Government Reneges on Promise to Enact Anti Corruption Legislation
Submitted by Anthony Davis
The Freundel Stuart administration is not interested in in pursuing anti-corruption legislation at present because it is not a priority,” Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite said. “Brathwaite played down the stance taken by University of the West Indies political scientist Cynthia Barrow-Giles who indicated at a recent event that corruption was part of the political culture here, encouraged by the country’s penchant for furtiveness – BARBADOS TODAY dated 04 March, 2016
First of all, Mr. Attorney General, let me give you the definition of “corruption” as printed in Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary: “corruption: “noun: Dishonest or illegal behaviour especially by powerful people (such as government officials or police officers) : the act of corrupting someone or something : something that has been changed from its original form “Full Definition: 1 a: Impairment of integrity, virtue or moral principle: Depravity b: Decay, decomposition c: Inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means (as bribery) d: A departure from the original or from what is pure or correct 2 Archaic: an agency or influence that corrupts 3 chiefly dialect:
Examples
a) The ancient Egyptians used special preservatives to spare their dead from complete corruption
b) The corruption of the upper classes eventually led to the fall of the Roman Empire
c) Socrates was put to death because the ancient Athenians believed he was spreading corruption to their youth
If your perception of corruption does not fall under any of the above categories, then there is really no corruption in this country.
However, seeing that the Prime Minister stated that there is vote buying in this country – not once but twice, in 2013 and 2014, pray tell me, Mr. Attorney General, if that is not corruption what would you call it?
Several lawyers – including the Speaker of the Barbados House of Assembly – have come before the courts for misappropriation of people’s money.
What is that, Mr. Attorney General?
If you need more proof, I would suggest that you read Philip V. Nicholls’ “MORE BINDING THAN MARRIAGE”. It makes good reading, and I hope that he donates some copies to all of the libraries so that everyone has the chance to read it.
It surely pinpoints the morality in Barbados!
It seems that the word “noises” has become an integral part of Government’s vocab since the time when the PM used it.
There are school children being forced into sexual activity by adults – what is that?
One student was deprived of her rights to an education for almost three months – what is that?
What would you call it when a set of people promise to do something before elections, and then renege on them after they have won the said elections – with one of them stating that he understood “from a practical perspective” why the ruling Democratic Labour Party Government had not kept some of its promises?
Is he trying to say that reneging on promises is the correct thing to do as long as the result wanted had been achieved?
What would you call it when a minister can cast aspersions on the Leader of the Opposition in Barbados, and get away with it without even the slightest hint of an apology?
What about Government’s covert op whereby it has sold our land at 6 c per acre and given our water – which is a very scarce and precious commodity – to Cahill Energy for 30 years, whereas the populace is sucking salt to get water for their everyday use?
And the list goes on. The bell will have to toll at some time!
Barbados Underground 
Well said Mr. Davis.
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Wunna expecxt me or any sensible person to vote for either the B or DLP?
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In all fairness, we have already established that the AG is a complete jackass who would fit much better in a rural rum shop somewhere in St Philip talking shiite and looking like some kinda pet monkey.
Why would he even think that corruption is an issue…?
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The truth can be repugnant to those unwilling to hear it. Our political system is very broken as a result of a complicit citizenry. Too many are contented in accepting crumbs or just happy with living a zombie existence. It pains me when I hear of who have acquired yachts or now have an offshore condo in some exclusive gated community after serving the people.
Who would believe the hogwash utterance in the year of jubilee by the AG on corruption? No ITAL, FOIA or ministerial code of conduct while only laws to control the masses. #Shameful political representation by the self-serving politicians. Sadly, we have political aspirants in the name of a third party who are clueless and voiceless on topical issues yet expect to be taken seriously.
“A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, recreation, or as part of a festival or other commemoration of a special occasion.” So do we expect anything serious from anything to do with a party?
Increased defence & security vote but no more for social intervention to save the youth. It seems incompetence is now legislated.
#ANewWay
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How much is the cost of an hour of the police time, transportation as well as an hour in court? Another case of an indifferent and lazy legislature stuck in a prehistoric period.
http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/03/10/french-students-held-with-drugs/
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Where can I buy Philip V. Nicholls’ “MORE BINDING THAN MARRIAGE”?
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Why bajan society always waiting on govt to pass laws. Society has as much as a right and the freedom to impact changes . in many of the developed countries citizens groups become a nexus for many changes
Bajans for the most part reserve most of their energy to talk. How is it that in countries like USA many citizen groups can activate necessary change with forceful effect
Many here would prefer to bitch and belly ache and write stupid articles rather than be actively involved in a logical and realistic way for change.
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On Thursday February 21, 2013, a CBC reported interviewed Freundel Stuart moments after he cast his ballot at the Bailey’s Primary School. The agitated looking Stuart appeared on the TV evening news saying stories he heard throughout the day of “people exchanging money for votes” and expressed his concerns about this bad practice of “vote buying” that was reportedly creeping into general elections.
He also said the right to vote is a process many people have fought very hard for and the idea of people disrespecting it makes him very uncomfortable.
On Friday, February 22, 2013, minutes after being sworn in for a second stint as Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite confirmed to the news media that some Barbadians sold their votes during the elections. He said it was distressing that some Barbadians were selling their votes. “There are a few things that happened during the course of the campaign that concerned me and we need to look and ensure that we don’t go in the wrong direction as a people.”
