Verla De Peiza, Leader of the DLP
@David,what rot are you talking? the DLP will be out of govt for at least 10 years. do we really think any person from the last bunch will be around politically at that time? your admonishment is a nonsense under those circumstances. Barrow and others were rejected too. politics is a strange game and the rejected can become the chosen in a wink of an eye politically
The comment quoted was posted by Greene in response to criticism of Verla De Peiza’s leadership of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). It reveals the electorate’s biggest problem.
There has been a lot of chatter about the decision by former prime minister Freundel Stuart to speak after two years of silence. One of the characteristics of Stuart’s tenure was his unwillingness – some suggest reluctance – to engage the public on the many issues of the day. This detachment from an electorate he was elected to serve permeated his team. The ethos which shrouded his tenure provoked his reference to a sleeping giant who others should be fearful about awakening.
This blogmaster has no intention to be prolix on this matter, the BU family has sliced and diced Stuart matters to bits over the years. Those who prefer to drag a political carcass across the trail to stink up dispassionate analysis, it will not work.
For some time progressive BU pundits have opined that the Bajan electorate has ceded its civic responsibility to the political class. Key tenets upon which our so called democracy is built require a strident advocacy by the PEOPLE to act as a whip to the political class. What we have is a situation – referred to as the duopoly – where the Opposition party pays its penance for two terms and is re-elected as the de facto government in waiting. Some of us have exposed the fault line in our governance system, however, the majority of people have become intoxicated by the games politicians play and do not know B from bull’s foot as it relates to civic engagement.
The last two prime ministers Freundel Stuart and Owen Arthur represent about 25 years in office between them. Is it too much for the electorate to expect them to add value to the governance landscape – post prime ministership – with the objective of making our democratic systems better? For this reason elders in ancient societies have been allocated pride of place and were pivotal transferring knowledge to mould societies for the better. Instead what we have had is Arthur demonstrating a level of bitterness not worthy of mention AND one Stuart outburst labelled by political pundits as froth over substance.
Some of us have had enough!
it is in this context the blogmaster states categorically there is no merit to Stuart given airtime under the banner of the DLP, if it wants to be taken seriously as being in the vanguard of change. Stuart is free to mirror De Lisle Worrell by posting his thoughts on a website or vblogging on YouTube. The political class has no problem disrespecting the electorate by demonstrating arrogance in office, breaking promises (manifestos), however, the electorate – according to some – must extend all courtesies to Stuart by being receptive to his mouthings on his descension from Mount Olympus. This blogmaster says no!
Two years on it is evident no credible third party movement has emerged. Although disappointing, it is a reflection of the scant regard quality citizens hold for aspiring to be members of the political class. We are what we eat, our governments are composed of poorakey members.
A reinvigorated and reborn DLP is important to a well functioning governance setup in Barbados. One does not have to be blessed with the acuity of the best political pundit to know Verla De Peiza lacks the gravitas in personality to lead the emergence of the DLP. To have allowed Denis Lowe, Ronald Jones, Adreil Brathwaite et al to hijack her agenda- if there is one -is the biggest indication she does not have control of the party.
Three more years to go Verla, or less!
@ Greene
Let not your heart be troubled. Just observe how this unfurls. There is a pattern.
Ahhh @MrBlogmastet you are more than capable of picking sense from my remarks.
You suggested that there cannot be sustained development in our education policies until the pervasive political interference and bias with appointing loyalists rather than pragmatic subject matter experts is ended. That’s a summary of your position, not so!
I simply countered by saying that will never change, or put another way: it’s a standard (par for course) of almost every political administration. Thus, those who are leaders in the process have to strive to achieve best results despite that political bias.
Not saying whether it’s easy or ideal; simply stating the truism of life…. seen in all areas and all political admins.
@Vincent, not to be cynical but it seems that Barbados has been undergoing “episode[s] of experimentation with the Education System” for many years now.
As a layman it seems we have been lurching from point to pillar to post. The level of “research trained” experts (Master n PhDs) is good enough so the matter of studying other systems is as obvious as obvious can be. There is also the fact of direct experience as many Bajans have worked in other jurisdictions in education and later returned… And of course ‘comprehensive’ education reform analysis has been examined since Sandiford and his BCC implementation (using THAT as the historical place marker for this debate).
In sum, the folks KNOW how they SHOULD go about implementing ANY new overhaul.
So just as a layman looking on it is either “experimentation” or that new demands have forced a change when… 1) we strategized (or Sandi n team did) to have ONE expansive 6th form along with the four already in place and now 25 years later we revert to expanding to several 6th form svhools;
…2) we – or was that Billie n team- strategized that full coed was the way to go and now educators are repeatedly lambasted about that impact on the male psych and a need to revert to single sex school.
…3) we (Mia n team) strategized that kids with behavioural, developmental and other learning challenges would be best suited in a school with teachers fully trained to handle their psychological and educational issues and nurture them to better learning thus Alma Parris was opened. Bruggadung a new Min of Ed considered the ENTIRE program unnecessary and shut it down. Bruggadung, kids with reading disabilities, learning deficiencies and worst back in 1D or 1Q in ‘regular’ class.
Isn’t that experimentation bro! Now we talking bout middle school…another bit of (personal) experimentation just for its sake.
So let’s be clear: of course “serious and rigorous analyses [are] done before these secret, backdoor, birdbrained schemes are put in place” but it just means there are well researched schemes to satisfy the egos of BIRDBRAINED schemers!
And when you ask What role is Education to play in the development of the Bajan Society?” the cynic in me answers boldly: the same role it always played; to eff up and eff down around and around developing lots of lettered prima Dons or Donnas so that they can then continue to eff up the society to their egos contentment!
I gone.
Is BU an open market for ideas, or a platform for BLP propaganda? The BLP seems to have a direct line to its editorialising.
@Hants February 26, 2020 9:24 AM
“Level the “playing field ” . Improve the standards at all secondary schools before abandoning the 11 Plus or experimenting with “middle schools”.
Santia should talk to Billie about the 1981 Zoning proposal”.
