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Governance matters. It is not as a slogan. It is not a bullet point in a manifesto. It is a breathing practice that determines whether we move forward as a country or remain mired in the current steady state.

We have returned Prime Minister Mia Mottley and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to office three successive times. This is a huge endorsement by the electorate.However, there is the uncomfortable truth that nobody wants to say out loud – the bigger the mandate, the greater the risk. Some may say – to whom much is given, much is expected.

There is the human condition which history supports. Leaders who have routinely commanded the support of the people, begin to confuse said support as blind loyalty from the electorate. They begin to treat accountability as an inconvenience rather than an obligation. It becomes a wall that blocks scrutiny from the electorate. Instead of a breathing, healthy democracy, we have a budding de facto dictatorship.

This is not an indictment of Mottley personally. It is a warning that democracy requires more than elections and an X on a ballot. It requires the space for dissent, for uncomfortable questions and issues to be asked and debated in public. Importantly, for the questions to be answered in public.

Feedback is not disloyalty. Dissent is not the enemy of progress. A leader who cannot be questioned is a leader who cannot be corrected. And a leader who cannot be corrected will eventually make mistakes that taxpayers will pay for eventually. The Westminster system we pretend to practice requires a dissenting voice to work.

The electorate is no wiser today about the number of consultants on contract with this administration than they were under the previous governments. Names, numbers, terms of engagement, cost to the taxpayer – all of it remains shrouded in the same opacity that Mottley once stood at a podium and condemned, RED bag and all.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s press interview with veteran journalist David Ellis 51 days after winning office in 2018 when the subject of consultants was discussed.

She was right to call out the then government but why is the standard different now?

Mottley and the Barbados Labour Party promised transparency and accountability, now that she has been given the keys to Ilaro Court, the promises have been abandoned? Some of the electorate may have forgotten, others have not.

Barbadians deserve to know what they are paying for. How many consultants. What they were hired to do. What it is costing. Whether value is being received. They are basic requirements of good governance.

The former government was rightly criticised and no doubt this helped to put this Mottley government in office. It would be the height of irony if this administration, armed with unprecedented mandates, turned around and did the same thing.

Are we there yet?


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37 responses to “‘BIM paying’ for blind loyalty to Mottley”

  1. Terence Blackett Avatar
    Terence Blackett

    I HAVE WARNED YOU LOT THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE WE HAVE A RESURGENCE OF THE 1937 RIOTS IN BRASSBADOS* WHERE ALL HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE

    You can’t keep doing the same “SHYTE” over & over again – yet somehow expecting a different result!!!

    The 1937 Riots – aptly termed “THE PEOPLE’S UPRISING” and/or, better yet – “THE LABOUR REBELLION” was fomented by “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”!!!

    For [4] days “BIMSHIRE” was rocked by violent disturbances that began on July 26, 1937, (TOMMOROW BEING THE 89TH YEAR), commemorated annually as the “DAY OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE”!!!

    THE CAUSES & TRIGGER ARE THE SAME – AS IT WAS THEN

    Unrest was driven by severe economic hardship…

    Low wages, & systemic “RACIAL INEQUALITY” under “COLONIAL BRITISH RULE”, where the “PALESKIN, ALBINO-CENTRIC ELITE” held power over the impoverished Black majority!!!

    TEL ME WHAT IN HELL HAS CHANGED IN ALMOST 90 YEARS WHERE THE SAME *FOOKERS* RUN EVERYTHING & THE BLACK GATEKEEPERS PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS

    While underlying tensions existed throughout the region, the immediate catalyst was the deportation of labour activist “CLEMENT PAYNE” to Trinidad, on this said day, July 26th, (89 YEARS AGO)!!!

    Payne had been organizing workers 4 trade unions & better conditions, & his removal by authorities sparked mass anger!!!

