Est.2007

Barbados Underground

Bringing News and Opinions to the People

Banner promoting anonymous crime reporting with a phone and contact number 1 800 TIPS (8477), featuring the Crime Stoppers logo and a QR code for submitting tips.

Bishop Joseph Atherley Saves the Day!

← Back

Your message to the BLOGMASTER was sent

CONTACT THE BLOGMASTER ONLY

“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends [country]” (John 15:13) – Fr. Augustine Vallooran VC

The unprecedented 30-0 victory by the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) at the polls on 24 May 2018 created a Constitutional crisis UNTIL St. Michael West M.P. solved the problem by agreeing to be Leader of the Opposition.

Events to date confirm that the decimation of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) caught even the BLP leadership by surprise- tinkering with the Constitution – always a messy business – with a basket of pressing issues to confront from Day 1 is not what Prime Minister Mia Mottley has the appetite for at this time.

In the short term Atherley has made the sacrifice to cross the floor to assume the Leader of the Opposition role. His monthly salary will jump from 60K to 129K per annum but this is the smaller issue. He has averted the need for Mia to tangle with the issue of making deep amendments to the Constitution of Barbados at an early stage in her administration. Ask yourself, which member of parliament crosses the floor after one week of being elected without first declaring his grievances to his constituents and the wider public as a matter of courtesy?

Atherley’s decision to assume the Opposition role is obviously strategic. A ‘sympathetic’ leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly opens up a pathway for Prime Minister Mia Mottley to attack governance issues, more importantly it removes the nettlesome issue of making significant amendments to the Constitution at an early period in her tenure.

The blogmaster is pleased that the citizens of Barbados have a front row seat to observe the fragility of the democracy we practice exposed. It should be a learning opportunity we grasp with both hands. A past US President Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying that “Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom”.  Now more than ever in our history if the democracy we practice is to work as envisaged by the framers of the Constitution, people and stakeholder participation will be critical. The level of apathy and disaffection by citizens is well documented on BU’s pages.

We need to participate in our government in ways we have not done up to now.  We hope Bishop Joseph will live up to the biblical meaning of his name.

Discover more from Barbados Underground

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

325 responses to “Bishop Joseph Atherley Saves the Day!”

  1. John Avatar
    John

    BC

    Think about it.

    The GG has to annoint 8 independent senators.

    With 12 Government Senators and 2 Opposition Senators the GG needs at least 7 for the Senate to exist.

    Reverend Joe has now shifted the problem of choice to 7 independent people.

    I am assuming he can get 2 people to be opposition senators, would be funny if he can’t.

    Choices, free will!!!

    … and then there is the GG’s discretion!!

    His sacrifice for his friends and his country would have all been in vain.

    Ms McConney and Mr. Adams are for whatever reason sitting this one out I say to see what happens.

    Reverend Joe is saying to the 7 independent senators come and make up a number so my party can have a senate otherwise de dog ded!!

    Would you serve in a situation where you were present simply to make up a number and by pass the constitutional requirements?

    Suppose Reverend Joe decides to cross the floor back to his party.

    You are left looking like a fool, one of the Reverend’s stooges.

    But you are representing to the country that you are independent!!.

    … and the final insult to you will come when Ms MConney and Mr. Adams get sworn in after you have got yourself in reverend Joe’s scheme!!

    They would be using you if you were to accept.

    If you and the other independent senators and the opposition senators resign in protest, no sweat the Quorum is 8 and there are 12 Government senators!!

    The 10 of you will be the laughing stock of the island!!

    … and consider the GG’s position in such an eventuality!!

    She had the power to stop it.

    At this stage the only sane solution is to call fresh elections.

    The members of the House of Assembly will not resign because their party will not let them.

    They are gamblers and will go till the writing is on the wall facing them and even then they might not depending on their addiction.

    Look at what their fellow politician Froon did in the delay to the elections!!

    Their is no moral compass in either party!!

  2. John Avatar
    John

    The reverend could easily develop pangs of conscience and return to the fold!!

