Sitting in a vehicle trapped in traffic on the highways and byways of Barbados any hour of the day has become a permanent inconvenience. The inability of authorities past and present, public and private, to effectively implement and enforce measures to address this and other woes. The problem of chronic gridlock on our roads is symptomatic of a crisis of governance.
Does the National Productivity Council still exist? How many hours are flushed daily because of idle time spent sitting in traffic by citizens who are gainfully employed?
Is the oil import bill still north of 700 million dollars? How many millions of dollars can be saved were an efficient transportation system to be implemented?
How many of the fossil powered vehicles are registered and what percentage represent electric or hybrid vehicles? How does this translate to Barbados becoming a 100 percent green and carbon neutral island by 2030?
There is the challenge to repair one of the most dense network of roads in the world made more challenging by more than 100,000 registered vehicles. This is not sustainable given limited foreign exchange resources.
The Barbados Court System was described as in danger of collapsing under its weight by Attorney General Dale Marshall. Is it fair to suggest to whom it should concern that the chaos on the roads is accentuating the problem?
The pandemic has forced providers to change how products and services are being delivered to the public. Eighteen months later the Barbados Licensing Authority and Barbados Revenue Authority are good examples of two government agencies responsible for administering road traffic being overwhelmed by the volume.
Insurance companies have reported to be paying out over 25 million dollars annually in claims. The number does not include unreported damage below the deductible or from non insured vehicle owners. Car parts are imported.
The decision by successive governments to pass on increases of the price of petrol to consumers has been a contentious issue given the inflationary impact on the economy. Recently an attempt – originating in the social media space – to buy petrol one litre at a time failed but it highlighted the thirst for fossil fuel is real.
If the analogy is borrowed to define how affairs of state is managed to compare with a system which is defined as – an interrelated set of components working together for a purpose – then the consequences of connecting the dots as it pertains to our dysfunctional transportation system is clear. It is a useful exercise to connect the dots for yourself.
What did you conclude?
@ John A
Your thesis is flawed. You are blaming the Black victims. You are also inaccurate when you join others in saying Blacks don’t support Blacks. How the hell do you think we have survived past and present hardships ?What you and others need to ask yourselves is why after nearly sixty years of independence, we are still having this debate. It is virtually impossible to have a enlightened discussion with those who want to sweep historical facts under the carpet. Here we are talking about Cubans in Miami and Jews in the USA, who have all cashed in the rampant racism against Afro Americans. First we need to ask ourselves who financed the anti-Castro/Revolution Cubans in Miami.
Then we must aske ourselves who financed the Jews in New York and elsewhere.
Why not talk about why Black Wall Street was burnt to the ground ? Who burnt it flat ?
Then when you switch to our country ask yourself some very simple questions such as: Where would Black aspiring business people get substantial collateral to finance businesses ? Where is the abundance of generational wealth. Call Rawle Brancker and he might find a few minutes to educate and inform you on these matters.
Asking me what I do and have done is irrelevant at this point. Note, I never asked you any such thing.
If you want to understand the make up of the Cuban business people I suggest you read the story of Cuban Billionaire Mike Fernadez a Cuban that came to the USA with nothing. When you have nothing to fall back on all that you can do is go forward and do what ever it takes to survive.
Why should I call Rawle Brancker when I can call Mr Bynoe at Carlton or Mr Hoyte at Terrific Tiles, or Mr Lynch at Home Improvement Hardwares who also owns Southern Plaza in Oistins and hear of his success?
For every black failure you list I can list a black success story. Some live in the past while others look towards a better future.
@John A
In a Black majority country despite the so-called establishment we should be doing a better job at enfranchisement. As you pointed there are enough successful businesses in the country to show piece/shop around as models for success. We need to start more doing.
John AJuly 19, 2021 6:56 PM
If you want to understand the make up of the Cuban business people I suggest you read the story of Cuban Billionaire Mike Fernadez a Cuban that came to the USA with nothing. When you have nothing to fall back on all that you can do is go forward and do what ever it takes to
Xxxxx
There are many such like stories
But there are many even with hard work and knowledge did not make it pass the first stop
Not because they were stupid but stumbling blocks played a pivotal role in their way
The Cubans were handed a platter of goods the day they landed in Miami
Several doors which were closed to other ethic groups were opened to them
Some never even bother to learn English but got jobs in hospitals some were govt jobs
They were included from day one and accepted by the govt as people who were in dire need of help
Hence govt welfare took care of their every need for years and up to present
Cheques food stamps free housing with immediacy while blacks names were on waiting list for months on ends waiting approval
Meanwhile govt loans for low income workers were approved for them with immediacy to start businesses and buy homes
On the other hand the blacks we’re given all types of excuses
The plan was for the Cubans to forged ahead build business which would mostly employ their own
The road for success started at that point and has never stopped
Blacks were caught off guard thinking that language would stop the Cubans from achieving but it was not to be so Govt had their backs gave them what they wanted in helping them to build several stories of success
Along the way came their own banks and the rest is history
Cubans got it all in thirty years while blacks await a promise of forty acres and a mule
JohnA
So who support those black business that you just mentioned?
