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Are Ministers earning their 200k package?

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The blogmaster has provided a few matter of fact comments to describe a first impressions of members of the largest Cabinet in the history of Barbados. Ministers who did not face the electorate were given a pass. In fact unelected ministers in Cabinet (Shontal Munroe-Knight, Lisa Cummins, Jerome Walcott) add no special skills to Cabinet and have been selected for ‘other’ reasons.

Miss Santia Bradshaw, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works – her tenure to date is a failed implementation of education reform, chaos at the Licensing Authority and speculation about a $7,500.00 cheque.

Mr. Dwight Sutherland, Minister of Housing will be remembered so far for a bungled Chinese houses project initiated by his predecessor Minister William Duguid in 2021. In addition to continuing the policy of previous governments of carving up good agriculture land located in the heartland of Barbados.

Attorney General Dale Marshall has probably come under the most fire of ministers in Cabinet. Under his watch the case load in the Barbados Courts remains high, violent crime remains high. There has been no significant achievements that has led to change in law and order in Barbados.

Mr. Indar Weir, Minister of Agriculture does a good job of creating the perception he is a hard working minister, but, the food import bill has not declined significantly under his watch. The agriculture sector lacks resilience.

Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism presides over a sector benefitting from a resurgence in global travel. He can only be faulted because the sector continues to be affected by the lack of product development.

Minister of Finance

Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados will be remembered as one of our most popular prime ministers. She has done well to grow her international reputation. So far in her term she has been able to stablize the economy in the post DLP years from 2018. Her rule is plagued by a lack of visionary and revolutionary change.

Ms. Kay McConney, Minister of Education wins the label as the most controversial member of the Cabinet to date. The issue pundits speculated would have forced her removal from Cabinet, the IDB questionnaire affair, she survived it. It pays to have a close friend in high office.

Mr. Colin Jordan, Minister of Labour and Social Security goes about his job quietly, too quietly for many. He will be remembered so far for presiding over an NISS whose audited financial statements have been unavailable to withstand the scrutiny of the public and satisfy finanial managment best practice and the law.

Mr. Kerri Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has largely operated in the shadow of Prime Minister Mottley. So far the blogmastersees his legacy as an ‘attack dog’ who relishes the job. 

Mrs. Sandra Husbands,Minister of State Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (with responsibility for Higher Education, Technical and Vocational Training) many argue she should be the substantive minister of education. Seems to be a hard worker with a good gift of gab.

Ryan Straughn

Mr. Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment the primary of the many financial actors in government responsible for implementing government’s Washington Consensus ideology.

Mr. Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Home Affairs and Information. He must be remembered for the fiasco at the Government Industrial School. Did heads roll?

William Duguod

Mr. William Duguid,Minister of Planning and Development – Prime Minister’s Office and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for coordinating Infrastructural Projects and development commissions, minister with the longest title and should have been demoted after the failed Chinese houses project, instead he was promoted.

Ms.Marsha Caddle, Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology seems to be well intentioned. She has been tested in recent months because of government’s weak IT governance and systems.

Mr. Corey Layne, Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General (with focus on Crime Prevention) given the most difficult job in Cabinet. He has to execute plans that will need time to bear results but he will be measured today by an anxious public concerned about the increase in crime especially among the youth.

Mr. Kirk Humphrey,Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs needs to do more. Old people suffering more than at any time in our history in the opinion of the blogmaster.

Mr. Davidson Ishmael, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness sacked from the Innovation ministry after poor Trident ID implementation was transferred to Health. The PM must see something in him.

Mr. Charles Griffith,Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, government is doing all that it can to retain the St. John seat. Griffith will need to add significantly to his body of work

Adrian Forde

Mr. Adrian Forde,Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy needs to take a drive around Barbados while viewing it through an unfiltered lens.

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142 responses to “Are Ministers earning their 200k package?”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    Food for thought for Minister McConney.

    A solution to a key problem in education

    This PLC model of which I speak, flows from the assumption that the core mission of formal education is not simply to ensure that students are taught.

    By Michael Watson

    Shortly after being appointed principal of Roland Edwards Primary back in August 2000, I was fortunate to be part of a group of young principals invited to participate in a workshop organised by the Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Cambridge College School of Education, which looked at some of the key issues at that time in the area of educational administration and leadership.

    Areas stressed upon included, among other things, the bringing about of needed school improvement through enhancing pupil performance, as well as seeing the principal as the professional development leader that he or she is expected to be.

    It was during this time that I first became aware of the potential benefits of transforming our schools, both primary and secondary, into what are commonly referred to as Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). I was so taken in by the concept that I decided, there and then, that this was exactly what I wanted to do at the school to which I was assigned.

    From that point on I started working with my staff on ensuring that we became the first truly PLC in the country. An assignment which, at my retirement in January 2019, was still very much a work in progress. There were a variety of factors that prevented us from moving forward as quickly and purposefully as we would have wanted to, but that was to be expected given the level of systemic change involved in the process and the resultant resistance to such change.

    But what are PLCs and what makes them different from other institutions of learning? A school that operates as a PLC engages the entire staff in a coming together for learning. Learning within a supportive and selfcreated community – a community of learners. The key areas of focus within a PLC are learning, collaboration and results. Said another way, children learn as much as they can every day, teachers learn to collaborate and share their ideas, and schools become accountable for results. These are what are referred to in the literature as the three “big ideas” associated with PLCs.

    This PLC model of which I speak, flows from the assumption that the core mission of formal education is not simply to ensure that students are taught, but more importantly, to ensure that they learn.

    This simple shift from a focus on teaching to that of learning has profound implications for schools and education as we know them today. No longer should we, as educators, be entertaining comments such as – “We did that in class already so you should know”; or “He clearly does not want to learn”. Comments, regrettably, which we hear far too often in our schools as presently constituted.

    There are three key questions which drive the work of those within a PLC: (1) What is it that we want each student to learn?

    (2) How will we know when he or she has learned it?

    (3) How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty in learning.

    The answer to question (3) separates PLCs from traditional schools. The staff addresses this discrepancy by designing strategies to ensure that struggling students receive the additional time and support needed. This response must be timely, based on intervention rather than remediation, and directive, i.e., students are required to devote extra time to address their deficiencies, as well as receive additional assistance until they have mastered the necessary concepts.

    Recommendations for bringing about improved learning: 1 Every student must receive a progress report on his or her performance every three weeks.

    2 Parents must be notified as soon as students are deemed to be underperforming.

    3 A system of additional help must be put in place for all struggling students.

    4 Allowing stronger students to help the weaker ones, also referred to as the “Big Brother” or “Buddy” system.

    5 Each student’s learning/progress to be monitored on a timely basis.

    As teachers begin to collaborate for the purpose of school improvement, staff will start to work together to achieve their collective purpose of learning for all. We all know that working collaboratively represents best practice. Schools will begin to ensure that everyone belongs to a team that focuses on student learning. The powerful collaboration that characterises PLCs is a systematic process in which teachers work together to analyse and improve their classroom practice.

    Teachers will now be working in teams, engaging in an ongoing cycle of questions that promotes deep team learning. This process will in turn lead to higher levels of student achievement.

    PLCs judge their effectiveness on the basis of results, where staff work together to improve student achievement. This becomes the routine work of everyone in the school. Individual teachers are able to call on their colleagues to help them reflect on areas of concern. Team members consciously look for successful practices and attempt to replicate them in their own classrooms.

    Each teacher has access to the ideas, materials, strategies and talents of the entire team. Staff members will be forced to stop working in isolation and hoarding their ideas, materials and strategies, and begin to work together to meet the needs of all students.

    Benefits of a PLC (teachers)

    • Reduced teacher isolation.

    • Increased commitment to mission and goals of the school.

    • Shared responsibility for the total development of students and their success.

    • Creation of new knowledge and beliefs about teaching and learning.

    • Higher likelihood that teachers will be well informed, professionally renewed and inspired to make a difference.

    • More satisfaction, higher morale, and lower rates of absenteeism.

    Benefits of a PLC (students)

    • Decreased drop-out rate and fewer classes skipped

    • Lower rates of absenteeism

    • Greater academic gains in mathematics, language arts and reading than in traditional schools

    • Smaller achievement gaps between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

    A Professional Learning Community, therefore, is any learning institution in which teachers and administrators continuously seek and share learning and then act on what they learn. The goal of their actions is to enhance their effectiveness as professionals so that students benefit.

    Michael Watson is a retired principal of the Roland Edwards Primary School.

    Source: Nation

  2. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    Time for “some” change! BUT, change to what??

    Just observing

  3. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Democracy and Politics is all about being on the right side of power for self interests as proven by Trump where his appointees are all sell outs who got on their knees and sucked up to him the most and heads of industry are now throwing money at him for quid pro quo favour

  4. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    The empress will soon be flying the nest. When one looks at those photos of these “top drawer” politicians and their political legacies to date. It becomes self-evident why Barbados is in a mess.

    Sandra Husbands is by a long shot, the only one capable of dragging up the country to a higher level. In the event that she were to become the next prime minister. I would urge her to ditch at least 80% of her colleagues to the scrap heap.

    Those stale, black males kitted out in their European attire bring nothing to the table. As for the deputy prime minister she appears to resent black men. We can’t have a leader who would happily usurp her own people. Her notorious run in with three black businessmen and their desire to encourage more support from government was a tough listen. Her confrontational approach was an eye opener. Would she have spoken in such a haughty manner if they were members from within our minority groups.

    Kay McConney is an anathema to all right thinking black people. This black Conservative elitist appeared to have ignored the legitimate requests of vulnerable young black girls who were being abused within our state institutions.

    Yes, it’s time to turn the page.

  5. David Avatar
    David

    @Observing

    Real change has to be triggered from the ‘bowels’ of the people. In the democracy we practice it must be said real power is not controlled by the masses but those with power (supporters with deep pockets)keep on eye on the level of people stridency to ensure there is stability to support money making and protection of the establishment.

  6. Frank Avatar
    Frank

    You can’t omit the Senators, two hold significant portfolios.

  7. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    ChatBot
    Talk to AI chatbot about anything
    https://www.aichatting.net/

    > What is politics of Barbados?
    The politics of Barbados is characterized by a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The country is a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, with the monarch of the United Kingdom serving as the ceremonial head of state represented by the Governor-General.

    Barbados has a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Assembly and the Senate. The political system is based on the British model, with the Prime Minister serving as the head of government. Elections are held every five years, and the political landscape is dominated by two major parties: the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP).

    Barbados has a stable political environment and a strong tradition of democratic governance. The government plays a significant role in the economy, with key sectors such as tourism, finance, and agriculture driving the country’s growth and development. Overall, the politics of Barbados reflect a commitment to democracy, stability, and economic progress.

    > Is there corruption in Barbados?
    While Barbados generally has a reputation for being one of the least corrupt countries in the Caribbean region, like any country, it is not immune to instances of corruption. The government has taken steps to address and prevent corruption through legislation, oversight mechanisms, and transparency initiatives.

    Barbados ranked 30th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2020, indicating a relatively low level of perceived corruption compared to other countries globally. However, there have been occasional reports of corruption involving public officials or misuse of public funds.

    The government continues to work on strengthening anti-corruption measures and promoting accountability and transparency in public institutions. Overall, while Barbados maintains a relatively good reputation in terms of corruption compared to other countries, efforts to combat corruption and promote ethical governance are ongoing.

  8. David Avatar
    David

    @Frank

    The electorate can hold the ministers responsible accountable, we vote for MPs.

  9. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Well, the writer of this article was quite right from the beginning.

    And while that determination would have been easily arrived at given the historically and dominant cultural inclinations of the political class and a population which will forever continue to rest upon the duopoly.

    That not even for this minimalist expectation that the country could have been unable to move the governance needle even a centimeter forward…..

    Should, even for him, a dyed in the wool capitalist and democracy promoter, raise the spectre of the unworkability of the entire system, not only here but every where else.

    It’s a system which pretends to be one thing but like within the Machiavellian tradition is something completely different.

  10. John2 Avatar
    John2

    “We for MPs”. ‘We’ DO NOT vote for ministers

  11. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    earning her salary.

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2024/12/15/make-a-difference-foundation-hosts-christmas-dinner-for-seniors/

  12. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    A message to you Barbados..
    Be yourself, not copies or imitations of others

  13. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Speightstown in the news.

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2024/12/15/emerald-sakara-a-milestone-for-luxury-tourism-in-barbados/

  14. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    David
    You can’t be serious, that accountability is a once in 5 year exercise?
    And that elected Ministers vs Appointed Ministers merit a significant difference. All ah dem are accountable, though I am unsure at times “we” understand what it means, and slip to the political interpretation which links accountability to election day.
    The underlying political modus operandi today, is there are to be NO reports. Yet, the same politicians expect the public to file all manner of reports.

  15. John A Avatar
    John A

    Well i would definately ask the minister in charge of CAIPO what he got to say bout that time wasting entity. Cause all that does is frustrate business and take you $100 every year and then tek 12 months to give you back you filed return. He or she pulling 200k too?

    Now for the minister responsible for the ease of doing business in Bim in terms of their position on the annual survey, he getting 200K still?

    Now the one that responsible for the cartroads posing as roads in St Thomas, St George and St Joseph dont tell me he pulling 200k too?

    Dont think I forget the minister fo garbage collection! I know he still cant be getting 200k when I that paying he, hardly seeing a garbage truck!

    My point is after All the promises and long talk, this bunch with a gurilifant of ministers seem to got the same problems as the Dems had. But my pet pain in the tail is that although i pay one of the highest prices for Gas in the region, I still driving pun cartroads while they resurfacing roads that seem perfectly fine.

    Tell muh what percentage of the tax collected on fuel does find it way to MTW? I hear someone that know say it is less than 15%. Tell muh if he wrong? But i want to hear from a fella like minister Straughn not no party faithful nor feathered fowl.

    Good i done there for now.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    @NO

    Making the subtle (?) point that the ministers who didn’t face the electorate shouldn’t be in the cabinet. They offer no unique skills set.

  17. David Avatar
    David

    @John A

    Give we the vote and watch we.

  18. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Lol…you are making it sound like facing the electorate, provides one with a skill set? The fact the current 3 are rather incapable is a shame, for they could be, if selected beyond partisan boundaries.

    @JohnA
    You bringing up CAIPO again. Give them another 3 years, and they won’t be a Company >$5M BDD in assets, domiciled here.

  19. David Avatar
    David

    @NO

    You are starting to get it.

  20. David Avatar
    David

    Successive governments have struggled to maintain public assets. This inefficiency that should be a routine function continues to drain public finances. How can ministers be given pass ratings if as a collective they fail to have implement an effective maintenance plan via incompetent SOEs etc?

  21. David Avatar
    David

    Well done PM!

    Mottley makes Forbes’ list of power women

    PRIME MINISTER MIA AMOR MOTTLEY was for the second time named on a Forbes Magazine top list.

    Mottley, 59, has been listed among the 100 Power Women in the world.

    She appeared in the politics and policy category of the prominent magazine, it noting that she became the island’s first female leader in 2018 and emerged as a “global leader on the issue of climate change”.

    In 2021, the magazine noted, she gave an impassioned speech to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly calling for action and was later that same year named a Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership by the UN Environment Programme.

    Mottley also led Barbados’ transition from a constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary republic in November 2021.

    Earlier this year, she was also named to Forbes’ Sustainability Leaders list.

    (SAT)

  22. David Avatar
    David

    Good for Humphrey!

    Homes for elderly

    $7 million project approved for Sterling site

    by BARRY ALLEYNE

    barryalleyne@nationnews.com

    A $7 MILLION HOUSING PROJECT aiming to significantly improve the lot of Barbadians in their golden years has been given the green light.

    The site at the Sterling Home in St Philip has been earmarked for a “village concept” endeavour which will house scores of elderly people who require special home care.

    Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey told the DAILY NATION in an interview that Cabinet had approved the project last Thursday and it should commence in 2025.

    “We want to do a programme called ‘Aging In Place’ where people age as close to home as possible or in facilities that allow them to have supportive care. The intention at Sterling is to be able to build out some villages that allow older persons to be able to live there in smaller communities and have access to the supportive services as necessary.

    “Older people need to have community and people they can talk to and engage with,” he explained.

    Humphrey said Government was also looking into day care for ageing Barbadians at Sterling. “Whether we use the old facility building or a new facility is to be determined, but we are going to build out day care for sure.”

    He said the project was important as several older people need special care. “Once we do that, several Barbadians can go to work, knowing that their elderly relatives have day care. We have to do this because the statistics show that one in every five Barbadians is over 65, and one out of every four is over 60.”

    The facility at Sterling is also expected to have special services for those battling dementia.

    “When it is done, this could be a transformative site,” he said, noting that Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has also envisioned smaller satellite facilities for the elderly in every parish.

    The minister also spoke of the work the current administration had completed to improve the state of the elderly and disabled since taking office in 2018.

    “There was no specific elderly legislation in Barbados and there was no specific disability legislation in Barbados. There was child legislation, but not specific child protection legislation. The Cabinet [on Thursday] approved the disability legislation which will be laid in Parliament on Tuesday. The legislation offers people with disabilities the right to live with dignity and it’s going to be a big deal,” Humphrey said.

    The legislation also covers the mandatory reporting of abuse of the elderly or people with disabilities, and access to employment and health care for the aged.

    Also approved by Cabinet last Thursday was the draft bill for the elderly, a model established in conjunction with the Law Reform Commission which will be forwarded to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel for further building out to produce overall legislation. That should be completed before the end of the financial year in March next year, he stated.

    Regarding legislation for the amalgamation of social service agencies, he noted that the final draft should be in place by yearend, allowing Government to bring together the National Assistance Board, National Disabilities Unit and the Welfare Department under one umbrella.

    “That is at an advanced stage, with us now working out staffing and the conversations with the trade unions are continuing.”

    Source: Nation

  23. Political Watcher Avatar
    Political Watcher

    @David, you forget Hon Peter Phillips

  24. Political Watcher Avatar
    Political Watcher

    This is the biggest pack of clowns Barbados has ever known. Money is somebody’s pocket for the construction, who will in turn provide election donations. These jackasses closing down all the district hospitals are now coming with this shite. What will Mia`s legacy be? We knew she was a wild spender and she did say ” Give me the vote and watch muh.” Owen, created Mia and then could not get her tamed after he released her to the population. Research, is showing her popularity among the undecided voters and first voters is very low.

  25. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    Wait, for me.
    Looks as if I am going to miss the bus again
    Steal houses done?
    HOPE(less) houses done?
    Now we are to “Sterling’ houses. Surprise they took so long to think of waylay the elderly.
    After the elderly, there is one more distinct group to be the plucked… the Diaspora. Let us invite them home (we gathering) and rob their asses “Diasporaville”. Nuff people going to be crying in 2026.

    How many times can these guys pull this lame trick?
    Will we ever catch on?
    After Sterling what else will be coming?

  26. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    “Many hands make light work” and a king’s ransom to boot. Unemployment among the youth is hovering around 20% is it any wonder that crime is inching ever upward. If one is tempted to be critical, we will silence you with our cybercrime bill.

    Christmas is acoming and the politicians are fat….

  27. John A Avatar
    John A

    @ David

    I have come to the sad conclusion that whether i vote D or B what I getting is 6 of 1 ot hald dozen of the other.

    The only thing is which going waste the more than the other. So for example how the Grotto per sq ft cost over run compAre to the Hope one?

    How few garbage trucks one give we to the next one?

    How bad the roads was with one compare to the other one?

    How hard em is to do business under one compared to the other one?

    What was my standard of living under one compared to de uder one?

    My point is Straughn and aĺl of them can brag about how much borrowed reserves they have and how many tourist come to Bim this year, but to the man on the street there is only one question.

    Am i better off under these or dem? At month end do i have more in my pocket than before?

    If wunna doubt that ask Trump how he won an election on this very same topic.

  28. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @JohnA
    Akin to how the financial restructuring would impact the NIS, you have figured out, B or D, all peas in the same pod. @WS told us this years ago. And even beyond our shores, we see similar.

  29. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @Hants must have an appointment. For he hasn’t yet told us Canada’s Finance Minister has resigned on the day of her finally scheduled Fall Economic Statement. And where is @Hal for her touted replacement is a former Gov of the Bank of England, who was one of his favourites.

