Celebrating Discontent
Submitted by Heather Cole
The dictionary describes discontent as an unhappy feeling that one gets when not satisfied with something. In taking a step back to provide a meaningful overview of what is occurring in Barbados, one can hear a growing voice of discontent now echoing throughout the land. It is not only on the Internet or articles in the newspaper; it is the discussion in rum shops, street corner and in homes. It is not only the ordinary people’s voices that are being heard. It is also the voices of Trade Unions, the Opposition (Barbados Labor Party), the Barbados Investors and Policy Holders Alliance (BIPA), the Association of Disabled People and a local investment company.
What is being spoken is not noise. It concerns the actions of a government that the people have elected. The topic is not just about water or is it just about garbage collection or taxation, loss of income, the economy, the rising cost of living, governments lack of transparency or the award of contracts. The topic on which these voices are talking is about 8 years where everything that one can possibly imagine has gone wrong and the government not having the ability to overcome any of the challenges. The voice of discontent has ultimately become political as the 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations draw near.
On one hand, we have an administration whose policies have taken the country a giant step backwards to pre-independence days having a $7M celebration. These ill-advised policies rescinded progress made in education, health and the provision of social services -instead government should have been creating an enabling environment to take the populace to the next level which is economic independence.
On the other hand we have individuals experiencing severe hardship who envision government wanting them to celebrate an illusion of a prosperous Barbados. Ultimately, this administration only has itself to blame because it planted the seeds of discontent and can therefore only reap what it has sown.
Although all of the issues mentioned above are critical, lack of transparency has become a trend of this government to the extent that the government now appears to be autocratic and not democratic. If one takes into consideration one of the last mishaps of this government which was vehemently denied at first. The government signed an MOU to import unsafe drinking water from Suriname which was never identified as a solution or mentioned for an entire year to its water stricken populace who just casually got wind of this from a meeting in another island.
What occurred on November 30th, 1966 cannot be nullified. With so much discontent, it is difficult to understand exactly what is being celebrated for the 50th anniversary of independence because government by its actions has taken away the pride of the people to celebrate independence.
It is a fact that staying away from voting in an election has never had a positive impact on good governance. Likewise staying away from the independence celebrations will not positively affect governance in Barbados. My suggestion is that the people must celebrate their discontent by protesting on that day. The right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution.
..the people of Barbados
(c) declare their intention to establish and maintain a society in which all persons may, to the full extent of their capacity play a due part in the institutions of national life.
If some wish to protest instead of joyous celebrations they have a right to do just that because one act that goes unchallenged can lead to the blatant erosion of democracy. Ultimately, freedom of expression is part of Independence.
Barbados Underground 
http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/11/06/pity-them-says-pm-stuart/
What a foolish man Fruendel is, if people are exercising their democratic right not to celebrate independence because they have vision and see no independence being practiced on the island , just a lot of fraud and spreading discontent, imbalance in the distribution of wealth, unfair justice, in a compromised, stagnant and nonfunctioning judiciary and a 17th/18th century mentality practiced by ministers educated at taxpayer’s expense but who giddily continue to stagnate progress for the island and people for their own selfish personal self-enrichjng agendas, a minority of crooks controlling the fools like Fruendel on the island and in parliament, a spreading lack of water problems that neither Fruendel nor Estwick seem capable of fixing…… and I can go on all day.
………so what is there to pity when intelligent people want better for themselves and their future generations.
….what an idiot Fruendel is living a fraud life and expect others to fall in line to live his fantasy…of doing nothing and going nowhere…fallng in line is for political pimps, lackeys and yardfowls….not intelligent people.
Ya gotta pity Fruendel the Fool..
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Well Well
Do you honestly think that what is going on in Barbados in terms of the public and private affairs can be attributed to the moral decadence of a world culture? And examples I shall draw from are the impenitence of our young people, the dishonesty of some of our public officials, the abused of women and children whether it be of a sexual, physical, emotional and psychological natute, the equality of our judicial system, to the crockery one finds in the average citizenry. Is there not an inconnectivity of a world culture of moral decadence- which gives birth to mindset of the improprieties and irregularities- we now witness on our infinitesimal island Barbados ? Or should the political class be held solely culpible for what I would terms this happenstance of evil?
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Well Well
We want our island back, though not perfect, but not without a collective understanding of what once constituted right from wrong.
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“Is there not an inconnectivity of a world culture of moral decadence- which gives birth to mindset of the improprieties and irregularities”….
