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Trump tariffs unleashed on the world

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President Donald Trump delivered on a promise today by announcing tarifs on the world. The objective he believes, to boost domestic production and in the process Make America Great Again (MAGA).

Key tariffs announced by Trump

Time will tell very soon if Trumps strategy of using tariffs and executive orders will achieve the objective. What all the market analysts have suggested is that it is too simplistic an approach. Although the stock market is not an economic indicator, it has been reported 4 trillion has been wiped from the US stock market since Trump’s reelection.

The blogmaster is of the certain view the disruption to the global economy caused by Trump policies will force countries to renegotiate different ways to do business. Trump’s isolations strategy will be challenged given that there are alternatives IF countries commit to forging new strategic relationships.

Of immediate concern is how will Trump policies affect Barbados and the Caribbean. At first read there is a 10% baseline tariff that was imposed on ALL imports to the USA. Although Barbados is not a significant exporter of goods compared to the major players, we have exports like rum, sugar products etc that will be impacted.

Then there is tourism revenue on which Barbados and many Caribbean islands are over reliant. If the price of commodities increase significantly in the USA and Canada which are key source markets, it will reduce disposable income for North Americans. The obvious impact is that many will decide to revisit travel plans to countries like the Caribbean.

The government of Barbados has been nurturing relationships with non traditional partners to mitigate against fallout such as we been witnessing with the reelection of Trump. Our economy is already very fragile made worse by mismanagement by successive DLP and BLP governments. We should also be worried about the fact our economy is wedded to the US economy because of the peg to the dollar.

After years of growing a global economy on the concept of ‘globalisation’ and free trade, we are witnessing a US President deciding to pivot to implementing isolationist economic policies.

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162 responses to “Trump tariffs unleashed on the world”

  1. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    ” Barbados: 10% (charges U.S. 10%)

  2. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    China: 34% (charges U.S. 67%)—though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 34% will be in addition to tariffs China already faces, bringing its tariff rate to 54%.

  3. David Avatar
    David

    https://youtu.be/5gIjc5iJ7ko

  4. David Avatar
    David

    https://youtu.be/AX7wsKfL08s

  5. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    WHAT A VERY GOOD MORNING TO AWAKE TO A “BRAVE NEW WORLD” – WHAT AWESOME TIMES TO BE ALIVE & TO WITNESS THE DEBACLE OF ANAEMIC-MINDED HUMANS WHO COULD NOT NAVIGATE THEMSELVES OUT OF A FRAGILE, MOTH-EATEN PAPER BAG

    #CaesarHasSpoken

    #WhoDaresDefyHim

    So now, the “AXE” has been laid 2 the tree, as the world turns in violent convulsions at the “FALL OF WHAT WILL BE BABYLON THE GREAT” – a “SATANIC” primordial metropolis still engaging the mindz & soulz of “FALLEN MEN”, (in a postmodern age), pass-its-sell-by-date!!!

    DID SO-CALLED INTELLIGENT HUMANS EXPECT THAT THIS ANCIENT GALLEON WOULD CONTINUE TO SAIL WITHOUT ENCOUNTERING A BERMUDAESQUE TRIANGLE THAT WOULD SINK ALL & SUNDRY

    #AtlantisWentDown according 2 legend – why not everything else???

    These are the “DAYZ” spoken of by the “ANCIENT PROPHETS” – as the world begins facing unimaginable “CRISES” (#OneAfterOne) – all happening in such “QUICK SUCCESSION”, that they tumble over on one another like a series of “DOMINOES” crashing 2 the floor!!!

    WHAT FOLLOW ACCORDING TO SOCIOLOGISTS WILL BE PROTECTIONISM – WHEN ALL ALONG, THE GOOD ‘OLE ACADEMIC FOLKS ET AL WERE RANTING & RAVING ABOUT THE TENOR OF GLOBALIZATION (maybe, they needed to read #AnthonyGiddens works to carve out a new perspective & to come up with all possible angles – which is the beauty of “STRUCTURATION THEORY”)!!!

    We could not ask them to “READ THEIR BIBLES”, as that would be a “STONE THROWN 2 FAR” given most would “WAG” their heads as the ancient “SCRIBES & PHARISEES” did when they would not want hear “TRUTH” – so let them “EAT SOCIOLOGICAL CAKE”, instead!!!

    LET’S SEE IF THEY CAN FIGURE OUT THE COMING DEBACLES

    Here’s the “SHORT VERSION” of what has been a “LONG PROCESSIONAL”:

    I have citing Revelation Chapter 18 – (here, there & everywhere) to the “UTTER IRE” & contempt of many who “REFUSE” to “PAY ATTENTION” (AS THEY ARE SO MORALLY & SPIRITUALLY BROKE) – seeing the intensely apocalyptic outcome due to its thematic focus on “DIVINE JUDGMENT”; the “COLLAPSE OF CORRUPT SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENTS”, & the “ULTIMATE TRIUMPH OF GOD’S JUSTICE UPON FALLEN MEN WHO THOUGHT THEY WERE #gods!!!

    Here’s my structuration analysis of the “MONETARY GLOBAL APOCALYPSE” facing down this current world!!!