    THE WATER WATER AUTHORITY MUST HAVE PUT SOMETHING IN THE *KOOLAID* THAT KEEPS BAJAN PEOPLE SO DOCILE – EXCEPT FOR THE SKUNK THAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EITHER SMOKING OR INGESTING THROUGH SOME OTHER ORIFICE THAT MAKES THEM MURDER ONE ANOTHER FOR TRINKETS

    “RIOTS” erupted in Bridgetown & spread to rural districts, involving the smashing of shop windows (PARTICULARLY ON BROAD STEEET), attacks on police, & “MASS” looting!!!

    The “COLONIAL GOV*, (NO DIFFERENT TO THE MOTTLEY-CREW GOV*TODAY) responded with significant force, deploying the Royal Barbados Police Force, (RBPF), the Barbados Volunteer Force, (BVF) & “MARINES” from HMS APOLLO!!!

    Clashes resulted in 14 DEAD* & 21 BADLY INJURIED* (some sources cite 47 WOUNDED*), with police opening fire on crowds after the “RIOT ACT” was read!!!

    This uprising led to significant “SOCIO-POLITICAL REFORMS”, including the appointment of the “MOYNE COMMISSION” to investigate “COLONIAL” conditions & wage structures!!!

    This marked a pivotal shift toward indigenous party politics & self-governance – ultimately paving the way for Barbados’ Independence on November 30, 1966!!!

    #ClementPayne is remembered as a “NATIONAL HERO” for his role in inspiring the movement for JUSTICE & EQUALITY” – sadly, those “GAINZ” were not built on, moreover, almost [90] years on – BRASSBADOS* has “REGRESSED” back to 1937 in what can only be described as “SNATCHING DEFEAT FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY” – in a time-portal, time-travel lapse back 2 the sociopoLIEtical machinations of 1937!!!

    THIS TIME HOWEVER, WHEN THE DAM DOES BREAK – NOT MANY WILL BE LEFT STANDING

    You can put it in a “RIZZLA” & smoke it!!!

    On that predictive programming note

    #IMDUN*


  2. @TB

    There will be no riots in modern day Barbados.


  3. You may get a spike in crime, lawlessness and social dysfunction. This maybe your definition of riots?


  4. ClementPayne is remembered as a “NATIONAL HERO” for his role in inspiring the movement for JUSTICE & EQUALITY” – sadly, those “GAINZ” were not built on, moreover, almost [90] years on – BRASSBADOS* has “REGRESSED”

    XXXXXXXXXXXX

    ASK DAVID COMMISSONG A FAILED POLITICIAN OVER AND OVER AND OVER WHY HE SOLD HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL FOR A LITTLE PICK AND A FANCY TITLE OFF THE BACKS OF POOR BLACK PEOPLE ON THE 2X3 ISLAND.


  5. This is Barbados.


  6. @THE BLOGMASTER

    “There will be no riots in modern day Barbados….”

    “NEVER SAY ‘never’, BRUH”* – it will come back & bite you on the “ARSE”!!!

    I however, will reserve “COMMENTARY” on all the “HISTORICAL NEVER(s)” THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN REAL TIME BASED ON THE LURID TRANSGRESSIONS OF OTHERS, but also, we all know what has been opined in “SACRED WRIT”!!!

    [2] verses that form a thematic “BOOKEND”, found in Ecclesiastes, (THE BOOK OF WISDOM), declares that “HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF”, but with a crucial difference in perspective – chapter 1:9 presents it as “FUTILITY”, while 3:15 presents it as “EVIDENCE” of THE MOST HIGH’s SOVEREIGN CONTROL!!!