The 3% or the chinese?
DavidJuly 19, 2021 7:45 PM
@John A
In a Black majority country despite the so-called establishment we should be doing a better job at enfranchisement. As you pointed there are enough successful businesses in the country to show piece/shop around as models for success. We need to start more doing.
Xxxxxx
What would one call success in Barbados as an enough successful black businesses
One or two or even twenty is not enough in a country managed by all black government
My observing eye points me to the south …East and west coast were I several lots of white established businesses
Hardly find one black in the midst unless one looks long and hard
@angela cox: “Hardly find one black in the midst unless one looks long and hard
Everyone I report to happens to be Black. I didn’t actually notice that until asked.
We have many black owned businesses in Barbados. Some of us are confusing the issue of black owned businesses with who owns big business and control the wealth (includes power).
@ John A
“Why should I call Rawle Brancker when I can call Mr Bynoe at Carlton or Mr Hoyte at Terrific Tiles, or Mr Lynch at Home Improvement Hardwares who also owns Southern Plaza in Oistins and hear of his success?”
Now please answer this: Which race supported the above businesses ?
That’s the damn point I keep making here on BU. The crap you and others talking about “ blacks not supporting blacks” is inaccurate and essentially baseless.
We have always supported each other. Ask Bynoe, Hoyte or Lynch who makes up the biggest slice of their customers?
Sometimes we just get carried away with unsubstantiated nonsense. We eagerly drink the divide and rule cool aid , used so violently during slavery.
We all want to move forward but we can’t do so by pretending that the playing field is level.
Right now as we speak there are hundreds of young , bright black business people who can’t get a leg up. And that should be our focus rather than come here trying to sell a pig in the bag.
Barbados is a majority Black country, obviously all successful businesses here must have majority black customers. When the talk is about why Blacks don’t support black business we mean what again?
@WS: “Right now as we speak there are hundreds of young , bright black business people who can’t get a leg up. And that should be our focus rather than come here trying to sell a pig in the bag.
Hear! Hear.
@BU_David: “When the talk is about why Blacks don’t support black business we mean what again?
I hope, and expect, that you appreciate what I’m saying is said honestly.
Most of us actually work together. Supporting each other.
Doing otherwise would be sub-optimal.
When I spoke earlier about the success of others I spoke to the pooling of resources to purchase as is done by others. I never spoke about black clients patronizing black retail businesses. There is a big difference!
What I speak of is a group of small black business people pooling their resources to buy say a 40 ft container of a commodity, as opposed to each buying a few cases of the same item from Massy at higher prices. How many of you for instance know that practically all of the Indians who sell in the country from their vans and cars are supplied by basically 3 larger Indian merchants. Here is how they work.
The Indian merchants give the self employed salesman who own their vans the products on consignment. They then go into the country and sell with the understanding that a percentage must be returned to the merchant to cover the cost of the goods taken. Next week the same thing happens and the traveling salesman has his van refilled. That type of arrangement calls for trust and respect among the parties involved. Once that is done all those involved prosper.
That fellow bloggers is what I mean when I speak about people working together and pooling resources for the benefit of all involved. Few also know how diversified the Indian business holdings here now are as well. They have branched out in many non traditional sectors from health care to insurance just to mention a few.
To attempt to explain this further would be pointless so I rest my case on this issue. If they are those that still don’t understand the point I am trying to get across I can help with no further explanation.
@John A
There is something else the minorities do, they target key persons in positions of authority to do you know what.
@ David
“Barbados is a majority Black country, obviously all successful businesses here must have majority black customers. When the talk is about why Blacks don’t support black business we mean what again?”
You are one of the main ones on BU pushing a whole heap of nonsense about this blacks supporting not blacks foolishness.
Barbados was built and remains on a colonialist built retail plantation economy. When we spend our often meager earnings with black businesses, we are really spending all we have.
We are just two generations removed from poverty. A lot of the wealth built up has been done by black professionals because by the late 70s most of the black businesses had succumb to a consumer base it could no longer satisfy.’
This made a clear path for the next generation of whites to dominate the expanding post independence economy.
You and others need to recognize that the public service was always the major employer of the same black middle class we talk about. As late as the 70s many public servants were earning below $300 per month.
The problem is that for the last forty years salaries have not kept up with inflation and it’s difficult to control consumer spending in open economies.
In the meantime all the distribution trades, shipping, tourism, car dealerships remained in the hands of the mainly white corporate barons.
In other words were it not for the growth of the credit Union movement many of us could not buy homes or purchase cars etc.
