Reports that government is preparing to discuss privatizing the Transport Board with the Barbados Workers Union (BWU) are circulating widely on social media. The speculation is being driven by images that Barbados Underground cannot verify. To date, Minister of Transport Santia Bradshaw has offered no official response.
The silence is telling. The public waits for further information.
(Thanks to Artax for the heads-up)
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At a time when the classical economic project has gained dominance Barbados is doubling down on neoliberalism under a velvet glove concealing the iron fist of the Barbados Workers’ Union.
The classical economic model deeply informs the rise of the multi-nodal world. It’s a visión of being which says that the role of central government, or central planning, as the basis for the production of social goods and services as being indispensable to development.
Those public goods and services include transportation; education; health care; information technology and communication; infrastructural development. The failures of Western economies in seeing these as integral to human development under neoliberalism represents the signal differences between the world of tomorrow and neoliberalism, despotism, fascism which unbridled capitalism has bequeathed.
We have seen that the BWU is as neoliberal as can be. That there are no differences between the BWU and either of the branches of the decadent duopoly. That it’s long forgotten origins leaves it today as the play thing of which ever political party fancies it.
Thus, for either the Mottley regime or the BWU regime could pretend that such a deal could be at arms length, could serve national interests. That these insider interests are anything other than one faction of the party aiding and abetting another, where the political interests, paramountcy, of the BLP are best served regardless of future outcomes. Are we to be surprised when these levels of insider trading produce a BWU leader as PM?
Both the BWU and the BLP, acting like a conglomeration as corporations, as often happens, than the social institutions they sometimes still pretend to be, demonstrate the extent to which neoliberalism has eaten away at the social fabric of the society.
Certainly, the BWU will have no ability to provide socially supported transportation to the people of Barbados in the long term. Meaning that the privatization of the Transport Board is, for the government, primarily a budgetary matter. And for the BWU a political service in furtherance of the misguided aims of this Mottley BLP.
@ David
Sir Roy Trotman is 81 years old, rather ‘than go home and rest himself,’ he remains the de facto general secretary of the BWU,’ perhaps regulating Toni Moore’s position to one that’s ceremonial, and with nominal authority.
@Artax
It will be interesting to observe if Moore will recuse herself.
@Artax
There is confirmation from Sir Roy that the divestiture is on the table. We wait for the details.
I am happy to see the transport board’s audited financials are up to date thereby making it possible to sell it.
They will also committ in writing to the fact that no more PSV licenses will be issued to private entities so as to ensure the buyers revenue I assume.
No doubt they will also commit in writing to pay the buyers the full fare for each pensioner travelling on the sold entity.
They will undoubtedly give the new entity the write to drop ALL unprofitable routes as well.
If any of the above answers are NO, then what wunna really expect a buyer to purchase then?
@John A
What about the matter that was being investigated by the PAC when Atherley was the leader of the PAC and died when Parliament was prorogued?
@David
I am beginning to think that there is no intention by anyone to see these financials made public by either party. I am not referring to only the Transport Board either, but all state entities including the NISS.
@ David
@ John A
If government was proposing to sell Transport Board (the entity) to staff members as a going concern, then I could understand the need for ‘up to date’ audited financial statements.
However, according to section 3 (ii) of the correspondence:
3. (ii). opportunities be created for those workers who would wish to be economically enfranchised by becoming an owner/operator of the buses and/or providing cleaning, bus-washing and security services.
…… it seems as though the proposal is to divest TB, sell buses individually to former drivers and other staff members, “and thereafter the general public, if the offer is not fully subscribed by the said former employees,” and establish “the Barbados Mass Transport Authority as the regulatory entity for the sector.”
Recall when former TB drivers were encouraged to invest their severance payments in PSVs, for which they were given duty free concessions, and participate in the Transport Augmentation Programme (TAP).
That programme, which began in 2019, involved owners of coaches and minibuses working with the Transport Board to augment its fleet.
A similar process may be involved, this time with the purchase of TB buses. Former employees could also form partnerships.
The cleaners, bus-washers and security guards could establish a joint entity, or partnerships, under arrangements similar to that of United Commercial Autoworks Limited (UCAL), to provide those services.
Remember, Sir Leroy and BWU worked with TB’s former workshop employees to establish UCAL.
I don’t believe there won’t be a payment arrangement for pensioners, disabled persons, school children, and police officers, since one currently exists for those private owners of PSVs involved in the TAP.
@Artax
How practical is it for an individual to maintain an electric bus in your opinion?
“Will this initiative be another rollback?”
@ David
To be FAIR, it’s just a PROPOSAL, for which the ‘government’ has reached out to engage in discussions, rather than making an autonomous decision.