In that case Dompey, would that not make the leaders of parliament and all the crooks involved in the destruction of judiciary, island and people just a gaggle of mindless, useless copycats, with one exception, not one of them take responsibility for any of their vicious actions, are help culpable or go to prison for their crimes against the people on the island….as happens in the other parts of the world from whom they copy their immoral, unethical, criminal acts of “improprieties and irregularities.
Fruendel the Fool just wants everyone to join him in his fantasy of pretending that not only do the problems on the island not exist but they are way beyond his intellect and completely out of his control.
That is what he wants intelligent people who know better…and the whole island to celebrate.
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Bah humbug another discontented voice with plenty time on hand talking poop
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You have become so partisan you forget it is the right of any Barbadian to disagree or protest under our system of government.
We need to embrace our differences as a people by acknowledging them.
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Well Well
I would most certainly agree that culpability can placed at the feet of the leader of a country because his or her policies whether productive or unproductive determining the course of a nation and the directionality of its people. But true power lies with the people as perennial dictum goes, and if the people fail to make their collective voice heard when its will is being undermined, then it is a senseless endeavour on your part to level your dissent/critique at or against a government, day after day devoid of any productive results.
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Dompey…….now ya just being an ass, what we are doing “IS MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD……….as you are suggesting, but still not sèeing.
…….ya being mislead by Walter, who it appears is unable to see the writing on the wall for Fruendel & Co.
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Word is that there is to be a candlelit vigil at the Garrison on the sidelines of the ‘celebrations’ on the night of the 30th in memory of those CLICO and BAICO policyholders who have died since the collapse of the companies in 2009. The vigil supposedly to be broadcast live on social media.
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@ ac November 7, 2016 at 6:42 AM
“Bah humbug another discontented voice with plenty time on hand talking poop”
You, ac the amusing clown, have not yet told the BU household of Scrooges whether the celebration should also include the 15 years of OSA’s disastrous rule.
After all, you and your ilk have been putting the blame on OSA for your country’s social and economic decline over the past 8 years.
Should those inglorious years from 1976 to 1986 and from 1994 to 2007 be expunged from the calendar of national celebration of how great Barbados has become solely as a result of that once great but now ‘transformed’ deceitful lying party with its zenith of achievement being the last 6 years of economic decay and downgrade after downgrade of Barbados’s financial and social sovereignty?
What would be your party’s next bogey man? Is it going to be your Rev. Durant appointed god’s dislike of Mia’s lifestyle as punishment to the Bajan chosen people should they ever elect a government headed by the wicked wicker woman witch from Bush Hall?
How can you support Hil(l)ary and not back MAM? What’s the difference between the two dikes except one is bi- and the other is tri (as in cycles)?
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Pingback: Celebrating Discontent | bimboy
Are we also going to be celebrating Knighthoods for:
Sir Mark Maloney
Sir Bizzy Williams
Sir Anthony Bryan
Sir Bjorn Bjerkham
and (wait on it….) Sir Leroy Parris!
Did I forget anyone?
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Ya, forgot Peter Harris, I am sure they are all looking to be awarded for their crimes against the country and people, destroying the reputation of the island.
Pimp titles are always their rewards, they look forward to it.
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miller
The dems believe that they know better than everybody. Barbadians have pride and so would be happy that our nation has reached 50 years as an independent nation.
But what the dems do not want to understand is that the last eight years that they have been the government have brought pain and hardship to many families from which they cannot get over and therefore people are in no mood to celebrate.
People find it hard to believe that the government can suddenly find 7 million dollars to blow though many people believe that the 7 million dollars has been spent aready on the launch in January. A caller to Brasstacks put the figure at 23 million dollars……a call that flushed the obnoxious Maxine McClean to call in and arrogantly declare that she was not engaging the caller……….a woman who not a Bajan has ever voted for but seemingly has great power……..or so she thinks.
People are still waiting for their tax refunds and VAT refunds
The residents of St Joseph cannot get running water
The poor who use the bus service cannot get a regular bus service
Poor people’s children cannot get into the Polytechnic or cannot go to UWI
Poor people cannot get medication and proper health care when they go to the A&E
The roads are in a terrible state
Garbage is piling up all over the country
Thousands are laid off
Now tell me what we have to celebrate? Every way you go, you hear people saying….Barbados has gone back to the 50’s.
Come let us celebrate Barbados!
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Is it really “a fact that staying away from voting in an election has never had a positive impact on good governance.”?
People stay away from elections because they believe “nothing will change” regardless of whether they vote for the BLP or DLP. And the winner of the election will act in the interests of persons who have financially supported its election campaign rather than in the public interest.
I would suggest staying away from the independence events – if you believe that there is “nothing to celebrate”.