Banks are not charitable organizations. We disposed of the only national bank and then came correspondent banking and a host of international agreements, that essentially made it increasingly difficult for our indigenous black manufacturing class to survive.
There are very few young black business people who can source $250000 or more from old money or generational wealth.
I know lawyers who graduated and could not buy a chair far less open a practice. Same with doctors, accounts etc.
We need to discuss such subjects in a broader context. Do you really think there are thousands of blacks out there who have million to invest? Don’t you know that the average person cannot buy the black belly lamb in the supermarkets because it is nearly three times as expensive as the imported lamb?
Let’s get real and start to discuss how we can radically reform the country to give each citizen a fair break. We need to stop this nauseating pie-in-the-sky mumbo jumbo and start to deal with the deep socio economic disparities we have .
Sometimes I feel as if we Blacks are a frigging minority begging for social and economic rights.
As Adonijah says: There are two Barbados.
@William
You have no idea. Your head is burrowed very deep in it as far as what is unfolding in Barbados. You remind the blogmaster of the matador facing the bull with a red rag. All you see is red, oops black!
William Skinner,
You are obviously correct. No black customers, no business.
Well… John A just said it so, by God, it must be so!
Murdaaaah!
@JohnA
“That type of arrangement calls for trust and respect” and also enforcement. Never forget that part. Or soon 3 of the top sellers will figure out they can get together, and order in bulk?
The ‘key’ to the Massy game is being large enough to control your suppliers. To stop them selling to your largest customers. If they do, you must cut them a new asshole immediately.
The second issue is credit. It is a double headed monster, in the import game. International suppliers rarely extend credit. But to sell locally one must.
Having said that, I do believe more of us could overcome in Barbados by pooling our resources but that is DESPITE THE DELIBERATE ROAD BLOCKS not because they do not exist.
Still, nobody burning down our businesses like in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
P.S. Lobbying is not just mout talk. Money talks even louder. Large campaign contributions buy favourable legislation and policy AND LARGE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.
Some people playing dem doan know!
And as for the other John re the strong family units – I hear there were strong family units where our ancestors came from.
But… slavery tore families apart. Their could be no strong family units under the slave system. The men were used as studs and the woman routinely raped by the slavers. Children were sold away from their mothers.
After three hundred years, the slaves knew nothing about family structure.
Still the white man’s fault.
Is the crime rate in Barbados steadily increasing daily
Or is it my imagination ?
It seems that our social environment is heading similar in the same direction as Jamaica
The IMF has been managing the economic affairs of Jamaica
The IMF is managing the economic affairs of Barbados
@ Donna
You are more than correct!
Amazingly we have people here comparing slaves with political refugees!
They need to tell us what were the similarities of the Cuban experience in Miami and the slaves who were brought to the Caribbean. They also need to tell us about the similarities of the Jews and the slaves brought here from Africa. They also need to tell us about the similarities of the indentured Indians brought to this region and the slaves.
These people are behaving as if the slaves freely swam from Africa here because of a dictatorship. As you have correctly stated the black family was literally destroyed by white slave masters.
We are here taking a people, our own people, who were treated worst than cattle and comparing them with people who were not captured but escaped a political system they did not favor.
Its only due to our incredible resilience that we established new families and then extended families after we we were brutalized and driven into the ground.
That’s not “ living in the past”or only “ seeing black”. That’s our history.
And those who feel we are going to go forward without realizing that are the ones who have us stuck where we are today.
I don’t have the tenacity or resilience of WURA but this current discussion clearly shows why we need @ WURA on this blog.
Pooling? Sou sou , credit unions., purchiing and reselling will soon come
Housing and cars came mostly through the credit unions, We don’t have to do it the Indians way
@John2
The minorities pool cash/equity. Some of you guys dont get it. Try to judge from where we are today.
#nocredit!
When all said and done the majority population would have nothing to pool or share
Pockets empty because of govt stronghold policies of fees and taxes along with high energy cost and food prices
David
All will agree the minorities pool
I was respond to John A comment that WE don’t pool to purchase and resell
I the beginning we had nothing to pool so we used to share what we grow
U give me ur yams I give u my potatoes
After we started getting a shilling we sou sou
Then when we got a dollar we credit union
Through the credit union we get better houses and cars. We still got a long way to go but it false to say we do not pool for our own up liftment
To purchase and resell may be correct though. We will not get there using the Indian model but through the credit unions
Barbados
@John2
There is 9 billion in savings belonging to mostly Black bajans.
The IMF sits some where in Washington far away from the internal economic issues of the day that burdens barbadians household
Govt seems to agree with ever decision the IMF makes decisions running against the best interest of barbadian households
However decisions made by the ImF which benefits international lending agencies which in return grants govt a favour status of accessing more loans to strap on the shoulders of barbadians
This is serious business
Didn’t u guy have this conversation
It seem like I am repeating Someone (that I probably agreed with)
@David
Is that because the minorities have their savings in offshore accounts?
