What the Poll Said

David Thompson is surely ruining the DLP. His style of politics has offended the political sensitivity of Barbadians who have grown accustomed to men of intellectual substance managing their affairs. People aspiring to lead must never feel that innuendo and sneakiness are substitutes for diligence. The strongly held view that Thompson is bringing little to public life has now been confirmed.

The latest poll done by Peter Wickham, known for his open hostility to the BLP, shows that Thompson will most certainly carry the Dems to their fourth successive defeat — the third under his leadership. The poll showed Prime Minister Arthur and the BLP out-distancing the DLP under Thompson, remarkably deep into an unprecedented third-term. This is not what the DLP expected and the fact that it took them by surprise shows how much they are totally out of touch with the people of Barbados.

When Thompson gave up the leadership of the Dems a few years ago, we openly said that he was only doing so to avoid an embarrassing third defeat, but he is determined to become Prime Minister by “hook or by crook”. Mascoll was therefore set up to be the fall guy although he had brought the DLP to some respectability in the 2003 elections. That did not go down well with Thompson. And so he in his “blood thirsty” quest for leadership ousted Mascoll.

Anyone following parliament will agree that Thompson did not lend any support to Mascoll when he was Opposition leader. Thompson’s visits to the House were spasmodic and his contributions were at best forgettable. As we recall his speeches, or lack thereof, on important debates such as the budget debate and on the no-confidence motion, his utterances were putridly self-serving and did nothing to advance the cause of country and the DLP. He just loitered in the political corridors for Mascoll to falter.

The poll of September 2005, unscientific as it was, gave Thompson the excuse he wanted to unseat Mascoll. Only the few oligarchs in the DLP had convinced themselves that Thompson was the man to lead and in their naked haste they completely misread the poll, forgetting that it was only relevant to that particular time and that they ought to have been careful in making projections from it.

One year later, there is a view that is gaining much currency. That view is that somehow the Dems were misled. We must remind ourselves that there was much controversy over the results of the last poll. If the view held by the other recognized pollster, that the poll was flawed then the interpretation of its results by the Dems would be responsible for their present state of confusion.

In the last year, Prime Minister Arthur spent his time working with due diligence whereas Thompson was busy plotting and scheming to get rid of Mascoll much to the Dems discredit. The Dems in George Street are now a wounding lot.

The BLP remains focus. If there is one thing that we cannot be accused of is arrogance. Committed to the task ahead we remain focus, listening to the people, taking the corrective actions necessary as we carry out the wishes and directives of the masses.

There is still much work to be done.This country cannot afford a leader who is without vision nor ideas as to where he wants to take the country. As compared to our hard working, visionary Prime Minister, Thompson is nothing but a Lilliputian.

Party of 2 Heads

�

�If the D�s are ready to rescue the country from the BLP, let it be said that the continuing fight for leadership between the two most prominent D�s is echoing a different tune.

The alternate leaders of the DLP David (Thompson) and Denis (Kellman) who are the front runners in this race both of whom are experts in �conomics� have yet to demonstrate leadership skills to which this blessed Country has grown accustomed under Tom Adams and now Owen Arthur.

Denis has made it clear that the leadership of the party does not rest comfortably in the hands of David. Furthermore that he Denis is by right the most fit and proper person to lead now and into any general election when called.

Remember David led the Dems to their most humiliating defeat ever.

BLP SURGE

The Nation Poll Results

WITH JUST 18 MONTHS to go before a general election must be held, the popularity of the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) appears to be surging.

In fact, if an election were held today, the BLP would be returned to an unprecedented fourth term with Owen Arthur at the helm.

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) under its leader, David Thompson, while registering a boost in public confidence, is still suffering from a seemingly entrenched public perception among likely voters that it isn’t ready to lead the country.

These are some of the key findings of a public opinion poll conducted for this newspaper by CADRES (Caribbean Development Research Services) in the 30 constituencies of the island last weekend.

The rising popularity of both the BLP and Arthur was reflected in the responses from 1 000 completed questionnaires.

When analysed, 36 per cent of the people polled said that if given the chance now, they would vote for the BLP. That’s an increase of seven per cent from the 29 per cent of the public who said a year ago they would back the governing party.

In addition, Arthur’s public standing has risen by 16 per cent, going from 33 per cent in a similar poll conducted last September, to 49 per cent.

In what may be disappointing news for the Opposition party which changed its leadership mid-stream by switching from Clyde Mascoll back to David Thompson, 39.9 per cent of the electorate felt the party was not yet ready to form the next Government.

Contrary to what may be found on other blog�sites this party is continuing to improve and provide Governance of the highest standard and highest quality for this country. Of course there will be problems and difficulties from time to time but in spite of these difficulties the Barbadian public correctly believes that the Government of this country is best placed with the BLP (BARBADOS LABOUR PARTY) astutely lead by Mr. Owen Arthur.

The poll done by Cadres has proven this yet again. Of particular interest is the feeling of Barbadians that the DLP is not ready. This we have known all along and the public knows it too. What is also interesting is what a significant blow to the DLP the loss of Mascoll was to that party as they have slipped back with 2003 levels on their way down the slippery slide to when Thompson was last at the helm and they only got two seats. Thompson again at the helm the DLP is heading back to that kind of result fo just 2 seats in parliament.

Brace your selves DLP says it will a BATTLE ROYAL� the only thing�is they will be on�the receiving end yet again with losses�of epic proportions.

Rescue From What Thompson?

The Dems are out of their political kennel and down the road on their campaign to form the next Government of Barbados. No other fitting place for Thompson to launch his public meeting but in Carrington Village. What a demonstration of commitment to family!

The speakers displayed a level of disconnect with the real issues confronting Barbadians that can only be explained by their own contentment to appeal to their own propaganda. The speeches seriously lacked the political and intellectual fire and clearly by the end of the meeting not one speaker had demonstrated why the present Barbados Labour Party should not be returned to office.

Before the crowd made up of both the political and non-political interest groups in Barbados, the opportunity availed itself for the Dems to validate its claim to lead this country. But like a ship without a rudder the meeting ran aground begging the question from many of those who attended-change the BLP and put whom?

If there is one thing that the meeting had certainly confirmed is the ownership of the DLP. For at last Thompson was able to say �my Democratic Labour Party�. But Thompson is surely wrong again because the party of which he speaks is owned lock, stock and barrel by the negrocrat financier. According to reports in the Nation Newspaper, Thompson is reported to have said that his Democratic Labour Party was ready and able to rescue Barbados. What we are not certain of is from what? When Thompson promises to make these hills and fields beyond recall our very own, one must ask how can he recall the acres upon acres of plantation fields in St.John sold to his Trinidadian client? When he promises to rebuild morale in the public service, one is moved to ask if this is before or after he apologizes to the Royal Barbados Police Force for his vicious attack on their credibility and further is he willing to tell the public whether or not his party still promises to cut public servants salaries again?

Thompson also said that he wants to bring ordinary Barbadians in from the cold. After all it was he who put them out in the cold in the early 1990�s with his backward economic policies. We feel his list of promises are twelve years too late.

The challenge that confronts the DLP is not the issue of correcting the wrongs in the economy but rather maintaining the many high positives achieved under the Barbados Labour Party. For example, the challenge for the DLP is not how to reduce unemployment rate from its first quarter level of 26.2% in 1993 but how to maintain a very low unemployment rate now 8.1% in 2006. They will not be asked to rebuild weak foreign reserve from $13.5 million (less than four days of import) as in 1991 but rather how will it maintain the level of $1.8 billion in 2005 (202 days import cover). Similarly, the Dems will not be asked to show how it can get total deposits to climb from $2043.5 million in 1994 but rather how it will sustain the current rate which has allowed Barbadians to nearly treble their deposits to $5839.9 million in just eleven years. The Dems will be asked to explain not how it will create the enabling environment for Barbadians to raise the level of mortgage financing for housing from $34.6 millions at commercial banks in 1994 but rather how it will maintain growth above the current level of $683.9million at March 2006.

Congrats to Ian “Cupid” Gill

From the Advocate

Tumultuous celebrations broke out in St. George on Sunday night when popular radio personality, Ian Cupid Gill, cruised to victory in a field of four nominees, seeking to contest the next general elections as the candidate for St. George South on behalf of the Barbados Labour Party.

Gill was confident from the start of the nomination meeting that drew close to 700 persons, voters and supporters to the St. George Secondary school, for the climax of what was noted to have been a hard campaign.

The confidence exhibited by the 42-year-old graduate of the University of the West Indies was not misplaced. He declared before the vote that he believed he was the only man who could succeed party stalwart, Louis Tull, and actually win a third consecutive term in St. George for the BLP, and the voters agreed.

Gill tallied 204 votes, his nearest rival, banker Jefferson Lashley managing 135, while Reginald Knight, a 40-year-old pharmaceutical sales manager received 109 votes, with Pastor Dale Brathwaite, 37, and head of Elohim Family Centre, polling just 15 votes. Gill in thanking the people and his team for the vote of confidence, said it was now time for all concerned to come together to face the real test that was to come. He pledged to work with the outgoing representative, Louis Tull, and his fellow nominees to put the party in a winning position come election time.

Gills campaign manager, Rudolph Moore, who also played that role for Tull, said the new candidate had what it took to win elections and represent the people. Moore said Gill was the consummate politician  young, bright, handsome, energetic, and very charismatic.

A native of St. George, Gill actually hails from St. George North, having been born in Newbury and later moved to Roach Village; and Moore said he believed the choice to go outside the branch to seek the best representation was a prudent one.

To their credit, all the losing candidates congratulated the victor, also pledging their support to him and to the BLP in the future.

This was the system working and working well. All four�good decent young men offerring themselves to represent the BLP at the next General Election for the constituency of St. George South. It was a keen contest. Well done to all of them as they now forge new bonds and work in a sustained and systematic manner to retain this seat for the BLP.

Thanks also to all the members who came out in large numbers for this event. This�show of support for one nomination shows the tremendous following the BLP enjoys as Barbados’ foremost mass based party.�

Strange Silence

A strange silence has enveloped George Street since the fulmination of David Thompson at the party�s last Annual Conference. He had little to say and the public�s response was rather cold pone. This is a sad reflection on Thompson and the DLP whose politics have strayed from the philosophy of the Rt. Excellent Errol Barrow.

The strong economic performance of the economy since 1994 cannot be challenged by Thompson and the Dems. For them to do so would be to bring into sharp focus the disappointing performance of the DLP under Thompson�s watch. In other countries to select Thompson as the political leader of a party would be rejected outright and a rebellion of substantial magnitude would have erupted. No doubt there has been some other mitigating factors which would have allowed the Dems to select Thompson again.

One can think of a number of factors which have surfaced and which may have weighed heavily in the decision to return Thompson as leader. Thompson was selected using certain henchmen to carry out the dirty work of brain-washing the other party members to accept that if it was not Thompson to lead then the whole party would have collapsed. Of course with Mascoll out of the way, as he was not able to deliver the meat of the fatted calf and Freundel Stuart rejected by several of the high profile Dems because of their fear that he is too politically clean; then it had to be shown that Thompson was the right choice. A case is yet to be made for Estwick and Kellman. Kellman cannot be touched for fear of the upheaval it would have in the north while in the case of Estwick it has already been determined that he is unfit to run in the next Election and the ploy to keep Estwick quiet is already reaping its reward.

Why Mr. Stuart has not yet challenged Thompson for leadership of the party is rather perplexing. His philosophical bent would dictate that he would prefer to keep far from Thompson and Thompson would prefer that Stuart just whither away. Thompson will always be aware that as long as Stuart is present he will forever have to be looking behind him

As candidate selection in the DLP proceeds, the one pressing matter that remains outstanding is the selection of a candidate to oppose Clyde Mascoll. Chris Sinckler is the obvious choice but it is uncertain that he will garnish the testicular fortitude to harness himself for the race. So as Thompson and the Dems continues to move to and fro in the political wilderness, it has become clearer that their mutual hatred for each other is now what binds them together.

In closing we bring you another brilliant quote from the Rt. Excellent Errol Barrow on the issue of debt financing from his Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals of 1971 �As I have explained to the House from time to time, I have pursued a policy of deficit financing. That is, the community has on no occasion been taxed to the extent that anticipated revenue would equate with far less surpassed approved expenditure.� I am an unrepentant product of the Keynesian revolution in economic thought. My confidence in this approach (rather than the good-house keeping putting-by-something for a rainy-day-school) has been more than fortified by the steady relentless growth of our economy and the accumulation of surpluses . .�

So it is with the Economy of Barbados for the period 1994 � 2006 with PM Arthur at the helm.

No to Prostitution

GOVERNMENT has emphatically said no to legalising prostitution for World Cup Barbados 2007 or thereafter.

In addition, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Joseph Atherley added that despite their diligence, police had “far more sinister issues” than prostitution to deal with.

He made these comments yesterday afternoon at a Press conference called to dispel rumours that the “registration and licensing of prostitutes was part and parcel of the marketing package of World Cup 2007“.

The topic came to light when Winston Williams, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health, raised the question at the two-day Health Sector Sub-committee meeting of regional health ministers recently at the Savannah Hotel, Christ Church.

“He [the minister] strongly suggested that it would be a policy position . . . to pursue,” he said.

“My purpose here this afternoon (yesterday) is simply to set this matter to rest with respect to that, and to let you know, in categorical terms, that the Government of Barbados has not formally or otherwise put that policy position on the table.

“It is not the intention of the Government of Barbados to proceed along a path in connection with World Cup 2007 . . . to engage in any practice of registration and licensing prostitutes as part of the marketing package attached to World Cup 2007. I want to state that in most definitive terms possible.”

He added: “I believe that the [Royal Barbados Police] Force is diligent enough to understand and to take the position that if there is any kind of activity that is contributing to disrupt[ing] the public morals in Barbados . . . certainly I would expect that they would act on that.

“We have to lament the fact that the police, as diligent as they are and as stretched as they are . . . have far more sinister issues to deal with.”

Atherley said that if other Caribbean governments considered legalising prostitution, Barbados could not speak for them, but Government would not consider it.

He also warned that anyone coming to the island to engage in prostitution would be arrested.

“Barbados will be left with a glorious legacy,” he stated, “and to decriminalise prostitution would not be the kind of legacy the Government wants . . . .

“I would go on to suggest that Government . . . does not see the matter of trading human flesh as legitimate sectorial activity or some specialised industry.”

Not that there was any question on this matter as we have made this clear several times. Prostitution is against the law in Barbados and it will remain that way under this BLP administration.

One would hope that this explanation has made our friends over at Barbados Free Press very clear on this issue.

Roy Brathwaite Laid to Rest

�HUNDREDS OF BARBADIANS turned up to say farewell to former parliamentarian Roy Brathwaite, who was buried yesterday.More than 600 people, largely dressed in black and dark blue formal wear, packed St Lucy’s Parish Church, where the second of two services was held. Hundreds more patiently waited outside. Prime Minister Owen Arthur headed the list of senior Government officials at the two-hour ceremony. Brathwaite, who represented St Lucy in the House of Assembly from 1981 to 1986, died on September 1 at age 76. During the service, he was eulogised as a humble, God-fearing man with a passion for politics and helping people, regardless of their political persuasion. “He saw himself as being called and chosen to represent all the people of this great parish.” Anglican priest Reverend Curtis Goodridge noted. “Our politicians today would do good to take a leaf out of the book of Roy Edison Brathwaite when it comes to representation. And, believe me, this country would be better for it.” Minister of Labour, Rawle Eastmond, spoke of Brathwaite’s “close affinity to hard work” and his frequent offers of a ride to pedestrians heading to work or home. In the 1960s, Brathwaite “took great pride in helping people to get home after a hard day’s work”, he recalled. The Dean of St Michael’s Cathedral, Canon Frank Marshall, spoke of Brathwaite’s humanity, charity and faith. Flower-strewn grave And, Prime Minister Arthur read the first lesson, taken from Hebrews Chapter 11. Brathwaite was buried in the cemetery of the church, in a flower-strewn grave shaded by tall trees. A lone steelpan player, Roger Griffith, provided a musical tribute that included: When The Saints Go Marching In, as Brathwaite’s family and close friends laid wreaths on the grave. Earlier in the day, a service of thanksgiving was held at the Checker Hall Seventh Day Adventist Church in St Lucy, where Brathwaite worshipped

Goodbye Roy. You were a tremendous representative and stalwart. We will continue the work you started with strong and steadfast representation of the people of our land.

Thompy Blinded by Power Hunger

From the Nation

Albert Brandford

BARBADIANS need to see another side of Leader of the Opposition David Thompson, if they are to believe that there is an alternative vision for Barbados.

If he fails to reveal the other side, it may make their political decision-making rest simply on who is better able to manage this country’s economic affairs, in which case, the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) chances are slim.

Among the people outside of the DLP, there is a burning desire to see a sensible vision outlined for this country as an alternative to the “inclusive” vision of Prime Minister Owen Arthur.

In this space last Sunday, I made the point that if the Dems expected Thompson to use the 51st annual conference to outline a “Grand Vision” for the party then they were likely to be sorely disappointed.

Well, disappointed they were!

I sat through Thompson’s presentation which lasted for more than an hour and a half, and though he used the words “vision” and “plan” frequently, it was clear that they did not resonate with the party faithful.

“Our nation drifts along,” he observed, “with no real plan, no real vision, no real sense of community and no real leadership.”

There is an old parable that says that in the land of the blind the one eye man is king.

In this instance however over on the other side they are all blind. No one with any plan or vision for this country.

All just blinded with the hunger for power forgetting that the reason to represent the people is not to feed on the fatted calf but to represent and defend the people.

Without vision and leadership the country will be lost. The other side is clearly lacking in both of these areas. They will condemn Barbados to a vision-less, rudderless ship drifting in the world’s ocean just waiting for�the next disaster.

That is not what we want for Barbados.�We want and we will continue on the strong vibrant path of economic growth set by the BLP and� PM Owen Arthur as we continue to blaze the trail on the road to becoming one of the smallest developed nations in the World.�

Thompson’s Plan of Failure

The people of St. John want to know whatever happened to the St. John Development Plan David Thompson promised in 1987. According to Bumba, they want to know why it never saw the light of day when Thompson was Minister of Community Development or Minister of Finance.

Twenty years later Thompson has found a five point plan for Barbados. He promises all a better slice of our economic growth � acknowledgement of the sustained economic growth of Barbados under the BLP, growth of between 3.5 % from 1994-2001, 3.4% in 2004, 3.8% in 2005 and projected growth of 4% in 2006.

Is this the same Thompson who promised to kill the fatted calf for his DLP friends? The electorate has already rejected the empathy �fair share for all� promise of the DLP in 2003. Thompson has no moral authority to speak about restoring the Centrality of Parliament. This is a leader of the opposition who is making his first major speech for the year only now � 9 months into the year. Is he a leader of dubious legitimacy whose presence in Parliament is almost limited to the context of the parliamentary dining room? This DLP has refused to serve on the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Road Traffic Amendment and has failed to convene meetings of the Public Accounts Committee.

�This is an opposition that often begs off from its parliamentary duty claiming that it is not yet ready for debate, as was the case with World Cup and Disaster Management Legislation recently.Can Mr. Thompson tell us if his re-emergence as Leader of the Opposition is the result of legitimate process under his party�s constitution?Can we hear Messrs Estwick or Kellman on that subject?

Can he also tell us which party has done most to cultivate and facilitate public consultation, public dialogue and public parliamentary debate? Thompson�s quixotic disposition now sees him leading a charge against discrimination by state agencies. Who is being discriminated against? Is it the elderly who are living under the best regime of social services provision in the history of this country? Is it the 11000 small businesses started in Barbados since 1994 and for which the initiatives and incentives are numerous? Is it the thousands taken off the income tax register by this Government?Is it the entire chattel house community in Barbados who no longer has to pay land tax? Is it the thousands of former casual workers in the Public Service who have been given formal and pensionable status by this Government?

Mr. Thompson, you cannot motivate a police force by suggesting that their crime reports are a bunch of falsified statistics or by refusal to give credit to their performance and achievement.It is motivated by incremental improvement at stations, construction of new stations, by the largest increases in its vehicle fleet, by more training opportunities, provision for the most sophisticated communication package and increased allowances. It seems to be Thompson�s view that our youth are driven to crime and need alternative programmes. Does he still consider �guns to be tools of trade� and lunch money and bus fare are enough for young people to work for? Will Thompson ever embrace the Oasis project, Community Technology programmes, Vocational Training Programmes, expansion of educational opportunity through increased capacity at BCC and SJPP, Government�s support for enhanced university opportunity by its commitment to Cave Hill, the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and the development of the Culture sector?

The real Mr. Thompson needs to identify himself. Then again adolescence is the stage of self-discovery.