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Just a miserable bunch of yahoos doing the best to piss rain on barbados once in a life time 50th. A bunch of throw backs from colonial years still fighting EWB dreams of an independent barbados
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I was in the ‘non celebration’ camp.
But Heather is right, it is not enough to continue to do what Bajans have always done: grumble while doing nothing.
I am now firmly in the ‘protest 50th celebration’ camp.
Looking forward to a time and place to be announced.
There will be no recovery of any kind under Fumble’s Fools.
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Barbadians will be at the Garrison in the thousands -free fete.
Also ordinary Barbadians will want to ‘celebrate ‘ even if there personal suffering. They will wait for the bell to express that feeling.
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ACs…backward retards, you were given a british created education system with a british created constitution with a british guided process of POLITICAL independence 50 years ago. …it has never been upgraded or real independence ever practiced or acheived because the dummies for leaders who rotated in and out of parliament for the last 50 years are incapable of coming up with anything better for people and country.
They do not have an original, intelligent thought in their heads other than what has been given to them, or what they copied……everything they do tends to end in disaster because it’s never well thought out, analyzed or researched.
…..if yall had any sense of real pride, not the false pride you practice, you would be ashamed instead of pretending all is well..
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Walter Blackman November 6, 2016 at 12:59 PM #
“Give ’em hell, Dompey.”
Well Well & Consequences November 7, 2016 at 7:31 AM #
“Dompey…….now ya just being an ass,,,,,,,.
…….ya being mislead by Walter, who it appears is unable to see the writing on the wall for Fruendel & Co.”
Well Well & Consequences,
Hear ye this. Since 1976, I have been able “to see the writing on the wall” for my COUNTRY.
Continue to Give ’em hell, Dompey.
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Tony Trotman
Where have you gotten the idea from that there ain’t anything to celebrate for our independent-when my dear my told that when she was a kid in Barbados prior to our independent that she went to school barefooted, and her choice of body lotion was cooking oil. Bush Tea, Piece and few here can full you in on the details regarding going to school barefooted. Listen! I don’t know how old you are Tony, but just envision going to school barefooted like the Old Man Piece and Bush Tea and tell me if you think we haven’t came far?
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Dompey November 7, 2016 at 12:12 PM #
Chuckle……the western world as a whole has come far,Anguila,Montserrat are two dependent territories of the UK who enjoy an equal life style to us as opposed to parts of South America,eastern europe,far east,India and Africa.
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“but just envision going to school barefooted like the Old Man Piece and Bush Tea and tell me if you think we haven’t came far?”
Everyone worldwide has come far, from living in caves and wearing animal skin for clothes and shoes to having schools to building and living in shacks and huts then evolving to concrete houses, skyscrapers condos, etc etc….
……it’s nothing special, not an anomaly for mankind to evolve and progress, what do yall think would have happened after being freed from slavery, those with the commonsense to would always find a way to progress and continue to evolve….no anomaly involved, mankind has been doing so for millions of years, with or without politics or politicians, it’s called survival, the only problem is…..yall been too dumbed down over the last 50 years to understand that and have lost any core commonsense ya ancestors possessed and tried to pass on to you…..you are now just empty shells..
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@well well
Nincompoop where on this earth would you find that all is well? The only people who are opposing the celebrations are those looking for Utopia driven by a selfcentred agenda while carrying the weight of a huge political axe to grind.
What you nerd to do is drop that heavy weight and become doers instead of antagonist asking self what you can do for the country instead of asking what can country do for self
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I am going to keep on ringing this in wunna hard ears……..that is leadership.
Tanzania’s Magufuli scraps independence day celebration – BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-34909111
Nov 24, 2015 – Tanzania’s newly elected President John Magufuli has cancelled independence day celebrations, and has ordered a clean-up campaign …
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ACs….we have to ask why although the ministers are paid a monthly salary they dont ever think it’s enough and also want finders fees, bribes, kickbacks…and never, ever seem to be doing their jobs….
….what are the leaders doing for the country besides picking up taxpayer’s money, waste it on crap and give it away to every local and foreign scam artist who appears in front of them with a smile and a lie.
Emttyheaded ACs…what are the leaders doing for the country besides creating debt.
What are the leaders doing for their salaries and cannot restore a functioning water supply islandwide…idiot yardfowls.
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The useless leaders just wanted to waste taxpayers money in an attempt to create more yardfowls for election, but that wasted 7 million dollars will return to bite them.
What are you doing for country what…with all the unfair taxes the people have had to pay in the last few years, the shitheads ACs got a nerve to ask what people are doing for country…idiot yardfowls. LOL. .
