est. 2007

Barbados Underground

Bringing News and Opinions to the People

Our Date With Destiny has Arrived

Submitted by William Skinner

Since the abolition of slavery, the Caribbean region has been heading toward a date with destiny. Many of us have hailed events as defining moments. In most cases those moments lingered a while and then faded into historical reference. The abolition of slavery was a significant moment for our physical being but the scars of mental slavery still shackle us to a belief that we have reached the apex of our civilization.

The rise of the working class in the 1930s and onward to individual state independence, would have further cemented that we had arrived at a stage of development that was almost miraculous. It is a remarkable feat, that we went from slavery to independence in a historically short time. We should therefore be forgiven if we thought: The Strife Is O’er, The Battle Won.”

We were skilful with our limited resources and those countries within the region with more bountiful resources than others, were generous in their assistance toward their often-struggling brothers and sisters. We even forged ahead with regional unity and gave birth to the regional movement known as CARICOM. Outside of the occasional family squabble, the Caribbean has enjoyed longer periods of regional unity than we thought possible. Daily we try our best to develop our collective communities but the realities of individual countries, often forced to act on their own rather than a unified force, remain a monumental challenge.

The date with destiny finally arrived via a vicious carrier or messenger, we now know as COVID-19. The abolition of slavery; rise of the working class; independence, hurricanes and of course the glorious days of dominating the world of cricket, now seem to be fading occurrences as we grapple with the new norm. The COVID-19 has revealed that we have been meticulously unprepared for the date with destiny. AS the new norm descends upon us, there is wide spread panic and we are now bombarded by often weak and visionless speeches by leaders, who in many instances have abandoned common sense. We built our future on sun seekers and international treaties. We are treated like school children being forced to pass tests and grades that often have little or nothing to do with our cultural, social, or economic realities.

In a rather perverse way, we actually attached ourselves to the saying: “Why buy a cow when you can get milk free.” We now face the brutal reality that there is no free milk and we really have no unlimited access to cows we don’t own. Its time to buy our own cows and produce our own milk. It’s time to own the Caribbean farm and take it off the auction block.

As my friend’s grandmother asked him, when he was going through a rough period in his new environment of the USA and was contemplating a return to the island: “Did you come for the improvement or the exchange?”

Our date with destiny has arrived and no iron bird our floating hotel will save us from this brutal reality.

88 responses to “Our Date With Destiny has Arrived”

  1. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Br careful Sir William!

    You almost sound dispensationalist.

    But right. The devine judgement of Pachamama has come.

    The “minmic men” of Caribbean elites had no answers in relative prosperity and could be expected to be further adrift as Pachamama enters the scene.

  2. Wily Coyote Avatar
    Wily Coyote

    Excellent assessment William, now the facts are written what do you expect the rely, if any, will be ?

    Like our Blogmaster says, SAME OLD SAME OLD, Wily thinks will prevail. Wily hopes just once he’s wrong and BARBADOS may see a glimmer of hope.

  3. Tee White Avatar
    Tee White

    True words. The issue now is how the people of the region can take matters into our own hands. Relying on the visionless leaders and the local and foreign elites they serve will land us back exactly where we are.

  4. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ Pacha, Wily Coyote, Tee White
    Reading the submissions of a youth born after independence, who is considered a rising star on the political scene, I have realized that those yet to come, will be carbon copies, of those that are in control at present.
    It’s absolutely frightening.

  5. PoorPeacefulandPolite Avatar
    PoorPeacefulandPolite

    Raise your blood pressure – see if that approach clears the blockage !!

  6. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ William Skinner

    The future always seem frightening to those who are afraid of what the future holds. Our history attests to our ability to overcome and cope with whatever fate throws at us. Post COVID-19 era will be no different. The past ,you are always quick to point out,were no Halcyon days,nor is the present. We will simply have to cope and we will. We are Barbadians. We are doing quite well despite the forebodings. We got this.

  7. David Avatar
    David

    @Tee White

    The leaders come from among us, they do not arrive from Mars.

  8. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    YOU HAVE BEEN DUPED! SOLD DOWN THE RIVER ON A BIG BROWN LOG!!

