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Mia Mottley, Leader of the Opposition
Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler

The Barbados Estimates Debate for 2016 – 2017 is currently being debated in Parliament. Although many Barbadians are sucked into the theatrics of the annual budget presentation, the more meaningful debate about ordering the country’s finances is meant to be discussed in our system of government in the Estimates debate. It is now evident that the government through its agent the minister of finance has not been honest with the people regarding the finances of the country. Also disappointing in the last year has been to observe the the reputation of the Central Bank taking a huge hit. Further we have had our leading bankers who should know better supporting the charade of Pinokio politics.

Follow the debate on CBC 100.7 and Parliament TV.

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267 responses to “Barbados Estimates 2016 – 2017”

  1. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Similar to how PUDRYR mentioned the inability to count is endemic in the DLP, it seems the ability to understand en one uh wunnuh strong points either. I feel fuh you……. you don’t even know the meaning tuh uh simple idiom.

    Let me explain it fuh yuh. The “pot calling the kettle black” simply means “I am accusing you of that which I am equally guilty of.”

    How do you correlate that idiom with your above comment?

    By the way, since you mentioned leadership, I hope you realize that recently Donville has been throwing some short jabs in Freundel’s sides.

    “Outspoken Government minister Donville Inniss is strongly advocating for change to the Westminster style of Government, while COMPLAINING that way TOO MUCH POWER is currently VESTED in the Office of the Prime Minister and that the Senate is engaged mainly in “rubber stamping”….” [Barbados Today, Februart 23, 2016]

  2. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Donville has to be the best politician in the DLP……. he reminds me of Donald Trump.

    Listen to what he had to say about the results of the recently conducted poll. His comments at 2:49 are quite interesting. He began his comments by stating the “poll is a wakeup call or the DLP.”

    Beginning from 2:49, it is very interesting to hear what Inniss had to say as follows:

    “I would say also that any talk of a third party is perhaps more of a CONDEMNATION of the CURRENT OPPOSITION party than IT IS NECESSARILY of the GOVERNMENT of the DAY.”

  3. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    NorthernObserver March 16, 2016 at 2:23 PM #

    DD posted similar comments yesterday about the $55 million Almond Heywoods/Sam Lords Loan.

    I agree that it is troubling the NIS website omits a current (or older) Annual Report with stuff like assets/liabilities/revenue(income) and expenses (disbursements) etc. And it would be helpful to have some details on the $4.3 billion “Investments”. Like how much of that is invested in securities of a sovereign state with a Debt/GDP ratio of 130% (or 160%?).

    Could it be that the workers/retirees funds are being used as a “cookie jar” by GOB.

    Instead of a Financial Statements you get a glossy 56 page ebook full of feel-good stories and recipes.

    Maybe a recipe for disaster

  4. Well Well & Consequences Avatar
    Well Well & Consequences

    Due Diligence…check this out.

    http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/03/16/bwa-workers-on-strike-2/

    Donville dont know what else to say, when he reaches the level of trying to emulate Trump, he is scraping the bottom of the barrel.

    That is Donville.

  5. Well Well & Consequences Avatar
    Well Well & Consequences

    http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/79033/trump-warns-riots-denied-republican-presidential-nomination

    And there is Trump….and we know what an idiot Trump is.

  6. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @DD
    at least Minister Sealy told one truth, he said the transferal was “seamless”. He was probably right, not one seam, not a single piece of documented paperwork, just with the ‘knowledge of Cabinet’ probably over a few rums.
    You wouldn’t be suggesting these funds somehow ended up in the public general account to pay day to day expenses would you?

  7. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Was OSA drunk or does he slur his words like that all the time?

  8. Well Well & Consequences Avatar
    Well Well & Consequences

    Hants…dream on, all the politicians know about it, been going on for decades…someone told me they not only all know but their own is involved as well.

    Is Gline Clarke the name of a politician…maybe you can ask Forde Hants..lol

  9. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @Artax
    I couldn’t help but notice the second Form geometry on the chalk board behind him. Who needs to know the translation of degrees to minutes or vice versa?

  10. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Well Well & Consequences March 16, 2016 at 5:38 PM #
    And there is Trump….and we know what an idiot Trump is.

    Well Well
    Id love to be an idiot like Trump owning all the real estate he does and riding in my personal jet.

  11. ac Avatar
    ac

    After that well presented and exposed shameful financial accounting under the blp .i know that Mia Mottley would never again have the mitigated gall to question the validty of the DlP handling of the nations finances. How embarrasing for the opposition to sit quietly and listened and be examine ! exposed!and be scruntized by the Hon.minister of finance Chris Sinckler about the awful way in which the Blp hid and maneuver the nations financial resources keeping many of the nations financial spend away from public glare
    How embarrasing.

  12. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    Artax, David

    Did Minister Sealy explain when he rose on a point of order why was it necessary for the BTII to purchase Almond instead of directing Stewart to negotiate directly with Neal and Massy?

    There has to be a reason why the government had to be an intermediary? These people do not do anything just for so……..there is always a reason.

    The government is broke and the ministers are so incompetent that to cover their incompetence they are coming over as angry, arrogant sods.

    Barbados has the responsibility of carrying the majority of the financial burden of LIAT and it is unbelievable that these morons continue to prop up GOL airlines. The government is made up of people who have to have gotat parts because the route is not profitable………………..and to think they are projecting a shortfall of over one billion dollars in revenue over expenditure……………

    And dems are offended when we say that these ministers have goat parts?……………. not one of them can tell the other come back!

  13. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @PS
    don’t mind what you read elsewhere. The gov’t bought the Heywoods property long before they sold it to Stewart. And while Massy [bs&t] was the largest owner, they were not the only owner. So that the old owners could have sold it to stewart directly isn’t accurate,
    Now exactly why the gov’t found it necessary to buy, is another question. Did they an agreement the old owners would absorb any loss?

  14. David Avatar
    David

    Didn’t Sealy say they took a mortgage with Republic Bank to help finance Sam Lords?

  15. Well Well & Consequences Avatar
    Well Well & Consequences

    GP…why would you want to enjoy all those perks, but have the downside of being in bankruptcy court every Monday morning, do you know how many lawsuits this dude juggles…remember the saying, when you see someone flying high, you do not know whose wings they are flying with…lol

    Northrrn & Prodigal, the best reason in the world….National Insurance pension money.

    The question to be asked is…how many of them lined their pockets while justifying the purchase of Almond…it was a stupid idea, we now see the end result.

  16. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    I am sorry for people who are going to be depending only on the NIS in the future for a pension. These SOB’s are making sure they drain every cent of the people’s out.

    I am so frightened for our fellow Barbadians!

  17. David Avatar
    David

    https://www.facebook.com/kevin.watson.123829/posts/10154838689519852

  18. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    @Artax March 16, 2016 at 4:20 PM

    Is the AG wearing a golden Rolex in your video?

    When I passed the Barbados Theater today at Trafalgar Square I saw lots of Mercedes and other cars sponsored by the local taxpayers.

    At least the creditors of this country have some assets to access after default …

  19. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    Tron March 16, 20

    At least the creditors of this country have some assets to access after default …

    Not really, the Mercedes are either leased or have a lien to Simpson Motors, No equity

  20. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    David March 16, 2016 at 7:14 PM

    That must be a Laff It Off shit

  21. ac Avatar
    ac

    I guess the blp operatives are feeling ashamed of the disclourse of the nations financial shenanigans at the hands and directed by the past leadership of the blp OSA a party of which Mottley and her crew were ministers and also help to gut the fatted calf by advancing astronomical to pay debt which resulted sky rocketing
    interest rates which were handed over to the present dlp govt for schedule payments owed to the international loan agency
    Was Sinckler making some what of a glancing blow by way of referencing LEC as a footnote or a reminder to Mottley to please verify

  22. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Just had a “what the france is this moment…….dis happen in Barbados ?

    ” Police called in amid claims that two adult brothers were abused and kept in chains.”

  23. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    See wuh I tell wunnuh.

    After watching that video with Mara Thompson, I’m convinced that Owen Arthur was correct when he described parliament as poor-rakey. Should the St. John people use that video as a benchmark of her performance, then she should lose by a land slide in 2018.

    When the yard-fowl consortium posted the following contribution, they DEFINITELY had Mara in mind, but mistakenly referred to Mottley because of some sick obsession they have with her. So, I’ll make the correction as follows:

    “(MARA) needs to be SCHOOLED and TAUGHT the DEFINITION of PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE MOST IMPORTANTLY on the LEVEL of DISCUSSION which would INCLUDE all of the POPULACE ATTENTION and on which there is a “take away” on how the COUNTRY’S CHALLENGES should be CONFRONTED FORMULATED on SOLVABLE POLICIES. Her reactionary mode of confrontation is unnecessary on serious issues during these high level debates and should be left outside parliament and feed to her loyal supporters during election campaigning.”

    If the BLP, acting as a political party, and not in the capacity as the Opposition or fulfilling a mandate sanctioned by the House of Assembly, decided to raise funds for Dominica, why should they report the success or failure of that venture or be accountable to parliament?

    Additionally, wuh de shiite Mara saying “she don’t like de way sumbody looking at she daughters” gots tuh do wid “how the country’s challenges should be confronted formulated on solvable policies?”

    Hence, in that case, “her reactionary mode of confrontation (was) unnecessary on SERIOUS ISSUES during these high level debates and should be left outside parliament and feed to her loyal supporters during election campaigning.”

    ACs, wunnuh is bosses, yuh. I feel dat wunnuh did involve in dah vote buying Fumble and Ditwitt did hear ‘bout, yuh. Judging from wunnuh comments, wunnuh like wunnuh get pay by de DLP and went and vote fuh de BEES. Because wunnuh comments duz do the DEMS more HARM dan gud.

  24. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    David March 16, 2016 at 7:14 PM

    What a difference a year makes

  25. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Leave the poor woman alone. A sack of potatoes branded DLP could get elected in St.john you know that. And she is not a public speaker. She is trying but should really get the ‘alternate career chat’. Then again as long as runs for the D’s in that riding she will be elected.

  26. TheGazer Avatar
    TheGazer

    Saw the videos of the two politicians here on BU. If I gave Jack his jacket. Donville is pretty smooth. The other politician need polishing.

  27. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @Hants
    looks like the fella reading the news has the same tailor as the gov of CBB. The style seems to be spreading, I saw donville is something no far off.

  28. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    Check the March 16, 2015 Nation News vid posted March 16, 2016 at 8:40 PM at 0:39 re 2015 Estimates

  29. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Sinckler was engaging in mere political posturing, which is the norm among politicians.

    I’m sure BU remember those days when Owen Arthur, as prime minister, used to end the Budget Debates with fiery “disclosures of the nation’s financial shenanigans at the hands and directed by the past leadership of the DLP,” paying special attention to David Thompson’s tenure as minister of finance.

    Bearing in mind that, rather than immediately introduce integrity legislation/ITAL when elected in 2008 as promised, Thompson’s IMMEDIATE PLANS were to “DISTRIBUTE the FATTED CALF,” if we were to take from the 2006 DLP annual conference speech:

    “Under no circumstances, however, we will kill the fatted calf to welcome any such persons back into our fold. We have learnt our lesson as a party. The FATTED CALF, under David Thompson’s WATCH, will be SLAUGHTERED and SHARED AMONG THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE STOOD THIS COURSE…”

    It’s now the DLP’s turn to grandstand and as we are witnessing, “WHAT GOES AROUND, DEFINITELY COMES AROUND.” But we all know that HOLDING the REINS of government is NOT a “FOREVER THING.”

    So in 2018, when it’s the BLP’s TURN to perform their political grandstanding, it will be very interesting to know which DLP ministers “also help to gut the fatted calf” under Thompson’s and subsequently Stuart’s watch, especially taking scams such as CAHILL into consideration.

  30. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Due Diligence March 16, 2016 at 8:40 PM #

    I watched the video you posted and was amazed when I heard the distinct similarities between the 2015 and 2016 Estimates and associated political rhetoric, which was similarly extended to the opinion poll then and the one conducted this year.

    The more things change, the more they remain the same.

  31. TheGazer Avatar
    TheGazer

    An example of political spin is when you take what is bad news (for you) and turn it into good news or somehow lay the bad news at the door of your neighbor. Not everyone can spin, but what Donville did was so artful that I had to give his suggestion some serious thought; it was a work of art.

    He also handles the results of the poll very skillfully; first he ‘discredit’ its origin/motives and then embraces it as a wake-up call to his party; note how he mentions both side of the coin “what it is we are not doing right or what we are doing right”.

    He is quite good…

  32. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    NorthernObserver March 16, 2016 at 5:57 PM #

    “I couldn’t help but notice the second Form geometry on the chalk board behind him. Who needs to know the translation of degrees to minutes or vice versa?”

    @ NorthernObserver

    Did you not also notice Brathwaite in the video? Perhaps the geometry was a guide for him, or Sinckler was supposed to attend later.
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Tron March 16, 2016 at 7:22 PM #

    “Is the AG wearing a golden Rolex in your video?”

    @ Tron

    Just because he is the worst AG that does not mean he has no class…. lol

  33. TheGazer Avatar
    TheGazer

    Politicians thought they could ignore Trump and he would self-destruct. Today he is the most potent political force there is. Reality cannot be ignored (indefinitely). One or two glib politicians can bring in others on their coattails. How do you neutralize a heavy hitter?