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Dompey
It is a fact that some Barbadians believe that there is “nothing to celebrate”. And my previous message did not agree or disagree with their belief. But if you think that wearing shoes to school is a proper reason to celebrate Independence – be my guest.
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@ Prodigal Son November 7, 2016 at 10:48 AM
“People find it hard to believe that the government can suddenly find 7 million dollars to blow though many people believe that the 7 million dollars has been spent aready on the launch in January. A caller to Brasstacks put the figure at 23 million dollars……a call that flushed the obnoxious Maxine McClean to call in and arrogantly declare that she was not engaging the caller……….a woman who not a Bajan has ever voted for but seemingly has great power……..or so she thinks.”
7 million dollars?? You mean more like $70 million? Don’t be fooled by this pathologically lying administration whose Head of Finance still cannot tell the difference between 0.07 % and 0.7% or even 0.7.
Just look at the ongoing cost of the still under-equipped David Thompson Mausoleum compared to its original estimate and a vividly similar picture would appear before you.
What is being dished out here are the vestiges of the once fatted calf being served at the last supper of corruption and graft before the next elections and paid for by the already hard-pressed taxpayers.
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You are correct, peaceful protest is within both the law and good taste.
I know PUDYR will get vexed.
But the other day when my BHL cheque came through, the bank told me they would accept the deposit, but “couldn’t offer me any interest”.
So I say again, if you really want to be peacefully disruptive, run the banks.
There was another BU thread recently, which suggested the Bajan market is massively liquid.
If you want the truth, bleed the deposits and discover when the cash turns to IOU’s.
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If you are not getting any interest on your savings, then it is devaluing at the rate of inflation. If the bank then goes on to charge fore the use of cheques, use of ATMS, standing orders, etc (all their services) it is daylight robbery.
Where is the regulator|, the minister, the government.
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@HA
where are they? Happy I assume, because the Comm Banks will place their excess deposits at the CBB, albeit at a similar rate.
Appreciate, this doesn’t mean my existing deposits go to 0%, only the ‘new money’. They still have the meet prior obligations.
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@Hal
Isn’t what you described negative interest rate?
>
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Whenever the rate of inflation exceeds the min deposit rate, money growth is effectively negative.
Yet, actual negative interest rates is when one is charged to keep your savings in a commercial entity, as opposed to buying your own safe.
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I don’t know about you but it would appear to me that our great and esteemed Prime Minister appears to be emulating the notorious Julius Ceasar.
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The Central Bank Governor will likely retort that government issued savings bonds offer a yield of 5% over the term. Yes, a poor retort.
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The Minister of Finance and the Central Bank Governor,when they facilitated the gradual phasing out of interests on deposits accounts at commercial banks , expected a mad rush by Bajans to transform their millions in bank deposits into Government Saving Bonds. This did not come about, as the CLICO fiasco is still fresh in the minds of Barbadians. And the Prime Minister did not help, with his asinine public remark, that he trusts the scoundrel Leroy Parris, more that he does the people of Barbados’, Leader of the Opposition.
Many are asking what steps has the Government taken to invest the funds received from the sale of GSB , to ensure that at a future date, Barbadians who wish to redeem their bonds are not Clicoed , given the fact that the Government is now dipping deeply into the NIS funds, and is also being accused of printing money to clear some of its bills.
The present 0.17% on deposit accounts, to many Deposit Holders, is seen as holding on to the bone, instead of catching at the promised shadow.
When it comes to managing money, Barbadians now have no trust in anyone, foreign or local.
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LOL @ Colonel B
it was not the Duke though … Um was Greenverbs…
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@Colonel Buggy
Which of the banks paying .17% interest?
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Has Barbados ever thought of introducing Premium Bonds as a form of savings?
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/nov/01/fancy-the-luck-of-the-draw-premium-bonds-turn-60
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My humblest apology to Sir Leroy Trotman. David please make the correction.
Its Royal Bank of Canada,down from 0.25% in 2016
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The Garrison monument alone, must have topped the $7Million mark.
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Ya know as long as the yardfowls ran away from this topic, the Colonel’s and Miller’s et al comments re overspending taxpayer’s millions for the crap that is independence celebrations…are on point.
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Buggy,
Have you seen the “monument”? Are you a cost surveyor? How do you reach the estimate that you propounded? Bare propaganda.
