A consequence of government’s public sector expenditure reduction program is the rationalization of some SOEs and retrenchment that has started. The following document details the Proposed Public Sector Expenditure Reduction Programme.
Read it and weep!
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Interesting few months ahead. The RFP’s for Caves and various Registries due very soon. They have to get costs down, and generate revenue where possible.
The rearrangement of deck chairs have now entered the panic stages….. This was predictable.
Panic will follow shortly as we see people falling over each other …and some being trampled in the chaos.
The thing is that the same failed set of jokers who crippled HMBS Titanic in the first place are now shuffling the deck chairs around in their last ditch efforts to stay afloat…mostly lawyers… so we can expect that the ‘solutions’ will be similar to the one applied to the South Coast jobby….they will remove the shiite from public view on the streets …and dump it into the swamp where it will kill us a bit later.
If a country is neither able to produce the kind of leadership that is able to prevent the damage that has been sustained to HMBS Titanic below deck, …nor to come up with solutions to repair the damage done by the idiots in charge, then it must be obvious how the story will end…..
…in the grass.
Much too AMBITIOUS PLAN for GOB MORONS to undertake in a limited timeframe, can see next trench of IMF $ slipping away.
Some of the timelines are aggressive and I am a bit confused about the Proposed Action for the “Student Revolving Loan Fund” which states “Portfolio to be taken over by a Private Institution” and “comprehensive review by the Ministry” so what is it?
On the other hand, I am heartened by the Action for Constituency Empowerment which is succinct and to the point “Disband Unit”.
Lastly, I am pleased to know that Kerrie Symmonds is in charge of GAIA that way he can get on with the job instead of issuing veiled threats at some employees.
This document reflects the neo-liberal dogmas pushed by the IMF and the big powers that control it which aim at attacking the living standards of workers while prioritising the interests of foreign and local elites. Far from ‘solving the economic and social problems facing the country’, which themselves come from the previous application of these dogmas, they will only intensify these. The workers must develop their own independent analysis of the situation and put forward their own remedies which serve their interests.
How many will be affected. The CBC if reduced to the MCTV operation will be about 100 going home.
So will there be no FTA television. Internet does cost money as ISP don’t do it for free. MCTV is also a paid service.
The social media comes with a cost but a cost that the individual must bear in the for of internet access fee which is not cheap in
Barbados. If u look at the mobile wireless provided by the Flow or digicel.
If it comes to running a radio or buy food maybe just maybe you can listen to the neighbor’s radio etc and buy the food.
If information is to be on a social media platform exclusively certainly i will buy food and go along less informed as i cant buy food and pay the ISP as well.
Maybe just maybe this is a way of keeping the masses uninformed so things get done will less knowlegable person in the mix
@sirFuzzy
Stay focused on the issue, Barbados is a broke ass place!
A guess article here a few days ago by Neil Harper mentioned that Barbados has “Privacy Data legistaion” that needs to be enacted. I get the impression it has been drafted but needs to go HOA or the GG needs to proclaim it etc. Not sure on the current status.
Now with a private-public partnership with registries. I think we need to ensure that my inforamtion is protected from being distributed to other parties without my permission. As Mr Harper stated if or when data breaches occur what protocal must be followed etc. The data holder must informed me that there is a breach, they must indicate what is needed to fix the situation, there are fines etc.
We may be in a hurry to get certain things done in the private sector exclusively or to partner with govt, etc. but we must also be in a hurry to set up the correct comprehensive legal framework to ensure that profit and profit taking does not become the only yardstick for these new entities. We must maintain the level or increase the level of confidence in these new entities by putting in place legislation to empower Jane and/or John public as well
@ David
Barbados is a broke ass place!
+++++++++++++++++++++++
True,
BUT that is only as a CONSEQUENCE of the fact that we are a brass bowl infested place.
Few places on this earth have better potential for success than does Barbados.
That we are where we are ….speaks VOLUMES of the level to which we have sunk….
Our leadership at all levels (but ESPECIALLY the church) should all fall on their swords in shame…
@ david.
Sometimes you amaze me! But amazement is now par for the course when u are living in Hope.
@ David
If you manage to make everything about money or finance or economics we are indeed a failed or flounder nation state.
I have seen when the Money God rules things like decency or integrity can be purchased. Now wonder we are where we are today.
@sirFuzzy
Unfortunately when you have no money read being insolvent every decision translates and escalates to what are the available resources. it is a big part of the problem that we have to battle today in Barbados.
Who said that Barbados should not be about the economy but a society?
We live in hope!
@ Wily Coyote October 23, 2018 8:19 AM
“Much too AMBITIOUS PLAN for GOB MORONS to undertake in a limited timeframe, can see next trench of IMF $ slipping away.”
WC, since you can that what was not done since 2014 cannot be achieved in less than 1 year, what do you think is the next thing on the BERT agenda?
As clear as night follows day it is inevitable that the “D” as in an official Devaluation must come before the “R” & “T” in the invalid called Bert.
How can Barbados expect to borrow money from the IMF to shore up its balance of payments in order to continue import fancy vehicles for a few, bottled water for the lazy and exotic fruits sprayed with chemicals to extend their shelf lives?
Let’s place some bets, WC.
“Heads”, it shall be 5:1 by June 2019. “Tails” it will be 10:1 by 2020.
@ millertheanunnaki October 23, 2018 9:15 AM
Should read:
“WC, since you can [foresee] that what was not done since 2014 cannot be achieved in less than 1 year, what do you think is the next thing on the BERT agenda?”
Bajans often boast that we are a Christian nation. Like punching about our weight that too is a fallacy. We never punched above our weight and for many a year we have not been a christian nation. The results in the/our society indicate such.
But looking back is part for the course when living in Hope. We fear looking forward for we know that we have been fooling our self about so much that it must evoke the fears of the punishment that awaits us for the wrongs we have inflicted on ourselves in the name of “mekking a dollar or getting a dollar”
Believe it or not sirFuzzy, we are on the same page. The Bajan society was built on a sandy foundation. The root can be found in our most favoured status with the ‘mother country’.
The following is making its rounds on Whatsapp. The blogmaster is cautious about giving wings to everything posted in social media but we are taking a chance with this one. If we are wrong we will apologize to Minister Ronald Toppin.
https://barbadosunderground.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/toppin.ogg
@ David.
I hope the whatsapp post is incorrect or wrong. But from what I heard there are about three other persons involved in the entire episode that if questioned can verify or refute the claims made by the lady.
However if it is true. why does Mr Toppin need wo car space to park such a small vehicle. maybe “Duh Man Cant Drive” or “atleast park”? it would be a PR slap in the face to the BLP the promoted caring for the masses, imo it comes over as uncaring in the least.
@sirFuzzy
Hope it is wrong therefore the disclaimer kind off. This is not the kind of arrogance we want to encourage from a minster not in office for six months. In fact the blogmaster would fire him IF true to send a message to the lot of them.
In a sense a win win . If u fire him u reduce the cabinet and get some good PR? lol
You may recall Arthur fired George Payne and Liz Thompson to send the ‘optics’ message. Did it work? Arthur enjoyed a lengthy coattail as well.
having to occupy 2 parking spaces for one vehicle would be tantamount to “WASTING” GOVT RESOURCES. and a “business as usual approach”? by said Line Minister?
The policies and measures of the BERT program are UNPOPULAR…….but not anything new.
Lest we forget, the former inept DLP administration recognized a reduction in government expenditure was necessary, which was initiated by a retrenchment program that was announced on December 13, 2013, by former finance minister Chris Sinckler.
Sinckler reminded Barbadians that his administration’s retrenchment program would result in the lay-off of approximately 3,000 (6,000 according to Caswell Franklyn) public sector employees from central government and statutory corporations, between January 15 and March 31, 2014.
During a press conference held on Monday, January 6, 2014, Sinckler said Government was currently reviewing the functions of 19 statutory corporations with a view to CONSOLIDATING their operations. He said that, of those 19 SOEs: “Some will GO OUT OF BUSINESS, others will MERGE with each other and perhaps where it is feasible and makes sense for PRIVATE INVOLVEMENT in the operations of any of those institutions that will be undertaken as well.”
But…….. it must be taken into consideration that months after the 2014 retrenchment program, the former DLP administration employed several people at various SOEs, including the Transport Board……….which meant an increase in employees and a corresponding increase in government expenditure.
Under Barbados’ present economic circumstances………. these measures are necessary.
Unfortunately, the BLP’s 30-0 victory gave them the mandate to enforce the measures…….
……….fortunately, their 30-0 defeat ensured the DEMS were not the administration responsible for enforcing the measures………while their popularity will remain “intact” in the long term.
@Artax
Would it not be instructive for the report submitted by the Committee to rationalize the SOEs to the former government (Sinckler) under the chairmanship of Justin Robinson to be released?