However, I agree with some of the sentiments expressed by Thorne, while bearing in mind it was the DLP that ‘eff up’ the Transport Board.
Privatising TB means market forces would determine bus fares. Hence, the further the destination, the higher the fare.
Perhaps we will see a return to the days of private concessionaires, when routes were allocated to different bus companies.
@ David
In MY opinion, it’s impractical for an individual to operate a TB electric bus, especially with bus fare remaining at $3.50 to any destination island wide.
@Artax
For this to work it means government will be asked to subsidised selected categories of passengers, pensioners, welfare individuals etc.
@ Artax
If let’s say they did want to sell a bus at a time would they also sell a route and guarantee the buyer a return by not giving out more permits for that route? Can they even provide information like revenue currently earned by route, as this would be critical if the person buying the bus had to go to a finance institution for a loan?
Also if they sell off the buses whar about the other assets of the board that are left? I think for this to work it would have to be a total sale inclusive of total assets. For that to occur we back to the need for audited financials, or the sale will just fall through as occured with the sugar industry sale recently.
As someone hinted i am more surprised that Sir Roy still has any capacity to sign for the BWU and i don’t state that to be in any way disrespectful to Sir Roy.
The Transport Board is equivalent to dressing up a skeleton, putting a mask on its face, moving it with strings to try to pass it off as a living person. Even though it is providing a service to taxpayers, does it make sense sinking taxpayers money into the Transport Board IF there are more VIABLE ways to provide the same service. The TAP program was one of the few programs started under the last DLP govt that made sense. The BLP govt under a economic recovery program have apparently decided to expand on that idea. Another consideration is if the govt continued with the Transport Board what effect would it have on bus fares in the near future.
“I am beginning to think that there is no intention by anyone to see these financials made public by either party.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@ John A
Only beginning…?
This has been the single most consistent indication from all Barbados’ governments for the last 30 years.
-First they covered up thousands in scams like cotton, ZR license sales, etc
-Then it went to hundreds of thousands with Four Seasons, and town planning scams
-Next we saw millions disappearing into BWA, Coverley, Andrews Factory, sewage plants etc
-Now we are hearing of hundreds of millions linked to Emera, STEAL and HOPELESS housing etc..
How can financials EVER be made public?
Shiite, that would almost be as unheard of, as asking for audits of lawyers’ clianr accounts.
…Not bout here!!!
They are all awaiting a storm, fire, or flood to clean the slate.
What a place!!
This is easily the most stupid idea floated by this government to date.
And that must have been no easy task, given recent history.
Mass transport is by far TOO CRUCIAL a public service to be left up to the whims of investors who HAVE to prioritize profitability over greater national interest.
The ZR business is an excellent indicator of how this will turn out.
But the REAL joke is that the solution to the Transport Board mess is as SIMPLE as can be imagined…
1 – Appoint a COMPETENT, PROFESSIONAL, NON PARTISAN Board of directors
2 – Hire qualified, professional, competent management without political interference…
3 – Let them manage the damn business without idiot politicians interfering
4 – Constantly publish all relevant operational and financial performance targets and results, via monthly reports.
5 – Have a Public Review Board to review performance, hear complaints, and to review and influence Board performance.
In other words, run it like a serious business.
No rh politicians involved.
@ Bush Tea
For this to work for us the taxpayers they got to sell the whole hog. Buses, charging stations, parts everything. In other words a purge of all state interest. What the state could do if they had audited up to date fimancials though, is look at the loss yearly and then offer the buyer say 30 percent of it as an annual subsidy. They would still save 70% of the loss the following year after paying the subsidy and that could go towards the free pensioner rides.
Once again though with no data they probably would not even know how many pensioners ride a month. All this is information a buyer will need to know before making an offer. How ever you look at it, again a lack of current audited financials will come back to bite them in their tail. We’ll bite us seeing we own it.
Wait @ John A
Are we talking bout the Transport Board …or BAMC and sugar?
Don’t this sound like deja vu all over again…?
Madness!!
…Doing the same shiite over and over …and expecting the smell to improve.
So are you saying the Barbados government is INCAPABLE of exhibiting competent management? Wuhloss!!
What a place!!
Bushie 7:01
What a lotta shiiiite!
You can’t possibly think that any of these aims will ever happen without first deploying the guillotine liberally.
You’ve always been committed to leadership, effective management. What you are yet to see is the power of culture over both leadership and management.
And with a culture steeped within a history of failures only your Boss Man could cure it.
@ Pacha
Why don’t you go play with your guillotine and stop ascribing motives to a lowly bushman nuh!!?