If you , Heather, (Oh she is not in the island, forgot) Well, Miller, and the other malcontents don’t wish to join in any celebrations, protest as much as you want, others will celebrate, and go to church, and give thanks that we have reached fifty years of Independence, peacefully, that people still enjoy their freedoms (even to protest) and they will observe the Universe unfolding as it should. Lie down and go to sleep, go to the beach (which is still free and available, and another thing we can enjoy, do a good deed for someone. You are free, in this Independent country, to be discontented.Help instead of hindering. I remember the angst that was expressed when the elections were held in 2008, and the DLP came to power. You did not protest then, because you felt the BLP would have won. They lost because the people were Discontented. If the DLP loose because the people, now, are discontented, that is the nature of politics. It is always a cycle. If you win now, you will lose the next time. Let not your hearts be troubled. Ours are not.
Well Well,You just looking for a noise. You have no proof of your suppositions. Overspending what! If the money (taxpayers) is spent on celebrations, and on the same taxpayers(workmen, handymen, contractors etc) that is what the taxpayers money is to be used for. To be spent on the taxpayers. I have not seen a person from Mars recently, so the money cannot be going to Mars.
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Exclaimer,
You said: Treasury-backed bonds are part of British life – and with interest rates staying so low they at least offer the chance of a return.
Why then is it so common for critics of this present government, to scoff at the sale of Government Bonds by the Central Bank, and treat them with disdain? Why should Bajans have money (in the billions) sitting in savings in the banks; not earning any interest, and they would want the Government to go overseas to borrow monty to run the same government, and they want the currency devalued.
Just last week the Egyptian government approached the IMF, and in order to get the loan they were compelled to devalue their currency by 48%. Is this what Bajans want? Better to endure some austerity, take their money out of their savings and purchase Government Bonds, and leave the IMF where it is. There is high liquidity in the banking system, there is enough to service the interest on foreign money owed, and enough that if persons invested in Bonds (Printing money) that current expenditure can be met.
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Tony Trotman
So you’re in essence saying that there isn’t any need to celebrate our coming independence because we ought to have achieved more than where we are at this moment? Let ask you this question then: to whom are you comparing our progress?
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Alvin…ya lying, people need water, not fetes, people need cheaper food, not wukup fetes…ya overtaxing them and then spending their money on fetes…you already know you have no credibility.
When last ya chat with Clare Cowan of Cahill Alvin…..had not for the blogs and exposure of the scam perpetrated by Fruendel & Co with Bjerkham and Cowan…they would be throwing a big million dollar wukup fete for bajans too…jackass.
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http://ow.ly/iZg9305YBSl
Here is a very good example of the electorate getting the politicians they deserve.
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Mr.Cummins, allow me to answer one of your questions, for I fall into that group who could buy bonds, but chooses not to.
I could care less about D vs B or X vs Y.
I don’t scoff at the sale of Bonds by the CBB, I scoff when the seemingly largest purchaser by far of such instruments is the NIS. Why?
I invite you to view their online website
http://www.nis.gov.bb/home/#&panel1-2
Under “About us” you will find the following
‘The Minister responsible for Social Security makes appointments to the Board, and the National Insurance Office falls under his control.
The Board is made up of nine members and is tripartite, meaning that it’s made up of representatives of the government and workers’ and employers’ organisations. Generally, control and management of the fund are entrusted to the Board. The Director, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the department, is responsible for determining matters such as the right to benefit, and for the day-to-day management of the office.’
Now I invite you to find me the link on that website which tells me WHO those Board members are.
Once upon a time, the former NIS website used to provide Annual Reports. They got very out of date, and since this newer site was developed, one finds no link to annual reports. Instead there is a new tab called “Investments”, which lists by NIS Fund the general category of products in each.
Nor can I find any information as to when the NIS may hold a meeting for the public such that questions pertaining to their financial reporting may be asked.
I invite you in comparison to view the website of ANY publicly traded company which does not provide this information. Even as “Joe nobody”, meaning not a shareholder, I can view such documents. Appreciate EVERY CITIZEN is by definition a shareholder in the NIS.
Hence my answer to you is the reason I choose not to invest is not scoffing, it is the failure to provide information which is mandatory for most public entities. Whether I agree or disagree with the strategies implemented by the NIS Board and its management, is immaterial to the fact, the information is provided. Failure to do so, breaches the concept of trust, transparency and confidence. It suggests to me that something is astray, or the information would be provided.
I could be very wrong, but until such information is provided, I reserve my right to be skeptical. And since I have a choice, mine is to invest in other opportunities.
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@ NorthernObserver
Boss, you just made Bushie look REAL dumb yuh….
You basis for bypassing the bonds are so logical and well reasoned that bushie is humbled at the academic approach you took to reaching your position…
Of course the Bushman did not buy any either… but for the same reason that Bushie did not have a CLICO policy…. One look at the man in charge …the fella who makes the final decisions and Bushie said ‘Not a damn bush cent…’
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Is the central bank/government creating sinking funds for government savings bonds being issued ?
