Supporters of Barbados becoming a Republic are flooding our: televisions, radios, newspapers, and social media, claiming that all right-thinking Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state. They insist that a referendum is not necessary.
These supporters claim that referendums do not work, since the Australians and Grenadians voted to reject republicanism. The truth is that the referenda worked. A referendum measures the will of the people, not the desire of radical activists or the opinions of pollsters.
Perhaps the main hesitancy with Barbados becoming a Republic, is that the Government appears to only accept the advice of our most extreme radical activists. Such radicals only speak of tearing down, destroying, and bankrupting Barbados in pursuing unreachable utopias. They are also allowed to spread misinformation unchallenged.
REPUBLICAN BENEFIT
They tell us that Republicanism will improve our self-esteem, since we will no longer have to swear allegiance to the Queen. Barbadians generally do not swear allegiance to the Queen.
In 1966, we became citizens of an independent Barbados, with our own Barbadian: passports, national anthem, coat of arms, and flag. The colonial era ended, and the colonial office in Barbados was closed.
We do not pledge allegiance to Britain, but to our country Barbados and to our flag. We pledge to uphold and defend their honour, and by our behaviour, do credit to Barbados – not Britain. We have the same independent vote in international associations as Britain. We independently vote, and independently negotiate trade treaties, for Barbados’ benefit – not Britain’s.
LOW SELF ESTEEM
Any low self-esteem among Barbadians is of our own making. It is rooted in a secondary school curriculum that only benefits about 20% of our students, and economic policies that keep most Barbadians living in a hand-to mouth, pay-cheque to pay-cheque, house-poor poverty.
Our extreme radicals want us to excuse our politicians for their failings. Instead, they insist that we must blame the Queen – including for the high incidents of non-communicable diseases. The truth is that all these things are entirely within our political control.
SWEARING ALLEGIANCE TO THE QUEEN
All Barbadians pledge allegiance to Barbados. However, our politicians must swear allegiance to the Queen – to keep them accountable. This is important.
Barbadian voters have come to accept that Barbadian politicians are not accountable to them, and their promises should not be relied upon. The Auditor General’s annual reports support this assertion. However, all Barbadians benefit from the accountability they must demonstrate to the Queen, which is their only restraint.
Promises made to a ceremonial Barbadian head of state will likely be meaningless, because breaking those promises carry no material consequences. They appear to be less inclined to break promises to the Queen’s representative.
EXPOSED
Britain is obligated to support the people of Barbados in our time of greatest need, because we are a former colony. The only premium we pay for this insurance, is to maintain a Governor General, who decides when the threat of harm is sufficient to activate the insurance.
When we become a Republic, we will automatically cancel this insurance, which will likely be a relief for the British taxpaying public. However, we will be exposed. The Barbadian public deserves to know how this exposure will be addressed, and at what cost, before we become a Republic.
The Forde Commission warned Barbadians of the real risk of what it called “Prime Ministerial Dictatorship” in a Republic. Therefore, the public deserves to know how this risk will be addressed, and it must be addressed before the current restraints are removed.
IRRESPONSIBLE ADVISORS
Guided by their reckless end-justifies-the-means philosophy, our radical activists are pushing our Prime Minister down a road of potential international embarrassment.
Before publicly announcing a date for a Republic, our Prime Minister’s advisors should have told her whether the Constitution allows her 30-0 majority to force us into a Republic. Section 49 allows Parliament to alter our Constitution. However, there is a limit.
THE LIMIT
“Subsection (2) shall not apply to a Bill in so far as it alters any of the provisions specified in that subsection for the purpose of giving effect to arrangements for the federation or union of Barbados with any other part of the Commonwealth or for the establishment of some other form of constitutional association between Barbados and any other part of the Commonwealth.” The Constitution of Barbados, Section 49 (3).
If we want to become a Republic, then we should not simply announce it. In responding to news reports that our Government plans to make us a Republic, the Queen responded that any such decision (to cancel the people’s insurance), requires the consent of both the Government and the public of Barbados. The Government has given its consent. The peoples’ consent is measured by a referendum.
Grenville what are you smoking?
Another mind numbing thesis from a warped mind.
Whilst Grenville appears to be “ADDRESSING REPUBLIC HESITANCY” as it says on the tin in the header, he is really just pretending to address hesitancy and is shit stirring up whining complaints looking for to raise a protest movement for a big fight.
Mia is a bold leader.
Grenville clearly isn’t.
Mia could be the bridge between East and West, African Diaspora, First and Third World she is the real deal that Bajans have not noticed and is under appreciated and under estimated. Bajans like to whine and complain in going around circles again and again about everything under the sun, but underlying motivation and end result is to eventually get to the right place heading in the right direction and flush out all toxic shit out of their system giving it a good shake up.
Ding! It is time for Grenville to resign and jump before he is pushed.
Barbados have no issue with moving to a republic, many do not care. What the noise is about has to do with a perception the government is moving too quickly and consequently leaving the public behind.
