est. 2007

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Minister of Education McConney Survives Cabinet Reshuffle

The latest in the world of local politics has been the announcement by Prime Minister Mottley of a Cabinet reshuffle that includes the deployment of MP for the City Corey Layne to the Attorney General’s office. Minister of Education Kay McConney continues to enjoy the confidence of the Prime Minister at a time there is…

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Minister of Education Kay McConney

The latest in the world of local politics has been the announcement by Prime Minister Mottley of a Cabinet reshuffle that includes the deployment of MP for the City Corey Layne to the Attorney General’s office. Minister of Education Kay McConney continues to enjoy the confidence of the Prime Minister at a time there is public dissatisfaction directed at the Ministry of Education over the IDB Survey. 

Before the news of the reshuffle the blogmaster intended to share a thought about the political chaos unfolding in the UK. Particularly the fact members of the cabinet and prime ministers have been routinely resigning. The UK will have 5 prime ministers in a 6 year period with the recent resignation of the Prime Minister Liz Truss holding that office for 44 days. 

The way politics is practiced in Britain ministers of government will resign if thought to be failing by civil society or fired by the Prime Minister and if backing is withdrawn by the Parliamentary Group. Although Barbados is promoted as borrowing from the Westminster system of government practiced by Britain, ministers here rarely if ever resign from Cabinet. Case in point, Kay McConney. The IDB Survey fiasco exposed a flawed process governing how the survey was administered to 11 year olds. The Chief Education Officer and Minister of Education admitted mistakes were made. More importantly, parents and citizens weeks later continue to register concerns via social and traditional media – even protest on the streets albeit not in sufficient numbers. However public calls for disciplinary action to be taken continue to be ignored by Prime Minister Mottley.

Not too long ago when a Mottley lead Barbados Labour Party was elected, she promised Barbadians her government would have been transparent managing the affairs of state and members of her Cabinet held to account. It is obvious from the reshuffle Prime Minister Mottley intends to ignore the concerns of Barbadians regarding the embarrassingly flawed execution of the IDB Survey to our children. The blogmaster suspects there will be a political price her government will have to pay for the decision.

Of interest to political pundits was her replacement of low energy member of parliament for St. Michael North West Neil Rowe. In the last 48 hours news about alleged ungentlemanly conduct by the MP has been shared in the social media space. Is the sacking of Rowe confirmation there is currency to what the man has been accused? If what is being shared is correct- the blogmaster has not heard of a denial from the MP up to cobbling this blog- then a question has to be asked, answered and addressed – has Barbados become a ghetto country?

226 responses to “Minister of Education McConney Survives Cabinet Reshuffle”

  1. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    And long time since the damage the stupid English and Maths test is doing to the psyche of our children has been noticed.

    But some Bajans want to cling to it, instead of seeking a better way to transition.

    The English and Math test ignores all of the other intelligences of our children. It gives the impression of taking the cream off the top and leaving the remnants behind.

    When in fact some of “the remnants” have the capabilities and talents we really need to take this country forward.

    But we demoralise many of them by labelling them “the rest” as was done at my son’s primary school graduation.

    I had to scrap my chair LOUDLY as I walked out and later explain my protest.

    Since then, my son has put my Queen’s College ass to shame wrt creativity, technical skills and business acumen,

    We are throwing away plenty of cream with this limited labelling SCREAMING TEST!

    But doan min’ De Mad Woman! Carry on “smartly”!

    When more chickens come home to roost, we can kill them and eat them, I guess.

  2. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    Well…since some are trying to CHANGE A NARRATIVE……that is ALREADY SET IN STONE with conclusive evidence….these fools can be ignored….while they are at it, they can STAY THE HELL OUT of what intelligent people, with legal skills, with critical thinking skills, and trained in the best of analytical skills KNOW MUST BE DONE…

    if ya want to really do something, sit ya know nothing asses down and learn…

    in saying that, no one need yall…..there are people on this very site who know what time it is and HOW TO CONTRIBUTE..and they NEVER COMMENT…

  3. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    I don’t mind foolish people making themselves look foolish, i never pass on a free laugh, but in this instance and given the seriousness of the situation,…. if you DON’T HAVE ANY EVIDENCE or the NECESSARY information that would provide knowledge and a better understanding of what all this entails, it’s best to wait until someone somewhere provides it…instead of running off half cocked to control a narrative outside your skill set and understanding…

    but doan mine me am saying that from a position of knowledge.

