Kid Thompson Rides the Range

 

 

 Cowboy Thompy trying to catch the fatted calf.

 

When a man’s dream becomes his obsession then acts of desperation become his ideal. There is no other way to describe David Thompson’s act of desperation two weeks ago. The occasion was the unveiling of the statue to the Rt. Excellent Errol Barrow and the reopening of the fabulously renovated Independence Square.

 

It was a national event for which the unity of our Nation was under the international microscope. After all, our National Heroes were chosen primarily because of their work on behalf of all Barbadians, both at home and abroad. It was not an occasion to showcase any narrow political interest or the stage for Thompson to display his obsession to lead this country. It was an event for which Barbadians simply wanted to honour one of their most outstanding sons.

 

Why then did Thompson feel he had to plan a DLP march? Why did he have to bring along his rent-a-crowd and instruct them to cheer at every mention of his name? Why did they not cheer at the mention of Mr. Barrow’s name? Why did they feel they had to cheapen Mr. Barrow on his day?

 

These paid hecklers have not advanced the cause of the DLP in any way. They have only reinforced the widely held view that nothing is sacred in Thompson’s obsession to get his hands on power to slaughter the fatted calf.

 

 

Long time DLP stalwarts held their heads in shame and were heard to make less than complimentary remarks about the behavior of Thompson’s rent-a-crowd. Out of disgust a senior member was heard to say that the only way the Dems can defeat Mr. Arthur is if he, an old veteran, did a “John Compton”.

 

But to hire a rent-a-crowd to scream your name every time it is mentioned and then to go to the microphone, stand before and audience including present and former Prime Ministers of distinction, the likes of Sir John Crompton and deliver one of the most intellectually empty speeches ever may best understand why it was not Mr. Barrow’s wish to have Thompson succeed him in St. John. Barrow’s worse nightmare has been realized and today his children the ones to whom his greatest work is attributed have been cast out from the house he built and scattered across our political landscape. Clyde Mascoll stands to date as the latest casualty of Thompson’s attack on Barrow’s life work. And it will get worse.

 

We are going to see Thompson and his goon squad engaged in all sorts of activities to foment trouble in this country. They will continue to use the call-in progammes with gay abandon to foist their views on the public and infiltrate national organizations.

 

But they shall fail. Barbadians have time and time again stated that they have no confidence in Thompson. As one faithful Dem supporter confessed last week, he is not a “people’s person”. He must not believe that going to every dub fete and pretending to be one of the boys will fool anyone, he just does not have it.

 

Furthermore after 20 years in public life, we are still unsure of his philosophy and programme for this country. As Minister of Finance his only solution for solving the unemployment problem was “bus fare and lunch money”. Is it not he who defied Erskine Sandiford and set up a commission to introduce casino gambling into Barbados and the author of Barbados’ biggest political lie?

 

Barbadians must not trust this reckless Wild West cowboy, David Thompson.

 

DLP Gambling Deal

Is it true that David Thompson has brokered a deal with Donald Trump to introduce full-scale casino gambling into Barbados in exchange for campaign funds? If the information posted on the Barbados Free Press – an internet blog allegedly managed and operated by close friends of the DLP – is true then Barbadians are in for a social and economic nightmare.

On January 4, 2007, a statement attributed to one “Frundel”, believed to be a pseudonym, was posted on the Barbados Free Press. The statement reported that “The 2006 deal that warrants a special hog trough award by the free press is the deal cut by David Thompson in late 2006 at a meeting in Miami with Donald Trump regarding the promise of grant of casino gambling licences to Trump in exchange for campaign financing for the DLP”. To this day neither Thompson nor the executive of DLP has refuted this most serious charge. Are we to assume that the statement is true?

We would keep an open mind on this issue until such time as Thompson and the DLP can assure Barbadians that our country’s good reputation in the international arena and our social character as a people are not about to be ruptured in the name of political greed and a policy of economic desperation.

This matter should concern every right thinking Barbadian who has made great sacrifices to put this country in the strong and prosperous position that it now currently enjoys. Though we would like to treat this charge as empty and baseless, a number of comments made by well placed sources within the DLP seem to fit the political puzzle providing an uncomfortable feeling in our minds.

Firstly, it was the blatant disrespect by Thompson to a directive issued by the now Sir Lloyd Sandiford when he was Prime Minister that casino gambling was not an economic policy option of his government and that nothing was to be undertaken by his Ministers to encourage it. Barbadians will recall that subsequent to that directive Thompson established a task force to examine the introduction of casino gambling into Barbados.