Leadership and effective management are ALL ABOUT culture.
The challenge is to change the current albino-centric culture of greed, hate and selfishness into one of love, community-focus, and selflessness.
And culture CAN BE changed…!!!
Wise people are able to look at the results of others – and recognize the NEED for change…
The dumb and ignorant usually require PERSONAL experience of the consequences before seeing the need for change. (so Jamaica will likely enforce STRICT building regimes in future, and AmeriKKKans will not likely vote for Trump #3)…
But Bushie does agree with you, …that brass bowls may well need the Guillo…
So sharpen umm do!!!
@Bush Tea
We have also seen the suppression of integrity legislation by BOTH political parties.
Also the suppression of key working committees of parliament like the PAC and Committee of Privileges.
In many ways this is more like the Caves, than other situations. Transport is a segment, with many players, and most are required to at least break-even, and then there is the perennial cost center, the TB.
We can get vexed, but governments generally require a monopoly, to actually cover costs. They cannot manage one shite. Once the losses become excessive, they must try to control them.
Matching private contractors with public needs is always a challenge.
@ Bushie
You know how slow the state moves. You remember when the boss lady move the pension age from 65 to 67 they were to “make changes to the politicians pension system” as well. Well I still waiting to hear when dat going happen.
Rape the NISS then we commoners must work till we dead as a result.
@John A
The recommendation was made by a report submitted by the parliamentary reform commission headed by Liz Thompson. You can read the recommendation at p.144. Something about empowering a committee to review salaries. To your point no action taken since June last year when the report was submitted. MP busy with international matters.
https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/sittings/attachments/75071a579122b2fa83bc31ac08eeed2f.pdf
“In many ways this is more like the Caves, than other situations. “
~~~~~~~~~
@ NO
How is that?
Caves represent an OPTIONAL recreational attraction. BBs can CHOOSE to never go there… and miss nothing…
Transport is one of the KEY PILLARS of social stability and national productivity.
Even with the extreme INEPTITUDE of those current sitting in management positions at TB, large numbers of Bajans are FORCED to stand by the roadside, or in the dilapidated terminals, for hours on end…. or buy an old car and sit on the highways for hours while inhaling exhaust fumes…
Is that not like chalk and cheese?
If Bajans have resigned ourselves to such INEPT leadership, then Mother Karma may well be forced to apply ‘Melissa-styled’ corrective actions to redress the situation.
Recall…
Jamaicans did a LOTTA shiite for a LOTTA years – including ridiculous levels of crime and murders, bribery and graft at the HIGHEST levels, …and even STEALING Usain Bolt’s damn invested funds – and treating the whole thing like a joke….
Bet their laughing is now muted…
Whatsoever a man soweth…
Barbados has adopted a VERY SIMILAR path….
Karma may be patient, BUT she don’t play…
Wuh ain’t ketch we ain’t pass we…
What a place!!
@ Bushie
Whether it’s the Transpot Board, CBC or The Sugar Lands, the same requirements will apply. NO financial entity will lend anyone money without a detailed cashflow and P&L for the next 3 years, along with historic independent audited and current financials. In other words history and what you plan for the future at the very minimum, they will want before they lend a cent.
If you don’t have the above information to offer the buyer to support your “claimed” value, then you will have to take any rat ass offer the buyer makes blindly. You remember when they sold the Savvy land without a valuation what happened? The man buy it for what rab land in St Farlip would sell for.
The other issue with the electric buses is the value of the bus after 3 years. So when you out say 100,000 miles on a electric bus battery what value you placing on this bus when half the battery life gone? If your plan is to sell this bus to a private person with a 50% battery life left before replacement skipper what you asking for this bus?
You know some leasing companies here do not lease electric vehicles for this said reason?
“For this to work it means government will be asked to subsidised selected categories of passengers, pensioners, welfare individuals etc.”
@ David
Currently, school children, disable individuals, pensioners, and police officers are allowed to travel on TB buses without paying the required fare.
However, funds are allocated to the Ministry of Education, Welfare Department and the Attorney General’s Office to pay TB.
“Once again though with no data they probably would not even know how many pensioners ride a month.”
@ John A
You are incorrect.
Perhaps you should avail yourself of the necessary information before making such comments, which are probably based on the premise that TB, the ENTITY, is FOR SALE as a ‘going concern.’
Funds are allocated to the Ministry of Education, Attorney General’s Office, and Welfare Department, to pay TB for school children, police Officers, pensioners and disabled persons respectively.
Obviously, to make such payments, a system has to be in place to account for those categories of passengers, in addition to regular passengers using the service.