    It is too transparently a contrived a solution and too much pressure is placed on too many people.

    End this rot.

  3. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Gods ways are not mans way
    He plants his footsteps on the seas and rides among the storm

  4. John Avatar
    John

    You know what, the Quorum only is valid if the Senate has 21 seats filled!!

    Anyone resignation of that minimum 21 will render the senate non existent!!

    The independents and the opposition senators can cause trouble.

    If the senate is fully constituted, any 2 resignations is trouble

  5. John Avatar
    John

    That is an illogical and unconstitutional notion. Please check the definition of the Leader of the Opposition in the Constitution. The Opposition in the House of the Assembly is Atherley. He is one. He leads himself. Those entities, which you mentioned, are not elected to the H of A.

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

    True, but the GG needs to anoint him leader.

    Can the GG use her discretion is the question?

  6. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    I don’t consider this a bona fide crossing the floor but as the God- fearing Reverend now has the opportunity to pick 2 “Opposition” Senators but in a true Machiavellian twist he can pick two BLP supporters and consult Mia for any she missed the first go around.

    Bring out the Golden Fleece

    Hope springs eternal……

  7. David Avatar
    David

    @Bernard

    You are aware by your response you have chosen to disregard the conventions and niceties of our system of government (Constitution) as it relates to what the LoO represents?

  8. David Avatar
    David

    @John

    You seem to have a problem keeping up. Bishop Atherley was sworn as LoO this morning by the GG.

  9. John Avatar
    John

    (2) Whenever the Governor-General has occasion to appoint a Leader of the Opposition he shall appoint the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is best able to com- mand the support of a majority of those members who do not support the Government, or if there is no such person, the member of that House who, in his judgment, commands the support of the largest single group of such members who are prepared to support one leader:

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

    So the GG will be faced with the question …. does Reverend Joe not support the Government?

    What would be your answer?

    Here is my answer.

    Hell no, he is only there because his friends (the Government) sent him there.

    How the fcuk can he represent those members who do not support the government?

    You understand how Keith Mitchell did it 3 times.

    The first time he had some issues … the second and third time once he crossed the line was easy.

    End this rot or every office in the island will be utterly corrupted!!

    If I were the GG I would ban him from Government House, permanently!!

  10. John Avatar
    John

    If I were the GG and Reverend Joe presented himself at my door to give me advice, not only would I ban him, I would move heaven and earth to get every last Member of the House of Assembly out of that house!!

  11. John Avatar
    John

    David
    June 1, 2018 12:12 PM

    @John
    You seem to have a problem keeping up. Bishop Atherley was sworn as LoO this morning by the GG.

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

    The GG has made her choice!!

    I always said this is about choices!!

  12. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    “Reverend Joe has now shifted the problem of choice to 7 independent people.”

    John

    How does the Reverend shift “the problem of choice to 7 independent people” when he is an elected member of parliament, which automatically exempts him as a potential senatorial candidate.

    For years, successive governors general have chosen 8 independent senators without any significant problems, as people readily accepted their appointments.

    How come, in this instance, the GG will have difficulty choosing 8 independent senators?

    Your comments are based on HYPOTHETICAL nonsense, which is clearly indicative of someone that does not fully understand the issue.

  13. John Avatar
    John

    So now, it is down to the Independent Senators and the Opposition senators and the individual choices they make!!

  14. John Avatar
    John

    The Throne speech is on Tuesday so we don’t have long to wait!!

  15. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    @ Bernard

    If he shares their view ,he votes according to his conscience. His constituents voted for Atherley to represent them… not Atherley BLP.
    ……………………………………………………………………………….
    So you are saying the electorate didn’t vote for any of the DLP Candidates, but instead vote against the DLP. At least we know why good candidates failed.

  16. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    @ David at 12 :09 PM

    I am on BU to learn and to transfer knowledge. I do not like popularity contests. My father begat nine children. I am the only male. So I was and am never afraid to stand alone. Ask those who know me.

