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Submitted by Paula Sealy

There was an old Ellerslie boy,
Whose time on the radio I used to enjoy.
At 65 from Starcom he promptly retired, Just six months later by the PM to get hired.

Fearing the spread of COVID,
Along came a plum job for David.
So now all of his Brasstack candour,
Has been bought by the highest bidder.

We know everyone is not Sir Johnny,
All cannot be fortunate like Farley.
And being on the back bench you see,
Isn’t for every stinging Bee.

Remember the rage,
That had Payne on the front page?
Hinkson didn’t make a sound,
So he hasn’t lost as much ground.

Now if my bed was made in St Thomas,
And Sharon was stop every Christmas.
I’d make time to enjoy my last full parliamentary session,
Before the bell tolls for the next general election.

Cause when the tide goes out,
No matter how hard you holler and shout.
Or if you have not a single doubt,
Some will lose their seats after the count.

It is now common to see,
MPs frequently on CBV TV. But with good reason,
Cause it is the silly season.

Some ain’t able speaking Medic-ally,
To get up and canvass daily. Soon the ones on the Edge,
Or the top of the Hill may lose their privilege.

Santia says she is a lioness.
But Vineyard’s bes’,
Is coming to tes’.
I hope he prays at St. Philip The Less.
His pal from the union in Harmony Hall, Is not one to take a fall. You see Toni is sure to contes’, Whether you call her Moore or Less.

What is a good MP?
That is hard to see.
Since they are not plenty,
Expect more whistles and calls for a penalty.

Last of all I will miss Caswell,
That man always gave them good hell.
By now he must already know,
That soon he’ll be home often to play with Snow.


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305 responses to “David’s Reason is Silly Season”


  1. The blogmaster will not question the reasons given by veteran journalist David Ellis for accepting the job as Covid 19 Public Advisor. What can be said – and cannot be refuted – is that with a dearth of good journalists in Barbados AND the region, it is a great loss for the fourth estate.


  2. None of that is going to stop them from having windows and doors slammed in their faces when they go a vote begging…the people are on to them, no matter how much their invoke Pope White Dress, and pay off the weak-willed with taxpayer’s money… the day of the manufactured traitor negro is coming to an end.


  3. Who advise Ellis to take the job
    It is beyond comprehension that Ellis whose talk of jab over the years were on those issues surrounding things political has accepted a job having to do with medicine science mental health and psychology all which are deeply entrenched within COVID 19 issues
    His job cannot be one to be taken lightly as all have seen the social and physchological damage Covid has done across the globe


  4. Ellis’ voice silenced, says Atherley
    By Emmanuel Joseph
    The island’s Opposition Leader is suggesting that Government’s appointment of veteran retired journalist and broadcaster David Ellis as its COVID Public Advisor may be to silence or dilute a strong public voice.
    Bishop Joseph Atherley was responding to Ellis’s appointment which was announced on Monday by Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
    “One understands the urgent importance attached to communications relative to the proper management of our national COVID response.
    However, Government cannot escape the charge that its intention by way of this appointment may very well be to silence or dilute the force of voice of a strong public commentator and media practitioner,” Bishop Atherley contended.
    The Opposition Leader said the proof of the pudding will be in the eating and hence one would have to see how Ellis performs himself in his new role.
    “I don’t believe in the politics of personal attack and will not engage in that with reference to Mr. Ellis. There is too much of that in Barbados politics. I will judge Mr. Ellis based on his output going forward,” stated the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) leader.
    He took the Prime Minister to task for telling the country that the prominent media practitioner would not be answerable to the government but to the people of Barbados.
    “It is a non-sense for the Honourable Prime Minister to say that Mr. Ellis will not be working for the government but that he would be working for the public of Barbados. That represents an under-appreciation of the intelligence of the Barbadian public,” Bishop Atherley declared.
    He questioned: “Who will pay Mr. Ellis? To whom will he report? How will his output be measured and assessed? Who has the power of termination of his contract if necessary? What will be his role in relation to the Government Information Service and the Public Affairs Unit?
    Will he need and will he be provided with a staff of his own?”
    Atherley said that Ellis’ assumption of his new role represents a significant loss to the arena of public debate in Barbados, particularly and massively so in the area of political debate.
    “This at a time when Barbadians will be debating constitutional and parliamentary reform, the whole issue of the country becoming a republic and other major issues over the next few months which will constitute a lead up to the next


