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Fourth Review – IMF’s Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility for Barbados

Reproduced from the IMF Website – David, Blogmaster

December 9, 2020
  • The Executive Board of the IMF concluded the fourth review of the IMF’s extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Barbados. The completion of the review allows the authorities to draw SDR 65 million (about US$94 million). Access under the extended arrangement has been augmented by SDR 48 million (51 percent of quota, or about US$69 million) to help accommodate the shock.
  • Despite the challenges posed on the economy by the pandemic, Barbados continues its strong implementation of the comprehensive Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) plan aimed at restoring fiscal and debt sustainability and increasing reserves and growth.
  • The prolonged global coronavirus pandemic poses a major challenge for the economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism, and is expected to have a large impact on the balance of payments and the fiscal accounts.

Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the fourth review of the IMF’s extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Barbados. The completion of the review allows the authorities to draw the equivalent of SDR 65 million (about US$94 million), bringing total disbursements to the equivalent of SDR 271 million (about US$390 million).

The four-year extended arrangement under the EFF was approved on October 1, 2018 (see Press Release No. 18/370). Including the augmentation approved by the Executive Board today, the extended arrangement is for an amount equivalent of SDR 322 million (about US$464 million).

Barbados continues its strong implementation of the comprehensive Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) plan aimed at restoring fiscal and debt sustainability and increasing reserves and growth. The prolonged global coronavirus pandemic poses a major challenge for the economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism, and is expected to have a large impact on the balance of payments and the fiscal accounts.

Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair said:

“The Barbadian authorities continue to make excellent progress in implementing their Fund-supported Economic Recovery and Transformation plan and have swiftly responded to address the impact of the pandemic . Prospects for continued strong program performance are good, but downside risks will continue to pose challenges in the period ahead.

“A primary balance target of minus 1 percent of GDP for fiscal year 2020/21, revised down from a surplus of 1 percent at the time of the third review, is appropriate to accommodate worse-than-anticipated revenue losses and support spending on public health and social protection. The new fiscal target is financed by additional resources from international financial institutions, including a second augmentation under the Extended Fund Facility.

“The fiscal accommodation will be compensated by higher primary surpluses in the medium term to ensure achievement of the long-term debt target of 60 percent of GDP. Medium-term fiscal adjustment will be supported by continued reform of state-owned enterprises (SOE) to secure space for investment in physical and human capital. Transfers to SOEs need to decline through a combination of stronger oversight, cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and mergers and divestment. Pension reform and introduction of a fiscal rule will also support medium-term fiscal sustainability.

“Progress in restoring fiscal sustainability will further be safeguarded by a new central bank law aimed at limiting financing of the government and strengthening the central bank’s mandate, autonomy, and decision-making structures.

“A strong recovery from the global pandemic will hinge on accelerating structural reform, including improving the business climate and promoting economic diversification. Strengthening resilience to natural disasters and climate change will be key to long-term sustained economic growth.”

252 responses to “Fourth Review – IMF’s Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility for Barbados”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    Blame Mia!

  2. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    So who does this two-legged beast descended from a long line of evil pedophiles, slave masters, murderous criminal racists, think is going to work on his slave plantation.

    “Beckles told the Observer that historically “the Drax family has done more harm and violence to the black people of Barbados than any other family. The Draxes built and designed and structured slavery.” Beckles says Richard Drax should: “One: apologise to African people and the people of the Caribbean. Two: show remorse and participate in reparatory justice. Three: we would like to talk to you about how [you should repay these debts

    The Drax wealth may be hidden by a great wall of secrecy and unanswered questions away from prying eyes. But it is Richard Drax MP’s inheritance in Barbados, amassed over centuries by his ancestors’ ownership and appalling treatment of African people, which drags him into the spotlight.

    Their descendants now press for a redistribution of what they see as the proceeds of a terrible crime, committed centuries ago by long-dead Draxes, leaving the family with the longest continuous link to the exploitation of the plantation system in Britain’s colonies..”

  3. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    They love to tief old people’s land, why don’t they snatch the cursed Drax property?

  4. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ John2 December 12, 2020 7:30 PM
    “Bajans dint have to wait on no government or repatriation
    Go squat on draxhall right now”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    That’s one of the most enlightening proposals to your much beloved languishing party (BLP) as far as black (majority) economic enfranchisement is concerned.

    Let the MP owner produce the originals deeds of sale for that Drax Hall property bought off the Amerindians.

    The Rasta community should immediately take up permanent residence on that plantation owned by an absentee landlord now sitting in the British Parliament.