  4. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

  5. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    David

    I was dying to march for this issue. Keep me in the know if a clean march is in the offing. I don’t do the social media rounds.

    The Government’s reponse is very disrespectful. Mia’s cabinet reshuffle, leaving Kay ( I am sorry to have to say) in place was a slap in the face to the victims.

    At the very least she should have suffered the fate of John King.

    I am left to believe that Mia has no regard for the rights of Barbados’ citizens.

    Who shall be next?

  6. David Avatar
    David

    Changing a mindset and a culture is always difficult.

  7. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ WURA,
    Drip……..drip……..drip…….
    More to come
    Peace

  8. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Your knowledge is worth about as much as Lawson’s CLICKING KNOWLEDGE!

    Seen Lawson lately? Why do you think that is?

    Hit and run time! Me nah look back!

  9. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @David, you are being harsh re our scallywag Bajan MPs by comparing their malfeasance to the system in the Commons. Quite harsh😎🤣!

    Forget the lack of oppo but even with that there is no internal group of elected MPs who can ‘keep’ a PM and her cabinet ‘honest’!

    If we had that, MAM’s wings would have been clipped at least since that Rhianna nonsense and definitely after Maloney. In Stuart’s case… good grief, he would have been forced out loooong before he called elections. How could the streets in Piccadilly (you get the point) be running full of sewerage with systems totally dysfunctional and yet the PM and his substantive minister remain in power!

    Not the same, bro … so our MPs will keep their jobs until the citizens vote them out … if they do!

    I was at church this morning so will explore more later!

  10. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    “@ WURA
    Drip……..drip……..drip…….
    More to come”

    tell muh bout it, every day, more and more, i can’t even keep up, trying to work all of it into my second book but the information overload is real, not complaining though, just have to push back my launch date until i can catch up…….it’s definitely going to spill over into a 3rd book..

    the one thing we can’t have are people WHO DON’T KNOW SHIT working overtime to insert their know nothing narrative to confuse and muddle the issues when we have reached a juncture that they can’t even understand because they don’t even know we have reached it…….looking for attention, cause i see no other reason for it if you can’t properly contribute anything to make the situation any better….

  11. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Bushie…If what you opined is true then it is all the more reason for the Minister to resign.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Boss
    People who are willing to resign from high(ly paid) office mostly do so on PRINCIPLE, or because they are PUSHED by others of high principle.
    Therefore, NO one resigns in Barbados –
    because brass bowls do not have ‘principle’. (don’t even understand the concept),

    Even Bostic and Johnny DID NOT RESIGN, but ‘stood down ’instead, and accepted compensatory bribes in the forms of ‘most honorable’ accolades and ‘do-nothing’ picks…..

    If you are a lifelong failure who then manages to ‘get a pick’ as a result of mendicant political yardfowlery… and you were to ‘up and resign’ on some matter of ‘principle’ ….
    Wuh…
    Shiite boss, there would be multiple resignations daily….

  12. David Avatar
    David

    @Dee Word

    The hope is that sensible people will be able to visualize the gap between the two systems even if ours is said to be a parody.

    The change we talk about can only be realized if actors in civil society pull their weight. What is the important cog in the system? It is all actors in civil society working in concert notwithstanding the fact no man made system is perfect.

  13. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ David
    In this case, I see no reason why the Prime Minister should resign. The problem here , is that by refusing to remove McConney, she is taking a very interesting risk and it may or may not turn out good for her.
    Barbadians, have always seen ministers of Education in a very different light because they tend to emerge: Tudor, Sandiford, Miller , Mottley etc.
    You note that both Jones and Bradshaw became deputy prime ministers.
    The strength of the BLP and Mottley’s personal strengths , have to some degree weakened the ability to make serious political gains out of this issue.
    We should not forget that when Mottley was marching up and down, parliament had a very slim majority government and the opposition had the luxury of several seats in parliament. That in itself would have generated rather successful marches.
    And the DLP not being able to even get a single seat in two recent elections certainly left them in a still weak political state.
    That being said, this issue has evolved into a major mistrust of the minister and her ministry and she may well find that going forward, the slightest of missteps will be automatically deemed incompetence.
    Mottley seems comfortable, for now, with that possibility.
    Drip………drip…..,,,drip…..,.
    More to come
    Peace.
    You note

