklyn Day or whatever you do today in your hometown. Just chill, as the man said!
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Artax
Allow me to conclude on this final thought: there isn’t anything whatsoever that you or anyone else here on BU can teach me that I haven’t already read or heard. And please forgive my blatant affront because I am not impress one iota regarding those persons who are thought to constitute the intelligentsia here on BU. Now I hope that I am not being mean- spirited by articulating this perspective because I have encounter discourse of a higher intellectual content on the new Barbadian atheist blog, than I have had here on BU.
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All of that in response to what was clearly a short lapse in concentration while intending to write “which has caused”… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNq_DTmVCWs
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Ahhh, Mr Yaacotu/Dompey only if more of us lived the words, their meaning and guidance of the ‘Desiderata’. Thank you for the excellent recall of this poem…we all can take some time on chill on its words!
“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, … they too have their story…
…no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should . Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
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Shameful of Sinclair to exclude Unity Trade Union from the meeting this week. Exactly what is your beef Mr. S ? Is Caswell’s Union not representing 72 Customs workers? AGAIN Govt slip again is showing. Blunderbuses and misunderstandings on the simplist of matters the calling card of these men in blue.
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Based on the numbers Unity Workers Union control 20% of Customs workforce. To be fair Caswell is fighting a different batter; one of appointments. The other unions are focus on rescinding option forms.
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Thank you for the swift interjection .David. Yet on a matter of protocol Unity should still have been present. What do you say?
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The government obviously prefers to negotiate with NUPW and BWU who have similar concerns.
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David
Government prefers to negotiate with NUPW and BWU because the administration knows that no matter how much those two unions huff and puff, in pretence of representing the workers, the Government would prevail. Government is aware, they can rely on those two unions to eventually roll over.
The Prime Minister and those cabinet members that spoke on the recent impasse with between NUPW and BIDC complained that the unions were not following the time honoured traditions, what a laugh. In the Public Service, the traditions go back before our independence. They require the unions to negotiate with the Chief Establishment Officer (now renamed Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Civil Service). There is no place for a minister to be involved in negotiations with unions. Nonetheless those two unions crave it for whatever reason. I believe their negotiations are only a facade for their pre planned sell out of the workers and government cannot rely of the PS, Ministry of the Civil Service to do the dishonourable thing so they get a minister to preside over the sellout.
Sent from my iPad
>
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David
Option forms were never a real issue, that was merely setting up a straw man to knock it down. All the Customs workers had to do would be to ignore the option forms. The issue from the very beginning, as articulated by the customs workers themselves, was appointments to the posts that they occupy. Most of them are acting because Government has not filled any post of custom officer since 2007, even though the Public Service act requires that established posts should not remain vacant for more than one year. Of the 20 most senior officers in Customs only one person is appointed, the other 19 are acting. Further, the same act does not allow the Public Service Commission to put someone to act in a vacant post for more than a year. Put another way, the PSC does not have the power to put persons to act in excess of a year without going through a procedure to fill the post.
Sent from my iPad
>
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@ David
Caswell was excluded because Stinkliar (as is Froon) is a childish immature joker who is yet to grow enough maturity to behave like a government minister rather than an arrogant opposition hag.
It is the SUREST SIGN possible that they are pissing scared of Caswell.
@ Caswell
So why are you picking on the other Unions because GOVERNMENT did not include you in the talks? Whatever they were before, they now have new leadership who seem headed to implement change. So what if they rolled over in the past…? give the new leaders a chance …and keep your snide remarks to yourself….. sometime you behave a lot like Stinkliar…. no wonder wunna hate one another.
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Caswell Franklyn
You were excluded because besides you , UNITY Trade Union only has one member…..that is Denis Boyce!
After you tricked Stanton Gittens…….he left UNITY Trade Union.
Come and deny that your Unity Trade Union only has two persons in it.
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Bushie you are amusing with “…and keep your snide remarks to yourself….. sometime you behave a lot like Stinkliar…”.