Recall that CBC carried a news item that an individual was arrested for taking a mobile phone into the voting booth to photograph their marked ballot. The following is a news extract from CBC’s report of the alleged incident:
Arrested for photographing ballot:
One person is in police custody following an incident in a polling booth where the individual reportedly took a cell phone picture of the ballot after it was marked with an x for one of the candidates contesting the 2013 general election.
The incident occurred after allegations surfaced that some individuals were paying Barbadians for their vote in the 2013 election.
CBC understands that the incident occurred just after midday and that the individual is likely to be charged with breaching the requirement of secrecy in an election.
Legal officials have told CBC that the penalty for such an offence on summary conviction is six months in jail.
INTERESTINGLY, we have not heard of any further developments on this issue, relative to the identity of the individual, if there was a court hearing and which party paid him/her to commit the alleged offense.
However, based on the fact that NO ONE has been ARRESTED for PAYING PEOPLE to vote, we could reasonably assume BOTH the BLP and DLP are GUILTY of the “ugly practice. “
Against the background that vote buying is a clear contravention of the island’s electoral laws and can be considered as CORRUPTION, thus far both BLP and DLP have REJECTED CAMPAIGN FINANCING LAWS, and more importantly after the PM and AG expressed concerns about this development, Adriel Brathwaite said corruption legislation is not a PRIORITY for the DLP.
So, if this is the case, should we assume that Stuart and Brathwaite were engaging in “POLITICAL POSTURING” when they spoke of vote buying?
The under-performance of this DLP administration and the BLP Opposition will obviously have both parties “scrambling” as the 2018 general elections draws nigh.
Unfortunately, since “every turkey gine be looking fuh he craw,” IT GINE BE VOTE BUYING CAN’ DONE in 2018.
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At last AC has come to her senses.
She is calling for a Bajan Guy Fawkes to take action….
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When I was a boy, (a little while ago)the leading politicians for the most part were self-made men who made something of themselves and then entered the political arena to see what they could do for the country. Nowadays, the leading politicians, especially the DLP ones, are people who were paupers or very nearly there, who entered politics to see what the country could do for them. A lot of them were unemployed, underemployed or unemployable. Now we have evidence of their apparent wealth being pushed in our faces daily. There was one (just before the 2007/8 general elections campaign) whose car was repossessed by bailiffs and there was a warrant out for his arrest for failure to pay court ordered maintenance.
Do you expect people to enact anti corruption legislation in circumstances where they would have to declare their assets, and in the space provided for total assets they have to write $0.00.
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@ David, why do you also not have a public posting a la ‘Lawyers In the News’ with the same type of accurate and valid details of ‘Rich and Famous B’dos Public Servants’.
Surely if what Caswell said is true that “A lot of them were unemployed, underemployed or unemployable. Now we have evidence of their apparent wealth being pushed in our faces daily” then it would be acceptable to publish their holdings of the “yachts … [and] offshore condo in some exclusive gated community after serving the people”.
Or is it that the Barbadian society deep down accepts that its OK to get over …even, or especially, at taxpayers’ expense!
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Caswell Franklyn highlights an important issue: the first generation of politicians in Bim. They studied abroad and saw how developed countries like Britain managed government. Today the politicians and nearly all bureaucrats and judges had their adademic education solely 10 km away from their mum´s kitchen. They travel to other countries just to look after their Swiss bank accounts or to enjoy Disney land.
The result of this attitude that one has not to work hard to gain wealth is very clear. Unfortunately, the latest generation of politician thinks nepotism, potholes in the streets, high deficit, civil servants liming all day long, rats on the streets, shouting on political assemblies like a maniac and permanent denial of reality are normal. They are not.
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@de Ingrunt Word
“Or is it that the Barbadian society deep down accepts that its OK to get over …even, or especially, at taxpayers’ expense!”
The masses accept such behaviour. That is the reason why Bim is in such a good position on the anti-corruption scale. People simply do not identify such behaviour correctly. They endorse it.
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Exactly Tron…
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Truthfully Caswell coment has not demonstrated anything revealing that would raise an eyebrow. He simply used a caustic action to demonize ..it does take much effort to demonize .However to prove and document with substantial and revealing information generates a demanding response for action meading to change
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Tron March 10, 2016 at 10:25 AM #
“The masses accept such behaviour. That is the reason why Bim is in such a good position on the anti-corruption scale. People simply do not identify such behaviour correctly. They endorse it.”
I agree with you 100%.
It reminds me of DLP affiliated lawyer, Richard Byer, charging the Caves of Barbados $766,855.24 as legal fees to give an opinion on a loan. A similar service was previously performed by another lawyer for $17,000 and the loan amount was much higher than what Byer dealt with.
The CEO “identified such behaviour correctly” and informed Denis Lowe and Denis Kellman when he was acting minister, both of whom refused to do anything. “They endorsed it.”
The CEO was subsequently terminated.
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AC….are you feeling unusually stupid this morning, why not let the robbers decide if they will rob or not or the murderers, rapists, pedophiles etc decide if and when they should commit these crimes because there is no regulation in place to stop them…..dont you have wares or clothes to wash, find something useful to do, it is wonderful to occupy ones time with productive thoughts and not idle nonsense.