All buses are equipped with electronic devices to accurately monitor each category of passengers boarding each unit.
How do you believe those private owners of PSV participating in the TAP are paid?
Although I understand your OBSESSION with financial statements, I do not think they are necessary in this situation.
You keep IGNORING the fact that TB is NOT BEING SOLD, its operations are being DIVESTED.
Obviously, applying for a loan to purchase a bus, a bus driver would be required to provide the financial institution with at least a three (3) years projection of income and expenditure, to assure them of his/her ability to realise a profit and repay the loan.
Bear in mind, government owned entities such as Transport Board, Child Care Board, Disabilities Unit, National Assistance Board, National Conservation Commission, Rural & Urban Development Commissions, were established to PROVIDE a PUBLIC SERVICE, and NOT MAKE a PROFIT.
How are up to date audited financial statements helpful in this situation?
Under those circumstances, why would the driver or financial institution want to see the Board’s personal emoluments, travel, utilities, supplies & materials, maintenance, operating expenses, contingencies or any other vote book recorded expenditure, which, in MY opinion, are all irrelevant if the aim is NOT to ACQUIRE OPERATIONS of Transport Board?
Currently, I could buy a mini-bus, apply for a permit to operate independently on a particular route or participate in the TAP without having to review any ‘up to date’ audited TB financial statements.’
Additionally, Barbados is among the few regional territories that provides a taxpayer funded public transportation.
In islands such as Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, for example, public transport is operated by the private sector, similar to that of our PSVs, and bus fare is charged on the basis of distance travelled.
In St. Vincent, for example, bus fare from Kingstown to the immediate suburbs such as Edinboro, is $2, while Chateaubelair is approximately EC$8, and from areas such as Rose Bank and Rose Hall, EC$7.
Depending on the route in St. Lucia, fares range from EC$2.50 to EC$8, while we can travel anywhere in Barbados at a taxpayer subsidised fare of BDS$3.50.
LOL, wuh…
Then this TB proposal is EVEN MORE IDIOTIC than first feared by Bushie…
This suggests that these TB losers are about to transfer critical national assets into the hands of individuals – OBVIOUSLY at a loss to the entity, with the hope that these individuals will SOMEHOW be able to operate a viable service collectively?
WTH!!
So when Tom, Dick and Harry (all Bees of course) get their ‘lectric bus’, who will determine which one gets the profitable routes and schedules?
Who will do the graveyard shift to Chalky Mount?
When the FTC hands the kitchen sink over to EMERA – who will help them pay the electric bills for charging?
Where will all these busses be parked up, when off duty? when charging? when broken down? …outside the owners homes, – by the road?
It seems that the same clowns are coming up with these crazy schemes, obviously with the OBJECTIVE of passing off these various crashed agencies WITHOUT doing FINANCIAL AUDITS… and burying past indiscretions…
…like they did with the NIS and the BILLION DOLLAR write off…
If Bajans sit idly by, and ALLOW such malfeasance (like Jamaicans did), then we will ALL fully deserve the inevitable collective consequences (and these consequences are GUARANTEED!!)
What a place!
What a den of wickedness!!
Where will UCAL be when the dust settles?
Where will UCAL be when the dust settles?
~~~~~~~~~~
Why you think Sir Roy still bout there…?
@ Artax
So you are saying the transport board knows by category detailed information as to who rides on their buses, but yet can not provide audited financials for years? While they may receive such data is it fully accounted for ? I would bet it is not. And yes I place great importance on audited annual financials, as should anyone with money invested in a company, be it private or as a tax paying shareholder of a state entity. Outside of audited financials everything else is just “fluff.”
We have cameras on traffic lights but that does not mean anyone watches them. So saying that certain information is captured by the Board does not mean it is used. Also if their system so good and got all this info sitting on it, where are the audits then?
If we are to accept the transport board is basically a state charity which loses miliions, we are told in the absence of audits yearly. Then why with bus fare where they are, do the PSVS seem to operate profitably? Based on the fact that many are owned by Indians and those fellows don’t lose money, why are they expanding their investment in this unprofitable sector then? Also if the funds are transferred annualy from the consolidated fund to cover the cost of the pensioners etc, then why do some claim the Board loses money because of these said persons riding the buses for free?
Sorry I can’t accept your position. If this service is going to be continued under the current system, then it needs to sort itself out and not be a burden on the taxpayer. Offload the entity and then out of the savings from the yearly losses, pay the private sector to continue to offer free rides to the pensioners. Every dam state entity doing as it likes with unreported audits, then the government comes to us to bail them out yearly with high ass taxation! Every year we listen to estimates that are presented, only to hear sometimes just weeks later some of these entities need a large supplementary. This happens because they don’t even know their dam needs, as they are operating blindly without audited figures. Please don’t tell me they can use their internal figures either, as they are worthless when it comes to confirming a true acceptable financial position.