    Let them grow their own ‘strain’ of medicinal marijuana just like how the ‘lettuce’ grows on the Redlands & Uplands.

    Let us see if the local police would dare move against them in their attempt to recoup their fore parents back pay.

  5. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    At the rate things happening in Barbados
    The banks calling in household loans Drax Hall might be the only place left for squatters those people now having their homes foreclosed

  6. John2 Avatar
    John2

    Miller

    Why only rastas?

    What about the decendents of the former slaves that still live in the drax halls and surrounding villages ?

  7. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ John2 December 12, 2020 9:43 PM

    No problem.

    Even the remnants of the johnny red legs (the backra or back-row johnnies who came before the West Africans) are entitled to a cut of the pie up for distribution.

    But was it the same Rasta community which bore the brunt of political persecution enforced by the highhandedness of the police going back to the 1970’s against any man (and sometimes woman) wearing d(r)eadlocks.

    When are these physically and socially abused people going to get their own reparations through the so-called medical marijuana manna now falling from political heaven?

  8. John2 Avatar
    John2

    Miller

    U going down a different line then me
    I not concerned about the medical weed right now

    Grab the land now plant sour grass on it after if you think u can get a living out of that.

    Half acre each for the first 600 that claim it
    But they got to keep to keep it in agriculture

  9. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “When are these physically and socially abused people going to get their own reparations through the so-called medical marijuana manna now falling from political heaven?”

    @ Miller

    I’m trying to understand something here and, as such, I’m going to ask a few questions. But, please note, questions should not be confused with making definitive statements.

    Could you or anyone on BU please explain what specific area of expertise do Rastafarians possess that gives them a specially reserved ‘God given right’ to be at the forefront of growing marijuana for medicinal purposes?

    Is it because we instinctively associate the words, marijuana, herb, weed, ganja or spliff with Rastafarianism? Or, is it based on sentimentality, borne by the fact Rastas smoke herb as a part of their religious rite or ritual?

    I’m sure you’re aware it’s a religious ritual for reverends of some Christian denominations, to pass around a communion cup of wine to members of the congregation. Do you believe these Christians possess special wine production skills and should be allowed set up wineries?

    Rastafarianism is often referred to as a cult. So to is Jehovah’s Witnesses. And, Barbadians generally ‘frown upon’ cults. So, how is it that we are now conveniently advocating for one cult to grow herb……… but close the windows, doors, don’t answer knocks or door bells, or set the dogs upon members of the other?

  10. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ ArtaxDecember 13, 2020 12:05 AM
    “Could you or anyone on BU please explain what specific area of expertise do Rastafarians possess that gives them a specially reserved ‘God given right’ to be at the forefront of growing marijuana for medicinal purposes?”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    From the miller’s perspective the same ‘priority’ right the Caribbean blacks are entitled to reparations from their wounds of slavery.

    But to be fair you might be misrepresenting (albeit innocuously so) the Rastafarians’ position on this ‘ganga business’.

    Since they see the plant as a gift from Jah (your Yahweh) it ought to be used by man (and other animals) according to their Scriptures, i.e. the Judeo-Christian Old Testament.

    As a result of this gift from Above, it does not appear as if they are claiming any esoteric knowledge and special rights over the freeing-up of the herb for healing of the body (and soul).

    They see the ‘holy’ plant as a product which can be used either for prophylactic (culinary) or curative (medicinal cannabis) purposes; or even as a sacrament instead of wine in order to be in communion with the One on High.

    And, lastly, as a source of income (economic purposes) for the day-to-day survival of those so inclined to do business just like the peddlers of rum a by-product of another God-given plant called sugarcane responsible for the enslavement of their ancestors.

    BTW, Rastafarianism is NOT a cult but a religion recognized by UNESCO just like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism or even Baha’i Sikhism or Taoism.

    So it’s time the average Bajan Joe get with the programme and give the Rastas their due the same way they give the Christians who enslaved their ancestors.

  11. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @VC
    I grew up with an elderly ‘auntie’ in my home, who would often remark ‘boy-child, you real good at questioning and answering yourself’.
    You have answered precisely, why the unions will not be any part of ‘taking on the NIS’.
    To answer your question….I have no idea what information “they” [board members] already have. I similarly have no idea, how that information was presented, nor how it was comprehended. Isn’t that part of why they are required to report?
    Your question, seems to support the failure to follow the reporting requirements of the NIS Act, because of your confidence in internal reporting?