    Symbolic Representation of Evil

    BABYLON-THE-GREAT serves as a metaphor for oppressive, worldly powers (historically linked to ROME*) that still OPPOSES GOD*, Righteousness & His Servants. Its vainglorious destruction symbolizes the inevitable downfall of all corrupt systems of man-made GOV’Ts* built on “EXPLOITATION”, “IDOLATRY”, & “MORAL DECAY”

    Divine Judgment & Sovereignty

    The entire “TENOR” of chapter 18, emphasizes God’s “SUDDEN”, “IRREVERSIBLE” #Judgment (“IN ONE HOUR,” v. 10), highlighting His utter control over history & the machination of fallen men. The plagues & fiery destruction (v. 8 – 9) underscore the totality of “DIVINE RETRIBUTION” against “EVIL IN ALL ITS FORMS” – yet this is “ONLY” the beginnings of what is to come, given the “FEROCITY” before the eventual “END”

    Economic Critique & Worldly Mourning

    The “LAMENT OF THE MERCHANTS OF EARTH” will be a “SWEET SONG” – where kings, queens, nobles, billionaires et al (v. 11 – 17) will “CRY OUT WITH SUCH ANGUISH” that no mortal pen can give understanding to what will be witnessed very soon. The terminal critique of materialism & globalized greed meet its “FINAL WATERLOO”. The detailed list of “LUXURY GOODS” (vv. 12 – 13) represents “VACUOUS” societal excess, while their “MOURNING” reveals the “EMPTINESS” of wealth without “RIGHTEOUSNESS” – all of it “COLLAPSING” in just “ONE HOUR” of time

    Call to Spiritual Separation

    The central “THEME” of chp. 18 is the command for God’s people to “COME OUT OF HER” (v. 4), urging “BELIEVERS” to reject complicity with “SINFUL SYSTEMS” of exploitation, avarice & greed. This separation reinforces the apocalyptic contrast between the “CORRUPT WORLD” & the “PURITY” of God’s eventual kingdom (ON THE EARTH)

    Eschatological Reversal

    This chapter “INVERTS” worldly values: Babylon’s grandeur is reduced to “RUIN”, while “ALL HEAVEN” rejoices & so do the servants of “OUR GOD” (v. 20). This reversal typifies apocalyptic prophecy, where “EARTHLY POWER IS FLEETING”, & “DIVINE JUSTICE PREVAILS” (in the end) – leaving those who thought they had control of the earth – “STRIPPED” of all worldly power & the “REINS” handed over to the “RIGHTEOUS ONES”

    Encouragement to the Persecuted

    Though this was written during a period of “ROMAN PERSECUTION”, this chapter reassures believers of “GOD’S ULTIMATE VICTORY”. The apocalyptic imagery fosters hope, affirming that suffering is temporary & “EVIL” will be eradicated once & for all. Again, the maxim – “THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST & THE FIRST, LAST”. The “MEEK” shall inherit the earth

    Literary Devices

    REPETITION* (“FALLEN! FALLEN!” v. 2) with vivid tangential imagery (FIRE*, MOURNING*, SILENCE*) heighten the destructive dramatic tone, texture & tenure of God’s judgment. The “DIRGE-LIKE STRUCTURE” (v. 9 – 19) mirrors the prophetic judgments in Isaiah & Ezekiel, linking Babylon’s fate to historical cycles of pride, prejudice & punishment – where everything ever constructed as an edifice to man’s glory is “LEVELLED” to dust – as we got a “GLIMPSE” in MANDALAY, & across [3] Asiatic provinces in the recent earthquake

    Theological Context

    Revelation 18 bridges the narrative between the “DEFEAT OF EVIL” (BABYLON THE WHORE) & the establishment of “THE NEW JERUSALEM” (Ch. 21 – 22) that “GOLDEN CITY” of YAH* that comes down out of heaven (AFTER THE 1000 YEARS). This apocalyptic fervor is essential to the paradigmatic essence of the eschatological vision, painted as “HANDWRITING ON THE WALL” for all those who will want to know what the future holds – marking the transition from “JUDGMENT – REDEMPTION”

    In the essence of totality, Revelation 18’s apocalypticism serves to unveil “SPIRITUAL TRUTHS”, warning against idolatry, while affirming God’s retributive justice against everything that mankind has set up on “HIS CREATED PLANET” – usurped by the “ARCH-DECEIVER” who bamboozled men into believing a false narrative – imperiling their own lives & that of their children & families!!!

    WHAT DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES AWAIT THE LIARS, DENIERS, OBFUSCATORS, OBJECTORS & THE ENTIRE SATANIC GAGGLE OF UNBELIEVERS, NAYSAYERS, DOUBTERS & INTRIGUERS

    #AwakeAwakeOZion

    #TheEndBeckons

    #ThoughItSeemsAfarOff

    #ItsAtTheDoor

  6. John A Avatar
    John A

    It is the export of Chinese made products and other tariffed goods that go into the usa and are then shipped out of there by thousands of wholesalers to other countries, that is my concern. That is what will hit us hard on our imports. All the Chinese items that many small retailers here sell for instance will increase in price. After all not everyone can by container loads from China for shipment to Barbados. Then we have other food items which come into the usa from Europe say and are then broken down and shipped out from there in smaller quantities from major wholesalers in Miami and New York.

    This is not just a USA and China issue here, but an event that could cause global inflation and a possible recession. All should sit up and take note!

  7. David Avatar
    David

    @John A

    It is interesting how history repeats itself.

    One of the factors was the:

    The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930) – This law raised tariffs on foreign goods in an attempt to protect American industries. However, it backfired as other countries retaliated with their own tariffs, reducing international trade and worsening the economic decline.

  8. John A Avatar
    John A

    @ David

    Yes it’s a circle of events. Sadly we did not take the covid warning and diversify our economy, so we are now way more exposed to these events than we should be.

  9. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    WHAT A PATHETIC SHOW OF EMBECILITY BY OUR NATIONS & ITS LEADERS WHO ARE DUMB DOGS WHO BARK LIKE THEY HAVE PNEUMONIA – WHILE THE MASSES IGNORE *TRUTH* THAT DOES NOT NEGATE ITS IMPACT ON THE EMERGENCE OF THOSE SAID TRUTHS

    #WhatADisastrousStateOfAffairs

    #WhatMadness

    #UselessLeaders

    #BrainDeadPoLIEticians

    #UselessHUMANS*

  10. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    WILL THEIR BE AN “OIL WAR” IN THE CARIBBEAN – #StayTuned

  11. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Day of reckoning is here!