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Oh what a great day that would be when the ‘immigrant’ children of Bridgetown can enter the gates on Crumpton Street and those living in Walker’s Valley can walk across to St. George Secondary which can be renamed after the same Dame and Queen’s College after a similar dame called Ronald(a) Jones.
Now which iconoclastic event will take place first?
The abolition of the Bajan 11 plus or the ‘British’ Monarchy?
Shut these wannabe slavemasters DOWN….your corrupt governments continue to give them all your tax dollars and pension money…they give these parasites all your contracts so they can collect bribes….while you are paid low salaries and they do not care.
YOU HAVE MADE ME PROUD…STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS…
this is the result of years and years of telling Black Bajans that they have a right to STAND UP FOR THEIR RIGHTS…
https://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/244070/deadlocked
“Strike action sweeping through Barbados’ biggest construction company could affect critical projects as both workers and management refused to back down yesterday.
As a result of the tense two-day stand-off between C.O. Williams Construction and more than 200 of its workers over wages, the matter has now gone over to the Labour Office.
The company is involved in several Government projects, including the in progress demolition of the former National Insurance Building in Bridgetown to make way for Golden Square Freedom Park; construction at Sam Lord’s Castle in St Philip and crucial roadworks, the latest being in Collymore Rock, St Michael.
The workers said they had not received an increase in eight years and Barbados Workers’ Union general secretary, Senator Toni Moore, said they thought the matter would have been closer to a settlement at this point. (WB/AC)”
@ Mr Vincent Codrington
You see you?
You is a next fellow we going ban!
For 2 occasions in 30 days you mek another serious statement that is profoundly critical of the Mugabe regime
Particularly you have asked Santia Bradshaw the current Minister of Education these four questions
“…1. Has anybody outlined what the problems are with the current system?
2.Do we all agree that these are problems?
3.What role is Education to play in the development of the Bajan Society?
4.Will it make Barbados Globalization ready?…”
I only got one thing tell you Mr Codrington
That is 2 heavy hitting questions in 30 days.
The rule is 3 instances where you show up the government of Barbados or its agents to be AND YOU WILL BE BANNED
Piece say so! Heheheheh
this would be an ideal time for Verla to come out and state the DLP’s position on education reform and what it hopes to do in this regard when it forms the govt.
the DLP is wasting a good chance to get into the hearts and minds of bajans who dont agree with and are wary of Govt’s floundering on this vital issue.
opportunities like this dont come too often.
what is also missing is any real opposition from Atherley or any of his surrogates. Piece, what gives?
@Greene
Does Verla have the powerbase and gravitas in personality to be so bold to take on a wedge issue like education?
#askingforafriend
@Greene
What is a wedge issue? For some time now I have been saying that Barbadian English is different to English English. We accept this with American English, International English, Jamaican English, etc, but when it comes to Barbadian English it becomes controversial.
You will be familiar with the UK/London English, and the official recognition of what is now called MLE(Multicultural London English), or more familiarly black London English. This differs from Cockney, Estuary English or South London English. Same with Bajan.
Now we are talking about education, it is a good time to talk about functional literacy.
@David,
the type of education reform that Bradshaw has bruited about can hardly be described as a wedge issue. it is too fundamental a change to be so described. the reforms go to the v core of the education system.
surely the DLP, and Artherley’s party must have their own views on something so fundamental to the functioning of Bim
@Hal,
they say English is a living language. lol
@ Mr Greene
Reverend Atherley seems not to have received any instructions from his boss.
The one in Llaro Court.
De ole man muchly disturbed by this total blackout
Has he been ill recently?
There in none in the 3rd party constellation like he and Caswell!
1.He goes to St. Michael North East to fight Mugabe Mottley
2.He endorses Senator Caswell Franklyn as the Leader of the PDP
3.They Run on the thrust of implementing THE POWER OF RECALL
4.They change the term from 5 years to 4 years
Dem 4 tings alone is balls busters for Mugabe Mottley
What you think?
I starting to miss Ironsides though!
I like I should not have expose Ironsides for who he was!
@ Piece the Legend
I’m a bit curious.
Could you please explain how would Atherley endorsing Senator Caswell Franklyn as the Leader of the PDP, assist that political party chances of winning the next general elections?
@Greene
A wedge issue in the context used is questioning Verlas tenuous positioning as leader to lead discussion on education as you have suggested. The country is split on this matter which often is stoked by emotional argument. Verla has more pressing matters like replacing the rotten windows and doors at HQ in George Street.
Piece,
you must have a philosophy from which you are going based your ideas for running a govt if you are in opposition and even though i think there is no difference between the D and Bs’ political philosophy, we are yet to know Atherley’s and or his party’s
Caswell as the leader of the PDP or whatever it is called would be an interesting choice but does he have the gravitas, to use the word of the day, to take on MAM?
3 years would be better. then you wont need the power of recall
who is going to St Michael North East? Caswell or Atherley? it doesnt really make a difference. Mottley has that bought out; lock , stock and barrel
some observations- PDP is a poor name for a political party. you need something catchy like People Progressive Party. Barbados Progressive Party.
you need a dynamic leader with a stated philosophical mooring as to how he/she sees issues etc. for example a progressive party could say that they will digitise Bim and give people the power to contact and interact with the party and leadership via the internet and offer ideas.
as it stands now, the PDP whatever that stands for, appears to be BLP lite
@Greene
Expand your comment to include all the third parties have sputtered to deliver. With a headless DLP meandering door like Mia has the right away to do as she bloody well pleases. Who do we blame, Mia or we the people.
@David February 26, 2020 12:12 PM “Does Verla have the powerbase and gravitas in personality to be so bold to take on a wedge issue like education? ”
If Verla does not have the power base are there not several DLP former Ministers of Education who can weight in/who can lend a hand in formulating the DLP policy on education?
After all if the people of Barbados should vote in a DLP government in 2023 surely the DLP should know what they have in mind?
I mean Ronald Jones was Minister of Education for 10 years was he not? He is still a member of the DLP, not so?
Surely if a persn has been Minister of Education for more than 10 years, and in addition has decades of experience as a teacher, teacher’s union rep, and a master’s degree or higher in education, surely that person must know a thing or two about education?
