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Ode to Lack of Transparency @NIS

The BU Intelligentsia is a talented crew. If there is doubt the following Ode was posted to the Walter Blackman’s Political Insights blog by the man from the Great White North.

“The time has come”, the Walter said,
‘to talk of many things’
Of NIS, and severance and quivering rears
Of politics and of stings
And why the ? LP’s always rule
And whether touts can sing.

“But hold your horse” the rum shop cried
Before we shoot the breeze
For some of us party hacks,
And most are retirees
“No hurry” said the Blogmaster,
And they thanked him for the ease.

“Analysis by colour” the rum shop cried
Is chiefly what we require
Pepper and Salt otherwise
Fulfill much of our desire
Whatever the intended topic
Let skin tone fuel our fire.

The winds today are rather cold
And snow covers the town.
To add to all this Covid mess.
the city’s once again in lock down.
So with little else to do
I sit and watch the discussion on hue.

–NorthernObserver

237 responses to “Ode to Lack of Transparency @NIS”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    It has taken COVID-19 to bring focus to the important NIS fund. For years we have allowed successive governments to manage the fund as their piggybank. The chickens have come home to roost. Deal with it!

  2. David Avatar
    David

    This blog still resonates from 2017 to makr the point.

    http://barbadosunderground.net/2017/04/21/nis-reserves-projected-by-imf-to-be-exhausted-in-2037-upp-candidate-craig-harewood-muted-by-vob/

  3. David Avatar
    David

    While the NIS continues to be raised and now has become impaired the GENEROUS pensions of politicians are are being funded unconditionally from the consolidated fund with now changes to requirements i.e. number of terms, age etc.

    Do we like being cheated so?

  4. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    As. Hal has been quick to point out
    It will all end in tears
    The National insurance scheme wil be forever be known as the National Insurance Scam
    A fund that allowed the big ups to eat from the trough while the poor stand outside begging for their money
    What a dismal work of affairs
    Outside of asking people to contribute more the fund would at some time dry up like a swamp lacking water
    Somebody should be locked up

  5. David Avatar
    David

    Here is another important tribunal established to ensure workers rights are safeguarded being hamstrung – successive governments (for the partisans)

    ERT head wants more resources to expedite cases
    Avatar
    Article by
    Emmanuel Joseph
    Published on
    November 24, 2020
    https://barbadostoday.bb/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Christopher-Blackman-730×456.jpeg
    Chairman of the Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT) retired Appeal Court Justice Christopher Blackman, Q.C is concerned that the ability to expedite more matters and adjudicate more technical cases is hamstrung by inadequate staffing, no “fixed place of abode” and the inappropriate composition of the tribunal.

    Speaking to reporters at the end of an unfair dismissal hearing at the Warrens Office Complex today, Justice Blackman bemoaned the fact that the tribunal, which he said has been made up mainly of retired trade unionists and human relations professionals, would be challenged to arbitrate cases now under the recently enacted discrimination legislation.

    He pointed out that there are just four people on staff to service three tribunal panels that meet separately. Worse yet, the ERT chairman said, if the tribunal had to hear any matter involving the disabled community, none of the current commissioners, himself included, is in a position to provide the appropriate direction and guidance.

    “Moreover, they just added discrimination legislation. The discrimination one has serious implications. It came into force in September and we have no means of enforcing it. Read the Discrimination Act. If we make certain decisions…we have the authority to impose fines or lock up people…[but] I have no staff to do these things,” the retired High Court judge declared.

    “The other weakness in the legislation is this… — with great respect to my brothers here [fellow commissioners], they came with an industrial relations and a human relations perspective. The Act is now speaking to other things which are outside your skillset…in terms of what constitutes discrimination in terms of gender, age, disability.

    “It seems to me that the Act needs to provide for people from the disabled community or otherwise to be put onto the panel to bring their perspective. The trade unionists and human resources commissioners can bring their perspectives based on their backgrounds. Who is going to give me the assistance to frame a decision about the other dynamics?” the tribunal chair asked.

    Other commissioners who flanked Justice Blackman chimed in, supporting his sentiments that if the tribunal had to hear unfair dismissal matters involving the disabled community, for example, it would require “a strong technical person to deal with those types of cases”.

    Despite the staffing limitations, however, the tribunal chairman pointed out that the body, as currently constituted under him, has been able to conclude “many” cases, including the settlement of unfair dismissal disputes at case management levels.

