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A poor choice: A do nothing group or a walk back group?

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Submitted by Observing
The Honourable Prime Minister Mia Mottley

Between 2013 and 2018 the accusation was correctly leveled at the then government that they were not doing enough, not saying enough, not taking decisive action. We felt the impact and the results of the 2018 election sent the message loud and clear.

Fast forward to 2023, with two 30-0’s behind us and what do we have?

Apparently a “walk back” and “kite flying” government instead. Take a moment to look at some of the “bold policies” that had to be put on pause, “walked back” or caused confusion.

1. Breathalyser Test (still outstanding)
2. Child Protection Act (More input now needed according to the Minister)
3. Two Deputy Commissioners of police (law had to be changed)
4. Education reform (nobody knows!)
5. National Republic Day (the people spoke)
6. Integrity Legislation (where is it?)
7. Speightstown traffic changes (common sense prevailed)
8. Public Service Contracts (we now have a Hollywood civil service)
9. Covd-era restrictions

and the list can go on.

Add to that the things that are still unclear to the general public but which impact us greatly.

1. Government procurements
2. Education Reform plans
3. The legality of the IADB Survey
4. Amount of properties being sold under the radar
5. The true state of our current debt situation
6. The true state of the National Insurance Scheme
7. The amount of consultants and where they are

The old saying that 6 is half dozen rings true, but, if we were promised transparency, good governance, civic engagement, freedom of information and integrity then, we should reasonably expect it.

In the absence of a Parliamentary opposition the time has long gone for public voices, collective consensus, advocacy by civic Barbados and a review of the role of our trade unions and leaders. Homage to the King only serves short term interests.

The time has come for people to speak up….not quietly in corners but loudly on the corners and in the shops and in meetings and AGMS.

Saint Ambrose said that “In some cases, silence is dangerous. “

Truer words hath not been spoken.

Will the good people please stand up???

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61 responses to “A poor choice: A do nothing group or a walk back group?”

  1. Redguard Avatar
    Redguard

    At least Enuff wears his colors with pride, you only show yours when your panty is exposed, as with this topic

  2. Yolande Grant - African Online Publishing Copyright(c) 2023. All Rights Reserved. Avatar
    Yolande Grant – African Online Publishing Copyright(c) 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    No more hiding behind Empire to commit horrific crimes against Afrikan descents, just because the greedy, evil and hateful thought they would never find out what you criminals have done for decades.

    They thought they will always get away and blame it all on Empire..

    Bantu.

  3. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Remember, I said it.

    Ant ghabi, ‘ahmaq!

  4. Yolande Grant - African Online Publishing Copyright (c) 2023. All Rights Reserved. Avatar
    Yolande Grant – African Online Publishing Copyright (c) 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Pacha…a true definition of Scumbados, this should be taught in the schools..

    .Bantu bloodlines are across the Caribbean and diaspora. We are the ruling tribe..

    Low class nobodies will always be just that…begging, borrowing, dependants..

    https://youtu.be/d2CkqHdkUcI

  5. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I only got two things to say and they are bound to annoy William Skinner.

    I am again experiencing water delivery and garbage pick-up inconsistencies.

    Not even dah en fix and indeed de water dat Estwick fix like um get unfix by diverting from de new wells to other areas.

    Point being,

    “Um is one step forward and two steps backward an’ tremble.”

    So, I guess one could say that this is a walk backwards government in more ways than one.

  6. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/05/31/residents-near-burning-building-urged-to-evacuate-temporarily/

  7. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    I think this is the same man that announce and pull back the Republic Day. He’s getting lots of experience as the fall guy clearly!

    Public to have say on child protection and justice laws

    Before the Child Protection Bill and Child Justice Bill go any further in Parliament, the public will get the opportunity to share views, concerns and suggestions, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams has revealed.
    Speaking during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday, he said the two pieces of legislation were still at the stage where they could be amended and adjusted to take public opinion into account.
    Since both bills were tabled in Parliament in recent weeks, concerns have been raised by a human rights activist, several attorneys-at-law and members of the wider public about some of the contents, especially the Child Protection Bill and its implications for parents and caretakers.
    Acknowledging this, Abrahams explained that the debate in the Lower House has been paused as both bills have gone to a Joint Select Committee for further consideration and where public input will be garnered.
    “These committees will, in consideration of both the child protection legislation and the child justice legislation, publish their procedure to the public…. They’re also going to invite comments from the public in relation to the bills…,” he told members of the media gathered at his ministry’s Wildey, St Michael office.
    “What is critical to note is that the bills have not passed.
    They are not yet law. I am hearing some discussions out there as if the bills are au fait accompli or as if the bills have already been passed and they’ve been put into action. That is not the case. The public is going to have its chance to weigh in on areas of concern for it, to write in with their comments or their suggestions.”
    Claiming there is a lot of “fake news” going around regarding the bills, particularly on social media, the Home Affairs Minister urged persons to read the pieces of legislation in their entirety before forming an opinion.
    (JB)