And Sandi is still alive is he not? The boys of BU always calling old fellas relatively young. Sandi is relatively young isn’t he?
I mean John Compton was a relatively young 81 when the the people of St. Lucia made him Prime Minister.
@Simple Simon
What advamgowould it be for Verla to turn to Jones ?
#breathe
A Barbados-born senior professor in education who recently retired from Yale. Can’t we get him to carry out a report on our educational system, or do we prefer to play it bye ear? I know a London-based, Jamaican man, married to a Barbadian woman with a home in Barbados, who would love to take a look at our educational system. All it will take is a telephone call.
Whatever happened to the two-yearly Diaspora conferences?
Hal Austin
Why? Who knows what we want more than we?
@ Tron February 25, 2020 3:14 PM
“and the soil is not suitable for large-scale agriculture.”
I am curious: How did you arrive at the above statement? Barbados grew a lot of sugar cane for a long time. The Israelis cultivate the Negev desert ( an area that is prone to saline soils when irrigation water is applied by a process called capillary action). There is a lot of technical ways to circumvent any imagined problems. The main problem facing Barbados is the idea that it is tourism or nothing.
@ robert lucas February 26, 2020 6:28 PM
The productive capacity of the large flat lands in Greater Guyana and Suriname is much higher than in Barbados. Fly along the Essequibo River and you will see the difference. Our agricultural products cannot compete with South America, USA or Europe in terms of price. Far too expensive with the same quality. The best thing is to supply ourselves with food from the other CARICOM territories, as long as we don’t have to pay in USD.
Nevertheless, you are right on one point: we have to make sure that the local rum is made from local sugar cane. Otherwise our rum will become a total joke.
I also agree with your criticism of tourism. But we should bear in mind that no solution is in sight. Economic diversification is extremely difficult for a small island off international trade routes. In any case, new hotels are no solution to our fundamental problem of lack of economic profitability. The existing hotels are already operating at insufficient capacity.
We have only one hope, and that is that some of the new wealth of the Guyanese will spill over to us.
@ Tron February 26, 2020 6:55 PM
Tron, the devil’s advocate, which other currency would Bajans pay for the imported food? In Mickey mouse Grantleys?
Doesn’t Israel produce almost 70% or more of its food requirements instead of depending on some of its more agriculturally-fertile neighbours for its food security?
The best thing, according to your reasoning, is for Barbados to become an ‘independent’ colony of British Guiana.
Wouldn’t it be a crossover case of black Bajans jumping from the English white man’s plantation into the Hindu hotel and Muslim retail shop?
In whose hands do you think the COW estate- after he ‘soon’ kicks the bucket- would end up as the asphalted plantation for Bajan black workers?
@ Artaxerxes the Superlative Archiver
@ Mr. Greene
De ole man apologizes for this truncated version of the Strategy.
The general public sentiment is that the Reverend Joseph Atherley IS A JUDAS!
Whether that be the truth or a lie de ole man suggests this as a campaign strategy for the PDP (a name I have some difficulty with because…)
1.I believe that the campaign that will be wages against Joseph Atherley WILL BE OF SUCH VICIOUSNESS that he will NOT be re-elected.
This is his last term
2.That compulsory demitance of political office being imminent suggest that his enforced departure BE USED AS A POLITICAL RALLYING CALL.
Have you gents ever read “How Horatius Kept the Bridge?”
It is a poem by Lord Macaulay dat de chilrun used to recite AND DE OLE MAN TEIF!
“…Then out spake brave Horatius,
The Captain of the Gate:
‘To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods…”
“And ho can man die better than facing fearful odds…”
Joeseph Atherley WILL FALL IN THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION as it is foretold by de ole man
BUT
and here is the brilliance of de ole man (dat does get dem vex when dey read dat heheheheh) HE SHOULD NOT FALL IN VAIN!
So what he is to do is announce on National Radio THAT HE WILL CONTEST AGAINST THE MUGABE SEAT in St Michael North East.
Because he believes that IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
This is immediate currency for his party in the eyes of Bajans.
3.Furthermore, in addition to his doing the right thing, GIVEN THAT HE WILL LOSE HIS SEAT, he will not be leader of the Opposition!
And it would behove him to promote the democratic endorsement of senator Caswell Franklyn AS THE FUTURE LOO!
now that you understand the backstory there are a few details dat de ole man will share with you that will allay your fears about the Duopoly and the statement about philosophy.
The electorate is tired of the musical chairs between the former robbers and the 30 to 0 state of government in Barbados
THEY WILL NOT go back to the vomit that is the DLP but, given all Mugabe Mottley machinations dem WILL NOT VOTE FOR THE BLP.
In fact, de ole man predict a similar swing of conscience that will see Mugabe lose 10 seats by “osmotic fear”.
Note the use of that spontaneously generated term and how it will be adopted globally now de ole man spoke it.
The other 8 seats that the PDP will win WILL BE WON THROUGH ATTRITION heheheh.
The CORONAVIRUS or February Disaster as foretold by *** will sweep over the country’s economic projections and lay waste to Mugabe’s plans.
And this will bried disaffection among the other 8 seats
I cyan tell you all dat strategy heah but…
Now you Mr. Green talk bout 3 years and ting but I recognise that you cant be serious about that suggestion because no government can effect serious change in 3 years so you only put that in as a joke.
With regard to the issue of Philosophy de ole man suggests the, AS WITH THE BLP & DLP, that is what you write down pun you manifesto.
However, for de PDP to win IT HAS TO PRODUCE DELIVERABLES while it is in this political wilderness.
“…’Hew down the bridge, Sir Consul,
With all the speed ye may;
I, with two more to help me,
Will hold the foe in play.
In yon strait path a thousand
May well be stopped by three.
Now who will stand on either hand,
And keep the bridge with me!’ ”
Which of you gents will keep this “bridge” with me?
Heheheheh
Your assistance please with an item here
@Vincent, the principal or only merit to @Austin’s post is that of necessity we must look at other systems in order to learn from their errors and benefit from their successes and thus having an outside expert (whether expat or not)ticks that box well.
The fact is however that any such analysis will not be a one man or women show and ideally it would be a team (of three or so) that would lead such a review…thus again of necessity a local (locals) would be part of that team.