I was promised a referendum on it when I gave them my X. They can say all they want about how glorious an idea this is, but they can not speak for me or expect me to blindly support something I do not have all the details on. For example where is the published constitution that will govern this Republic? Where can I go to read it ?
My mother did not born no sheep nor are the thousands who benefited from free education fools.
@John A
You are aware politicians promised and under deliver after winning office. It was a mistake by Mia to make the promise in a region where referenda is not part of the culture and about what is potentially a wedge issue. Most people agree swearing allegiance to a white Queen or her heirs and successors is an embarrassment to an enlightened country in 2021. The blogmaster has no problem with the government starting the process to win back the shackled minds of Barbadians. The single act of transitioning to republic will not do it but it sure as hell cannot start with the Queen of England as our head of state.
Our ISO Taliban has a point. If we were a British Overseas Territory (not a colony), we would have had access to sufficient AZ vaccine doses since December 2020 – just like all British Overseas Territories. The many Corona deaths in Barbados and the unparalleled economic decline plus economic rape of the black masses are the direct result of an insane DLP policy that resulted in the Declaration of Independence in 1966.
Barrow and his DLP grandees are therefore criminally responsible for all Corona deaths. The survivors of these victims of DLP policy are therefore called upon to sue the DLP!
Today, when we compare Barbados economically with the French and Dutch overseas territories in the Caribbean, neutral observers (not the local National Socialists adhering to the Barrow cult) see the big difference. Bridgetown has degenerated into a totally impoverished hole for our natives, where hardly any tourists dare to go. Of course, our indigenes don’t notice that because they are not used to it any other way.
I therefore strongly welcome the initiative of our Most Honourable Prime Minister to globalise Barbados and thereby undo the injustice of the former Barrow regime.
Wuh smoking wuh! This is the way Grenville “thinks”.
Hear his language – “extreme radicals”!
Totally Trumpy talk!
On and on about some non-existent “insurance policy”.
If anyone is lacking in self-esteem it is Grenville, a grown man who clings to an abusive stepmother’s apron strings, afraid to venture out from under her skirts.
Where is the proof that our political leaders are restrained by their allegiance to any queen?
It is up to us, the people of Barbados to restrain our leaders, a fact to which we are only now waking up.
We will get there at our own pace.
We do not need any white foreigner whose very existence goes against the principle of meritocracy, fairness, justice and equity to protect us from each other.
Grenville speaks about accepting responsibility for our failings whilst refusing to concede that we must then accept full responsibility for our future.
Forward ever, backward never! I an I conscious without weed.
What the blogmaster want to see is the same haste taken to push integrity legislation through, this would lend some credibility to the process currently being taken by the government re: transitioning to a republic. Bear in mind all that we have heard is simple a switch out of the white Queen to a native born and the process to do so. Nothing materially will change how the decision is taken today.
@ David
If you want the support of the people then you must level with the people and share ALL the information on the republic. How can I support something based solely on race when I don’t have a copy of the constitution to review? To say the queen white and we president will be black is a poor explanation why I should support a republic. I want the details published with enough time for bajans to analyze them prior to the promised referendum its that simple. Nobody is going to tell me “here drink this” and when I ask what’s in it, not give me the formula. Sorry I past that 60 years ago when my mother would of shove cod liver oil in my mouth.
@John A
See last comment above. The reality is that many Barbadians have little appetite and interest in governance issues. The blogmaster knows this first hand based on blogs posted over the years. The people will have to be brought kicking and screaming to these kinds of issues until there is an awakening, hopefully. To adequately educate people will take years delivering sessions in civics.
The blogmaster appreciates Ronnie Yearwood’s position that it is illogical to install a native ceremonial head only to have to return to it if after consulting the people there is consensus to move to a different form of a republic. The other piece to it is that the government forcing the issue cements a position that we criticize daily, a lack of people engagement.
@David
Would you step on a plane where you knew nothing of the company or its destination?
You are asking a well educated people to follow you blindly because you won an election 30 to 0. That does not mean you have a card Blanche to do as you wish. I have no problem with a republic but you owe me the right to review the constitution and have the promised referendum. You want me to trust you, well start by living up to your word at elections its that simple. Without a real opposition we the people must ask the questions and apply the pressure. I am really surprised that this government thinks we will blindly support something because ” dem say so.” There is also a word for that approach and it’s called dictatorship! What’s next if we let this go, legalized gambling and casinos? Respect the people we are not fools, share ALL the information and let us weigh in by referendum, it is only then you can claim the move to a republic was supported by the majority.
@John A
Our system is one we elect a government to serve our interest. The government makes important policy decisions all the time on behalf of the people. Our system is not perfect. Calling a referendum is a political construct. We know if there is a referendum it will split down party lines as it has done in Jamaica, Grenada to use two examples.
@ John A
I agree with you that we should not just take things given and drink them. I think we are guilty of drinking old economic theories as well. Perhaps we should adopt a similar attitude to economic planning.
@ Grenville
Who are these extreme radicals pushing republicanism and blaming Elizabeth for our failures ?