  30. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    What a pretty face.

    https://nationnews.com/2024/12/16/mottley-makes-forbes-list-of-power-women/

  31. Goeht Avatar
    Goeht

    I might try to get up a stand-up gig for Xmas night. Tell me if I gun kill it or if I suck
    (enuff, J2, Lorenzo and Frank – your comments are not welcome)

    1. In the lost decade, the only thing the politicians did not lose is some weight…
    2. What do you call a person who was promised a home by a BLP politician……. Homeless
    3. What is the difference between a plane and a check to a BLP politician…… A plane needs a pilot and cannot fly through a window
    4. How would you stop global warming? ….. Turn off Mia’s microphone and reduce the hot air.
    5. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
    Insanity is 90-0

    I had a better #5 … Going to give you a short “Introduction to comedy” course ….
    How can Mia cut down on frequent flyer miles?
    If your punchline is “she stays ate home” then you are not ready for prime time. Work on your punchline.

    I remember a time my wife got angry at me. My MIL was visiting and for some reason the venetian blinds got broken near the top……
    My “Tell your Mom not to use her broom in the house” failed to generate even a smile. As you can see I treat Mia like family.

    (I does talk my nonsense, but there is no one who wishes to see Mia succeeds as much as I do… Barbados first, Bajans first).
    Have a great day Barbados.

  32. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ Goeht .TheOg,

    incomplete. lol

  33. Frank Avatar
    Frank

    1. Sinkyuh lost plenty.
    2. HOPEless? Stealing Hope?
    3. A plane flies, no politician is ever checked.

  34. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Frank 1 &2 are improved
    What about a plane takes checked baggage, a politician takes any cheque.

  35. David Avatar
    David

    Peter Phillips is not a minister.

  36. Goeht Avatar
    Goeht

    Geez, new boss told me that my skit was too short and that some non-professionals were better than I am…

    ‘Mom, I thought you said fairies are not real’
    ‘Girl, don’t be silly, they aren’t real ‘
    ‘Mom, if they aren’t real, then who lives in the 10,000 invisible houses built by the BLP’

    I might not get the gig… Hurting my head and not getting anything

  37. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    I almost missed the big story … The fatted calf is near death.

    This new housing scheme is just $7M. Single digit millions. Looks like the $25M and $50M housing schemes are done.

    It took the DLP 8 years to kill the fatted calf. The BLP revived it and got it to run for a next six years… Looks like it dun dead.

  38. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Please Minister of housing. Help this poor woman nuh!

    https://nationnews.com/2024/12/16/tenant-gets-notice-after-asking-for-repairs/

  39. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “I have come to the sad conclusion that whether i vote D or B what I getting is 6 of 1 ot hald dozen [sic] of the other.”

    The plan is.. Campaign promises are soon forgotten.. I vaguely remember the B party promised that there would be a collie weed party in a free legal style and High Grade Top Notch Barbados Tobacco would be world class on par with Jamaican Tobacco. They must take us for fools.

  40. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    For the next 6 days de guvment Ministers and MPs will be working very hard.

    Driving bout distributing hampers and attending Christmas gatherings for poor people will show them at their best.

  41. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    On the 8th day “BEFORE” Xmas, according to the “DUMBED-DOWN LYRICISM” of what is truly the “SILLY SEASON” of “WANTON VICE”, “TONE-DEAF AVARICE” & the nagging lust 4 the “PARASITICALLY INFECTED PARTS OF A PIG JOINT” – cooked as a “SLAVE DELICACY” & given 2 fawning, drooling mouths – as the insalubrious “CAROL” suggests:

    “My true love gave to me – 8 maids a-milking…”

    This is part of the cumulative song, where each verse builds upon the previous one, adding a new, “MALEVOLENT” piece of intrigue, as well as the “DAMNABLE” activity of “ANIMAL FESTISHIZATION” & “SLAUGHTER”!!!

    The lyrics continue:

    “8 maids a-milking, 7 swans a-swimming, 6 geese a-laying, 5 golden rings, 4 calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree…”

    If as opined by some that the context of “8 MAIDS A-MILKING” represent a playful & whimsical gift of intrigue, perhaps symbolizing “ABUNDANCE”, “HARD WORK”, or “DOMESTICITY” – the other side of the coin suggests that a whole bunch of “FOLKS” are getting “MILKED” for all they have, while the “MAIDS-A-MILKING” are laughing all the way to the bank, with their #G4S security detail!!!