  5. If you can’t beat ’em, hire ’em
    Whether one wants to call it good political strategy, insecurity, thin-skinned, being afraid of criticism or more to the point, having little regard for tax-payers money, there is a prevailing practice with our Government that Barbadian citizens need to condemn in the most vociferous terms.
    First let me congratulate the only untouched trade union leader in the country Senator Caswell Franklyn for not only having the courage to publicly reveal that he was approached by the Mia Mottley Government to get on board its band wagon, but to have the fortitude to see through the offer and refuse it.
    I, like him, suspect that the offer had nothing to do with what he could bring to the table but mostly was designed to still his tongue.
    Indeed, this is the lame strategy being used – pick off opposing views one by one under the given notion that they are being called to higher national duty. It says very little for the persons already entrenched in the beehive. They seem to have little to offer.
    It is obvious that this Government has remained in election mode since 2018. Its public relations, communications arm or more correctly, propaganda machinery is perhaps the third most expensive entity now behind Health and Education.
    Never in the history of Barbados have taxpayers being paying so much money for media relations, communications, public relations, media consultants like the present time. All non-productive machinery bringing nothing to the coffers other than pushing the ruling Government’s agenda. And unemployed, underemployed Barbadians with unemployed children appear numb to what is going on around them.
    A young lady from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, used to give some critical analysis of Government’s performance – she has been placed on a state committee. I look forward to her future public utterances.
    A member of the clergy has been in the habit of giving unbiased and critical analysis of Government’s performance from the Senate – he too has been offered a place on a state-created committee. I look forward to his future public utterances. A young man who used to give some excellent public commentary on subjects such as oil prices in Barbados has been rather quiet, other than on his facebook page. This, since a reported meeting with the boss. Make it make sense!
    Now, it has been announced that a retired radio talk show host who had not completely “retired” and who has often been fearless in his criticisms of any political party, Dees or Bees, has been quietened by a political pick.
    So much for young graduates of the UWI or persons under 67 seeking employment. This seems to be Government’s template – if you can’t beat them, acquire them. I intend to leave all my personal information with you Madam Editor, because I suspect I could soon get a political call too with a monetary offer I just can’t refuse.
    Patrick Gittens


  6. The list of Covid-19 communicators is getting longer.

    The Barbados Government Information Service
    The Health Communications Team: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/public-promised-better-communication-on-covid-19-issues/
    David Ellis: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/david-ellis-appointed-as-covid-19-public-advisor/
    ……………
    ……………
    ……………


  7. Firstly congratulations to my no 1 moderator Mr David Ellis and i hope he is sucessful in his new post.However, i am going to miss him of the Brasstscks programme.Barring Mr Wickham who aldo keeps the programme lively, none of the others does not inspire me to listen.Mr Ellis mentioned Ms Depeiza during his farewell speech yesterday and i was wondering why?Then i remembered all the dems or their associates he would have brought to brasstacks and Tell it like it is programmes over the years, persons like Mr Jemmott, Mr Marshall,Dr Marshall, Ms McClean, Ms Holder and a few others.Therefore it was no surprise , he would have mentioned Ms Depeiza..In retrospect, perhaps a younger person could have been hired but like i stated before, i wish Mr Ellis all the best and you will be missed on brasstacks by the callers and listeners alike.I gone.


  8. @ David BU

    But, isn’t Ellis a RETIRED journalist?

    Are you suggesting “it is a great loss for the fourth estate” because David Ellis accepted the appointment, but the same ‘did not hold true’ when he RETIRED?