Unfortunately this is the only choice because no one tasked with overseeing these exercises can put forward an alternative because not one of them understands or can demonstrate what productivity is.
Simple definition for productivity is to add value, so in the context of this exercise
What value does John King add
What value does Duguid add
What value does Marsha add
The starting point should be to work with stakeholders to define what a productive ministry or SOE would be and then go about updating job descriptions and work systems to best facilitate this. Waste (non-value adding activities) can then be eliminated.
This does nothing other than satisfy accountants
So lets say govt succeed in its measures to bring down debt
My question to govt is what plans does govt have in place to secure that our economy does not head towards that selfdefeating economic path once again
It seems to me that looking at govt economic path it is a one cycle solution of only to tackle debt
What should also be of concern is that if success is achieved by these measures to reduce debt the most likelihood of returning to borrowing would once again be the preffered and easier model by govt/s of constructing the economy
David BU
Yes, it “would be instructive for the report submitted by the Committee to rationalize the SOEs to the former government (Sinckler) under the chairmanship of Justin Robinson to be released.”
Redguard
“The starting point should be to work with stakeholders to define what a productive ministry or SOE would be and then go about updating job descriptions and work systems to best facilitate this. Waste (non-value adding activities) can then be eliminated.”
Interesting comments……. and I agree with them.
However, how would you measure productivity in an SOE such as the Pan African Commission and what would be the alternative other than closure or incorporating into the NCF, as suggested in the proposal?
How does National Housing Corporation (NHC), Rural Development Commission (RDC), Urban Development Commission (UDC) fit in with your suggestion………….
…….….if you take into consideration the former Owen Arthur BLP administration CLOSED the Housing Welfare Program of the National Assistance Board to establish RDC and UDC……….and there was a time when NHC worked with the NAB to repair the homes of the “poor and indigent.”
On several occasions I have suggested there should be an amalgamation of NHC, RDC &UDC, because they (more or less) provide similar services.
is the main root of the problem we faced and we are facing is that the “private sector” never stood up or wants to stand up? The majority of employment creation over the last 20 years have been in govt /semi govt or SOE? Whether sustainable or not; a job is a job to that holder.
Will the real slim shady please stand up? Plese stand up; please stand up. Arw we looking for a private sector to lead that by DNA has not real leadership blood flowing in their veins? There will take over or merger what is successful, but do very little to create unless they get some sort of incentive?
@David
Heard the audio, saw the photo of the car, needs two parking spaces for one vehicle 😊, arrogance set in already? Maybe 30-0 gone to his head.
BTW didn’t Arthur fire him too? Seems he hasn’t learned a thing
a little humour.
Suppose the min need the yellow line to allow him to properly position the vehicle/aircraft into the hanger bay/parking slots? I know that pilots that fly aircraft use the line painted on the tarmac to safely position the aircraft in the slot on the tarmac when parking. They the pilots are also helped out by the “ground crews” . Maybe just maybe Min Toppin needs this level assistance when parking his aircraft/vehicle in the hangar bay/parking bay?
Minister of International Business, Industry and Parking Spots
@ sirfuzzy at 9:49 AM
You need to take our people back to their moorings again. David has obviously forgotten what the GoB is or should be about.
@Vincent
Tell you how you propose we squeeze the genie back into the proverbial bottle?
@ David BU at 11 :27 AM
There is no genie and there is no bottle.
The GoB by definition cannot be broke. It operates as a Going Concern. Its finances need rearranging. And that includes rearranging its priorities.
I see citizens queuing to pay their taxes in situations that defy common sense. Has an examination been made of why taxes levied are not reaching the Treasury?
Are the channels for collecting taxes and forwarding them to the treasury efficient? Or are they similar to the South Coast Sewerage System?
Why should the NIF ,a segregated fund, be used as an ATM by the GoB and the Private Sector?
Why should the MoF not pay in the NIS contributions of its Employees? Is a similar thing happening to their income tax deductions?
The above should be addressed as a matter of priority. Anything else that is being done is spinning top in mud. And is doomed to failure.
We have to manage government in a business like fashion.
@ David BU
Senator Drakes’ contribution in the Senate was not given the same prominence as Senator Adams.
She made an important point that one cannot withdraw $1.5 billion BBD from the economy and expect it to grow and broaden the tax base. She understands the multiplier effect in an Economic System.
@Artax
Re: Pan African Commission. I think the original mandate was to connect with people of Africa (whatever that means). This mandate is vague and is the type of foolishness that leads to think tanks and studies that amount to nothing other than lectures about reparations.
