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Time to Vote Third Parties NOT BLP and DLP

Submitted by William Skinner As we prepare for another General Election, it is imperative that we call a spade a spade. Unless there is some unknown, mysterious progressive visionary leader hiding deep in the bowels of the Barbados Labour Party or the Democratic Labour Party, the election would follow the pattern of carnival like exercises…

Submitted by William Skinner
Submitted by Dr. Grenville Phillips II
Neil Holder, Leader of BIM
Lynette Eastmond,(UPP)

As we prepare for another General Election, it is imperative that we call a spade a spade. Unless there is some unknown, mysterious progressive visionary leader hiding deep in the bowels of the Barbados Labour Party or the Democratic Labour Party, the election would follow the pattern of carnival like exercises of recent election cycles, with mega entertainment and alcohol being distributed to all and sundry including minors.

The major challenge of the fledgling third parties will be to avoid such frolic and deal with the myriad problems facing the country. They should treat the public with the seriousness it deserves and avoid making empty promises like their opponents. Contrary to popular opinion, the so-called political scientists and radio talk show gurus, the people are more prepared to listen to alternatives than at any other time since independence.

Objective observers have already concluded that if the BLP wins, it would more be a vote against the intransigence of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, than any profound belief that Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, has any new and vibrant programs to carry the country forward. On the other hand, should the DLP pull off an unexpected victory, the country could look forward to much of the same. We have now reached the sorry state of measuring levels of mediocrity in both the BLP and DLP; many citizens are going into the voting booth with the feeling that they are simply voting for a change but with no real hope of any improvement in the management of the country.

Both parties have been given adequate time to solve problems in: housing, health services; public transportation; education, public service and judiciary reform, land reform, rural development, agriculture and all other areas of economic activity. It is now clear that outside of very successful party propaganda and window dressing, they have been failing and are now clearly out of ideas. Their daily criticisms of each other are classical examples of the pot calling the kettle black!

Our musical chairs democracy can no longer escape the reality of a new world economic order and the need to quickly adjust to the challenges it presents. The days of serving warmed over cold soup cannot continue. The only group of citizens oblivious to this reality, is the now totally blind die-hard supporters of the entrenched parties.

If current trends continue, and the scenario mentioned above proves true, Barbados would lose this election. It would be a misfortune of considerable proportions and the result would be more socio-economic diarrhoea.

82 responses to “Time to Vote Third Parties NOT BLP and DLP”

  1. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    David

    This is what you want Bajans to vote for in 2018? Fantasy?

    “To address the lack of civility in parliament, the parliamentary privilege that allows politicians in parliament to defame individuals without consequences will be abolished. Parliament should be the place where exemplary debates and discussions are held. To reduce the risk of current parliamentary defamation, the relevant law and penalties will be applied retroactively, from 1 July 2015.”

    “To address political victimization, civil servants will not be allowed to join political parties, and any proven case of political victimization, by any civil servant, will result in the offender’s immediate dismissal, and forfeiture of their pension. This should protect civil servants from being victimized if the government is forced to lay-off staff. It should also protect any person, regardless of political affiliation, when they try to obtain government services. However, this policy would need to be agreed with their respective Unions. To reduce the risk of current political victimization, the relevant law and penalties will be applied retroactively, from 1 July 2015.”

    “To address the unwillingness of the Opposition to work with Government in proposing solutions given their concern of a snap election, the Prime Minister must call an election one year in advance.”

    “To address the problem of nurses and teachers who no longer passionately care, and feel trapped in an unfulfilling job, counselling followed by either promotion (for qualified persons), early retirement with full pension (for older persons), or educational grants for an alternative career (for younger persons), will be provided. Barbados depends on the continual influx of nurses and teachers who genuinely and passionately care.”

  2. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    “..“A house divided against itself cannot stand”!
    You are referring to the BLP?

  3. SuckaBubby Avatar
    SuckaBubby

    millertheanunnaki January 10, 2018 at 5:16 PM #

    “Therein is where the major challenge lies. There is no ideology to divide these johnnies-come-lately “third” parties from the other already established parties.”

