Articles on Greenland Landfill published in 1999
Whither Greenland? [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Whither Greenland?
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 10A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 23, 1999
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Category: News
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by Terry Ally
SOMEONE once said that hindsight is 20-20 vision.
If one has the time, one can reflect on decisions and alter the course of the future, for the better.
Such is the case with the controversial Greenland landfill which was constructed about 18 months ago and remains idle.
It has been a football among politicians. It has been a football among experts. It has been a football among activists. It has been the subject of debate among members of the public and each has brought compelling reasons as to why the islandÕs next landfill should or should not be located at Greenland.
If there is one indisputable fact, it is that Greenland has a history of land slippage and it is therefore a high risk site.
The decision taken by Government was to accept the risk, place the landfill there and implement engineering solutions to mitigate against every conceivable and foreseeable problem be it two years or 20 down the road.
How ever did we reach this position that propelled Greenland to where it is today? Why Greenland?
The present landfill at Mangrove Pond in St. Thomas was constructed as the islandÕs first scientifically designed waste disposal facility but was badly managed, due to a lack of money, and quickly ran out of space.
ItÕs stench was unbearable for the people of neighbouring Arch Hall and Bennetts and a High Court order obtained by parliamentary representative, David Simmons QC, forbade continued dumping in Cell No. 2, also known as Mount Stinkeroo.
The issue became political and a 1994 election campaign pledge from the Barbados Labour Party promised that the landfill would be closed.
The then Democratic Labour Party Government commissioned a study to locate the most suitable site for a new landfill. It was conducted between April and December 1993 by consultants Stanley Associates Engineering Ltd., R. W. Beck & Associates, and Consulting Engineering Partnership Limited and it pointed straight back to Mangrove Pond, reasoning that it was the most central and suitable location.
The Erskine Sandiford Administration rejected the study because of the problems experienced by Arch Hall and Bennetts and the psychological impact of keeping the landfill there even with the best of promises that it would be managed properly.
A new siting study was done and an initial list of 27 sites was narrowed to the following 17 sites: Harrison Point, Lamberts and Oxford in St. Lucy; Taitts and Orange Hill in St. Peter; Blowers Quarry, Mangrove Pond and Dukes in St. Thomas; Kendal, Ashford Quarry and Guinea in St. John; River in St. Philip; and Morgan Lewis, Greenland, Burnt House, Swanns and Walkers in St. Andrew.
Of these, four sites were shortlisted which best complied with a number of criteria, including proximity to housing, cultural and historic sites, the airport, and ground water.
ÒThe Mangrove Pond site is the most preferable site, with Harrisons Point, Blowers Quarry, and Greenland sites being the slightly less preferable sites respectivelyÓ, were the results of the preliminary siting analysis, according to the executive summary of the report.
That was based on all but engineering and economic considerations. When those two were added, the scale reversed in favour of Greenland as the cheapest site largely because of an abundance of cover material, which would reduce operating costs. In fact, the pre-feasibility study showed Greenland being $69 million cheaper than Mangrove Pond over 25 years.
However, some people just didnÕt see how this added up. How could just two criteria be so powerful as to overturn the scale and catapult Greenland from last place to first place?
Opponents to the project Ð the Scotland District Association Ð commissioned a
review of the pre-feasibility study. It was done by former project analyst of the United States Agency for International Development, Christine Keller, who concluded that several vital opponents were omitted in the costing. Her report was sent to Government.
It was later in 1995 that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was completed which environmentalists hoped would resolve conflicting views. That report showed that Mangrove Pond was $10 million cheaper than Greenland.
Project Manager for the EIA, Dr. Bruce Thompson, told a town meeting that the costs of the top four sites were: $116 million for an above-the-ground facility at Mangrove Pond, $126 million for a below-the-ground at Greenland, $132.2 million for an above-the-ground facility at Lamberts and $132.5 million for an above-the-ground facility at Harrison Point.
Speaking at that review meeting was facilitator of the Future Centre Trust, Dr. Colin Hudson. He said: ÒIf we look at the EIA for a straightforward recommendation about the best landfill sites, we look in vain. However, if you look between the lines, there seems to be a diplomatic thumbs down for Greenland and thumbs up for the original proposal of just making a good job of Mangrove.Ó
Hindsight has brought some excellent vision.
Despite everything, Mangrove Pond has stayed put for the last five years while Government spent $22 million constructing Greenland. In addition, more money has to be spent correcting certain construction flaws at Greenland, to which Prime Minister Owen Arthur recently alluded but did not give details.
Driven by concerns from his technocrats about Greenland, Arthur commissioned a peer review by R. J. Burnside International of Canada and that report turned up Òthe frankest commentsÓ ever on Greenland and highlighted a number of problems.
In addition, Arthur said certain Òinfrastructural worksÓ must be completed around Greenland before the landfill could be opened, such as the construction of a new road from St. AndrewÕs Parish Church to Greenland to ensure all year round access to the facility. (There are only two roads into Greenland and should they wash away, as is common in the Scotland District, Government will have to find an immediate alternative for garbage disposal.)
Even though Mangrove Pond has been bursting at its seams, spilling over into an adjacent canefield, encroaching on land earmarked for a waste transfer station, and has become an above-the-ground-landfill which both Governments expressly said they did not want, it has been managed well.
There have been no further complaints from residents of Arch Hall or Bennetts. Perhaps the psychological fear has vanished.
Was Hudson right when he said Òthere seems to be a diplomatic thumbs down for Greenland and thumbs up for the original proposal of just making a good job of Mangrove?Ó
But the die has been cast. Greenland has been chosen. What remains is the award of a management contract.
The choice: Miller Waste Solutions of Canada teaming up with Rayside Group of Companies both of which have no experience in running landfills; then there is ONYX of France teaming up with Williams Industries whose contract is $5 million less per year than that of Miller Waste Solutions. ONYX also manages in excess of 120 landfills around the world.
By now hindsight must have taught us something.
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Think twice before using Greenland [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Think twice before using Greenland
ANOTHER OPINION
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Creator: Pickup Ian
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 8
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 27, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Ian Pickup
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IF itÕs really time that the actual use of the Greenland landfill is yet to be decided, then I would like to further my objection to the landfill with the following points.
Firstly, Greenland is located in a spectacularly beautiful valley in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
As time goes on, and it becomes more obvious that our tourism product needs proper definition, we hear more and more that tourists need alternatives to sea and sand to satisfy their vacation needs.
No country, let alone a country as small as Barbados, can afford to dump its refuse in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
It is important that we all understand that people from European and North American cultures are offended by such a concept.
In the immediate vicinity of Greenland, the historic Morgan Lewis windmill will be soon be fully restored.
Our visitors will be intrigued and visit in their hundreds. They will be mixing with garbage trucks from the northern parishes on those narrow roads. They will see the blowing plastic.
They will smell the stench. If we are serious about tourism, we surely cannot be serious about Greenland as a landfill.
Secondly, while much attention has been paid to the leaking lining of the leachate ponds, and the huge amount of water settling in the main cell, my concern is more about what is likely to happen after the landfill has been operating for a few years.
The shape of the landfill is a shallow amphitheatre cut into clay on the side of a steep hill. At the bottom of the hill is a line of springs which the engineers have yet to bring under control.
The hills above Greenland have been on the move for centuries, as they have throughout the Scotland District.
Imaginative and expensive schemes that have been used to rectify the myriad of problems in the area have yet to tame the Scotland District, as heavy clays become saturated with water and slide on the slippery clays below.
Some of the slipperiest clays are at Greenland, and will be used as cover material for the dump.
The plan is to build up garbage, layer after layer, on the side of a hill, in a high rainfall area. After each layer is completed, it will be covered with the very same slippery clay that was excavated from Greenland.
The consultant engineer from Burnside, who is conducting the peer review, is
quoted as saying that the garbage will soak up water like a sponge.
You therefore do not have to be a rocket scientist to imagine what is likely to happen. Rain-sodden garbage sitting on slippery clay high up on the side of a hill. l donÕt know about you sir, but I forsee the potential for disaster.
The point is, why take the risk? Time and again, the Scotland District has defied the best efforts of engineers to tame it, and it always wins.
Greenland wasn't meant for this, Greenland was mint to be enjoyed by generations of Barbadians and their visitors.
During the last few days, many suggestions have been put forward for its use, so that the money so far spent will not be wasted. Every one of them makes more sense than a landfill. It is not too late.
Finally, sir, I cannot conclude without stating that recent events have proven that every Barbadian owes a debt of gratitude to those who have constantly and openly resisted the siting of the landfill at Greenland, and especially Richard Goddard.
Even if the landfill were to go ahead, it is the efforts of Richard Goddard, and others, such as Edward Cumberbatch and Richard Hoad, which brought about the changes necessary to make the landfill safer.
If it had not been for Richard Goddard, in particular, Barbados would surely now have an active environmental disaster on its hands.
I would like to finish by stating that the above are my personal views, and I do not necessarily reflect the official view of any organisation with which I may be associated.
¥ This article was submitted as a letter to the Editor.
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Dumping Greenland [Pg 2]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Dumping Greenland
DLP COLUMN
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Creator: Phillips Leopold Douglas
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 20, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE request by Democratic Labour Party leader David Thompson to visit the Greenland landfill was a sensible and nationalistic move which shows the ardent to which the DLP, as a small opposition, can have a formidable impact. The result of that request has been the firing of a Minister and now the dramatic admission that the Greenland Landfill has several problems and ... it leaks!
These were long in coming. Liz Thompson did everything in her power to deserve her lot and now seeks the spotlight as she goes about her normal rounds. How the mighty have fallen! Ms. Thompson has threatened a full exposŽ in due course. We will see. Will it be the truth behind the management contract for Greenland? Will it be the desalinisation plant? Will it be that $700 000 bank account? We shall see.
There are, however, some very positive signs. Ms. ThompsonÕs departure from the Ministry of Health has been met with applause and jubilation throughout the Ministry. Officials could be heard loudly declaring that the days of long, interminable planning meetings, irrelevant personality clashes, incompetently executed projects and a public relations veneer are all over. The task of dealing with serious health problems can now be seen more clearly, and the country now waits to see if the new Minister is up to the job thrust upon his shoulders.
Senator Phillip Goddard does not come to this responsibility with an impressive record. He was to bring solid business skills to the government of Owen Arthur. Ms. Thompson would question why Òin this day and ageÓ people like the Goddards are preferred over her. He had the shortest tenure as Minister of Public Works. He held the smallest ministry in the previous cabinet and his successes cannot be seen with the naked eye. The truth is that he still cannot be worse than the former Minister of Health.
For frankness, we give Senator Goddard high marks. Greenland Landfill is the public sector disaster of this era. Unlike other public sector projects, Greenland has been studied time and again. Critics have put their case with great precision. Supporters have had their say. The government went ahead with the execution of this poorly conceived and designed project in the face of very relevant and unique technical inputs from the Opposition party. They ploughed ahead into this senseless public sector project which is costing millions of dollars just to store storm water.
The Senator saw all of this with his own eyes on Tuesday. And he has committed the government to an entire review of the project. This makes absolute good sense. Start over and get it right. Look at all of the options and let us ask ourselves if Greenland makes any sense at all.
If the government pursues this approach it might be a triumph of common sense over the stubbornness demonstrated by the former Minister.
Some months ago, Ms. Thompson said that many nights she drove down by the Greenland project and asked herself, ÒLiz, is this project on the right path?Ó Ms. Thompson should now be driving past Government Headquarters on Thursdays and asking herself whether she really knew her friends from her enemies.
For Ms. Mottley has moved on, brushing the specks of dust off her shoulders, and proclaiming loudly that she will be around for the millennium.
If Liz was looking for solidarity, she will have to wait until long after MiaÕs millennium party!
¥ Douglas Leopold Phillips is a pseudonym for the Democratic Labour Party.
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Why Liz had to go [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Why Liz had to go
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Creator: Alleyne Ezra
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 8A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 15, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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Byline: by Ezra Alleyne
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THE decision by Prime Minister Owen Arthur to relieve the former Minister of Health, Liz Thompson, of her Cabinet portfolio has evoked widespread public comment, but much of this comment has been unfocussed in that it fails to deal with the critical issues as disclosed in the statements issued by the Prime Minister and Thompson.
About seven weeks after a request by Opposition Leader David Thompson to tour the controversial Greenland Landfill had not been met, the minister said that
she was curious about ThompsonÕs request because she did not know if he saw it as a potential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party.
FACTS:
In his statement, the Prime Minister is quoted as describing minister ThompsonÕs behaviour as Òarrogant and outrageousÓ. He declared that Òno arrogance and outrageous behaviour will be allowed from members of my CabinetÓ.
Thompson spoke about a meeting with the Prime Minister and she gave a sequence of events. She said that Òthe Prime Minister informed her that he was concerned about the controversy ensuing over the statement she had made the previous week in relation to the Leader of the Opposition visiting GreenlandÓ.
Thompson said that ÒI informed him (the Prime Minister) 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 Thompson to tour Greenland on Friday if he was availableÓ.
Thompson said that she informed the Prime Minister that when she received the letter of request from the Opposition Leader, she had immediately passed it to the Permanent Secretary for his attention and action, but that ÒI only remembered about it and became aware that Thompson had not been facilitated when I read about the matter in the newspaper about two weeks agoÓ.
Proposed termination
She concluded that Òthe Prime Minister then said that he proposed to advise the Governor-General of the termination of my appointment as the minister effective today, after which I indicated that I would therefore clear my desk at onceÓ.
Two matters of critical importance emerge.
* That the letter requesting the visit from the Leader of the Opposition had been submitted to the Ministry of Health about seven weeks prior to the issue reaching the newspaper editorials.
*Should these facts have triggered the Prime Ministerial exercise of the dismissal power?
Based on the above extracts, I am of the opinion that the critical issue leading to ThompsonÕs dismissal was the controversy surrounding her ministryÕs treatment of ThompsonÕs request for a tour of Greenland.
Suggestions that she was dismissed because of mismanagement of the Ministry of Health run counter to the established facts, since we know from both statements, (her statement and the Prime MinisterÕs), that the only issue discussed in their meeting was the matter of the visit.
We also know from her account, that it was after she had replied to the Prime MinisterÕs indication of his concern that he said that he proposed to advise her dismissal. She appeared to have been given an opportunity to explain what happened, but her explanation obviously did not satisfy the Prime Minister.
The question which must now arise is why is this incident surrounding the visit so important? In order to answer this question, we must examine the position of the Opposition Leader in the constitutional system of Barbados.
Thompson is not only a Member of Parliament, but he is a constitutional functionary in our political system. His official title is Leader of Her MajestyÕs Opposition in Parliament, and his position is reinforced by Section 74 (1) of the Constitution, which says that the Leader of the Opposition is appointed by the Governor-General by instrument under the Public Seal.
Thompson, therefore, is the holder of a very significant and important constitutional office, and the role of the Opposition is an equally integral
part of our constitutional arrangements.
Several text book writers have commented on the role of the Opposition, but perhaps Sir Ivor JenningsÕ comments in his book: The Law And The Constitution are most apt:
ÒWhen we look at the dictatorships, we realise that the test of a free country is to examine the status of the body that corresponds to Her MajestyÕs Opposition.Ó
Dr. Bather and Mr. Harvey, in their book British Constitution And Politics, offer this view:
ÒThe Opposition embodies the spirit and proclaims the existence of our free democracy. The importance of the Opposition, therefore, is that, to the people, it is emblem of liberty which is easily recognised.Ó
It is the function of the Opposition to keep the Government on its toes. In other words, the OppositionÕs job is to question every aspect of the GovernmentÕs programme and to use the words of Sir Ivor Jennings again:
ÒAttacks upon the Government and upon individual ministers are the function of the Opposition ... That duty is the major check which the Constitution provides upon corruption and defective administration.Ó
The Opposition constitutes a major Òcheck and balanceÓ on the exercise of ministerial power. Against this background of governing principles of our system of government, and given the controversial nature of the Greenland Project, not to mention the large amount of public money spent on the project, it is not surprising that the Leader of the Opposition would request a tour of the project.
It is, however, unacceptable that a letter requesting such a tour should go ÒunansweredÓ for upwards of seven weeks, without the tour having been arranged. That fact alone, set against the constitutional parameters, constitutes a grave neglect of duty and a discourtesy to the office of a major constitutional functionary, in the Leader of the Opposition.
Ministers of Cabinet are bound by the oath of office to swear true allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen as Head of State. Swearing allegiance in effect must mean that part of their duty is to uphold and defend the Constitution and to seek to promote and, not to undermine, in any form or fashion, the foundations of our constitutional system.
The reluctance or refusal of a ministry or a minister to respond to the Leader of the Opposition for a tour of Greenland, is action which can reasonably be interpreted as action having a tendency to undermine the Constitution by reason of the fact that Her MajestyÕs Opposition would be unnecessarily impeded in the due execution of their duty to the people of Barbados.
In ThompsonÕs statement, she pointed out that on receiving the letter, she immediately passed it on to her Permanent Secretary, but any neglect of duty on the part of the ministry is a matter for which, according to our constitutional principles, she must take political responsibility.
The Duty of the Prime Minister
The next question we must look at is what is the Prime MinisterÕs duty as chairman of the Cabinet and leader of the Government when such a state of affairs is brought to his attention.
First, the Prime Minister has ministerial responsibility for constitutional matters. That is perhaps the most important aspect of his portfolio, and part of his obligation thereunder must be to ensure that the Constitution is not undermined and that due regard and respect is paid to the holders of those offices deemed important enough to be mentioned in the Constitution.
While he may not have a duty to protect Thompson as a politician, he has an undoubted
constitutional duty to protect the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, because the office is established under the Constitution as an integral part of our constitutional foundations.
Arthur as Prime Minister could not, therefore, in my view, sit idly by and do nothing in the face of this state of affairs. He did his duty. He called for an explanation and was informed by the minister, that she Òregarded her statement as part of the cut and thrust of politicsÓ.
There was a duty to arrange the visit expeditiously, and the ministerÕs statement in the circumstances was tantamount to throwing fuel on a raging fire.
Sound basis
On the basis of these facts, it is my opinion that the Prime Minister was on very sound constitutional ground in advising revocation of ThompsonÕs appointment.
One cannot ignore the fact that the Ministry of Health is currently holding entre stage as the Commission of Inquiry into the financial affairs of the St. Joseph Hospital has not yet concluded.
That inquiry concerns the propriety of large public expenditure by the Ministry of Health of a previous Administration at that hospital and its existence ought to have alerted the minister and her ministry officials to the necessity to be prompt in their responses to the Leader of the Opposition, who also has other major constitutional responsibilities as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
This factor must have reinforced Arthur to act.
Long history
This committee, which has a long and distinguished history in the Westminister system of government, has ongoing power to scrutinise every aspect of Government spending.
Its chairman (Thompson) is in effect the Òchief watchdogÓ for the public, of the way in which the Arthur Administration is handling and spending the peopleÕs money. To put obstacles even inadvertently in the way of the holder of the Office of Leader of the Opposition and of the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, represent, to my mind, so gross a breach of the duty to the constitutional system that Arthur, as Prime Minister and chairman of the Cabinet, with responsibility for the constitutional affairs, had little alternative but to discipline the minister whose ministry was responsible for this state of affairs, by revocation of her appointment.
Not to have done so would have constituted the grossest dereliction duty on the part of the Prime Minister notwithstanding his description of the minister as a Òwonderful minister, and wonderful person and wonderful politicianÓ.
In other words, Arthur was forced to consider his constitutional duty to the people of Barbados, vis-a-vis his personal regard for Thompson, simply because the state of affairs left him with no alternative but to exercise his Prime Ministerial responsibilities and power in a decisive manner.
It is to his eternal credit that he did not fail the national interest which he placed above party paramountcy.
¥Ezra Alleyne is a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly
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'Open' tour of Greenland [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Open' tour of Greenland
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 24A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 18, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: by Terry Ally
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OPENNESS was the best way to describe yesterdayÕs tour of the Greenland landfill in St. Andrew.
It was the second such public tour in two years and on this occasion, there was no attempt to lock out chief opponent of the project, Richard Goddard, chairman of the Scotland District Association.
It was just after 8 a.m that Goddard drove onto the compound followed by social commentator Julian Hunte in his mini-moke dressed in black coattails and a black top hat.
ÒRichard asked me to dress as an undertaker so as to bury the idea of siting the dump at Greenland,Ó Hunte said to the laughter of the group as he and Goddard greeted new Minister of Health, Senator Phillip Goddard.
Instead of being confronted by police, as happened two years ago, they were warmly greeted by the minister and Government officials.
When the minister arrived earlier, Goddard was parked on the highway with a placard addressed to ÒDear Cousin PhillipÓ offering alternative uses for the facility.
Accompanying Goddard and Hunte was 79-year-old Joseph Williams, of Shorey Village, St. Andrew, who came to share some advice with Senator Goddard and Leader of the Opposition David Thompson, who gave him an attentive ear.
ÒRealise that you have sinned and fallen short and admit it,Ó he told the minister, as he urged him to abandon the project.
Williams said he worked Òin the hillsÓ in Greenland as a lad and when water could not be carried uphill for them, they would drink water from the springs, even during the dry seasons. The same springs, he felt, were responsible for the water in the cells at the landfill.
Joining Thompson was his parliamentary team of MP Denis Kellman, and Senators Clyde Mascoll and Cyrilene Thomas-Worrell, along with retired deputy chief agricultural officer, Edward Cumberbatch, and a number of senior members of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). Also present were former elections candidates, including Dr. Denis Lowe, who unsuccessfully contested the St. Andrew seat, and a representative of the New York branch of the DLP.
Those joining Senator Goddard included Dr. Mostapha Warith, a consultant
of R.J. Burnside International which was conducting a peer review of the facility for Government; Sandra Prescod of the Solid Waste Project Unit; general manager of the Sanitation Service Authority Chris Griffith; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Beverly Miller; Senior Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Knight; and Brian Hintzen who is in charge of the Greenland facility.
The technocrats explained the features of the scientifically-designed landfill and fielded questions and traded views with the Opposition, as well as members of the Scotland District Association, the non-governmental organisation which opposes the location of the landfill at Greenland.
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Bidder Onyx looks at the bottom line [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Bidder Onyx looks at the bottom line
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 5A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: News
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BID COMPARISON
COST OF BIDS
Bidder Construction Price Annual Operations
Miller US$7 666 000 US$6 266 000
ONYX US$6 436 304 US$5 057 000
Difference US$1 339 696 US$1 209 000
Difference 7 years = US$9 802 696
Difference 14 years = US$18 265 696
SOURCE: ONYX (figures not independently confirmed by the Sunday Sun)
IF GOVERNMENT awards the Greenland Landfill contract to Miller Waste Solutions, it could cost taxpayers up to $36.532 million more over its 14-year lifespan.
ThatÕs the assertion from rival bidder ONYX (Barbados) Limited, which insisted that it was more experienced and cheaper than its Canadian competitor.
ONYX also dismissed MillerÕs charges that it will be leasing used equipment for its Greenland operation from its local partner, Williams Industries.
Last Wednesday, Miller Waste Solutions took to task an article in last Sunday Sun which stated that ONYXÕs contract was cheaper than MillerÕs and that Miller had no landfill experience.
Miller said its projectÕs chief executive was the highly experienced Angelos Bacopoulos and they also had on board the City of Toronto as an experienced partner.
ONYX said that the bid called for three separate submissions.
The first was general qualifications. Those companies which qualified were moved forward to the second stage when the second submission was opened.
This was the technical proposal and only two companies passed this stage: ONYX and Miller.
The third submission was the proposed cost.
ÒThus, both proposals were deemed acceptable to the Government and the decision at that point must proceed on a cost basis.
ÒSo, in fact, the Miller spokesman was totally incorrect (because) cost should be a major factor in the last stages of the proposal,Ó stated ONYX.
Miller had said that it was unfair to discuss cost at this stage because the bidding process had not started and even then there was negotiable costs in their business plan which would reduce cost.
ONYX said Miller was charging US$7.7 million for construction compared to ONYXÕs US$6.5 million (see table), while MillerÕs annual operating cost was US$6.3 million compared to ONYXÕs US$5.1 million.
ONYX said Miller had no landfill experience and operated only one transfer station, while ONYX operated 125 landfills and 40 transfer stations.
In addition, MillerÕs operation was a Òsmall regional companyÓ with nearly all its operation located in one Canadian province, while ONYX was the third largest solid waste company in the world.
ÒMillerÕs operation is predominantly house-to-house garbage truck collection, which is not part of the Greenland project,Ó said ONYX.
ONXY also said it was Òabsurd and absolutely falseÓ that it would be leasing used equipment for the Greenland project.
It said that the tender documents clearly required brand new equipment, which was costed by ONYX Ð the same type with a proven track record at ONYXÕs 125 landfills and the same type that would be used at Greenland.
ONYX disputed the involvement of the City of Toronto as a partner, saying it appeared Òhighly unlikelyÓ for a respected public entity to be part of a private companyÕs bid.
ONYX also stated that its plan called for the contracting of numerous services with small business.
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Let Thompson tour Greenland [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Let Thompson tour Greenland
LETTERS
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Creator: Power Andrea
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 7A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 1, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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I FIND the comments by Health Minister Liz Thompson about the Leader of the
OppositionÕs request to tour Greenland to be in contravention of every principle
upon which democracy is built.
In the event that the good minister is unaware, the Leader of the Opposition is
accounted for in our Constitution and it is therefore the right of that person to
question and scrutinise actions of the governing party. This is after all a
democracy. Therefore, in requesting a tour of Greenland, David Thompson, as
Leader of the Opposition, is fully entitled to do so and I think in the interest
of transparency on the part of the Minister, should be obliged.
The elections are over and we must concern ourselves with the business of
governance. The ministerÕs comments have no place in this. It would seem that
whenever Minister Thompson is taken to task she cannot respond without getting
personal. Is the Minister trying to suggest that the Opposition leader, and all
other right thinking individuals, do not have the right to tour Greenland which
has been the source of much government expenditure?
Whether we support the Government or the Opposition, I think we can all agree
that the Greenland Landfill has been the source of much concern, especially since
it has had numerous opening dates and controversy.
We continually berate our youth for their inability to engage in effective
conflict resolution and for their deplorable behaviour in general. But if the
example set by the Minister is anything to go by, then we can hardly expect
anything different. I suppose that the electorate is moreso to blame than the
Minister, since this type of behaviour on her part did not start on January 20.
I believe that Barbados is owed an apology for the unfortunate behaviour
displayed by this public offical.
ÐÊAndrea Power
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Liz - Most controversial [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Liz - Most controversial
THE LIZ THOMPSON AFFAIR
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Creator: Brandford Albert
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 16
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 10, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Albert Brandford
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Ò[SHE] has a style that is cantankerous. I say that meaning it to be exactly how it sounds. She loves to fight. Sometimes she likes also to fight with me, but that is her nature. Ð Prime Minister Owen Arthur, December 20, 1997.
THAT the Prime Minister later allegedly visited her home and apologised, saying he meant ÒcombativeÓ, rather than ÒcantankerousÓ, may speak more to his desire to puff smudged powder than to his acceptance of any inaccuracy of description.
He had previously used words such as ÒspunkyÓ, and others, ÒfiestyÓ, to describe Henrietta Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson, who, until yesterday, was a second-term Minister of Health.
It was her last day in office as she was fired from the Cabinet Ð the first minister relieved of duties since DaCosta (Joy) Edwards in 1970 by Errol Barrow for misallocation of Ministry of Housing funds.
The reasons for ArthurÕs rare action will probably become clearer but almost certainly it would not have been a single misdemeanour on ThompsonÕs part but an accretion since she took office in September 1994.
Her very appointment was itself a source of disappointment and contention within the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and in the wider community.
Some people felt she was too young and inexperienced for what is one of the biggest and most demanding ministries which attracts controversies like a lightning rod.
Arthur acknowledged through his oft-stated 100 per cent support for her that it would be a tough job for someone with no previous parliamentary or policy-making experience but he clearly felt that her youthful enthusiasm would have been tempered by a strong intellect and a firm understanding of the way the political system works.
Thompson did not help her own cause.
She careened from controversy to controversy, seldom if ever, pulling her verbal punches in the national health debates that ran the gamut from the state of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, through the South Coast Sewerage Project to the landfills at Mangrove and Greenland.
Even during this yearÕs general election, when the BLP seemed assured of a second term Ð possibly though not with the overwhelming 26-2 majority as it turned out Ð there she was in the thick of controversies, with cutlass in hand on the platform.
That unfortunate demonstration evoked perhaps the most memorable line from a campaign of riveting rhetoric, high drama and low masÕ.
Said Leader of the Opposition David Thompson: ÒIn the case of Liz Thompson, I understand the police would have a difficulty because they should really be charging the cutlass with walking around with an offensive weapon.Ó
Sharp exchanges
Undeterred, she ploughed on, and as if her frequent sharp exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament were not enough, she problably felt within her bones that the time would come when she would be able to respond publicly in kind.
It would eventually come Ð and to her regret Ð after the St. John MP had requested a tour of the Greenland landfill.
ÒWeÕve had several requests for tours of Greenland and weÕve accommodated them,Ó she said. ÒBut I am rather curious about Mr. ThompsonÕs request for a tour of Greenland because I still donÕt know if he sees it as a potential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party or for those people who are running against him for leadership.Ó
She would hardly have anticipated the lambasting she received from the leader writers of the two daily newspapers and the adverse comment that response provoked across the country.
Surely, some analysts suggested, that must be the final straw.
She had finally provided Arthur with the perfect opportunity, they said, to do what he could only have contemplated but would not have dared to attempt before the general election.
Now, his advisors apparently felt, was the time to heal some wounds and restore the image of a party that has been slipping badly mere months into its second term.
People were beginning to say that this Arthur Administration was playing fast and loose with its 26-2 majority with a demonstration of arrogance, high-handedness and insensitivity that harkened back to darker days.
Arthur himself might understand what drives Liz Thompson. He confessed some years ago of having to cope with his own demons.
Liz Thompson may want to blame her Òimpulsive natureÓ but she may have misjudged the strength and extent of ArthurÕs support and confidence in her.
Opponents, some of whom had been calling for her resignation or removal from office almost from Day One, may now feel some vindication.
And, what is to be made of the unconfirmed reports in May that along with Minister of Education Mia Mottley, she had threatened to resign over Òvigorous disagreementsÓ on the still to be awarded management contract for Greenland?
The closest to confirmation was ArthurÕs comment: ÒSuffice it to say that the Cabinet is intact and Miss Mottley and Miss Thompson are anxious to get on with dealing with the affairs of state in an enlightened manner.Ó
But, it has not all been downhill for her as some felt she had grasped the nettle of that huge ministry and showed an appreciation of its difficult issues.
At 38, she is very much a young woman and even with three general elections behind her, may still have some way to go in politics.
ÒPeople in Barbados are not lukewarm about Liz Thompson. You either like me or you hate me. There is no person who says ÔI could take her or leave herÕ. IÕve been like that all my life. Whichever way people go, they feel strongly. They are intense about it,Ó she said.
That does not have to be her political epitaph.
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Greenland not right choice [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Greenland not right choice
LETTERS
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Creator: Cox J. MacArthur
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 7A
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Paper Date: Wed, Sep 29, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE ongoing problems with the Greenland landfill must come to an end and the new Minister of Health Phillip Goddard will now have to decide if this monster will become a reality.
Is recycling more environmentally and economically sound than the Greenland alternative? If Government proceed with this landfill it must be seen as economically viable and environmentally friendly. I do not believe that either is true from what little I have read in the Press.
In politics, itÕs more important to be perceived to be doing the right thing than it is to make economic sense. I have never known any person to build a toilet in their living room and this is what Government has done, not because it made sense but rather to avoid any political fall out.
The Greenland landfill has been an exercise in political manipulation of the public conscience. All sides, including the politicians, have failed to look beyond the immediate use of the long-term waste management strategy. The environmentalists criticise but they have not come up with a better idea or site.
No person is looking at reducing the large amount of garbage we produce and the increasing pollution level. We must think in terms of reduce and reuse before landfill and recycling; we must heavily fine persons who throw litter out of their vehicles or dump it carelessly. People who litter and keep their environment dirty might as well dress in clean clothes without taking a bath.
All I know is that Greenland was a very poor choice. I do not have an answer as to what should be done but the time has come to be practical and not politically arrogant.
Ð J. MacArthur Cox
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Greenland contract to be awarded soon [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Greenland contract to be awarded soon
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Creator: Harewood Ona
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 15
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Paper Date: Tue, May 18, 1999
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Category: News
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GOVERNMENT will soon be awarding a management contract for the Greenland landfill, but it may be a while before the facility starts accepting garbage.
According to Prime Minister Owen Arthur, contractors have already put in their bids for the project which is to be managed by the private sector.
ÒWe have had many bids and a contract for the management of the project will soon be awarded, but we have to get it right. We have to ensure that the person has the requisite capacity and expertise to properly manage such a project.Ó
Arthur was speaking during the signing of a memorandum of understanding to provide financial assistance for CARICOM at Government Headquarters yesterday.
He said Government was working hard to put all the necessary infrastructure in place before the landfill could begin accepting garbage.
ÒGovernment will go to Greenland when everything is ready, the infrastructure in St. Andrew must be in place, the private sector management contract must also be in place,Ó he said.
The Prime Minister noted that additional money was being spent to correct some of the problems identified in an independent study on the landfill.
ÒWe paid attention to the controversies surrounding the landfill and we commissioned an independent study. We have taken note of the findings and we are working to correct some of those problems.Ó
Arthur added that he was satisfied the Greenland project was sound.
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Thompson: Come and tour Greenland [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Thompson: Come and tour Greenland
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Creator: Boyce Hayden
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 7
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Paper Date: Fri, Jul 30, 1999
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Category: News
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MINISTER of Health Liz Thompson said she has no objection to Opposition Leader David Thompson touring the Greenland Landfill, in St. Andrew.
She said she received ThompsonÕs letter and had passed it on to her permanent secretary to be dealt with at the administrative level.
Thompson said she had heard nothing further about the Opposition LeaderÕs request until she saw it in the SUNDAY SUN a few weeks ago.
ÒWeÕve had several requests for tours of Greenland and weÕve accommodated them,Ó she said. ÒBut IÕm rather curious about Mr. ThompsonÕs request for a tour of Greenland because I still donÕt know if he sees it as a potential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party or for those people who are running against him for leadership.Ó
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FIRED [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: FIRED
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Creator: Applewhaite Wynel
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 1
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 10, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: by Wynel Applewhaite
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PRIME MINISTER OWEN ARTHUR yesterday sacked Minister of Health Liz Thompson.
Her dismissal came after concerns by Arthur about a statement Thompson made last week in relation to the Leader of the Opposition visiting Greenland landfill.
At a hastily called Press conference about 12:10 p.m. at his office, Arthur made the announcement:
ÒThe appoinment of Miss Henrietta Elizabeth Thompson as a Minister has been revoked,Ó he said.
He called her behaviour Òarrogant and outrageousÓ.
ÒNo arrogance and outrageous behaviour will be allowed from members of my Cabinet,Ó he said.
The Prime Minister told the Press that when his party was re-elected on January 20, he interpreted that as a vote of confidence to administer the affairs of this country with sensitivity.
ÒI have also publicly stated that no one must interpret the mandate as a licence for any behaviour other than that which contributes to the orderly and the best government of this country. I will not deviate from this position,Ó he said.
The dismissal came more than two months after rumours were rife that Thompson and Minister of Education Mia Mottley had threatened to resign over the management contracts relating to the Greenland landfill.
Mottley said yesterday she had no comment.
Thompson, however, said it was not the end of her political career.
ÒDefinitely not,Ó she said as she left her office just after three oÕclock to attend a funeral. ÒHave you ever known Liz Thompson to do anything other than politics?Ó
Asked whether she was surprised by the decision, a smiling Thompson said: ÒYes, and no.Ó
In a statement later, she spoke of being summoned to the Prime MinisterÕs office about 11 a.m.
ÒI went to Government Headquarters where the Prime Minister informed me that he was concerned about the controversy ensuing over a statement I made last week in relation to the Leader of the Opposition visiting Greenland.Ó Thompson said following further discussions on the matter, the Prime Minister then terminated her Cabinet post.
According to an article published two weeks ago, Thompson had responded by questioning whether (David) Thompson saw Greenland as a Òpotential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party or for those people who are running against him for leadershipÓ.
The statement apparently angered the Prime Minister.
Arthur described Thompson as a wonderful person and a wonderful politician.
Last night, friends and family including her father and sister, were busy clearing her office. Thompson had an appointment, but later returned to help complete the moving process.
Former Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Senator Phillip Goddard has been named as the new Minister of Health, while backbencher Rommel Marshall has been promoted to the post relinquished by Goddard.
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DEAR PHILIP [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DEAR PHILIP
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 1A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 11, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: by Terry Ally
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CHAIRMAN of the Scotland District Association Richard Goddard has some words of advice for his cousin, Senator Phillip Goddard, the new Minister of Health.
ÒBe frank with the public about the Greenland Landfill and make public the Klon-Crippen report that was done on the hydrogeology of the area in 1995, the Burnside report which tells of the dangers to the leachate ponds, and let us
present any other professional advice on that area,Ó he said.
Goddard said he wanted his cousin to level with the public about Greenland, which has long been at the centre of controversy and was a contributing factor to the dismissal Monday of his predecessor, Liz Thompson.
He is also calling on the new minister to repay him over $150 000 he spent on a series of Press advertisements in which he revealed various problems associated with the construction of the waste disposal facility in St. Andrew.
Goddard said those advertisements presented information which was of public interest, and he should be reimbursed.
Furthermore, he would like to see withdrawn the $60 000 judgement in court costs the Attorney-General had against him. These date back to when the Scotland District Association made an unsuccessful bid to stop construction.
Goddard also advised his cousin that when the new round of tenders go out for the management of Greenland, no tender whose members of the team were involved in the planning or construction of the facility should be entertained.
He said it would be inappropriate because these people had inside information and should be banned for at least seven years.
On the Thompson dismissal, Goddard said he was surprised by it.
ÒI donÕt think she should take the blame for Greenland because it was a Cabinet decision, and she was defending the indefensible,Ó he said.
But he added that she was still ÒarrogantÓ in dealing with many matters.
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DUMP HOLD [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DUMP HOLD
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 1A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 18, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: by Terry Ally
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MINISTER OF HEALTH Senator Phillip Goddard dropped a bombshell yesterday, saying a decision had yet to be taken on whether or not Greenland is to be used as a landfill.
And, after nearly a year of denial, Government finally admitted there were leaks at the proposed site.
Speaking during a tour of the facility with, among others, Leader of the Opposition David Thompson, the minister said that in light of a peer review being conducted and whatever recommendations would arise from it, Cabinet had not taken a Òfinite positionÓ on whether Greenland will be used.
Questioned further by reporters after the tour on the landfillÕs fate, he replied: ÒI cannot take that decision and announce it at this time. You have to recognise that a report has to come to Cabinet, the ministry has to make its recommendations, and a Cabinet decision has to be made based on that. And then I would be in a position to report to the public.Ó
When asked to clarify whether he was saying there was a possibility that Greenland would not be used as a landfill, Goddard declined to answer.
ÒI do not speculate. I work on fact and what is, and I just told you what the process is.Ó
Should Cabinet give the green light, he said it would take a minimum of six months to make the facility operational.
Following the tour, the senator said he was impressed with the level of construction and expertise of his technocrats as well as the amount of work which went into the planning and follow-up investigation to ensure the site was stable and all problems addressed before garbage was received.
ÒIÕve learnt quite a bit today,Ó he said, referring to concerns by residents about springs and flooding. But he was satisfied officials took into account any potential problems and designed accordingly.
Thompson said he appreciated the opportunity for the tour, during which many issues were raised.
ÒWe need to reflect a bit on what we have seen as against what was projected both by Government and the critics, and in due course to have an opportunity to look at the review.Ó
He said it was clear there were several problems identified in the review such as leakage in some areas and the need for redesigning in several others.
ÒThis is something that we were saying for a long time; that from the outset there were flaws which needed attention. And itÕs a credit to those who assisted in this process.Ó
He said this was a project which could easily cost over $50 million in the initial stages. A major concern of the Opposition was the throwing of Ògood money behind a bad investmentÓ.
Thompson said the minister would have to justify requests for additional funds for Greenland, and only if it was rational and sensible would the Opposition support it.
The cost implications, technical review and common-sense approach to the project will be discussed at the Democratic Labour PartyÕs annual conference this weekend, and a position on these matters taken.
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Liz Ð been there and done that [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Liz Ð been there and done that
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Creator: Alleyne Gayle
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 16A
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Paper Date: Sun, Mar 28, 1999
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Category: Living
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by Gayle Alleyne
ÒPEOPLE in Barbados are not lukewarm about Liz Thompson. You either like me or you hate me. There is no person who says ÔI could take her or leave herÕ. IÕve been like that all my life.
ÒWhichever way people go, they feel strongly. They are intense about it.Ó
This clinical but incisive assessment of her relationship with the Barbadian public, follows a testing five years as a Government minister.
Since wresting the St. James South seat for the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in the September 1994 General Elections, Liz Thompson has experienced praise and criticism; triumph and, on occasions, tears. Life certainly wasnÕt easy for the Minister of Health in her maiden parliamentary term.
She battled problems at the Sanitation Service Authority, confronted strikes and threats from junior doctors and other Queen Elizabeth Hospital staff and stoutly defended the opening of Greenland landfill in St. Andrew, despite protests from environmentalists and others.
Her actions Ð garbage collecting for a day and the Greenland decision Ð did not escape the eyes of calypsonians Red Plastic Bag and the late De Great Carew in their hits, Issue of the Day and She Dump Me respectively.
Even her hairstyles, ranging from a skull-cap afro to twists, attracted comment.
Constantly described as embattled, with the Opposition urging her Cabinet resignation or reassignment, Liz seemed to have suffered it all.
Not so fast...worse was to come.
Days before Christmas 1997, her boss Ð Prime Minister Owen Arthur Ð called her ÒcantankerousÓ in a year-end Press conference and reinforced it stating, ÒI say that meaning it to be exactly how it soundsÓ.
That topped everything!
ÒI was highly offended,Ó admits the parliamentarian with a subdued bluntness. Obviously, it still hurts.
The episode soured her Yuletide season.
ÒIt really upset me. I donÕt think I am cantankerous at all and nobody had ever described me so. I felt he was essentially providing a whip for the Opposition and my detractors to beat me with and they did Ð even in this campaign.
ÒItÕs an awful thing to have a Prime Minister publicly insult a member of his Cabinet.Ó
Arthur called and apologised, saying the word he meant was ÒcombativeÓ and some days later turned up at his ministerÕs Coral Glade, St. James, home to repeat those sentiments.
Liz was in the midst of cooking for a luncheon.
ÒHe came through the kitchen door and I looked at him. I was furious. I turned away and went to the sink. He came over and smiled and said ÔThompson, I want to apologiseÕ.
Apologised
ÒÔThompson, IÕm sorry. I didnÕt mean to say itÕ,Ó she recalls, mimicking the Prime MinisterÕs trademark stammer.
The woman who is the Prime MinisterÕs and Deputy Prime MinisterÕs parliamentary representative was not easily assuaged. Her feelings were bruised.
ÒI said ÔYes, you did mean it. Not only did you say I am cantankerous but you said ÔÒI mean that exactly as it soundsÓ.Õ DonÕt tell me you didnÕt mean it.
ÒI told him Dems are already cursing me and how Christmas Eve I had been in town and two Dems said ÔLook the old cantankerous b. . . . comingÕ. That hurt me to the core.
She says Arthur was Òclearly embarrassedÓ; again professing total regret.
ÒThe relationship between us was very strained for some weeks because I was very angry.
ÒHe has tried to make amends. I donÕt expect the Prime Minister to say publicly ÔI apologised to Liz ThompsonÕ but he has continued to support me and has made it clear he has confidence in me.Ó
Such assurance has bolstered the second-term parliamentarian, especially with numerous calls for her head; a situation that made her consider quitting Cabinet and once or twice drove her to tears.
ÒThere were periods Ð fighting over Greenland, the Hospital, the sewerage project Ð it would become so frustrating.
ÒThe Prime Minister was under constant pressure ÔGet rid of Thompson, move ThompsonÕ. I said ÔI could be practising law and making serious money. What am I doing here?Õ.Ó
The attorneyÕs hailstorms have not only been political. Eyebrows raised at her non-chemical hairstyles which have changed from an afro to twists to braids.
ÒWhen I twisted my hair it never occurred to me it would generate public discussion. I was stunned. I was simply, like any other woman, making a hairstyle choice.Ó
Given her prominence, it was deemed an important blow for women, especially in the workplace.
ÒI didnÕt intend it that way, but I believe I am somewhat responsible for lots of Barbadian women wearing their hair natural. This is something I fought very hard to do and I lived through much abuse for.
ÒA lot of us still have a problem with blackness; with accepting ourselves, whether itÕs black features, very black skin, thick lips, natural hair. It was felt this black image was not appropriate for a Government minister.Ó
If that was not enough, the 37-year-old notes the ÒharshÓ nature of Barbadian society has seen Òevery female politician being called a lesbianÓ.
How does that feel?
Shrugging, she replies: ÒSometimes it hurts. Other times you say what the hell, itÕs just part of politics. You take the benefits; youÕve got to take the burdens. ThatÕs how public office is.
ÒSome would wish to characterise us so. You just have to live with it and know, in your own conscience, itÕs not true.Ó
That she is not linked to a particular man, she surmises, may have contributed to the unkind remarks. She does date but is reluctant to be seen on anyoneÕs arm repeatedly right now.
ÒI promised myself I would not be seen frequently in public with any man unless we were having a serious relationship. Women must be discerning about whom they see and professional women much more so.Ó
So, is there someone special at present?
Ah, a smile! CÕmon, spill the beans.
ÒThere is a man in whom I am interested and I think heÕs very nice but thatÕs it so far,Ó she discloses.
I am Liz
Having said ÒI doÓ once, this divorcŽe declares it ÒunlikelyÓ she will remarry. She has become accustomed to living alone and charting her own course. This is one woman who does not need a Òman or childrenÓ to feel complete.
ÒI know who Liz Thompson is; what Liz Thompson wants; where she wants to go...I am not selling myself short. I know what I want from a relationship and IÕm not compromising on that.Ó
At her level, one snag is that men who might normally ask for a date get cold feet almost instantly.
ÒFellows meet you and they stammer. They donÕt know what to say. They donÕt come near you. ItÕs amazing,Ó she marvels, adding that for all her trailblazing she would never ask a guy out.
ÒNow thatÕs the traditional side of Liz Thompson,Ó she quips, chuckling.
On the distasteful flipside, she and her female Cabinet colleagues have endured men telephoning them, making obscene statements and asking very personal questions.
As talk turns to the BLPÕs tag-team, as they are called, her face lights up.
ÒYes, we really are a unit,Ó she confirms of the sisterly rapport she shares with Deputy Prime Minister Billie Miller and Minister of Education Mia Mottley.
The trioÕs friendship has blossomed from being simply political allies to hang-out buddies who shop together, support each other through tough times and offer each other advice.
ÒWe are very close and we work as a team. Mia and I are much younger than
Billie and she has helped groom us for our roles as ministers. We rely on her experience and guidance.Ó
Three elections under her belt Ð two victories; one loss Ð this feisty individual is committed to politics and St. James South Òfor as long as they continue to elect meÓ. As for higher national service, she is willing but leaves that decision to the public.
ÒMany of us expect Mia will become Prime Minister of Barbados as I think she wants to be. Assuming that happens, I donÕt think people would accept a female deputy too. There would be talk about a petticoat government and all that.Ó
Well, wouldnÕt it be just like Liz Thompson to be in the thick of controversial things.
¥ This is the end of a two part feature on Liz Thompson. The first part was published last Sunday.
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IDLE DUMP [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: IDLE DUMP
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Creator: Gollop Chris
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 1A
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Paper Date: Sun, Apr 18, 1999
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Category: Sports
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by Chris Gollop
MORE than a year after the Greenland landfill was handed over to Government, it remains idle mainly because a decision is yet to be made on which private sector company will run it.
And as a maintenance crew and security guards are paid to watch over the vast, new St. Andrew facility, health officials are struggling to keep the burgeoning Mangrove landfill under some semblance of control.
Since last year, tenders were received for the management and operation of the landfill, the construction and management of a transfer station in accordance with a Cabinet decision to privatise that aspect of the operations of the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA).
However, when the matter went before Cabinet in August, the recommendations of the Evaluation Committee involved in the process were rejected after concerns were raised and a Special Tenders Committee was instructed to review the matter.
That review was completed and a report recommending who the contract should go to was submitted to the relevant authorities since November, but investigations by the Sunday Sun revealed the report is yet to reach Cabinet.
This delay in awarding the contract and getting Greenland operational has, according to sources, the potential to create serious problems at Mangrove again.
That facility came in for harsh criticism in 1994 when it was derogatorily christened ÒMount StinkerooÓ and Government promised to have it closed by 1995.
This was followed by an intense effort by the Ministry of Health to bring the landfill under control and relieve residents in the surrounding areas from suffering caused by the stench and smoke emanating from it.
The source said that while conditions at Mangrove were being kept at a barely manageable level, already SSA management had to expand it on to part of the land earmarked for the transfer station.
In addition, the sources noted that it might take between three months to a
year to get the transfer station working and it was questionable if Mangrove could operate for another year under the current circumstances.
A source also expressed concerns about leaving the Greenland landfill inactive for so long.
When contacted last night, SSA general manager Chris Griffith declined comment.
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RUMOURS OF 'WAR' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: RUMOURS OF 'WAR'
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Creator: Morris Roy
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 1
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Paper Date: Fri, May 21, 1999
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Category: News
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by Roy Morris and Gayle Alleyne
EVEN BEFORE a single load of garbage has been received at the Greenland Landfill, its proposed operation has reportedly created a stink in Prime Minister Owen ArthurÕs Cabinet.
Barbados was rife with rumours yesterday that Minister of Health Liz Thompson
had tendered her resignation to Arthur as a result of differences over Greenland, while Minister of Education Mia Mottley had followed suit in solidarity.
As the rumour gathered steam, speculation instantly heightened in media circles about reasons for a 4 p.m. Press conference called by the Prime Minister. That was eventually cancelled.
When Thompson and Mottley departed the weekly Cabinet meeting at 4:10 p.m. yesterday, both had little to say on the issue: the former, smiling and evading questions; while Mottley repeatedly said ÒnoÓ to each resignation-related query.
They were the first to emerge from the second-floor room at Government Headquarters and, along with their Cabinet colleagues, seemed surprised to see reporters in the car park.
After pausing on the balcony for a few minutes, the two ministers came downstairs and Thompson left after talking to the Press briefly.
She returned later and stood chatting with Arthur and Mottley upstairs.
Questioned about the report yesterday evening, Arthur stressed that disagreements between ministers Ð Òeven very vigorous disagreementÓ Ð were not unusual among individuals, but declined to say what the disagreement was about.
He also laughed away questions about reports of the ministersÕ resignations.
ÒI am under a constitutional oath not to disclose any of the business of the Cabinet in this manner,Ó he said. ÒAnd itÕs a little unfair to ask me the question since people are likely to interpret my answer as trying to dodge the issue.
ÒSuffice it to say that the Cabinet is intact and Miss Mottley and Miss Thompson are anxious to get on with dealing with the affairs of state in an enlightened manner.Ó
Mottley was indeed last night on the job. When contacted on her cellular, she said she was in the midst of a meeting with officials from the National Cultural Foundation.
ÒThat is best testimony to the fact that I have not resigned,Ó she said, adding that all was in place for SundayÕs picnic which has been planned between herself, Thompson and Deputy Prime Minister Billie Miller.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister said he had summoned the media to reply to St. Lucian Prime Minister Dr. Kenny AnthonyÕs statement on the Barbados Central Bank. However, having spoken to Anthony during the day, he decided to cancel the Press conference.
While Arthur declined to speak on Greenland, sources at Government Headquarters disclosed that the decision about who would run the landfill and operate a garbage transfer station in St. Thomas was still to be made by Cabinet, but the treatment, by Government agents, of the tender proposals from two groups so far had led to much heated debate.
The source said the decision of one reviewing team to support a bid by the Canadian company, Miller Waste Solutions, which had teamed up with the Rayside group and local expert in solid waste management, Dr. Hugh Sealy, over a competing one from French firm Montenay International in association with C.O. Williams, even though the latterÕs offer was $2.5 million cheaper, led to major disagreements.
According to the source, the Sanitation Service Authority was in favour of the Monteney/C.O. Williams bid, and made that position known to the Prime Minister.
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Miller's say on bid [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Miller's say on bid
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Creator:
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Paper Date: Wed, May 26, 1999
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Paper Page And Section: 18A
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Category: News
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WITH WEEKS, possibly only days before Government is expected to award the contract for the controversial Greenland Landfill project, one of the two front-runners is crying ÒfoulÓ.
Miller Waste Solutions (Barbados ) Limited says that charges that they are the higher bidder are not fair. They state that there has been no bidding process as yet, but agree that their business plan calls for higher expenditure than the Onyx (Barbados) Limited plan.
They point out that in their business plan, there are factors that will reduce the cost, and these are negotiable at the time of bidding.
Further, they propose buying and dedicating all new equipment for Greenland, while the lower Onyx proposal is for the lease of used equipment from a local construction company, Williams Industries, which is their local partner.
Worried that recent publicity about which company has the higher bid might weigh against them, Miller Waste Solutions said it is now forced to explain its side.
Miller, which has formed a joint venture with RHB Holdings, a local interest group which includes the Rayside group of companies, has made clear that cost is not a factor at this stage.
Instead, it is which company can produce the best technical solution to waste management in Barbados.
And Miller states that they have a proven track record throughout Ontario, Canada, and that the City of Toronto itself is a partner in their public-private sector firm. They produced a proposal that was comprehensive; their team and their qualifications were made known from the outset and all their equipment will be dedicated to work exclusively on the Greenland project.
ÒWe have never asked for any political help. We always felt we had the best proposal and that we would win on merit,Ó said an official of the Markham, Ontario-based Miller Waste Solutions yesterday.
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Tudor: Do good for taxpayers [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Tudor: Do good for taxpayers
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Creator: Blackman Jennifer
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 19A
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Paper Date: Wed, Jun 02, 1999
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Category: News
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GOVERNMENT needs to give taxpayers the best deal for their money.
First vice-president of the Democratic Labour Party Joseph ÒJohnnyÓ Tudor said, Òtaxpayers need to know which company is best qualified to run the (Greenland) landfill and waste transfer station.Ó
Yesterday, he called on Government to Òdemystify the management contract for GreenlandÓ because Òthere were too many conflicting press reports on the matter which has been dragging on without any resolution in sight.Ó
Tudor suggested that if both companies are equally qualified government should go with the one which tendered the most realistic price.
He added, ÒWhile I may appreciate that a Government of Barbados may wish to correct historical imbalances, what we do not want is for the Government to be spending our money like if it is going out of style.Ó
The former government minister said there was need to look closely at the tendering process and cited Òreports that project manager of the Greenland landfill, Dr. Hugh Sealy, was involved with one of the companies bidding for the contract.Ó
Tudor insisted he had Òno beefÓ with Sealy Òbut a principle is involved hereÓ and if in fact Òthese reports are correct, is it in order for the person who built the landfill to quit his Government post and then turn around and ask Government for the contract to manage it?Ó
He said, ÒIf Prime Minister Arthur thinks that is the right way to go, then he should say so.Ó
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LANDFILL APPEAL [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: LANDFILL APPEAL
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 1A
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Paper Date: Mon, Jun 21, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: Terry Ally
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A BARBADIAN environmental consultant is advising government to re-open tenders for the management of the Greenland landfill and transfer station.
The tender is presently embroiled in controversy with sharp divisions in government over who should get the contract.
David Simmons, of Simmons and Associates, said no matter who is awarded the
contract, it will end up costing taxpayers a lot of money but he believed that the terms of reference could be revised to narrow the scope of work, allowing for a cheaper operation.
Simmons, a World Bank consultant on St. LuciaÕs solid waste management programme, said that as a result of the Mount Stinkeroo fiasco, government proceeded on a false notion that there was need for foreign expertise.
ÒThe most difficult aspect is the design and construction and once these are designed properly, you can train local people to operate the facility, come and see what we have done in St. Lucia,Ó said Simmons, who was a consultant on the Environmental Impact Assessment for Greenland.
ÒI am disappointed that it is taking so long for Greenland to be opened.Ó
Simmons said that despite the stigma and psychological problems associated with Mount Stinkeroo, the past few years had proven that Barbadians were capable of managing the landfill and if the terms were revised and scope of work narrowed, it should not cost as much money.
It can be done effectively and properly, he said, adding that it would give everyone an opportunity to bid for the project Ñ with less external input.
He said Government needed to sit down with the Inter-American Development Bank, which was funding the facility, and negotiate new terms to facilitate reopening of the bidding process.
Government is yet to award a management contract for the controversial landfill. It is understood that there is a split in opinion as to who should receive it.
GovernmentÕs Evaluation Committee recommended Miller Waste Solutions of Canada over ONYX of France which has more corporate experience than Miller but the Special Tenders Committee overturned that recommendations saying the results were ÒskewedÓ in favour of Miller and advised that Government should open negotiations with ONYX (Barbados) Limited, whose local partner is Williams Industries.
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Thompson still waiting to tour Greenland [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Thompson still waiting to tour Greenland
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 3A
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Paper Date: Mon, Jul 19, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline:
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OPPOSITION Leader David Thompson wants to tour the controversial Greenland Landfill, but one-and-a-half months after asking for permission, he is still awaiting a response.
In a letter dated June 4 and released to the Press, Thompson wrote Minister of Health Liz Thompson, asking for a tour of the St. Andrew facility.
ÒIn view of the importance of the Greenland project to the health of our nation, as well as the significant capital cost of the project, I should like to have the opportunity, along with my advisers, of visiting the project,Ó he wrote.
ÒThis would give us the opportunity of seeing, and hopefully hearing, first-hand how this project has developed and any challenges which might stand in the way of it being fully operational,Ó the letter added.
Construction of the facility, which was built at a cost of $20 678 897, was completed in late 1997 but it remains unopened.
Contracts for the management of the landfill and other associated facilities were sent back out to tender recently after Government said that the tendering process was breached.
Government also commissioned a peer review on the construction of the facility, which apparently turned up a number of problems to be addressed, but the exact nature of those have not been revealed to the public.
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Resisting the urge to gloat [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Resisting the urge to gloat
EDITORIAL
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Creator:
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 6A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 4, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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IT WILL be recalled that in making his victory speech in January this year when his Barbados Labour Party (BLP) defeated the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) by winning 26 seats to two in the general elections, Prime Minister Owen Arthur was most magnanimous.
One outstanding aspect of his speech was the call to his party supporters not to gloat over their victory, since, as he saw it, this was not what democracy was about.
However, while party members may resist ÒgloatingÓ, from time to time comments have been made that smack of bad taste even in our atmosphere of adversarial politics.
Some days ago, Opposition Leader David Thompson said he asked to visit the controversial Greenland Landfill, in St. Andrew, but had heard nothing about his request.
A reaction has come from Minister of Health Liz Thompson, and how!
After pointing out that from time to time requests are made by people to visit the landfill and steps taken to Òaccommodate themÓ, she felt she had to take a swipe that might have been in order during the silly season of political campaigning, but which was unbefitting someone of her high standing in local politics at this time. What she said was even hard to accept as being merely facetious.
Miss Thompson claimed to be curious Òabout (David) ThompsonÕs request for a tour of Greenland because I still donÕt know if he sees it as a potential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party or for those people who are running against him for the leadershipÓ.
Did she harbour a similar ÒcuriosityÓ about those others who made the Òseveral requestsÓ referred to, to visit Greenland?
Her comment is not of the stuff of which wisdom is made for wiser heads know only too well that the Òvagaries of democracyÓ being what they are, the same stick that beats Tom, is used to beat Dick and Harry later on.
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DEMS ASK WHY [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DEMS ASK WHY
THE LIZ THOMPSON AFFAIR
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Creator: Harewood Ona
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 40
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 10, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Ona Harewood
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OPPOSITION Leader David Thompson wants Prime Minister Owen Arthur to tell the country why he fired former Minister of Health Elizabeth Thompson.
ÒI think that there is a level to which the Prime Minister must not descend in taking an action such as the dismissal of a minister, or senior public official.
ÒOn the basis of the trusted tenets of accountability, he has a responsibility to give the public a full explanation.Ó
Although he would not be drawn into discussion of possible reason(s) for the Minister of HealthÕs dismissal, the Opposition leader said the response given by the minister to his request to tour the Greenland Landfill was an obnoxious one.
ÒAs a responsible Opposition, we have a duty to go out there and see for ourselves what is going on at Greenland. It is a project that Government has devoted large sums of money to and one which has been very controversial. We have a responsibility to raise concerns and be in a position to diagnose responses.Ó
He said Greenland was a confusing issue which had been arrogantly handled from the beginning.
ÒThere are clear problems there and Government has not been totally transparent. Workers told me they had to make preparations for me to visit on a project that was near completion and soon to be opened.Ó
Thompson said he could not think of a minister in modern Government who had tried as hard as Liz Thompson to be fired.
ÒShe should have been relieved ever since ... some of the basic health programmes are in shambles, every single department is under stress, the polyclinics, QEH, sanitation. Liz Thompson has been a major liability for the past five years.Ó
He said the coalition of interests which elected the BLP was fraying at the edges and the Owen Arthur administration was in crisis.
ÒFrom all angles, there seems to be considerable stress in the Government; the Minister of Tourism has been given the kiss of death by the Prime Minister, the Health Minister has been fired and the propaganda machinery of the Culture Minister is being eroded.Ó
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Bothered and bewildered [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Bothered and bewildered
DLP COLUMN
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Creator: Phillips Douglas Leopold
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 10
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 13, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline:
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Henrietta Elizabeth Thompson will go down in history as one of two Ministers of the Cabinet fired in 30 years of modern government. While the first casualtyÕs firing was based on clear unequivocal reasons, Ms. ThompsonÕs still stands out like a mystery to all Barbadians. This should not be so. The Prime Minister has an obligation to give clear reasons for the dismissal of a senior cabinet Minister.
Like the manner in which Dr. Richard ÒJohnnyÓ Cheltenham resigned, the Governor of the Central Bank was fired, and the top management team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital were removed from their offices, the dismissal of Thompson speaks more about PM Owen ArthurÕs style and approach than Thompson. We should not be too quick to endorse the decision to fire the Minister simply because Thompson did so much to encourage it. For while the Prime Minister is shouting from the roof-tops about accountability, his own actions are being called into question more and more since January 20.
It is a credit to David Thompson that he did not bother to respond to Ms.
ThompsonÕs silly response to his request to visit Greenland. This shows that mature leadership, avoiding personal attacks and confrontation and a focus on the issues are a sensible formula for the Democratic Labour Party. It has helped the public to see the wood from the trees much more clearly.
The Barbados Labour Party is going through a crisis. The bewildered look of some Members of Parliament on Tuesday, betrays their innocence. Even senior party members were perplexed and could give no adequate explanation of the events which led so abruptly to Thompson being terminated. Who will be next, they ask?
Some were asking what, if anything, the firing had to do with the contract at Greenland and the desire of the Prime Minister to achieve his goal. Others were astounded by the appointment of Senator Goddard especially since Thompson, as Òa proud black woman,Ó had herself discounted the contribution of the white Goddard businessman in a previous altercation on the Greenland issue.
Thompson has her supporters. All politicians do. But it is clear that beyond finding a few jobs for her constituents, the Minister had a responsibility to provide leadership in the area of health care. She did not. Instead, she infected the Ministry with a combative and hostile style of politics which created many unseen enemies. It contributed to low morale and a Ministry that was always embattled. She now has no supporters among her cabinet colleagues, Òpow(d)er puff girlsÓ notwithstanding.
When under criticism, Ms. Thompson clutched at personal irrelevancies and often got completely side-tracked by her ad hominem responses rather than dealing with the basis of the criticism. She was distracted by trivia while the Ministry of Health needed strong and effective leadership and management.
Besides that, the Minister fell into the same trap that has enveloped her colleagues: She has failed to provide a vision for health care in Barbados. She loitered on the premises of the Ministry of Health for far too long without crafting a strategy to root out the many problems that had accumulated. She was not bothered.
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Why Liz should stay [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Why Liz should stay
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Creator: Hoyte Harold
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 10A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 15, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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Byline: by Harold Hoyte
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IT IS not surprising that the dismissal of Minister of Health and the Environment Liz Thompson from the Cabinet has stirred much controversy.
There has been no explicit reason given by her boss, Prime Minister Owen Arthur. He does not have to give one.
All he said that was of minute help was: ÒI have publicly stated that no one must interpret the mandate (26-2 majority) as a licence for any behaviour other than that which contributes to the orderly and best government of this country.Ó
The only other clue was another report which quoted a ÒsourceÓ close to Government as saying that Thompson Òkept creating these kinds of controversies for the Government ... It is an example of the outrageous behaviour which people have been attributing to the 26-2 majority, and was not in keeping with the mandate to settle down and get on with business without hubris and rancourÓ.Ê
Thompson herself said of her interview with Arthur: ÒThe 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.Ó
Not job performance
When I put all of these statements together, Arthur is clearly saying that ThompsonÕs dismissal has nothing to do with her job performance.
And she is saying that from her meeting with Arthur, she has concluded that her remarks about the request by the Opposition Leader David Thompson to visit the controversial Greenland Landfill site led to her dismissal.
This is consistent with the fact that Arthur and his colleagues stoutly defended her record on the political platforms of Barbados six months ago, and that the party itself set out on pages 26, 27 and 28 of its pre-election Productive Partnership document, a long list of impressive achievements made by her in her first term. And further, that when he reappointed her Minister of Health after the January 20 general elections, this was a vote of confidence.
Some people have tried to say that the dismissal arose out of the ministerÕs failure to arrange the visit and this is a dereliction of her duties to the constitutionally appointed Opposition Leader.
Yet nothing in ArthurÕs statement and nothing suggested by the ÒsourceÓ even hinted of any alleged indiscretion or neglect of duties by the former Health Minister in not arranging the visit sooner.
Failure to arrange the meeting cannot constitute a just and reasonable excuse for dismissal of a messenger, far less a minister.
In fact, in her statement, Thompson did say that she had made arrangements for the visit to take place Friday last, August 13. (What some people refer to as
Black Friday!)
So was Thompson fired because her staff may not have acted swiftly enough to accommodate the request of the Opposition Leader?
If thatÕs so, which minister can vouch for the speed with which his or her staff work?
And what is the responsibility of senior staff, like permanent secretaries? It must be theirÕs and not the ministerÕs, to facilitate such matters.
When Arthur obtained an explanation from his Health Minister on Monday morning was he satisfied then that she was negligent in her duties? Had the Opposition Leader been completely ignored? Was the request in the bureaucratic pipeline?
Commentator Ezra Alleyne said on a VOB call-in programme during the week that the constitutional position of the Opposition Leader was such that the minister had a special duty.
I donÕt agree with this view. Alleyne does tend to take his constitutional points beyond every practicability. A letter of request, even from the Opposition Leader, does not have to be micro-managed by a minister throughout her ministry. The minister only needs to instruct and ask to be kept informed.
Can it really be her constitutional responsibility to fix the date and time of the appointment?
This is an unrealistic expectation.
In my view, while the ministryÕs staff are arranging the details of the visit, her job then is to write the Ministry of the Civil Service to ensure the appointments recommended in the Haynes Report of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) are implemented; to do other things like preparing legislation to strengthen the hands of public health staff with respect to food quality inspection; to deal with the proposal for flexi-time for public health inspectors; to meet with international organisations about health projects; to attend planning meetings here and overseas; to deal with the problems associated with the refusal of the union to allow sanitation workers to collect garbage in privately owned vehicles; to work on providing a 24-hour service for the QEH as the NUPW requests.
A-plus
ThatÕs the job of the minister.
And thatÕs where the Prime Minister gave her an A-plus after the general elections.
So perhaps she was really fired for what she said.
And what was that?
ÒWeÕve had several requests for tours of Greenland and weÕve accommodated them. But IÕm rather curious about Mr. ThompsonÕs request for a tour... because I still donÕt know if he sees it as a potential disposal site for the entire DLP, or for those people who are running against him for leadership.Ó
These are strong words which fall outside the bounds set down by Arthur for his Cabinet about not encouraging controversy. He said to them after the Nelson Statue controversy that he did not want ministers creating new disputes.
But do you fire a minister for that?
And how did he deal with the other minister who talked about Òindigenous peopleÓ?
Did he get even a slap on his wrist?
I cannot put it any better than Sir Frederick Smith did on Friday in his radio call-in programme on the Voice of Barbados. He said that he cannot construe ThompsonÕs statement as anything but the everyday language used by competing politicians.
He went on to say that having been schooled in times of Sir Grantley Adams, Sir Frank Walcott and Sir Mencea Cox, he regards ThompsonÕs language as accepted political lingo.
Like Sir Frederick, I have to ask that if ministers of government are to be dismissed for the use of words of this sort, then who would be safe?
Would Billie Miller with her acid tongue ?
Would the combative Mia Mottley?
And what about George Payne the ÒindigenousÓ man?
By taking the action he has against Thompson, Arthur could eventually turn Mottley, Miller and Payne into political jelly fish. And what nature of spineless fish would the others then become?
What signal is he sending to prospective politicians? And is that message likely to keep in politics the likes of Reggie Farley and Anthony Wood and a few other new men who hold strong opinions and are not mere camp followers?
Dismissal
And let us not forget that this dismissal-without-explanation comes after the April firing of Winston Cox, Governor of the Central Bank.
Separately, the Cox dismissal-without-explanation was accepted because of the sensitivities of that office. But Arthur cannot now escape criticism when we take both into consideration.
Together, they make a rattling noise in my head.
ThatÕs why I now ask several questions:
Did the Prime Minister give his minister an opportunity to apologise to the Opposition Leader, as she readily did when she took a cutlass on the political platform in that famous cutlass speech in January?
Did he look at the option of offering her a ministry away from all the public glare that Health attracts?
Did he give her the opportunity to save face by resigning?
The evidence suggests not.
Displeased boss
Yet, such was the case with Dr. Richard Cheltenham, who resigned from the Arthur Cabinet in June, 1995. He, too, was guilty of saying things that displeased his boss. He had made reference to the Òmoral minorityÓ on the issue of gambling, and on another occasion had said: ÒOnly a few middle class people are interested in that foolishness. What purpose would it serve to go on a fishing expeditionÓ in reference to the 1988 dope in a diplomatic bag scandal.
The Prime Minister issued a statement to the effect: ÒHaving regard to recent events, Dr. Cheltenham has considered it in his and the GovernmentÕs best interest to demit office ...Ó
There was dignity in CheltenhamÕs departure.
Not so with Thompson last week.
In Britain where Cabinet ministers come and go, convention dictates that such matters are dealt with maturely.
Ministers are invited to write letters of resignation and prime ministers write letters of acceptance and ministers vacate office in good grace.
So what was so different in this case?
My mind goes back to the events of the month of May and I wonder how much impact this alleged rumpus in the Cabinet, featuring two of the so-called Òpowder puffÓ girls had on last weekÕs decision.
In my view, this entire episode says more about Arthur than about Thompson.
I well remember one of ArthurÕs great predecessors once saying in a more general context: ÒThe Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.Ó
IÕll now add my own not so original line: ÒBlessed be the name of the Lord.Ó
¥ Harold Hoyte is Editor-in-Chief of Nation newspapers.
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Greenland liner fault [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Greenland liner fault
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 3A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 18, 1999
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Category: News
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GOVERNMENT has admitted for the first time that there were leaks in the landfill liner at Greenland.
Prior to yesterdayÕs admission, there were denials that there were leaks.
During the tour of the St. Andrew facility yesterday, Opposition Leader David Thompson noted there was water collected in two of the three leachate ponds and queried why.
Sandra Prescod of the Solid Waste Project Unit said they suspected leachate pond No. 1 was leaking.
Minister of Health Senator Phillip Goddard said the pond would have to be excavated and re-compacted as part of the remedial action, once the green light was given for GreenlandÕs opening, to make the facility operational.
It was last September in the House of Assembly that then Shadow Minister of Health Johnny Tudor laid the charge of leakage and spoke of a dye-tracing test conducted on leachate pond No. 1. But former Minister of Health Liz Thompson denied there were leaks.
She called the OppositionÕs charge another Ònancy storyÓ created about the landfill since its construction.
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Sides at odds over leakage [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Sides at odds over leakage
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 26A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 18, 1999
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Category: News
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THERE WAS a divergence of views on the possibility of contamination of a water course by leachate in the event of a five-inch rain fall.
The difference came as Government officials who yesterday toured the Greenland landfill, explained why an estimated two million gallons of water had collected
in the main garbage disposal cell at the Greenland landfill.
Sandra Prescod, of the Solid Waste Project Unit, said that the mere fact that water was there indicated that the landfill liner was working and there was no leakage.
Prescod was part of a group which included Minister of health Phillip Goddard, Opposition leader David Thompson and greenland opponent, Richard Goddard who were all touring the landfill.
She explained that the cell was designed to drain leachate (the liquid which oozes from rotting garbage) into a 3-metre-deep well from where it would be transferred by truck to leachate ponds, where it would go through a process of treatment to ensure it poses no danger to the environment when it is eventually disposed.
Richard Goddard, chairman of the Scotland District Association which opposes the landfill siting, suggested that when there is a five-inch rain, which occurs every five years on average, that the well could be overwhelmed by the deluge and the water overflow into a perimeter water course and flow into Shorey Village, St. Andrew and the sea.
Prescod, however, insisted that the design of the landfill took into consideration storm events up to the 100-year worst case scenario.
She added that as the landfill builds with garbage, berms would be created at various levels to channel away the storm water from the basin.
Dr. Mostapha Warith of R.J. Burnside International which is conducting a peer review, said that the garbage would act as a sponge and retain the flow.
However, Goddard was unconvinced and felt strongly that there must be an overflow.
The source of the water was also a matter of contention.
Government officials said it was storm water and not spring water in the cell.
Goddard and Edward Cumberbatch, a retired head of the Soil Conservation Unit, insisted that there must be springs feeding the landfill.
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Give love a chance ... [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Give love a chance ...
EDITOR'S DIARY
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Creator: Gibbs Roxanne
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Thu, Aug 19, 1999
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Category: Living
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POPPYCOCK!
I agree with Chief Education Officer Wendy Griffith-Watson when she says the same thing to those criticising the Ministry of Education on its Human Values programme.
ÒAbsolute nonsense!Ó
One church minister who is strongly against the programme, according to a story in last weekendÕs Press, said: ÒBarbados is a Christian country and in our National Anthem we say God has been the peopleÕs guide. By introducing that project we are saying that God is no longer our guide and what we have been doing and saying is not working.Ó
Oh, come on!
All right-thinking people have been crying out for the church and others to help control our youth and bring back the good old-time values to society. Now a group with no religious affiliation, the Human Values Society of Barbados, has decided to take the needed action. It hasnÕt only talked ... and talked ... and talked.
At the initial meeting held at the Island Inn earlier this year, people from all walks of life attended and discussed the best approach to teach human values.
Those in attendance included Anglican Bishop Rufus Brome; Bishop Malcolm Galt of the Roman Catholic Church; headteachers; Minister of Education Mia Mottley; Barbados Tourism Authority president Earlyn Schuffler; Richard Carter, director of Youth Affairs; union officials and others.
And at that time, some really hair-raising stories were told of the ugly behaviour some of our young people get up to these days.
The purpose of that meeting was to discuss the need for human values and the best way for integrating such values into the lives of our children. The meeting endorsed the teaching of values in the schools.
What I canÕt understand is why now that positive action is being taken, the criticsms are so fast and furious.
To me they hold no water. What can be better than a child being taught love, peace, truth, right action and non-violence?
Does it really matter which grouping such noble teachings come from?
I urge parents to give it a shot! Support the Human Values programme. We may still lose some (of our youth), but I bet weÕll win a whole lot more than weÕve been doing recently!
Following up ...
'Not me' says the PM
WORKERS at the Boscobelle Bridge in St. Peter are not happy.
They say I was unfair to them last week when I announced to the world that the Prime Minister caught them playing dominoes, when they should have been working.
They were at lunch, they said, and that was later explained to the Prime Minister, who apologised.
ÒApologise?
ÒNo such thingÓ, said the PM when I checked with him.
ÒIt is not the first time this has happened and I have not apologised to anybody!Ó
Oh, Oh!
Seems like the PM is still ÔcruelÕ Ð hope he spares the rest of us come Budget Day next week.
Sam 'loves' No. 2
GUYANA'S prime Minister Sam Hinds (above) has hit back at his critics.
He doesn't care who criticises his No. 2 position, it doesn't matter that a septic truck driver around with the message: "We're No. 1 in the No. 2 business.
Sam says he too is No. 1 ... in the No. 2 business.
And he loves it!
It's not what you can do for your country, he believes, it's what your country can do for you.
Even if it's being No. 2 forever.
Prophetic sign for Greenland?
IT was no doubt to prevent inconsiderate garbage dumpers from fouling up the area outside the controversial Greenland landfill. But now it appears to be playing a dual role; and has added significance.
I bet Government and Opposition authorities who visited the site on Tuesday couldnÕt help but ponder as they walked by ... is it a sign that they should heed?
What with all the leakage and other concerns, this sign at the landfillÕs edge certainly has new meaning Ð not only to the dumpers, but to the authorities as well.
Now the big question is: Greenland, to be, or not to be?
The computers too?
ALL the REPORTS about guns and violence gives me the creeps. It reminds me of an experience I had on a recent visit to Guyana.
IÕm sitting at the desk in a hotel room.
I am there to do a series of articles and cover an ongoing strike by GuyanaÕs public servants.
Outside, a Government declaration of a state of emergency hangs over Georgetown, just in case the strikers get out of hand.
GuyanaÕs Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis says his men are on alert and ready for any word from the Government, or any sign of disturbance from striking workers.
IÕm typing my story to send by e-mail when suddenly, I hear a voice say: ÒIÕm going to have to shoot you.Ó
Startled, I look around. There is no one there.
ÒHello?Ó I call out. No answer.
I begin to type again Ð this time a little nervously, so I hit a wrong key.
ÒIÕm going to have to shoot you,Ó says the voice again.
I suddenly realise the voice is coming from my laptop computer. I had borrowed it from photographer Chris Brandis who was also on assignment. Is this a sick joke? I wonder.
ÒIÕm going to have to shoot you,Ó the computer shouts again, so I swing around and quickly type, ÒShut up!Ó
I shout for Chris who is in the other room. ÒWhy does this computer want to shoot me?Ó
ÒMaybe you made an error,Ó he shouts back. ÒIt always threatens to shoot you when you make an error.Ó
Well, well, a computer bent on violence!
A computer programmed by a human ... and we wonder why all the violence?
If we canÕt get humans attuned to non-violence, canÕt we at least try with our computers? CanÕt we programme them with messages of human values: truth, love, peace, right-action and non-violence?
For example, IÕd love a computer programmed to tell me: ÒYou look lovely todayÓ, ÒHave a nice dayÓ, ÒSmile, I love youÓ, ÒDonÕt worry, IÕll fix itÓ or ÒTo err is humanÓ.
IsnÕt it terrible that our computers are also following in the footsteps of gun-totting rebels?