    Although he did not have the statistics to hand, retired Justice Blackman reported that the ERT has made a dent in the backlog of cases but stressed that it could conclude even more, and at a faster pace, with the right kind of human and physical resources.

    “It is sufficiently important to me to have these absolute numbers. I promise you that before yearend, I will have the number for all my cases we have actually dealt with,” he stated.

    “Cases have been settled based on decisions we have made. We have given guidance for the future…at case management conferences. We have had cases here particularly with unrepresented people,” Justice Blackman added.

    He noted that Courts Barbados had settled a case, based on principles laid down by the tribunal in other hearings, for $100 000, in favour of an employee; while a man was able to settle with Courtesy Garage without the matter having to go through the entire process.
    (emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb)

  6. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    How much is Persaud paid as deputy chairman of the NIS?

  7. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ David

    Topics such as NIS are often meaningless because there usually isn’t any information in the public domain, on which an informed position could be reached and used as a basis to develop the discussion.

    The NIS hasn’t produced financial statements in several years, nor has it been audited by the Office of the Auditor General. The fund has been used to finance both public and private sector projects.
    I remember Denis Kellman’s argument for using NIS funds to finance projects was that it would create jobs, which means more people would pay NIS. Although this may be true, Kellman came across more as a politician and not someone who knows about investments. I also recall the folly Jeptar Ince talked when people questioned the rationale behind using NIS funds to construct a building at Warrens, in exchange for ‘government paper.’

    What are NIS account receivables relative to investments? In other words, what are the names of the companies that owe the NIS and what are the amounts outstanding? What amounts were written off to unrecoverable debt?

    To make matters worse, we’re not hearing anything about the actuarial reports. And, for this ‘atrocity’ to occur with a national pension fund is ridiculous. Perhaps management is using bank reconciliations to calculate fund balances.

    All we’re going to do here is rehash some unverified figures that were bandied about in 2017. It is the responsibility of management to ensure the fund is properly managed and audited financial statements are prepared. We’ve seen, over the years, rather than ‘paying the price’ for neglecting their responsibilities, management is rewarded for mediocrity and incompetence. The former director, Ian Carrington, for example, was promoted to Director of Finance and Economic Affairs and remains a director on the NIS board.

  8. David Avatar
    David

    @Artax

    It is amazing we have a ticking time bomb about to go off and the majority of Barbadians (civil society) appear to be unconcerned. We have posted so many blogs on the matter . It begs the question this blogmaster always ask – how intelligent is the citizenry? We allow a class of people to hijack our future wellbeing. It does not matter how much a director is being paid or which government allocated funds to questionable projects. What matters is how do we ring fence important institutions like the NIS, ERT and Central Bank to guarantee a higher level of governance/discipline.

  9. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ ArtaxNovember 24, 2020 7:15 AM

    @DavidNovember 24, 2020 7:31 AM
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    What both of you have ‘reproduced’ to underscore what others on BU have been saying about the management of the NIS (the only lifeline of too many Bajan workers) only gives too much of a measure of credence to Hal Austin’s refrain about things in Bim are “going to end in tears”, especially for the poor.

    The failed judicial system and now the failing financial system do not paint a very nice picture of a rosy future for Bim with so many lawyers and accountants spoiling the management broth.

  10. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    When will the Barbados Labour Party enact the modern version of Integrity Legislation it PROMISHED to establish on DAY ONE of coming to Govt. or that was just a promised to get votes like so many things?????

    Integrity legislation was introduced to Barbados when THE WHITE BAJANS ruled the political roast roast long time ago. So it shows that the WHITE BAJANS were very CORRUPT and now their ancestors today are no different. They have brought with them their bad ways and made a Science of it.

    https://barbadosunderground.net/?s=integrity+legislation

  11. David Avatar
    David

    @Miller

    The judicial system has not failed, it is failing. Despite the issues some justice is delivered on a daily basis. We need to get more aggressive with the transformation. Gibson was a failure, let us see what the homegrown talent in Cheltenham can do. He will need the support of the stakeholders.

    On Tue, Nov 24, 2020 at 11:44 AM Barbados Underground wrote:

    >

  12. David Avatar
    David

    Government won’t recoup a cent!

    Kareem SmithArticle by
    Kareem SmithPublished on
    November 24, 2020

    Caswell Franklyn is refusing to back down from his tough stance on the severance crisis affecting hotel workers, even in the face of stinging attacks and stern warnings from the highest offices in the land.

