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Business as Usual Between the Political Class and Denizens

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Submitted by HAMILTON HILL

crimeRome is burning, and from all appearances one begins to get the sense that the Romans are fast asleep. Aren’t we just a tad bit tired of the optics? I think not, for they are passed off as business as usual. Exactly when do we intend to stand up and say to our Gods this simple one line phrase? ENOUGH. ….

The sound of gunfire is as commonplace as the back fire of an engine with blown Pistons. Last Sunday night an innocent fifty seven year old woman had the misfortune of crossing paths with one of the many errant bullets that seemingly come from all directions of the one hundred and sixty six square mile gun range. The scary thing is that it could happen at anytime to anyone.

Here is my problem. This woman might lose her life, and through sheer diligence the over worked and underappreciated detectives of the RBPF will bring the vermin to justice. After a fair trial that menace to society becomes a ward of society, breathing the same air as you, me and everyone else except the unfortunate fifty seven year old woman upon whom he would have passed judgement. From all the way in Washington DC this creep is given a new lease on life. Since Washington DC has this much influence on us, explain this to me.

Democratic majority leader Pedro Espada Jr, a big wig in New York politics got five years in prison for stealing from a non-profit clinic he had founded. That was back in 2013. Today he is in maximum security after straying outside the boundaries of the the low level lockup that initially housed him. Hours ago seventy two year old Sheldon Silver received a sentence of twelve years in prison for corruption. How could I have forgotten to mention the fact that Mr Silver occupied the position of SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. Let me also tell you that in all of this mess Governor Andrew Cuomo didn’t suggest to corrupt Shelley Silver “Go get a lawyer, you didn’t do anything wrong“. He ain’t so drunk, and in any event such shit flies only in a banana republic where poor folk are content with the tactic of comply and then complain. Where austerity measures are trained in one direction only. A banana republic where the American influence is conveniently applied.

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76 responses to “Business as Usual Between the Political Class and Denizens”

  1. Vincent Haynes Avatar
    Vincent Haynes

    I wonder why no comment on the HOPE charter above by the BLP since HANTs posted this on the 5th.

  2. David Avatar
    David

    @Vincent

    The fact you are wondering exposes your disconnect. People are fed up with the political rhetoric

  3. ac Avatar
    ac

    Although there is truth in that people are tired if political rhetoric.Also the truth being the blp political machinery that frequents this blog would not like to upset the apple cart

  4. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    And “the truth being the” resident yard-fowls who have been appointed by the DLP to “troll” BU and spew their rhetorical political diatribe, serves to REINFORCE in peoples’ minds that they are INDEED tired of the political rhetoric.

    Especially when issues that require SERIOUS discussion are POLITICIZED and converted into “political jousting matches,” with yard-fowls blaming the opposing political parties, while trying to convince BU’s “reading audience” that any decision made or policy developed by the political party they support is ALWAYS CORRECT CHOICE.

  5. Vincent Haynes Avatar
    Vincent Haynes

    David May 8, 2016 at 8:46 AM #

    @Vincent

    The fact you are wondering exposes your disconnect. People are fed up with the political rhetoric
    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

    I accept your rebuke and plead guilty as I am over and away………….I thought this would be up Baffys street as it come pretty close to his wish for a legal entity.

  6. ac Avatar
    ac

    Another truth being that the blp party rather than talk solutions has made a concerted effort to bypass having to adress social or economic problems which would give the voter a chance of knowing what solutions they have to offer .Further more their are laws on the books that gives guidance to good governance which btw the
    many of which the blp bypass in their rule of goverance
    Mottley so called covenant of hope is simply a distraction which offers no solutions to social and economic concerns
    Simply a political foot stool which acts as leverage or extension to gain public and political support for the no confidence proposal against govt she brought to parliament

  7. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    AC- the intelligent one I hope and not the pimpy cunt