All the radicals I know from the late sixties have blamed our successive governments.
I think you’re getting confused with this radical talk.
Quite frankly we should have gone straight from colonial rule to republic. All of this nonsense would have been avoided.
Take it easy my brother.
@David
I am sorry but I can’t agree with you on this one. I think we are mature and well educated enough to be given what was promised to us. You can not say you have the support of the people for the change to a republic without a referendum. You also can not ask people to support a republic when you have not published on any government website a copy of the new proposed constitution. I mean what exactly are you asking me to support? Sorry this is not acceptable. It also had nothing to do with party its about a government living up to its promise of a referendum on the issue. It’s about people having faith in the words of its leaders. No sorry not drinking this Kool-aid just so.
(Quote):
These supporters claim that referendums do not work, since the Australians and Grenadians voted to reject republicanism. The truth is that the referenda worked. A referendum measures the will of the people, not the desire of radical activists or the opinions of pollsters. (Unquote).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The GP No.2 man has a point and a strong Constitution-based argument to back it.
If ‘going republic’ was a pledge made in the 2018 manifesto then it can be argued that the current administration was simply implementing the ‘Will’ of the people as manifested in the overwhelming vote.
Why the need for a referendum to stop the ‘blighting’ of the youth (the citizens of any future republic) through the use of marijuana but not one for something as nationally impactful as going republic?
The question to GP No.2 is if he would back the current government in changing its mind by treating the decriminalization of marijuana and legitimization of same sex (adult) relationships the same way it is going about turning Barbados into a republic without recourse to the same people views by way of referendum.
After all, under the coming republic, shouldn’t minorities be entitled to the same rights as the majority population where every man is a Sir and woman a Dame?
“Hear his language – “extreme radicals”!
Totally Trumpy talk!”
That is the point I was trying to make, Barbados should be thankful it a has a good leader, there are many bad to worst all over
“Why the need for a referendum to stop the ‘blighting’ of the youth (the citizens of any future republic) through the use of marijuana”
marijuana is better milder and more subtler than alcohol
young beginners who get dizzy and feint from it’s use were mixing it with alcohol and weed only heightened the effects of alcohol
you can call this another epiphany from I and I and I
@ William
All I am saying is you got my X based on various commitments you made to me. It is my intention and should be the intention of the people to now hold you to them. If I let you bulldoze this through based on the ” we say it good fuh yuh” what coming next? You got a 30 to 0 because we wanted to see the backs of the others who did as they wish. Did we in fact replace them “own way” people now with another set? Just do what you committed to do and then once the majority support the move in a referendum, no one will ever be able to question your decision. Surely that is the way to go if you want to be able to say the majority supported it. If the referendum by chance shows no support for it, then aren’t you bound as a servant of the people to respect their decision?
The way this is being handled is in fact creating doubts and a belief there is a card game being played in the dark somewhere . I for one am not comfortable with how this is unfolding.
@John A
Individuals and in this case political parties and governments take risks how they manage their affairs from time to time. Mottley may take a decision to move forward because she has the majority in parliament and is willing to take the political hit because she assumes she has the political capital accrued. She maybe be proved wrong but it is what leaders do.
So, how are we supposed to address the Republican risk of what the Forde Commission called “Prime Ministerial Dictatorship”? Should it not be addressed before removing all of the current restraints? Are we content to simply ignore the Forde Report’s warnings?
What about the loss of insurance? With whom will we have an alliance?
What about the Constitutional hurdle that seems to disallow the current unilateral actions?
Are these not important matters? Unfortunately, some of BU’s regulars consistently go into the gutter with their personal attacks, and ignore the concerns expressed.
What insurance?
The insurance is honouring a request for atonement for exploiting our little islands during slavery. In fact Barbados was labeled the jewel in the crown why?
@Grenville
It serves a purpose to concentrate on posting a comment by suppressing your uncontrollable urge to respond to others who disagree. It did not serve you well in a bid to breath life into a third party and it does nothing to your aim of being a serious social commentator. The internet is a free wheeeling forum, accept it with all its pros and cons for crissakes or join Dennis Johnson and Carl Moore.
Is that all the intellectuals going to talk about 24 / 7 while barbadians households are catching economic hell
This issues has been played over and over again
At this point the overabundance of evidence shows PM manipulation of the masses and her fancy foot directive to plant her name in history which all is aware
Meanwhile the economy seems to be receiving defeaning silence
Wake up.peeps the economy needs a listening ear and loud voices
Republicanism can wait
Who is saying this is all Bajans are talking about ? Only you in your social media bubble.
Folks look let me state here for all to hear. If it was the Bs Ds or the Pastor group my concerns would be the same. We allow every government we elect to make promises to us and then break them. I say on a topic as important as this that is not acceptable. Plus we have to be even more careful now as we have zero opposition in real terms. The days of Barrow and Adams blazing in debate are long gone. If we as a people do not hold our leaders to account it is clear to this humble shopkeeper that there is no one else out there either willing or capable of doing it. So let us discuss this free of “fowlism” and party loyalty, as they could be major issues ahead of us as a people if this is allowed to go unchallenged. I am not saying the move to a republic is a bad or good thing. What I am saying is I was promised a process would occur which included a referendum and I expect that commitment to be honored.