    During the Monday edition of VOB’s Down-to-Brass-Tacks programme, the Opposition Senator held firm to his belief that temporary changes to the Severance Payments Act made earlier this year are allowing unscrupulous hoteliers to escape their responsibilities, while forcing taxpayers to shoulder the burden of severance payments.

    In fact, the union leader is challenging Prime Minister Mia Mottley, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Chairman Leslie Haynes  Q.C. and any other detractors to explain the basis upon which they intend to recoup potentially millions in severance payments from hoteliers who have opted to send home their employees.

    “The new chairman said they will use every conceivable effort to recoup the funds with great dispatch. I wish him luck, because they started wrong and they will end wrong. They cannot recoup a single cent from any employer because they do not have a judicial decision to enforce,” Franklyn explained.

    He was reacting to news emerging from a press conference on Saturday at which Haynes promised financial relief to approximately 150 former employees of The Club Barbados Resort and Spa, who last week demanded answers after their employer reneged on a promise to pay severance in full.

    While the NIS Chairman has promised to have the monies delivered before the end of the month, he also pledged to recover the severance payout from employers when they were back on their feet. This was supported by Prime Minister Mottley, who stressed that in the meantime, workers ought not to be disadvantaged as a result of the “wickedness of one or two employers”.

    Franklyn however argued that there is no basis upon which the employers could be forced to reimburse the NIS and questioned whether the government intended to dip directly into the scheme instead of using the severance fund as is customary.

    “The NIS is delegated to function for the minister in severance payments matters, but [severance payments] are not issued by the NIS. So the two funds cannot be commingled, I just want the chairman to know that,” Franklyn warned.

    “So if you are taking up money from the National Insurance and paying them, then you are taking up everybody’s pension money. The money must come from the severance fund, and if the Government does not have enough money in the severance fund… they can’t go now and take up people’s pension money and use the NIS money again,” Franklyn warned.

    Mottley, during Saturday’s press conference, also slammed continued suggestions from Franklyn that sunset legislation had left workers out to dry as she cited previous explanations from the Chief Labour Officer and other Government officials.

    The Prime Minister, however, offered no alternative explanation, interpretation or counter argument to Franklyn’s belief that the temporary amendment to the law had stripped the Employment Rights Tribunal of its power to rule on matters of severance between February and June this year.

    “I ask the media now, to stop trifling with the emotions of the workers by carrying a position that continues to be false,” urged the PM.

    Seemingly unaffected by Mottley’s warnings, Franklyn maintained his position on the legislation as he has done repeatedly since it was enacted. (KS)

  13. GP Avatar
    GP

    RE The BU Intelligentsia is a talented crew. If there is doubt the following Ode was posted to the Walter Blackman’s Political Insights blog by the man from the Great White North.
    WHAT IS SO TALENTED ABOUT THIS PITHY PIECE OF PUERILE VERSE? SOUNDS LIKE THE RHYMES WE DID AS SCHOOLBOYS?
    ON BLACKMAN’S BLOG YOU HILARIOUSLY REFERRED TO THIS POOR ATTEMPT AT POETRY AS PROSE
    I ALMOST FELL OUT MY CHAIR

    EVERYTHING IS FAILING IN BARBADOS EVERYTHING AS WE GLORY IN MEDIOCRITY
    AND THE NEW WORLD ORDER IS ABOUT TO BEGIN
    AS THE PEOPLE SAY “LAWD COME FI YA WIRL”

  14. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    The WHITE BAJAN Hoteliers have their sights firmly set on using NIS, the peoples money on them. They don’t intend to pay a cent of their own money. And the thing is they are being allowed by the Barbados Labour Party Govt. to get away with it.

    Instead of enforcing the Laws of the Land these WHITE BAJANS are doing as they like with no consequences to them whatsoever. Even though are are Laws which they run a foul of.

    THEY CAN DO AS THEY LIKE. THE LAWS OF THE LAND DONT REFER TO THEM, ONLY BLACK PEOPLE.

    (and the thing is the Govt. is spending $300million on them)

    They are being paid to continue being DISHONEST AND THIEFING.

  15. GP Avatar
    GP

    SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING BOUT IT? WHAT CAN YOU DO BOUT IT?BESIDES PREACH PABLUM HERE?

  16. David Avatar
    David

    Where ignorance is bliss,’Tis folly to be wise.