    I am dealing with what is. Until you show me the clause that the Leader of the Opposition must represent the views of those parties not represented in the House of Assembly, it bothers me not.
    Secondly those niceties and conventions may exist in your mind not in the minds of those who designed our system of government.

    But treat it as a learning experience. I am learning too. And enjoying it. Thanks for the opportunity you are providing.

  17. John Avatar
    John

    Your comments are based on HYPOTHETICAL nonsense, which is clearly indicative of someone that does not fully understand the issue.

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

    I understand it far better than you can ever imagine!!

  18. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    “I understand it far better than you can ever imagine!!”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++

    My friend……….your comments indicate otherwise!!!!

  19. John Avatar
    John

    Will they get the 21?

    Won’t they?

    Who will be the opposition senators?

    The DLP has spoken so we assume none from there.

    Will the other parties cave?

    Will we see Nahtalee, perhaps Randall Rouse?

    Choices, choices.

    Individuals!!

  20. FearPlay Avatar
    FearPlay

    David, maybe you need to post details on how to start a blog so that prolific John can start his own following otherwise you will have to consider changing your handle from Barbados Underground to John’s Rants. I have now started to edit his posts as I did Rancid BLP or Frantic BLP or whatever the name of the other nuisance was, by not reading his posts.

  21. John Avatar
    John

    This is more interesting than any election night!!

  22. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    Freedom Crier Posted Yesterday….May 31, 2018 8:02 AM Seems it went unnoticed and here we are…

    Is Anyone Aware Of This?

    “Bajans Be Aware. Owen Arthur is up to his mischief once again. The poor guy cannot help himself. He is assuming the seemingly vacant post of leader of the Democratic Labour Party and is trying to persuade one of the BLP Backbenchers to go to the Governor General and declare himself Leader of the Opposition, so he, Arthur, can influence the selection of the two Opposition Senators. It is understood Arthur has promised one of those seats to Lynette Eastmond and another to Donville Inniss. Sources close to Arthur say St. Michael West MP, Bishop Joseph Atherley is the man Arthur is targeting. It is not certain whether the man of the cloth will now become the Judas of the Group and fall for Arthur’s bait. But the salary of the Leader of the Opposition is said to be very tempting to him.

    There is division in the ranks of the DLP as to whether the offer of the two Senators should be accepted. Thus Arthur’s mischief is intended to make up the Dems’ mind for them. Will the Bishop become The Judas and sell his soul for 30 pieces of silver? Only time will tell.

    But what’s clear is that Owen Arthur’s skulduggery will not end anytime soon. The man is sick.”

    http://thevincentian.com/clients/thevincentian/3-7-2013-11-57-35-AM-5905969.jpg

  23. John Avatar
    John

    I have now started to edit his posts as I did Rancid BLP or Frantic BLP or whatever the name of the other nuisance was, by not reading his posts.
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Individual choice, no sweat

  24. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    Bishop Atherley explained his position and gave reasons why he “crossed the floor” to become Leader of the Opposition.

    Some of us may or may not agree with him, but we have to accept his decision……..unless it is “constitutionally illegally.”

    More importantly, I believe we should focus our attention on the “financial anomalies” and shenanigans of the former DLP administration, especially the period after the dissolution of parliament.

  25. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    The people of Barbados have spoken they do not want to see any of them only their backs. I would give Solution leader & the UPP leader a voice in the Senate they have something new to say and deserve a hearing going forward.

  26. Willie Avatar
    Willie

    I wonder why John would advocate for new elections when the finances of the country are reportedly very precarious. Elections cost. Would that be a wise use of resources – human and financial? As for there being no Senate if all seats are not filled – what would happen if any current elected MP were unable to take her/his seat through (God forbid) death, for example? Would the House be unable to function?

  27. John Avatar
    John

    I am dealing with what is. Until you show me the clause that the Leader of the Opposition must represent the views of those parties not represented in the House of Assembly,

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

    The Government controls the Leader of the Opposition to the Government a contradiction in terms!!

    After his sacrifice for his friends, the Government, the opposition is comprised of Reverend Joe on his lonesome!!