@NO
Those occupying the pinnacle.
Most of what I determine in commentary is mostly by observation
Hence those who are test book intellectuals would find my comments to be malicious or weird
The difference between them and myself is what my mind captures through observation is not written in text books
But are recorded in my mind as a truth hence when I barrell down a road with intent it is hard for anyone to change my mind because what I capture in my mind the ability for others to see is not in their text book way of thinking.
Not, “WHAT”…….. but…….. WTF??!!??
https://media.tenor.com/images/b056d7d835ff43ee381a6efbbf1f14db/tenor.gif
DonnaJuly 19, 2021 11:51 PM
And as for the other John re the strong family units – I hear there were strong family units where our ancestors came from.
But… slavery tore families apart.
++++++++++++++++++++++
I’ve always heard that polygamy was the norm in much of Africa.
Slavery did not tear families apart. Quite the opposite.
Hear Thomas Sowell on the Black family.
Oh, the white man eyes see no other culture as being valid.
Polygamy and family structure are not mutually exclusive.
In fact, poor fool, POLYGAMY IS A FAMILY STRUCTURE.
And such families can be very strong if one has been so socialised.
And so Africans may have been polygamous AND have strong families. And so they often did.
Polygamy often ensured the survival of the tribe. See if your naŕrow brain can stretch enough to figure out how!
Sigh…
🤦🏽♂️
Boy oh boy! Getting my theres and theirs mixed up!
Person, woman, man, camera, tv.
Oh, thank God! I am still a genius!
Murdaah! I must hear a shite man, sorry, a white man on the black family! He will surely clear up any facts and fallacies about black people. After all, that’s what they do!
Artax, post one uh dem rolling and laughing yellow men fuh muh!
Murdaaah!
Lookah de Johnnie gon kill muh wid laugh!
Here’s how the white man destroyed our black families.
It was too painful to form bonds that would be broken as a matter of routine. Easier to harden your heart not to care too much than to have your heart and manly pride smashed to pieces, watching your woman raped by an ugly white beast as you stood, rendered helpless. Better to remain aloof from your offspring than to endure the torture of the flesh of your flesh, your precious jewels, ripped away one by one and sold off, never to be seen again!
To cut one’s self off from feeling too much is a coping mechanism. It is about survival . It is not easy to switch back on when the danger is past.
My grandmother told me that years ago many many men used to see their daughters as fair game. They used to say that they were not fattening pig for somebody else’s poke.
I know it still happens but I would bet not nearly as often.
@David
Not only 9 billion on the bank but most of it earning less than 1% interest with inflation running over 3%!
@John A
This is the systemic issue, the difference between Blacks and other ethnic groups. They know and exploit the difference between saving and investing.
@ Donna
Thomas Sowell is a noted African American scholar and senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution.
He is a Trump supporter, so, it isn’t surprising John would regard his word on anything as the gospel.
The point is that slavery in America did not break up black families, the welfare state of the 60’s did.
Sowell started life as a Marxist and then figured it all out for himself, by himself!!
He is in his 90’s now and was around long before Trump came on the scene.
DonnaJuly 20, 2021 11:32 AM
Oh, the white man eyes see no other culture as being valid.
Polygamy and family structure are not mutually exclusive.
In fact, poor fool, POLYGAMY IS A FAMILY STRUCTURE.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mormons practiced polygamy at one time too!!!
Never said Polygamy was not a family structure, just stated a fact with which you seem to agree.
Sowell started life as a Marxist!!
He was cured of the affliction by the Federal Government!!
DavidJuly 20, 2021 12:27 PM
@John A
This is the systemic issue, the difference between Blacks and other ethnic groups. They know and exploit the difference between saving and investing.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So what you are saying is that Blacks are too dumb to figure this out for themselves!!
Rubbish.
There are somethings a white man born into privilege and grew up on a plantation will never understand.
Now let’s see
How the IMF the managers of Barbados decisions can help lower crime
Decreased unemployment
Serves a purpose where our social network does not further decline
Help to preserve a,Barbados that is is more than an economy but a community
All across the length and breath of Barbados people are going through the most gruelling economic times
However those that are put in place to govern seems more than satisfied that having a larger than large pay out for consultants should be enough a signal to say Barbados economy is under control
But then again when everything goes Haywire the people would take the blame
People of all kinds and natures have choices to make.
Asian Americans make one choice which sets them apart from others.
It is ridiculous and self defeating to make a choice which leads down one road and envy someone who made a different choice and is on another road.
Walk your walk and stop bitching.
If you are not happy with the route you are going, choose to change it.