    The President of Tanzania didn’t trust the World Health Organization, so he had fake test samples sent to labs.
    He took samples from papaya fruits, sheep, goats, and other things. They all came back positive for corona virus.

  9. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ Vincent Codrington
    First you note that I address the region. I am not pessimistic but the response so far to how we propose to act post COVID -19 is not encouraging. We seem hell bent on making the same mistake. Any batsman who fails to correct his or her mistakes,would get out the “same way” each time.
    The term frightening should not be taken in its literal sense. Perhaps I should have said disappointing.
    Of course we will all survive. Look around you; those working for $250 per week or less are breathing; those exposed in the press living below squalor are breathing.

  10. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Those working for $250 a week must be protected. Those exposed in the press living below the poverty line must be lifted up. All the rest of us must rightsize our expectations, including share holders, cabinet ministers, prime ministers and governors general.

    I don’t expect to escape unscathed. I am already learning to grow some of my own food.

  11. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    No batsman knows before hand how the ball is going to come off the pitch. He gives it his best stroke when it does.
    Correcting mistakes? The future is seldom a carbon copy of the past. We have always to do the best we can in each situation. There are geniuses; but only in retrospect . There is ,however, a heavy dose of luck.

  12. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    If what was said is True on this Video, then the Deep State is Much Larger and More Pervasive than we All Know. They are Willing to Use Any Bad Actors, Any Means means necessary, including Sinking the World’s Economy so that they can Accomplish their Goal of Total Control and All of their Nefarious Plan! I Never Imagined that the Deep State was was so All Encompassing. Even in the Old Days Slaves Rebelled and we must Educate Ourselves so we can Rise up so that we are NOT Made Serfs! We all have seen different Parts of the Great Conspiracy but here ii is they have REVEALED themselves, they usually do. They have even through Fauci said in early 2017 that the Present Administration would face a Pandemic and All of the Co-conspirators said we would Never Get Back To Normal, getting us to Accept Willingly, Restrictions that they want to Impose, such as Endless Lock-downs (house Arrest) whenever they Feel Like it! Is What they are Preaching as the NEW NORMAL.

    In America there is a Case where a man was Shot Twice in his Chest and his Death was recorded as Covid because his Lungs were Punctured…So Do Not Believe the Numbers you hear, they are being Inflated because the Government pays more when you Treat a Covid Patient.

    Seven People Died in Barbados from Covid How many do you think died from other Causes? In Two Months we’ve had more Heart Failure Deaths than Covid, but we still lock up and Still scared that the Bogeyman coming, in Old Time Barbados they would say “D Heart Man! And Now ya wearing Mask that are Not Mandatory but Mandatory, while looking at ya neighbour like he is a Zombie coming for you.

    All of these Controls, Plans and Methods have been well thought out and Using International Agencies to Implement their Objective, while you are being Beguiled that they are Trying to save you.

    And the “Philanthropist” at the Center of it All has Stated Multiple Times Publicly that the World has too many People and it should be reduced from Seven Billion to Seven Million people. He the same Man that Says he is going to Save the world by Implementing Mandatory Vaccine, that in Recent Years, have All been Contaminated with Mercury and other Foreign Substances.

    We Should Not be like the Frog in a Pot with the Fire Simmering under us and Not Jumping out, until too late when we are Cooked Educate yourself, Save yourself, Only then Can You Save Others.

    The Mirror Project – Documentary Film – Coronavirus

  13. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @David, ur 9:25 could be considered a variation of the Willy jab of ‘same ole, same ole’… although of course it’s so true that it hurts us deeply when we see it repeated! 🙂

    Barbados and all other nations are simply the results of what the PEOPLE want … when we blame the politicians we are merely shifting the blame from ourself… very few people have the fortitude and integrity to EVER blame themselves for the failures of which they are complicit.

    But a news item this morn broadens this concern quite dramatically but will get little play or notice, I suspect.

    The most powerful man in the world is threatening to legalize lying and the spread of disinformation by executive order… In a sentence that is bluntly the thrust of a proposed directive  that will curb the ability of social media sites to ‘tag’ remarks considered “potentially misleading.”…

    Of course this man disseminates on a daily basis the type of false and misleading data which at any other stage of our lives would have been bluntly called ‘lies’ and discarded from the public discourse… but now he actually has the power (or thinks he does) to muzzle the cry of ‘liar, liar”.