Is the central bank/government using inflows from the sale of savings bonds to cover maturing bonds?
Is the government via its agent the central bank using the inflow of Bonds to support cashflow?
What is the central bank/government hoping to achieve with a coupon rate of 5% compared to market of. 17 to. 25% interest offered by banks. Is this considered a manipulation of the market? Are they downside risks?
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@Blogmaster
I cannot answer, nor shed light on 1-3.
As far as the rates being offered on government paper, their competition is not a savings deposit rate, it is comparable investments, offered by other regional governments, and those corporate entities which offer fixed income instruments. These must then compete against other investment vehicles.
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Barbados has foreign exchange restriction does it not? There comparable investment must be understood in the context of our closed market.
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Hence why I used the term “regional governments”, appreciating the Fed, BOC, BOE are not accepting Bajan dollars.
Further if you buy a “cross listed” equity on one exchange and sell it on another, you have essentially converted one currency to another? One is now bound by the regulations of that currency’s regulators.
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Alvin Cummins November 8, 2016 at 9:50 AM #
Buggy,
Have you seen the “monument”? Are you a cost surveyor? How do you reach the estimate that you propounded? Bare propaganda
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Cost Surveyor? according to the Auditor -General, we do not seem to have any in government either .
My estimate is based on the useless monstrosity which John Boyce erected across the road from CBC, which cost the taxpayers almost $4 Million. This cock- up is pre -cast, and would have cost less than if manufactured on site. The monument is being constructed on site. Lots of truck loads of ready mix concrete, and lots of overtime.
Perhaps I should have compared the monument with the $ multi million jersey barrier exercise between Gary Sobers and Graeme Hall roundabouts.
By the way, what became of Government’s grand plans to build concrete molasses tanks at the Bridgetown Port for the rum industry.
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Here is a fitting monument commemorating the strides which we have made in the strongest sector of our agriculture, over the past 50 years.
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HELP!!!!!
For one thing, that canal needs cleaning. It is months before it gets cleaned and it smell stink. Another thing, Government supposed to get this house fix. A man does live in there with his father, who sick with diabetes. When the rain fall, they can’t even stay in there. They got to sleep by me,” he said. – See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/88926/clean-city-canal#sthash.AnKWXGps.dpuf
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Colonel Buggy November 8, 2016 at 9:52 PM #
That looks very much like some of the 2000 odd acres of CLICO St.John lands,although on second look in the absence of mossi and cow itch possibly not.
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Long before the rains came the road network in Barbados lives up to its name. Like a net it is a series of pot holes connected by strips of tar or marl. Today I traveled up Bay Street and had to engage in a game of motorised Hop Scotch ,in order to dodge the many deep pot holes. Shock absorbers and tyres are being ruined on many a vehicle,and to add insult to injury,when we have to buy replacement parts, the government is being rewarded with a 17.5% short pool.
But would you believe , that with the very bad condition of our roads ,main and minor, the government is able to find resources to repave the roads and squares inside of St Ann;s Fort.
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Vincent Haynes November 9, 2016 at 4:44 PM #
Those stunted canes are at a working plantation in Christ Church,Egerton.
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To make matters worse, this foul-smelling effluence has for weeks been flowing along the street into the heart of the restaurant and hotel-rich South Coast tourism belt, causing a major inconvenience to business operators, customers and residents. – See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/88967/sewage-stink#sthash.3WS15Pvh.dpuf
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The tax will be reduced from 15 to 12.5 per cent from February next year and Chastanet said it would result in EC$52 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) “coming back into the economy – See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/88973/vat-reduced-st-lucia#sthash.SOhIgT9i.dpuf
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Northern,
While your arguments are logical, I differ from you in my approach. Anything that will help my country I embrace. Unlike you my objective is always to do what I consider will be of benefit. Thus. I have bought bonds, and will continue to do so as long as they are offered and I am able to do so. I am interested in the benefits. I am confident that Barbados will not sink into the sea, and as long as it is above water they will be able to pay the money due on the Bonds. As a consequence I have no fear in purchasing the Bonds. I prefer the Government to buy goods, or pay salaries out of my money, in local currency) than choose to go to the IMF that they will have today back using foreign exchange.
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Alvin:
I have no objections to your choices. Appreciate, it is “blind confidence”. I cannot in good faith recommend such investments, when I am fully aware, of the current reporting failure of what potentially is the islands largest entity, beyond the full government accounts themselves.
