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Wiretapping in Barbados: a public concern

Wilfred Abrahams and Mia Mottley

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Submitted by Concerned Bajan

Government of the People Must Listen to the People. A government of the people, elected by the people, must listen to the people. The authority granted through electoral victory is temporary and conditional, it must be exercised with humility and accountability.

Seven years into its term,this government must be minded to reflect on the above principles. It must prioritize building bridges rather than burning them, for the trust of the people is never guaranteed and must never be taken for granted. Likewise, the traditional silence or docility of Barbadians should not be misinterpreted as ignorance of civics or democratic rights.

Before the 2018 general elections, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) rightly called out the then-ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) for poor governance, lack of transparency, and erosion of public accountability. It would be both ironic and disappointing if, having come to power on those promises, the BLP were now to follow a similar path.

One issue that weighs heavily on the minds of many Barbadians is the rise in crime. In this context, the public largely supports the concept of legal wiretapping to enhance national security. However, this support does not and must not extend to warrantless or unlawful surveillance.

Barbados, as a small democracy, has already had a troubling experience with illegal wiretapping and the unauthorized interception of citizens’ communications. As such, public trust is fragile, and the line between protection and intrusion must be carefully observed.

To restore and preserve this trust, any monitoring authority responsible for surveillance must be fully independent from any political interference and beyond the influence of the ruling party. Its leadership should not be drawn from individuals with controversial pasts, especially those previously implicated in unlawful actions, such as former Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin who was removed amid allegations of unauthorized wiretapping or any of his associates.

National security must never come at the expense of civil liberties or democratic oversight. Let us not sacrifice the principles that define us as a free society in the name of safety. If we do, we risk becoming unrecognizable to ourselves.

Democratic governance demands humility, accountability, and above all, respect for the people. The power entrusted to elected officials is a privilege not a right and it is one that must always be exercised. Let not create days which become funny nights.

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75 responses to “Wiretapping in Barbados: a public concern”

  1. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I ask you again, upon what do you base your conviction that a correction will happen? What you fail to understand is what is at stake here is continued white supremacy. The demographics of Amerikkka was changing so rapidly that the whites would have shortly become a minority with respect to all non-whites combined. The Great Replacement Theory was born from that. And this is considered the last chance to ensure continued white power.

    If you think that they are planning on correcting any course away from white supremacy, I don’t know what to tell you.

    You can eat your pie in the sky, but you’ll have to die first. In the boiling water, most likely. Chances are, your killer won’t “get a day”.

  2. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Lots happening in Barbados. Wish I was there.

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2025/08/24/fashion-designers-from-barbados-to-nigeria-dazzle-at-islestyle/

  3. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    I ask you again, upon what do you base your conviction that a correction will happen? What you fail to understand is what is at stake here is continued white supremacy.

    The best way to beat racist hooligans is to stand up and fight
    Say it say it
    Can’t you see
    Can’t you see what they are doing to me
    Give me some light
    because I’m going to have to stand up for my right
    And if it hurts my life
    I’m gonna to stand up and fight
    I’m not gonna to run because I’m gonna have to see the morning sun

    Stand Up And Fight

  4. TheOG Avatar
    TheOG

    Neither of us know the future. One of us believe that the USA will recover and correct itself and the other appears to believe differently Time alone will tell which of us is right.

    Your belief is mainly based on the USA of today. My belief is based on the USA of the past and of today. I see a tortured country that is always trying to make itself better; a country that struggles with itself and a country that advances, retreats and then advances again. But when I look at where we were in the past and where we are today it makes me believe that more forward progress is still ahead.

    As you do, I would love to see us on a forward journey (only) , but I know that as long as the USA is a country of men/women with different opinions our movement will not be always upwards and forward.

    Sadly, this great stumble of the USA can have worldwide repercussion. I suspect that as our democracy falters, leaders of other nations will find it easier to become monsters and dictators.

    Please note that I am not a religious person but I give you this (MLK)
    “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”

    We have not reached the mountain top; we will encounter and descend into valleys on that way, but we should not abandon hope.