That’s my 10 cents worth.
“Are these not important matters? Unfortunately, some of BU’s regulars consistently go into the gutter with their personal attacks, and ignore the concerns expressed.”
Just Do It
N I K E √
Don’t knock something if you haven’t ever tried it.
Some decisions about journeys in life are about intuition and feeling by decision makers who are are intuitively skilled and have empathy with subtle feel. Number games and political campaigns are stupid when only opposition is from the opposition and opposing is their default MO.
There is no point whatsoever in having a national debate or referendum on the holy herb until everyone in the land has tried it and are experienced and only when everyone has partaken in the puff and are on a high gaining the next level of knowledge wisdom and understanding that the sensi brings can they skillfully debate about things wisely and intelligently, peacefully mellow and relaxed
It is time for you to stop all of your sobbing. Stop being so thin skinned whining away about being attacked with honest but brutal cutting and bleeding edge constructive criticism if you cannot take it, if you get up on stage expect to be booed like it is audition night at the Apollo Theatre on 125th street in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New york State, USA NYC. If you can’t take the heat get out of the fire.
On A High
Puff
DavidAugust 18, 2021 9:43 AM
Who is saying this is all Bajans are talking about ? Only you in your social media bubble
Xxxxccc
I say so
U have a problem with my observations
Steupse
Well you are wrong.
@ Mr. Phillips II
RE: “Britain is obligated to support the people of Barbados in our time of greatest need, because we are a former colony. The only premium we pay for this insurance, is to maintain a Governor General, who decides when the threat of harm is sufficient to activate the insurance.”
Let’s look at this issue from a DIFFERENT perspective.
According to https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/uk-representation-in-the-commonwealth
“The UK government works with the Commonwealth Secretariat to ensure that the Commonwealth is able to promote democratic principles and Human Rights, support the economic development of poorer member states and help provide a voice to some of the world’s smallest and most remote sovereign states.”
Based on the above information, wouldn’t it be more reasonable to assume “Britain is also obligated to support the people of Barbados in our time of greatest need,” not because “we are a former colony,” but because we’re a MEMBER of the Commonwealth?
RE: “When we become a Republic, we will automatically cancel this insurance, which will likely be a relief for the British taxpaying public.”
Trinidad & Tobago joined the Commonwealth upon becoming Independent on Friday, August 31, 1962.
And, on Sunday, August 1, 1976, the twin island state become a Republic WITHIN the Commonwealth.
Bear in mind, Barbados joined the Commonwealth on Wednesday, November 30, 1966. Assuming my first assumption is true, then, under those circumstances, if Britain has an obligation to T&T, wouldn’t a similar obligation be extended if Barbados if the island becomes a Republic (within the Commonwealth)?
RE: “What about the loss of insurance?” “With whom will we have an alliance?”
Wouldn’t it be also reasonable to assume the “insurance and alliance” remains with Britain……… as long as Barbados remains a member of the Commonwealth?
@ David August 18, 2021 9:39 AM
“What insurance?
The insurance is honouring a request for atonement for exploiting our little islands during slavery. In fact Barbados was labeled the jewel in the crown why?”
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“What insurance” indeed!
Barbados, and, indeed, the other English-speaking little islands can forget about any atonement in the form of financial reparations.
For ‘Poor Britain’ is in no financial position to award any monetary reparations for its role in chattel slavery in the Caribbean.
Moreover, the future political decision-makers- who will be mainly of East Indian heritage- will not be saddled with the burden of guilt as the descendants of the indigenous population who themselves are being marginalized in the sphere of power and economic influence.
When are the local grandees- the descendants of those white elites who collaborated and benefited materially, socially and politically from slavery in Barbados- going to be asked, like the modern multi-ethnic Brits, to make atonement for their ancestors role in the same slavery institution which existed in Barbados long after 1834?
Didn’t the local slave owners come into a financial windfall when they were handsomely compensated by the same British Crown for the loss of their properties in an industry which turned Barbados into a brightly shining jewel in the same British Crown?
@Miller
We have Haiti as the classic example of how the preferred attitude of a colonial power towards a former colony.
“For ‘Poor Britain’ is in no financial position to award any monetary reparations for its role in chattel slavery in the Caribbean.
Moreover, the future political decision-makers- who will be mainly of East Indian heritage- will not be saddled with the burden of guilt as the descendants of the indigenous population who themselves are being marginalized in the sphere of power and economic influence.”
(You probably know already) you are being defeatist and negative (to make a dramatical point) about reparations (or lack of).
Slavery was the foundation of the Empire and (vast) wealth accrued to make Great Britain great in it’s spread and influence all around the world for half a millennium to reiterate it was key first step that was accumulative and stepwise to have free labour population for 20 generations for it’s foreign colonial plantations that fuelled industrialisation and capitalism globally for trade.