    He now has to advise the GG who would be the two suitable senators to represent him as Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and by extension, all those who did not vote for the Government.

    Of course, none of those who voted against the Government, voted for him, another weird and wonderful fact.

    What a stunt!!

    Must be Keith Mitchell’s final version to get a freak result accepted in Grenada without having to go back to the polls!!

  28. David Avatar
    David

    Here is Atherley’s position on his decision, take it or leave it.

    https://www.facebook.com/BarbadosToday/videos/10155825984663191/

    “Bishop Joseph Atherley, MP for St Michael West, speaks to the media about his decision to cross the floor of Parliament after he was officially sworn in as independent Leader of the Opposition this morning.
    He is flanked by family members, including his wife Esther, and President of the St Michael West branch of the BLP John Bancroft.”

  29. John Avatar
    John

    Meanwhile the PM is busy canvassing or has canvased the independent people of in Barbados to get 8 from their number.

  30. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    “Who will be the opposition senators? The DLP has spoken so we assume none from there.”
    +++++++++++++++++++

    More rubbish!!!!

    Or perhaps you are TRYING to be facetious?????

    Or are you suggesting there is a “rule” that forces Atherley to choose as Senators, members of the DLP, UPP, BIM or Solutions Barbados……..or any independent candidate that contested the recent general elections?

    Okay……and since we are being “ridiculously hypothetical,” then Atherley could choose two members from his church he deems to be adequately qualified to appoint as Senators.

    Or he could choose from among political scientists, such as Peter Wickham, George Belle, Maureen Holder and Tennyson Beckles……….

    ………..how about Michael Howard and Justin Robinson or Mark Maloney and Bjorn Bjeckhamn?

  31. John Avatar
    John

    By his own admission he supports the Government made up of the Bees!!

    He is not “opposed to the Government”!!!!!!!

    That is the basic qualification.

    This is totally bizarre!!

    … and he turns up in his red BLP colours!!!

    He should have said “No Comment”!!!

  32. John Avatar
    John

    This is totally idiotic!!

  33. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    “The people of Barbados have spoken they do not want to see any of them only their backs. I would give Solution leader & the UPP leader a voice in the Senate they have something new to say and deserve a hearing going forward.”

    Freedom Crier

    Agree with you 1000%.

    In MY opinion, your above comment is the best you have contributed so far to this forum.

  34. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    John,
    Keep up the fight. It is now one week and what little we have heard from this government is not encouraging. The photo opportunities have been good: an entire cabinet and an army of civil servants going to Hastings to inspect the excreta flowing on the streets; a press conference to tell us the DLP government abused office; now what?
    We have a minister of finance who has spent the last week being rime ministerial, but what are Caddle, Straughn, Persaud and Mascoll going to do, what advice have they offered. We ought to know.
    We have also seen the mess in the senate: a key choice by the prime minister has proven to be not eligible for residential reasons. And what is this government of top lawyers going to do to sort it out: well, change the constitution. The constitution must be wrong.
    In most civilised democracies the prime minister would have moved on to another choice. But better to be born in the right bed than to be talented.
    Bu I have said all this before the general election. I said that the entire nation was fed up with an incompetent DLP government, but that did not translate in to votes for the BLP. What gave it to the DLP was that there was no alternative – apart from Natalee.
    Solutions Barbados was too prescriptive with its ISO9001 Holy book and its one-person leadership; and UPP was just out of the game. Nice people but lacking in political and economic finesse with nonsense about a creative economy.
    :In the end, we got the government we voted for.

  35. John Avatar
    John

    Or are you suggesting there is a “rule” that forces Atherley to choose as Senators, members of the DLP, UPP, BIM or Solutions Barbados……..or any independent candidate that contested the recent general elections?
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    You really do not understand why an opposition exists in Parliament!!!

    There are two groups in the electorate, those who do not support the Bees and those who do.

    The Bees form the Government.

    Reverend Joe has absolutely no connection to the group who do not support the Bees.

    In fact, he has dissed the DLP and by extension 33,000 supporters who do not support the Dees.