  14. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    “People who are willing to resign from high(ly paid) office mostly do so on PRINCIPLE, or because they are PUSHED by others of high principle.
    Therefore, NO one resigns in Barbados –
    because brass bowls do not have ‘principle’. (don’t even understand the concept),”

    no RESPECT

    no PRINCIPLES

    no ETHICS

    no MORALS

    a recipe for the island remaining in its hundred-year-old stangnant doldrums state…indefinitely

  15. David Avatar
    David

    @William

    If you ignore political talking heads about Barbadians have no reason to be concerned about declining voter turnout, rising apathy etc -this recent IDB episode will grow the distrust. One must live in hope that the brazen decision taken by government to further erode public trust in their elected officials by abusing our children is the trigger to move to a new understanding. They were elected to represent us.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    @Bush Tea

    Food for thought.

  17. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    Ok @David, fully caught up. Like another blogger (whose name I will not call as I have called it too often on this matter and she may think I am stalking her 😒) I see nothing wrong with Laurie’s piece as far as your remark that it “cuts through the BS”. I interpreted your comment as simply his column excellently summarized ALL that has been said here and other places.

    He provided the type of specificity I would expect of someone writing on a matter about which already there are ‘millions’ of words and more importantly from someone of his deep government experience (and contacts)…. He said NOTHING new, true … but he properly defined quite a bit!

    I thought the @BushGriot’s remarks were also quite interesting. I have NEVER seen anything remotely similar in Bim to what the Brits have with their rigorous PM questioning session and what the Yankees have with their FOI requests. So when he said that “She probably over-ruled anyone in the ministry who objected initially, and there is probably proof of this…“, I smiled.

    The simple fact as the Bushman alluded to is that EVERY sensible Bajan (even @Enuff) knows that not one widget or survey could be moved or approved or INITIATED without the knowledge and clear understanding by our micro managing PM …

    Imagine if we could have an FOI request done and completed sometime early next year that VALIDATED that or someone to ask some probing questions of our PM!

    Alas, Truss and her good friend and hand-picked now former Chancellor gone through the eddoes but our large-and-in-charge PM and her even longer friend and specially hand-picked now still resident minister phucked up ‘worser’ (as far as trust is concerned) but like Vlad and Xi they are untouchable!

    As the griot says : “What a damned place….”

  18. David Avatar
    David

    @Dee Word

    Your interpretation of the blogmaster’s comment is correct. Some are too easily distracted.

  19. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    I listening to Brasstacks Sunday.

    They bowling top spin.

  20. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    PMMIA left hand finger. Kevin Greenidge Phd. left hand finger.

    https://www.nationnews.com/2022/10/23/blp-taking-fresh-guard/

  21. BAJE Avatar
    BAJE

    Barbadians, have always seen ministers of Education in a very different light because they tend to emerge: Tudor, Sandiford, Miller , Mottley etc.

    WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON ARE ALL FAILURES HOWEVER SEEMS PEOPLE ARE EASILY HOODWINKED AND DUPED THAT THEY CAN’T SEE THROUGH THE BULLSHIT.

    How could the streets in Piccadilly (you get the point) be running full of sewerage with systems totally dysfunctional and yet the PM and his substantive minister remain in power!

    SHOWS HOW NASTY AND STUPID MAJORITY BLACKS 95 PERCENT ON THE 2X3 ISLAND ARE TO HAVE LET SHIT BE ON THE ROADS ON AN ISLAND DEPENDENT ON TOURISM FOR 2 YEARS AND WANT PEOPLE TO RESPECT THEIR INTELLIGENCE.

    NOW THE CURRENT PM FOR AT LEAST 4 YEARS IS A GLOBE TRAVELLER TALKING SEWAGE ON A REGULAR BASIS WHILST BEGGING AND BORROWING.