It was biggest crime in history of humanity and repugnant and immoral. Sins of the father are passed down subsequent generation of descendants to carry the bad karma of a lifetime into the next life. Reparations is remedy to redeem their souls and is worth it’s weight in Diamonds Silver and Gold.
Some “East” Indians / Indian Indians (meaning Caucasian Asians) are advocates of slavery and allies and do not suck up to white people who are overrated and history.
A freudian slip not, some clarification disambiguation of a typo error above is required so the message is not inadvertently misinterpreted to read opposite intent of intended meaning communicated
“.. are advocates of slavery reparations and allies..”
i.e. are anti not pro slavery white supremacy racism legacy
capiche
Our Supreme Leader is indeed a political genius.
Unlike the past government, she easily manages to distract the so-called experts on BU and the indigenous masses from the desolate economic situation and the bleak future prospects. While many citizens will soon starve and their houses will be foreclosed, our participants on BU theorise about colonialism, fantasy reparations. and some fruits next to our Supreme Leader. How delightful!
@ 555 dubstreet August 18, 2021 11:18 AM
Poor Britain is broke and you know that very well.
GB has simply lost its empire.
Where would the money come from to pay reparations for its role slavery in the West Indies?
From the ‘personal wealth’ of the descendants of the British-based slave owners like Drax, Benedict Cumberbatch and former PM Cameron?
Would it come from the savings after the liquidation of the NHS or the British armed forces or from its corporate interests still in Africa or India?
Britain currently produces little to sell to the world other than its ‘culture’ of a bygone era.
If Britain were to pay reparations, then, in the court for moral justice, a similar demand will have to be made against Spain, France and a few other Western European states like Holland whose Jewish population played a significant role in the same black slavery business.
Kingdom Rise and Kingdom Fall
Babylon Back is against the wall
Babylon trying to find solution
Miller bear in mind GB’s GBP £ is a sovereign currency and state can create new money when hard up it simply prints more
Banking crises QE produced £500 billion to help out situation
Covid required £340 billion emergency support borrowing to stay afloat without sinking
I forgot to add re: reparations that people tend to think of Brits Americans Australians Canadians who used slavery and indigenous labour as well as killed off locals etc
but Americans Australians Canadians were in fact Brits mainly English and Scottish in foreign lands committing wicked deeds
@ Miller August 18, 2021 11:45 AM
Even if we were to get reparations, our local financial illiterates would embezzle the money in no time. Just look at the Nelson Mandela monument below the UWI. Only dogs, cats and drug dealers stroll there. Surely “Professor Sir” Reckless has an excuse for that too. How about “mental trauma”, “postcolonial aberration” or something like that?
What a magnificent decline. In 1966 Barrow wanted to conquer the world, now we’re paltry beggars for a few handouts.
If this whining about reparations continues, one day the Northern and Central Europeans will sue the Italians and Greeks for reparations. If I remember correctly, these two countries captured a lot of Germanic slaves. 2000 years ago. If we go back 10000-40000 years, all whites could even demand reparations from the Africans. They fled from Africa to the North, presumably because hostile tribes wanted to enslave them in Africa at that time.
The colonial era ended,
############
Grenville, you are proof that this statement is false.
So… it’s NOT all well done with the Brits. You mean after getting all that free labour the bitches are broke????? So Barbados would NOT have been any better off as a colony?
Who really expects monetary reparations?
Not me.
We had better set about reorganising ourselves and eating cheaper and local sardines, according to our Chief Magistrate.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
To say Britain is doing poor and broke while nice for a blog is grossly misleading in reality.
If you go to the guardian.com you will read the facts which shows the British economy is on its fastest growth rate in 80 years! It also is on schedule to reach pre covid levels of economic activity by the end of the 3rd quarter and failing that by the end of the year for sure.
Now for us that is great news as the UK is our largest tourism market, so if they are on a massive growth path that is positive news for the rock. The USA is also claiming that it will reach pre covid levels of economic activity by year end, although personally I believe this 4th wave of covid up there will challenge that.
So not all bleak news out there as Germany and much of Europe is also making similar projections.
@ John A August 18, 2021 3:23 PM
“To say Britain is doing poor and broke while nice for a blog is grossly misleading in reality.”
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O.K, it might be a bit OTT; but definitely not “grossly misleading”.
The Britain today is certainly in No economic position to pay reparations in cash or even by way of significant infrastructural aid to the English speaking Caribbean states especially those about to cut the final apron string to prove how ‘independently’ grown up they have become.
Do you really feel after the Windrush debacle the current crop of policymakers and civil servants in Britain of today would even debate the reparations issue?
Do you really feel the modern taxpayers of the UK would be prepared to carry such a large financial debt to ease the moral guilt of a long-dead generation?
Britain has lost it manufacturing dominance many years ago.
Moreover, the vast majority of what is left of British businesses and commercial assets are owned by foreign interests ranging from the Gulf Oil states to China to India to even the EU.