    On one hand, we’re praising his journalistic prowess when he was a practicing journalist, but now he has accepted a government appointment months after RETIRING, he suddenly becomes a ‘sell out’ and is being silenced?

    I could understand accusations of being ‘silenced’ if Ellis was still a practicing journalist.

    Ellis said he contacted the official Opposition Leader, Bishop Joseph Atherley and DLP’s president, Verla DePeiza, to discuss him being offered the position of ‘COVID Public Advisor,’ before accepting the appointment.

    If true, then I’m surprised by Atherley’s comments.


  9. He was forced to retire because of company policy but he continued and accepted the role as journalist and broadcaster while hosting popular talk show Getting Down to Brasstacks along with other gigs.


  10. Leaders lead by example
    Can’t imagine what University graduates are thinking as they go job hunting with a degree in hand specialized in the profession for which they are qualified only to be turned down again.and again
    Mia mottley has now exposed herself as being a political animal who does not care about moral and ethics but holds a position that political opportunity has the final word
    Shameful and sad
    Xccc

    BTW David I noticed that the sidebar posting for this article has been removed
    I wonder why


  11. The FACT remains, David Ellis is RETIRED.

    The generally accepted policy for retirement is at 67 years old……….. or 65 for some companies. ‘Saying’ “he was forced to retire because of company policy,” is irrelevant.

    The Barbadian society never ceases to amaze me. Accepting a temporary government appointment means, “it is a great loss for the fourth estate” and that he’s ‘being silenced.’

    We’re essentially making bold assumptions about his motives, without first hearing his ‘side of the story,’ while questioning his integrity and further suggesting he can no longer be fair, balanced and objective.

    I prefer to wait to see how he functions in his new role, before ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ to condemn him.


  12. It should interest you David Ellis never rejected reference to him being a journalist or member of the forth estate post company retirement. You make have the last word Artax.


  13. Leaders lead by example
    Can’t imagine what University graduates are thinking as they go job hunting with a degree in hand specialized in the profession for which they are qualified only to be turned down again.and again
    Mia mottley has now exposed herself as being a political animal who does not care about moral and ethics but holds a position that political opportunity has the final word
    Shameful and sad

    More ‘baffled bullshit.’

    What does “University graduates” have to do with Ellis’ appointment?

    You read other people’s opinions and regurgitate them, rather than thinking for yourself and forming your own opinions.

    Thine ignorance hath no boundaries.


  14. I think Ellis may have been chosen because he has a long established relationship with the average man and woman as moderator of discussions in the public forum. I think most people respect the way he handled his job in a calm manner and allowed people to articulate their views within reasonable limits.

    Mia probably thinks he knows how to communicate with the people and that they trust him not to feed them false information.

    I looked at her during this press conference. She looked at her wit’s end. She looked desperate.

    I guess that’s what persuaded Ellis.

    I do hope some people can resist the urge to defame a man who is probably well-intended.

    But… Bajans have jumped into the American looney bin with both feet as Bajans are wont to do. We would follow America into hell.

    We may have that opportunity sooner rather than later. Thing is we don’t have the long, strong ladder that they have to climb back out.

    Having thought about it, I don’t mind as much as I did. It is well past time for a reckoning!

    Let the “games” begin! For some it will be a fight to the death!


  15. And, a retired police officer, Judge or even politician, would likewise not reject being referenced to by their former profession. So, what’s your point?

    Seems as though you believe your opinions must be accepted, without question, discussion or presenting an opposing view.

    Else, as a ‘cop out,’ we’re angrily told “to have the last word.”


  16. Artax @ac

    What does “University graduates” have to do with Ellis’ appointment?

    You read other people’s opinions and regurgitate them, rather than thinking for yourself and forming your own opinions.

    Thine ignorance hath no
    Xxcccccc
    STEUPSE


  17. I grow tired of this constant inane chatter.

    I think sometimes that Mother Nature should have aborted.