    What tariffs really mean, is that you will only be able to afford what you can produce ON YOUR OWN STEAM.
    Food, clothes, essentials, medicines, cars, busses etc
    – some what like what CUBA has had to endure for the last 50 years….

    The ‘ability’ to borrow money, or to BEG Chinese to come and look after your roads, Gym and Stadium needs, has only served to make us into TOTAL MENDICANTS…. unlike the resourceful Cubans who used their HOMEGROWN talents to become GIANTS in many areas such as education, medicine and even in MILITARY interventions in RIGHTEOUS areas such as South Africa, and building infrastructure in Grenada when asked…

    OUR shiite leaders have meanwhile been begging, borrowing, apologizing for ongoing FAILURES, and hiding the information and reports that document their incompetence.

    meanwhile…
    Debt rising..
    Crime rising..
    Prices rising..
    Energy cost rising…
    Ownership going to foreigners…
    Welfare rising…
    Infrastructure crumbling…
    Agriculture dying…
    Transport, Garbage, Sewerage, Banking…
    NOTHING working..
    We can’t even get on a good beach to relax…
    AND THIS WAS ALL BEFORE TRUMP PRESSED THE DISTRUCT BUTTON…

    These are the ‘leaders’ who must now lead us through the next three years of SELF- RELIANCE…???

    As Bushie has been saying now for the last DECADE….
    Our ass is grass!

    The parable of the ten virgins is here….

  12. John A Avatar
    John A

    Let us wait and see now what our divine leaders will TALK about doing re food security and economic diversification. Of course we can expect nuff long talk and pie in the sky ideas, like we had when covid hit and Of course like post covid, I expect to see little or no change.

    If this does trigger a global slowdown like many leading economist are saying, our 1 leg economy will be hit i am sure. Does this not all sound like dejavue all over again from 2021?

    Also I have been hearing about the massive arrivals from tourism but have not heard any spend figures compared to last year why is that?

  13. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    What Trump seemingly hasn’t figured out, is the only manufacturers moving are those who are highly automated.
    Highly automated = fewer jobs. Highly automated = wages are less of a factor.
    Or, those whom are provided with large financial incentives to counteract higher costs in USA.
    Last time, he effed up, because his focus on China tariffs, led to them opening plants in Vietnam and Cambodia to dodge his tariffs. So now he hits all, to try and avoid that.
    The whole pre-tariff shit-show on Canada/Mexico and their porous borders, were to prepare for the untariffed goods landing in those countries finding their way in. Does he think Americans living in Buffalo or Detroit won’t know that goods are cheaper in untariffed Canada? Let the smuggling begin.

  14. David Avatar
    David

    America’s astonishing act of self-harm

    If it endures, Donald Trump’s decision on April 2 2025 to enact sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs on US trade partners will go down as one of the greatest acts of self-harm in American economic history. They will wreak untold damage on households, businesses and financial markets across the world, upending a global economic order that America benefited from and helped to create.

    The president spoke brazenly from the Rose Garden at the White House on Wednesday, delivering a protectionist agenda well beyond most analysts’ worst-case scenarios. Within a week, the US will be enclosed by a minimum 10 per cent tariff wall on all imports, reinforced by hefty individualised duties on nations with sizeable US trade deficits. These build on levies already announced by the administration, including on China, Mexico, Canada and the auto industry. The combined effect will lift America’s effective tariff rate to its highest in over a century.

    Trump’s justification hinges on a naive belief that treats trade imbalances as if they were the profit and loss account of a business, and not the culmination of highly specialised supply chains. He also considers factory work to be the fount of economic development, ignoring how decades of free trade has enabled America to rise up the industrial value chain and become a global leader in services and innovation.

    His “reciprocal” levies amount to a back-of-the-envelope calculation. They take trade partners’ US trade deficit in goods as a share of imports from that country, and then divide it by two. This is not a calibrated attempt to equalise tariff and non-tariff barriers facing US exporters, perceived or otherwise. It is, however, a reckless repudiation of all trade agreements the US has signed, as well as a deeply flawed plan to attract foreign manufacturing investment.

    For the US economy, the most immediate effects of Trump’s actions will be to raise inflation and slow economic activity. Capital Economics reckons Trump’s tariff blitz could push US annual inflation above 4 per cent by the end of the year, heaping further pain on households that have suffered from a 20 per cent rise in prices since the pandemic. Interest rates may now stay higher for longer.

    American businesses should be shell-shocked. They face the costly and complex task of finding domestic suppliers. The prospect of sectoral tariffs and retaliatory measures, alongside the administration’s slapdash approach to policymaking, will hinder investment plans and any chance of sparking a manufacturing renaissance. Financial markets are volatile too. The S&P 500 and the US dollar plunged in early trading on Thursday. Confidence in US economic exceptionalism continues to evaporate.

    Source: FT

  15. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Of note no tariffs were applied on Russia but Guyana has a 38 percent tariff levelled against it.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    How were Donald Trump’s tariffs calculated?

    EPA Donald Trump raises his fist at the announcement of new tariffs.

    US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on goods from most countries being imported into the US, with even higher rates for what he calls the “worst offenders”.

    But how exactly were these tariffs – essentially taxes on imports – worked out? BBC Verify has been looking at the calculations behind the numbers.

    What were the calculations?

    When Trump presented a giant cardboard chart detailing the tariffs in the White House Rose Garden it was initially assumed that the charges were based on a combination of existing tariffs and other trade barriers (like regulations).

    But later, the White House published what might look like a complicated mathematical formula.

    White House A screen grab of the formula used by the White House used to calculate tariffs
    The formula shared by the White House

    But if you unpick the formula above it boils down to simple maths: take the trade deficit for the US in goods with a particular country, divide that by the total goods imports from that country and then divide that number by two.

    A trade deficit occurs when a country buys (imports) more physical products from other countries than it sells (exports) to them.