Investing takes risk that not many people are willing to undertake
Barbadians live by an old adage
Bird in the hand is worth a thousand in the bush
Recently I heard conservation where many were complaining that they feel rip off by home owners insurance. Companies now in their time of needing financial help to fix their homes
This too is an issue that media should dig their heels into asking questions
Issues like these leaves a bad taste of mistrust in the mouths of anyone wishing to invest
David
I don’t have much time
If you want to follow the others models then it the rich blacks that should dip into the $9billions and give the Pope blacks a leg up .
Whe the Indians come with only a suitcase there is already a job waiting for them- provided by the ones who came before .
connecting the dots
where is BRAVEN
6OisbLRD3Vk
https://youtu.be/6OisbLRD3Vk
Look uh Buccanal
Where isbraven
thats the way govt has been treating the black people
Hilton HOTEL workers begging for their severance meanwhile govt takes over 80 million debt of needhams point holding ltd
Now the vendors cant make a living because of govt actions
David,
You are being generous. John DOES NOT WANT to understand.
Look how he had the gall to offer me up a white Trump supporting vile creature as an authority to teach me, a black woman, about the black family!
Of course, I did not watch his stupid ass video. I never do.
I stopped listening to the white man’s narratives when I heard them say how one Columbus discovered some “New World” in 1492. I was about 11 years old. So I was ready to present the queen with my backside in 1976.
They cannot be trusted to tell the truth.
With all the negative problems the people had to bear in the past year
High unemployment struggling to make ends meet
Covid and on and on
Yuh think it is fear that govt officials would shut down the poor business man from making a living
Meanwhile govt opens its borders so that the white establishment in the hotel industry can make a living
Never mind that open borders are conduits for bringing in the virus
Wunna think it is fair how govt treat the blacks and keep the best servings for the high and mighty business person
Wait black vendors ain’t people too deserving of the same respect directed to the white business establishment
Angela Cox,
That’s MR. BRAVEN to you!
You go, girl!
They have to do better than this. The people are trying to make an honest living. We must try to facilitate it somehow.
Them.in charge really tek bajans fuh
Cause they would never try that sh.it in a country like Jamaica
Closing down people business from.making an honest living
Yuh think that with all the crime and rise in poverty levels govt would be happy to see people making a honest living
But No govt send officials to ring fence black.people business
Another example of Braven being lap dogs
Not a word utter in support of the vendors
@AC
I stepped away and my place is already taken? 😢😥
John is toxic and is a troll.
He gets his kicks from pushing buttons.
I read his post for the big lie.
Two words for govt officials
Shameful and disgusting
Remove that RH fence stop treating wunna own like second class citizens
Those vendors are examples of harding working people despite what others might say about blacks not liking to work hard
Vending not easy it is struggle and now govt officials making those people lives a harder struggle
AC
I see the poetry. I will try to tease it out.
Two words for government officials
——–x-__—–++
It’s downright sad and disgusting
How Mia abuses those who are trusting
Sellers expecting government to come to their defense
Instead they are met with a strong iron fence
A fate even worse than an eviction
Closing of gates and barring of admission
People working hard to make ends meet
Now facing arrest if they sell on the street
‘Mr Braven’ silent as if he is a mute
Silent so as to hide the damn ‘trute’
Vending already hard and full of tears
Made worse and it appears nobody cares
A government that claim ‘we got it’
Only delivering piss and pure shat.
I see you still have it.
You go girl….
I think you should be posting in the “poets’ corner’
When Angela Cox sticks to the facts, she will have my support.
I am consistent in this.
As I have stated before, there is plenty to criticise without making stuff up. There is nothing more potent than the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Now,,,, these people are not rich people and they are trying to make am honest living. They will try to set up in a manner which they believe will bring them the most money. If there is a problem with the way they are doing business, the authorities should seek a solution that still allows them to feed their families. There are children in these homes looking to be fed.
This heavy-handed enforcement helps nobody.
This attitude has to change. What in God’s name is wrong with us?
Dots dots dots and more dots
The Mighty Gabby Speaks
Gabby is accusing the ruling United Workers’ Party (UWP) of Chastanet of using his copyrighted music for political advertisements without his authorisation during the ongoing general election campaign there. But the St. Lucian political entity says he has the wrong party.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the acclaimed calypsonian, folk singer, noted lyricist and composer, said it had been brought to his attention that the UWP was or is using his intellectual property in the form of his music “without the expressed permission of the composer or publisher.”
“I wish to disassociate myself from Allen Chastanet and the United Workers’ Party, who in no form or fashion align with the philosophical values that I represent,” the renowned artiste declared.
“Therefore, I am compelled to instruct Allen Chastanet and the United Workers’ Party to cease and desist from the use of any of [my] intellectual property and copyrighted music in any form for political advertising, motorcade or public meeting during the election campaign, including on the SKY FM 93.1 radio station frequency,” insisted the holder of an Honourary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus.
“I am therefore seeking compensation of EC$40,000 for the usage of my music during this election campaign,” Gabby added.