  5. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Growing up in a racist household
    will make you a common as muck racist
    i.e. anti civil rights fights racist in 60s
    anti-diversity racist today and all day everyday

    Fred Trump Jnr aka DJ Trump’s Daddy aka a bad egg aka ghetto landlord

    In 1927, Trump was arrested at a Ku Klux Klan demonstration.
    In May 1927, over 1,000 robed members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and 400 non-robed KKK supporters infiltrated a Memorial Day parade in Queens, prompting stern police intervention. Eight men were arrested, including the 21-year old Trump

    Born in the Bronx in New York City to German immigrant parents, Trump began working in home construction and sales in the 1920s before heading the real-estate business started by his parents (later known as the Trump Organization). His company rose to success, building and managing single-family houses in Queens, apartments for war workers on the East Coast during World War II, and more than 27,000 apartments in New York overall. Trump was investigated for profiteering by a U.S. Senate committee in 1954 and again by New York State in 1966.

    Donald Trump became the president of his father’s real-estate business in 1971. Two years later, they were sued by the U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division for racial discrimination against black people.

  6. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Enuff August 22, 2025 at 6:33 pm ” But of course you and your ilk believe the clause was to spy on political opponents, it couldn’t simply be that there may be a situation where an opportunity presents itself and an urgent decision required.”

    Well I expect that most Bajans believed that it was to spy on political opponents. So… Are you trying to tell us not so?

    If an urgent decision was/is required we pay our judges well enough that they shold all be prepared to be awaken at nights from time to time.

  7. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Donna August 24, 2025 at 10:32 am ” even Erskine Sandiford had his “adamant” ways.”

    He also had his like it or lump it ways, and the people said…

    Lump it.

  8. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    But you seem to be certain about Barbados. And Barbados too improved over a period of time. What makes you think that is unique to Amerikkka – red, white and blue Kool-Aid?

    Again you minimise the utter lawlessness into which you have descended! A “stumble”, you call it! Man, you are sprawled out on the floor right now, making a very weak attempt to get back on your feet!

    What you have in your White House, your Congress, and your Supreme Court, is a three prong super white supremacist government in total agreement that power shall remain in the hands of the white man by any means necessary. You have a malignant narcissist as your president, ignorant, stupid, insane and evil. Also suffering from dementia. But he is only a useful idiot for the Heritage Foundation and their Project 25, which is in full effect. That will not change if Donald Trump dies tomorrow. You have a base of ignorant trailer trash, rednecks and hillbillies who hate black people more than they love themselves. They will vote Republican if it kills them. And the plan to nullify black votes is well underway. All your regulatory institutions have been gutted. Your DOJ acts not for the citizens but for the president. And your Secretary of Health is actively getting people killed.

    Foreign policy-wise, you are facilitating and supporting the starvation of children in Gaza, genocide and ethnic cleansing. You are planning illegal invasions into multiple countries. You are alienating all your allies who will not trust you again. Amerikkka at its most cruel was never this stupid or incompetent!

    But you hope that I am not waiting for something to hit me in the head. Yeah.

  9. TheOG Avatar
    TheOG

    8/26/2025
    No tome is necessary as we both agree that this Trump administration is an unmitigated disaster that is getting worse.

    What divides you and I is our vision or perception of what America is. Like everyone else, I can see the ongoing ugliness; I can see how Trump hatred is directed toward segments and specific members of our society; and I can see that our guard rails are failing us. But I can see much more.

    I think of the civil rights movement where much of the advances would not have been possible without some whites being our allies. I have seen the images of police dogs used to attack protesters, police using batons on peaceful folks, and the use of water hoses. We had the murder and assassination of those who fought for us to be equal and for a moment we advanced. But from that struggle and horror came many of the victories of the civil right movement.

    The events of history can be like the back and forth of waves on the shore; when good men lead when our society may advance and when evil mean lead our society may retreat.

    Change is inevitable. After Trump there will be another; h/she may be just as bad or even worse or they could be better

    I have lived here for quite some time. I have experience disappointments but along the way I have come to admire this American experiment and I have acquired the belief that in the end goodness will triumph.

    I am sad, I am disappointed, I am fearful, but I am convinced that we will survive this madness. Yes, I have hope.

    I will end here. It became a little longer than a single sentence.

  10. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Perhaps the difference is in the cultures.

    Bajan BBs were confined to 166 square miles of Hell for over 400 years. We LEARNT to live in Hell … and to normalize it… that can NEVER be pretty.