    “What has “BEEN” is what “WILL BE”, and what has “BEEN DONE” is what “WILL BE DONE”, and there is nothing new under the sun…” (1:9)

    TOO MUCH HISTORY BACKS THIS DIVINE STATEMENT

    “What is, already has been, and what “WILL BE”, already has been; and God seeks what has passed by…” (3:15)

    Within the specific context of Ecclesiastes 1:9 & 3:15, the word “NEVER” functions as a “LOGICAL PARADOX” (or apparent oxymoron)…

    #TakeYourPick

  7. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Isn’t whatever a Government does called Governance.
    Until people can connect a link between the principles of sound Governance and benefit to them, governance doesn’t matter.
    How many times did the Auditor General report highlight the same issues, year after year. Obviously it doesn’t matter, or changes would have been made.
    Potentially money was wasted, or unaccounted for, but who cares, they all so.
    Why issue anything which may not be glowing. The PM has told you they aren’t perfect. You need to know something else?
    Why are consultants relevant to anything? If extra help or specialized knowledge is required, it is found. To provide more information may jeopardise National Security.


  8. @NO

    It is no secret the majority of citizens are manipulated by a few in our system. However, there are the enlightened few who must continue to advocate and educate because this is the only way a ‘tipping point’ can be achieved. It may seem an exercise in futility but human beings must be fueled at the prospect of reaching for the light at the end of the tunnel. Hope is the gas that fuels our energy as humans.

  9. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    David
    Enlightened, advocacy, education only produces results, when you can directly link positive personal outcomes to some facet of Governance. Without that, it is merely ‘nice’ or potentially meaningful.
    And today, there are fewer and fewer examples where sound Governance exists. People learn a connection, a ‘friend’ in the right place, are far more valuable than attempting to have their governments be accountable or transparent. You cannot rely on the consistent, unbiased application of rules or laws.


  10. @NO

    You are suggesting that on current trajectory – the inevitable chaos may lead to a phoenix rising from the ashes scenario?


  11. “You are suggesting that on current trajectory – the inevitable chaos may lead to a phoenix rising from the ashes scenario?”
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Phoenix shiite!!
    More likely the damn ashes will be tossed into the Atlantic by the new inhabitants who are currently buying up all the local land, businesses and assets…

    There is NO LAW that guarantees a second chance after bankruptcy.
    But there IS such a thing as DEATH!
    It is the end result of brassbowlery.


  12. No. Blind loyalty is a requirement of the dominant systems in the world.

    It’s takes blind loyalty to all the systems around us to make us suffer. Not just Mottley.

    There were, are, and will be, many Mottleys.

    Bajans are no more loyal to Mottley than weee are to the other facets within the tapestry of lies which surrounding us all.

    For examples, weeee still believe that there’s something called international law even as injustices always abounded.

    We still labour under the misnomer that there’s something called “democracy” when a naked fascism was always the organizing principle.

    Weee even more blindly believe that there’s a free lunch in this world thus industrial begging is central.

    Don’t weee not blindly labour under the presumption that there’s some heaven somewhere to which transport awaits?

    And if weee insist on than shiiite, then any other political con man could lead us as if blind.

    Until a national mind emerges willing to question everything, fundamentally, the blind shall lead the blind.


  13. Youth rise up.


  14. Shiite @Pacha 8:30 a.m. !!!
    it is becoming worrisome, …the regularity with which Bushie has to concur with your rants…

    Wuh! …except for your ill-informed quips about the Bible and your insistence on adding another ‘i’ to Bushie’s shiite, your analyses are scarily on point.

    Do note, however, that there is a BIG difference between ‘blind loyalty’, and forced complicity – due to being squeezed by the cajoles.

    For example…
    Trump’s commitment to Israel is not out of ‘blind loyalty’, but is powered by Epstein politics of money and moral blackmail.

    Similarly, there are reasons why you see politicians in Brassbados fishing in dry ponds…

    What a place!!!


  15. @Hants

    A different culture in India how far citizens are prepared to go to agitate and advocate. Many are prepared to give their lives.

    Are we there yet?


  16. I’m a Bajan living in the UK. I visit Bim every year (since 1984). Looking in from the outside (as a Business Analyst to major corporations), I see Mottley has done more in getting Barbados on track for investment and development than any government since the 1980’s. All I hear are noise from sore political losers. Where are their suggestions for a better Barbados? The whole Caribbean are suffering from high crime, mostly due to a flood of guns into the region. There is no quick solution but look around and compare Barbados to the rest of the Caribbean.