Corruption and other malfeasance by politicians, business people and lawyers are crimes and should be legislated as crimes to protect society…..dimwit.
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@Tron, re “People simply do not identify such behaviour correctly. They endorse it.”
Interesting…incorrect identification but yet endorsing. What is that called then, lack of perception, stupidity or complicity…or Bushie’s neologolistic words.
It’s rather disparaging to 50 years of our public schooling that we can’t recognize that, for example a $700,000 legal bill for similar work previously billed at less than $20,000 (as memory serves) is all part of a ‘pay for play’ corrupt culture.
Or maybe it’s not disparaging ! Maybe many see that as just a part of the overdue reparations and other stolen monies for which they clamour …so maybe you are quite right and they are simply incorrectly identifying…and thus have no problem with the process….as they want their ‘stolen money’ too!
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@Tron…re “the first generation of politicians in Bim. They studied abroad and saw how developed countries like Britain managed government. Today the politicians and nearly all bureaucrats and judges had their adademic education solely 10 km away from their mum´s kitchen.”
SURELY you jest re the inference you make! Surely. Corruption started with this generation of politicians! Really.
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Well Well & Consequences March 10, 2016 at 10:46 AM #
Alvin…does this make any sence to you, it’s a WASTE of taxpayer’s money when there are more dire problems needing urging attention re injection of taxpayer’s money eg QEH, corruption, criminalizing lawyers stealing client’s funds etc.
http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/03/10/over-5-million-for-50th-celebrations/
What are you celebrating and have serious issues needing attention.
AC….explain the above link in a way that would make sense, since you have nothing better to do.
Unfortunately for many of the electorate, their ignorance and acceptance is their downfall..
You will hear the ordinary Bajan complaining “things hard, hard, real hard”…you will tell them it is that way because this or that politician is stealing the money or selling you out to business people or both….if the person likes this or that politician, out of stupidity, you will hear ” man I like he yuh, he good, doh mind dah, he doing real good, he got a mercedes an a big house”….you will try to explain that said politician got the big house and bad ride using the taxpayer’s name and/or money to take care of himself and cares not about the people, but it does not resonate…you will hear ..”man, you like you dont like politicians yuh”….there is a disconnect between reality and love of lowlife politician….so go figure.
Some people would say the electorate is getting the politicians they deserve and love.
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I know I am going to get a lot of pushback on this, but PS and ministerial salaries are low compared with the private sector. If we want to reform governance in Barbados, in addition to ITAL and FOIA these salaries have to be increased. If a minister decides to accept a bribe it has to be because he is greedy not because he can’t send his kids to university.
Another part of the reform package has to be the public financing of political campaigns. Obviously the beneficiaries of such would have to achieve a minimum of 10% or 20% of the vote. This is not welfare for politicians. When big contracts are awarded without tendering the taxpayers lose far more than the cost of financing campaigns every five years.
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de Ingrunt Word March 10, 2016 at 11:24 AM #
I think Tron was highlighting the fact that this lot has not spent any time on developing the country and the reason being is that they honestly do not know what to do.They are clueless for lack of spending time in developed countries and learning literally and figuratively.
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Vincent…rubbish….Donville Inniss lived for at least 3 years in the US……so did Lowe, on the opposition side, so did others and most of their relatives….they do not want to introduce the same measures of checks and balances to the island, integrity legislationm anti-corruption laws, criminalizing lawyers theft of clients funds etc, since it will not fit into their small island corruption practices….that’s the bottomline.
I warned you about mixing drinks…..lol
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These hypocrites never had any plans on enacting any anticorruption legislation. What idiot would enact legislation after spending 14 years in opposition, broke, suffering and dry. Only a clown would introduce something that would stop him from getting his. These stinking bitches only wanted it to look like they were considering it when they knew all along that it was never going to happen. That is why every comment I make I make it out to that pretensive fraud of a piss poor Prime Minister known as 3-PM. He is the chief-bottle-washer and cook for all the corruption under his administration.
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SSS;
Re. your last sentence above; My sentiments exactly!
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SSS…… they are a tag team….that is called tag, they cannot institute anti corruption, integrity legislation or locking up 20 or 30 lawyers a year for theft of client’s money, because, first they have to tag the other team and when they have been elected, they too will promise to legislate the same, and pronise and promise until their bellies are filled to bursting and like the slimy AG, find a way to slither out of doing their jobs.
AC…ya gotta some more work double time trying to get me gone..lol
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And just in case you did not understand because of a typo or 2.
AC…ya gotta do some more work double time trying to get me gone..lol
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I agree entirely with ac
“Why bajan society always waiting on govt to pass laws. Society has as much as a right and the freedom to impact changes . in many of the developed countries citizens groups become a nexus for many changes
Bajans for the most part reserve most of their energy to talk. How is it that in countries like USA many citizen groups can activate necessary change with forceful effect
Many here would prefer to bitch and belly ache and write stupid articles rather than be actively involved in a logical and realistic way for change.
Take up arms, and have a coup. That is the only logical and realistic way for change. Otherwise all you are going to get is more of the same. Stop talking. Get actively involved. Stop the bitching and DO something about it.
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NorthernObserver March 10, 2016 at 1:35 PM #
Totally agree with your above…….however here are the reason why it cannot happen this group on here is small in number but great in age,so all we can do is bitch and unless the young do something we will continue on this path.
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Advocate anarchy..i would not! bajans individually does have not the financial reserves to rebuild or survive a coup. For the most part many of them would rather risk life and limb fleeing the country for better pastures than suffer hell and damnation after the country has been level beyond recognition
Those who have been advocates of changes by violence have said so out of an interest to aggitate but themselves rather not risk a self defeating path of destruction
In fact many of them are cowards having blind ambitions
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Northern…I could have told you AC would not agree with anarchy for forceful advocacy for change., she prefers yardfowl talk…..ad nauseum.
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Bajans have become fat and lazy devoid of a philosophy to spur action. The purpose in life is to acquire material things and grow status. The idea of laying down ones life for country does not resonate given how we are being socialized. The pro government people will spew the ac nonsense because it makes a good argument and those on the other side will froth at the mouth by promising the earth and heaven until they make it to Bay Street.
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Ahhhhhh…DBLP government lied and lied until they could lie no more.
http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/78787/economist-suggests-debt-restructuring-barbados
They better start begging for debt forgiveness, instead of reparations money.
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Well. Well. You being an advocate for many years for anarchy i would have thought that you would have crawled of your royal comfort zone and fired the first shot.my philosophy is one that i can used my vote as many times over as a substitute for change
The reality being that an island that averages 166sq.miles and no secure financial foundation can least afford to dismantle its social or economic stabilty as a remdy toward change
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David
I note that the Irish economist has suggested the same thing as Mascoll re debt restructuring for the island……..why is it that we refuse to listen to our own?
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@Vincent
Our islands are small (all are known) and thus insular.
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ac
in case you haven’t read the many pages of diatribe commonly referred to as “Estimates”;Barbados (not bajans) has not the financial resources to do anything. You don’t have to destroy the place and lay it barren. You just need to take a bunch out of everyday circulation. Any interim group can’t be any worse than what exists today? And in 9 months we can have elections.
The yard fowls will be less inclined to run, cause now they know (have seen) there are consequences. They can and will be held accountable. No anarchy. A very competent and capable group of non-politicians will run the affairs. The people maybe initially nervous, but once they see that competent managers can actually make things work, they will relax.
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de Ingrunt Word March 10, 2016 at 10:06 AM #
Or is it that the Barbadian society deep down accepts that its OK to get over …even, or especially, at taxpayers’ expense!
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Exactly. I recall a man who held a ministry, eventually was living in what Bajans refer to as an old house. And many many times I’ve overheard individuals lamenting how this man was a minister and came out with nothing.
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Corruption. An act done with an intent to give some advantage inconsistent with official duty and the rights of others.The act of an official or fiduciary person who unlawfully and wrongfully uses his station or character to procure some benefit for himself or for another person,contrary to duty and the rights of others.
Next is
Corruption of the blood: if someone wants the meaning i will type it out,
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@ Kammie Holder
I find it strange that you are commenting on a post that you consider political rhetoric. This article is no different from the article ‘Corruption Gets a passing Grade’ which I posted on the Facebook page ‘Bajans against $700M waste to Energy Plant.’
You wrote, ” Please remember this page is not for partisan political rhetoric but to deal with Cahill and waste management. Post your partisan political rhetoric elsewhere. Zero tolerance will be enforced towards partisan political rhetoric.”
Is there selective partisan political rhetoric?
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I keep telling wunna Solutions/Grenville ain’t got a clue and wunna cuss me. What on earth is that anti-corruption policy Solutions proffered? #jesustakedewheel
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@ Northern Sir you have said a lot some of sowhat worrisome outhings yet you have said enough to draw my attention and to ask the following
Why cant you as you have stated find presently competent group of non- politicians within the populist to form a viable third party based on your philosophy and which would be the catalyst of remarkable change and hope for all Barbadians without reverting to radical methods of social or economic upheaval?
I believe that would be the most appealing and appropriate windsblowing across the shoreline for necessary change.
In the meantime it is necessary for me to cast my mind back to a Barbados of social depression one which every household that I knew had pit toilets and certain jobs and titles were alone distributed among a selected class and few if any to the local class
Now looking into the present through out the years I have seen many positive changes accelerated by voices asking for better … Yes I have seen a drastic change of betterment all undertaken by the power of the vote without a single shot fired
Yes there is a need for some broken fixtures to be replaced with new ones however I do not believe that throwing out the baby with the bathe tub is a sound proof way for correction.
And I do not believe I am wrong because there are more gains accomplished that losses even within a society that still has plenty soul searching to do
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oops the first sentence left a few letters detached (outhings) mouthings
a lot of somewhat worrisome mouthings
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AC…ya’ll more afraid of worlwide exposure, the dirty things politicians do to those who are vulnerable and defenseless, than anarchy/armed protest. So my comfort zone is just fine, more fun watching ya’ll squirm…lol
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You are 100% correct. That would be the nice and appropriate response. It would be what my father did, and what he preached. Don’t be worried, I have always been a rebel. It comes to me as naturally as being placid and going with the flow comes to you.
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There are still those among us who believe there is no need for “Integrity, Transparency, Accountability and Freedom of Information Legislation”, despite the fact that not only was it a promise made by the governing party in the 2008 election, but the present AG opines that it is not needed, based upon “economics”. However,it is not by accident that Barbados is presently numbered among the most highly indebted nations in the region. But truth be told, it is, for the most part, because of corruption ! To deny its existence and feel that there is no urgent need for the aforementioned legislation, is to deny the reality of our situation. To those who believe that all is well, and that we are “living in Paradise” , yes! A “fool’s Paradise” !
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All politicians in Barbados are in coverup mode , All things in Barbados starts with the Land, So if the others who want to run dont know that , then its true they dont have a clue,
Its means anyone who comes along with be doing the same things we see now no matter who wins next time around,
We will be dealing with the Land and putting thing where it needs to be , People first then we will deal with all other matters,
Cahill is also on the land and all other building on land with out CLEAR TITLE, Good title of fraud can not get a loan from a real BANK , All can run to FIRST CARIBBEAN who is in bed with CLICO, All the players are the same with different titles, of Companies,
I love to see the side talk of lawyers on the blog and the supporter of lawyers with long talking to waste time and have no idea how to get thing done, Freedom of speech is a nice think even when they dont have a clue,
Corruption of the Blood,,, “what was stolen must be returned”
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DBLP politicians will never want to admit that years and years of corruption got them in their present stew, but I am here to remind them every day…..right AC…..that is called justice.
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The difference between “Reparations” and “Debt Forgiveness” ? What’s the difference between “excrement” and “faeces” or, to use the bajan vernacular, “pup” and “shite” ?
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@Colonel Buggy at 5:13 PM …we too shame-faced..in simple Bajan prose.
The flip side of your profound remark “…I recall a man who held a ministry,..I’ve overheard individuals lamenting how this man … came out with nothing.” is that the is 1 in 10. And all the like-minded saints like him are on BU posting regularly (smile)…which means the other 90% out there doing de dog.
The MTW truck wid grit that get lost-way by a friend’s house; de bags of cement that get carry-way from the building site and on and on. Many of us grew up tieffing Ms Clarke mangoes or brekking off some of Halton’s cane so its really a natural progression to today’s actions.
Not condoning the behaviour. Nope. Just citing the ingrained nature of the malaise for many.
Enuff March 10, 2016 at 5:50 PM #…which, RATIONAL, SENSIBLE person cuss you re Grenville…Not a one! I have absolutely no idea why we even continue to talk about Solutions Barbados in the same breath as Political Party. Grenville is a very intelligent, active and impassioned man and I hope he will be a strident leading voice as our country forges ahead. But he is not a politician and never was.
David of BU is more politician than he is. He has put forward or has been the pathway for many ‘manifestos’ over these nine years…are we making irrational statements of him leading a third party!! A party will evolve…not from Solutions Barbados.
Last last year I asked a close family friend of the man about this political party ting and they basically choked up with laughter. I have come to understand their disinterest.
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http://www.caribbeantrakker.com/2013/02/man-arrested-for-photographing-ballot/
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Don’t take a ‘boothie’! Voters warned they face six months in JAIL if caught taking a selfie in polling booths tomorrow
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2634994/Dont-boothie-Voters-warned-face-six-months-JAIL-caught-taking-selfie-polling-booths-tomorrow.html#ixzz42YFJYeiu
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@ NorthernObserver
On page 47 of their 2008 election manifesto, the DEMS promised “the people will be kept informed of what the government is doing on their behalf through:
1) the publication of details of agreements and contracts involving the government and its agencies
2) formal ministerial statements at regular intervals on the progress of ongoing programs and projects
Kammie and his Future Centre Trust have been “actively involved in a logical and realistic way for change” by asking this DLP administration to live up to their promises of good governance, by informing Barbadians about details relative to the CAHILL project. Kammie has also brought detailed information about how a gasification plant may present some environmental problems for Barbados and thoroughly explained this at a number of presentations at town hall meetings and via the news and social media.
The same ACs who wrote “in many of the developed countries citizens groups become a nexus for many changes,” has constantly lambasted Kammie and the Future Centre Trust on BU for highlighting the mysteries surrounding CAHILL. They described all the documents presented to public as being fake, because it suits their political purpose, while this administration the ACs support is adamant that the project has to become a reality, despite evidence to the contrary.
What group has been able to initiate or impact change in Barbados?
During the 14 years of the past BLP administration, Shelly Weir and the Hope Foundation were at the forefront constantly highlighting the inadequacies of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Why? Because she is a member of the DLP and was only fulfilling her political mandate.
When the DEMS formed the government in 2008, Weir was appointed to the QEH board. There has been no SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT at the HOSPITAL and WEIR REMAINS SILENT because “her party in power.”
Pinelands Creative Workshop shifts between the BLP and DLP; the Israel Lovell Foundation is aligned to the BLP
Groups, organizations and people in general would only be able to effect change in Barbados, if they are supportive of the political party that holds the reins of government.
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pieter pieper March 10, 2016 at 6:47 PM #
“There are still those among us who believe there is no need for “Integrity, Transparency, Accountability and Freedom of Information Legislation”, despite the fact that not only was it a promise made by the governing party in the 2008 election, but the present AG opines that it is not needed, based upon “economics”.”
@ pieter pieper
But if the AG’s party believes Barbados is more than an economy, it’s a society, then he should with haste look at enacting ITAL. I guess in this instance they are probably admitting that a bad economy has an impact on the society.