That is straightforward first steps for any serious and proper strategy for a national education plan and everybody and their sister with an iota of management experience knows that…so Austin’s list of names is really irrelevant as who actually would constitute a review team can be sourced from many, many well qualified and experienced practioners…in and out of Bim!
And re this ‘middle school’ thing… the concept has a basis in practicality but whether we need it would have to examined carefully. As a first former who got my head slapped in that ritual every September at my standpipe I would definitely have adored a middle school then 🤣…because no one would have been that much older or bigger than I was and thus definjtely would not be inclined to get a return punch … but when the slapper is big and tall bravado is overcome by that sense of pain!
That bullying can be a big deal, but that apart not sure of any other grave reasoning why we (in Bim as opposed to US schools particularly) need to separate 11 year olds from 4th and 5th formers. (Middle school covers our 1st, 2nd and 3rd formers, if I understand the process clearly).
@ dpD
So far having reviewed the evolution of our Education System ,my opinion is that we have kept pace with the changes and developments in most developed countries. We have little to be concerned about. Of course from time to time we have to tweak and revamp. My understanding is that this is done on a continuing basis. I, therefore, have no fears. I know from experience that when changes are not implemented they are unworkable. A little costly but could be catastrophic if enforced. I hope that approach continues.
@Tron February 26, 2020 6:55 PM “We have only one hope, and that is that some of the new wealth of the Guyanese will spill over to us.”
So we should fold our hands sit on them and hope that some of our neighbor’s food will spill into our mouths?
@ Miller February 26, 2020 8:13 PM
@ Silly Woman February 26, 2020 9:02 PM
As for the currency for food: we could exchange our Barbados dollars for food from Guyana and Suriname and the South Americans could spend these dollars when they come to their island holidays. That works, at least in theory.
But not even in theory will the expansion of agriculture in Barbados work. We simply do not have any workers who want to work in the sun all day long in the fields. Even here on BU they call ANY form of physical labour slavery. Or can you imagine a farmer who forces his workers into the fields with a gun? Not even the devil’s advocate could do that, honestly. Farming is a dead end. Barbadians are no Israelis, they’re no determined Prussians of Arabia.
Our chances are all in Great Guyana, the new El Dorado. We don’t have to submit to Muslims or Hindus, there are supposed to be black Guyanese who are good at business. They need lots of guest workers to build roads, sweep the streets, feed their dogs and suchlike. I guess that at least 50,000 Barbadians could find their fortune as guest workers there. This would also solve the problem of overpopulation. There are simply far too many people living on the island.
And what are the Barbadian workers doing at COW´s plantation? That’s right, they strike, they moan, they howl and demand a pay rise instead of moving their as*** to Greater Guyana. I predict that in 10 years at the latest, the Guyanese will take over the whole Williams conglomerate. Williams is simply no longer competitive with Barbadian workers.
@Tron February 26, 2020 9:30 PM “We simply do not have any workers who want to work in the sun all day long in the fields.”
I was surprised when you said earlier that the problem was the land, because i know that typically you blame all of the world’s problems on the Bajan worker. Why the quick about turn?
@Tron February 26, 2020 9:30 PM “Farming is a dead end”
Amazing that farming is a dead end, but eating food 3 or 4 or more times a day is not a dead end.
Sigh!
Another Kolij man gone.
@ Mr Green
@ Artaxerxes
I have been posting a response to your earlier questions
About 4 times but it’s being blocked on purpose because it’s an anti Mugabe Mottley strategy so………
@ Tron February 26, 2020 6:55 PM
Land is not the problem . The problem is the failure to utilize technology. In many countries, food crops are being grown in a vertical manner in building up to twenty stories high. No soil is used and very little labor is required. The whole system is enclosed using robots or the computer to adjust the temperature, carbon dioxide concentration and so on. The entire system uses solar energy. Since there are very few persons involved the risk of disease and pest out breaks are reduced. The initial outlay maybe expensive but in the long run cost can be reduced considerably. Many crops can be harvested four to five times a season.
“We have only one hope, and that is that some of the new wealth of the Guyanese will spill over to us”.
It never ceases to amaze that Barbadians have the gall to talk about Guyana being the savior of Barbados. A short while ago, many bad things were said about Guyanese by Barbadians.
Using GM technology, one can adapt plants to suit any environmental condition. Stop producing so many lawyers, economists ,political scientists and so on.
@ Vincent
Hal Austin
Why? Who knows what we want more than we?(Quote)
Because we have messed up things since 1966. We are massively incompetent at policymaking. A suit and tie and a PhD does not translate in to knowledge. Both names I suggested have Barbados connections. One born in Station Hill and went to Kolij, the other with a home in Barbados and spends half the year on the island.
It is this blind nationalism that has had led to a government of mediocrities. A nation of second rate lawyers, book keepers and men in suits. A failed state.
@ Silly Woman February 26, 2020 10:16 PM
“@Tron February 26, 2020 9:30 PM “We simply do not have any workers who want to work in the sun all day long in the fields.”
I was surprised when you said earlier that the problem was the land, because i know that typically you blame all of the world’s problems on the Bajan worker. Why the quick about turn?”
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Isn’t this a ‘clear’ case of the pot calling the kettle ‘black’?
Don’t you blame men (and even little boys) for the same “world’s problem”?
The man is referring to farming in Barbados. And there are sufficient factors at work on the ground to substantiate that claim.
Even the country’s borrowed elitist educational system is geared towards the ‘demonizing’ of agriculture-based pursuits.
What is happening to the former CLICO landholdings which once represented some of the most arable and fertile plantations in Bim?
No other place in the world, especially in Europe, would you see ‘arable’ land (in such limited size) allow to go to ‘perennial’ fallow and waste for so long while the country’s food import bill skyrockets and the policymakers having to borrow from the IMF to finance the long march in a queue to the QEH already overpopulated with victims of NCDs.
Working in the fields has done wonders for you (if we were to go by your confessions).
Why can’t you motivate your modern-day sisters to follow suit?
But just remember that ‘working’ outside and wearing donkey hair do not make for a happy marriage
@miller etc. “donkey hair.”