    His constituency has become the 30% of the electorate who opposed the Bees and he has dissed most of it!!

    This defies imagination!!

    It is comic!!

  36. John Avatar
    John

    Hal

    It is called the politics of illusion!!

  37. John Avatar
    John

    … and now we await the appointment of the opposition senators the GG will be advised to appoint by him!!!

    Defies belief!!

    Only in Barbados … well actually in Grenada too … three times!!

    One version of Keith Mitchells stunt was to get an opposition party outside parliament to put forward names!!

    Is Mia going to sit down and let this continue?

  38. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    @ dpD at 11:38 AM

    You ask the most difficult questions. And like a bright student you will probably have the answers before I get back to you. I am mentally exhausted. I need a break.

  39. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    How can an individual state, on one hand, that he “does not think Mr. Adams qualifies, for the senate, based on his education, career or community service”……………..

    ………….but on the other hand, he wants to convince us that a hooker, whose only claim to fame is posting “whatsapp” videos of her saying “I duz sell pussy” and “Harry likes to eat botsy,”……and based on her education, career and community……….

    ………she is suitably qualified to be an elected member of parliament or appointed to the Senate?

    Hmmmmmm……

  40. John Avatar
    John

    (4) If, in the judgment of the Governor-General, the Leader of the Opposition no longer is able to command the support of a majority of those members of the House of Assembly who do not support the Government, or, as the case may be, the support of the largest single group of such members who are prepared to support one leader, the Governor-General may revoke the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition.
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    The question is, given his interview where he is actually saying he supports the Bees/Government, has he now put the GG in a position to revoke his appointment?

  41. bajanfreeparty Avatar
    bajanfreeparty

    Law: Opposition: Act of the opposing or resisting: antagonism: state of being opposite or opposed; antithesis; also, a position confronting another or placing in contrast; that which is or furnishes an obstacle to some result; political party opposed to ministry or administration; or might be construed to include peaceful and orderly opposition to the government. Bajan Free Party Alex Mitchell.

  42. John Avatar
    John

    Can the representatives of the “constituency” Reverend Joe is effectively representing ask the GG to revoke his appointment?

    For example can the DLP who he has dissed, ask the GG to revoke?

    Can any of the other parties do the same?

  43. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    “You really do not understand why an opposition exists in Parliament!!!”
    +++++++++++++++++++++

    “When ignorance gets started it knows no bounds.” [Will Rogers]

    SMH

  44. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    JOHN

    LET ME TEACH YOU SOMETHING NEW……

    LET GO…….AND LET GOD!

    SO FAR IN ITS WEEK IN OFFICE, THE NEW GOVERNMENT HAVE NOT DONE ANY EVIL PER SE.

    BECAUSE OF THE ELECTION RESULTS WE NEED TO DO THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY

    AFTER ALL, THE MOST CONSTANT THING IN LIFE IS CHANGE!

  45. John Avatar
    John

    Lets see, Mia’s first attempt was to get the DLP to cooperate.

    Bobby Morris refused.

    Now Reverend Joe has dissed the DLP!!!

    What will Mia do?

    This suggests Reverend Joe is acting without Mia’s knowledge or Mia has dissed the DLP too!!

  46. John Avatar
    John

    … but I am having fun GP!!

  47. John Avatar
    John

    Plus I am learning, I am understanding and my brain is ticking over.

  48. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    @Artaxerxes June 1, 2018 1:20 PM
    IT SEEMS THAT THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE NATALIE WAS/IS OFFERING IS MORE VALUABLE OR NEEDFUL THAN THAT OF ADAMS! murdah! or as the Kittians say “oh me am!”

  49. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    re Artaxerxes June 1, 2018 1:20 PM
    are you saying that Natalie’s “community service” is not good service or any service at all? or not a proper or recognized service?

    your post got me in stitches

  50. John Avatar
    John

    GP

    Well before Tuesday it will be over because Tuesday I think is the Throne Speech!!

    Could even be over by today

    Not long now

The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.

Trending

Discover more from Barbados Underground

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading