Publication: Sunday Sun
Paper Section And Page: 11A
Paper Date: Sun, May 7, 2000
ANYONE not blind to the activity on the political scene could not help but notice the stark differences in the approach of Liz Thompson and George Payne after they were fired.
Thompson, who was fired on Monday August 9, 1999, was readily accessible and issued a statement the same day detailing what transpired during the meeting with Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
In a candid statement, Thompson said: ³I went to Government Headquarters where the Prime Minister informed me that he was concerned about the controversy ensuing over the statement I made last week in relation to the Leader of the Opposition visiting Greenland.
"I informed him that I regarded this
statement as part of the cut and thrust of politics but that only this
morning I had spoken to my secretary in relation to having arrangements
made by the project manager for Mr. Thompson to tour Greenland on Friday
if he was available. I told him that I was concerned that Mr. Thompsonıs
request had not been facilitated and that I therefore intended to
personally accompany him on tour. I indicated to him that when I
received Mr. Thompsonıs letter of request I had immediately passed it to
the permanent secretary (who is now on leave) for his attention and action
and that I only remembered about it and became aware that Mr. Thompson had
not been facilitated when I read about the matter in the newspaper about
two weeks ago. The Prime Minister then said that he proposed to advise the
Governor-General of the termination of my appointment as a minister
effective today, after which I indicated that I would therefore clear my
desk at once. I leave the Ministry of Health and ministerial office having
given of my best and having achieved much."
She expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for having given her the opportunity to lead the "largest and most complex ministry in Government and for his consistent support during the last five years".
Thompson also spent some time at her
office that day and later her family and friends helped her clear her
office.
Smiling Liz
Again, in contrast, newspapers captured Liz smiling coming from her
office on the day she was fired while Payne dodged cameras.
On the other hand, Payne who was fired on Tuesday April 25, this year, could not be found at his office, home, law firm or the House of Assembly and up to late in the day he was fired he had not cleared his office.
When he was found with friends at Mother Cat's Bar, Holders Hill, St. James, he said: "No comment at this time but in due course."
On Saturday April, 30, Payne met with his
constituents and issued a statement. It stated in part: "During the
past few days I have been portrayed in a certain section of the media in a
very negative light by persons who do not know me. I am, however,
comforted by the outpouring of support from such a wide cross section of
Barbadians who have all expressed dismay at the
misleading nature of those sentiments. As a minister of Government I have
always acted with the utmost propriety and will continue to do so and hold
my head high as a Member of Parliament until the people of St. Andrew
decide otherwise. I have no regrets for the decisions that I made or the
stand that I took on this matter and I hold no bitterness towards
anyone."
Analysts who are in to parsing politician's words may also find it interesting that Arthur wished Thompson "the very best" in her political future. He had no words of encouragement for Payne. The day after Thompson was fired she was pictured the next day at the gym on an exercise bike.
Speculation was rife that both politicians would not show for the first sitting of the House of Assembly. Both showed. But while Thompson turned up with her personal assistant and a few supporters, and was smothered with a kiss, Payne showed up solo with no fanfare.