As for the financials of the Transport Board being confidential I don’t accept that either, as I and 270,000 Bajans are the shareholders and hence have a born and bred right to know their audited position! There is no state entity that has the right to claim their financial position as private either, as they are state owned and by extension all of us are the shareholders.
Finally if you selling me a bus you got to also sell me a route. You think I going and buy a bus from the board with the hope of getting a route? If you are selling me a route, then me and my finance company got Every right to demand to see the revenue earned from that route as well, seeing that part of the purchase is now a bus and route that the seller claims is profitable. If the Transport Board so good as you claim and can tell me how many pensioners ride the bus on a daily basis, then surely they must have the monthly revenue of a route they can share. Or dem aint get there yet? Or is the plan to sell the small black man a bus and then give the route to the Indians?
Wait you feel when the Trinis was buying BST them could of tell the buyer “we ain’t showing you we financials them private?” The Trinis would of tell dem “well carry you tail then.” LOL
Sorry I going have to agree to disagree with you on this one.
Artax
“November 15, 2025 at 12:17 pm
“You keep IGNORING the fact that TB is NOT BEING SOLD, its operations are being DIVESTED.”
Re-reading the proposal the Govt is not seeking to fully privatize the sector, they are amplifying the TAP program. In other words the gov’t will no longer buy buses. They will sell what the TB currently have and going forward the TB will no longer own and operate buses. They will only engage private owners as an intermediary to provide mass transport.
My understanding of the TAP program is that the owners don’t ply the routes as they please, they are subject to The TB routing and scheduling. This is unlike what happens with ZRs and mini buses.
The questions are:-
1) Will it be attractive for private operators to buy these buses and operate them under a TAP like program.
2) Will there be enough private owners to engage to ADEQUATELY provide mass transport
The benefits i see is that taxpayers money will not go to the financing and continuous maintenance of buses.. The govt will continue to have direct control over bus fares and provision of service to particular routes.
There are several reported problems with the TAP program, late payments, reconciling payments for concessionary travel, limited access to profitable routes etc. Hopefully these and the others can be resolved to ensure an efficient public transportation system should it be implemented.
I am for government keeping TB even if it scale down more.
One way or another the taxpayers payer will pay, either by subsidies or by increases in fares.
The PSV are profitable because they “hussle” ( big time) and mainly run the profitable routes and times = compared to TB which have schedules and have to cover the less profitable / long haul routes.
Gloom and doom will find something to cry about if government subsidies, raises fare or if they divest.
which one of the choices or other choices would he support and why?
John A is a sensible Barbadian doing his civic why holding government accountable. The simple takeaway is: before we farm out the transport board, how about publishing required audited financials which is a routine process as part of a basic governance structure? Isn’t this what many AG reports have highlighted?
Freedom of Information Act now for better governance
For Barbados, therefore, the passage of a Freedom of Information Act is not merely procedural, it is a democratic necessity.
The following article was submitted by the Integrity Group Barbados.
Integrity Group Barbados is calling on the Government to urgently pass a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act to place transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment at the core of governance reform.
While Barbados took a significant step forward with the passage of the Integrity In Public Life Act, 2023, which requires financial disclosures from public officials and establishes an Integrity Commission, the law has yet to be proclaimed or fully implemented. As a result, its oversight and enforcement mechanisms remain dormant. This unfulfilled commitment underscores the continuing need for complementary legislation that strengthens public accountability, particularly through a Freedom of Information Act.
Detailed draft bill
Barbados first recognised the importance of freedom of information as far back as 2008, when a detailed draft bill was circulated to grant citizens an explicit right to access information held by public authorities. The draft reaffirmed the constitutional right of citizens “to receive ideas and freedom without interference, including information held by public authorities, so as to enhance good governance through knowledge, transparency, and accountability”.
It also proposed an independent oversight body, clear request procedures, and measured exemptions for confidentiality. Despite widespread consultations and public support, the bill was never passed, leaving citizens without a statutory right to obtain Government-held information or challenge refusals.
This legislative vacuum has tangible consequences. Repeated reports from media and civil society have highlighted lapses in the publication of annual reports, budget data and performance outcomes across ministries. While a Freedom of Information Act would not, by itself, compel such publications, it would establish a clear legal right for citizens to request and obtain this information, transforming transparency from a matter of goodwill into a matter of obligation.