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and what do you believe or expect these piece of legislation would accomplished are there not laws on the books that are ready in place to lock up thieves and scoundrels
how does one believe that passing another set of laws would protect society from crooked politicians scumbags and sacillwags
there are countries with these laws namely the USA and politicians are still found caught involved in illegal activities
How are they caught ?because of watch dog groups and organizations who have a network of people which interact at ground level scanning and observing what is being said and done by these politicians before and after they become servants of the people
Having the legislation and no one to be overseers and observers of those put in charge of the people trust is another piece of band aid remedy which cannot be effective without society need to regulate
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If there are laws already in place why did this disappointing lot promised to implement transparency laws within 100 days of assuming government. It is people like you, yardfowls, that is the problem. A people gets the government they deserve.
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Artaxerxes
The Prime Minister does not exude the type demeanour that makes you look upon him as honourable. On the contrary, he has behaved, said and done so many things that make him dishonourable. Does this administration look to you like you can trust their word? When they speak do you feel like they exude confidence? They were never about following manifesto promises. They were all about fulfilling personal agendas. In spite the crookery of David Thompson, you still had a sense that with him there was the extension of a listening ear to all who wanted to speak or make a suggestion. The moment you heard the words, ”this is we time, we will do it our way,” you knew immediately that their promises were only to comfort fools. The moment that 3-PM embrace Leroy Parris as friend and Michael Carrington as having not done anything wrong, you knew exactly what cloth he was cut from. If Barbados had a commission set up to look into the practices of its leader and ministers, one with ultimate power to hold politicians accountable for their actions, deeds and words, I can guarantee you that this lot would fail miserably. Even the estimates are telling a story that seems rigged to put money in many pockets.
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@ SSS
If Barbados had a commission set up to look into the practices of its leader and ministers, one with ultimate power to hold politicians accountable for their actions, deeds and words, I can guarantee you that this lot would fail miserably. Even the estimates are telling a story that seems rigged to put money in many pockets.
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That commission would be called the NATIONAL SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE (Commission) under the BUP and Bushie has long proposed Caswell to be the initial chairman.
Having such a commission is a common sense move, as a means of effecting integrity and transparency….AS WELL as the teeth to deal with breeches.
But as you know by now, …..we do not do ‘common sense…’
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They better bite that bullet, because restructuring the dollar, currently pegged to the US will ensure…they will never see recovery, but abject misery, mainly because the current lot of politicians from both divide are not the brightest lot, too eadily distracted by self….Jamaica is a good reminder re their dollar never recovering.
http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/78820/restructure-bite-bullet.
AC……your memory is short, like I said, am here as a reminder, a constant reminder…what watchdog groups what, what organizations what….your corrupt politicians and scalliwags have a track record and reputation of retaliating against anyone who tries to expose them..
That wicked practice and lowlife behavior of scamps for politicians “let them starve, if they dont shut up” goes back decades…..people have died in poverty trying to do the right thing for the island while the only thing on politicians’ minds were corruption and thiefing.
So dont come on here trying to fool the world, why dont you form one of those organizations or watchdog groups, then we can all sit back and enjoy the outcome. They can do nothing about social media is the only reasons corrupt politicians are finding it difficult to do even more crap on the island.
For the millionth time, corrupt public officials, when caught, go to prison in the US, that is because there are legislated laws on the statute books to curb corruption…..where are those legislations in Barbados, where are they…AC.
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Art…and when these pretend advocates get their yardfowl positions at the same compromised entities, it ensures they shut up, they never complain again or advocate again…….or they would starve.
It’s like a religion to the politicians….all they have ever been really good at is shutting people up….until now…lol
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Has anyone noticed that the Government plans to reduce the QEH budget by $9 million while spending $5 million on Independence celebrations?
Can we change our trajectory from social and economic ruin?
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Govt does not start and end in Parliament it is “WE” the people who chisel’s away at the problems by extending and expanding the laws on the books it is WE the people who are the true enforcers the laws cannot be enforced unless WE the people activate with diligence outside the walls of Parliament using legitimate and firewall methods that legislatures cannot penetrate
Who make the laws would always find ways to circumvent and to obstruct // unless society step forward with their own formulas and methods of holding politician accountable
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@ Ping Pong
How did you even notice that?
…in an environment where they are giving MORE money to the Defence force…. (to facilitate the BIG parade for the 50th?)
…where they have been UNABLE to resolve simple promotion issues in the Police Force
…where schools close daily for lack of effective cleaning
…where water is off for extended periods -as a matter of course
But every night they can find some moron to come on TV talking shiite about how many days left to the 50th Anniversary….
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So AC….why dont YOU agitate to put anticorruption legislation in place, since contrary to Adriel Brathwaite, AG…..you are growing a passion about it.
If you can answer me why DBLP politicians have to be forced to enact such legislation, I will go down to parliament with a sign…..do not tell me it’s because they have no money because:
They denied for 7 years that the economy was in trouble.
They swore Barbados was not affected by the world recession, so did the BLP.
They had millions to waste on whatever nonsense rolled around in their heads, including 5 million for independence celebrations and 60 million US of NIS pension money for 4 seasons…..wastage.
So, why would the government have to be forced to enact much needed legislation AC.