  18. Donna September 14, 2021 7:53 AM #: “I think Ellis may have been chosen because he has a long established relationship with the average man and woman as moderator of discussions in the public forum. I think most people respect the way he handled his job in a calm manner and allowed people to articulate their views within reasonable limits.”

    “Mia probably thinks he knows how to communicate with the people and that they trust him not to feed them false information.”

    @ Donna

    Thank you for bringing a welcomed LEVEL of OBJECTIVITY to the discussion……. as you usually do.

    By doing so, you’ll draw the wrath from those individuals who prefer to analyse and discuss issues through the ‘one dimensional, narrow minded’ arguments they bring to EVERY debate.

    What we’re supposed to do is, JUMP on the ‘bandwagon’ to CONDEMN Ellis and imply he has been ‘bribed into silence,’ without giving any consideration to the attributes you outlined…….. his personal motives or the objectives he’s attempting to achieve.


  19. It is why the blogmaster posted the first comment to say his intention is probably honorably but his old role will be the poorer for it. Reading the comments on the YouTube channel yesterday while the press conference was running suggests we need Jesus in the role. The ignorance exposed was an embarrassment.


  20. New CZAR!!


  21. It is alleged the salary is $15,000


  22. He questioned: “Who will pay Mr. Ellis? (Rev. Atherley)
    +++++++++++++++

    Apparently the Bishop doesn’t have any mirrors in his home, but to bring him up to snuff, he and all the other tax paying residents of Bim will be paying his salary


  23. I got a recording sent to me.

    At least two people are blue vex! and the audio been circulated many times!!!

    Ms. Mockley better listen to the audio.

    Even gives his name.

    Spitting fire.


  24. Since Mia knows that appointment would cause controversey starting in her yardfowl camp with her #1 idiot Patrick spitting venom….,…i would be more concerned with the current underhanded undertaking while using this as a distraction……and she thinks no one is seeing.


  25. “six men, including one Brit, travelled from Barbados across the Atlantic ocean in a luxyury yacht named Kahu…one-and-a half-ton cocaine haul worth 160 million pounds seized off Plymouth coast.”

    the second economy is alive and well and THRIVING….heard about the haul but did not realize this left from Barbados until this morning.

    ..too big for the Black/African population deemed boys on the block, chased down by police and imprisoned………so guess who is involved..


  26. btw…luxury yacht Kahu apparently carries a Jamaican flag…


  27. It’s a long way from January to September (bastardizing September song) but whither Liz Thompson? Remember that breathless announcement naming Liz Thompson to the same position on that far off January day? Isn’t that some admission that Mia has failed in trying to fit a square into a round hole?

    What about the Department of Public Affairs? Soon the public relations people will outnumber the Cabinet Officers, but many hands make light work.

    Who said you can fool some of the people all the time?


  28. square peg into a round hole……


  29. This drug must have been on board or brought aboard whilst the yacht was in Barbados.

    It is also obvious that the ‘police’ knew of this shipment for some time. Will not speculate on why information was shared or not shared with the RBPF or why the arrests were not done here.


  30. Theo…i saw it in the UK dailies days ago, too tired to read the whole thing then, too tired to go look for it now…lol..


  31. what i got is complete with photos, it’s a lot of drugs, you should see the big tattooed Brit, who am sure can still return to the Caribbean and haul/sling drugs all around, undisturbed by law enforcement, customs/immigration, etc….


  32. Artax,

    People are behaving as though Mia has a desire to kill Barbadians. Even if you think she is mistaken about the vaccine and other measures, I do not understand the justification for the venom.

    The woman is trying her best within the limits of her understanding on the advice of medical experts. Are they too trying to kill us?

    Tiefing is one thing but murder is another. There are many who would steal but never murder. There are those who would rape but never murder.

    So.. corruption is one thing, the benefits are obvious but what does Mia gain from trying to kill us all?

    Maybe she has plans to bring in more than 80,000 minority thieves and make them the majority!

    But den, who duh gun tief from?