A modern Freedom of Information Act would correct this by guaranteeing access to key public information, including Government decisions, policies, rules and practices affecting citizens, along with the rationale and interpretations behind them. It should also include access to documents such as public contracts, written decisions, policy papers, and official correspondence.
Transparency in Government procurement is particularly critical, not only as a safeguard against misuse of public resources but as an essential component of information governance. When the details of public tenders, contract awards and spending are opaque, mistrust flourishes and fair competition suffers. Accessible procurement data ensures that public resources are allocated efficiently and equitably, strengthening both fiscal discipline and citizen confidence.
Across the Caribbean, other jurisdictions have already demonstrated the transformative potential of such legislation. Trinidad and Tobago’s Freedom of Information Act (1999), Jamaica’s Access to Information Act (2002), and the Cayman Islands’ Freedom of Information Law (2009) all exemplify how access to information enhances public participation, media freedom and administrative accountability. Though implementation challenges persist, these laws affirm a regional consensus that transparency is not a privilege granted by the state but a democratic right inherent to good governance.
A strong freedom of information framework should also work in tandem with robust internal controls over Government expenditures. Establishing or reinforcing an independent internal audit function would help verify compliance, assess the effectiveness of control systems, and investigate instances of non-conformity. Together, these mechanisms form the institutional backbone of transparent and responsible governance.
The global community likewise affirms this imperative. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.10 commits all member states to ensure public access to information as a foundation for peace, justice and strong institutions.
For Barbados, therefore, the passage of a Freedom of Information Act is not merely procedural, it is a democratic necessity. Reliable information empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in national debate, prevents the misuse of authority and strengthens institutional legitimacy. Transparency also drives economic integrity by building investor confidence and ensuring equitable access to public opportunities.
Open data portals
Many countries have gone further by developing open data portals that provide real-time access to information on budgets, procurement and performance indicators. Barbados does not yet have a unified platform of this kind, though some data is already available across Government websites. The establishment of a centralised, regularly updated public data portal that lists available datasets and links to agencyspecific information, should therefore be developed in tandem with freedom of information legislation. Such an initiative would modernise information management, streamline access and institutionalise transparency as a public good.
A modern Freedom of Information Act must also balance openness with legitimate concerns for privacy and national security. It should establish an independent oversight body, define clear timelines for responses and appeals, and mandate proactive publication of commonly requested data. Public education will also be essential to ensure citizens understand their rights and how to exercise them effectively.
Integrity Group Barbados urges policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and deliver on the longstanding promise of transparency by enacting a modern Freedom of Information Act. Barbados has already laid the foundation through the Integrity in Public Life Act; the next step is to operationalise the citizens’ right to know.
Only through full transparency can Barbados deepen its democratic maturity, restore public trust and align its governance practices with regional and international standards of openness and accountability.
Source: Nation
@ John A
Your November 15, 2025, 2:27 PM long, INCOHERENT spiel is indicative of someone who is not THINKING RATIONALLY, and you’re continuing, perhaps conveniently or purposely, to ignore the fact that the proposal is not about selling TB, but divesting its operations.
As I mentioned previously, someone could apply for a PSV permit to operate a ZR or minibus on a particular route, and indicate in his/her business plan how they plan to go about making a profit from the specific target market, without having to peruse TB’s audited financial statements.
You cannot compare the operations of Transport Board with that of private PSV owners.
‘PSVs operate profitably with bus fares where they are,’ because EVERYONE pays bus fare ‘up front,’ even school children who are required to pay $2.50, and owners’ overheads/operating expenses are not similar to those of TB.
TB’s overheads include staffing and maintaining its headquarters and bus terminals (which PSV operators use free of cost), security, supervisors, uniforms, maintenance, office staff, etc.
Whereas TB has to pay employees a weekly wage and NIS expense to wash and ‘clean out’ buses, all an Indian has to do is pay a guy $20 to wash off his ZR or minibus ‘every Sunday morning.’
An Indian does not require supervisors, maintain bus terminals or even provide his drivers and conductors with uniforms.
You drive Patel’s van, give him $500 a day, full it with diesel at any gas station, (which does not NECESSITATE the REQUIREMENT of a payroll clerk, fuel pump operator, and diesel tank) ……
…… and ‘the rest is yours.’ At the end of the day, you park his vehicle in his compound, and unlike TB, Patel does not have a pay a duty driver and provide a bus to take you home.
Also, whereas TB provides a scheduled service, PSVs move when they are full. In other words, while the Connell Town bus is scheduled to leave the bus terminal at 1:00 pm, and the next bus is due at 2:00 pm, for example, several ZRs and minibuses could transport passengers to that destination within that hour.