    You are starting to sound like your cohort pimpy AC. As you would know, the SSS cares very little for the likes of Mottley, but to ensure that Freundel Stuart lose his seat, the government and all seats resulting in no opposition, the SSS and her peeps, and her peeps’ peeps will vote for Mottley in light of the fact that SBP is far from ready and might never be. If Mottley is more than just articulation and has at least a pint of common sense to exercise in her political endeavour, she would be wise not to proffer any erroneous solutions and promises in her Covenant of Hope. The model that has enticed right thinking bajans to follow the Barbados Labour Party is a model that she would do well to keep far is shite from. Mottley cannot lose the next election but, be that as it may, she can score some serious points by simply painting the facts and telling the truth about all the goings on in Barbados. She can win the confidence of the people by involving the people in the process of Barbados’ way forward. That forward will mean talking to the people with frank facts and telling them what they will have to do and how to do it all the way. If she plays her cards right she can become the darling of Barbados. However, if that dark hidden nastiness in her should raise any part of its ugly head, she will suffer some serious indignation the likes of which will threaten her hopes of becoming Barbados first female Prime Minister. Already her shite with Maria Agard and taken back that lap puppy who is as loyal as wagging tail dog, was a very bad move. She should have looked to new young vibrant and intelligent blood.

  8. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @SSS can you do me a small favor…yah see I does try to read yah posts but de eyes in de best and de blogmaster is be changing this font size and style regular.

    So…can you find it in your heart of fingers to more generously separate your text wid line spaces!!!

    I know that line break tingy can be a pain when writing on de tablet but trust me, when its more than one or two lines reading it is even worst…regardless of font size.

  9. ac Avatar
    ac

    ho body gonna buy Mottley bag pf political hat tricks not even Ozzie Moore What Covenant of Hope she need to be straight forward with solutions as she is equally straightforward in her criticism ,,do not be fooled she would be laid bare at the altar of political expediency for all she has done in the past and for what she has done in her exuberance of stoking the political fires of division to disrupt the country
    notice how the blp operatives on this blog have not as even made a political bite of support for this Covenant of Hope . Reason being it adds up to absolutely nothing another form of political campaigning which she has been waging on for the last eight years

  10. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “Furthermore their (there) are laws on the books that give guidance to good governance which btw the
    many of which the blp bypass in their rule of governance……”

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    The above comments are an “accurate example” of what I wrote in a previous post re: “Especially when issues that require SERIOUS discussion are POLITICIZED and CONVERTED into “political jousting matches,” with yard-fowls blaming the opposing political parties…”

    If we were to seriously analyze the topic of “good governance,” and especially taking into consideration the comment: “…..which btw many of which the blp bypass in their rule of governance……” I’m sure we will be REMINDED of the DLP’s promises, in 2008, of PURSUING a path of “good governance.” if they were elected to form the governing administration of Barbados.

    The topic of good governance was to be of such PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE to the DLP that they DEDICATED 3 PAGES of their 2008 election manifesto to thoroughly articulate the topic (i.e. the “laws on the books that give guidance to good governance.)”

    The constraints of space prevents me from critically analyzing the DEMS’ interpretation of governance and juxtapose that interpretation with their entire actions thus far. As such, I will only present a few examples.

    Firstly, however, on PAGE 46 of that manifesto, for example, were the following comments:

    “There is therefore a need to clean up politics in Barbados. The Democratic Labour Party has SELECTED a TEAM of CLEAN, CARING, COMPETENT and committed politicians who have SIGNED on to a CODE of CONDUCT that PROMISES Good Governance.”

    It is interesting to note that, after approximately 8 years and 4 months, not one DLP politician has publicly “signed on to (any) CODE of CONDUCT that PROMISES Good Governance.”

    Additionally, in general conversation about politics and based on their “antecedents” so far, how could someone associate the words “CLEAN,” “CARING” and “COMPETENT” with the likes of Michael Lashley and Denis Lowe.

    Or mention with all certainty that Donville inniss, David Estwick and Richard Sealy CARE about anyone other than themselves.

    Or use the word “COMPETENT” and Freundel Stuart, Chris Sinckler, Adriel Brathwaite, John Boyce, Denis Kellman, Esther, Maxine, Irene, “Jester” Ince, Patrick Todd and Reggie Hunte in the “same breath.”

    Also, on page 46, the DEMS described good governance as having “8 major characteristics,” being: (1) participatory, (2) consensus oriented (3) accountable to the electorate, (4) transparent in all its decision-making, (5) responsive to the needs of voters, (6) effective and efficient, (7) equitable and inclusive, and (8) follows the rule of law.

    A serious COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS of this DLP administration’s “exploits” since January 15, 2008 to May 8, 2016, and the “8 characteristics” so described, will certainly find little or no CREDENCE among those of us who have the ability to formulate HONEST and UNBIASED conclusions.

    Recall that, in June 2013, the Public Accounts Committee began to investigate a matter pertaining to the National Housing Corporation (NHC) being asked to account for over $40 million received in monthly advances of $2.46M per month, without parliamentary approval.

    If, for example, good governance “follows the rule of law,” why would the MoF advance $2.46M per month to the NHC, WITHOUT parliamentary approval and why would PM Stuart RESPOND to that issue by REPEALING the then Public Accounts Committee Act Cap. 10A, with the “Public Accounts Committee (Repeal) Act, 2014” in an effort to PREVENT further investigation?

  11. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Furthermore, on page 46 of the manifesto the DEMS promised that: “A Democratic Labour Party administration will put systems in place to REVERSE the TREND of CONCENTRATING power INTO FEWER and FEWER hands, as well as attempt to rekindle trust and confidence in the system of parliamentary elections and constituency representation.”

    Perhaps the ACs would care to explain to BU why after the DLP promised “to REVERSE the TREND of CONCENTRATING power INTO FEWER and FEWER hands,” the names Mark Maloney and Bjorn Bejerkhamn keep arising in government associated projects and they were appointed to LIAT’s and the Central Bank Bank’s board of directors respectively. Or what is the level of coincidence that, after Sinckler announced a reduction of duties on cement, Maloney established the company “Rock Hard Cement.”

    On page 47 the DEMS explained “accountability” as follows:

    “The DLP administration’s ATTITUDE to ACCOUNTABILITY will be BASED on the understanding that as SERVANTS and REPRESENTATIVES of the people there can be no SECRETS or MATTERS to be HIDDEN from the POPULATION. Consequently, a DLP administration will be ACCOUNTABLE for its ACTIONS and policies and take the PUBLIC into its CONFIDENCE.”

    So far, members of this DLP administration seemed to have interpreted “Accountable to the ELECTORATE” to mean being accountable ONLY to those INDIVIDUALS who VOTED for the DLP. Hence, government ministers’ PENCHANT to ADDRESS national issues in DLP controlled forums, such as constituency branch meetings, annual conferences and overseas based DLP associations in Canada, USA or the UK, where they feel COMFORTABLE speaking to the DLP “ELECTORATE.”

    Additionally, if we were to take projects such as CAHILL, Adopt-a-mile, CLICO building houses for the NHC without a formal, legal contract (as revealed by former NHC chairperson, Marilyn Rice-Bowen); the NHC’s decision to change a contract to build new housing units at Exmouth in St. Michael from Rotherley Construction Inc. to a company associated with Preconco Limited, increasing the budgeted cost from $28 million to $33 million; and SBRC into consideration, “there can be no secrets or matters to be hidden from the population,” clearly becomes “NON SEQUITUR.”

    Secondly, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, on page 48 of the 2008 manifesto, the DEMS promised, if elected in 2008, to:

    “IMMEDIATELY INTRODUCE INTEGRITY LEGISLATION requiring: (a) a declaration of assets by public officials; (b) a Code of Conduct for Ministers; (c) a new Freedom of Information law; (d) amendments to the Defamation laws and (e) new constitutional provisions to rationalize the powers of the Prime Minister.”

    After 8 years and 4 months at the helm of government, ITAL seems to be on the “back burner” for the government (and opposition as well).

    The supporters of the DLP cannot DISPUTE or DENY that their political party is on RECORD as HAVING articulated their WILLINGNESS to EMBRACE the GUIDLINES of “good governance,” as illustrated in their 2008 election manifesto.

    UNFORTUNATELY, as at May 8, 2016, the party seems to have eventually RESCINDED their promise to introduce the “laws on the books that gives guidance to good governance,” “many of which they bypassed in their rule of governance.”

    As such, the ACs’ May 8, 2016 1:03PM comments are a BEFITTING DESCRIPTION of the DLP, especially when this administration’s performance and attitude of towards good governance so far, is taken into consideration.

  12. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Agreed, AC, “the Covenant of Hope “may add up to absolutely nothing (than) another form of political campaigning which she has been waging on for the last eight years.”

    However, a similar sentiment can be used to describe this DLP administration’s POLITICIZED approach to ORGANIZING the yearlong 50th anniversary of independence celebrations.

    Based on what has transpired so far, it is OBVIOUS to all that the DLP is USING “tax payers’ funds” to FINANCE their 2018 election campaign, under the GUISE of independence celebrations.

  13. ac Avatar
    ac

    there is no guise , it is either barbados 50th or it is not . Now are you trying to imply that what Barbadians have worked and earned in the fifty years of independence transforming barbados into a successful and peaceful domicile is not well deserving of having a year long celebration, A year long celebration giving all Barbadians near and far an opportunity to be involved in the first and only 50 years of Independence . Arent you not a tiny bit ashamed of stampeding on such a privilege and right for the people to recapture and be captivated in the spirit of nationhood and patriotism,even While Mottley and the BLP continue their EIGHT YEARS of warlike attacks against the govt and country arent you ashamed
    Listen all the govt is asking is one year to highlight and spot light barbados at its best is that asking too much

  14. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    No one is disputing the fact that Barbados is not deserving of having a yearlong celebration for the 50th anniversary of independence. I do not have any problem with the celebrations. However, I have a problem with the party political methods being used to plan and organize the events.

    Firstly, if this DLP administration was genuine and transparent in its efforts; “giving all Barbadians near and far an opportunity to be involved in the first and only 50 years of independence,” the 50th Anniversary National Organising Committee would have had a representative from the Opposition, similarly to how BARP, Muslim, disabled and Christian communities, the trade union movement and UWI are represented.

    Secondly, are “you not a tiny bit ashamed of stampeding on such a privilege and right for the people to recapture and be captivated in the spirit of nationhood and patriotism,” by refusing to recognize “ALL those Barbadians who have worked and earned in the fifty years of independence transforming Barbados into a successful and peaceful domicile,” but “implying that” the DLP is the sole political party responsible for the development of Barbados.

    Thirdly, you should be very ashamed to conveniently spew words such as “the spirit of nationhood and patriotism” because it is politically expedient for you to such, when to date your DLP has divided the island by discussing national issues only among the party faithful.

    DLP politics at play.

  15. ac Avatar
    ac

    No i am not ashamed firstly i have devoid self of putting the national interest of country in harms way with the use of creative bombas language and marches which attacks demeans denigrate the heart and soul of this tiny island
    the spirit and soul which stays alive when ALL resist the temptation of being political opportunist with an indulgence to put party first
    Mia Mottley has never resisted all of the above mentioned political opportunities even in this year of celebrations where she has now mounted her political horse to stymied and cast distasteful discourse surrounding the country 50th citing being left out

  16. David Avatar
    David

    Let the fowl cocks come out, bet your bottom dollar they will need grain tomorrow.

    Tomorrow, tomorrow …

    cock

  17. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    ac May 8, 2016 at 10:23 PM #

    there is no guise , it is either Barbados 50th or it is not . Now are you trying to imply that what Barbadians have worked and earned in the fifty years of independence transforming Barbados into a successful and peaceful domicile is not well deserving of having a year long celebration

    NO! IT IS NOT WORTH IT YOU PIMPY SUCKAPOOCH.

    You would do well to heed to the story of the man who found a small treasure chest of gold, 12 gemstones. and two bales of money. He collected all these items as he tried to cross a dry and barren land.

    As he watched his riches while dragging them several miles across the desert, he thought to himself how rich he was.

    However, by the time he reached half way through the desert, all that he was carrying was a tethered shirt, now tied around his head, and a very short mangle pants, which he stripped away to make shoes too protect his feet from the blisters and scorching hot sand. As he laid dying in the sand, he did not spare a though for the money he left behind but the fact that with all that money he would have given it up for a single drop of water.

    Do you know what the moral of the story is Pimpy?

    The independence day celebration was perfectly poised to mask the DLP’s strategy to finance their political campaign. With a popularity only representing 15% loyalty, the PM knows fully well that any calculated move to appeal the people through improved public relations will simply reinforce their position that he is an apostate. So, to soften their mindsets, and make it easy for him to reenter the arena of direct public speaking (outside esteem groups and party faithfuls), the Chapang on 30th November 2016 is intended to leave the disgruntle speechlessly and raise the level of praise and astonishment for a smooth transition into that arena without to

  18. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    De Dribbler

    Sorry hon, you know the SSS likes you, but, unfortunately, as I have told you, I am not so much into the paragraph thing and correct grammar thing. I just type and that it is depending on the mood I am in. And trust me, I get a lot of those. hmmmmmm muaaah.