    So yes, @Skinner, when you talk of “Our date with destiny has arrived” you are astute and correct way beyond the confines of dear lil Bim!

  14. Wily Coyote Avatar
    Wily Coyote

    @Vincent

    “We got this.”

    That’s exactly what everyone is concerned about, PAST history using WE GOT THIS has not turned out well, The ostrich philosphy has proven not to work. You can only stitch your head in the sand so long, eventually it’ll get stuck and your in deep SHIT.

  15. Wily Coyote Avatar
    Wily Coyote

    @David

    “The leaders come from among us, they do not arrive from Mars.”

    Now there’s an idea, let’s give some Martians a go, cannot be any worse than what we got.

  16. Tony Avatar
    Tony

    The world will be changed permanently:

    A global, novel virus that keeps us contained in our homes—maybe for months—is already reorienting our relationship to government, to the outside world, even to each other. Some changes we expect to see in the coming months or years might feel unfamiliar or unsettling: Will nations stay closed? Will touch become taboo? What will become of Hotels, restaurants/cook shops. Rum shops will survive? Yes it’s an escape.

    But crisis moments also present opportunity: more sophisticated and flexible use of technology, less polarization, a revived appreciation for the outdoors and life’s other simple pleasures. No one knows exactly what will come, but here is my best stab at a guide to the unknown ways that society—government, healthcare, the economy, our lifestyles and more—will change.

    The comfort of being in the presence of others might be replaced by a greater comfort with absence, especially with those we don’t know intimately. Instead of asking, “Is there a reason to do this online?” we’ll be asking, “Is there any good reason to do this in person?”—and might need to be reminded and convinced that there is. Unfortunately, if unintendedly, those without easy access to broadband will be further disadvantaged. The paradox of online communication will be ratcheted up: It creates more distance, yes, but also more connection, as we communicate via WhatsApp more often with people who are physically farther and farther away—and who feel safer to us because of that distance.

  17. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    “No batsman knows before hand how the ball is going to come off the pitch. He gives it his best stroke when it does….Correcting mistakes? The future is seldom a carbon copy of the past. We have always to do the best we can in each situation. There are geniuses; but only in retrospect . There is ,however, a heavy dose of luck.”

    @Vincent, that’s an interesting take on life… amazingly so…. Of course the future is not an (exact) carbon copy of the past but the fact is that there are often enough similarities that it does seem like ‘deja vu, all over again’… Starting with the sun raising and setting every day… different times according to the seasons surely, but a sameness that looks quite carbon copied.

    And on the outer extremes of that… over in Afghanistan or Syria where war still rages.. is there a big distinction in practical terms between an incoming barrage of mortar rounds on Monday morning compared to the fusillade of heavy machine gun-fire on late Saturday!

    You HAVE to plan and correct any mistakes you made in protecting your city in those different scenarios…if not you DIE by bullet or mortar shrapnel; similarly you have to correct life mistakes and learn to read the ball off the pitch and adapt to the changing circumstance of life better like when the ball comes ‘out of the rough’ … otherwise you die, also!

    And cricket… Well … That’s an even more amazingly interesting analogy….. Are u suggesting that the genius of a Sir Garry who modified his stroke play based on “how the ball is going to come off the pitch” was a genius “only in retrospect” … Or a Lara or Tendulkar or a Gayle!

    Just other perspective of your analysis!

  18. Piece the Prophet Avatar
    Piece the Prophet

    @ Mr. William Skinner

    You said and I quote

    “,,,As the new norm descends upon us, there is wide spread panic and we are now bombarded by often weak and visionless speeches by leaders, who in many instances have abandoned common sense…”

    It would be extremely easy to go down the avenue of enumerating each of these 30 visionless leaders for you BUT DE OLE MAN GOING LEAVE THAT TO THE MANY BLOGGERS WHO WILL FOLLOW ME HERE

    I smiled when you spoke of the grandmother of your friend and was reminded of the words of my own grandmother who said “you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!”

    When massa GAVE THE REGION INDEPENDENCE few know that it was given to the perfect docile population and faithful British Citizen.