No donkey hair. These lovely locks are my very own. You want to caress them and see for yourself?
Lolll!!!
“Even the country’s borrowed elitist educational system is geared towards the ‘demonizing’ of agriculture-based pursuits.”
While the Mouth, who in “fighting imperialism” is doing so by picking up 50 Black Bajan slaves and sending them to UK for the next slavery experiment..
..you have a problem, you are being sold into UK slavery again, this time by ya evil sell out negros in the parliament…whom you not only elected by pay all their salaries and that of their consultants and hangerson and yardfowls….that is some gratitude for you…get rid of this sell out government.
Now let me go out and do some real-real work. Catch some sun. Keep my vitamin D level up. Reduce my risk of osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis and breast cancer, keep my heart and mu muscles strong. BU is NOT real work. Will wash the locks when I come inside. My own natural hair is so easy to manage. I can wash it twice per day. No trouble at all.
See you guys after sunset.
@ Robert Lucas,
when you discuss agricultural matters you are on the ball. quite correct here.
we must look at new methods and stop looking down on farming.
it is a v vital and worthy pursuit. it should be encouraged and supported by Govt not just lip service every so often.
your citation of Israel is quite right too. it has been on the cutting edge on agriculture for a while from improved general farming techniques to introducing new strains in fruits and vegetables
@ Robert L; Re Israel and Agricultural Reform and Barbados.
Yes; note that we have previously tried to get the B’dos Gov’t work with Israel on the WATER/IRRIGATION issue, insofar as Israel reportedly has substantial expertise in water resources management and reclamation.
@ Mr. Greene.
Let me show you what is lip service to this article’s main thrust
Sorry, the ostensible thrust of ths Discovery of interest of the electorate Article
Look how the Blogmaster couches this Discovery Quest in what seems to be a concern about the Duopoly
“…Some of us have exposed the fault line in our governance system, however, the majority of people have become intoxicated by the games politicians play and do not know B from bull’s foot as it relates to civic engagement…”
He then complains that his article has veered away from his main thrust to discuss the mundane 11+ exam!
Yet when you and Artaxerxes ask a question about the Third Parties he refuses to post my response FOR 12 HOURS but then comes back to insert de ole man’s response in the queue 12 hours earlier!
RH LIP SERVICE TO CIVIC ACTIVISM to the max!
But de ole man is glad that neither he nor Mugabe Mottley are responsible for if the earth continues to spin on its axis as it effects its orbit in the heavens.
@ the Honourable Blogmaster
Stop last year’s 50 murders
And stop this years 75 murders
Heheheheh
Like you stopping my posts
Heheheheh
@ Greene
Have a look at the history of kibbutzim and their methods..
@Hal
v interesting. collectivism at work. something that could work in Bim, dont you think
@ Greene
That is the idea, but a selfish, greedy culture would not encourage collectivism.
@ Piece the Legend
I endorse the opinions Mr. Greene expressed in his February 26, 2020 1:33 PM contribution.
(Quote):
your citation of Israel is quite right too. it has been on the cutting edge on agriculture for a while from improved general farming techniques to introducing new strains in fruits and vegetables…(Unquote).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It is argued that Israel’s massively profitable Aloe Vera-based agribusiness has its roots in Barbados in addition to the botanical name “Aloe Vera barbadianis”.
What has happened to all that cutting-edge scientific research in agriculture which was once conducted in Barbados?
In a such a small country with about 20 people holding PhDs in agricultural science don’t you think it is time the country benefits from this huge investment in human capital?
In addition to pushing ‘medicinal’ marijuana (even if a bit late to the lab and pharmacy counters) what about exploiting opportunities in the growing and processing of ‘Aloe Vera Barbadensis [Miller]’ for use in the same organic pharmaceuticals, health foods and cosmetic niche industries?
Can there be some economic synergies to be achieved from the combining Cannabis with Aloe Vera instead of putting all the country’s forex-earning eggs in one sun-sea-and-sand fickle basket?
@ Miller February 27, 2020 1:52 PM
“What has happened to all that cutting-edge scientific research in agriculture which was once conducted in Barbados?”
Most likely the works would have been discarded. I will give you an example of what is the norm: When the Ministry of Agriculture was moving from Codrington to its present location, it was left up to the person in charge of the library to decide which books to keep and which to ditch. The person in charge of the library was not trained in the scientific disciplines. The criteria used seemed to have been age of the books. Older books were discarded ( thrown out to be disposed of by the Sanitation Department). I obtained some gems from the discards. One can judge a people by the state of its libraries and buildings. Barbados is found wanting in these areas.
Ideally the Ministry of Agriculture should have hired a librarian with degrees and experience in both library science and a scientific discipline, preferably agriculture. But even so it is inexcusable that there was not a team approach to deciding what should be discarded and what should be kept.
@Caleb Pilgrim February 27, 2020 6:05 PM “Israel on the WATER/IRRIGATION issue, insofar as Israel reportedly has substantial expertise in water resources management and reclamation.”
Would the Palestinians agree?
@ Caleb Pilgrim February 27, 2020 6:05 PM
Barbados has a much longer history and excellent track record in water resources management than Israel.
Who, do you think, conceived and constructed those many suck wells, planted Khus Khus grass as soil retainers to the sugarcane fields and the many watercourses and ponds with their own organic mosquito controllers and which have now been filled in and concreted over?
Barbados is not a geographical entity bordering some desert but a small limestone island with a clay bottom sitting in the tropical zone of the big Atlantic Ocean.
There is a lot of water surrounding little Barbados.
Why not let modern technologies be the friends of its so-called educated population?
Just like how the ‘colonial’ managers of yesteryear used the natural aquifers to fill the aboveground-constructed reservoirs and windmills to make Barbados a place of preferred colonial settlement.
If the economic future of Barbados is expected to sail on the only Sea called Tourism then a reliable supply of potable water must be treated as a sine qua non of infrastructural progress.
The building of more desalination plants must be the order of today with alternative energy sources their ‘powerful’ friends.
“Miller February 27, 2020 6:54 PM
@ Caleb Pilgrim February 27, 2020 6:05 PM
Barbados has a much longer history and excellent track record in water resources management than Israel.”
@ Miller
On what proof do you base the above claim?
@ Miller
FYI:
Israel is a global leader in water management. Just do some research before publishing absolutely wrong/false information.
@ William Skinner February 27, 2020 9:16 PM
Never denied that Israel IS the global leader in water management (today). The state of Israel was formed in 1948.
My point is that Barbados was, long before that (1948), a very good example of water collection, storage management (collection, storage and distribution).
A similar (his)story can be told about its other utilities (telephone and electricity).
The fountain in the old Trafalgar square is testimony to that reality of former outstanding potable water management.
Barbados is not a high rainfall country with very little ‘flowing’ surface water.
It therefore required outstanding water management skills and experience to make continuous human settlement a profitable enterprise.
@ William Skinner February 27, 2020 9:16 PM
You should also ask who is responsible for dropping the baton of outstanding water management with its failure to pass on even the basic water management skills other than you famous Duopoly which has politicized the BWA and cannibalized its reputation.
@ Miller
You made a statement that was absolutely false. Barbados has been experiencing water shortages and poor water management for three decades. The problems have become more severe in the last ten years or so because of a failure to be proactive.
None of the problems we face started last week. All of them are at least 30-40 years old.
@ Miller
I thought that knowing the Duopoly was responsible was common knowledge.
@ William Skinner February 27, 2020 11:06 PM
Which statement was made that is “absolutely false”?
That the state of Israel was established in 1948 long after Barbados had an envious water distribution system (some of the mains stretching back to the Victorian/Edwardian eras) which contributed significantly to its former good public health achievements??
Or that the old plantation system ensured the proper maintenance of the ravines, gullies and the suck wells which lead to aquifers instead of what pertains today where too much of the precious rainfall finds itself straight back into the sea circumventing the clogged drains and gutters because of extremely incompetent management under the so-called educated black elite?
Which side of your Duopoly made the decision to build a sewerage system for a low rainfall coral island where the ‘used’ water is pumped into the sea instead of bring treated and reused for purposes other than those requiring a high potability?
BTW, the Jews have always played an important role in the development and management of Barbados even if under the converted business cloak of Christianity.
From the establishment of the sugarcane industry to the construction of the Montefiore fountain now turned into an outdoor latrine for the homeless and vagrants not too far away from the original home of the then competently-managed BWA and close to one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the ‘New World’.
The sell out negros in the toxic parliament had their little pimp in the UK volunteer to recruit slaves from Barbados for the racist UK experience complete with low wages…the only government to do this in the Caribbean…
The Mouth is “fighting imperialism” by selling Black Bajan slaves through the back door.
@ Miller
You made a statement which you thought would not be questioned. I merely stated that Israel is a global leader in water management.
Obviously you have ignored the tense in which I speak.
I don’t know if it’s important to answer “which side” of the the Duopoly ruined the BWA because only the Duopoly has ruled the country since 1961 and the mismanagement of all matters related to water and sewage must be blamed on the Duopoly like everything else.
I now repeat for the final time that Israel “is” a global leader in water management.
I leave it to you to tell us on BU what can we teach Israel about water management in 2020.
@ William Skinner February 28, 2020 6:48 AM
I leave it to you to tell us on BU what can we teach Israel about water management in 2020.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NOTHING!! Simply Nothing!
How the country Barbados teach Israel anything when the same country Barbados was ranked on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) in the early 1990’s at No. 20 (No.1 in the ‘Developing World) whereas Israel was ranked at No.19.
Check and see where Barbados is ranked today compared to Israel.
Now who is responsible for this ‘backward’ slide by Barbados if not the same black Duopoly elite which has promoted materialistic consumption before genuine development and economic security?
Bajans need to learn not only from Israel but, more importantly, from their own ancestors where water management is concerned.
The only thing Barbados can teach Israel is how to learn to coexist with its neighbours without having to wage a one-sided war with the help of their American friends.
“Friends of all and satellite of none” can still ring a bell of peace and coexistence in the ME.
@ Miller
Take it easy I only asked about Water Management. That was the topic under our discussion.
If there is one person on BU that you need not convince about the short comings of the Duopoly is me. The whole of BU knows that by now.
However, I did find our spirited back and forth interesting.
@ Hal
I note with more than passing interest that only Errol Barrow is being reference by the Duopoly. I scarcely ever hear reference to Sir. Grantley Adams.
This clearly shows that our educational system does not really expose our children to any thing before 1966.
I wonder how many citizens who walk across the Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge know who he was.
How many know about Winter Crawford.
The two most popular political quotes are : What kind of mirror image do we have of ourselves and We will be friends of all and satellites of none. Both Barrow.
Amazingly when I was growing up I used to hear: Bajans have short memories . That was attributed to Sir Grantley.
Add this poor rakey government to the group.
your leader is conniving, dangerous and destructive, she sat on the Caricom chair and gushed about “fighting imperialism”, she failed to mention that she had already eagerly VOLUNTEERED her own people for UK’s modern day economic slavery, racism and mistreatment of Black people program….you do not get more dangerous than that..i can guarantee that no one forced her.
bet you she did not tell any of the Caricom leaders any of that except for those who have the tendency to collude when it comes to destroying Black people’s lives.
..she does not want her own people to have the marijuana trade to become independent, self-sufficient and wealthy. but had no problem selling them out to be 21st century economic slaves dependent on racists and slavemasters in UK.
Yes, this same black face who promotes wicked wannabe slavemaster Cow while being fully aware that he refused to give his workers a raise for nearly 10 years and before that gave them a raise of 75 cents, that is who the sell out black faces of parliament promote while working against their own people, only racists and slavemasters and the wannabes.
Caricom has to watch very carefully this deceitful, dangerous pretender and liar who is now the chair….Caricom people are now at risk.
@ William
I have always said that the BLP seems embarrassed by Sir Grantley, yet if we took his achievements and Barrow’s, Sir Grantley’s were the greater.
Despite paying lip service to history, we are not a historical people. For example, after 30 years, except in unusual circumstances, all official documents must be lodged in the Official Archives where researchers will have access to them.