    For example, the US buys more goods from China than it sells to them – there is a goods deficit of $295bn. The total amount of goods it buys from China is $440bn.

    Dividing 295 by 440 gets you to 67% and you divide that by two and round up. Therefore the tariff imposed on China is 34%.

    Similarly, when it applied to the EU, the White House’s formula resulted in a 20% tariff.

    A BBC graphic showing how the White House methodology works

    Source: BBC

  17. Frank Avatar
    Frank

    The claim is that Russia, N.Korea, Belarus and Cuba are previously subjected to tariffs and sanctions which effectively negate trade with these countries.

  18. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    WILL THE MOTTLEY CREW GOV* SPELL OUT THE IMPACT TRUMP’S TARIFFS WILL HAVE ON THE TOURISM SECTOR OR WILL IT BE A #WaitAndSeeScenario AS THE CRISIS UNFOLDS

    #TheGlobalMarketsReeling

    #GlobalLeadersInPanicMode

    #FoodAndDrinkSpike

    #WhatsNextFolks

    For small nation states like Barbados, #GlobalAirTravel is expected to face significant disruptions due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, primarily through indirect economic pressures, geopolitical tensions, & operational challenges!!!

    Here’s the potential impact

    1. Increased Airline Operational Costs

    Aircraft Parts, Jet Fuel, Maintenance & Employment Cost

    Tariffs on imported components (e.g., from China, Canada, and/or Mexico) will raise costs for aircraft manufacturing & maintenance. E.g., Boeing expressed concerns about parts availability, though its massive order backlog may shield it short-term. Airbus, meanwhile, hinted it might prioritize non-U.S. deliveries if tariffs complicate U.S. operations, potentially delaying aircraft deliveries to American carriers

    Ripple Effects on Ticket Prices

    Airlines like UNITED* noted a “BIG DROP” in Canadian travelers to the U.S., partly due to tariffs exacerbating cross-border tensions. Higher operational costs could lead to fare hikes, especially on routes sensitive to geopolitical friction

    Travel Agents & other vacation bizs believe they will see a dramatic shortfall in international travel with more vacations focused on “STAYCATIONS”

    2. Geopolitical Tensions & Traveler Sentiment

    “Vibe Shift” & boycotts implies trade war rhetoric has already dampened interest in U.S. & international travel

    For instance, Canadian travelers are boycotting the U.S., with Porter Airlines halting marketing for U.S. destinations

    European summer bookings to the U.S. dropped 25%, per Accor’s CEO, as “BAD BUZZ” around tariffs as political tensions grows

    Retaliatory measures by Canada imposing a 25% tariff on U.S. auto imports, escalating tensions that could further deter cross-border travel & collaboration

    3. Economic Uncertainty & Reduced Demand

    #StockMarketVolatility today on #GlobalMarkets plunged post-announcement, with the S&P 500 down 10% from highs. A sustained downturn could erode the “WEALTH EFFECT”, reducing luxury travel spending, which accounts for 30% of U.S. travel revenue

    Consumer caution reports that Bank of America data shows air travel spending down 6% year-over-year, with travelers reassessing discretionary expenses amid fears of inflation & recession

    4. Currency Fluctuations & Tourism Costs

    With a stronger U.S. dollar, tariffs may strengthen the dollar, making the U.S. a pricier destination for international visitors. Skift Research estimates 10% of inbound tourism growth correlates with currency strength, suggesting potential declines

    Higher ground transportation costs means that rental car companies may raise prices due to tariffs on imported vehicles (e.g., from Canada/Mexico), indirectly affecting travel budgets

    5. Regional & Sector-Specific Impacts

    Canada-U.S. routes reported by United Airlines that a sharp decline in Canadian traffic, while Air Canada faces pressure to adjust capacity

    European carriers like Virgin Atlantic warned of slowing U.S. demand, as well as for other jurisdictions, & Ryanair’s CEO highlighted “UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES” of tariffs on transatlantic operations

    Asian markets were hit hardest by US tariffs, especially on China (54%) & Vietnam (46%) will disrupt supply chains for Asian airlines & reduce business travel tied to manufacturing reshoring

    6. Long-Term Risks

    Supply chain disruptions from prolonged tariffs will force airlines to rethink global supply chains, potentially slowing fleet expansions or upgrades as well as downgrade the volume of flights (LONG & SHORTHAUL)

    Global recession fears are being touted by economists in the UK, warning that tariffs could trigger a sluggish downturn, further suppressing both business & leisure travel demand across the board

    While tariffs don’t directly target air travel, the cascading effects will mean higher costs, weakening consumer confidence, geopolitical friction, & currency shifts – threatening to destabilize global aviation – forcing airlines to adapt new pricing models, route alterations, & closer partnerships to navigate an increasingly volatile landscape

  19. Dirt Avatar
    Dirt

    Davie, De Don unleashed a tariff tsunami on all of us.
    Brazil 🇧🇷 is looking 👀 good again for cheap commodities. I ain’t referring to de purchasing of business 🤣 for de transport board.

    Mr. Marshall was nominated unopposed on a BLP ticket to represent de party in St. Michael. I guess his party sees nothing wrong with what he did, since there was no condemnation or punishment. Instead, they reward him. Yes, they suspended his bus driver’s license.
    So much for integrity.
    ​
    Davie, prime minister in escrow, come get your bajan 🌏 Sir!

  20. Dirt Avatar
    Dirt

    *Busses of you please!

  21. David Avatar
    David

    What is the point of ‘spelling out’ the impact on the tourism sector? Isn’t obvious if there is a falloff in leisure travel what would be the effect on the local economy?

  22. Horsemeat Avatar
    Horsemeat

    Bush Tea
    April 3, 2025 at 8:42 am

    As usual, well said by the Bushman.

    I too have long held that Bim imports so much cheap as chips rubbish that is selling for nuff dollars in Bimtown.