    It is important for you to understand this inveterate mendicancy that is embedded in the psyche of 98% of the population.

    You kind sir are like Covid-19, an aberration!

    Once you contemplate the gravity of that statement you start to contextualize what your “weak and visionless” means when such characteristics form the very baseline of our collective experience and which is critical for the country to live.

    Let me brek it down in de ole man uncouth vernacular. (I will not go too wide with my language because de ole man has a respect for you but here is a borderline anecdote)

    Remember when you was a young man and you buy 3 condoms and put dem in you pocket and show one to the fellers? Remember how de fellers used to look at you like a boss? But you remember going to a fete and dere was a few women dere, but all of dem was wid men? What you do wid de condoms?

    In the same vein that you are speaking of that vision-less structure for our country, de ole man likens the paucity of women at that party!

    And it begs the question, by which process will one be able to pre-qualify candidates for the required “vision”?

  19. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ Vincent Codrington
    I don’t think Everton Weekes would agree with you. Great batsman know how the pitch is playing and what will be bowled to them. Great anticipation.
    By your reasoning, we would not have known that the bottom could have fallen out of the tourism bucket so we waited on the catastrophe of COVID-19.
    Those who play the game well , first spend a lot of time watching and analyzing it. Ask Sir Garry. Lol.
    @ DPD
    You are on point !

  20. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    Not buying that. To follow your logic to a linear conclusion great batsmen would never be bowled out. The evidence is that they do.

  21. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I will not allow you guys to leave out Alvin kallicharran, the most under-rated batsman in the world according to Tony Cozier and ME.

  22. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ dpD

    I think you are responding, as usual, to statements I did not make. But if your wont is to nick pick on your reconstructions of my statements please do. But please note that they are your reconstructions not my original statements.

  23. William skinner Avatar
    William skinner

    @ Piece
    Fair comment. My views are on the entire region. Amazingly most of the current leaders are UWI graduates. I am appalled by the lack of intellectual creativity. No fresh ideas. It’s really depressing to say the very least.

  24. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    I await Chaper 1.

  25. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    @William

    well said

    Just observing

  26. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Two comments struck me. One was from Pachamama who stated that “……The “minmic men” of Caribbean elites had no answers in relative prosperity and the other was from William Skinner who stated that the majority of Caribbean leaders were taught at the UWI.

    We continue to pick from the same fruit tree which produces the foulest of fruits and expect the results to be different. Pluralism is found wanting within our region. For example we completely ignore the potential of the Rasta movement. Their voice should be heard. We could equally say the same for the majority population. Perhaps the voice from traditional “poor whites” may have something to add of value.

    With regard to our date with destiny none of us can be certain. The only certainly is that our government has zero control of Barbados destiny and remains in a strait- jacket. Mia hints at connecting to Africa. We all know that this is a last resort measure. The continent of Africa has many internal problems however it is a hungry continent with many creative and innovative individuals who are out performing their brothers and sisters in the Caribbean region.

    Be prepared for our government to open negotiations with countries with bigger purse strings than ours. Who remembers Minister Estwick and his approach to the UAE (an Arab MUSLIM country) to clear the country’s debt problems?

    As a black nationalist I look forward to changes been made on the ground by Barbados majority population. Mia has no more cards to deal. She is merely sniffing around trying to grab any assets that she believes are in reach of her claws. I wonder how safe people’s savings are when a country hits rock bottom. Mia needs to be transparent with the people and change course or step down. The elite have to be heavily reduced in numbers. Mia should set in train legislation which will ultimately asset strip from this cossetted group. Return the land to the people of the country and curtail the building of further hotels on the island. This would be just a start.

    We know which group of people will suffer most during this Covid-19 pandemic. Mia must be aware that social unrest cannot be too far behind if she does not change course.

  27. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @Vincent, good sir, if u are capable of making statement here in BU then I suspect it’s fair game for another to discuss ur comments.

    As I say here often, ones uses a blogger’s remarks to enter a discourse because their point has an angle that is of interest … It is NOT nitpicking guy… Can get real, PLEASE.

    If u are unwilling to debate ur posts then so be it… And if I misinterpret your post then that’s bad on me.