My point, which you deftly avoided, is there is no acceptable reason why the NIS is failing to provide timely and accurate (audited by professionals) reporting. Such reporting is a Pillar of Good Honest Governance. (it could also be a legal requirement. The BSE can delist entities for their failure to do such)
And it is hurting Barbados. Because professional financial advisors, cannot wear the broken trident on their hearts, instead of their brains, or they stand to lose their jobs. The failure to provide standard information = the failure to invest. It is that simple.
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NorthernObserver November 10, 2016 at 12:24 PM #
Excellent and on point,especially the blind faith of Alvin.
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Colonel Buggy November 9, 2016 at 5:31 PM #
I wonder if like last year the planters were incapable of applying fertiliser and weedicide due to the late/non payment of monies due.
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Recharging the aquifers and conserving water, the Estwickmwansabrathwaite way.
Now the truth is coming out. Like the BWA’s pumping stations useless pumps, the same now applies to the South Coast sewerage system. Real live shit heads, literally.
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WHO THIS INEPT BASTARD THINK HE IS? ALL HE IS CAPEABLE OF IS INSULTING PEOPLE LEFT RIGHT AN CENTER…..BIM IS IN DIRE STRAIGHTS AN HE TALKING OF PITTY PEOPLE WHO DON’T WISH TO CELEBRATE 50……BLACK MAMBA UR MOTHER MUSSE ROLLING OVER IN HER GRAVE TO SEE WHAT SHE BROUGHT IN TO THIS WORLD. BUT WANNA DAYS ARE NUMBERED, I WILL CELEBRATE WHEN I SEE ALL WANNA OUT OF PARLIAMENT, BUNCH AH ROTTEN STINKING SCUMBAGS
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Northern:
“…there is no acceptable reason why the NIS is failing to provide timely and accurate (audited by professionals) reporting…” ;
,and you would let that stop you from making money on your investment in Bonds? Whether they report or not, the bonds are valid, the government (whoever constitutes it) will still be indebted to you, and since I have confidence that there will always be a government, I am confident that my funds; small as they are, will be paid. If I were going to buy 10 billion dollars worth, that would be a different story, but a few hundred or few thousand dollars are not beyond the capacity the government (BLP or DLP) to repay. During the second world war the USA issued war bonds, Britain issued war bonds, and it was being bombed into nothingness, but the people pulled together. What the hell is the matter with us that we cannot help ourselves, and pull together for the common good.? The government is us; peopled by us, managed by us,and functions for us. If I go to work for an institution, I may not like the boss, or even the policies of the company, but it is incumbent on me to do my job, and leave the running of the company to the CEO and the board. As long as I am paid during the time I am there I have to leave the running of the company to those people. Every worker cannot make the decisions the board has to make because every worker will have a different idea and the machine cannot work smoothly. Buy your bonds and have confidence that the Board of the NIS has people of integrity running it.When the election is held the people will make the decision they want to.
Didn’t the U.S. now choose Donald Trump; an odious, bigot, a boor, a racist, and a person who even though he did not win the popular vote is President.
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Northern,
By the way, who are the auditors? What do you mean by “professional” auditors? Are you suggesting that the auditors for the NIS are not professionals? Are you suggesting or casting aspersions on the same auditors who were auditors during the tenure of the other Political party?Are you suggesting that they have changed and become different in their methodology methods or otherwise? The system we function under, provides for continuity of government, whoever wins the election.
Explain please. I will still buy bonds. I had a friend years ago that I discussed the purchase of some land that I suggested was at a good price. He advised me against buying it , (I did not listen to him I still went and bought it) but I found out later that he had gone and bout a large portion of it for himself. I always follow my own advice.
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Alvin:
you still haven’t answered WHY it is acceptable for the NIS NOT TO PROVIDE an annual report.
“What do you mean by “professional” auditors?”. I mean something more detailed and meaningful than the shopping list of investment categories they display under Investments. Accompanied by explanations. They could be professional accountant employees of the NIS, or any other body; they all have professional stamps. While it is customary to have financial matters reported on by an external 3rd party, it is not mandatory.
I gather we differ based on AMOUNT. You are correct, if I was investing a few thousand, I would have less issue. If I could say, this is solely to help the people a little bit, all is good.
However to use your term, ‘keeping the IMF out’, requires amounts well in excess of that. And that means accessing bigger money. This is run by professionals. I mean, people who get paid to invest money. To use your example of employees, they will NOT keep their job if they don’t follow the basic rules. What I am trying to impress upon you, is annual financial reporting is a basic rule. In the financial world, a pillar of good and honest governance.