Additionally, TB does not have the required number of buses to efficiently service all routes. So, while commuters are complaining that, ‘duh un had nuh 10 or 11 O’ clock St. Patrick’s bus,’ the Silver Hill and St. Patrick’s minibuses and ZRs ‘licking cork.’
I believe you’re ‘out of your depth’ on this issue.
@Artax
Not so fast.
How does the prospective investor arrive at a comfort level regarding sale price of an electric bus for example? What would you suggest be the methodology to be used to determine a ‘fair’ market price?
Another question @Artax. Do you have an opinion on if a bus driver in the main has the business acumen to manage a big electric bus or buses as proposed? No disrespect intended of course.
I breezed through the readings . I think I read the govement wold be selling the electric buses at half “ price”
The height of madness!
Government has finally discovered what we have known for years…that they are incapable of efficiently managing the TB, and that the secret is out – with an election looming.
Their solution?
…Pass on the dirty work to those who are foolish Enuff to invest their money WITHOUT the available operating financials. MEAN WHILE government is DICTATING ROUTES, paying bills when they feel like, demanding their political donations on the side, and passing consumer complaints on to the new suckers.
This is the typical ‘political’ backup plan… since their usual default position of giving it to the ‘Busy Malmoney’ types is currently not politically expedient… with elections near…
The OTHER option is for us to elect a set of COMPETENT politicians with the COMMON sense to put PROFESSIONAL and experiences management and staff in place at the TB.
Now with free movement perhaps we can bring in some competent politicians from foreign…
What a place!!
Will Karma need to step in…?
“An Indian does not require supervisors, maintain bus terminals or even provide his drivers and conductors with uniforms.”
~~~~~~~~~~
This is the level of thinking that reflects the worse of the albino-centric philosophy.
Those supervisors, drivers, conductors, uniform makers, canteen operators, guards etc are FELLOW BAJANS, whose lives, families, and very future, DEPEND on having these opportunities to CONTRIBUTE to national productivity.
The VERY POINT of having a NATIONAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM is to maximize the extent to which as many in the COMMUNITY as possible, can benefit from the various opportunities presented.
This requires HIGH QUALITY leadership skills, long term VISION, and most importantly, a COMMUNITY CENTRIC outlook, – that values EVERYONE… travelers, drivers, supervisors, bus washers and the terminal janitors.
This requirement is what is MISSING!!!
That a government can now be proposing a ‘solution’, that cuts out as many of the community that they are supposed to represent as they are able to, speaks volumes about their FLAWED philosophical positions.
Lotta shiite!!!
The problem is NOT the TB (these systems work beautifully all around the world).
It is the set of idiots that we have making these wicked decisions at EVERY turn… obviously under the kind of ‘advice’ reflected in the above quoted thinking…
What a curse!!
NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE UNTIL THE CHANGEMAKERS APPEAR ON THIS TERRA-FERMA WE CALL PLANET EARTH
The Greek philosopher #Heraclitus famously opined: “THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE IS CHANGE” – yet, it was declared that “THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME”, was an aphorism attributed to French writer #JeanBaptisteAlphonseKarr, whose gaff in French: “PLUS CA CHANGE, PLUS C’EST LA MEME CHOSE”, written in the January 1849 issue of his satirical journal ‘LES GUEPES’ showing the damnable nature of the “STATUS QUO” – even in matters of prescient moral weight & value!!!
This maybe a serious discussion for many in Barbados but this is small potatoes in the grand scheme of things – 4 it is just another pantomime show where the “BREAD” & “CIRCUS” no longer satisfies the nagging hunger deep within the parched souls of those longing for “POSITIVE CHANGE” – but rather a meaningless expression of “HUMANITY’s” drive to keep up the ridiculous – visited by “DONKEYS” in white coats who bray & laugh at the idiocy of gullible “HUMANS”!!!
When “NEW POLIETICIANS” promise change but behaves similarly to their predecessors – THE CIRCUS IN & OF ITSELF BECOMES A LAUGHING STOCK!!!
Technology may see “UPGRADES” but human foibles, motives, character & behaviours remain the same damn thing over successive generations!!!
ONLY FOOLS WHO NEEDS A CEREBRAL EXAMINATION WOULD EXPECT ANY FORM OF MEANINGFUL CHANGE THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN!!!
Throw in the towel, GUYS* – for all is lost, “FOREVER”!!!
@John2
What does half price ‘mean’? Is the price potentially correlated to opportunities for prospective bus drivers?