    … BUT considering two of us took a similiar perspective on your post I can only be amused that you proclaim that ME, I, Only DpD has some tendency to respond to a ‘statement you didn’t make’. Ah well.

    So at the odd chance of doing it again I would once more disavow you of the perspective that “To follow your logic to a linear conclusion great batsmen would never be bowled out. The evidence is that they do.”

    That’s startling … ANY batsman can KNOW EXACTLY what is going to be bowled (a bouncer, a googly, whatever) and STILL get out from poor execution of the intended stroke…. Same in life: we know a hurricane

  28. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    … is imminent and yet get in trouble because we executed our protection plans badly!

    @Donna, that’s a LOL. In the short list noted how can Alvin Kallicahran be considered left out!

    He was a top class batsman, no doubt of that, and he can stand next to Sobers, Lara, Gayle, Tendulkar or Weekes proudly on his achievements.

    So in a quick list of that type there is no shame or slight in omitting Kallicharan.

    Just clarifying.

  29. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    As usual, long talk and fantasies.

  30. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    And a further LOL blast of yesteryear…. I was then a Rowe man and still am… That was of course the eternal cricket argument of the era.

    Alvin was good…yes … but Lawrence was just so silky, smooth good tho. 😂

    And there endeth my glance back into time, way, way back into time.

  31. John Avatar
    John

    The date with destiny finally arrived via a vicious carrier or messenger, we now know as COVID-19.

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

    Seven deaths, but back in 1854, following the abolition of slavery there was cholera.

    20,000 Bajans died in three months.

    What is the big deal with COVID-19?

  32. BAJE Avatar
    BAJE

    @ Piece
    Fair comment. My views are on the entire region. Amazingly most of the current leaders are UWI graduates. I am appalled by the lack of intellectual creativity. No fresh ideas. It’s really depressing to say the very least.

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    HAVING TAUGHT AT UWI CAVEHILL, A FEW MONTHS AGO BOTH DR LUCAS AND MYSELF SPOKE ABOUT MOST OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMS BEING THEORETICAL AND MOST TUTORS/LECTURERS ARE DINOSAURS TEACHING FROM NOTES OF MANY YEARS.

    WAS CUSSED BY DR GP.

    THINGS WILL NOT CHANGE AS UWI IS A DEGREE MILL IN MOST AREAS.

    WHAT YOU ARE SEEING IS A ACCURATE REFLECTION OF THIS INSTITUTION.

  33. lyallsmall Avatar
    lyallsmall

    William Skinner;

    I do’nt think our date with destiny has arrived yet. I think destiny has only sent us a calling card.

    I’ll expand on this later, but I think the first wave of Covid-19 has only given us a glimpse of what is in store for us over the next 6 months or so as the effects begin to be felt in full force throughout the World. America is now starting its battle with destiny in the guise of the Minneapolis racial bombshell that is somewhat different from the modern indignities and death visited on Blacks just as Covid is different to the Spanish Flu and other viral diseases / pandemics of the last century or so.

    A perfect storm iappears to be developing in the US as Trump and his AG gird up to get into the mix there as they shortsightedly fail to recognize that pre-Covid strategies in a post-Covid world will not work. Will they recognize that it will be most dangerous to follow their usual racist playbook at a time when Covid 19 has put over a quarter of the workforce out of work? If the 2nd Covid wave arrives later this year I won’t be surprised if it is even bigger than the current one because of the mismanagement of the first one.

    I’ll continue tomorrow as I think the destiny of the whole Earth is tied up in matters that transcends Trump and Covid 19

  34. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “He was a top class batsman, no doubt of that, and he can stand next to Sobers, Lara, Gayle, Tendulkar or Weekes proudly on his achievements.”

    @ dpD

    I was going to ‘ask’ if you actually ‘called’ Gayle ‘in the same breath’ to ‘call’ SIR Garry, Lara, Weekes and Tendulkar. However, the word “achievements” ‘said’ it all.

  35. fortyacresandamule Avatar
    fortyacresandamule

    In order for black nations on this earth to develop economically at their own pace, on their own terms and accord they would have to abondon western values, institutions and way of thinking. Only an extreme and radical move like this would suffice. Even if it means going backwards and starting from scratch, I think the price would worth it. However, the majority of the populace would rebel.The modern lifestyle and comfort they have come to enjoy under this system is just too intoxicating to give up. In other words, they don’t mind being the wretched of the earth or the whiteman’s burden.