  12. David Avatar
    David

    Supermarket sales down
    By Stacey N. Russell
    Supermarket owners say they are feeling the pinch and business is a far cry from normal.
    This is the unanimous feedback from four major supermarkets.
    Chief operations officer of Popular Discounts Supermarket, McArthur Barrow reported their operations were “holding on for dear life”.
    His perspectives were shared by his competitive peers from Cherish Supermarket, Jordan’s Supermarket and Massy Stores in separate interviews, who are united in their declaration that the usual ramped-up Christmas shopping by this time of December was yet to be seen, but they remained hopeful for the last-minute swoop.
    They also say they are feeling the COVID-19 pinch with as much as a 30 to 40 per cent falloff in sales since the pandemic hit, or when compared to this time last year.
    Barrow said: “We have not seen a rush as yet. But we are expecting that a little later, by next week . . . . Yes, we benefit because food is a necessity, but all of us are facing challenging times.”
    He said the public health protocols intended to curb the spread of the dreaded virus had equated to serving fewer customers and an increase in operational costs.
    “There is an increased expenditure, for example, in having to do sanitisation. The cost of doing business in the pandemic environment is higher and [the number of] people doing shopping has been reduced, but we continue to push forward,” he said.
    When asked to compare the level of business with this time last year, he said: “There has been about a 30 to 40 per cent drop-off in sales . . . . We are holding on for dear life.”
    Manager at Cherish Supermarket, Swan Street, in The City, Carolyn Maughn said: “Business is moderate. We have not seen any increases in sales to any major extent. Persons are basically shopping for their needs and not their wants and I guess the spending power is not there. So, the influx we would’ve seen four, five years ago, we’re not seeing that right now.”
    30 to 40 per cent decline
    When she considered the business activity prior to March this year, she said: “I would say a 30, 40 per cent decline in sales overall.”
    On Cherish operating at a loss, Maughn said: “We are cutting it very close, very close. Basically, we’re on that edge.”
    At the Fairchild Street branch of Jordan’s Supermarket in The City, manager Jason Farley, who has been responsible for operations at that store for nearly seven years, said customer traffic had been “slow and steady, but not overwhelming”.
    He said the store had suffered a slight decline in customers last year due to the area being cordoned off for the demolition of the old National Insurance Scheme building nearby.
    “In terms of customer turn-out compared to December 2019, it’s about half, if that much, but that’s expected given the situation around the country and around the world,” said Farley, who also indicated that no worker had been laid off since the novel coronavirus hit.
    At Massy Stores SuperCentre Warrens, manager Charles Lynch said: “We’re not seeing the same [number] of customers that we would’ve seen last year . . . When we look at our sales daily, we can see the fall-off, what we would basically call the customer count.”
    He put that drop at “one and a half per cent or so”.
    Lynch, who said his store had all its 220 staff back to pre-lockdown tenure, indicated that the general uncertainty of the pandemic had also affected their decisions on what to bring for customers this Christmas.
    “We have not brought everything that we would normally bring in a normal year because we know the difficulties that people are facing with the economy,” he revealed.

    Source: Nation

  13. David Avatar
    David

    Don’t push NIS to tipping point
    I have read Dr. Grenville Phillips’ commentary and agree that he has clearly addressed a critical issue relating to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Like him, I too, have great confidence in the capacity of the current commentators and policy makers to grapple with and find solutions to the problems of the NIS.
    Before the Central Bank was created, the NIS, in what was really a ham-fisted raid on its till, was often called upon to purchase special issues of Government paper.
    The Central Bank very early on – I think even before the 1976 General Election – was able to persuade the Government to stop the practice of making special issues that could only be bought by the NIS and to allow the Scheme, like other investors, to compete for regularly issued Government paper.
    Arrears
    Successive boards of directors, with the help and guidance of the Ministry of Finance, became quite good at this competition. But Government and statutory corporations were still able to raid the till by paying late and building up arrears to the NIS. This behaviour was also imitated by the private sector.
    Then came the restructuring of Government’s domestic debt in 2018 when the Government promised that: “Any viable solution will have to ensure that the NIS has the resources to meet its commitments over the long term, on the basis of the public sector no longer accumulating any fresh contrition [sic] arrears.” (Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, June 18, 2018) – obviously, the printer’s devil was at work.
    It does not seem that the NIS sustained a serious blow from the debt restructuring but I think the kernel of Phillips’ point is well illustrated by the share of Government paper (treasury bills, bonds and debentures) in the NIS’s portfolio: 61 per cent in 2017, 73.9 per cent in 2018, 70.3 per cent in 2019 and 70.0 per cent in 2020.
    Unemployment claims
    There is also the real estate portfolio of the NIS which raises questions: why the fluctuations in vales from $309.4 million in 2017 to $179.8 million in 2018, $310.3 million in 2019 and $179.8 million at the end of October 2020? Who are the tenants? Are the rents pegged at market value and are they paid on time?
    And then along came COVID-19, bringing with it a fourfold spike in the number of unemployment claims from 11 369 in 2019, to 48 415 so far in 2020; an increase in payments to claimants from $49.3 million for all of 2019 to $123.2 million between March and mid-October 2020; and a fall in the deposits from $73.8 million at the end of December 2019 to $35.0 million at the end of October this year.
    We should not apologise for the NIS but we should recognise that even with the best of management there are storms we cannot weather. The NIS, the victim of many years of less than stellar management, is now in the vortex of such a storm, and yes, we the taxpayers guided by the actuaries and aided by better management, will have to make it whole.
    – Winston Cox