Me…I prefer keep exposing them….it takes less energy and is much more fun..lol
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@Ping Pong
Yes it was mentioned on another blog.
It comes down to a matter of prioritizing, to win an election or the discomfort of a few patients.
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Bush Tea
I worry a lot for my future, my children’s future and for all those who have no where else to go but Barbados.
Imagine that the British made a fortune (an empire) on the backs of Black Barbadians/Africans then kicked us to the curb (calling it Independence) when we were no longer useful to them and here we are celebrating our disposal.
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@ Ping Pong
You worry about your children’s future because you are smart. Most Bajans do not have that luxury. The WHOLE independence /republic nonsense is designed to provide distractions for the sheeple so that they will not have time to think about their children’s future.
Of course you must be aware that you are VERY much at fault for our current predicament. Surely you know that if someone of your intellectual vintage had been available to the electorate as an option in ANY of our recent “Hobson’s Choice” elections, you would have won hands down ..and EVERYTHING would have been different right now…
LOL
There is still time for you to give Grenville a call… tell him that Bushie sent you…. 🙂
Imagine us having a MoF who not only understands decimals..but actually is a Maths genius?
ha ha ha
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Bushman….first you have to teach Bajans and Caribbean black people by extension,
that the British got rid of them because they were no longer a viable option for British self-enrichment…called it independence and got a gaggle of dumb blacks to believe such..they should have seen it for what ot wss back then, given the track record of those who enslaved their ancestors…..I believe Barrow saw it in the 70s, but hos time had already passed, hence the veiled warnings, he would not have been able to reverse anything without reeducation.
Where Barrow, Williams et al fell down is, they did not disclose this fact to the people and I gather from the failed federation and crablike mentality each possessed and the current politicians still do, they did not share that information with each other…enter the new age corrupt politician very shortly after, telling lies, keeping secrets and refusing to engage the populace on anythong…..now they have arrived to this stage…50 years later, but they are here.
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*refusing to engage the populace on anything.
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Sunshine Sunny Shine March 11, 2016 at 6:45 AM #
“The moment that 3-PM embrace Leroy Parris as friend and Michael Carrington as having not done anything wrong, you knew exactly what cloth he was cut from.”
@ SSS
And let’s not forget the situation where the Sanitation Service Authority trucks and Transport Board buses are being repaired by Trans Tech Inc. and the ministers under whose portfolios these agencies fall are allegedly driving vehicles registered to that company.
None other than the Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite, came to their defense.
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The ‘Independence’ shiite should have been ‘celebrated’ for the first 5 years MAXIMUM.
After that, it should have been relegated to just another work day.
If we had a NATIONAL VISION worth anything then we could institute an annual day of review where we ANALYSED and CELEBRATED progress made TOWARDS that national vision.
“Independence” Bushie’s ass….
ya mean FIFTY years down the road we still talking shiite bout that?
Independence Day ….Emancipation Day … Columbus day…
Lotta shiite – designed to distract idiots from the REALITY of their dismal future…..
How about a “Barbados Enfranchisement Day” ….where we review progress on the promotion of the EQUAL distribution of the National resources ….based on MERIT -rather than colour /class?
….Of course, that would be showing a CONSTANT DECLINE would it not…?
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Bush Tea March 11, 2016 at 9:22 AM #
I am in agreement with your above sentiments….do you know that EWB eschewed statues,monuments,days,etc and he is no doubt cussing the ones who put up his statue and those who created EWB day.
Between the late 50’s and the 70’s NGOs like the youth clubs,Jaycees and Lions attracted bright young people who used to debate national,regional and international happenings at various forums…..sadly this no longer happens and we are the worse for it.
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@ Vincent
Bushie was in the 4H, Sports club, church choir, youth group and any other youth organisation dedicated to the things in which the young bushman has NO interest…
…and went on to be in almost every shiite organisation we got bout here…
WHY?
…because Bushie had wise parents who would SERIOUSLY cut the little bushie’s ass if he failed to take their ‘advice’ to join up… it became a habit…
If they were like the stupid-assed parents now breathing-up the people’s good oxygen …then young Bushie would have been on the block smoking, chasing AC and Islandgal …and ending up as poor as Caswell… 🙂
Everything happens for a reason.
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Bush Tea March 11, 2016 at 12:46 PM #
Skippah…….The only Cawmerian I knew in the 4H was me and you aint me.
I was in many organisations except anything associated with religion and joined all on my own initiative.
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@ Vincent
Bushie cannot speak for the estrogen-driven among us…. you probably learned to sew ‘on your own initiative’ too
While Bushie was forced by a mother who insisted that he be independent.
REAL testosterone is not easily managed Boss…? you gotta BEND it into shape.
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Bush Tea March 11, 2016 at 1:13 PM #
How yuh now so good,sew,bone flying fish,pick down and put back engines yuh name it all on own initiative.
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…so why the hell don’t you use that initiative to pick down the DLP and see if you can’t reassemble them …this time with some kinda brain?
…cause obviously whoever put them together mixed up the ‘thinking organ’ with the ‘solid waste’ organ …and got AC as the spokesman spouting inevitable shiite…
At the very least …you can ‘sew’ her A$$ shut…. 🙂
LOL ha ha ha
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Bush Tea March 11, 2016 at 4:19 PM #
Chuckle…….No bozie….I leave that to you and BBE,although after all these years trying it looks like it ent wukking.