Do you think their foreign shareholders would be happy to carry a burden of paying taxes to settle a debt of reparations for acts committed over 200 years ago?
Maybe countries like Barbados should be encouraging their tax haven beneficiaries to pay their fair share of tax revenues to their ‘mother’ government
so that a larger overseas aid budget can be passed in the British parliament.
How about imposing a reasonable Reparations Tax of $50 (or its £ sterling equiv.) like the Air Travel tax (APD), on every ‘visitor’ to Barbados carrying a UK passport?
@ Miller
I agree with you that Barbados or no other colony for that matter, should hold its breath for any form of handout post covid from the UK. The fact that their economy is growing quickly does not mean they will be looking to part with any of their wealth. Plus you are correct that alot of their big brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce are now foreign owned. They are doing well economically but we have to also realise the country is being run business wise by a younger group of people who think differently to the old guard. The days of handout and charity to a large extent are therefore over. We wanted independence and we got it, so we must now battle our own boat as best we can. What we need to do now is capitalize on their economy and encourage as many of them as possible to come here for holidays and investment. I don’t think alot of people know how much British investment we have here from homes to businesses. Unlike the Americans the wealthy British especially those with old money, are very low key and conservative so few know what they own here.
Again I will compare this issue with the Nelson Statue issue. Some people were ambivalent saying that Admiral Nelson did nothing to them, he has no impact on their daily life. So with these people it would be “OK” to have a pro slaver statue in a Heroes Square of a country that the majority of the population has slave ancestors. Just think of the symbolism that portrays as a nation and why having a referendum on it (as the ISO Taliban was suggesting last year) is patently ABSURD and ASININE. SO just using simple deduction, by extension these same people are ambivalent to the concept of a Heroes Square and even ambivalent to the concept of the NATION called Barbados and its history.
A referendum, just like democracy is a concept held highly as it involves giving a choice to the masses. In my opinion those choices must be equally valid or have equal merit/ benefit. The issue posited is whether the Queen (or King) not of Bajan heritage, not even elected in the United Kingdom, ordained to rule by DIVINE RIGHT, should continue as the preferred head of state of Barbados in 2021.
The assumption is that IF it would be put to a referendum that it would be a choice of.
1) Yes the preference should be for a local head of state that will be ceremonial
2) No the preference should be for the UK monarch.
My question is why should this issue even be put to a referendum in Barbados 55 years after independence in 2021. In my opinion people are stumbling over the PENDANTRY of the referendum exercise (for this issue) and not comprehending the RANK absurdity of putting that said choice up for referendum. Just like the Nelson Statute issue, it just reflects how emasculated this society is and that this NATION we call Barbados is becoming a facade. Adding ON TOP OF this absurdity the UK is not even antagonistic to the idea. They were not even antagonistic towards us getting independence, they were not antagonistic when Caricom wanted to establish the CCJ. The issue of independence nor the CCJ was NOT put to referendum…so WHY SHOULD THE ISSUE OF BEING A REPUBLIC BE PUT TO REFERENDUM!!!!
Thinking about it in jest, it is almost as patently ABSURD as the UK putting the issue of abolishing slavery to the slaves and the slaves asking for a referendum wanting the pros and cons for each choice. Why are people seriously trying to hold on to the vestiges of a colonial system when the colonial power is overtly shaking itself off it!!!!
Now we have this “genius”: the ISO Taliban giving us these quasi “advantages and disadvantages”. This is only his latest attempt to be the comic relief on this blog
I am thinking some are convoluting the concept of public involvement and and insisting that a referendum is the best way to do this. In my opinion IT IS NOT!!!!!
@DL&PTV
I see no correlation.
There is no question Barbados should become a Republic.
The question requiring input is what that Republic will be and how will it function.
To date, the challenge has been it has been treated like Nelson. Lewwe get de rid of sumting.
In Nelson’s case it did not require replacement. But in dumping the Queen as head of state, not only is a replacement required, but also, how it will function long after the figure head Queen is gone.
This seems to have been ignored. And why several bloggers seek a referendum, possibly hopeful the constitutional intracacies and changes be made public, prior to the ceremonial change.
@Donna
What are ” local sardines”? Jacks and Sprats?
@ NorthernObserver
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-pcs-under-fire-after-sending-out-fake-invoices-in-attempt-to-secure-donations-1.5551888
@ Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV August 18, 2021 7:51 PM
Thank you for agreeing with my assessment of the constitutional situation. In my opinion, our government does not need a referendum even for the transformation to a presidential republic on the American model.
The opposition just keeps calling for a referendum because they are not in parliament. Our opposition is so pathetic, being controlled from a prison in Texas.
But I don’t like the empty platform on Heroes’ Square. It’s time to cast our Supreme Leader Mia Mottley in bronze instead of Grand Admiral Nelson and put her up on horseback!
@Hants
That is very low, even for Druggie. Will await the party response.
Northern Observer,
You would have to ask Chief Magistrate Weekes.
@NO & Hants
I thought the Provincial PC’s were drowning in cash
@NO
“Druggie”?