    Source: Nation

  14. David Avatar
    David

    FCIB SALE DOUBT

    CFO says there is ‘increased uncertainty about deal’
    By Shawn Cumberbatch shawncumberbatch@nationnews.com
    Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) cannot complete the $1.6 billion sale of its subsidiary FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited this year as expected, and it is uncertain if the deal will happen in 2021.
    Management of the parent company has signalled to shareholders and financial market analysts that CIBC is still pursuing the divestment of a majority 66.73 per cent share of the Caribbean business to GNB Financial Group Limited (GNB).
    But CIBC’s chief financial officer Hratch Panossian said there was now “increased uncertainty surrounding the deal”. The bank attributes this to “the lengthy regulatory review process, [and] the worsening impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Caribbean economy”.
    FirstCaribbean had previously been regarded as “held for sale” on its Canadian owner’s books, but that is deemed “no longer appropriate” given no one knows the outcome of the transaction which would leave CIBC with 24.9 per cent of its subsidiary.
    At a recent fourth quarter earnings conference call held with international financial analysts, CIBC chief executive officer Victor Dodig was asked about the FirstCaribbean sale and reported it had become complicated.
    “We have an engaged buyer with a genuine interest in the Caribbean banking sector and a proven track record in banking. Our business there like any other well-run banking platform, is adjusting sensibly to the economic reality of the pandemic. And it is good business, it’s going to recover as the economy recovers,” he said.
    “Our focus now is to continue to pursue the regulatory approval process, and that’s been complicated by the COVID pandemic as well. When we have an important development on that front, we will advise our investors accordingly.”
    Panossian elaborated during the call, saying the challenge was the “complexity of the regulatory environment, COVID-related complexities and so forth”.
    “And so, that increased uncertainty, given the technical requirements here, when we consider the circumstances and the guidance, we determined it was appropriate to discontinue the “held for sale” accounting this quarter . . . . But as Victor said, we continue to pursue the transaction.”
    Chartered accountant Douglas Skeete, who has been monitoring the proposed sale since it was announced in November last year, said: “My sense is that this transaction might not close until sometime in 2022.”
    Noting that CIBC owned 91.7 per cent of the outstanding shares of FirstCaribbean, with the remainder held by minority shareholders, Skeete pointed to the financial challenges facing the Barbados-based regional bank. It recently reported a $317.4 million loss for this year, having earned a $341 million profit in 2019.
    “If the fortunes of CIBC FCIB continue to deteriorate because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other related factors, the sale consideration of [$1.6 billion] could be negatively impacted once regulatory approval is granted,” he said.
    The uncertain nature of the FirstCaribbean sale to the GNB banking empire of Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilinski is illustrated in CIBC’s latest financials, in which it has substantially reduced the value of FirstCaribbean’s goodwill (intangible assets related to the transaction’s price).
    A goodwill impairment of $211.4 million in the fourth quarter of last year was followed by an additional $43.8 million in the second quarter of this year, and a further $344.5 million in the fourth quarter ended October 31.
    “We were required to assess the recoverable amount of the remaining goodwill based on current market conditions rather than the definitive agreement with GNB. This assessment reflected revised expectations concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” CIBC explained.

    Source: Nation

  15. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    “So it’s time the average Bajan Joe get with the programme and give the Rastas their due the same way they give the Christians who enslaved their ancestors.”