Name me two, let’s make that easier and name only one, public persona like Caswell, PM, Bizzy, or any other of the hard-knocks officials who daily handle these type issues and get their egos squeezed publicly and see their reputation and integrity (those who have some left) cut to threads who does not behave the same way.
It takes just one anonymous broadside here on BU and we see same very snide remarks fly. So what do we expect with these public fights.
But as mature as Caswell is he has clearly shown that whereas you may be unable to stop your hears from hearing you can definitely stop your tongue (fingers here) from wagging…and in this case a different man would have curbed the remarks!
But Caswell is wise to the process and is merely setting his tone for his next round of meetings.
Clearly, the man does not currently play (well with other Unions) and as surely is not interested in meaningless photo ops in paper or his name being mentioned by a Minister. He is way past that need for publicity.
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Poor Caswell wetting his pants because he got shafted poor soul ! the other two unions could have at least say something in his favour for inclusion at the communion table
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@Bush Tea
You expect the establishment to play by the rules with Caswell? Surely the government is aware it is Caswell’s forthright position which has pushed the industrial relations climate to what it is? By the MoF’s admission the issue of appointments in the Customs department is a valid one and should be on the agenda with the other unions as well. BU suspects UNity will garner a few more registrations before this matter is played out. The government will do the predictable thing and FORCE Caswell and Unity Workers Union to prove their position. It is why it wears the title of a fractious government comprised of a garrulous lot very well.
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@ Dee Word & David
NO!
Bushie has NO expectation that persons of AC mentality would be mature enough to behave professionally and include Caswell (as is his RIGHT) as a bone fide union leader….nor that the other lackie Unions would INSIST on such….
The point here is all about Caswell’s response, ….which could and should have been measured and mature – even when pissing vex at being excluded.
The critical audience here is NOT the stupid discredited government …or even the other Unions that are now trying to play catch-up… It is the general public who can make their judgements as to Unity’s role in leading change.
THERE IS NO NEED FOR CASWELL TO COME ACROSS AS BITTER …especially with the other unions…
Just take it easy Boss…. Bushie needs a STATESMANLIKE chairman for the Senate (National Supervisory Committee), not a rambunctious rabble-rouser like Stinkliar.
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Bushie
You got this thing wrong; I’m not even a little vex at the other unions. I predicted and communicated that prediction to the Customs officers that those unions would have sold them out, and they have done so. I know what to expect of them so Bushie it is not vexation, more like, I told you so.
After, all this industrial action over the last two month, NUPW and BWU have come away with nothing for the workers but they are in the newspapers posing and smiling with Sinckler. He admitted two weeks ago that they can be no transition to this training BRA if the officers do not sign. They haven’t signed so what is this nonsense about withdrawing the option forms. The vast majority of the officers and guards did not even collect the forms which were due back in yesterday.
Sent from my iPad
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@ Caswell
Of course you are correct.
But those YOUNG union leaders have a lot to learn…. what could you expect them to grasp from their mentors?
From the time that Stinkliar said that the Customs officers’ vote “would determine if they went to BRA” …THAT WAS ADMISSION OF DEFEAT…. the option forms meant nothing after that…
It CERTAINLY was not his initial position.
The point is that YOU are much more effective pointing out these issues in a helpful INSTRUCTIVE manner than in a condemning manner …because it sounds too much like what our politicians do all the time….especially this current DLP
Intelligent people can see that you generally understand these issues and that your heart is in the right place. Don’t let them drag you into the gutter where they thrive…
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McDowell would do well to stay out of that photo op business with the likes of Stinkliar.Recall Stinkliar was overheard in a restaurant along with another minister laughing at the big foot move they put on the NUPW last year.
Since Customs had no intention of signing the option forms but their beef is with the non-regularising of their acting appointments,why is the public told that the go slow is off.That would seem a misleading statement.I won’t be surprised if this go slow is current.
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Thanks Bushie.
Sent from my iPad
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Bushie, well said @ 8:12PM.