    USA BB’s could run away to Canada, Mexico, another state, or just to another plantation.
    Even in most other Caribbean islands there were hills, mountains, ‘interior’ hideaways etc, that provided outlets for the brave and unyielding…
    But not bout here…

    Where could a Bajan BB run…?
    So we became the ULTIMATE BBs.

    LOL
    We are so ‘indoctrinated’ that we have allowed / invited a company that ACTUALLY calls itself ‘Massy’ to replace the long suffered ‘Massa’ as our benefactor and provider…
    Our leaders still OPENLY behave like house niggas, and like ‘overseers wid sticks & now wid shiite legislation.

    What a place…

    Unfortunately for TheO’s hopefulness, his USA has accumulated FAR TOO MANY DEBTS to Mother Karma via their GLOBAL, albino-centric, mis-use of the successes enjoyed at the hands of THEIR BBs….
    They were too wicked, …for too long, … to too many peoples …..
    …and Karma is a canine of female extraction….

    There will be Hell to pay TheO….

    What a world
    What a time – when Karma is on steroids…

  11. TheOG Avatar
    TheOG

    Allow me to share a few random thoughts

    One may ask “How come you have a positive outlook on the US that you admit is a horror show and yet you seem less positive about Barbados?”

    The US is plagued with many issues with race being a common factor to these problems, and as some in the US sees the color of the country changing they worry if there will be a corresponding shift in the color of political power and they fight to maintain what they have.

    Sadly, our problem of race is not just a white vs black phenomenon, for many of color who have come here afterwards begin to inherit and adopt the prejudices already existing in our society.

    Barbados is different.

    Dare I say “It is “ Barbados is almost a monolithic society (predominantly black)” with black exercising political power for over 50 years, but we have seen so real changes to the position of the black majority. What has been done and maintained in the US through sheer racism is being done in Barbados through corruption and the worse of politics.

    We see beach access being blocked by foreigners arriving from all over the world and purchasing seaside properties. Will we also see a time where the average Barbadian’s access to the beach will be only through a few open areas and narrow corridors.

    We hear the beautiful speeches and the promised solutions , steal houses, 10,000 houses in 5 years, NIS problem fixed, HOPE houses and now our ‘education problem that has plague us for years is in the final stages of being solved.

    Please note that the promises become more outrageous and the lies continue even after the schemes have all but collapsed.

    We see outrageous fees being paid once and sometimes twice for projects. There was the half million dollar slogan that was just copied from elsewhere; then there was the vaccine scam that would have made one man a national hero even after he had made off with the money our citizens would have eventually been scammed of

    We hear talk of white ghosts, but our problem is not one of race; it is one of corruption. And no matter how large the margin of victory, no matter how many 30-0 outcomes we record, and no matter if the party in power changes the corruption continues. We see new and outrageous lies being place on the front burner.

    We see a government of new initiatives and regulation, but strangely enough, the objective of these changes appear to place a rope around our necks, limits on our freedom and to increase the frequency of our negative contacts with the law.

    Erroll Barrow asked us about our mirror image, but we have become a blind and vampiric society that cannot see ourselves in the mirror. Change is inevitable, but on our current trajectory, the changes we experience are mostly negative.

    The question I have always asked myself is “Is it the people or their leaders?” We did not have a Lee Kaun Yew in the past, and I am very doubtful if we will see him in the future

    Forgive me, I cannot join the cheering section.

    Please do not tell me of the many ills of the USA; I am aware of them.

  12. TheOG Avatar
    TheOG

    For those with English as their native laguage

    One may ask “How come you have a positive outlook on the US that you admit is a horror show and seem less positive about Barbados?”

    The US is plagued with many issues with race being a common factor to these problems, and as the US sees the color of the country many worry if there will be a corresponding shift in power will shift and have begun to fight for a f. Th problem of race is not just a white vs black phenomenon, for many of color who have come here afterwards begin to inherit the prejudices already existing in our society.

    Barbados is different. Dare I say “It is almost a monolithic society (predominantly black)” with black exercising political power for over 50 years, but we have seen no real changes to the position of the black majority.

    What has been done in the US through sheer racism is being done in Barbados through corruption and the worse of politics.