    Having just returned from a month-long Caribbean jaunt with “WIFEY” – celebrating her “B-DAY” (ending with the last 9 DAYZ* in BIM*) – I was completely disillusioned (POST-PLANDEMIC) with the conditions of our people, after a “400-YEAR POST TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE WAR”, that has left the 4th GENERATION* of (SO-CALLED) leaders, common men & women (folks) in need of another “DELIVERANCE” from “SERVILE BONDAGE”, “MASS SERVITUTUDE”, “MENTAL & SPIRITUAL SLAVERY”, but also, “HOGTIED TO THE FAILING, FALLING #god OF MONETARY (dis)ILLUSION” – choosing rather a mindless obeisance to a “FALLEN SERPENT” over a “CONQUERING SAVIOUR”!!!

    My time is BIM* was the worst!!!

    #WhatAPlace

    #WhatInertia

    #WhatBedevilledCompromise

    #WhatALostGeneration

    #WhatDarkness &

    #WhatLackOfHope

    IF YOUR HEART DOES NOT BREAK – IT’S BECAUSE YOU ARE ALREADY SHOT 2 PIECES

    I am current back home having to “EMOTIONALLY, MORALLY & SPIRITUALLY DETOX” from the “OVERT & SUBLIMINAL MADNESS” I have had to witness & endure, even from people who call themselves “PROFESSIONALS”!!!

    FORGET THE CHURCH*** – IT IS IN COMPLETELY FREEFALL BAR A FEW RIGHTEOUS SOULS (who are in a “MINORITY” of a mere handful)!!!

    From pentatonic to catatonic is the only to describe the “MADDENING CIRCUS OF DEPLORABLE INGRATES”!!!

    The same can be said for much else that I have seen in the other islands we visited – except “CARRIACOU”, where we visited to see the “DEVASTATION” wrought by hurricane Beryl and the work that we have committed to help do, going forward into 2025!!!

    The place is the 9th wonder of the world & the people unlike no other!!!

    Devastation brings people back to a sense of “SEISMIC MORTALITY” & “TOGETHERNESS”!!!

    For many that kind of “NORMALCY”, given the regard to paradisical environments some live in, brings root & branch down to earth that nothing else can!!!

    Anyone can now buy a “MILLION $$$ EC property for peanuts as many want to dispossess themselves of their idyllic surroundings & lifestyles knowing the hazards of their geographical location!!!

    MONEY CAN’T SAVE NONE OF US!!! (Anyone care 2 counter that argument)???

    In the cold light of day, all it takes for there to be a “RESET” of priorities is what happened in “MAYOTTE” a few days ago, where the death toll continues 2 mount after storm Chido, the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, decimated the island off Mozambique!!!

    WHO’S NEXT???

    #TimeWillTell

    #StayTuned

    NOTHING IN THIS LIFE IS PERMANENT EXCEPT CHRIST***!!!

    #LiveYourBestLifeNow – it’s the dress rehearsal before the real show!!!

  42. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    @TB
    I can tell there are no Christmas songs playing in your home.
    On the devastation brought on by geological/atmospheric events, I am always surprise by pictures of the debris. One would think it was trash or broken matchsticks and does not resemble building material.

    Quite often, I see there is mention of building codes, but I fear these codes may now be useless.

    Hopefully, you took some good pics and created some beautiful moments that you can treasure.

    A man with your awareness and knowledge should not have been surprised

  43. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    @OG

    Major part of my “MUSICOLOGY” can be seen below!!!

  44. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Ad infinitum, the same staid conversations keep going on here, except for the few!

    Maybe the chosen ones according to Bushie 3:16.

    How will it be ever possible to understand the local state of government affairs unless one, from a departure point, approaches the tumult emerging all over the world within these same democratic structures, of which we pretend to be.

    We’ve never read a boy here tell any minister of finance that a budget speech should not be premised on the prevailing global environments but it remains the relentless quest to understand everything else entirely based on a feeble internal illogic.

    We cite the situations in France, Germany, Syria and the wider Western Asian region, South Correa, Ukraine, the USA, Canada, the UK, Georgia, and on and on.

    In France, for instance, we’ve had a president who has disobeyed a so-called democratic election result, tries to remain in office by selecting a loyal factotum of a prime minister.

    In every other instance leading democratic regimes are behaving in the worst ways imaginable. And yet, without the mildest consideration people here continue to expect sense could be made of growing local failures by a self explanatory process.