Secondly, it was the stern warning from former deputy political leader of the DLP, Senator Freundel Stuart to his own party colleagues. In an address at a seminar/workshop of the St. Michael branches of the DLP in May 2004 and appearing in the Nation Newspaper of May 20, 2004 under the headlines, “Serve the masses, not money” Stuart said “ It has even now come down to the issue of who should lead the organization”. He said “that you have to choose a leader who is acceptable to those who have the finances because we want the finances so that we can win an election. If that is where this party is, we have to stop and do some introspection …..”.

Thirdly, Thompson’s alleged promise to spend $3 million in the upcoming election and the charge on the Barbados Free Press that he has struck a deal with Mr. Trump might very well be all a coincidence or the missing pieces of the puzzle.

Thompson has demonstrated in the past that he has much knowledge about secret deals. However on this occasion he has failed to keep this other alleged deal secret. Barbadians are well advised to be weary of any politician who seeks to govern their affairs by secret deals and private negotiations.

From 1994, this BLP Government has kept its promise of open governance and full disclosure of information to our people. To our credit we are now a Nation of high credible standing. We will keep it that way.

Salute to a Statesman

 

 

 In what can be described as the height of political maturity, Barbadians from all political persuasion and social class gathered in Independence Square on Sunday, January 21, 2007 to witness the extolment of one of this country’s National Heroes and former Prime Minister the Rt. Excellent Errol Barrow (Father of Independence).

It was an occasion of national reflection as a people led by their political leader paid tribute to a man who has made a more than significant contribution to the national development of our country.

To the appreciation of all gathered, Prime Minister Owen Arthur delivered of himself the finest speech made in honour of Mr. Barrow since his passing in 1987. It was a speech that captured the historical truths and political revelations of this great national figure. Today we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of this proud Nation for recognizing the significant contribution of one of their own not only to the development of Barbados but to the region and the world.

It is to the credit of every Barbadian that the work and contribution of this great son of the soil was given the kind of recognition witnessed on Sunday. In fact, the Prime Minister expressed it beautifully when he said “There would be a large and ugly void in our national affairs and our circumstances were there no permanent, physical memorial to the Barbadian who, above all others, was responsible for the attainment of that independence, character and personality fully exemplified the very essence and the spirit of the Barbadian version of Independence”.

Of particular significance is not only the erection of the statue of Mr. Barrow but the place where it has been erected. For years Independence Square was merely a car park that availed itself for use by political parties for public meetings. Its transformation now dictates that we properly define a policy for the appropriate use of the Square.

Again, we find the words of the Prime Minister most insightful. He noted that “It is also especially appropriate that the signature event of our fortieth anniversary of our Independence should be the dedication of this Independence Square, renewed and rebuilt to more properly reflect the pride of Barbadian nationhood.

I trust that this occasion will come to be remembered not only for the physical thing that will be represented here. I trust that it will come to be remembered as a moment when we were as one; sitting side by side, free of political labels, united by our overwhelming sense of pride in being Barbadians”.

Barrow was a national figure whose political work and recognition transcended political boundaries. That his statue now rest in Independence Square should suggest to all and sundry that the Square should be regaled as a national shrine and we can therefore come expect that in keeping with its redevelopment all Barbadians will join in the Prime Minister’s that we all treat the this place as our own, care it and offer it our reverence and respect.

The Square must now reflect our national pride, our national unity and our national aspirations. It is now the home of the greatest tribute this country can pay to our National Hero.

We salute the Government and the people of Barbados as they execute their programme to decorate the Barbadian landscape with permanent and visible memorials of the men and women who, by extraordinary effort, have been responsible for the transformation of the Barbadian society.

 

Arthur Best Choice

AS A JOURNALIST of so many years’ standing, it is not what Dr Harold Hoyte writes. Rather, what he does not write. Still, one cannot blame an artist, especially when he is asked to produce but does not have good material to work with. Yes, leadership is an important component, but what Barbados, the Caribbean and the international community need at this time, and will need into the foreseeable future, is the type of fiscal and economic leadership that David Thompson and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) are incapable of providing, but which Arthur has been providing with tremendous benefits to the ordinary people of Barbados and the Caribbean, for some time now.

Dr Hoyte’s column of Friday, January 5, reads: “While I, like everyone else in Barbados, accept that leadership will be an important issue in the next general election, it is my view that having the capacity to speak on fiscal and economic issues with competency and authority but moreso, having the capacity to formulate a credible model for economic development, especially given the Barbadian reality – is far more important.”

Arthur is therefore not only the right man, he is the best man for the job.