Chastanet Responds
insisted that his ruling United Workers Party (UWP) is not the one using copyrighted material of Barbados calypsonian, Anthony Gabby Carter, in the campaign leading up to Saint Lucia general elections on July 26.
In an interview with Barbados Today, Chastanet said he believes Gabby, whom he described as a gentleman he respects, was misinformed.
“I think he has got the wrong party,” the Saint Lucia prime minister told the Barbados publication.
Chastanet said while he has not been in contact with the Barbadian music maestro, others have been trying to reach him.
However, Chastanet told Barbados Today that he has nothing to do with the radio station.
“And as you would appreciate, any radio station that is operating is licensed and if they were using anybody’s music they would be covered under the copyright…the licensing,” he said.
Gabby was quoted as saying that he would give adequate time for the Saint Lucia prime minister to respond to his demands.
@ all
We have treated vendors like second class citizens for decades. We have had fifty plus years to bring vending into mainstream business but we thought that chasing them from pillar to post and allowing them to set up all types of shacks were the answer.
We need to have at least a dozen to fifteen well strategically established public markets set up throughout the country. With the amount of cars on the road there is no need to establish venting facilities only in Bridgetown.
Once more the BLPDLP have exercised a lack of vision.
Going around in circles has been the economic policy since independence.
Peace
William SkinnerJuly 21, 2021 2:15 PM
@ all
We have treated vendors like second class citizens for decades. We have had fifty plus years to bring vending into mainstream business but we thought that chasing them from pillar to post and allowing them to set up all types of shacks were the answer.
Xxxxxxx
Dam shame
Xxxxx
Now in less than a month vendors are complaining about mistreatment
One set being told to ply their trade in an area that stinks of effulent
Now to fence them in an area where plying there trade becomes hard
Is downright criminal
One side of a complex story told solely through the eyes of America.
Swallowed hook, line and sinker by these two.
Oops! Wrong blog!
Have anyone noticed how silent the blp operatives become when fingers are pointed at this govt concerning mistreatment of it’s black citizens
Yes many which gave present govt a comfortable election victory
Yes many who bought into govt sweet sounding words of Hope
Now pray tell where is the Hope by which vendors plying their trade were at first thrown outward to the streets
Then after outburst of being treated like homeless dogs were told to go behind the fence and take what wunna can get
Heartless and nothing short of being a downright dirty plan by govt officials to keep small business people scraping the bottom of the barrell
This video speaks of officials operating like boot licking commanders
Telling vendors not to come on the property
The property which the vendors pay govt through licensing agreement that they can enter premises unless agreement is broken by illegal or illicit transactions unconnected to what gives them permission to buy sell or trade their goods and services
Yet govt send officials to disrespect the vendors in the most despicable and offensive manner
Really a fence !
But BRAVEN
Phew stiking lot not one mumbling word
But then again BRAVEN agreed to a govt plan of setting up temporary space in a stinking foul smelling area for vendors to sell their goods
Phew some association that to be associated with
Hope vendors don’t have to pay an annual fee to BRAVEN for representation cause by any other sounding word it can be said it is wasted
Connecting the dots
Poor performance
DLP PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL BLASTS BARBADOS’ ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT
By Kareem Smith
The COVID-19 pandemic is absolutely no excuse for the current state of the Barbadian economy, according to the man aspiring to be the next president of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
In a scathing attack on the country’s social and economic direction under the current administration, Reverend Guy Hewitt, the former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom pointed to other Caribbean countries, which he claims are all performing better than Barbados.
Hewitt also charged that recent first quarter statistics from the Barbados Statistical Service (BSS) may not tell the full story of the country’s unemployment situation.
The cleric was addressing an ethnically diverse audience of about 50 at the Barbados Yacht Club on the topic A path to peace, prosperity and progress where he declared that many of the difficulties facing the country could be overcome with a dose of strong leadership.
“The world bank has indicated that Barbados’ economy fell by 17.6 per cent last year. That is not the issue. The issue is that we are one of the worst performing economies globally,” Hewitt declared to nods from many in the audience.
“This is not about COVID, this is about who we got bout here running our affairs into the ground. Jamaica contracted by 10.2 per cent, Trinidad and Tobago 7.8, even Dominica outperformed us and they are using some of the same advisors, but I guess they are getting better value for money down there.
“According to the IMF, our debt to GDP ratio is at 147 per cent. It ranks us now as the seventh most indebted country in the world and with unemployment through the roof, nobody, except probably the people who say it, feels that unemployment is at 17.2 per cent, because we know that is counting those looking for work and the majority of people in the hotel sector know there is no work out there. So they are not counted,” he added.
While blasting Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s eight-member team of economic advisors, Hewitt lamented the fact that the country continues to be one of the most expensive places in the world where many struggle to make ends meet.