  36. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ Artax
    In other cultures DPD would have been beheaded for such a travesty. Let’s forgive him, he had a lapse. Lol

  37. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ fortyacresandamule
    Even the most progressive amongst us cannot deny your position.
    @ Iyallsmall
    I hasten to think you might just be right!
    @ Baje
    The intellectual output of UWI in no way matches the investment. That now is clearly obvious.

  38. GreenMonkey Avatar
    GreenMonkey

    Covid 19, Pandemic or PLANDEMIC?

    US experts and specialists in critical care arrive at a Covid-19 critical care treatment protocol used on over 100 patients so far, only two of whom died, both of those in their 80s and with “advanced, chronic medical conditions”. Doctors responsible for developing the protocol claim the USA’s medical establishment (AKA the Rockefeller birthed Medical-Industrial-Complex), the CDC, the WHO and the Trump White House seems to studiously ignore their successful treatment protocol and are reluctant, for some strange reason, to publicize this life saving treatment option.

    Front-Line Critical Care Working Group

    As noted by the Alliance for Natural Health, despite the fact that “the obstacle course posed by the peer review process to scientific publication has been removed,” and despite many critical care specialists using treatment protocols that differ from standard of care, information about natural therapeutics in particular are still being suppressed by the media and is not received by those who need it most — critical care physicians.

    “We all need to be asking why. After all, people are dying. How would it make relatives feel if it was found that their loved one had died needlessly just because the doctors who were having greatest success were not being listened to and their innovative protocols had been systematically ignored?” Alliance for Natural Health states.3

    According to the article, efforts by Dr. Pierre Kory — medical director at the Trauma & Life Support Center and a faculty member in the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health — to share the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Working Group’s4 (FLCCC) successes with other health care professionals have so far come to naught.

    Kory was one of five doctors participating in a May 6, 2020, roundtable discussion5 on COVID-19 with ranking senate committee member Gary Peters, D-Mich. In his testimony, Kory states, in part:6

    “I want to start by saying that I am part of a group of physicians which include several of the most highly published and well-known critical care experts in the country and world (Drs. Paul Marik, Umberto Meduri, Joseph Varon and José Iglesias). In response to the COVID crisis we formed the Front-Line Critical Care Working group

    Members of our group have now treated in excess of 100 hospitalized patients with our treatment protocol. Nearly all survived. The two that died were in their 80s and had advanced chronic medical conditions.

    SNIP

    According to Kory, the FLCCCs MATH+ protocol has been delivered to the White House on four occasions, yet no interest has been shown. Worse, he says they continue to be stonewalled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Health. Why?

    Isn’t saving lives, right now, and by any means possible, more important than pushing for a vaccine? If the MATH+ protocol works with near-100% effectiveness, a vaccine may not even be necessary (my emphasis /GM). The MATH+ protocol gets its name from:

    Intravenous Methylprednisolone

    High-dose intravenous Ascorbic acid

    Plus optional treatments Thiamine, zinc and vitamin D

    Full dose low molecular weight Heparin

    https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2020/05/29/dr-paul-marik-critical-care.aspx?cid_source=dnl&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1HL&cid=20200529Z1&et_cid=DM547465&et_rid=882298134

  39. lyallsmall Avatar
    lyallsmall

    John; re. your post last night in which you said

    “Seven deaths, but back in 1854, following the abolition of slavery there was cholera. 20,000 Bajans died in three months.
    What is the big deal with COVID-19?”

    Wow! You don’t seem to appreciate that they are significant differences between the Barbados and World of 1854 and that of 2020 which implicitly speak to the chasm between the local Cholera epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic. Your comparison is as Chalk is to Cheese!

    Cholera is caused by a living pathogen and had a vector while Covid-19 is caused by a new invisible non-living virus which at present is not known to have a vector. Communications were antediluvian in 1854 as compared with internet based communications now Barbados was essentially a frontier outpost in 1854 and Human life, especially black life, was considered inherently less valuable than such life is considered in the Barbados of 2020. etc. etc.