  17. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    @ David November 24, 2020 6:50 AM

    ERT head wants more resources to expedite cases

    The article about the tribunal is once again a typical Caribbean comedy. Instead of slimming down the administration and kicking out the many boarders and thugs, our apologists of the Barbados welfare deep state are demanding more and more bureaucrats who are consuming even more money.

    We see here an illusion of job creation measures at the expense of our hard-working foreign creditors. It would really be time for our citizens to take up the hoe again and work in the fields themselves, instead of lazing around and shopping in the supermarket on foreign credit.

    @ David November 24, 2020 8:01 AM

    Government won’t recoup a cent!

    The outspoken senator obviously lives in some kind of socialist fairy tail land. As a well-off politician he is a member of the elite and is unable to understand the real needs of the common people and the businessmen.

    Barbados is going through the worst economic crisis since the abolition of slavery. Our government and our economic champions are doing everything right by holding the money together. In any case, I fully trust our government of integrity and honesty and our great economic magnates.

  18. GP Avatar
    GP

    THE WISE CAN PLAY DE FOOL BUT DE FOOLISH CAN NEVER BE WISE uh lie lol
    That quotation is as ignorant as its originator and its frequent users for it is clearly a nonsequitur.

    I THANK MY GOD THAT I AM NOT IGNORANT. AND THAT I AM WISE ENOUGHT TO SEE CLEARLY THAT THE HORSE IS OUT THE STABLE AND AINT GOING TO BE CAUGHT, AND THAT WE CAN PRESENT PABLUM HERE DAILY UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME, FOR THE CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME TO ROOST.
    WE MUST FACE DESTINY SQUARELY IN THE FACE uh lie lol

  19. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    As they say the chickens have come home to roost
    There is only one way out a way that speaks to truth Transparency and accountability
    However all knows how that would end up
    Govt feet must be held to the fire on this issue
    Mia states with boldness that taxpayers monies would now be sourced to pay the workers
    However that does not resolved the issue of how the money would be recouped from the hotelier
    It seems that resolution by way of govt promises would create more problems than it solves if the money taken from the Nis leaves another shortage of peoples money
    The question of filling that hole becomes a problem

  20. GP Avatar
    GP

    RE Where ignorance is bliss,’Tis folly to be wise.
    DOES THIS NOT ACCOUNT FOR THE STATE IN WHICH BARBADOS FINDS ITSELF TODAY?
    IS THERE NOT A PREPONDERANCE AND PROLIFERATION OF IGNORANCE?………AND BLISS THEREIN?
    AND THE SO CALLED WISE CANT EVEN DISTINGUISH PROSE FROM POETRY LOL MURDAH
    Proverbs 26:12 TEACHES “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”

  21. GP Avatar
    GP

    Proverbs 26:12
    “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”

  22. GP Avatar
    GP

    WHEN THEY ARE NOT WISE ENOUGH TO REFUTE YOUR SOUND ARGUEMENTS THEY BLOCK YOUR POSTS AND YET THEY CLAIM JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION, YOU NEVER KNOW HOW EXPRESSING YOUR VIEW MAY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

  23. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    As a example, a truck which was written of by the Insurance company, and the proceeds paid to the company that owned it . , yet THE COMPANY BILLED THE GOVT. EVERY MONTH for the use of the same truck.

    And they were paid each and every Month for the use of the non existent truck.

    The company was a WHITE BAJAN company.

  24. David Avatar
    David

    We have to find a way to impress on decision makers the importance of a strong governance framework. If we do not inefficiencies will continue to grow. Let us appreciate that man made systems will have to be monitored, evaluated and modified continually. It will never be perfect. Debate must be seen in this context.

  25. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ David November 24, 2020 7:58 AM

    Ok we will settle for “failing” but still an “F”.

    Every day the same system succeeds in violating the rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.
    A right to timely justice. A right only a few well-connected wealthy individuals seem to enjoy.

    How then do you explain the availability of over 1,000 lawyers including the many holding the LEC and the judicial is so clogged up as if Chassy is going a make a difference like what was promised from Marston?

    The only way to unclog the system is to throw out the hundreds of petty criminal cases the police/prosecution cannot proceed with.

    How can they charge people on the evidence in their possession but cannot present the same evidence to prosecute the alleged perpetrators?

    Poor Carlisle must be kicking himself in the shin.

  26. David Avatar
    David

    For example:

    The blogmaster will not be surprise if a recommendation is made and accepted to push qualifying pension age to 70 in the near future. We have a ageing workforce and the pandemic has added to pension expense at the NIS. While this is happening politicians continue to draw a pension with generous terms. The size of the cabinet, number of consultants and other sweet appointments continue without change to custom. It is time the government does what is required given the current state of things and more importantly what is in the forecast.