You almost made me say “fuddle,duddle”
@ NorthernObserver August 18, 2021 8:30 PM
Your assertion that we just want to get “rid of something” just exemplifies how emasculated we are as a society and that you can’t even see the correlation of getting rid of a statute of a “foreign” hero and getting rid of a “foreign” head of state. BOTH HAVE NO MEANING TO A MODERN DAY BARBADOS IN 2021, AND DO NOT REFLECT WHO WE SUPPOSED TO BE AS A NATION!!!
The point I’m making is the proposed changes NEED to be publicized. I am stating that a referendum is totally unnecessary as a device to seek affirmation as there is no real choice given to the masses. The ASSUMPTION is that the new head of state will be a NON-EXECUTIVE head of state. In Mid-August 2021 we SHOULD have gone beyond assumptions if we are proposing to be a Republic by November 30th 2021. I also stated before we do not need a whole year to publicize these changes especially since this issue was talked about before in our 55 years as a independent nation. How much time is need to indicate to the masses that the Governor General will become the non executive President?!?!?!!.
“It is up to us, the people of Barbados to restrain our leaders, a fact to which we are only now waking up.”
Yall better start RESTRAINING those deceitful, DANGEROUS sellouts ASAP….lay down the LAW in the new Black World Order that under NO CIRCUMSTANCES are a pack of colonial agents to SPEAK for the DESCENDANTS of the African enslaved….THE SURVIVORS….. on the continent..OUR ANCESTRAL LAND…NOT AT ANY TIME…
and it will be seen very shortly WHY..
Source: Nation
don’t mind all the long talk about republic…it’s a sham..
we are the one and only ORIGINAL INDIGENOUS….nothing can change that..
https://www.blaqsbi.com/3otm-Post-You-cant-but-give-it-to-the-African-women-too-I
@DL&PTV
I “lost” your point ‘proposed changes NEED to be publicised’ in your earlier contribution.
GPII aside, it has seemed to me, what people want is for the changes, which may go beyond a simple ‘insert President for G-G’ to be made public.
@Sarge
If the parties are run similarity to how members run the people’s business when elected, the idea of drowning in debt seems more likely than drowning in cash.
@ Tron August 18, 2021 9:30 PM
(Quote):
But I don’t like the empty platform on Heroes’ Square. It’s time to cast our Supreme Leader Mia Mottley in bronze instead of Grand Admiral Nelson and put her up on horseback! (Unquote).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And in whose image would your supreme leader be cast?
Boudicca? Or would it be that of Lady Godiva to make Sinckler’s naked dream come true?
Shouldn’t that same empty plinth be reserved for a real Bajan heroine called Rihanna instead of a dead mayor of nepotism?
If Sarah Anne Gill can be considered a national hero why not RiRI too?
The records had indicated then that the former minister was not present for Senate sessions on July 29, August 5, September 15, and September 30 last year. “Senator Moe has been away, so the necessary apologies were indicated,” Farley told this newspaper last year when the Senator’s absence was officially queried.
+++++++++++++++
So what if the former Minister is on vacation? Everyone needs a vacation even the PM, it is merely a coincidence that her vacation commenced after she was turfed out of her Ministry. However, that was the fate of a few others, but they made their peace with the PM (except George but his bread butter with ham) even the loudmouth who keeps busy playing the “poor black man card’ made sure that the label doesn’t apply to him as the PM gave him a “mek work” position which ensured that his remuneration was only modestly impacted. BTW has anyone heard from him lately?
If the former Minister isn’t back by Republic Day, then the President can issue an edict
They were searching about for a woman and settled on Sarah Ann Gill.
How many of us see her as a hero? Maybe zero?
Rihanna would definitely be better to look at than Nelson. If Gary (whom I love) can be a sporting hero, then Rihanna can be a hero for more than one reason.
Used her artistic talent. Used the proceeds and her brand to build a beautiful inclusive business. Was grounded enough to never give up her Bajan family, friends, neighbours people and country – in other words, wey she come from.
Inspired a generation of young black people who now believe they can make an honest billion.
I say, now we tek down Nelson, leh we put up a Bajan woman!
Ef de tourisses want someting tuh look at, leh we gi’ dem someting good!
Chief Magistate Ian Weekes is calling for Barbadians to buy local, saying it is pride that is stopping them from doing so and eating cheaper foodstuff, like sardines.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
And cheaper foodstuff like sardines.
Not local sardines
Comprehension?? 🤔
I know the man personally. He knows we have no local sardines. The error was obviously grammatical. I was having some fun. Good grammar, however, is imperative if one wants to be understood.
I have established that you and I speak different languages.
Mine is English.
P.S. I take it that your answer to David’s question is – yes, your sole purpose will now be to baffle the blog with bullshit.
All further bullshit will be ignored.
Imagine that after several days of nothing, the only thing that flushes him out is ANY COMMENT I MAKE!