    Rastas are protected under international law as INDIGENOUS and have an inalienable right to the plant, Mia and Indar are breaking international laws and should be dragged up before ICJ eventually

    …the wickedminded, anti-black, anti-African mentality needs to come to terms with that, and pay special attention to what the Drax slavemaster animal has planned instead, there has always remained an element of slavery in Barbados on those never burnt to the ground slave plantations. Now the Drax animal is going to challenge the black face sell out nigas on why he can’t kick start his slave plantation that has been on the island for hundreds of years, when Mia is allowing wannabe modern day slave masters from Canada, US and some say Australia to buy up and crank up marijuana slave plantations for the Black population, without first removing slave laws and slave codes off the statute books…she publicly REFUSED to allow the Black population to have access to plant because she wants a more organized slave society with Black people’s human rights ignored and overlooked…

    every 11 plus colonial minded niga since 1966 who aspired to be leaders have reduced the African population to this point, every dumb negro who continue to salivate to carry a colonial title have colluded to further bring the Black population to being modern day slaves, yall were warned repeatedly that this day would come, but ya focus on attacking and further bringing down each other to the lowest social rung, now your children and grandchildren going forward will pay the price…..and it will be a very steep one. And if Mia refuses to remove the slave laws and slave codes off the statute books, well you have your answer on who is directly responsible for amending and using labor laws to drive the Black population deeper into the revival of full blown slavery, while blamingEU, who are not responsible for removing slave laws..you need look no further than the criminals in parliament and business community, told yall to shut these minority business people down, stop buying their inferior quality shit, chase them out of business and off the island, and chase Mia and her gang of useless to Black people, sucking on the treasurey, out of the parliament with her slave laws and slave codes that are still very active.

  16. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Miller and TLSN…pure evil and wickedness being practiced against the Black population by the black faces in parliament, their thieving racist minority sidekicks and now the slave master animals from UK who are hot and sweaty to make another debut, something must be done, the people cannot just sit still and allow themselves to be socially and even maybe physically slaughtered like their ancestors were and by the descendants of these still existing two-legged animals….but it’s their choice,they maybe can afford to be sacrificial lambs for black sellouts…i won’t trust Mia or the parliament sellouts as far as i can throw either of them.

  17. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Mia deliberately set the stage for this, is directly responsible and should be held accountable for modern day enslavement of the African population, she will not be getting away with any of this.

  18. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ Mariposa

    I cannot believe that the government is allowing banks to call in loans as unemployment reaches the dizzy height of nearly 50000.
    Government or the regulator should instruct banks to introduce a repayment holiday for loans and mortgages for at least the next six months.’ It should also impose a ban on the payment of dividends for the same period. These are hard times.

  19. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Rastas are protected under international law as INDIGENOUS and have an inalienable right to the plant, Mia and Indar are breaking international laws and should be dragged up before ICJ eventually…the existing international laws related to this topic was posted to BU about 2 weeks ago, it can be found in the archives.

  20. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @David December 13, 2020 5:00 AM
    “The NIS, the victim of many years of less than stellar management,”(quote)
    And,
    “It does not seem that the NIS sustained a serious blow from the debt restructuring”(quote)
    are two most interesting comments.
    Is he a BLP supporter?

  21. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @ David December 13, 2020 5:11 AM
    I didn’t say anything in my earlier comments to @Wily, but a little Birdie had suggested what this article contained. Hence my explanation re Scotiabank. What is key, is that deal was HIGHLY leveraged to start with, with CIBC itself being the financier of a huge percentage of the reported sale price.

  22. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ Miller

    Okay, Miller. Thanks for your explanations and comments.

    I’ve read Rastafarians believe ganja is the herb of life mentioned in the Bible and its use justified by Psalms 104:14, which is found in what you described as “the Judeo-Christian Old Testament” that says, “He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and herb for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth.”

    But, isn’t it all a matter of interpretation? Bible scholars will be quick to remind you, Psalms 101:14 is not a definitive reference to marijuana.

    I’ve also read East Indians brought ‘ganja’ to Jamaica when they went there to work as ‘indenture servants’ during the late 1800s. If this is true, then, wouldn’t East Indians also have priority and an entitlement to plant ‘ganja’ “as a source of income (economic purposes)” as well?

    Surely you’ll agree not ALL religions were responsible for the enslavement of our ancestors. And, similarly to how some people reject religions for various reason, “the average Bajan Joe” is not obligated “to get with (any) programme and give Rastas their due.”

  23. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    But funny how Miller who would even make mention of the bible to support his argument or views
    Reference Miller on The Sunday GP articles about the bible
    Miller you are one elongated hypocrite
    Get behind thee Satan

  24. TheoGAzerts Avatar
    TheoGAzerts

    Good articles by Cox and by Russel.

    Cox appears to be optimistic about the recovery of Barbados. This is despite his awareness of the effects of this pandemic on the economy, the lack of transparency about the NIS and the incredible yearly swing of the value of the NIS real estate portfolio.