  27. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    The Barbados Labour Party is known for wasting the Workers money.

    Remember when they were last in power they spent $10,000 for the cutting down an Ackee tree????
    In the end the Transport and Works had to finish cutting down the tree even though the original person was paid. So the Barbados Labour Party have a history of not spending wisely funds belonging to the workers

    Just an example.

  28. David Avatar
    David

    @Miller

    You can produce 5000 lawyers. The productivity will come by ensuring we implement a quality system within which said lawyers can produce. This is a leadership issue to solve. Successive actors leading the AG Office, Registrars Office, the CJ Office, BABA etc have failed us.

  29. David Avatar
    David

    @Miller

    The same at the NIS. Successive governments have failed us because the NIS has always been positioned as the lender of last resort for governments. Sadly the ignorance of our people have given them a pass by not raising this as a priority matter. Our media both social and traditional have not steered the focus away from the trivial and salacious to important governance matters. An example, when last have you heard or read about the last auditor generals report? When will the inquiry into the TB be completed by the Bishop?

    It is all a pappy show.

  30. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    We slow and lack critical thinking: connect the dots…. Prominent BLP member and CEO of BHTA , senator Rudy Grant identified a looming 300 million severance payout by the hotels…Is it coincidence that government earmarked the same 300 million to assist hotels under the BEST PROGRAM? that is the hotel workers severance money that government making available to the hotels first and foremost, it would seem!

    Troy Worrell

  31. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    A Prison at was supposed to cost I think $108million Barbados ended up costing the taxpayers nearly a $1billion with payments every January.

    I don’t think they will be able pay for it next year as they just defaulted on the Hilton Loan.

    The Barbados Labour Party again. Don’t worry bring the drinks some body will pay. That is how we do things bout here.

  32. David Avatar
    David

    Keep listing the issues and forget the cause. A cause that saw you being featured in a national newspaper perpetuating the problem.

    Steuspe

  33. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    If you are not careful you will soon suck out all your teeth.

  34. GP Avatar
    GP

    RE There is only one way out a way that speaks to truth Transparency and accountability

    FOR THIS TO OCCUR HEARTS MUST BE CHANGED FOR IT IS STILL TRUE THAT THE HEART IS DECEITFUL AND DESPERATELY WICKED
    IT WILL ALL GET WORSE…….MUCH WORSE. AS THE GLOBALIST TAKE OVER THE IMPACT ON BARBADOS WILL BE VERY SEVERE. THE ONE WORLD ORDER IS SET TO BEGIN

    WITH THE IMMINENT AND IMPENDING DECLINE OF THE USA, EVEN THE MONEY TRANSFERS TO BIM WILL DECLINE PROPORTIONATELY

  35. Dullard Avatar
    Dullard

    The judicial system has not failed, it is failing

    LOL hahah murdah

    When we become pedantic about the degree to which failure has occurred we know that the society is truly wallowing in mediocrity.

  36. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    But don’t worry the Barbados Labour Party will furnish with new teeth paid from the Barbados Treasury.

  37. David Avatar
    David

    @Dullard

    So predictable.

  38. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    “@Miller
    The judicial system has not failed, it is failing.”

    ThAt must have been tough to write. We are approaching a Damascene or more appropriately named a “Hal Austin” moment.

  39. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    “How then do you explain the availability of over 1,000 lawyers including the many holding the LEC and the judicial is so clogged up as if Chassy is going a make a difference like what was promised from Marston?”

    leave them, 2021 is the year they will get the complaints to international organizations for VIOLATING THE RIGHTS OF THE ELDERLY, ignoring the treaties to which they’s signatory, when they WAIT FOR THE ELDERLY TO DIE instead of completing their personal injury cases …tictoc…

  40. John A Avatar
    John A

    @ David.

    As you know I have spoken on this fund in detail earlier when I spoke with Walter here about the effect the debt restructuring had on the fund. I will simply add today that I would bet money a report would show the fund is in fact insolvent in real terms. I say that based on the below..