  8. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Observing
    Willy has the anti-Midas touch.
    Everything that he touches turns into jobby…

    He has f%$#ed up enuff now, that he could be made ‘senior’ minister ..like Doogid and the tyre slasher.

  9. David Avatar
    David

    @Bush Tea

    The Blogmaster understands he is a good dentist.

  10. David Avatar
    David

    This week’s article by Adrian Greene is useful.

    Critical thinking
    The Ministry of Education has listed “critical thinking” as one of the pillars for education reform.
    According to a recently circulated document listing the traits of the ideal Bajan student, he or she should be able to think critically. The goal is sound.
    However, as is the case with many things, easier said than accomplished. Regular readers already know that to find a solution to a problem, you must thoroughly understand that problem. The problem of promoting critical thinking must be understood.
    As a small and vulnerable nation, we are seemingly constantly in crisis mode. We are constantly outing fires and addressing what seem to be not only important but urgent matters. In the midst of a crisis there may be little time to think critically. You may have to act fast. Emotions kick in. Reflexes take over. We lean on our current level of understanding.
    If we get stuck in this crisis mode we may always feel like we have to move faster than necessarily the case. And so, we often don’t take the time to think as critically as we should. Thinking critically takes time.
    Over-thinking
    On the other hand, taking the time to think critically can descend into over thinking, or paralysis by analysis. Theory and practice go hand in hand.
    Actions should guide our thinking as much as thinking guides our actions. However, it is as easy to get stuck in thinking mode and never acting as it is to get stuck in crisis mode and uncritically acting. The challenge is finding the balance. How do we slow down to hurry up?
    Understanding how our political and educational culture react with modern fast food culture becomes key to understanding and solving the problem of promoting critical thinking.
    Our political culture is reflexively and uncritically oppositional. Barbadian politicians are rarely seen to engage in critical dialogue across party lines. The party in power is normally uncritically defensive as a reflex, while the party in opposition is normally uncritically attacking as if this is its only duty.
    Critical thinking requires a level of intellectual honesty and unbiased reasoning which is uncommon in our political culture. It is not so common in the wider culture as well.
    In Barbadian culture,
    having a recalcitrant attitude is often seen as being strong. We tend to see those who are inflexible, rigid and sometimes even belligerent in their attitude, opinion and stance as leadership material. A politician may feel forced to adopt this pose in order to be taken seriously.
    Teachers and parents adopt this pose in order to come across as authorities. Children are raised and taught in a culture and atmosphere of authoritarianism which does not lend itself to promoting critical thinking.
    Traditionally, Barbadian culture has leaned towards producing citizens who are compliant regurgitators rather than critical actors and thinkers. It goes further.
    Failing system
    The education system, left to erode across administrations, is failing even in getting Barbadians to passively regurgitate. Rather, students learn to model and exceed the belligerent authoritarianism which they exist in.
    In this cultural mix critical thinking is a casualty. This is compounded by a fast food, fast everything era where technology is expected to do all the work. Why think critically when Google, social media and now Chatgpt provide instant answers?
    Understanding the problem in this way, a solution starts to form. It involves getting out of crisis mode wherever possible, balancing critical thinking with critical action so as not to fall into over thinking. And, leadership encouraging a culture of critical thinking by modelling critical, honest and unbiased reasoning for citizens, subordinates and students.
    We also need to recognise that solutions will not necessarily come quickly, nor at the click of a mouse. They come from critical thinking, critical action and critical engagement. This takes time and effort.
    Adrian Green is a communications specialist. Email adriangreen14@gmail. com.

  11. racehrse Avatar
    racehrse

    Outside looking in, there are some important issues that should be addressed. The laundry list is long, so priorities are definitely needed. Why don’t we have a Constitution to date? Green energy is important, but not on the guise of securing funds for it to spend on keeping the government solvent
    or other pet projects thru the Bridgetown initiative! Think about it, just like doing away with the road tax, and adding it to fuel costs the roads are still in a horrible state. Yet we see projects along Waterford where $$$ used. Can’t even get the ID cards properly distributed,

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