  22. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    Once it has been recognized that they will still try every nasty trick in the book to force through their evil agendas for their employers who are NOT the taxpayers who voted then in and pay their salaries…because they CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS…all the people need to do is RESIST AND REJECT THEM AT EVERY TURN,,,don’t give an inch…..shut them DOWN…

    PARTICULARLY since it’s now DECLARED that slavery never ended, was NEVER ABOLISHED…..it’s up to us to TAKE IT AND THEM ALL DOWN for the survival of OUR future generations so they can live as free people…..

    just remember they have:

    no RESPECT

    no PRINCIPLES

    no ETHICS

    no MORALS

    and

    no INTEGRITY…much too late for them to learn any now…too old, wicked and set in their ways…

    and
    a recipe for the island remaining in its hundred-year-old stagnant doldrums state…indefinitely

  23. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    This is how human rights laws WHEN BREACHED are supposed to work, if Barbados’ well known tardy, anti-people court don’t take it seriously take it to the CCJ…if they too act like it’s not important take it to A WORLD COURT…

    REPEAT…for those who have no knowledge of how to stop replays of these types of human rights criminal acts…..

    “Ms. Dujon also argued that some kind of legal precedent had to be set in Barbados to prevent a breach of this magnitude in the future.”

    am all for going straight to the world court if the process can skip a step or two…….the seriousness of the situation DEMANDS IT…..

    but, legal scholars when they weigh in can make that determination…..it’s only my opinion.

    “Philosophy Felicia Dujon stated that a legal wrong had been committed by the government and that parents and other interested parties should seek a legal solution.

    Citing sections in the Education Act and the Data Protection Act Ms. Dujon stated that the law had been broken and that parents should take government to task and seek some kind of compensation for the harm that was done to the children affected by the survey. Ms. Dujon was of the opinion that the sensitive nature of the survey demanded prior notice to parents. She added that under the Data Protection Act permission of the parents should have been secured before the survey was administered.

    Ms. Dujon also argued that some kind of legal precedent had to be set in Barbados to prevent a breach of this magnitude in the future. The courts were therefore in the best position to set this legal precedent, to curtail the powers of the state going forward and to award compensation to those affected. In concluding Ms. Dujon stated that parental rights must not be abridged since the children are the prime responsibility of the parents.”

  24. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    I believe it’s futile calling for any resignations from politicians, I can’t recall any Bajan politicians leaving office on a matter of principle and as per Errol Barrow on Civil Servants – they are like asbestos fireproof-. Mia has been given two 30 love majorities and as BLP partisans are wont to boast, a third may be in the offing.

    Mia was a fierce critic of blogs when she was in OSA’s cabinet even offering up comments that they should be policed, now not so much that she is buoyed by the massive majorities bestowed on her by the Barbadian public and the ineptitude of the DLP.

    The Gov’ts perception of the folks on this blog is that most of the participants are a bunch of retired curmudgeons who sit around all day on their on their computers and gripe about everything. Moreover, the Gov’t has insulated itself with public relations staff beyond the GIS and it goes without saying that the CBC is at its beck and call

    If one wants to continue their quixotic quest calling for resignations or firings, they should carry on, but the results will be for naught.

  25. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Breaking News on Vob Brasstacks

  26. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    David
    And in the last election His Excellency Dr.Nicholls, as I see him now being called, was a candidate for the Alliance Party for Progress. A party founded by Rev. Atherley and Lynette Eastmond. You’re only proving me right. Get up good.🤣🤣

  27. David Avatar
    David

    @Enuff

    Agree with you, all from the same branch.

  28. David Avatar
    David

    @Hants

    It is official, Rowe has been charged with rape.

  29. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ Sargeant,

    Now that the PM is “respected” on the WORLD STAGE she is not going to attack BU or other blogs.

    She is now focused on her status as a world leader.

  30. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Hope PM MIA told him to “get a lawyer”. lol

  31. John2 Avatar
    John2

    By election?

  32. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Sargeant
    I’ve been calling Baird a Jezebel for yeeeears ever since I saw her wigged, painted and pearled in the news pre her GIS board stint. If those 2/3 questions about sex/uality weren’t on that survey the Bairds, Evelyns etc would be quiet. I know that and nuff ah wunna do too. Dem complaining bout the alcohol and drug use questions?🤔

  33. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    “It is official, Rowe has been charged with rape.”

    David, proof we are not a “ghetto country”.

  34. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    “SHOWS MIA MOTTLEY PM IS A POOR JUDGEMENT OF CHARACTER HOWEVER THEY SAY BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER.”