    We see beach access being blocked by foreigners arriving from all over the world and purchasing seaside properties. Will we also see a time where the average Barbadian access to the beach will be only through a few open areas and narrow corridors.

    We hear the beautiful speeches and the promised solutions , steal houses, 10,000 houses in 5 years, NIS problem fixed, HOPE houses and lately our ‘education problem’ that has plague us for years is in the final stages of being solved. Note that promises become more outrageous and the lies continue even after the schemes have all but collapsed.

    We see outrageous fees being paid once and sometimes twice for projects. There was the half million dollar slogan (I seem to recall that it ) was just copied from elsewhere; then there was the vaccine scam that would have made one man a national hero even after he had made off with money our citizens were scammed of.

    We hear talk of white ghosts, but our problem is not one of race; it is one of corruption. And no matter how big the margin of victory, no matter how many 30-0 outcomes we record, and no matter if the party in power changes, the corruption continues. We see new and outrageous lies being placed on the front burner.

    We see a government of new initiatives and regulations, but strangely enough, the objective of these changes appear to place a rope around our necks, limits on our freedom and to increase the frequency of our negative contacts with the law.

    Erroll Barrow asked us about our mirror image, but we have become a blind and vampiric society that cannot see ourselves in the mirror. Change is inevitable, but on our current trajectory, the changes we experience are mostly negative.

    The question I have always asked myself is “Is it the people or their leaders?” We did not have a Lee Kuan Yew in the past, and I am doubtful if we will see him in the future

    Forgive me, I cannot join the cheering section.

    Please do not tell me of the many ills of the USA; I am aware of them.

  13. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Hahahahaha! But Amerikkka is even more corrupt than Barbados, even before Trump came on the scene!

    Hahahahaha!

    You believe in Amerikkka because you want to believe in Amerikkka!

    And, by the way, slavery ended because the North realised it was unsustainable as the pillar of the economy. Jim Crow was also became more trouble than it was worth.

    Morality changes NOTHING in Amerikkka. Only the mighty dollar does that!

    This is evidenced by its foreign policy!

    But…continue drinking your red, white and blue Kool-Aid!

    P.S. Your silly attempt at black people government bad and therefore Barbados cannot get better is illogical. There are African countries too whose people and leaders have suffered from whitemanitis. And then…

  14. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    As though I need you to join my cheering section! You who say Barbados was so awful to you that you could leave it and never look back! After the Harsun College education allowed you to go elsewhere and rock!

    Bah, humbug! GTFOH!

  15. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Two weeks ago, Real Estate Broker Cherita O’dell – the director of Barbados 246 realtor, stated that Barbadians should not worry that foreigners have all but purchased our entire west and east coast. She believed that domestic Bajans and international buyers could co-exist in the real estate jungle as their market preferences were polar opposites.

    Perhaps someone needs to remind Cherita that Barbados is a mere 166 square miles. Why would a supposed republic cede its coastal territories to foreigners and make themselves landlocked. Why? Am I missing something?

    For those of you who are slow of the mark like our dear friend Donna, please take a look at what is possible when a government openly commits itself to becoming a puppet of another country when it cedes their citizens land to foreigners.

    Instead of rounding on Theo, may I suggest that Donna asks her mirror reflection, Mia, why she is knowingly selling out Barbados to foreigners.

    Cyprus and Barbados are twinned islands in that both their leaders are selling out their citizens for personal gain.

    The Greek Jewish Project should act as a reminder to Donna and co. to focus on Barbados and to stop becoming distracted with foolishness.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FXfXT6gqHGY

  16. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    The latest trend in Property Porn for million dollar houses is lotteries where you have a 1 in 20,000,000 chance of living it up beaucoup (extra large)

    check out omaze to win a house
    https://omaze.co.uk/pages/new-forest

  17. TheOG Avatar
    TheOG

    1. There is corruption all over the world.
    2. Optimist are surely needed. We need the John A’s, NO’s, BT’s, Artaxes, David and others.
    I am glad that these guys continue the good fight. Somebody needs to keep the lights on
    Message 2
    3. I hope I did not imply that you were the leader of the cheering section

    There really is not much to reply to

  18. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I would like your undiscerning ass to keep my name out of your mouth. You are not in any position intellectually to direct me on what is important.

    Buzz to hell off, nincompoop!