  25. David Avatar
    David

    @Northern Observer

    The Cox quotes merit comment on their own.

    Scotiabank must be smiling after watching the FCIB development at the fact the hot out in time.

  26. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Ah putting everyone on notice now, am not helping to free any slaves, it’s not part of my job description, so both yall and ya new slave masters can go to hell with each other, right where both yall belong…..got much better things to do and a fine life to finish enjoy.. been warning yall for years on end that this was approaching, but yall 11 plus nigas never listen, so take what’s coming, ya offspring will be sure to let yall know how they really feel about your collusion in their future demise, hope they beat some of your dumb asses too….just for good measure.

  27. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @WURA-War-on-U December 13, 2020 8:46 AM
    Ah putting everyone on notice now…..
    does this mean yall are quitting the blog? Like an early Christmas present from ya’ll to yall.
    BTW…what is/was your job description? I knew your work was very important, but I was never sure what it was, you did.

  28. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Northern….not quitting, just not freeing any dumbass slaves, not about to waste my precious energy on public nuisances, redirecting most of what i know to places that are more savvy at doing something about it to save themselves…

    ..job description was to let people be AWARE….even if they dismissed it, which most did on BU with their appallingly ignorant, backward anti-black, anti-African regressive selves, because their black asses deemed themselves more english and more racist than the british, now they will scramble for sure….watch muh nuh sold their asses right back into slavery……now everyone got bridges to sell them..

  29. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ NorthernObserver

    I have some difficulty in accepting anything from people who ‘talk the talk’ about Black people and Africa, but, when closely examined, their ‘walk’ suggests something completely different. They admit to having migrated to Canada, Europe, UK, US and every other country in the world EXCEPT Africa. They boast about their ability to speak Spanish, French, German etc fluently, and they would even write parts of their contributions in French. Yet, I’ve never, ever once have I seen them post any comments in which they use, for example, Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa. And, in some cases, these same people who accuse others of being anti-Black, marry white men/women.

    It is easy for anyone to peruse other social media platforms to copy and paste information therefrom, to impress upon others they have some intimate knowledge of Africa. As long as someone shouts “Africa,” we’re supposed to accept what they say, as ‘gospel’ and WITHOUT QUESTION.” To question means you’re anti-Black or anti-Africa.

    If they took the job upon themselves to educate Black people, why are they always so reluctant to reveal the sources of their information? And, in the event they do so, when you research that information, more often than not, it is just someone’s personal opinion.

    It would be interesting if people who have lived among Africans in the UK, US, European countries, etc, would tell us how they (Africans) interact with Black West Indians. Do they embrace Afro Caribbean people as their brothers and sisters?

  30. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Barbados has always been the staging area and testing ground for everything negative, murderous, structured slavery intent, slave code trials, everything evil that has brought African people to this current reality, when they were kidnapped from the continent..and the black faces in the parliament ALWAYS PROMOTE MODERN DAY SLAVERY.it’s only now that it’s being revealed to everyone everywhere…that nothing has or will ever change, a curse and blight on the island and on those who participate, encourage, condone and commit these crimes against Black humanity..

  31. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ ArtaxDecember 13, 2020 6:53 AM
    “I’ve also read East Indians brought ‘ganja’ to Jamaica when they went there to work as ‘indenture servants’ during the late 1800s. If this is true, then, wouldn’t East Indians also have priority and an entitlement to plant ‘ganja’ “as a source of income (economic purposes)” as well?
    Surely you’ll agree not ALL religions were responsible for the enslavement of our ancestors. And, similarly to how some people reject religions for various reason, “the average Bajan Joe” is not obligated “to get with (any) programme and give Rastas their due.””
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Which followers of other religions are you aware of who have been persecuted in Bim over the use of marijuana or any substance used as part of their sacramental rites?

    You are right about the ‘origin’ of cannabis in the English speaking ‘West Indies’. Cannabis does indeed play a significant role in Vedic-based cultures.

    You ought to be aware, also, that the East Indians (so called indentured servants) were not brought to the West Indies as “unpaid” slaves but were allowed to practice their culture without being stripped, legislatively speaking, of their indigenous religions and wider cultural practices like those who were forcibly brought here from West Africa.

    You are missing the main point of the Rastafarian stance on ganga.
    They are not demanding rights over the sole use of cannabis; only its decriminalization so that they can practice their culture in PEACE without State-sponsored harassment just like how Jehovah Witnesses can knock on your door to sell you an insurance policy to ‘a future perfect world when you die without being charged for trespassing or disturbing the peace.