  17. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Antvis
    As an analyst, what is your analysis of the largest public wealth fund the NIS? (now NISSS)
    Similar on any public entity would be appreciated. Try sugar and the birth of BESCO/ABC. Or Tourism and the performance of any of the public entities. Or housing. Or if you prefer health, an analysis of the QEH and the multiple Polyclinics. If transport is your thing, an analysis of the Transport Board. Education?
    Take your pick.
    And prior to expending lots of effort, you might share, your approach and the information you will seeking.


  18. What about the historical cost associated with recruiting consultants by both political parties? Any positive correlation in the political party in office and the number of consultants being paid by tax payer dollars?


  19. @Antvis
    “I see Mottley has done more in getting Barbados on track for investment and development than any government since the 1980’s.”

    Is it wrong to ask for ‘the basics’ as well as any investment and development??

    Does trickle down economics work in Barbados?

    should we rate ourselves based on how bad others are???
    —————
    ‘Meanwhile, President of the Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF), Dr Delisle Worrell, spoke of China’s economic transformation and its influence on Barbados and the wider Caribbean. Meanwhile, President of the Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF), Dr Delisle Worrell, spoke of China’s economic transformation and its influence on Barbados and the wider Caribbean.’

    Is this the same Delisle Worrell, former Central Bank Governor??

    Just Observing


  20. NorthernObserver
    I compare Barbados’ current status of: NIS, housing, health et al with previous governments’ performance. By the way I was involved in implementing VAT in 1997, so I do have some intimate knowledge. All of these public bodies have been in a mess for decades. Remember the state of QEH with the previous government when the hospital ran short of critical medicines, because the government wasn’t paying the importers? Why I give this current government some credit is they have managed to clean up the mess (including repairing the credit rating). What I now look for is strategies to take the country forward with; business growth, reduced prices, more jobs, reduced crime and better housing. The last one, housing is one area where Barbados has consistently underperformed, compared to other Caribbean nations. I don’t vote so I don’t have any political bias, just give credit where credit’s due. I correctly predicted the results of the 2018 election, as I was in Bim a few weeks before and experienced the raw sewage in the streets of the South Coast. The stench was so bad that we had to leave a restaurant and head to the West coast. That sewage was right in the heart of the tourist area. I said then that only diehards would vote for that party, and they would not win a single seat, they were that incompetent. Bajans are not stupid and they have long memories.


  21. Excuses, excuses, and excuses for a country groaning under the weight of debt and crumbling infrastructure. Add rising crime, lawlessness, and social in-cohesion to the mix. Sure, the rule of thumb cannot be about improving macroeconomic conditions only; the performance of any government must be based on macro and microeconomic measures.

  22. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Antvis
    You deftly avoided the question.
    A true answer, would have involved you cannot analyse, because other than personal observations, none of these entities report (as required by law).
    The NIS hasn’t issued any audited financials under either the past or current administrations, so no comparison possible. Ditto for the QEH. So just as good, or just as bad, an uniformed comparison.
    And yes, in the first 2 years, this administration cleaned up several of the many outstanding financial issues they inherited. That was 6 years ago??
    My truth is I cannot offer you an informed analysis, as I don’t have the facts.
    A little while back, another blogger took offence to my comments I didn’t trust the publicly provided numbers, they were understating expenses. Lo and behold, last Nov, a year after my comment, the GoB in one sitting, put through 3 Bills, covering unapproved expenses for the past 3 financial years, totalling $1.6 Billion!!! This was shortly after the end of the IMF program.
    My gut instincts are based on human behaviour. When others have done well, they tend to show proof of their achievements. When they haven’t they tend to duck quantitative specifics, and focus on the qualitative.


  23. Bushie

    We’ve got an intellectual island where blind loyalty is paid to foolishness!