    Stuff that used to be made to high quality by local shoemakers and tailors (remember the tailors on Lower Bay Street).

    Time to get back to basics.

    The problem now is that the first problem and the biggest is cultural change. To move back from MashUp culture to the old school discipline and respect.

    When law and order used to rule the land.

    That by far is the first hurdle, then we can tackle the local production and development.

  23. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    @ David

    “What is the point of ‘spelling out’ the impact on the tourism sector? Isn’t obvious if there is a falloff in leisure travel what would be the effect on the local economy?”

    WHAT IS THE POINT OF ANYTHING, bruv???

    If Barbados was run like a “MULTINATIONAL CORP” – the CEO, CFO, COO et al would all be “SACKED” & manhandled out through the BACK-door – hoping the door didn’t hit them in their backsides on the way out!!!

    #CmonBigBruh

    To ask what is the point is to “INFER DEFEATISM” right out the gate – clearly, as & when (4 YOU OPINED) that #LeisureTravel when it does go SOUTH* or NORTH* depending on your trajectory – “SURELY”, the question must be asked: “WHAT ARE THE CONTINGENCY PLANS???”

    IS THAT A STRETCH 2 FAR

    Folks with “HALF-A-BRAIN” #SpellsOutTheObvious every single day including some of your “DUMB-ARSE-CORRUPT-POLIETICIANS”, RElieGIOUS LEADERS et al, with precious little “KICKBACK” – yet they are the ones who determine whether you lot sink or swim!!!

    PLEASE BROTHA’ SPARE ME THE SUBLIMINALLY SNIDE COMMENTS

    Too old, too wise, been through too much & still standing “TALL” (IN CHRIST) – without a single care in the world…

    The same thing I tell you or anyone else with the (QUEENS’ DAMN ENGLISH) is what has been, is & will always be (4 TRUTH* HAS NO FILTERS)!!!

    Needless 2 say: Scripture reminds us that #MenHateTheTRUTH*

    LET’S SEE HOW THE MOTTLEY-CREW-GOV DEALS WITH THIS INCOMING MENACE

  24. David Avatar
    David

    The culture will change if we stop importing many useless commodities. Think Cuba and how that country has been forced to rely on its ingenuity after the embargo to survive.

    Somebody will now say international trade laws penalize protectionism. The thing is large countries protect their interests anyway.

  25. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    TRUMP IS DOING WHAT HE WAS CONDITIONED 2 DO GIVEN 4 YEARS OF LAWFARE, SUBTERFUGE & POlieTICAL HACKERY – RELEGATED TO THE WILDERNESS BUT MOREOVER, AS AN OLD FART WHO DOES NOT GIVE A MONKEYS ABOUT NOTHING OR NO ONE; IS IT ANY WONDER THE WORLD IS NOW REELING AS FOREIGN LEADERS SCRAMBLE TO NOT ONLY SEE WHAT THEIR FUTURES WILL BE BUT SOME ARE ALREADY THROWING IN THE TOWEL & RAISING THE WHITE FLAG IN SURRENDER

    Less than 24 hr, GOVs are #CavingIN*!!!

    The world knows that “CAESAR HAS DECREED” that the whole should be “TAXED”!!!

    YOU CANNOT FIGHT THE MOST POWERFUL COUNTRY ON EARTH (that was even cited in “THE HOLY BIBLE” in Revelation, chapter 13:11-18) – a “LAMBLIKE NATION” in its infancy that would eventually & is now “SPEAKING AS A DRAGON”!!!

    #ReadYourBiblesFolks (I KNOW YOU F.E.A.R. IT)

    WHY IS EVERYONE FALLING OVER THEMSELVES – WHEN THE HANDWRITING WAS ON THE WALL FOR ALMOST 2000 YEARS

    So much 4 #HumanIngenuity & so-called “PROWESS” of “FRAGILE MINDZ”!!!

    We told y’all but you thought “IGNORANCE” was a “SUBTLE DEFENCE” against literary and/or verbal onslaught & by “FACETIOUSLY IGNORING” the obvious & railing against “NOT*” spelling out the obvious – folks could somehow continue 2 “COMFORT THEMSELVES IN ABSTENTIA WITH LIES, DENIAL & REFUSAL 2 FACE THE MUSIC”!!!

    #AsDayMeetsNite

    AMERIKKKA WILL CAUSE THE WHOLE WORLD 2 RECEIVE A #Mark IF THEY WANT TO BUY OR SELL (#ReadRevelation13Verse16To18)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    #ThatProcessHasBEGUN* – for what you’re seeing with “TARIFFS” is the “SMOKE” before the “FIRES OF HELL” are unleashed upon all of humanity!!!

    IDLE CHIT-CHAT – YOU SAY

    #StayTuned

  26. David Avatar
    David

    https://youtu.be/SPo5msFpQUc

  27. David Avatar
    David

    At the heart of our problem is our inability to chart a course in our self interest as small nations. We have been sucked into neocolonial and imperialist policies. It maybe too late to do anything about it.

  28. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    @David

    “The culture will change if we stop importing many useless commodities. Think Cuba and how that country has been forced to rely on its ingenuity after the embargo to survive… Somebody will now say international trade laws penalize protectionism. The thing is large countries protect their interests anyway…”

    BIM CANNOT BE COMPARED 2 CUBA BY ANY METRIC OF EVALUATION

    To suggest that Barbados could survive in 2025 given the morphological ethnographic capitalist changes since its independence is like hoping that Elon Musk can send a man to Mars or that the moon landing actually happened!!!

    Cuba’s survival despite significant challenges can be attributed to a combination of political, economic, social, & international factors & strategies!!!