  19. David Avatar
    David

    Isn’t obvious except to the partisans the year long celebration is a build up to the next general election.

  20. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    David

    Your blog is not printing all of my post. This is the second time. Or is it that they have tracked the SSS down. Oh my Gosh, where is my piece.

  21. ac Avatar
    ac

    Listen blp operatives dont trip all over selves trying to discredit what is a nationalistic and patriot celebration pinning and spinning sinsters motive to the 50th celebration. Unfortunately this is what the blp operatives and leadership does best in their urgency to score political brownie points nevertheless most would have been surprised if the Blp had the decency of an endorsement of the celebrations rather than to resorting to bombas rherteoric to assassinate the integrity of a noble cause with divisive tactics

  22. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    This is not the usual AC…… this one is a bit more clever, but the underlying political yard-fowl characteristics are evident.

    There mere fact you are making this issue about Mia Mottley reinforces my point that the yearlong celebrations marked the beginning of the DLP’s 2018 election campaign and SSS’s point relative to the celebrations being “perfectly poised to mask the DLP’s strategy to finance their political campaign.”

    Essentially, you are attempting to use the free services offered by BU to “SUBLIMINALLY ADVERTISE” the DLP and PROMOTE their 2018 election campaign. It’s a POLITICAL STRATEGY that FOLLOWS a PARTICULAR SCRIPT, from which you have so far not deviated.

    FIRSTLY, you CONTINUE to use words in this forum, such as “NATIONHOOD,” “PATRIOTISM” and similar phrases to appeal to BU’s “reading audience” in the hope of evoking sentimental emotions. For example,

    “…..that what Barbadians have worked and earned in the fifty years of independence transforming Barbados into a successful and peaceful domicile is not well deserving of having a yearlong celebration.”

    “A yearlong celebration giving all Barbadians near and far an opportunity to be involved in the first and only 50 years of Independence.”

    “…..such a privilege and right for the people to recapture and be captivated in the spirit of nationhood and patriotism.”

    SECONDLY, you “mount your political horse to stymied and cast distasteful discourse” about Mottley, inferring that whereas she and the BLP are UNPATRIOTIC and DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED to “giving all Barbadians near and far an opportunity to be involved in the first and only 50 years of Independence,” the DLP is embracing patriotism by organizing these celebrations.
    You are implying that the BLP was against independence 50 years ago and 50 years later, they are against the independence celebrations.

    Hence the appeal: “Listen all the govt is asking is one year to highlight and spot light Barbados at its best is that asking too much.”

    Then you end your contributions by suggesting Mottley and the BLP have been engaging in promoting “CIVIL UNREST,” and are anti government and country. This is evidenced by phrases such as “Mottley and the BLP continue their EIGHT YEARS of WARLIKE ATTACKS against the GOVT and COUNTRY,” “cast distasteful discourse surrounding the country’s 50th” and “the use of creative bombast language and marches which attacks demeans DENIGRATE the heart and soul of this tiny island.”

    Essentially, by undertaking such actions, your role is to fulfill the political purpose of the celebrations, which is to promote the DLP, demonstrating to BU that you are merely a POLITICAL OPPORTUNIST as well.

    Remember, Barbadians are much more educated than they were 50 years ago, so be wary of the cheap political ploys.

  23. David Avatar
    David

    @SSS

    No issues on this side. Before you click send do a copy to record it on the clipboard.

  24. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    David May 9, 2016 at 6:10 AM #
    Let the fowl cocks come out, bet your bottom dollar they will need grain tomorrow.

    Tomorrow, tomorrow …

    WAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!
    YOU ARE A SINGER TOO? MURDAH

  25. ac Avatar
    ac

    Ryan Straughan and his stupid conspiracy theories Right on the day of the No confidence motion , speaking of desperation.

  26. Violet C Beckles Avatar
    Violet C Beckles

    Well Well & Consequences May 4, 2016 at 5:12 AM #
    Sunshine Sunny Shine May 4, 2016 at 6:31 AM #@@@

    Now Add the Violet Beckles to that equation , Massive Land Fraud and no CLEAR TITLE TO LAND, BYE BYE BANKS

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