As you know only too well that there is a time for statesman like action and a time to be as sharp as a razor. Unity does not have to wage their PR campaign by being nice but to your point it certainly can’t hurt.
It was amusing frankly to see young McDowall grinning from ear to ear over some comment the MoF made. I would have to give Sinckler major props for that piece of theater. It made everything look so hunky-dory. In that same pic Ms Moore was trying hard to keep her mirth under wraps and the acting Gen Sec was as serious as a judge.
Laugh and grin away from the camera, The fight is far away from victory for such displays of hearty public joy whatever the joke. May seem a minor point I know, but in politics optics like that can be spun sweetly to an advantage by a crafty man like the MoF! Young Mc Dowall is really learning on the job.
Can you imagine Franklyn smiling like that next to the Minister in public on this matter. So as you say he can surely guide. But at the end of the day Bushie, it’s that horse to water analogy that comes up.
Oh lawd!!
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@ Dompey
“Listen Fella: It is mindboggling if not perplexing how individuals of your sort endeavors unsuccessfully of course, to assault the character of those persons who do not necessarily agree or conform to your narrow political point of view. And when that fails you audaciously assaults with a reckless disregard the intellectual-stance of those people in an effort to aggrandize your want of attention. Is that what a conversation which focuses on the national interest of our country is all about sir?”
“And your mentality of erecting a brick edifice because you somehow believe that the contributions of those persons, who do not necessarily ascribe to your political-narrative, are unintelligible (unintelligible) undermines the core purpose of academics. I was told by a very beloved pastor of mine who now respires tranquilly in the Great-Beyond that: “You can learn something of value from a fool, as does a wise man…..”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dompey, Galileo Galilei once said, “I HAVE NEVER MET A MAN SO IGNORANT THAT I COULDN’T LEARN SOMETHING FROM HIM.”
Each time you post a contribution to BU, you PROVE Galileo WRONG.
=================================================
Once again, Dompey, you responded just as I have anticipated. Your above comments ACCURATELY DESCRIBE your modus operandi on BU.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
“Listen sir, I challenge you unequivocally and categorically, to present to me any word that you do believe that I have written incorrectly here on BU.”
Dompey, I’ll give you a simple example, you CONSTANTLY use “there” when “their” is the CORRECT word to be used……. surely this repetitive mistake does NOT have anything to do with “American” or “UK” spelling.
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Sadly ! there are too many lost souls of the BLP machinery who are still frothing at the mouth to see heated battles arising out of the scorched earth of industrial relations that wrecked the landscape of industrial relationships between govt and Unions.
It was only two weeks ago that pictures of clinched fist by the leaders of the Unions rolled across the pages of barbados media pictures that sent a blurred vision and confusing message world wide of Hell On Earth ascending on this tiny 166 sq, miles ,
Is this the mirror image that the Blp antagonist are willing to accept as the changing Face of Barbados one of confusion and anger,
It is truly sad but not surprising that the recent photo ops where both parties although locked in disagreement would have suspend their sister soldier moments for one moment of dispassionate sanity in the best interest of country, a picture with the sole purpose to close and heal ,
Nevertheless a picture that seem to have overwhelmed and emitted growls and noises overheard coming from the salacious voices of the BLP foot soldiers.
God Bless Barbados on this Emancipation Day where the sounds of freedom beats loud and clear !despite the voices of anarchy beating in the background frothing at the mouth for political Power
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More issues to be addressed
There are still some more issues to be worked out in this whole process regarding the Customs Department transition into the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) and these issues would be addressed at a meeting to be held this Wednesday August 5th.
This is coming from Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler after a three and a half hour meeting with the two major unions – the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) and the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) which concluded shortly after 8:00pm recently at Government headquarters.
He stated that while they have worked through the majority of the issues with the two major unions involved, there are still some loose ends that need to be tied up
“But there are one or two juggernaut issues that need to be addressed. You would have heard it in relation to appointments; issues in relation to securing all of the pension rights of persons; issues pertaining to supersession that have been raised by the union and that have by the Chief Personnel Officer.”