He added that even with the Government looking to expand the financial services sector, the country ranked at 128th on the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings, behind Jamaica (71st), St Lucia (93rd) and Dominica (111th).
He stated: “This is not about party allegiance.
We have to be aligned to this land we love, so we need to face facts and get the right people and develop the right strategy and put the right policies in place to chart our way to a stronger, more resilient and diversified and sustainable economy.
“In our tourism sector, we like to feel that we are world beaters. Our tourism product is not even top-ranked in the Caribbean. If you look and see where the top properties are in the Caribbean, they are elsewhere.
“We are now playing around with not being at the leading edge in tourism; our financial services sector is in peril; we have our biggest trading partner in Canada and nobody can find a High Commissioner. Last I heard, he was running behind Hurricane Elsa up in St George North.
This is not good enough,” Hewitt contended.
In addition to the economy, the religious leader expressed concern about the social fabric of the society, which, in his opinion, is characterized in many instances by poverty, drug abuse, family dysfunction, non-communicable diseases and mental health issues.
He renewed calls for an overhaul of the country’s social services that bring all welfare agencies and government departments under one central institution.
“We cannot keep throwing money haphazardly at our problems. We need to be able to be systematic about it,” he charged.
Hewitt’s statements came even as he prepares to face off with current DLP President Verla DePeiza for leadership of the party.
When asked about the nature of his Yacht Club presentation, Hewitt said he considered the invitation as an opportunity to interface with an increasingly diverse and inclusive group of Barbadians, some of whom represent the business community.
“As somebody who aspires to lead in Barbados, I have to lead for every Barbadian.
So whether it is the business community, the trade union movement, the society, community groups, I have to provide inclusive leadership that brings them all onboard. So I am pleased that the members of the Yacht Club were able to find what I had to say consistent with what their aspirations might be as business leaders or as leaders in their own communities,” said Hewitt.
(kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)
I remember when Mottley stated that Haiti economy was in a better state than Barbados
I also remember when Mottley had the audacity to step on Dominica economic toes which helped to increase Dominica economic woes in her earnest to boldly invite one of Dominica economic drivers Ross University to Barbados
Now I am reading that Dominica economic performance is on better standing than that of Barbados
As the old people say what goes around comes around
Some of you people have to be illiterate. The discussion has to be about creating growth in a recessionary environment caused by the pandemic. In other words using a crisis to ensure best outcomes.
DavidJuly 22, 2021 6:16 AM
Some of you people have to be illiterate. The discussion has to be about creating growth in a recessionary environment caused by the pandemic. In other words using a crisis to ensure best outcomes
Xxxccc
Her he comes throwing nasty dirty shade
Cut it out
Xxxxxxxx
Simply put anything having to do with the economy of Barbados is pertinent and revelant to any discussion that highlights negligence towards the creation of growth for the Barbados economy
The vendors plight fits into such discussion along with what Hewitt stated is our financial disrepair
Dot and more Dots
Ditto
Our borders are open govt has to to another realization that our welcomed visitors are in possession of fake documents
Govt stated that an alert has been sent to GAIA officials to be diligent
Meanwhile our other ports of entry such as Port St. Charles grants access to visitors
What about that port of entry where private access by boats and yatchs are permitted
Is Senator Caswell throwing shade
In a one of his comments to House of Parliament he stated the recent unemployment numbers were not entirely true
Going on to say that his belief indicates numbers more of 30 percent
He gauged his numbers on the Hotel industry being the biggest drivers of the Barbados economy and where a vast percentage of workers were laid off
@ angela coxJuly 22, 2021 7:44 AM
(Quote):
Simply put anything having to do with the economy of Barbados is pertinent and revelant to any discussion that highlights negligence towards the creation of growth for the Barbados economy
The vendors plight fits into such discussion along with what Hewitt stated is our financial disrepair…(Unquote).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A very good point you have raised there, dear angela cox aka “ac”!
But your ‘Guy’, the preacher man, is clearly not (yet) the sharpest opposing knife in the political blue and yellow box containing the keys to the gates of economic heaven.
He needs to up his game and focus on more bread and butter issues required to deliver daily food on the tables of those currently out of work.
Since he was trying to influence a cross-section of the Bajan community from a podium right in the heart of the pending hotel corridor (and looking over the Carlisle Bay) why didn’t he raise the matter of the status of the Hyatt Hotel?
Hasn’t the Hyatt hotel been promoted by the current political administration since 2019 as the economic game-changer for the country and saviour of a fast-dying Bridgetown the Capital of the coming republic of Barbadoes?
Don’t you think work on the construction of that ‘brand-name’ Hyatt erection will clearly make a difference to the economic recovery of the country, the plight of Bridgetown and demonstrate a measure of confidence in the brand called Barbados?
After all, injecting US$ 200 million in a “recessionary environment” can have the same impact on the Bajan economy as developing a vaccine against Covid-21 to mitigate its ‘dangerous’ effects on the travel and tourism industry in the Caribbean.