THE WISE KING SOLOMON UNDERSTOOD SOMETHING PROFOUND ABOUT LIFE (ANCIENTLY) THAT WAS AN EXISTENTIAL MIRROR INTO THE FUTURE BEHAVIOUR OF HUMANS
We humans expect more from a monolithic institution than we do from even ourselves – far less, our GOV*, church, wife, children, employer & the “OTHER” gaggle of “NON-ENTITIES” we deem so important to life & happiness!!!
This is where many of the philosophers we studied in school & elsewhere got it “MASSIVELY WRONG” – for expectation breeds “FAILURE” that often leads to the common adage “FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT,” suggesting that the more one knows someone or something, the more likely they are to become “PISSED OFF”, dissatisfied & even frustrated with them, especially if their behavior does not meet established expectations!!!
THIS IS NOT A CHURCH SERMON OR A PHILOSOPHY LESSON ON THIS SUNDAY MORNING, BUT CLEARLY, OUR NEURAL PATHWAYS HAVE BECOME CART-ROADS WHERE THE WHEELS ON THE HORSE & BUGGY HAVE LITERALY BROKEN OFF DUE TO FALLING INTO A VAST POTHOLE
Philosophical “EXISTENTIALISM” has now led many into a form of what sociologists call “ABSURDISM”, that will result in what Nietzsche et al opined as “NIHILISM” – a slippery slope that has been recounted on verbatim in the “BOOKS” of Proverbs & Ecclesiastes, where “WISDOM” does not exactly triumph, but rather is left reeling in the dust-storm of life, (OVERSHADOWED & OVER-RUN BY A VAST SANDSTORM) from where there is no exit or exit strategy!!!
FIRE YOUR CURRENT GOV & THE SH11TE WILL STILL BE THE SAME
#NothingWillEverChange
Bush Tea
November 16, 2025 at 8:13 am
“Government has finally discovered what we have known for years…that they are incapable of efficiently managing the TB, and that the secret is out – with an election looming.
Their solution?
…Pass on the dirty work to those who are foolish Enuff to invest their money WITHOUT the available operating financials. MEAN WHILE government is DICTATING ROUTES, paying bills when they feel like, demanding their political donations on the side, and passing consumer complaints on to the new suckers.”
Bush Tea
November 16, 2025 at 8:42 am
“That a government can now be proposing a ‘solution’, that cuts out as many of the community that they are supposed to represent as they are able to, speaks volumes about their FLAWED philosophical positions.
The problem is NOT the TB (these systems work beautifully all around the world).”
To use the vernacular of Bajans “I ENT UNNERSTANNING YOU!!!!!!!” You are rambling incoherent!!!. Understand that the TB is not being sold, it is essentially being renamed and will no longer seek to own and operate buses. You state that the TB incapable then the next logical step is to find another capable solution. To tranfer the TB lock stock and barrel to private owners will cause too much of a shock to the mass transit sector. Private investors will immediately seek to reduce and remove service to unprofitable routes.
As Atrax has been stating, the financials of the TB are not relevant for THIS particular exercise (not that it isn’t important to divulge for public knowledge). We can, however, hazard a guess that the TB has to be in very poor financial shape, if govt is seeking an alternative to provide mass transit. The TB, as a statutory corporation operates to provide a a service and not to maximize profit. The TB cannot be getting enough operating revenue from bus fares alone the govt has been pumping taxpayers money to keep it operating and the govt has been borrowing to buy buses.
John2
November 16, 2025 at 8:03 am
“I breezed through the readings . I think I read the govement wold be selling the electric buses at half “ price”
That would be for those particular buses donated to the TB from China. Technically the TB can set whatever price for them as they were not bought. They are now a TB asset. so i expect those buses will be sold first.
David
November 16, 2025 at 7:27 am
“How does the prospective investor arrive at a comfort level regarding sale price of an electric bus for example? What would you suggest be the methodology to be used to determine a ‘fair’ market price?”
“Another question @Artax. Do you have an opinion on if a bus driver in the main has the business acumen to manage a big electric bus or buses as proposed? No disrespect intended of course.”
Since electric buses are being produced en masse, especially by BYD, i don’t think it would be particular hard to gain a fair market value. If using for reference the age and mileage of the particular bus. From reading the proposal, gov’t will also cover 50% the cost of charging the buses and 25% replacement cost of the batteries.
The individual bus driver, the TB staff and eventually the general public would have to do their own research as to the feasibility of operating theses buses. There is the TAP system and the ZR\Minibus system as reference, The TB staff will have first dibs but i will image that most of these buses would be taken up up by car retail, car part companies, coach and tour operators and by the “Indians”. The understanding is that they would be engaging with the TB (to be renamed the Barbados Mass Transit Authority) under a TAP like system.
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