Once in Barbados I tried getting access to court records from the days of magistrate Bourne in the 1950s. I could not.
Again…Atherley is being warned to get this ignorant crooked ass weather head off his team, he is useless and carries too much baggage of corruption and crookery against the people, him and his family..
.Grenville was also warned and he ignored it..
https://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/244117/pdp-harsher-penalty-crimes-tourists
Dependency tourism has to be dismantled so that parasites like this lowlife can stop feeding off the Black population, he needs to go look for a real job and stop believing he can insert himself in the people’s pension fund and treasury to create more problems on the island for the majority population.
Barrow would be forever stuck in the minds of the blp
Reason he singlehandedly wrestled the blp high archery to the ground in their fight against Barbados Independence
His was a fight in those days that saw a black man winning over the white supreme powers that run the economy of barbados and were infamous for getting their way by all means necessary
Now almost 60years later the blp bows to Barrow in humility
Never mind Mia once again is using gladiator tactics to place herself on even keel with Barrow legacy by building a park which pales in significance to Barrow value and significance in history t
by Barrow achieving independence for Barbados
Try as Mia wants her legacy would be doomed by her misunderstanding of her relentless fight for the rich while the poor suffered under her years of governance
@ Hal
I also noticed Arthur never failed to express his devotion to Barrow. While I am at odds with some of the positions taken by Sir Grantley and have dismissed Barrow since the 1974 Public Order Act, I find the affection for Barrow, from the Duopoly quite fascinating.
I have to agree with you that the BLP seems embarrassed by Adams yet they find time to lavish praise on Tom .Another thing that fascinates is how quickly Owen Arthur has been downgraded by those in the BLP, who once considered him a god. I think Arthur is heading to be a mere footnote for historians. His legacy seems to be on the wane.
With “ short memories” and an apparent disdain for keeping proper records and hundreds or more Cave Hill grads walking about the place with degrees in history, the shortage of bios and other political writings is indeed one solid reason to ask what is the role of UWI.
To use your words: It’s an embarrassment.
Stop trying to fool the people.
KARMA is on the move.
https://www.facebook.com/13312631635/posts/10157980965451636/?sfnsn=scwspwa&extid=HYfiDRNMFYvqvMjz
Then there is the deceitful Mouth who HID and plotted in stealth… and is sending vulnerable, black bajans into this very deadly racist and dangerous situation.
https://www.facebook.com/100005986451739/posts/1261871040689099/
@Hal,
have you met this tosser yet- Rev Morris?
https://barbadostoday.bb/2020/02/29/crime-everywhere-rev-morris/
quote] “Many people have spoken and they have said yes, there is crime in Barbados, but there is crime in England too. They say look at the stabbings on the streets and so on and Barbados is no worse than anywhere else.
“Many of those persons in England who are born in England call Barbados home and if you call them English they get offended. So I don’t think anything will stop that,” the deputy high commissioner told Barbados TODAY. [unquote
Not in full agreement with the man, but would give him passing marks as
(BT)
But Reverend Morris described such measures as discriminatory.
“I don’t know that that would be correct legally and you may very well be creating one type of Barbados for tourists and then another type of for locals. I don’t think that that would be just and fair,” he argued.
We already believe that there are two version of Barbados, to create a Super-Honorary Citizen class for tourist would be the introduction of a third Barbados.
A happy Saturday morning to all of Barbados.
Have a great day.
HAGD
Rev Morris is a right arsehole. i remember him during the Cawmere foul stench crisis. my mates on the ground there said he and his cohorts were responsible, trying to make the Minister of Ed look bad so MAM use that as a rallying cry much like Donovan did with the South Coast Sewage crisis. both were rewarded with BLP picks.
we Cawmerians got together and solved the issue. so i have no time for Rev Morris. he is a wanker in my books
@ William Skinner February 29, 2020 7:00 AM
“I have to agree with you that the BLP seems embarrassed by Adams yet they find time to lavish praise on Tom .Another thing that fascinates is how quickly Owen Arthur has been downgraded by those in the BLP, who once considered him a god. I think Arthur is heading to be a mere footnote for historians. His legacy seems to be on the wane.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
But it was right under the watch of the same OSA- whom many still consider a god- that Barbados slipped rapidly down the UN HDI scale from being No.1 in the developing world to what it was rated in 2009.
Just look how the country’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors have virtually disappeared during the same people while the rise of foreign-owned and controlled retailers has gone to the apex of economic disenfranchisement.
Any leader who supports the pursuit of policies to fulfill his pipedream of encouraging people to own their ‘own’ private vehicles ( on a 2×3 island with makeover donkey cart roads although bigger than its idol Bermuda) has effectively resulted in the deleterious cost of creating a jungle in public transportation and an ever expanding sickbay of asthmatics and obese citizens ought to be considered functionally shortsighted and not fit for purpose of having vision or deserving of special national adulation to last through the ages of time.
@Miller
didnt know Barmuda was Bim’s idol. what do you mean by this?
@ Greene
No. I am no longer on the high commission’s invitation list.
@ Greene February 29, 2020 10:51 AM
“ didn’t know Barmuda was Bim’s idol. what do you mean by this?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Let’s call it role model. There is nothing ‘idolatrously’ wrong with looking up to and emulating your superiors even if they are ‘smaller’ than you.
You should have gone there to practise your craft(iness) in intellectual chicanery.
Even your naïve gofer Artax would have been so proud of you as to even try to walk behind you in your footsteps tarnished by political partisan reasoning to justify blatant bribery and corruption.
Bim will always play second fiddle to Bermuda when it comes to tourism, international business, the cleanliness of its environment and as a retirement ‘village’ for the rich.
Why would a 2×3 country like Barbados which can be flown over in less than 10 seconds by a jetfighter would want to import 2.0 litre and 3,000 c.c. luxury vehicles to drive at 15 mph on congested makeover cart roads to go nowhere at breakneck speed?
Is the ABC highway the Bajan version of autobahns designed to accommodate fast-moving Mercedes Benz for the local rich and famous like judges, social patriarchs and financial kings of scams?