While Thompson may be leader of the Opposition DLP, which does not have a credible alternative economic or social plan, Arthur is already the most respected and trusted Prime Minister in this hemisphere, who has been authorised by the people of this region to speak for the entire Caribbean on fiscal and economic matters.

A choice of who should become Barbados’ next Prime Minister would not be at all difficult for a knowledgeable and alert electorate.

Hoyte, the third point is, Thompson may be running, but Arthur has been chosen; has received an anointing; and is best suited to provide progressive political, spiritual, economic and social leadership for this hemisphere.

No one who would have heard Arthur’s presentation to the 30th Annual Miami Conference of the Caribbean, held in December, 2006, would have any doubts. In fact, when Mr Arthur speaks, the entire world listens. Ask the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Perhaps it may help if Hoyte is reminded and invited to note that Arthur is re-energised, and is now more caring, still down-to-earth and easily approachable, more experienced and is now – better than ever. At least, such would be extremely good news for all patriotic Barbadians and Caribbean people.

How the World Sees Us

It is always pleasing when outsiders recognize the great effort this country is making in seeking a better life for its people. In last Saturday’s Times of London, Barbados came under review and the analysts have given us a very high rating predicting a rosy future for Barbados. They recognized that the Government is doing a fantastic job and that the people are very united in their desire to see their country reach its full potential.

 

This is a far cry from the doom and gloom prophesied by those in George Street who, because of their obsession with power and hence their ability to carve up the fatted calf among themselves, only see a dismal future for this country. It unfortunately gives people the impression, that they would wish to see a massive failure of the local economy as that would be the only way they will regain power. They ought to know that the people of Barbados are sensible enough to change administrations only when the situation warrants it. That is not the case as yet in Barbados.

 

The Times was at pains to highlight our achievements, especially the fact that only 30 countries are above us in terms of United Nations Human Development Index. The fact that we are above all of Eastern Europe and the developing world is cause for celebration and must serve as impetus for us achieving developed world status. We share the expressed view that “none of this will happen by accident, and certainly not without commitment from government and dedication and hard work by its people.” For this very reason, we note the introduction of the National Strategic Plan and again we censure the Opposition Leader for not taking part in the important debate which followed. That alone speaks volumes for the manner in which he is taking his role in national affairs. It is a downright disgrace.

 

The Times had special praise for Prime Minister Arthur, especially noting his common touch and the affection the people has towards him. That certainly is not news to us, but we are elated that others recognize what we already know for ourselves. The comment that “the Prime Minister is never more at home than when he is among his people” is noteworthy as this sets him apart from most of his contemporaries. The writer’s comment about the lack of arrogance is well taken and this apart from most other features has caused Mr. Arthur to be so well loved by his people.

 

We are looking forward to another special year — one in which we will perform on the world stage in a big way. The eyes of the world will be on us and we know that we can and will exceed all of their expectation. The long awaited Cricket World Cup will be a tremendous success, thanks to the enormous amount of planning that has gone its staging. This country has just hosted the World Cup of Golf, which everyone agrees was a huge success and gave Barbados a tremendous amount of good exposure. CWC will be an improvement on that effort, it will be bigger and better. Almost the whole country is now on board and is fully determined to make it the best World Cup ever. As time goes on, more and more people are seeing the foresight that has made us believe that we can do it excellently.

 

Barbadians can all look forward to a most exciting and fulfilling year.

Laszlo’s Claims

         It seems that our friends over at Barbados Free Press are quite intrigued with some of the documents that we have been able to post on this blog to show the people of Barbados and the World the nature of some of the DLPites  who want to now lead this Nation. So in keeping with this trend we will  offer  another document which speaks about the new consultant and former candidate for the DLP.

Surely the people of Barbados would remember this lady  Jennifer Laszlo who was brought into Barbados by Thompson to run the Crime and Violence 99 DLP campaign. The one when they got just 2 seats.

This same lady went to Antigua to run their campaign and then wrote the above letter claiming that the senior consultant for the DLP was constantly sexually harassing her and she is obviously theatening to go public and embarass the then Antigua Government.

Is this what we want in Barbados ?

Is this GOON SQUAD which surrounds Thompson who we want managing our affairs? 

The people of Barbados are well educated and sensible and they know that the BLP is the only party to carry this country forward at this time.

Desire to Divide

The true character of a man is defined not by where he stands in moments of convenience and expectation but where he stands in moments of despair and hopelessness.

 

Our political corridors have been graced by many great men and women whose political life was born and shaped not by their desire or lust for power but by a commitment to change for the better the social conditions of the less fortunate amongst them. They were genuinely touched by the hardship of the poor and were prepared to do whatever was morally right and humanly possible to improve their condition. Those are the politicians for whom we owe much of what we have achieved today as a people and a Nation.