The NIS becomes highly relevant to the overall, because we can see, without much specificity, they are significant holders of government issued instruments. Many times that of other known investors, who provide annual reports.
“have confidence that the Board of the NIS has people of integrity running it”. Sir, I don’t even know WHO those persons are. Unlike any other similar body they do not provide such information on their website.
“Didn’t the U.S. now choose Donald Trump; an odious, bigot, a boor, a racist, and a person who even though he did not win the popular vote is President.” Need I remind you that both our birthplace and our adopted homeland, do not elect based on popular vote either. Their version of the electoral college is ridings. And since you are clearly more politically aware than myself, you must know that after spouting about our system in Canada during the campaign, after review, the current governing party realised that if they changed as they had suggested, they would not have won. So they wisely decided to “leave it alone”.
Remember Alvin, I am not some political hack. Mine is not an assault on the party. Governments and politicians come and go; just like CEO’s and CFO’s. If you let go of your political affiliations for just a moment, you will appreciate all that is being asked, provide a detailed annual report, is basic to transparency and good governance. And if you are serious about securing investment beyond a few thousand dollars, it becomes mandatory.
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The Minister of Tourism is beating his chest over the increase in visitors to Barbados. How long will we be able to attract visitors, to have them driver through the countryside between fields of tall wind grass, bush and river tamarind. Very soon from now we will be lobbying for Windows-to-the sce-nic countryside .
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Alvin Cummins November 11, 2016 at 12:01 PM #
Didn’t the U.S. now choose Donald Trump; an odious, bigot, a boor, a racist, and a person who even though he did not win the popular vote is President.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
You may want to eat these words when your Prime Minister goes to Washington, with his size 12 cap in his hand.
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50 Years of Independence.
After 63 years of structural technical education, with the establishment of the Barbados Technical Institute, we today find ourselves in a sorry position, where our government is unable to maintain simple bits of mechanical equipment assign to its various ministries.
First we had the Transport Board, followed by the Sanitation Service Authority and the Ambulance Service. Some way along the line this inability to maintain equipment also affected the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Trams at Harrison’s Cave and various bits of vital equipment at the QEH, and the latest brainchild, the Barbados Revenue Authority.
One may ask the questions, are some of these malfunctioning bits of equipment genuinely out of commission due to a mechanical/electrical fault, or is it that some individuals within government circles find it more personally lucrative to “sabotage” government owned equipment and / or policy ,in order to hire replacement equipment from private enterprises ,as we have seen with the bulldozer at the landfill.
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@CB
This is merely understandable frustration from those who supported the losing candidate. Alvin is not alone, it is widespread.
Yet, if those same people examined their own DNC nomination process, they would realise the presence of all those Super Delegates, is mathematically, exactly the same issue they are now putting forth. Each SD is worth many, many votes at the state level. Sanders who was the one with momentum, was blockaded by the SD’s. Even when he was winning where others said he had little chance, the powers to be (SD’s), proceeded along the path they had carved years before. The people, the card holding party members, had little say. To quote the famous author, “all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”. Amen.
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@ Colonel Buggy
You don’t think we can have government with these cheap lighting systems for sport rentals, when the minister’s landlord has his expensive units available for rent …can we?
Any bet they need bulbs or fuses…. or outta gas…
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An interesting lecture…….
When silence is far from golden | Barbados Today
When silence is far from golden
Speaking at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus Thursday night, during one of the series of lectures to mark Barbados’ 50th anniversary of Independence, lecturer in economics and political studies, Dr Kristina…
By Barbados Today
http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/11/12/when-silence-is-far-from-golden/
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But isn’t it a crying shame that we have lit up the roundabouts on the ABC highway, while stretches on the same highway, remains dangerously dark.
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Interesting to note the non violent anti-Trump president protesters all over the US…..I wonder if we will see such happenings in numbers here during the lead up to the 30th?
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@VH
“all over the US”…you mean of course in urban centres across various US states. Naturally they are not showing the urban centres where there are no protests because “that isn’t a story” and it doesn’t agree with the image such media wish to convey?
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NorthernObserver November 13, 2016 at 3:23 PM #
Good point……..they have not stopped yet.
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SOS. Same ole Shite, literally. The same dumb arse people who tried to collyfox the people of St Joseph and the Scotland District, about the water situation, are at it again with the leaking raw sewerage in some Christ Church districts. The lying bastards has stated that the sewerage pumps were repaired, now we are hearing differently. Three big head frigging Ministesr of Government involved,and passers by are still being splashed, with shitty water, and we cannot get a positive word from these fellows.
And all they could do is to ask drivers to slow down when going through the water?
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