🙄
How’s oil rich Guyana coping?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/18/guyana-to-seek-better-royalties-terms-for-future-oil-contracts-exxonmobil
@ Miller August 19, 2021 7:39 AM
I am thinking of a black Pallas Athena, since our Supreme Leader used to be the Minister of Education.
you are so full of it!
all here on BU understand me pretty well for approx 5 years. Some with real/ multiple degree like the lawyer , GP2 (iso taliban), Chris hassel to mr fake degrees and my yellow yardie friend MARI and the wicked withch WW. I dont worry about my bad grammar etc – You can keep using that for the fault in your brain. It may make you feel superior but it will not dampen me one bit. I have made my apologies here on BU many times and is confident that the other understand me well enuff.
BS
I agree with david that the comment he refer to was BS. i would call it BS X 2 – it said complete the opposite of what i meant to say, dealing with you and trip home from work.
i disagree with his thinking that i would try to baffle/mislead the blog or anyone. truth is no others were commenting and i had totally forgotten that they could have been following ( until david BS comment). if you reply / will reply or not is a nothing burger – i just dont care – so there is now use continue saying it ( well if it makes you feel good – it does nothing to me).
Flushing me out ?
You had misquoted the judge the day before and i let it go. its only after your response to NO that i decided to post what the judge had said. if you mistakenly or deliberately misquoted is up to you. your “bajan condition” response revealed a lot as to which one it is.
(some) English words (to a bajan) can have a different meaning when used in USA.
When i need to be perfect (writing reports etc) i can be and if there is any doubt or i need proof reading there are enuff software available.
The grammar maybe wrong but i am no fool.
Try again
oops. family is here. i still read but comments takes up to much time – therefore my better half put me on limit 🙂 family time is more important especially in current . I will be back!
Bajan Rock star!
https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/08/20/rock-hard-goes-soft-on-trinidadian-market-shuts-shop/
These small time criminals got nerve ….
The people on the island need to TKE BACK their country from them and the traitors in the parliament….he thought TT was going to be a soft touch..
“In a statement, he said: “Unfortunately, the combination of a limit on imports of 75 000 tonnes, combined with an import duty of 50 per cent, means that Rock Hard Distributors Ltd. simply cannot operate in Trinidad. It is with extreme sadness and disappointment, therefore, that we have closed our business in Trinidad and will now pursue opportunities in other Caribbean countries until such time as we are afforded equal treatment in our home country.”
@ WURA-War-on-U August 20, 2021 1:00 PM
What else can be done with so much leftover cement other than to pave the roads on the East coast of Barbados?
The Bajan building tycoon should look on the bright side and see the T&T closure as a blessing in disguise to revisit his Hyatt skyscraper and even to start another concrete erection on the South Coast.
If we should borrow a line from the BU book of woes authored by the black Englishman with his roots firmly planted in the Back Ivy, that Hyatt imaginary erection to be made of firm concrete, like the Four Seasons flop, will end in a wet dream of tears.
It’s high time the business tycoon gets an ‘iron hold’ of himself and show his love of risk-taking with an eye for quick profits by showing off his erection in the ‘Red’ lighthouse on the Bay.
On the hand, the enterprising fella now has the perfect alibi to make the announcement of the sad closure to a pipedream of rising, like Butch Stewart, to become a hotel-owning magnate to that of collapsing to a lowly speculator in condemned buildings.
Maybe his BU ‘friends’ like Enuff and the Johnny No.2 will extend their heartfelt commiserations and join him in his detumescence.
“The Bajan building tycoon should look on the bright side and see the T&T closure as a blessing in disguise to revisit his Hyatt skyscraper and even to start another concrete erection on the South Coast.
It’s high time the business tycoon gets an ‘iron hold’ of himself and show his love of risk-taking with an eye for quick profits by showing off his erection in the ‘Red’ lighthouse on the Bay.”
according to someone in the know, the real owners have the deed for that property, it’s only so many forged title deeds ya can carry to banks these days before they catch on and start asking much questions, since all of them are under some type of watch….the higher ya go the HARD-ER ya fall.
If you think Trinidad done with him you got another thought coming. If he buddy Sinkyuh didn’t set him up here where he had an advantage he may of shut here already too. But time longer than twine.
Looks like our first president will be the current GG!!
@ John August 21, 2021 10:24 PM
“Looks like our first president will be the current GG!!”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nothing new about this ‘change’!
The same way Sir John Stowe transitioned from being the last Governor to the first Governor-General of Barbados.
The only matter of any ‘new’ concern is if the first President of the Republic of Barbados would continue to be addressed as ‘Dame’, holder of the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) who is a member of a ‘British’ Order and whose Sovereign and Grand Master are the present Queen Liz and Her cousin Prince Edward the Duke of Kent; or simply as Her Excellency S M, President of Barbados.
@Miller
I am waiting on J2 to tell you “to sit” on Maloney’s erection. I thought that was quite clever of him …
Even Bdostoday seem to find some fun in the headline ‘rock-hard-goes-soft’.
Source: Nation
Saturday January 1st 2022 is not a good date for change to a republic.
After feting on old years night too many will have hangovers Jan 1st.
Source: Nation