 

Sadly, the DLP in almost fifty years as a political party can boast of only one such politician of the caliber described above, the late RT. Excellent Errol Barrow. What is unfortunate is the fact that no such caliber politician seems likely to emerge within the short to medium term in the party. This may well explain why the Democratic Labour Party is still adrift following the death of Mr. Barrow. But while the hierarchy of the party under Thompson maintains a state of cannibalism, its foot-soldiers are becoming more and more disenchanted and unwilling to continue pledging their support.

 

This BLP can boast of the outstanding achievements of Sir Grantley Adams. His work in the labour movement and later the political leader of our party herald in a set of policies and programme that brought birth to a new middle class and a transformation of the social and economic conditions of the working class. This work gained impetus under the late Tom Adams who revolutionize our health-care system and built the platform for the further development of industry and commerce.

 

Prime Minister Arthur joins that list of outstanding leaders of whom our Nation is proud to claim. His fine intellect and exceptional political skills has earned him the distinction both in and outside of Barbados as one of the finest political minds in the region. It is to his credit that we attribute this country’s ascension to first world status. Although PM Arthur holds the highest political office in the country, he has not removed himself from the reach of the common man.

 

Like Adams and Barrow, Arthur’s affection for politics is driven by a genuine love for people and a desire to improve their status in life. It would be intellectual dishonesty for anyone to argue that Arthur, Barrow or the Adams’ held on to political office simply because of their ego and their desire to exercise political power. It is clear that the great progress this country has made and vast improvement of the standard of living of its people are as a direct result of their continuing efforts to change the status quo.

 

These leaders, Adams, Barrow and Arthur always spoke of a one Barbados and deliberately created the environment for the advancement of all our people. Today, it has become fashionable to speak glowingly of killing the “fatted calf” to feed a few while the rest must suck salt. Any attempt to return to the uncouth age of a “Two Barbados” where people were identified by political affiliation must be stoutly rejected and its proponents rebuked. Thompson must never be given the opportunity to divide this country.

 

This BLP will ensure that Barbados’ good standing in the international arena is maintained and that we remain a united people.

Positive View of 2007

Barbados has had a good and successful 2006 and all Barbadians can look forward to 2007 with a large measure of optimism. We are confident that the excellent leadership displayed by Prime Minister Owen Arthur and his team will continue into the New Year and well into the future and make this country the envy of the world.

Barbadians are openly saying that they want the opportunity to make a resounding vote of confidence in this Administration rewarding it for a job superbly done.

The past year saw this country facing many challenges and overcoming them one by one. Oil prices soared to record high levels and remained there for most of the year. This triggered a high round

of inflation which caused some discomfort to the population. However, the generous income and land

tax breaks, so ably put in place over the last four years, have mitigated some of the effects of the price rises.

In addition, Government is set to give public-sector workers an increase in pay which would also assist them in maintaining their high standard of living.

We are glad that we have been able to reach a negotiated settlement with the National Union of Public Workers in this regard and look forward to the other unions agreeing as soon as feasible.

During 2006, Government was able to keep unemployment at single figures – the best sustained period of high employment in our history. This has taken some effort but we believe that it is both a moral and an economic imperative to keep a high level of jobs within the economy. This, in our view, remains the best indicator of the health of the economy.

The international community has highly commended the work of this Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Administration and has consistently rated Barbados as the leading developing country in the world. This

is no mean achievement given the difficulties in the world economy and the size of our economy. The rating agencies, like Moodys and Standard and Poors, which must protect their clients by giving them the soundest advice, have also given us the thumbs up for good economic and social management. We continue to fight way above our weight class.

It is sad that a few local commentators and political aspirants continue to pour scorn on this country’s great achievements. It is noteworthy that some Dems, notably those with an understanding of economics, have told their party that they are on the wrong track. They should not be worried about the threats they have received, for after all, George Street is still a public place.

The highlight of the year was the unveiling of the National Strategic Plan 2006 – 2025 which sets out this country’s programme for the next 20 years. It is an ambitious plan which seeks to ensure that Barbados is ranked among the developed countries of the world by the end of the period.

Again, Barbadians are amazed that this BLP Administration is as fresh in ideas as when it assumed office 12 years ago.

The year 2007 will present more challenges, but it will also bring new opportunities for this country. We look forward with optimism to World Cup 2007. It would reinforce our status in the eyes of the world.

We know that it will be the best World Cup ever, after all we are a very confident people.