    Let’s begin with – #PoliticalResilience & #SocialControlMechanisms

    The Communist Party of Cuba maintained a centralized political system since 1959, (THE YEAR I WAS BORN IN BRITAIN) – emphasizing ideological unity (SOMETHING BIM HAS NEVER HAD) & by suppressing dissent through state security mechanisms under the leadership transitions of both (#FidelCastro 2 #RaúlCastro 2 #MiguelDíazCanel) ensured continuity while allowing gradual reforms over time!!!

    SINCE THE DIPPER*, WHERE IS THAT CONTINUITY OF LEADERSHIP IN BIM

    Now, there’s the “OBVIOUS ISSUE” of #EconomicAdaptations given the “EMBARGOS”, & the whole bloody lot imposed on them since the “DAY OF PIGS”!!!

    Soviet Support (Pre-1991) stepped in to fill a “VACUUM” during that #ColdWar, where Cuba relied heavily on Soviet subsidies, trade, & oil, which collapsed under Gorbachev with the USSR’s dissolution, leading to what was called in the 1990s – “SPECIAL PERIOD”!!!

    Geopolitical moves by Cuba meant that post-Soviet reforms had 2 look 4 diversified alliances, partnering with Venezuela, in the early dayz (NO WONDER SHE IS TILL HATED BY THE US) – also the oil-for-doctors programs, with China, & Russia. Tourism then became a key revenue source, alongside biotechnology & pharmaceutical exports making for serious innovation at a time when most thought it impossible!!!

    Cuba was also forced to look at agricultural innovation if it was 2 feed its people – hence, urban farming & organic practices emerged due to scarcity, reducing dependency on imports (something BIM* is gradually getting back 2 but it may take a generation, which we do not have)!!!

    With limited market reforms, small private businesses (e.g., CUENTAPROPISTAS) & CO-OPs were legalized, easing state control over the economy – allowing business 2 do what business does, (WHAT WE CALL IN 21ST CENTURY FREE MARKET CAPITALISM)!!!

    Adam Smith & Milton Freidman et al did not have anything up on “CUBA”…

    Castro’s implementation of the #SocialWelfareSystems meant that education & healthcare became priorities – where “FREE UNIVERSAL” access 2 education & healthcare fostered social stability – making Cuba’s high literacy rate of (99.8%) & its “MEDICAL DIPLOMACY” (sending doctors abroad) bolstered its international influence & revenue streams!!!

    BIM HAD MORE THAN CUBA DID (except land mass) BUT SQUANDERED TIME, TALENTS & TREASURE BY MAKING AN IMAGE TO THE GOLDEN CALF – THEN WORSHIPPING IT THROUGH CORRUPT FISCAL PRACTICES

    Fidel made sure in an era of “RATIONS” to subsidize the basics – where the GOV* provided food, utilities, & housing, mitigating extreme poverty despite very low wages – so the mindset was never “EVERY MAN 4 HIMSELF” & God 4 all!!!

    The world witnessed during the Ebola crisis, as well as the COVID-19 planDEMIC* how medical internationalism enhanced Cuba’s global reputation – allowing for international alliances & diplomacy in many Afrikan countries & elsewhere, where anti-imperialist rhetoric & resistance to the U.S. embargo garnered solidarity from continental left-leaning governments & NGO(s)!!!

    With remittances from Cubans abroad (notably, in the U.S.) saw the injection of vital foreign currency during those difficult years & it still remains the same today – a thriving informal economy supplements state provisions, though it coexists with government crackdowns!!!

    Above all else, nationalism & ideological hegemony resulted in a strong narrative of resistance to U.S. aggression as was seen in the embargo, Bay of Pigs debacle – that fostered national unity to this day – where cultural pride in its revolutionary history reinforces regime legitimacy!!!

    CLEARLY, 1937 DID NOT TEACH BAJANS MUCH GIVEN THAT REVOLUTION CHANGES THE MINDSET OF FUTURE LEADERS AS WELL AS THE POPULACE

    Although Cuba faces challenges, pressures & contradictions with economic stagnation, currency instability, & the reliance on imports persist – protests in 2021 highlighted the growing discontent over shortages & repression – especially given the dependency on volatile allies like Maduro’s Venezuela who is battling their own economic crisis – creating obvious vulnerabilities!!!

    The Caribbean will not come out well when “STRESS-TESTED” in the light of the
    fact that survival stems from “IMPORTATION”, adaptive governance, “EXTERNAL” social investments, “PREDATORY” strategic international partnerships, & a continually strained national identity, albeit amidst ongoing economic & political pressures, from within & without!!!

    So what is the answer???

    IF THERE IS STRENGTH IN UNITY (time-tested, of course) – THEN THE TIME HAS COME 4 ALL THE CARIBBEAN 2 BAND TOGETHER AS ONE IF THEY ARE GOING 2 FEED THEMSELVES; EDUCATE THEIR MASSES IN THE MEANS OF PRODUCTION & DEVELOP INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL BRING THE WORLD KNOCKING AT THEIR DOOR

    This time – #MaybeUSTariffs will be the catalyst………………………..

    #StayTuned

  29. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    @ David

    “At the heart of our problem is our inability to chart a course in our self interest as small nations. We have been sucked into neocolonial and imperialist policies. It maybe too late to do anything about it…”

    MAYBE, #Yes

    MAYBE, #No

    A discussion 4 another day!!!

    Gotta’ run – SABBATH* looms!!!

    #BlessingsBRUH!!!

  30. David Avatar
    David

    Discuss for 5 points.

    Globalisation didn’t fail America — Washington did

    By Professor C. Justin Robinson Few topics ignite more partisan heat than globalisation. For decades, United States leaders have blamed it for shuttered factories, lost jobs, and stagnant wages. From Ross Perot’s “giant sucking sound” in the 1990s to Donald Trump’s “America First” tariffs, the political narrative has been clear: globalisation hurt the US.

    But, like most convenient stories, this one is only half true.