  34. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @DD
    that is why they are called politicians, they can spin anything from any direction. And God bless their souls, cause they can impress at least AC and others. It would be really shitty if all Bajans went to sleep understanding their gov’t, regardless of which party they elected, are all a bunch of fuck ups.
    The MoF had trouble opening and locking his car, too much on his mind. He has learned to talk in Parliament however, if you didn’t understand what he was actually saying, he would be impressive. He could tell you that you had cancer and 3 months live and you would leave with a smile on your face.
    Now so could the PM, you would just be confused by 2 of his every 3 words, and not have a clue what was said.

  35. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    See Estwick, Lasches and Stuart perform at the Estimates Show

  36. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Due Diligence March 16, 2016 at 9:06 PM #

    “Check the March 16, 2015 Nation News vid posted March 16, 2016 at 8:40 PM at 0:39 re 2015 Estimates”
    Same bullshit, different year, right DD?

    It amazing how Sinckler can get away with the bluffing time after time.
    He is always blaming the skyrocketing of the deficit on the transition from the use of the cash basis under the previous BLP administration to the accrual method of accounting for Government’s expenditure.
    Mark you, he never refers to the positive effect it can also have on the revenue side of the equation.

    Now when did this change take place? Let’s say during the 2008/2009 financial year. He could get away with that bullshit alibi in accounting for an abnormally high deficit for the same year or even the following year. But Christ, Chris, not for 2014/2015 or 2015/2016.

    When it is not the change in accounting method it is the necessity of having to borrow to repay loans incurred under the previous administration; which, of course, accounts for the debt moving from 6 billion under the BLP to over $10 billion today.

    But in the land of the parliamentary blind the dumbass Stinkliar is king.

  37. David Avatar
    David

    It appears Mara attempted to address a matter via the Speaker as an MP on their feet is suppose to do.

  38. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    millertheanunnaki March 16, 2016 at 10:54 PM #

    “It amazing how Sinckler can get away with the bluffing time after time. He is always blaming the skyrocketing of the deficit on the transition from the use of the cash basis under the previous BLP administration to the accrual method of accounting for Government’s expenditure.”

    @ millertheanunnaki

    Excellent contribution, Miller.

    The Financial Management & Audit Act was repealed in 2007 and replaced with the Financial Management & Audit Act, 2007-11. The main changes introduced through the new Act were the transitioning of government’s accounting system from cash basis to accrual basis of accounting and to provide a greater degree of independence to the Auditor General’s office.

    As such, in accordance with the new Financial Management & Audit Act, government’s accounts were reported on an accrual basis from March 31, 2008. According to the Auditor General’s 2008 report, “these accounts were governed by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards, issued by the International Federation of Accountants.”

    As you know, the accrual system of accounting requires revenues and expenses to be reported in the period they were earned and incurred respectively, irrespective of cash being received or paid in each category.

    As you mentioned, blaming the increasing deficit on the accounting system is ludicrous. Financial statements are to be analyzed as a whole, while referring to the accompanying notes, which would explain totals in the relevant balance sheet and income accounts.

  39. ac Avatar
    ac

    then why did not the opposition get off their duffs and object to the minister of finance accounting of the covert accounting of the nations financing by the BLP

  40. SameSung Avatar
    SameSung

    ac
    In about 3 months time the MOF would not be able to hide behind the lies as the financial year would have ended and far from collecting BDS$850M in February and March 2016 it materialised at only BDS$600M.

    Oh the lies we tell.

  41. SameSung Avatar
    SameSung

    The MOF had the audacity to look the good people in the face and suggest the GOB would collect BDS$850 MILLION DOLLARS in 2 months, this would equate to GOB collecting 30% of the entire year’s revenue in 2 months or about BDS$200M more than it did for the previous financial year.

  42. Well Well & Consequences Avatar
    Well Well & Consequences

    http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/79055/pm-wont-moved

    As usual….Stuart is getting tied up I believe everyone was asking for an explanation re fingerprinting, moving him can wait for elections…lol

    What was the big secret, he could not engage the public before.

  43. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    SameSung March 17, 2016 at 6:09 AM #

    “The MOF had the audacity to look the good people in the face and suggest the GOB would collect BDS$850 MILLION DOLLARS in 2 months, this would equate to GOB collecting 30% of the entire year’s revenue in 2 months or about BDS$200M more than it did for the previous financial year.”

    @ SameSung

    Less than two years before the 2018 general elections, we witnessed government commencing their political campaign by creating a “feel good” atmosphere under the guise of a yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, for which they allocated $5M……. compliments of the Treasury.

    Now, we are hearing government’s economic program is suddenly “bearing fruit” and revenue has miraculously increased, after declining each fiscal year ending March 31, for the past seven years.

    What a coincidence.