    Pshaw!

  40. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    “My views are on the entire region. Amazingly most of the current leaders are UWI graduates. I am appalled by the lack of intellectual creativity. No fresh ideas. It’s really depressing to say the very least.”

    “The intellectual output of UWI in no way matches the investment. That now is clearly obvious.”

    @ Mr. Skinner

    If you’re referring to regional political leaders, do you really believe your above comments are fair?

    You and a few others seem to be suggesting UWI is a ‘degree mill’ that produces graduates who are unable to think rationally or objectively and according to you, they “lack of intellectual creativity,” or your mate who ‘calls’ people “appallingly ignorant because they learnt by rote.” However, UWI’s BA or BSc degrees are accepted as qualifying prerequisites by some of the best UK, Canadian and US universities, for example, …….. from which these same ‘rote learners’ graduate with MSc and PhD degrees.

    Let’s look at Grenada’s PM, Dr. Keith Mitchell, for example. Michell graduated from UWI in 1971, with a BSc in mathematics and chemistry. I believe that degree would have assisted him in gaining acceptance at Howard University, where he graduated in 1975 with a MSc. In 1979, Mitchell subsequently gained his doctorate in mathematics and statistics from the American University.

    How about St. Kitts & Nevis PM, Dr. Timothy Harris? He was the only student, so far, to have graduated from UWI with BSc, first class honours, in accounting. Harris also gained his MSc with a distinction in accounting from UWI St. Augustine and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Administration majoring in Accounting, from McGill University (in association with Concordia University, University of Quebec at Montreal and University of Montreal).

    I believe anyone having successfully completed post-graduate studies would have developed a higher or different level of thinking from what he/she would have learnt as an undergraduate. As such, I’m a bit puzzled as to why we’re judging or assessing our leaders specifically on their UWI undergraduate training, rather than on their post-graduate academic achievements from INTERNATIONAL universities?

    In other words, why BLAME Mitchell’s “lack of intellectual creativity” on his UWI undergraduate BSc and not his PhD from the American University?

    However, St. Lucia’s PM, Allen Chastenet provides another interesting perspective, in that he is not a UWI graduate. He attended high school in Canada and graduated from Bishop’s University in Quebec, with a BA and a MSc from the American University.

    I believe, as it relates to this issue, you’re unnecessarily bashing UWI. Surely an individual compiling and successfully defending his/her doctoral thesis is indicative of some level of creativity.

    Chastenet’s example clearly indicates it’s a type of ‘organizational culture’ that exists among the politicians. This is ‘more or less’ fueled by the ‘die hards and yard-fowls,’ to whom politicians pander by telling them what they want to hear and giving the ‘gifts.’ They’re elected for 5 years, during which, being accountable is not a priority. They will spend the first 2 or 3 years blaming the previous administration, giving lackeys jobs……. and ‘you know the rest.’

    And, the cycle begins again during the next election campaign, when they will give excuses for their failures or inaction, talk some shiite, make some more promises and gullible electorate would either vote for or reject them. If the opposition party forms the next ‘government,’ the roles remain the same and they too will play the ‘blame game.’

    So, why should they be creative or change the status quo, when the ‘existing political system’ is similar to a fraternity or ‘lodge’ that works in their favour?

  41. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @Artax n @Skinner… Amidst the serious, major issues of the moment let’s gander a bit on sports…

    Re “In other cultures DPD would have been beheaded for such a travesty. Let’s forgive him, he had a lapse. Lol”

    Gents I casually remind you that the basher Chris Gayle may not have as outstanding a stats line as those other giants but for sheer will, destructive dynamism and skill the man stands up well next to them.

    He was no great ‘technician’ but what he lacked there he super compensated with his bat speed and hand-eye coordination…. as all great batsmen do.

    But the long and short of it is simply that here was a guy who in tests could score a triple century to show his steadfastness against the slow Sri Lankans, and then withing the same series vrs the quick Aussies make a rapid fire 125% strike rate 100 one day and then a very sedate over 7 hour 150+ on another to show his full range and scope.

    Not a word needs be said on his T20 and ODI excellence.