    PS: Instead of referencing Psalms 104:14 why not be a bit more all-inclusive and reference Ezekiel 47:12?

    Maybe the Rastas are using the same ‘God-given Word to justify the use of the plant for both food and healing; just like how the lobby for the legalization of the same cannabis (once seen as Satan) is using ‘science’ (and not profit) to justify its use for “medical” purposes when there are imported ‘synthetic’ alternatives already produced by Big Pharma.

  32. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    Artax and Northern why waste your time with Mrs Mitchell(Waru).She is the self appointed educator of African matters on this blog.No matter the topic like this one about the IMF she manages to bring all kinda shite talk abot slavery and sell out negroes into the discussion.Every damn subject the same tired warm over soupIf you notice only Gazzerts and Miller really respond or support her.The best present she could give this blog is to take her leave for about a year make most of us happy.

  33. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Mariposa December 13, 2020 7:20 AM

    Who is this “Satan” you want to hide behind?

    First, you ought to stop using the memory of OSA to attack the current PM.

    That same man you used to describe as the devil up to 2013.
    Yes, that same woman you lovingly refer to as ‘the witch in white even when she was the Leader of the Opposition from 2013 to 2018.

    The miller can afford to use the Bible to attack other hypocrites like GP.
    And if that fails why not rely on a myriad of other Scriptures which can be found across the globe.
    Much unlike you whom Artax often describes as taking up space in MAM’s head without having to pay one red cent for that permanent residence.

    When you desist from abusing the memory of OSA to attack the PM then a warm light of fairness might shine from your cold cold heart of hypocrisy.

  34. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “You ought to be aware, also, that the East Indians (so called indentured servants) were not brought to the West Indies as “unpaid” slaves but were allowed to practice their culture without being stripped, legislatively speaking, of their indigenous religions and wider cultural practices like those who were forcibly brought here from West Africa.”

    @ Miller

    I believe we’re looking at this issue from two different perspectives.

    How could I be “missing the main point of the Rastafarian stance on ganga,” when all I’m doing is seeking clarification by asking questions?

    And, those questions are NOT concerned with the decriminalization of marijuana, but are based on comments from other contributors who seem to believe Rastas have a specially reserved right to grow ‘ganja’ for medicinal purposes.

    However, you’re correct that I’m “missing the main point” in your above comment. I cannot understand how it is relevant to the ‘discussion.’

  35. David Avatar
    David

    There is too much emotionalism about the issue AND politics. We need to have an informed debate. How many here have been following the parties leading the conversations? How many attended the forum last week?

  36. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Lol Miller u funny as sh.it
    You spoke in the most degrading manner about the bible calling the bible itself a blasphemy literature book of untruths formulated out of pagans and idle worship
    Now it suits your purpose to quote the bible all of a sudden you go knocking on King David door to ask of him what does he say about herb
    Havent u got no shame calling on what u determined to be a book of cooked up warm over soup from Pagan Gods
    Don’t mek me laugh

  37. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Artax December 13, 2020 12:38 PM
    “And, those questions are NOT concerned with the decriminalization of marijuana, but are based on comments from other contributors who seem to believe Rastas have a specially reserved right to grow ‘ganja’ for medicinal purposes.”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Who are these other contributors that “seem to believe Rastas have a special reserved right to grow ganja for medicinal purposes”?

    There is none you can quote who professed such a position. Except you are referring to your ‘friendly’ nemesis Hal the limey ‘know-it-all’?

    Wouldn’t that be a very Unconstitutional position to take to discriminate on religious grounds?
    Every adult should have the right to grow ganga whether for culinary, medicinal sacramental or recreational purposes just like alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.

    And to bring it home to the Topic, such a move would save millions in forex in order to pay back the loanshark called the IMF in the coming years.

    It would also stop the building up of the St. Vincent economy which, as you well know, has benefited over the last 30 years from the sale of contraband to Barbados and help create an above-ground cottage industry in Bim

  38. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Big Lips Lorenza….tough, yall got FULLY EXPOSED….am laughing my ass off, ya should read what they’re saying about YOU not me, on FB….don’t yall look fully foolish now, and ya fowl slave feathers got completely burnt off…..😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣..just remember in all of this, am the one who gets to laugh…am here to make ya miserable right up until 2023, when yall get KICKED OUT OF THE PEOPLE’S PARLIAMENT…YALL FRAUDS…SELLOUTS…

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

    BTW…don’t need anyone to answer me, i did what i came to do, just a little more time now and BOOM…

    “Wouldn’t that be a very Unconstitutional position to take to discriminate on religious grounds?
    Every adult should have the right to grow ganga whether for culinary, medicinal sacramental or recreational purposes just like alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.”

    it is very illegal, i have posted the international laws here showing how Mia and the arrogant are ignoring human rights for the Rastafarian religion.