    Yes, globalisation disrupted American manufacturing. It forced painful adjustments in factory towns and exposed weaknesses in social safety nets. But it also gave us cheaper goods, sparked innovation and helped the US maintain global economic leadership. The uncomfortable truth is: globalisation wasn’t the problem. The failure to manage it was.

    Let’s start with the facts. Since the 1970s, US per capita income has more than doubled – from US$26 000 in 1970 to over US$65 000 in 2023. Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew steadily, even after accounting for slower growth post-2000.

    Despite fears of a global “race to the bottom,” the US unemployment rate fell from over six per cent in the 1990s to around 3.6 per cent today.

    That’s not what national decline looks like.

    Critics often point to the disappearance of manufacturing jobs – about five million lost since 2000. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. Manufacturing output increased during the same period, thanks to automation, robotics and efficiency gains. Meanwhile, the economy added millions of jobs in technology, health care and services.

    Globalisation didn’t kill jobs. It changed them. So why does it feel like something went wrong?

    Because it did – just not in the way populists claim. While globalisation expanded the economic pie, it didn’t slice it evenly. The top one per cent saw their incomes soar by over 200 per cent since 1980. The bottom 50 per cent? A modest 40 per cent gain. Median wages flatlined for years, especially in communities without access to higher education or tech jobs.

    The result was a tale of two Americas: coastal cities booming with opportunity, while rural towns and industrial centres faded into economic uncertainty. This wasn’t inevitable. Countries like Germany invested in retraining and built support systems to help workers transition. The US did not.

    Washington failed to plan for the future. It pushed free trade agreements without cushioning the blow. It dismantled unions, underfunded job training and ignored the warning signs from Main Street. Globalisation wasn’t the villain. Neglect was.

    Trump’s tariffs were sold as a way to “bring jobs back home”. In reality, they made steel more expensive, disrupted supply chains and hurt small businesses. His successor, former President Joe Biden, kept many of those tariffs in place – despite minimal reshoring and rising costs for American consumers.

    Trade wars may win votes, but they rarely win economic battles.

    And even where jobs have returned, automation has taken over. The factories coming back need far fewer workers than the ones that left. Meanwhile, slashing immigration has created labour shortages in agriculture, logistics and technology – sectors where American competitiveness depends on a robust, diverse workforce.

    Globalisation is not going away. Supply chains may become more regional, but trade, talent and technology will continue to cross borders. The question now is not whether we embrace globalisation, but how we shape it to benefit more people.

    That means:

    • Investing in people, not just industries. Job retraining, apprenticeships and community colleges need real funding and leadership.

    • Strengthening the safety net, including portable benefits, wage insurance and mobility support for displaced workers.

    • Negotiating smarter trade deals that protect labour rights, the environment and fair competition.

    • Telling the truth, even when it’s hard: the world has changed, and protectionism won’t bring back the past.

    Globalisation didn’t hollow out America. It revealed what was already hollow. Their failure wasn’t in trading with the world – it was in not preparing their own people for it.

    As we look to the future, we must stop chasing the ghosts of a pre-globalised past and start building a fairer, forward-looking economy. One that includes the factory worker, the tech coder, and everyone in between.

    Because the real test of a nation isn’t whether it can insulate itself from change – but whether it can rise with it.

    Professor C. Justin Robinson is a regional economist and academic commentator on globalisation and development.

    Source: Nation

  31. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Mia’s legacy has already been cast in stone. The establishment of tariffs will not have any impact on her mindset.

    https://www.travelweek.ca/news/destinations/barbados-doubles-down-on-its-warm-welcome-for-canadians/

  32. Horsemeat Avatar
    Horsemeat

    David, I agree with both of your comments, to an extent on the first.

    Cultural change involves more than just cutting certain imports. We must actively work to change mindsets, and this is directly a responsibility of leaders.

    Leaders should be out in force against violence, against MashUp mentality, pushing responsibility and behavioural discipline.

    Yes, this was part of the Church role, but no one goes to Church anymore.

    And some who do are hypocrites.

    So, that well was poisoned.

    The leaders can enforce:

    No music on any public transport.

    No smoking of anything in public.

    No littering.

    No cursing in public.

    Proper dress in public. Beachwear for the beaches.

    Music in public venues to be cut at a defined time (12:00am? and 2:00am in tourism belt special zones like St.Lawrence).

    Start with the small stuff.

    And put some police on the roads. Even if it costs more and they are paid more.

  33. David Avatar
    David

    @TB

    The comment did not compare Barbados to Cuba in the way you have interpreted. The bigger point is that significant change is usually triggered by some unpredictable event that will cause a catastrophic shift in thinking. Are we there yet?

  34. David Avatar
    David

    @TLSN

    You distill all events in a one dimensional mode. Real change has to be forced by those where the true power resides, not the gatekeepers.

  35. David Avatar
    David

    Our leaders are mandated to lead with relevance. If they do not the people who gave them that power must intervene. By any means necessary.

  36. David Avatar
    David

    The tariff war just escalated with China, the world’s largest economic powerhouse, imposing 34% duties on US goods.

  37. Putting My Financial Subject Matter Expert Hat On Avatar
    Putting My Financial Subject Matter Expert Hat On

    Populists are morons. When I spoke about Anti-Globalisation sentiments I was speaking about American Global Companies buying out entire foreign Industries through mergers and acquisition of largest Banks, Food Companies, Supermarkets and other Corporations in other nations and relocating Head Offices (code meaning redundancies and offshoring business operations). This was circa 2000 prior to the Global Financial Crisis where US Banks were lending billions to UK Banks daily for short term settlement of trades and then froze access to credit causing immediate liquidation problems and imminent bankruptcy within a few days for entire UK Banking system.

    You can see where this shitshow is heading as the global financial ecosystem will easily implode and collapse inwards if spending stops all at once for a single quarter.

  38. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Oh shirt! We don’t believe that man landed on the moon? Why the hell not? Oh shirt!

    🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    David,

    What is there to discuss? The man is right.

  39. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Growing up time, people!

    I have been looking for a good seamstress for a while now. Got me plenty of cotton cloth bought on sale. I have always loved tie-dyed creations. Why do we sweat in cloth and clothes that do not suit our climate? I already have a good tailor for my son. Just bought myself two pairs of beautifully-crafted, locally-made sandals. They were not expensive. I utilise cobblers to repair my shoes and bags. It is not expensive. Bought my son a locally crafted wallet. Ordered a locally made belt. Their beauty caught my eye as I walked by. They were not expensive either. I utilised an upholsterer instead of buying new furniture. Cost me half of what new furniture would have done. Got the contact number of a joiner for future use.

    These are simple things that we can do as individuals to keep money in one another’s pockets. We can buy quality instead of quantity. We can repair instead of replace.

    While we await the arrival of the sheep leather and the Sea Island cotton, (don’t laugh) there something that we all can do.

  40. David Avatar
    David

    @Donna

    What you suggest is common sense to those who are not addicted to consumption behaviour. We have to figure how to ‘detox’ our people.

  41. John A Avatar
    John A

    @ David

    Like the USA we live for consumption. Barbados has the highest salaries in most of the region and yet we can’t get by it seems. Our Government had the highest tax revenue last year, yet we are running a large projected deficit this year. Why do you think that is?

    It is because we do not have a high cost of living, but we have a HIGH COST OF LIFESTYLE problem instead. Both government and its people, want what they can not afford and do not need. No country can fix this with tariffs or protective duties either. Do you remember when we ” made” tee shirts here, what did the then government do? They slapped a duty (tariff) on all imported tee shirts of 100%! So they tried to protect a manufacturing sector that was grossly over priced by blocking the importation of cheaper products with a tariff. Who did this hurt? It hurt us the consumers.

    The USA and Barbados have alot more in common than you may think. We are both grossly overpriced destinations for manufacturing, trying to charge the cost of lifestyle into their cost of manufacturing. What do you think the outcome will be? As I said we both have a much bigger problem than we want to accept.

  42. David Avatar
    David

    @John A

    We live to sustain a ‘consumer-economy’.

    You know what they say, you live by the sword, you die by the sword.

  43. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ David , @ TLSN
    We may or may not have the highest salaries in the region , but we certainly have the highest cost of living. It cannot be railed in because it is tied to the tourism industry that drives it.
    We also have a very weak manufacturing base , some say realistically non -existent. that really cannot earn enough forex , to drive down prices/ cost of living.
    One cannot seriously expect consumers to spend less because prices are way too high and wages are not keeping up with prices that are a result of a high level of imports. Hence, while we boast about high levels of foreign reserves , we are constantly hoping that nothing happens to negatively affect tourism. Those foreign reserves will disappear in a few weeks.
    To be blunt , all we are doing is dreaming and not dealing with the hard facts. It would take a very radical and almost ruthless rethinking , to change our present perilous circumstance.
    To do so would take increasing local production of goods that would eventually curb excessive importation but we can’t revitalize a manufacturing base that has been neglected for decades and neither can we change consumer habits with fancy talk .
    And within our socio-political culture , there will be no change.
    This happens because we are governed by people who have no basic regard for philosophy or ideology and that is a fundamental tool for true leadership.
    All the above can be boiled down to one thing : we have no ideas.

  44. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @William
    “All the above can be boiled down to one thing : we have no ideas.”
    ~~~~~~~~~~
    Well – at least no SENSIBLE ideas….
    That would require sensible leadership.

    So, essentially we are a set of clueless sheep, drifting in a global jungle of albino-centric vultures…
    It is not very hard to predict the ending….

    Bushie smiles when it seems that all of our problems are seen to be associated with ‘not having Enuff money’… (actually we usually mean ‘currency’, which is a bit different – ‘Money’ actually has intrensic value – things like gold & silver, while currency is just shiite paper printed by the US government, and VERY SOON to be exposed by BRICS as not worth its weight in toilet paper)

    So a government that sees ‘wisdom’ in exchanging the VERY LIMITED LANDS THAT CONSTITUTE BARBADOS, to foreign interests – in exchange for pieces of shiite paper printed by the Devil’s earthly embodiment themselves (how ever many millions of peices of shiite paper we are promised) CANNOT be expected to have the VISION to lead the brass bowl sheep to safety…
    Our new(?) African ’saviors’ will probably sell our asses to the Chinese this time – rather than to the English – like they did LAST time…

    What it therefore ‘boils down to’… is preparing ourselves to become BB mutton steaks for ravenous and heartless, albino-centric demons….

    ..perhaps we can add some more tenderizer to our diets…??

    What cluelessness….

  45. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ Bushie
    As usual, you’re on point. At his stage we do appear to be clueless.

  46. David Avatar
    David

    @William

    Our prices, especially on real estate, is artificially inflated deliberately by respectable stakeholders of which the government is complicit.

  47. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Well, it’s change or die time. If we prefer to die and be buried in our three piece suits…..

  48. Goeht Avatar
    Goeht

    Rabbit,
    Are you out there?
    I need you to reassure me about this stable genius. Tell me that though the market is on its way down, people are much better off.

    Rabbit, where are you? Post some videos; tell me of the demoncrats; do something.
    When you are needed most, you stay silent.

    Rabbit! Rabbit! RABBIT!

  49. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ Goeht

    https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/trump/2025/04/03/liv-golf-miami-donald-trump-doral-golf-course/82788877007/

  50. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @Theo
    The person to watch for, is the main rabble rouser Navarro.
    When JD tells voters living on the edge to “suck it up”, things will improve: one might think he is a Powellian disciple of transitory economics (inflation).
    What has always surprised me, in a nation where party support is paramount, how many Trump has appointed who were former Democrats. And not Democrats for a year.

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