    He is not a Sobers or Tendulkar surely but he is still absolutely brilliant and has to be given his due as one the all-time top WI players!

    I do want to keep my head intact…🙃

  42. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ DPD
    You have already been forgiven by the Cricketing Gods. You have successfully “ walked back” your previous entry caused by a lack of sleep.
    In the future, kindly only mention Sir Garry Sobers in the same breath you call any god that you worship .
    The mere fact that Sir Garry walks amongst us is a miracle to all mankind.
    Bethlehem is located at: Walcotts Ave, Bayville, St. Michael, Barbados , West Indies/ Caribbean.
    Now we urge you to go and enjoy the weekend because you still have your neck. 😊

  43. GP Avatar
    GP

    re ArtaxerxesMay 29, 2020 8:24 AM
    well reasoned Artax
    your reasoning here can not be refuted

  44. John Avatar
    John

    Key facts
    Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.
    Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 million to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera (1).
    Up to 80% of cases can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS).
    Severe cases will need rapid treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
    Provision of safe water and sanitation is critical to control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
    Safe oral cholera vaccines should be used in conjunction with improvements in water and sanitation to control cholera outbreaks and for prevention in areas known to be high risk for cholera.
    A global strategy on cholera control with a target to reduce cholera deaths by 90% was launched in 2017.

    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera

    History
    During the 19th century, cholera spread across the world from its original reservoir in the Ganges delta in India. Six subsequent pandemics killed millions of people across all continents. The current (seventh) pandemic started in South Asia in 1961, and reached Africa in 1971 and the Americas in 1991. Cholera is now endemic in many countries.

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

    Cholera can kill in hours unlike COVID-19 which may take weeks.

    I repeat, what’s the big deal with COVID-19?

    The statement “The date with destiny finally arrived via a vicious carrier or messenger, we now know as COVID-19.” demonstrates how complete and utter the brainwashing of supposedly intelligent creatures the media has achieved.

  45. John Avatar
    John

    Here’s why Cholera and other water borne diseases are such a major deal!!

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/science/mind-blowing-visualization-shows-all-of-earths-water-in-a-single-sphere/vi-BB14lUfm?ocid=spartandhp

  46. Dullard Avatar
    Dullard

    Uwi Cave Hill is no longer fit for purpose in its current form and should be shut down or converted to a different kind of educational institution of more immediately use to the populace.
    From all reports the uwi of the 1960s/70s even early 80s was a fantastic institution. But that UWI served a different purpose from the one today. The old heads on this blog remember a different Barbados, a different world, a different type of UWI student. The current UWI is a net cost to the country not a benefit. It should either be reinvented or closed.

  47. John Avatar
    John

    Wow! You don’t seem to appreciate that they are significant differences between the Barbados and World of 1854 and that of 2020

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

    Not really, while access to potable water has improved for many but the quantity remains about the same and the population grows!!

  48. Piece the Prophet Avatar
    Piece the Prophet

    @ John

    You said and I quote

    “…Seven deaths, but back in 1854, following the abolition of slavery there was cholera.

    20,000 Bajans died in three months.

    What is the big deal with COVID-19?…”

    It is a great thing you have spoken

    Your comment epitomizes the type of thinking that characterizes the state of play in these matters, local and regional.

    You present the insular thought hierarchy that Mr William Skinner has commented on eloquently here.

    Yours is the small 2 x 4 island mentality that occupies rather suffuses the halls of power and is that to which citizens totally cede their lives daily.

    “…we are the world…”

    This 166 sq. mile failing economy, proudly acclaims that COVID MEANS NOTHING while the entire world is in ICU!

    Incredible!

  49. John Avatar
    John

    The entire world is not in ICU … that’s a joke.

    Look at Africa, the largest continent.

    Few deaths, no demand for ICU beds.

    But look at Africa and its problems with potable water and you realise immediately COVID-19 is no big deal.

    It is only a big deal because of the effect brainwashing by the press has had on supposedly intelligent creatures.

  50. John Avatar
    John

    PTL, yours is a euro centric view of the world!!!

    You are swayed by the incompetent leadership of in New York, Italy, Spain and the UK.

    If you look at the numbers you will realise that the pareto principle is at work, a sure sign the various governors and mayors screwed up.

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