    Leave them, the Black population don’t owe IMF any billion dollars, it’s the crooks, stole the billion dollars with the help of DBLP and who robbed the people and island who owe that money, just watch it all unfold.

  40. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Mariposa December 13, 2020 12:55 PM
    “Now it suits your purpose to quote the bible all of a sudden you go knocking on King David door to ask of him what does he say about herb
    Havent u got no shame calling on what u determined to be a book of cooked up”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    The Truth about your brainwashing book hurts you to the bone, doesn’t it?

    Would you have responded in the same manner if the miller was ‘cussing’ the Sumerian tales written in cuneiform or the Egyptian hieroglyphs detailing the “Book of the Dead” from which too many of the tales in your Bible were lifted almost word for word and regurgitated in your Old Testament?

    If you refuse to swallow the myths and legends of the Greeks and Romans about Zeus, Jupiter, Apollo and Hercules why are you swallowing the same bullshit wrap in Jewish sackcloth?

    Isn’t your Xmas a celebration to a ‘Pagan God’ since you can never find in your book of Jewish myths and legends any thing about Xmas? Probably Hanukkah which started on Thursday gone.

  41. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Has anybody noticed the UK Guardian newspaper has despatched two journalists to Barbados to investigate the Drax’s family plantation house and the families history on the Island.

    This story is escalating in the UK.

  42. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Miller
    Isn’t your Xmas a celebration to a ‘Pagan God’ since you can never find in your book of Jewish myths and legends any thing about Xmas? Probably Hanukkah which started on Thursday gone

    If Xmas was once considered a celebration to a Pagan God
    The fact now remains it is a celebration to commerate a true and living God in the flesh call Jesus
    An evil turn to good so what so wrong with that
    As for the Rastas they too would learn the hard way that words like bird droppings can leave a horrible stench in marijuana fields
    Mia never had no intention of helping them all they had to do was look at Bridgetown where they brothers and sisters ply their goods and compare to the south and west coast where all the lilly white businesss are located

  43. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ Miller

    If you believe there is none (I) can quote who professed such a position,” then, so be it.

    And, on that note, I believe we’ve taken this ‘discussion’ as far as it could go.

    Here endeth the lesson.

  44. David Avatar
    David

    @Artav

    Thanks be to God.

  45. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ TLSN

    Have they? It is bad news editing. They should have sent one from London and hired a local freelance journalist for the local connections. Even if the second person is a photographer, they can hire one locally.
    The Guardian has never been on top of the game.

  46. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Artax December 13, 2020 3:18 PM

    D’accord!

    A brave man indeed!
    One who can take an intellectual defeat in its stride; much unlike your touchous and ‘compromised’ friend Hal with his ongoing war with the blogmaster.

    Touché! Adieu!

  47. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ Miller

    What do you mean by, “One who can take an intellectual defeat in its stride?”

    I was ‘talking’ about my observations relative to some people who seem to believe Rastas have some special right to grow marijuana and you were on about decriminalization.

    Two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT perspectives…… and you’re ‘talking’ about “intellectual defeat?”

    Come on, my friend, you’re ‘full of yourself.’ Please do not insult my intelligence.

  48. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    Waru jackass i do not go on other platforms.Unlike you i work full time and do not have the time for it.These platforms seems to be your full time job as you are on here 24/7.Therefore i do not give a rst, s ass if you laugh or cry since you or nothing you bray impresses me, never have never will capiche.In other words MRS MITCHELL YOU ARE UNIMPORTANT TO ME.

  49. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Artax December 13, 2020 3:55 PM
    “Come on, my friend, you’re ‘full of yourself.’ Please do not insult my intelligence.”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    “We” will never ever engage in that sort of ‘immoral’ behaviour. We will leave that to the likes of your buddy Hal Austin a fully paid-up member of the David Thompson Memorial fan club.

    The miller will never lie, cheat or steal like Donville Inniss now awaiting sentencing for a crime he would never have seen the light of day called Justice in Bim because of the absence of a complainant called ex- PS Powlett.

    Poor Parris, he had to be made the sacrificial lamb in the puppet show even without a complainant pointing a finger of wrong doing.

    PS: Sorry about that last barb. It was a bit under the belt since you do not have your amicus curiae Green(e) at your side to protect you.

  50. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    I told wunna looong time WURA de Salemite is a first class liar and fraud. But who de cat like, dem lick.

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