    Den again, when yuh say a yuh haffa say b. Politicians tell too many lies.

    Now the people don’t believe a word they say. The average person is now beyond the application of reason and common sense.


  33. Just like Transparency and accountability the two favorite horses which Mia used to challenge past govt are thrown out window
    So toon is morals and ethics also
    As for Ellis all the explanation given by him to take the job does not excuse his lack of integrity for taking a job for which he is not qualified


  34. ‘I grow tired of this constant inane chatter.’

    Indeed!
    It is so tiring/repetitive/boring/ watered down that I would now prefer to engage in fisticuffs (exchanges) than to respond to some of the contributions.

    Even my dear friend Mariposa has lost her poetry.


  35. @ WURA
    The Duopoly is in full force.Just watch the political cannibals eat each other.
    Everybody feeding at the trough. The food is running out . Like pigs they will soon eat the pig pen itself.
    The Duopoly ……… divide and rule .


  36. “The Duopoly is in full force.Just watch the political cannibals eat each other.”

    if nothing else, Mia knows how to distract dunces…..but there comes a time when not even that works anymore….for the people who really count..

    even the yardfowls who considered themselves well hidden are outing themselves…

    ..it’s going to be nothing but amusing come 2023


  37. William can you explain how Mia Mottley can be blamed for David Ellis accepting a position offered?


  38. William…i like to talk with people who don’t put on airs, who others view as poor and simple and nobody. This person simply asked…”so the luxury yacht was here and no customs, police etc NOTICED that it had a ton of drugs scattered all over the yacht….”

    i mean it was not difficult to miss, ya would have to be blind and even then..

    the pretenders would find an excuse on why law enforcement and customs were blinded to all that drugs that no one could miss….am glad it continued its journey or we would hear it was cocaine, weed and then cocaine again and then weed again until it disappeared…lol..then some hapless Black person would get locked up for it in Barbados….scapegoat…..


  39. Wickedness on my part…
    Wondering is a schoolmate will jump out and vouch for the Brit.


  40. Social media of which BU is a part is useful and at the same time toxic. When the first Czar disappeared many cried out for his return/replacement. In the face of a pandemic challenging the world to efficiently manage what do we have, the opposite argument is now convenient.

    The blogmaster is of the view it would not have mattered who was appointed, there would have been a torrent of criticism.


  41. @ David
    Why would you ask me to “ explain” that ? It is of no interest to me.
    Peace.


  42. ” In addition to the 84 families, she said more than 200 people under the age of 18 had been infected with COVID-19 since September 1. She added that only on Sunday, 30 per cent of the new cases were also in that age group, and 25 per cent the day before.”

    ” 78 new cases of COVID-19,Sunday ”

    David Ellis will be able to talk to the boys on the block and people living in low income neighborhoods.


  43. “Wondering is a schoolmate will jump out and vouch for the Brit.”

    ya never know with these…..they might even try to break him out..


  44. @David
    Social media of which BU is a part is useful and at the same time toxic. When the first Czar disappeared, many cried out for his return/replacement.
    +++++++++++++
    Are you giving Ellis an expanded role? What Czar what? The Gov’t with a lot of fanfare appointed Liz Thompson to a similar position so what happened to her? There should be enough competent medical professionals to speak publicly about the pandemic, transmittal, and effect on public health. Ellis is just another talking head hired to massage the Gov’t message.


  45. @Sargeant

    Liz Thompson was reassigned.

    Ambassador Thompson to step into new role

    https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/ambassador-thompson-step-new-role


  46. @William

    Check your earlier comment to connect the dots.


  47. Theo..this what i was reading a couple nights ago but fell asleep mid-read before i could finish.

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9982845/amp/Brit-32-charged-drug-trafficking-caught-luxury-yacht-two-tons-cocaine.html


  48. Now we know why the Commissioner complains bitterly…it’s not that they cannot arrest these drug and gun cartels, it’s that they are NOT allowed to….as we said all along..

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