  44. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/79055/pm-wont-moved

    PM won’t be moved

    “THERE WILL BE no compromise or negotiation on Government’s $7 million commitment to celebrate Barbados’ 50th anniversary of Independence this year.”

    $7 million? What happened to $5 million?

  45. caribbeantradelaw Avatar
    caribbeantradelaw

    @David, democracy be damned!

    PM won’t be moved

    “THERE WILL BE no compromise or negotiation on Government’s $7 million commitment to celebrate Barbados’ 50th anniversary of Independence this year.” – See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/79055/pm-wont-moved#sthash.XXf3jjbB.dpuf

  46. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    @ Artaxerxes

    I doan know nuffin bot financial reports however I does try to understand tings simple like.

    Like the point about $800 m in 2 months and the feel good concessions before general elections time etc., I wud got to be a real ingrunt ole man not to understand , and agree.

    I would appreciate if you explain to me de ting dat Stinkliar say bout changing de status uh de airport and dat statutory corporation status/trick and bringing expenses tuh book en ting.

    De reason dat it seem to me tuh mek sense and be the truth was because, even befo’ de liar Stinkliar had uttered the issues, Denis Kelman was saying the same thing, sotto voce, BEFORE CHRIS SPOKE DE WORDS,!!

    Remember whu de ole man tell you bout anomalies!!!

    Truth is presaged by truth UNLESS it is a carefully orchestrated lie and Denis, while not the most smart of orators, cannot be trained to say the same thing to substantiate what Chris was saying prior to what is being said.

    So in essence the loose cannon Kellman’s presaged echolalia, an oxymoron for codified intelligence data, suggest truth in what purports to be a accounting trick of some sort that this ole man wants one of you brainiacs here to clarify for me.

    Wunna dun know dat de ole man doan gots too much confidence in Mia and her crew uh muttleys but I want to confirm the fact that (that sentence indicates dat I already believe Stinkliar right?) but I want someone tuh tell me if whu Chris say is true.

  47. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “then why did not the opposition get off their duffs and object to the minister of finance accounting of the covert accounting of the nations financing by the BLP….”

    A very interesting comment.

    Perhaps Owen Arthur should have responded since he was prime minister and minister of finance during the period Sinckler alluded to.

    However, Sinckler’s comments are a CONDEMNATION of the DLP’s tenure in opposition. Remember the PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE falls under the chairmanship of the LEADER of the OPPOSITION. Hence, it is important to note the then opposition DLP had FOURTEEN YEARS to use the PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE to INVESTIGATE and UNCOVER any financial infelicities perpetrated by the then BLP administration.

    As far as I can remember, there were not any inhibiting factors which prevented the PAC from functioning. The PAC Act was NOT repealed during that period, as was DONE RECENTLY by this present DLP administration. As a matter of a fact, then PM Arthur AMENDED the Act to make the process of forming a PAC quorum much EASIER. This begs the question what was the opposition DLP doing during the 14 years they had control over the PAC?

    Also recall in June 2013 the PAC asked the NHC to account for over $40M received in monthly advances WITHOUT parliamentary APPROVAL. Stuart went to parliament to REPEAL the PAC Act on the grounds the committee was on a “witch hunt.” By taking that course of action Stuart essentially ADMITTED he and his administration had something to HIDE.

    But for the DLP to come now at this juncture (and after unofficially announcing the commencement of their political campaign), making accusations relative to “covert accounting of the nations financing by the BLP,” especially in the ABSENCE of EVIDENCE PROVIDED by the Auditor General or the PAC, can only be described as political grandstanding and electioneering.

    Please note, these types of activities do not RESONATE with yard-fowls, BUT with people of REASONABLE thought.

  48. David Avatar
    David

    @DD

    To understand the 7.1 million you have to appreciate the expenditure crossed two financial periods.

    There is an argument that 50 years comes once and we should celebrate it as part of nation building, it is the how some will question. Too political? Too idealistic? Too insensitive?

  49. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    pieceuhderockyeahright March 17, 2016 at 8:40 AM #

    “I would appreciate if you explain to me de ting dat Stinkliar say bout changing de status uh de airport and dat statutory corporation status/trick and bringing expenses tuh book en ting.”

    @ PUDRYR

    Unfortunately, I have not read any information, as yet, pertaining to your above comments. Therefore, I am unable to give an opinion at this time. Perhaps you could guide me to where I could read Sinckler’s comments

  50. Swing Low Avatar
    Swing Low

    BDS$850,000,000.00 in revenue in 2 months (February & March). Well he should get a prize for the biggest liar to ever to grace the floor of Parliament. Damn he could lie, he is a BOSS liar.

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