      UNDERPERFORMING AND NON PERFORMING REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS ADDED TO OVERPRICED PROPERTIES DUE TO COST OVER RUNS RESULTING IN PROPERTIES ON BOOK AT VALUES WAY IN EXCESS OF TODAY’S MARKET VALUE.
      MASSIVE REVENUE LOSS DUE TO RESTRUCTURED BOND HOLDINGS WITH AN ESTIMATED VALUE AT $2B. THESE WERE PAYING 7% BEFORE AND HAVE RESULTED NOW IN AN ANNUAL INCOME LOST TO THE NIS OF APPROX $ 120 MILLION.
      LOSSES BOOKED FROM 4 SEASONS AND OTHER SUCH INVESTMENTS.
      DEFAULT ON PAYMENTS BY COMPANIES COUPLED TO MASSIVE OUT FLOWS DUE TO COVID.
      PENDING SEVERANCE COST ON A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE 40,000 HOTEL WORKERS NOW UNEMPLOYED.
      MASSIVE LOSS OF MONTHLY REVENUE FROM UNEMPLOYED WORKERS NOT MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS.

    I could go on but I believe even a 12 year old would tell you if they take money out their piggy bank and don’t put enough in it will soon be empty. As for the PM saying they will ” top up” the fund what she is in fact sayimg is that she will now take our tax dollars and pay into a poorly managed and unaudited fund so as to allow it to meet it’s liabilities. What she should be doing is ordering an immediate independent audit by a private audit company on the fund. That way we would all know as shareholders the truth about the fund. Then again many of us do already so what’s the use?

  41. GP Avatar
    GP

    THE BLP REMINDS ME OF SETTING UP AND INCUBATING AN INNOCULUM OF A PRESUMPTIVE BACTERIA FROM A SWAB TAKEN FROM A PATIENT ON BLOOD AGAR AND MACCONKEY MEDIA OVERNIGHT………………………ONLY TO FIND THE NEXT MORNING THAT THERE HAS BEEN “‘NO GRWOTH”

  42. David Avatar
    David

    @John A

    Yours has been one of the dispassionate voices in this space. We must continue with it lest Northern Observer is forced to produce another prose.

  43. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ Carson (9.02)

    That is fraud. I have said here on numerous occasions that procurement is the biggest and most fraudulent ripping off of taxpayers in Barbados.
    You have listed a number: $10000 for cutting down an ackee tree, a $1bn prison that was costed at $108m, etc. Remember, incompetence is a bigger disease in Barbados than CoVid.
    I will bet not a single civil servant has been sacked, demoted or sidelined for these examples of incompetence. Most probably they continued on their merry way to their pensions.

  44. John A Avatar
    John A

    @ David

    Northern must be sharpening his pencil all like now!

  45. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    NIS get any money from this deal

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2020/11/24/new-apes-hill-club-aims-to-be-caribbeans-best/

  46. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Posted on March 28, 2017 by David
    NIS has invested BDS$25.4 MILLION DOLLARS

  47. GP Avatar
    GP

    RE We must continue with it lest Northern Observer is forced to produce another prose.

    TEACHER TO STUDENTS
    JACK AND JILL WENT UP THE HILL TO FETCH A PAIL OF WATER
    JACK FELL DOWN AND BROKE HIS CROWN AND JILL CAME TUMBLING AFTER

    STUDENTS THAT IS POETRY

    BUT IF I SAID JACK AND JILL ASCENDED THE PROMOUNTARY TO ENGAGE IN AQUATIC ACQUISITIONS , WHEN JACK TUMBLED AND SUSTAINED A CRANIAL FRACRURE………..THAT IS PROSE

    I WONT TELL YOU THE OTHER PART OF THE JOKE IN WHICH JOHNNY GAVE HIS EXAMPLES OF PROSE AND POETRY
    A WORD TO THE SEMI ILLITERATE SHOULD BE ENOUGH.
    IGNORANCE ( DERIVED FROM IGNORARE = NOT TO KNOW ) IS CERTAINLY BLISS

  48. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    HAL NOVEMBER 24, 10.17 AM

    “I will bet not a single civil servant has been sacked, demoted or sidelined”

    Dat kinda ting dont happen bout hey.

    They carry on merrily until the next time. Especially if they are Barbados Labour Party supporters.

  49. GP Avatar
    GP

    “I will bet not a single civil servant has been sacked, demoted or sidelined”
    VERY DIFFICULT TO SACK AN APPOINTED CIVIL SERVANT. THEY USUALLY TRANSFER THEM AROUND
    EASY TO SACK GOVERNMENT WORKERS WITH CONTRACTS THOUGH

  50. Carson C Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C Cadogan

    GP NOVEMBER 24, 10.48AM

    I like what you wrote.

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