However, he is confident that they can get through these matters. “So in reset of that particular agenda, we have agreed as parties that we would work to get through these issues. I don’t believe that there is such a large caesium between us. I think that a number of the issues through the discussions that we have had over the number of weeks and months that we have been doing this have actually been generally resolved.”
Sinckler said that it is important that they get all of these issues sorted out because the last thing that they want is for customs staff to go into the BRA with unresolved issues.
“These are issues that are critical and as I have always said, we don’t want people to go into the BRA in a disgruntled form to disrupt – so to speak- the operations of the BRA. That would not be in the best interest of the organisation. So we want to ensure that everyone is as comfortable as humanely possible, knowing that we can’t get total and ideal comfort for everything; but that generally in terms of a mass of issues to be dealt with; that those can be resolved.” (PJT)
you can bet your last dollar that if Caswell was at the meeting all like now the parties would be grumbling over the letter” A” it was a good decision to keep that humbug away in the best interest of the country,
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Much as I began to admire the new union leadership, I was appalled that they accepted and invitation to meet with the Stinkliar and did not say that the Unity Union had to be included. I was very disappointed in the two leaders.
They are holding the chips, this inept government is on the back foot. Now they have the government by their curlies, squeeze their tails…………
Why they met with the liar instead of the Chief Personnel Officer is beyond me! He is going to outfox them, Caswell would have had the Stinkliar scared.
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Prodigirl
Wake up and smell the coffee !
The national shut down is over.
The Customs go-slow is over.
Mia Mottley and Donville Inniss hugging up and playing mas Foreday morning.
Akanni and Chris shaking hands and grinning from ear to ear.
Caswell Franklyn left out of the meeting, due insufficient Union membership. Caseell only has 2 members in his Unity Trade Union)
So the BLP plot to cause mayhem have been SHATTERED….
The Dems under the leadership of the reverred PM Freundel Stuart remains in control.
Even the calypsonians….love the DEMS….that they getting ‘Sugar Rush’ but then again that is ‘How they like it’
PRODIGIRL…..the BEES get outfoxed!
Freundel said he had to disarm…..
the madman wid the gun in he hand…….
Tek dat! !!!!!!!!!
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Artar
Oh please! Who doesn’t know how to employ the words There, their, and they correctly, within a given sentence. Man have you heeded my advice as of yet? Listen! I have studied thousands of extraordinary words during the course of my life and best that you can do is to accuse me of employing the word “there” incorrectly? What a poor attempt to save face Artar. Shame on you sir. Now, I shall reiterate this finally: your time would be better spent instructing Bajan kids on the proper techniques of frying pancakes rather than endeavoring to school me or anyone else on the proper usage the word (There) which is actually limited in its application. And lastly Artar, I challenge you yet again to sustain your claim by providing the necessary evidence which indicates unequivocally that I have employed a word with the simplest of usage incorrectly.
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Artar
I fail to grasp the complexity associated with employing the word “there” correctly within a given sentence. Come now Artar, we’re not talking about the quantum physics and the inner workings of the electron, proton and the neutron; nor the differentiation and definition of the gravitation, centripetal and centrifugal forces?
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@ Dompey
Dompey, you are a pseudo- intellectual, narcissistic moron, who has the misguided opinion you are a “polymath.” However, your contributions, which are always ambiguous and condescending in content, while containing malapropisms and convoluting statements, PROVE OTHERWISE.
I must ADMIT you are most certainly CORRECT when you mentioned my “time would be better spent trying educate Bajan kids in (not “on”) the art of frying pancake(s), rather than trying to educate” you. As such, I will heed your advice.
Essentially, you’re telling me that, since I’m not trained to teach individuals who suffer from dysgraphia and I’m unable to assist you overcome your narcissistic behavior because I’m not a psychiatrist, it would be a futile attempt TRYING TO EDUCATE YOU.
Thank you for “putting me in my place,” I appreciate it.
So, teaching the art of frying pancakes, here I come.
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