    Others have rightly argued that we’re in a WW3 set of scenarios. Certainly the dimensions of class conflicts are raising their ugly heads as well. When all fails, they take us to war, as one man has rightly argued.

    Certainly, as elites try to outsource the costs of economic misfortune to the working class, the political elites in Barbados have long been neutering workers’ organizations and bringing them properly into an unholy alliance with corporate interests, even as workers could only be squeezed to death.

    Indeed, Mia Mottley must receive the gold medal in this regard! History will recall that is was Mottley who finally gutted workers’ organizations after they were subjected to decades of powerlessness by her predecessors, all!

    None of these so-called democratic systems will longer survive. France should lead by again unsheathing that antiquarian device which had played a leading role when ‘cake’ was seen by the leading oligarch then as an alternative to ‘bread’.

  45. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Merry Christmas to all on Bu who are listening

    The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as the Twelve Days of Christmastide, are the festive Christian season celebrating the Nativity.

    Christmas Day is the First Day. The Twelve Days are 25 December to 5 January, counting first and last. The Octave, or Eighth Day, is New Year’s Day and the Feast of the Circumcision, the day Jesus was circumcised according to the faith. The evening of the last day is Twelfth Night or Epiphany Eve, the next morning being Epiphany.

    If you don’t take your Christmas decorations down by 5th it is deemed bad uck

  46. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Re: World War Tree
    Since World War Two Apartheid states of South Africa and Israel were established in Africa and Middle East. Israel helped with the white supremacists of SA’s nuclear program.

    Reaching the Turning Point
    In the United States, Canada and New Zealand, the ‘majority-minority’ point will arrive around 2050.

    United States is on track to reach its anticipated 2044 “majority minority” milestone: the moment when the majority ethnic group, non-Hispanic white people, becomes one of multiple minorities.

  47. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Hants December 17, 2024 at 9:10 am “… guvment Ministers and MPs will be working very hard. Driving bout distributing hampers.”

    They missed me entirely with the pandemic baskets.

    Do you think that my MP will remember me at Christmas?

  48. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    LOL @ Terence, who seemed to have had a recent direct encounter with brassbowlery at the BB center.
    LOL ha ha ha

    Skippa, it is even worse that you were able to gleen from a mere 9 days bout here…
    Even BASIC common sense has been lost….

    Simple example…
    Bushie here deading wid laughter at VOB…baking their ‘golden egg’ goose fuh Xmas.

    Can you imagine that by virtue of ‘Down to Brass Tacks’, they attracted high listenership ratings. So to exploit this popularity, they suspended Brass tacks – in order to make way for extra airtime to feature a bunch of monotonous people talking shiite about shopping in malls and supermarkets…now no one listens.
    But THAT is not the joke…
    BB Bajans ACTUALLY pay premium rates for these ADS which VERY FEW people now listen to, since there is now no brass tacks (where at least occasionally one can hear about real issues in BB land, AND perhaps get some action).

    In a NORMALLY SANE land, this period could have been dedicated to the spirit of the shiite season – with callers wishing each other well, committing to community projects, looking out for the underprivileged etc….
    ..boosting ratings even higher, and making the ads even more attractive.

    If there is any ‘good’ news, the brassbowlery is now 100% GLOBAL. Idiocy abounds.
    When the USA can end up with the world’s most famous idiot TWICE – as their commander in chief, one need not look any further.

    That BBs can continue to eat, drink and pretend to be merry, in the face of such local and global discord, is THE most amazing thing of all.
    So rather than take stock, reflect, review, and rewind, … we are counting tourist arrivals, and We gatherin in 2025.
    Today, Minister Do Shiite announced in Parliament that his party was ‘focussed on protecting the poor’….
    ..apparently from making the mistake of building wealth
    Here was stinking Bushie thinking that government was in the business of TRANSFORMING the ‘poor’ into successful citizens…
    LOL
    Now all the false promises, lack of transparency and lack of accountability are much clearer…

    What a period of history…
    What a place.

  49. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Well, well, who would have guessed. This revelation is a killer and a shocker. What say you Dub555 and Hants?

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PU7RpH5243M

  50. John A Avatar
    John A

    @ Northern

    So did the NISS take over the NIS yet? Cause i was trying to figure out what change. Have financials been posted that i have not seen?

    Wunna did really. Think adding an S would change the NIS? LOL

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