    “There is one common thread running right through this lot of disgruntled losers and political jokers and neophytes. And that is to try their hate-filled best to stop the return of the BLP to power under the leadership of MAM.”

    Points taken but every party in it to win at trying to stop a BLP government.

    UPP – The creative economy
    PDC – No Taxation
    Solutions – ISO 9001
    BIM – Anti-corruption.

    I am not going to debate their practicality.

    “What about working within the existing two-party system to bring about the changes you and the newly formed third party mavericks believe are necessary?”

    Noble but untenable.Not wise to fight the opposing forces in the middle of a river, either let them cross to you or leave them alone.

  4. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    Where as I agree that there is a high level of dissatisfaction with the current level of politics, the electorate really has a choice between the BLP and the DLP.
    At this late stage the other parties have not made any significant impression on the voters/electors.
    Two things politically motivate Barbadians charismatic leaders and an impactful social program. Despite their attempts at innovation the new parties have not captured the imagination of the electorate.

    As I have said several times before the probability of the new players influencing politics in this country is greater if they joined either of the established two parties. Barbados is too small for multiple parties. What do they know that other world democracies do not know?

  5. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    I am assuming that these third parties are serious. But as one other contributor averred: “Is there a conspiracy?”

  6. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Enuff

    The General Orders for the Public Service already puts restrictions on public officers. If memory serves me correctly, General Order 3.18.1 provides that they are expressly forbidden to participate actively in politics. The post independence General Orders were made by Barrow in 1970 and that provision was there. Sorry to tell you, if you have not already come to the conclusion, that no one obeys rules in Barbados anymore.

  7. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    @Caswell

    Yes Caswell, but what does actively participate mean–membership? Tell Grenville and Solutions!

  8. Falernum Avatar
    Falernum

    Many people are hoping that OSA (aka Tacitus) will form a party and lead the country again. Barbados needs an economist at its helm at this juncture – not any more lawyers or tinkering techies!!

  9. David Avatar
    David

    The blogmaster spotted Arthur last week, he could hardly walk. He was like a boy wearing tight shoes.

  10. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    @ David at 7:42 PM

    Did I not read in the print media that OSA was assisting his predecessor at a recent national function? Do you see how ungracious we are to the political class? Grenville 11, please take note.

  11. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ David,

    google ” owen Arthur ”

    can’t believe the photo.

  12. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ Hants

    You mean the phot0 of Arthur with a 26oz Johnnie Walker black label whisky “superimposed” on the side of his mouth?

    Hahahahahahahahaha…

  13. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    Et tu, Artaxe? Wuh loss!!

  14. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Let google be your friend.

  15. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Falernum January 10, 2018 at 7:28 PM #

    What unique policy contributions or value did Arthur bring to the table as a trained economist? Plse list them. I go further, plse include detailed speeches.

  16. Let's Not Remember the FAILED DLP Avatar
    Let’s Not Remember the FAILED DLP

    Owen just waiting to spring into action when called by the UPP to come and lead them. Who is funding the UPP…………………is it Tempro, is Maloney or is it Harris. Its a expensive gamble but just imagine the benefits if you ‘own’ a political party and it becomes the Government?

  17. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “What unique policy contributions or value did Arthur bring to the table as a trained economist?”

    What a silly question.

  18. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Artax January 11, 2018 at 10:54 AM #

    Is that the answer?

  19. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ Hal Austin

    Okay…… let me be specific….

    Your question re: “What unique policy contributions or value did Arthur bring to the table as a trained economist?”…..

    …….is a STUPID question…….. especially coming from someone who often states in this forum that he does not have any regard for “old school” economics, economists…….. and more so, Owen Arthur.

    Under these circumstances, what bench marks would you use to give a fair, balanced and unbiased evaluation of “Falernum’s” answer……….. if it favours Arthur?

  20. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Artax January 11, 2018 at 12:41 PM #

    It means we can debate ideas and not make assumptions. Unless that is off the table?

  21. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “It means we can debate ideas and not make assumptions. Unless that is off the table?”
    ++++++++++

    Assumptions?????…………… It seems as though you forget what you post to this forum.

    You have often expressed the view that, as trained economist, Owen Arthur’s policies did more harm to the Barbados economy than good.

    However, you have never presented any information or a critical analysis of his policies to substantiate that claim, which would obviously “open the floor” for a debate.

    Perhaps you should begin the debate by listing Arthur’s economic policies and give detail explanations why you believe they failed to achieve the desired objectives or were inadequate for economic circumstances at the time………

    ……..while presenting alternative policies.

    My friend……this is how “we can debate ideas and not make assumptions.”

  22. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Artax January 11, 2018 at 3:51 PM #

    However, you have never presented any information or a critical analysis of his policies to substantiate that claim, which would obviously “open the floor” for a debate. (Quote)

    I have said that the sale of the state-controlled bank and insurance company has done more to undermine the financial sector in Barbados than any single act by any post-independence government. I stand by that view and have argued it. It is conventional financial economics.
    The financialisation of the economy is the key engine for growth; instead it triggered our going cap in hand begging – for regional development banks to the Chinese. All that can be laid at the door of Mr Arthur.
    That aside, during Mr Arthur’s 14 years as prime minister and minister of finance, he did nothing radical to transform the economy of Barbados, apart from accumulating massive debt.

    Perhaps you should begin the debate by listing Arthur’s economic policies and give detail explanations why you believe they failed to achieve the desired objectives or were inadequate for economic circumstances at the time………(Quote)

    I am prepared to debate the issues, but what are his policies? Politics aside, what are his economic ideas? Has he got a grand theory of development economics?
    That is why I have said here on a number of occasions that his time would be better spent writing about his years in government and setting out a blueprint for the future of the nation. He is in a unique position to do so and his contribution to our nation’s history will be even more invaluable.
    It means we will not be here now arguing in an intellectual vacuum.

  23. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    It seems as though you embrace “conventional economics” when it suits your purpose.

    Could you please explain how “the sale of the state-controlled bank and insurance company has done more to undermine the financial sector in Barbados?

  24. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Hal Austin January 11, 2018 at 4:16 PM
    “I have said that the sale of the state-controlled bank and insurance company has done more to undermine the financial sector in Barbados than any single act by any post-independence government. I stand by that view and have argued it. It is conventional financial economics.”

    Are you still prepared to stick to your “I am NO Socialist position” after writing the above?

    We wait to read what “govt45” has to say about your anti-capitalist position embedded therein.

  25. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Artax January 11, 2018 at 4:37 PM #

    Could you please explain how “the sale of the state-controlled bank and insurance company has done more to undermine the financial sector in Barbados? (Quote)

    The financialisation of the economy is the key engine for growth; instead it triggered our going cap in hand begging – from regional development banks to the Chinese. All that can be laid at the door of Mr Arthur.

    Are you sure you work in finance? Is it as an economist, accountant, account’s clerk or book keeper? Do you understand financial economics? Or is this just an argument for argument’s sake?

  26. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Hal Austin January 11, 2018 at 5:02 PM #

    “Are you sure you work in finance? Is it as an economist, accountant, account’s clerk or book keeper? Do you understand financial economics? Or is this just an argument for argument’s sake?”
    ++++++++++++

    You like to throw out “fancy terms and policies,” which are often ACCOMPANIED by VAGUE or BROAD explanations…in an attempt to impress upon some in this forum that you have a vast knowledge of economic and financial issues. And you do this without taking into consideration the different economic variables that may exist between Barbados and the countries you allude to.

    Unfortunately, when challenged, you always behave IMMATURELY by RESORTING to PETTY, CHILDISH INSULTS, as INDICATED by your ABOVE comments……. which are silly. This is the MAIN REASON why I (and many others in this forum) don’t like “debating” with you.
    You have a CHILDISH HABIT of DENIGRATING certain professions and I’m forced to remind you there are bookkeepers and accounts clerks that possess BSc in Accounting & Economics or professional accounting designations.

    However, by mentioning: “The financialisation of the economy is the key engine for growth; instead it triggered our going cap in hand begging – from regional development banks to the Chinese. All that can be laid at the door of Mr. Arthur.”…..