Why is the commission under the ministry of culture. Is culture the only way we can connect with the people of Africa. What about business.
The commission can add value but it needs a clearer mandate developed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders beyond the dashiki wearing types.
@Vincent
We say broke meaning what? Of course the government has recourse to taxing citizens but to what end given the current position? What about forex revenues? The issue of sustaininy government’s finances is complicated and multifaceted.
@Miller
5:1 or 10:1 are both good bets, HOWEVER if GOB fails to meet IMF reductions on SCHEDULE, will the big “D” happen long before June 2019. Wily sees some MAJOR Adjustments by Jan 2019 because Barbados has failed to meet their restructuring commitments.
The flip side of the audio, is the definition of emergency, and the luxury that one can up and leave in the middle of the work day.
@NO
That is the secondary issue.
Re: NHC RDC, UDC. Your suggestion makes sense and should have been done years ago
The skills required to work in each are similar; optimising work systems and consolidating resources is common sense but…… this is Barbados
If BERT fails the back up plan could be Cannabis and Casinos.
Buh doan mine me. I just following the example of my current home and native land.
“We have to manage government in a business like fashion”
That is common sense but……….. this is Barbados
These three units were established to satisfy an important mandate of the political class. We have to observe what will replace these entities.
The only part of this Bert program i can rationalise is that it was created to pay debt
However the other side of Bert offers no significant model for creating sustainable growth for the economy
The question that keeps going through my head wants to know after debt is paid down
Then what?
How about the
unemployed
How about social service
How about paying our local debt
How would these and other programs be economical sustain without more borrowing
The fact of the matter is that Bert is a onesided plan taking very little into account how its policies would not be beneficial to the entire country
Right now BERT is on a one man mission to gut the social enviroment of the country while securing the economic viability of its plan with a purpose of having govt pay its financial institutiions to internationalnloan agencies
Prior to 1997, the RDC & UDC operated under the National Assistance Board (NAB) as ONE “entity” called the Housing Welfare Department.
Upon its closure, RDC & UDC were established and employees such as Welfare Officers and Technical Officers of the former Housing Welfare Department, were transferred to UDC and RDC……while one Technical Officer went to NHC.
So…… it won’t be a difficult task to amalgamate the two Commissions. As a result, there won’t be the need for 2 Directors, Assistant Directors, Accountants or Human Resources Managers.
I though BERT was phase of of a number of policies/proposals that will be undertaken to deal with the economy, so it would not be necessary to include strategies geared at economic growth.
I also believe that a country should not be dependent on government as the main contributor to economic growth.
In Barbados, citizens, believing it’s their right…….. depend on government for hand-outs, jobs in SOEs, subsidized or free social services. All citizens, whether they could afford to pay or not, benefit from social services, (which many yard-fowls seem to believe is the “hallmark” of this society)…….without contributing some level of productivity.
On the other hand, rather than be creative and innovative, the private sector also depend on government for handouts in the form of government contracts and “freeness” in the form of tax concessions
In most countries, a vibrant private sector is the major contributor to national income, the major employer and the source for sustainable job creation. A reduction in government spending can “free up” resources for a more efficient private sector led growth of the economy and the creation of jobs.
The writing by a Mariposa,”October 23,2018 1:03 PM” can’t be that of the regular Mariposa, but a sort of confession as to the “how about questions” that kept going thought she,he and DEMS head since 2013. If a BERT program was started then, by now, the answers provided
From Facebook:
Irene Sandiford-Garner Fertur Lux When I first moved to BAOBAB as Parl Sec in Tourism I was assigned a spot but it took some time for it to be marked.
Unless the guard was there the staff would park in it.
That’s just what happened there I’m sure. Same 8th floor.
I would come many mornings and find someone in the assigned spot and I would drive on to find another space.
It takes a special spirit to block a person for a whole day then make them wait an hour before you move.
She’s a courageous soul and I applaud her.
I hope she is not victimized.
@ Artaxerxes
Heheheheh de ole man notes your comments about the dashiki wearing locks totting African brother who is in charge of the entity that was supposed to have been the corridor to Africa.
Do you mean to say that from the time it was formed until now that the only African link is in the drums the African gentleman got from Africa and the all expenses paid trips to South Africa?
You mean that nothing else has come from this for over 17 years?
Say it ain’t so Artaxerxes!!!
That incident with Ronald Toppin and the government worker is a glaring example of hubris by a politician wh believes he has power.
Nothing has changed for the better with this new administration – instead it seems that its the same type of behaviour (times 2).
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.