What sayest thou, David?
Miller
Why not send your concerns to him
Miller
Don’t you think work on the construction of that ‘brand-name’ Hyatt erection will clearly make a difference to the economic recovery of the country, the plight of Bridgetown and demonstrate a measure of confidence in the brand called Barbados
Xxxxxx
Don’t u realize that COVID has given the Hotel Industry a devastating blow one that not even Hyatt has an answer
The erection as u have called the Hyatt is nothing more than a limp rag tossed and turned in the windmills of Covid
The best or better thing Barbados govt can do for Barbados is to create a social and cultural environment wherby local black businesses have a helping hand in bringing Barbados out of the dark depth of economic disaster
Govt have already spent millions in the Hotel industry
Now time for Barbados govt to pour some millions into locally owned black business
@ angela cox July 22, 2021 9:52 AM
(Unquote):
Don’t u realize that COVID has given the Hotel Industry a devastating blow one that not even Hyatt has an answer
The erection as u have called the Hyatt is nothing more than a limp rag tossed and turned in the windmills of Covid…(Unquote).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Angela, sometimes you can be ‘too sweetly cocky’ with words, sometimes!
Are you saying that the Hyatt hotel project has been from the outset nothing more than a tilting windmill in the wild imagination of the Bajan Don Quixote called the Mad max-man Mal(m)oney who simply drove away from the scene of the crash of that investment ghost project in a duty-free Mercedes with the Bajan government playing the role of nothing more than his sidekick called Sancho Panza Mottley?
Can’t you see the Hyatt erection saga, like the Four Seasons fiasco, are both signs of the times of a falling former tourism titan called Barbados just like King Sugar eventually became a Humpty Dumpty?
Why don’t you and the preacher-man sheriff called Guy the Divine just take the fallen Hyatt bull by the horn and run with it to score some meaningful points in order to hit the political bull’s-eye?
” Putting aside the COVID-19 pandemic, corruption is one of the major hindrances to the growth of Barbados’ economy. ”
https://www.nationnews.com/2021/07/22/hewitt-corruption-hindering-growth-barbados/
I would like the Guy to show proof of the corruption which is hindering growth.
Miller
Why don’t you and the preacher-man sheriff called Guy the Divine just take the fallen Hyatt bull by the horn and run with it to score some meaningful points in order to hit the political bull’s-eye?
Xxxxxxx
Have u ever heard an ole saying
Let sleeping dogs lie
For politicians that might be the best idea
Btw Guy just came on the scene don’t believe he would know much about Hyatt
fb://photo/10158681499923191?set=a.293752783190&sfnsn=mo
https://youtu.be/ESQ-Z6yVYHM
The nerve of Braven
vendors held a press conference this morning to highlight a number of grievances.
Camille Stuart, spokesperson for a group of 40 financial members of the BARVEN market, which is a subdivision of the association, said they tried to have an audience with president Alister Alexander regarding the issues, but to no avail.
Stuart said the vendors collectively reached out to multiple Government officials but when they realised their concerns were not getting off the ground, they decided to hold a media conference in the hopes that some form of action could be taken to address the issue
The closure of BARVEN market Cheapside space without any notification or clear reason.
The move to the BARVEN market along the Mighty Grynner Highway was not voted on or held in any democratic way.
Longstanding members of the BARVEN market Cheapside space were not given their entitled spaces and no explanation as to why; about 15 members were refused spaces.
The subscription fee increased from $10 in the old market to up to $75 in the new market, and as a result, about 30 vendors stopped selling produce there.
There is no clarity as to the status of the owners of the old BARVEN market space in Cheapside.
The BARVEN market board told members that the organisation was changed from a non-profit without any explanation and members are now required to pay a fee to run the organisation and there is no information on where the money would go.
The autocratic decision making without following procedures outlined in the BARVEN constitution.
Stuart also made reference to the recent situation where about 20 vendors were displaced as a result of the erection of a fence at the Cheapside van stand. She said those vendors, in addition to those who could no longer afford to pay the fees along the highway, would be setting up their stalls at the former BARVEN market in Cheapside.
The spokeswoman said that if the vendors came together and played their cards right, they could operate in a way that was compliant with the COVID-19 health protocols.
The press conference was held inside the old BARVEN market
Xxxx
See what I mean
The Unions and Braven seems to be cut from the same cloth
Both collect fees for doing nothing
An economic train wreck heading Barbados way
https://fb.watch/6WH6TYynK4/
A feeling of sadness for these vendors
https://fb.watch/v/eNxN8t9-F/
https://www.nationnews.com/2021/07/23/investor-impressed-local-work-ethic/
https://www.facebook.com/270969375988/posts/10157819592220989/?sfnsn=mo
Vendors treated like tumble weed