  19. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I am my own cheering section. I do not seek to be a leader. And yes, I cheer for Barbados. I hope and I cheer. Because I want to.

    Those who only bash are looking for instant change. That seldom happens. I am an idealist who lives in reality. I accept that human beings are flawed and perfection is not achievable. Those who expect it are dooming us to failure. Keeping the lights on should allow us to see, not only the bad, but the good. I lived with a perfectionist into adulthood. Surprise! She lost all hope and the ability to produce.

    The fact is that our overall standard of living is better than the 1960s. Race plays less of a role in determining where we will land. Despite flawed politicians on both sides who have sometimes taken and still do take some incredibly misguided positions, I don’t think there are many Bajans who would like to go back to live in the real real, not nostalgically remembered sixties. We could have done and still could do much better. Will we? I wouldn’t bet on it. But I will not bet against it! That is self-defeating.

    P.S. I heard Steven Miller putting it out there that the Democratic Party should be labelled a terrorist organisation. And Charlie Kirk bashing the Civil Rights Act.

    How’s the water?

  20. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Oh, and kindly tell that dummy that it is you who voiced an opinion on my post and not I who first took issue with yours.

    Had something to do with whether Mia has done enough to awaken fears of a dictatorship, more so than the usual leadership we saw from Errol Barrow, Tom Adams, or even Owen Arthur and Sandi.

    We have now had it from Dale Marshall, that wiretapping has long been used unregulated. Who was our prime minister then?

    We have also had it that the criminalisation of cowardly citizens who refuse to save a policeman’s ass has long been law.

    Who was prime minister then?

    I would say that Barbadians have evolved and are now more aware of their human rights. And the prime minister being a woman makes them judge more quickly and feel more emboldened to resist.

    It is good to study humans, isn’t it?

  21. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Coastal territories are not landlocked when access to beaches is mandated by law. All that is blocked is our window to the sea and a few spots that locals like to frequent in Bathesheba and Joes River. And how many of us in 2025 want to “build our house upon the sand” like Carew.

    I love our window to the sea, and I am against locals being shut out of traditional community spots. These battles are being fought by those who have picked that particular battle.

    But I am more concerned with matters I deem more important. And no dummy who should be more worried about Nigel Farage is going successfully prosecute and convict me for my free speech.

  22. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Breaking news! Trump revokes Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection! Who’s next? Joe Biden, Obama? In other words, “You have a free path!”

  23. TheOG Avatar
    TheOG

    How’s the water?
    😁
    Not a bad line. It is still comfortable but I am very concerned.

    I hope you realized that you, cuhdear, Hants and NO play a big part in my escape plans. I also have an Ace in the hole.

    I must admit that cuhdear with her man bashing will be called on only if the water is boiling. I suspect that your shed may not be too comfortable but it will probably be better than what cuhdear may provide.

    Well, I will not call any more nAmes, but fellows who like truth and AccurAcy tend to be softies when confronted with A harsh reAlity. Beggars cannot be chooser so I will endure a short period of A’s torture.

    David was ruled out because I detected some hostility (joking, no need to make it clearer)

  24. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ Donna

    Apparently, Congress passed legislation in 2008, authorising the Secret Service to protect former vice presidents, their spouses and their children under 16 years old for up to six months after their tenure ended.

    However, in January, Biden signed an executive memorandum that extended Kamala Harris’ protection to eighteen (18) months.

    So, to be fair, Trump was within his rights to revoke her protection.

  25. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Artax,

    I knew that. But she has been assessed by the professionals as being under a high level of threat. Thus the extension by Biden. And we know what Trump’s motivations were, don’t we? That’s my point. It’s not about saving money, which he is blowing on frivolities by the millions.

    Too besides, HIS DOJ is desperately looking for anything with which they can charge Obama. They have already expressed that intention. But NADA. Doesn’t matter that Trump himself managed to get a ridiculously broad leeway from HIS supreme court with respect to immunity from prosecution for actions taken as a president in the course of carrying out “presidential duties”.

    He does not respect law. He attempts work arounds even of the Constitution. Recently, he signed an executive order to make burning the flag an offence punishable by a year in prison and arrested a veteran who burned one.

    So, revoking Obama’s and Biden’s protections is not at all far-fetched.

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