The ‘Pretend-Independent’ Barbados- although seeing itself as punching above ‘her’ lightweight- is, really, too much an indiscipline and growingly corrupt ex-colony to ever surpass Bermuda; with only its Shorts and Salad onions to brag about.
@ Greene
I have a great affection for Bermuda. Some years ago the government offered me a job on a three year contract and I asked them to make it permanent. They refused and I turned down the offer. I appreciated that. They stood their ground, but I like the country.
@Greene February 29, 2020 9:07 AM “have you met this tosser yet- Rev Morris?”
I have. As we say in Barbados I have know him since before he was born, that is I know his parents and grandparents as well.. He, his parents and grandparents are decent people. Honest. Hard working. Smart. Salt of the earth.
I hope that you get to meet him soon.
@Miller
i believe i read somewhere that Gabriel Abed is special advisor to the Bermuda PM in Fintech
@Hal
i know a few solicitors over there
@Hal Austin February 29, 2020 1:02 PM “No. I am no longer on the high commission’s invitation list.”
Wha’ happen? You too politically “D” partisan?
Remember that both “B” and “D” taxpayers money pays for the delightful hors d’oeuvres.
How many know about Winter Crawford.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I do. my grandfather, a staunch Sir Grantley man, told me all about him years ago. He had great respect for him. I think many of Barrows policies came from him. From what I hear, he was a much more radical man than Barrow, though. Maybe that’s why he remains hidden.
@Silly Woman,
i am prepared to amend my statement but i just didnt like the way he used the foul stench situation at Cawmere. i have been reliably informed of other things too
“Is the ABC highway the Bajan version of autobahns designed to accommodate fast-moving Mercedes Benz for the local rich and famous like judges, social patriarchs and financial kings of scams?”
yeah, the hoi poli full of shit, one came out swinging and dictating about tourists lives being more important than Black people’s lives in Barbados and now all the robberies him and his ilk and family committed robbing Bajans tens of thousands and how many people got him and his family in court for not paying debts and bilking the people over the decades and how many matters are in court to recover money they stole……. got exposed on FB.
people who live in glass mansions should not throw stones.
hoi poloi….
racist crooks who live in glass mansions….
Yeah..and the tourists also got told that they have to be careful of him too, because he would not hesitate to rob them, without using a knife, gun or mask…ha..
Donna February 29, 2020 4:24 PM
“How many know about Winter Crawford.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I do. my grandfather, a staunch Sir Grantley man, told me all about him years ago. He had great respect for him. I think many of Barrows policies came from him. From what I hear, he was a much more radical man than Barrow, though. Maybe that’s why he remains hidden.”
@ Donna
That’s great. I too was privileged to hear from similar folks about the great struggles of the trade union movement and agriculture workers.
Unfortunately we ignore our elders and learn little or nothing about the journey.
You are a fortunate person to have had had such a great and informative grandfather.
I do believe some reminders are in order.
Multi-million Dollar Bank Accounts for Barbados’ Money Launderer’s Inc aka the Oligarch/oligosh..cont’d
lawd me gawd zeros can’t done.
First Caribbean International Bank
P.O. Box 288, Grand Turk BWI
Checking Account under name Sherbrooke Securities Ltd.
Acct#0875241530 Bal $2,115,000.00
Turks & Caicos Banking Company Ltd.
Checking account number under name Sherbrooke Securities Ltd. Acct#511371607 ….bal…$3,602,000.00
TCI Bank
P.O. Box 255
Grand Turk, BWI
Personal investment account under name (to be included eventually and it appears inevitably)
Acct#0108996347…bal ..$2,878,000.00
Albany Trustee Company ( Turks &Caicos Ltd)
Bristol House
P.O. Box
Turks & Caicos Is…BWI
Acct#7718283430….bal $687,000.00
Tital $9, 282, 000…Millions yo…
Barbados Money Launderers Inc are doing well..
Keep warning you about those short memories, it will be your downfall..never mind, already is.
@ William Skinner February 29, 2020 5:24 PM
“I do. my grandfather, a staunch Sir Grantley man, told me all about him years ago. He had great respect for him. I think many of Barrows policies came from him. From what I hear, he was a much more radical man than Barrow, though. Maybe that’s why he remains hidden.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That claim by your granddad can be safely vouched for.
Wynter Crawford was the brains and engine behind that ‘radical’ social experiment of the 60’s. Barrow was the main mouthpiece and poster boy.
My grandmother was a relative of Wynter and knew what she was talking about when she used to describe her beloved cousin Algernon as the genuine socialist half of G. H. Adams.
@ Miller
It was actually @ Donna grandfather. I heard from folks of that generation.
You like @ Donna were fortunate to have such great grandparents who built the rock we now stand on.
Fantastic!!!!
Note for future reference.
https://www.mpnnow.com/news/20200128/dr-gifford-jones-people-are-dying-needlessly-of-coronavirus
A Topic worthy of discussion titled A poorrakey Attorney General should make its way on BU
Barbados AG has boldly stated that crime is down in Barbados
Just of recent a tourist and family members had the scare of their lives as they fought off masked gun men who enter their home and shot a family member who is now paralyzed
What the AG needs to be more focus and prepared that within the coming months as the economy continues to worsen and jobs level of unemployment reach and all time high that people will to survive would be by any means necessary
The video of the masked gunmen is an example of the blantant disregard for law that thugs in this society would engage to have a day meal
Meanwhile our PM remains silent as she finds new photo opportunities to send message to the populace that all is well
Good grief
So is Atherley planning to get rid of that racist Jackass weather head…or does he still plan to keep him around to ensure none of them ever enter that parliament as any racist government…..if Atherley had done a background check he would have noted this clown is not suitable for any leadership in a majority Black population, but it is obvious he did not vet Fido the racist….first mistake.
…there has been decades of problems for the Black populi with these two sell out negro governments who put racists before their own people, still in the 21st century…no one needs a racist in the parliament as an MP talking more shite…and enforcing tourism dependency even more, the parasite.
Since his little photo op, Atherley can kiss parliament goodbye…so either get rid of that crook cause it’s very clear he forgot he too is a bandit who does not need to carry gun, mask or knife…in racist apartheid Barbados.