    Or that you can’t read? This blog is too funny. 🤣🤣🤣

  35. David Avatar
    David

    @enuff

    Not following your logic but you entitled to your opinion.

  36. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    “Now that the PM is “respected” on the WORLD STAGE”

    a total myth.

  37. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    “proof we are not a “ghetto country”.

    all in the timing, but still CANNOT DISTRACT from the SUBSTANTIVE VIOLATIONS OF CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS human rights….in the pedophile survey….some people are way ahead of the limited in intellect..

    epic fail…

  38. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    @Hants
    Hope PM MIA told him to “get a lawyer”.
    ++++++
    The BLP has lots of lawyers, hope Holder can clear his schedule for his former Deputy

    Of all the news last evening I found the elevation of Forde to the Deputy Speaker’s office, the most puzzling, it was as if Mia knew what was coming down the pipe but that can’t be, can it?

    Would the folks responsible for prosecuting an individual give a “heads up” to anyone?

    Nah, not bout hay

  39. Hants Avatar
    Hants

  40. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    @David
    @enuff
    Not following your logic but you entitled to your opinion
    ++++++++++

    “Baje”‘ has mixed up Corey Lane and Neil Rowe

  41. David Avatar
    David

    @Sargeant

    To your inquiry to self it is well known this guy is a lout. The flipside is that there seems to be a challenge across the globe attracting politicians of high moral standards. However we know man made systems are not perfect.

  42. David Avatar
    David

    Thanks Sargeant, will flush it.

  43. BAJE Avatar
    BAJE

    “Baje”‘ has mixed up Corey Lane and Neil Rowe

    SHOWS MIA MOTTLEY PM IS A POOR JUDGEMENT OF CHARACTER HOWEVER THEY SAY BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER.”

  44. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    “Would the folks responsible for prosecuting an individual give a “heads up” to anyone?”

    since ALL OF US KNEW, saw the claim since last week and were sitting for the last 3 or 4 DAYS WAITING for the outcome………wuh dem would have to be both dumb and blind…but yet managed to prepare under the guise of a cabinet reshuffle and tink dey foolin sumbody….

  45. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    yes, we already got it from REAL social media news, since last week, blogs that are interested in educating the people about what is REALLY HAPPENING on the island and elsewehere, and got a real kick outta the amateur fowl running up and down the blog with its version of damage control….laughed ourselves silly.

  46. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    so…now that we are all caught up with the 2-second distraction now headed to the law courts on a rape charge…..back to the violation of the children and their parent’s human rights, the longer lasting episode…

  47. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Politix is a spectator sport to subdue the masses.
    Everyone assumes the manager changed the football team due to the crowd chanting about the miseducation of the youths.
    But, she has not addressed that issue and still needs her scapegoat.

  48. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “yes, we already got it from REAL social media news, since last week, blogs that are interested in educating the people about what is REALLY HAPPENING on the island and elsewehere….”
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    @ David

    In my opinion, the above comments are not only DISRESPECTFUL to you, as the blogmaster, but to BU and its contributors as well, especially when one takes into consideration the author is ALLOWED to posts MORE contributions to EVERY thread, than any other BU contributor, which, more often than not, are usually IRRELEVANT to the SUBSTANTIVE TOPIC.

    If she truly believes BU ‘is a waste of time,’ then, why visit the forum on such a regular basis?

  49. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2022. All Rights Reserved

    What is next for the children and parents whose human rights were maliciously violated…

    the 2-second distraction/rape accusation was a talking point for the whole of last week on 3 or 4 other platforms…..it’s dead and gone…it was already beaten to death by the time anything was done about the accused yesterday…..

  50. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    Our Supreme Leader proves her ability to act at the right time. While Frundel “Sleepy” Stuart did not reshuffle his cabinet during all the horror years of DLP injustice, our Supreme Leader permanently adapts her cabinet to the demands and wishes of the people. Personally, I am impressed that she is holding on to the honourable Minister of Education and creating a new ministerial post in the field of justice. This demonstrates quite powerfully that our Supreme Leader values loyalty and wants to eradicate crime.

    Without any doubt, our Supreme Leader is even more popular with the people than the Supreme Leader of the Chinese people.

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