    Even as Saudi Arabia burns. Maybe together, another 8 to 10 percent of global petroleum output goes offline as the most modern refinery burns for days after just retaliatory strikes by Ansarallah.

    Where spot prices, for real oil, has been around USD140 over recent days and area analysis are suggesting as high as USD200 per barrel by August 15. A date being touted as significant for strategic reserves.

    Added, the dire state of the leading Western economies, especially the USA and most Europeans, other talk about a Black Swan event.

    Netanyahu goes to Washington for the eighth time in 18 months to remind Drumpf that he’s still in control of the Epstein Files. While the world is left hanging in the balance because of the proclivities of a man who was created by Western democracy. A man who must fight Israel’s wars for it.

    Of course, neither Netanyahu nor Drumpf gives a rat’s ass about the enormity of the calamity they have imposed on the earth. But in their folly both men have done more than all others combined to bring an end to the domination of the world by White people.

    We expect that blind loyalty will make Bajans unable to see what’s happening and at least make an attempt to hammer out a number of possible responses ahead of time. However, of this stuff not made are us!


  24. “Is this the same Delisle Worrell, former Central Bank Governor??”
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Perhaps the ENTIRE article should be read to view the issue with clear, balanced judgment.

    China offers annual training for 1 000 Barbadians
    written by Ricardo Roberts 26/07/2026

    A new programme that will see 1 000 Barbadians travel to China each year for professional training has been announced by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, as the two countries prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

    Speaking at a media symposium held on the weekend, the ambassador said the initiative is intended to deepen bilateral ties while building local expertise across a range of sectors.

    “Starting this year, we have introduced a programme to send 1 000 Barbadians to China annually for professional training across various sectors,” he said. “Our goal is to build human capacity, transfer knowledge and empower local development.”

    The ambassador described the Barbados-China relationship as one built on mutual respect, shared development goals and a common understanding as developing countries.

    “A border may exist between us, but there is definitely no barrier because we share a common narrative,” he said. “As we approach five decades of diplomatic ties, we must ask what we have learned from the past and how we can better prepare for the years ahead.”

    The diplomat used the occasion to pay tribute to late National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers and called on the region to draw inspiration from his legacy of unity.

    Reflecting on decades of cooperation, he pointed to several projects undertaken with Chinese support, including road rehabilitation works in the Scotland District, south coast water treatment initiatives and the introduction of electric buses as part of Barbados’ transition to green energy.

    He also referred to agricultural partnerships aimed at strengthening food security and medical outreach programmes that provide healthcare services across the island.

    Looking ahead, the ambassador called for continued collaboration in response to rapidly changing global conditions, particularly the growth of artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

    “Humanity is standing at another major crossroads,” he said. “Let us uphold the spirit of solidarity to create a brighter, more prosperous future for all our people.”

    Meanwhile, President of the Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF), Dr Delisle Worrell, spoke of China’s economic transformation and its influence on Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

    “China’s success in managing its society and economy has benefited all the rest of the world, including Barbados,” Worrell said.

    He noted that Chinese products and innovations have become commonplace in Barbados, from Crop Over costumes and medical equipment to solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicles.

    Worrell also outlined several initiatives designed to strengthen educational and cultural links between the two countries, particularly among young people. These include free Mandarin language tutoring programmes aimed at helping Barbadians meet the language requirements for Chinese government scholarships.


  25. @Artax

    The question still remains the same however.

    No inference was made about Dr. Worrell other than his past post. He’s a nice guy from what I’ve heard. The current Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs may agree.

    It does however open up the broader discussion on the level of Chinese support and investment in Barbados with a focus on where, who, how and for how long. Particularly with the IMF in tow and the orange guy reshaping regional affairs.

    I’m not knocking the Chinese one way or the other, but, the discussion fits nicely into the contents of the original post and one reference here on increased foreign investment and improved development.

    Just Observing


  26. We have to dog our hat to PM Mottley, she knows how to squeeze all from most situations. Enough said.

    Special flight

    SOME MEMBERS of the West Indies cricket team which beat Pakistan in the first Test yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago will be flown home for today’s state funeral of National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers.

    Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced that arrangements were put in place for captain Roston Chase, Kemar Roach, Shai Hope, Jomel Warrican, Justin Greaves and batting coach Floyd Reifer to attend as the world remembers the greatest cricketer of all time.

    The players were scheduled to arrive in the island at 11:45 last night.

    The two-hour service of celebration at Kensington Oval will be attended by thousands and viewed by millions around the region and the world.

    Yesterday, on the fourth day of the inaugural Test match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs on what would have been Sir Garry’s 90th birthday.

    Mottley made the announcement on the Mason & Guests show on Voice of Barbados last night. She congratulated the team on the inspiring victory, which was achieved at 3:40 p.m. when fast bowler Jayden Seales took the wicket of Pakistani last man Mohammad Abbas. The victory was led by Greaves who won the Man-Of-The-Match

    award.

    “We have completed the arrangements and if all goes well, we will have the Bajans all coming in … captain Chase and the others. We look forward to them being here for the state funeral. It is an appropriate and fitting tribute,” Mottley said. “Roston was very clear when I spoke to him and it was a wonderful conversation and I want to salute him . . . his purpose and his understanding of the significance of the occasion for the people of this nation and of this region.”

    Mottley also addressed the contribution of Sir Garry and other icons to the game.

    “It is so special. Words cannot begin to describe fully. That is no way to diminish the contribution of others . . . the other greats who really made this country proud to be able to master a game that was not ours but that has allowed us to show the world that we can excel at things when we put our minds to it.”

    Along with the current players, several former cricketers have travelled from overseas. Among them are global legends and members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Brian Lara. Philip Jn-Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, who will read an address during the service, while other leaders in various spheres of endeavour across the region will also be in attendance.

    Mottley noted that Sir Garry was a genius and today’s farewell will reflect on the magnificence of his extra-ordinary contribution to the country, the region and the world.

    “We all know what Sir Garry meant to us as we moved from a colony to an independent nation . . . recognising that we can be world champions. He led the way . . . He captured the imagination of so many of us.”(PS)

    Source: Nation


  27. BimPay’s hiccups have nothing to do with party & everything to do with managing change. I questioned the approach & was ignored. In fact I’ve questioned the approach re transformational education, health, transport, markets, roads, crime & violence. I’ve always been met with silence & sometimes a grudging thank you.

    Change management employs techniques & always stakeholders input. What happens here is built on insularity, perception & positions. It therefore leads to ineffectiveness, wasted resources & partial resolve.

    Still resonating with me is being mocked about my knowledge of change management, my record of the same being erase, my emotional state and dismissal & blanking of my efforts. I’m now being constantly amused.

  28. If There Is A Song, Let's Make A Song, Avatar
    If There Is A Song, Let’s Make A Song,

    A weak or non-existent opposition is hardly the fault of the incumbent or general public and is more a reflection of themselves.
    DLP should have been ready for an early 2026 election call which had been predicted on BU. They could have used this platform to disseminate the DLP party platform which was in line with the BM and BFF instead of cancelling popular party candidates and members which might have produced better results. They came a close second in 4 or 5 seats, but in a first past the post system, close is no cigar.

    A Revolution in Classical Music
    The world of classical music – particularly in it’s European home was until recently the preserve of white men. Women it was believed simply could not play like men.
    They didn’t have the strength, the attitude or the resilience for certain kinds of pieces. Their lips were different. Their lungs were less powerful. Their hands were smaller. That did not seem like a prejudice it seemed like a fact, but over the last few decades the classical music world has undergone a revolution.


  29. Mia on the Stage.


  30. Toronto Mayor Chow on de road.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ik-XC08SKoU


  31. ite Bajan band.


  32. fluff,


  33. more fluff.

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