    ………. is just your SHIITE OPINION and does not explain the role of a state-owned bank in facilitating financialisation. And you know that this is just another one of your shiite arguments to INFLAME your DISLIKE of Arthur.

    Essentially you CONVENIENTLY chose to IGNORE the topic re state-owned banks and insurance companies to focus on what you believe to be your “strong point”……. “financialisation.” Since you raise the issue… I will accommodate you.

    Barbados does not need a state-owned bank to facilitate the process of “financializing the economy” as proven by countries that do not own banks or insurance companies.

    You could have explained the fact that some economists and policy makers show some unwillingness to confront the central problems created by “financialization of the economy,” such as speculative and excessively liquid financial flows that create debt-laden balance sheets, short-term perspectives, including exchange rates and unstable economic growth.

    You could have discussed, for example, the spread of financialization to emerging markets and its relationship with economic crises.

    Or discuss the argument expressed by some experts that “financialization in conjunction with neoliberalism and globalization has had a significantly negative impact on the prospects for economic prosperity.” It is a widely held view that a combination of financialization, liberalization and globalization impacted negatively on the Argentine economy.

    This is how MATURE people debate or explain issues………… and they also SHARE IDEAS.

    Instead, you prefer to act IMMATURELY and become very INSULTING when challenged. You need to change this attitude.

    Why do you think people are of the opinion you’re an ARROGANT, SARCASTIC, OBNOXIOUS SNOB?

  27. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Have you analyzed the pros and cons of Barbados owning a bank? Have you considered the political perspective of government participating in finance with a view of controlling private sector investment for political and not social reasons?

    Imagine BNB using savings and current accounts to lend to Bizzy Williams $17M, as was done with NIS funds, and when the loan becomes due, he asks for more time to repay.

    Similarly to how this administration has been “raping” the NIS fund for their political advantage, a state-owned bank could be similarly used by politicians to acquire control of private sector firms, provide employment or other benefits to yard-fowls, who ultimately return the favour by votes, financing political campaigns or bribes.

    And this example could be a reality because, as you are aware, financial regulation in Barbados is poor, there is enough evidence to suggest state-owned entities are inefficient, then we must consider the underlying political motives behind providing public services……and government does not have to compete with the private sector to source finance.

    Additionally, since Barbados is a small economy, have you thought about the implications of government using money from household and firms to finance capital projects, especially in the current circumstances where the Central Bank relinquished it control of determining interest rates?

    Surely it would be unfair competition for a state-owned bank to pay higher interest rate than competitors.

    There are also other considerations that favour state-owned banks.

  28. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    @ Artax at at 6 :49 PM and 7 :12 PM

    I concur with the positions you expressed there in. But could dear , you did not have to be so heavy handed. I believe Hal was seeking to change his view of Mr Arthur’s excellent handling of the economy in his fifteen years as minister of finance.

  29. Thomas Lynley Avatar
    Thomas Lynley

    @ Bernard

    It should be clear to you and Artax and everyone who visit BU that Hal Austin is a fraud. He may have written a few magazine columns unchallenged by readers.

    However, BU is a different story. There are some very intelligent people here that would question the mighty Hal…..and he hates that.

    Hal Austin is a half baked journalist that lacks basic comprehension skills. After all the talk about financialisation he ran from the discussion.
    What a moron.

  30. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    However, by mentioning: “The financialisation of the economy is the key engine for growth; instead it triggered our going cap in hand begging – from regional development banks to the Chinese. All that can be laid at the door of Mr. Arthur.”…..(Quote)

    Barbados does not need a state-owned bank to facilitate the process of “financializing the economy” as proven by countries that do not own banks or insurance companies. (Quote)

    Dealing with the last first: Barbados does not need a state-controlled bank, but in the absence of alternatives it is imperative that the state steps in to fill the void.
    The role of banks (and shadow banks) in the economy is to provide lending; increasingly in Western liberal economies, most of this lending is to small and medium enterprises, which provide the bulk of job creation.
    People in jobs send money o a variety of things, allowing shops and stores to improve their stock, create jobs and expand. It also increases the tax take, allowing the government to provide more services for the community as a whole.
    In more sophisticated societies, the shadow banks step in, also insurance companies want to invest the vast amounts of premiums collected; venture capitalists want to invest; charities and family funds, occupational pension funds also want to invest.
    In a carefully shaped financial environment there will also be retail investment products which need to invest, etc. This is what a Barbados-domiciled bank can assist in doing.

    You could have discussed, for example, the spread of financialization to emerging markets and its relationship with economic crises.(Quote)

    Financialisation has had its problems, but overall it has been for the good. Barbados has underperformed the global and regional economies since independence, and in particular since 2008. The problem therefore must be the local management of the economy, and not external. How do we explain this?
    On a micro level, just look at the poor investment performance of the NIS; ignore the politics and the poor scheme design.
    But the NIS is reflective of the rest of the economy in its poor management and vision (and the lack of integrity on the art of its leaders).
    Here is another example: the crisis in Barbados is not only jobs, but also housing. Since 1870, the average real return on wealth has been abut 6 per cent annually, compared with the 3 per cent increase in real GDP. Housing, rather than equities, provide the best returns over the long-term.
    I have written about this until I m going blue in the face: the commercial and residential development of Weymouth, for example, the call for an inheritance or death tax; and widespread condemnation of the irresponsible shift of wealth from the poor to the wealthy by the minister of finance, Chris Sinckler.
    Yet, the redistribution of wealth has never formed part of our national political conversation. This is an issue that 14 years of Arthur’s leadership and eight years of a DLP government should have confronted.
    Here is another example: in the build up to the 2007 Cricket World Cup |I wrote a letter to the Nation calling on the government to make the refurbishment of Kensingston Oval our Millennium goal by borrowing in the carry market and using that low-interest money for the project; since Sept 2008, global interest rates plunged, again which Barbados was unable to benefit from because of our bad credit history.
    Borrowing for infrastructural investment over generations is virtuous, which neither the Arthur government nor the DLP has fully understood.
    Just look at the housing in the slums of Bridgetown and a government that is prepared to borrow Bds$250m from the Chinese to refurbish Sam Lord’s Castle. This is bad economic decision-making.
    It is not just a problem with politics, the commercial sector has shown itself to be just as inept. Look at the way the Trinidadians have captured our commercial sector; look at our inability to even hold on to our only brewery.
    It may satisfy certain desire in some of you, but I cannot continue to repeat myself everyday because someone questions a view. I expect people to read and remember.
    It is not my intention wasting my time debating with people who do not even understand the basics, I have more important things to do with what little time I have left. I won’t be rude, it is not my style.
    By the way, the argument that Barbados is a small economy is a nonsense. DeLisle Worrell used to employ that excuse; it is similar to saying we do things our own way. I do not buy it.
    Finally, I do not intend insulting your occupation, but I am aware you have said in the past that you submit tax returns on behalf of clients. I therefore list a number of occupations that are involved in tax returns.

  31. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Yours was a very detailed response… without the use of vague explanations……..and your usual “diatribe.”

    However, by your comment re: “It may satisfy certain desire in some of you, but I cannot continue to repeat myself everyday because someone questions a view. I expect people to read and remember,”……..

    …………. you are essentially making the ASSUMPTION that many in this forum, INCLUDING me, READ your articles pertaining to the issues raised. I have never read anything written by you other than what you contribute to BU.

    I am of the belief that many articles written by journalists (and advanced by them as being factual) without the necessary research to substantiate their views, are the personal opinions of those journalists. In other words, anyone can write anything believing it to be fact, but when “tested”…… it is just another opinion.

  32. Theophilius Gazerts 255 Avatar
    Theophilius Gazerts 255

    Just had a moment of sheer brilliance. Here patting myself on the back so hard that I hurt my shoulders…
    1) DLP dog dead
    2) Third party dog dead
    3) BLP dog near dead as large numbers don’t like Mia
    4) Coup d’etat. Mia gets dumped. Rawdon Adams appointed leader. DLP dog get caught by surprise. BLP dog roars across the finish line.

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