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Given Philip Nicholls’ recent book ,it would be most interesting to read his opinion on the urgent need for anti-corruption legislation, (given the fact that it was promised in 2008). Or will he cover it in a revised edition ? Interesting read !
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Artax
You would think that driving around in a contractor’s vehicle would be grounds to launch an investigation into the nature of such a relation to determine any deviant financial practices. You already know that the money will not be passed via any banking transaction, referral, cheque or deposit. You know up front that we talking cash money transferred from one hand to the next in the agreed meeting spot. You know upfront that to keep a legit appearance, these thieving bitches would utilize their salaries every month, appear to be saving some of it, bring out loans to act as a front, where bank statements can show clearly deductions while they continue to hoard thousands towards millions in the safe keeping of the same contractors, under agreement, or in their privately installed secretive safes or volts. You would think that if we had any real police that dealt with white collar crime or even a journalistic establishment that not influenced by the same wicked people, we could catch a good few of them in the act. Barbados is just the nice little nest egg for breeding corruption and establishing systems to keep it up and running, because what money do not buy, it simply destroys through wicked partnership agreements.
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Driving around in a contractors vehicle does not make an individual a thief , Allegations remains baseless unless substantiated on”real” evidence
“WE” know a lot of shite don/t “WE” then use the legal parameters to dig up and get rid of .
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AC…you are an enabler, the worse breed of yardfowl.
You do not see a politician and member of government driving around in any contractor’s vehicle, particularly those contractors in Barbados who are known and proud to be corrupt since they openly boast that they cannot be arrested in Barbados by DPP or police; unless that politician is also corrupt…where do you get your logic.
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Is this the intelligent AC or that other cunt?
Are you kidding me? Do you not see a conflict of interest? Do you not see the raising of a red flag when the ministers’ preferences are to go with the buddy friend Transtec? No wonder why Barbados is so corrupt. Management 101, especially coming from government ministers who are in positions to influence finances and award contracts is that you do not create situations of conflict evidenced by close relationships. T
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David, might a digital platform to capture the will of the people on an issue by issue basis, starting with whether or not implementation of integrity legislation is a priority, be designed? Text Yes for Integrity Legislation or No to allow Corruption and Misappropriation of public funds.
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Instead of Yes or No, just put an X that is what we have been doing for the past umteen years to give the people we elect to parliament a free hand in the continuation of Corruption and Misappropriation of public funds.
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@ Andrew Simpson
I will be presumptuous enough and answer for David (heheheheheheh)
Yes such “a platform” can be designed. Survey Monkey and other online platforms can do precisely that see https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/certified-survey-questions/
Here are some questions that one would ask though.
1.Who is going to host it? The party that is going to host the platform is extremely important. If it is seen to be a political organisation, IT WILL NOT GET ANY RESPONSES. Even if it is not a political organisation, people are quite weary of coming online and voting for the simplest thing because they fear who will use their information & how
2.What will happen with the information that is harvested. You might not be seeing these surveys recently but Loop, and The nation, and Barbados Today and several other entities are doing these online surveys.
THe reason that they fail of have limited successes is because the sponsors cannot give any legitimate reason why a survey should be done. What is the ultimate purpose of all of this effort.
Bajans live in a society where we fear putting down our name and number even on a Raffle ticket because we feel that the promoters are going to give that information to someone even the Raffle ticket for the school is devoid of cell numbers because people are afraid.
Add the fact that the type of survey that you need HAS TO HAVE SOME TYPE OF DELIMITER, that is, it has to have something which says we polled x people, and these specific people are, other than that the poll that you are seeking to compile, does not have much validity because people can say things like “one man polled 10 times” as happened with the Raffle that Standard had for the $1million dollars and never held the raffle.
You know the one where the government worker at the MTW too 200 government envelopes and put their name in it and submitted them for the raffle.
Will BU do such a Survey?
Well I cant answer for the Honourable Blogmaster but I would ask why? What would he gain?
Would it bring people to BU because BU is a credible online entity without any political bias? Or would it dilute the audience that is currently on BU? One never knows, he could run both.
But Mr. Simpson.
Why stop at a survey?
Why not put your effort behind supporting a Participatory Workspace which expands what BU is right now, Barbados’ Premiere Advocacy medium.
A place where as opposed to talking bout it, BU actually starts doing it?
So for example we are talking about the garbage problem in Barbados.
Why you dont look at piloting a small pilot of 25 houses in *** where your enhanced “digital platform” idea could become a real live project where 25 real people would be part of your ral real survey of a specific local issue and who would use a digital platform to record (a) what is collected (b) what is seperated (c) and other metrics that brings the power of the average man and woman in the street to bear on our particular issues INSTEAD OF ALL THE LOTTA LONG TALK and digital survey toy games.
I am just wondering if your serious question wants serious answers.
When you get old like me and about to dead all the fancy talk and ting does go out the window.
Or you still want the Survey Monkey thing?
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During the week the media, including BU, was misled and reported that a court marshal did not serve Maloney, and that was the reason for his non-appearance in court. Well the marshals took some licks and unjustly so. Did anyone check to see if the summons was ever given to an individual marshal to serve? As far as I’m aware the answer is NO.
Sent from my iPad
>
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