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LIZ: NO CHANCE [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: LIZ: NO CHANCE
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Creator: Alleyne Barry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 32A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 22, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: by Barry Alleyne
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FORMER Minister of Health Elizabeth Thompson meant no discourtesy to Opposition Leader David Thompson when she made remarks about his visit to the Greenland Landfill.
In fact, she said she would have apologised had she been asked to do so by her boss, Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
ÒI would have said IÕm sorry,Ó she said during an interview at her Prior Park, St. James home on Friday.
Thompson, who had been Minister of Health since 1991, talked about a series of issues ranging from her life away from Cabinet, her relationship with the Prime Minister, the performance in the ministry, her immediate future, and her often controversial personality.
For the first time, she spoke at length since being fired by the Prime Minister for what he deemed Òarrogant and outrageousÓ behaviour.
She felt she should not have been fired for the comments after a request by the Opposition Leader to tour the landfill.
She was fired by the Prime Minister on August 9 after she questioned whether Thompson saw Greenland as a Òpotential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party or for those people who are running against him for leadershipÓ.
The St. James South MP said she would have publicly apologised to Thompson, her political party and the country, had she been asked to do so by Arthur, but he never asked.
ÒI meant the leader of the Opposition no discourtesy,Ó she said. ÒI never had a difficulty with him touring Greenland, and confirmation for his tour was sent to the permanent secretary in the ministry for arrangement the same day I received the letter.
ÔPlayfulÕ
ÒI honestly wasnÕt denying him a tour of the facility.
ÒIt was a playful comment, not meant to insult anyone.Ó
According to Thompson, she thought her comments would have been seen in the style of the politics that existed in Barbados today.
She noted, however, that in our style of government, the Prime Minister had the power to dismiss people and every Cabinet member knew this.
About her relationship with Arthur, Thompson said it was ÒinterestingÓ.
ÒHeÕs my constituent and I love him,Ó she said, breaking into a smile.
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'We still want you, Liz' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'We still want you, Liz'
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Creator: Hinds David
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 3A
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Paper Date: Mon, Aug 23, 1999
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Category: News
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WE STILL want you Liz, no matter what. That was the resounding endorsement sacked Minister of Health, Liz Thompson, received from enthusiastic supporters at QueenÕs College last night.
Thompson gave her St. James South constituents a detailed 90-minute report of events leading up to her dismissal from cabinet on August 9.
Her report started from June 4, the date of the letter she received from Opposition Leader David Thompson requesting a tour of the controversial Greenland Landfill. She quoted extensively from her diary entries, letters and newspaper articles.
Near the end of her report she asked: ÒDo you still want me to be your representative?Ó
A deafening ÒyesÓ came back from her audience which included Senator Jessica Odle, president of the Barbados Labour PartyÕs WomenÕs League.
Speaking about the comment she made about the Opposition leaderÕs request to tour Greenland, Thompson said she was only Ômaking sport.Õ
She had commented that she did not know whether the opposition leader had seen Greenland as a potential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party or for those people who were running against him for leadership.
ÒI have done nothing that was wrong, I have told you events as they happened, nothing is being kept quiet.Ó
Thompson added: ÒThis is only a hiccup. It does not define where I will go politically.Ó
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What's wrong with recycling? [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: What's wrong with recycling?
ANOTHER P.M.
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Creator: Morgan Peter
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 6A
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Paper Date: Thu, Aug 26, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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IT WAS certainly very refreshing to read the reports and see the photographs of the official visit to the Greenland dump. What a change from the confrontation, secrecy, and dissembling which have characterised the whole project since its inception.
There were the Minister of Health, the Leader of the Opposition, a host of experts and, above all, the news media exchanging views and information in a civilised manner about a project which is of great importance to the country and, not least of all to the people of the surrounding districts. Just the way it should be but rarely is.
It was disappointing to read, however, that it is going to take six months and possibly a good deal longer before it can finally be determined whether to continue with the project. Since it is obvious that it would not be worthwhile to invest in the way station at Vaucluse until that decision has been taken, and that itself will take at least another six months, it is clear that it is going to be a couple of years before the landfill can be activated Ð if at all.
ÔOpen GovernmentÕ
A couple of questions arise. I do not recall reading whether the most recent report of experts which was held to be such a closely guarded secret by the former minister is to be made available to the public. Having at last demonstrated a measure of Òopen GovernmentÓ, which had long since been proclaimed but never practised, the Government will surely wish to follow up on its well appreciated change of course.
Another question which comes to this non-expert mind is whether the present dump at ÒMount StinkerooÓ can cope with the tons of garbage which will accrue during the interim period. I suppose there is no alternative Ð it will have to. It would, nonetheless, be of interest to have some official statement about this.
Lastly, it is to be hoped that the former minister will have the good grace to apologise for the misinformation which was given regarding the denial of any leakage. If that misinformation was given to the House that is an even more serious matter.
I am amazed that speculation regarding the dismissal of the minister should have focused so much on her response to the request of the Leader of the Opposition Ð a speculation which has been promoted by the lady herself as the reason for her downfall. I donÕt think that view gives very much credit to the Prime MinisterÕs good judgement. I cannot see that gentleman giving such short shrift to any minister solely because of verbal indiscretion Ð a ticking off,
maybe, an apology, maybe Ð but dismissal no way. Mr. PayneÕs indiscretion was far serious Ð even potentially damaging to the national economy Ð but he survived.
Is it possible that the problem goes much further back than even the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Greenland, the Sanitation Service Authority or any other of the former minsterÕs disasters? People tend to have forgotten the awful mess that there was initially with the South Coast Sewerage Project. One thing is for sure Ð something precipitated the Prime MinisterÕs action and it wasnÕt that verbal indiscretion.
I have never heard just what is GovernmentÕs objection to what seems to be a very practical solution to the whole garbage problem. Enforce, if necessary, the separation of garbage: support those companies which are willing to re-cycle: and incinerate the rest thereby creating energy which can be used for a specific purpose or absorbed by the Light and Power. WhatÕs the problem with that?
I would have thought it would make a very good long term sense because, even if they do eventually use Greenland, that is going to get full one day and the whole problem starts over again. Why pass the buck to our children or even grandchildren by deferring the long term solution until their day?
One small difficulty has arisen. If I recall correctly, the offer to undertake the project, finance it and operate it, was made by one of the C.O. Williams Companies. After the latest vulgar tirade, timidly hinted in last weekÕs PuddinÕ and Souse column, the possibility of Government reaching an accord with one of their companies becomes problematic.
It is regrettable that situations which are detrimental to the interests of the country as a whole are allowed to develop out of personal likes and dislikes. This one could make Philip GoddardÕs task even more difficult. I wish him success.
¥ Peter Morgan is a former Minister of Tourism in a DLP Government
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Satan jumpin', jumpin' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Satan jumpin', jumpin'
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 27, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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MISTER Speaker, Sir, as duly representer for the constituency of Morgan Lewis Bottom, I rise to reply to the financial budget and statement proposals presented by the honourable Owen. Ill fares the land, Mr. Speaker, Sir, to hastÕning ills a prey, where wealth accumulates, and men decay.
That is Goldsmith, Sir, as you and I would know who, thank God, got a little eddication before they threw out all that was worthwhile. And he ainÕt lie.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I question why only eight members of this honourable house will be allowed to speak this year. Granted that most people tune to BBS when the budget is on. And Owen lost me early on Tuesday with all those speciftics.
Forsooth, my mind kept drifting to a culinary dilemma home by me. The wife cooked a superlicious coucou and salmon earlier this week. We normally use the coucou stick to prop up the kitchen window, so when she is stirring coucou, the window is closed and she is hot and sweating.
The question is: should I prop the window by other means, or is the sweetness of the coucou due to the added sweat?
Be that as it may, Sir, the public likes to hear the scandal on the latest issues. And this year it will devolve upon me to fill the breeches of the lesser MPs and give the lowdowns. First, Greenland. Drive along the East Coast Road, Sir, and you will see the results of an unwise ministerial decision: attempted roadways cut in a hill-side, washing down with every rain. A disgrace.
So too Greenland. But this is no time for recriminations or I-told-you-sos.
When Liz said Greenland was on stream, she sure had that right. How can we use it and save face for government? Put fish in the lakes and rent canoes and tackle to the tourists. With all those cracks, crackodiles will flourish and myriad wildlifes. It will pay for itself in no time and fit in nicely with Farley Hill Park and the Monkey Reserve.
And as for our garbage, incinerate. The problems of burning plastic have been solved long ago. Check the island of Jersey, Sir. With only 45 square miles, Òthe preservation of a pleasant environment was of paramount importance, dependent as Jersey is upon tourism and having regard to the feelings of an increasingly environmentally conscious resident population.Ó After trying composting and landfills, they turned to incineration. The heat produced generates five per cent of their electricity needs and could also be used to desalinate water.
Next question: why was Liz fired? Two senior officials of a Government bank Ð I can make them a document of the House if you wish, Sir Ð say she had a millennium problem: Òinstead of being Y2K compliant, she was UR2 cantankerous.Ó
Others postulate that Owen has at last struck a blow Ð one small step for a small man, one giant step for mankind Ð to put women back in their place and stop them taking over everything. If this be so, I say, ÒPower, Owen, show them, muh brother!Ó
Next question: crime and violence. This is where this Government is in chaos and confusion. We heard how gun-toters would feel Òthe full weight of the lawÓ; they get slapped on the wrist. We see criminals sentenced for serious offences, including rape; on appeal, it is ruled that the judge erred in some technicality; and although there is no doubt of his guilt, the criminal is freed, not re-tried. Nor is the judge fired for incompetence.
If we could recycle garbage like how we are recycling criminals out of Glendairy, we would have no solid waste problem. Is it any wonder that we have lost faith in our justice system? The crooks are laughing; the Government with all its mandate is helpless and ineffective; what is the answer? May I suggest: Richard ÒGorillaÓ Goddard for Attorney-General?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, you say my time is up. So be it. Although I wanted to ask whether those incentives for agriculture are too late; what message MPs send to the youth when they parade around in BMWs; when will our roundabouts be standardised; and why is everything in Barbados so expensive?
However, the Prime Minister has impressed me, Sir, that he is competent in matters economic and is taking the measures necessary to see us through. I, for one, will put my shoulder to the wheel and support him. Let him beware, however, for on all sides I see Satans jumpinÕ, jumpinÕ; and their agendas do not necessarily coincide with the good of this country.
I thank you, Mr. Speaker.
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Bajans rebound to win [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Bajans rebound to win
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Creator:
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 31
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Paper Date: Thu, Sep 9, 1999
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Category: Sports
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MONTERREY, Mexico Ð Barbados volleyballers rebounded from their opening loss to the United States at the XVI Norceca Senior Championships here in Monterrey, Mexico, to slam Jamaica in straight sets yesterday, and maintain their domination over the English-speaking Caribbean.
New captain Elwyn Oxley was back to his irrepressible best at the Nuevo Leon Gymnasium to slam 13 kills and execute two key blocks for Barbados to take the game, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19.
The Barbadian volleyballers have now lost just one game out of six meetings with Jamaica.
Only Dean Robinson seemed a threat to Barbados with the Jamaicans remaining in
contention until the crucial end game. Jamaica looked like they would take the first set after opening up a slight lead in the middle of the set. But BarbadosÕ attack, defence and international experience once again proved superior.
Barbados started with Oxley and Renier Grace on the outside, Andy Jordan and Michael Brathwaite in the middle and Fabian Cox playing opposite setter Dale Addison.
Cox and Grace thundered down 10 kills each while Jordan scored nine kills, one block and an ace. Once again, Addison exploited the fact that he is left-handed to slam down three unexpected second-ball kills.
Addison was also very impressive in defence, where he literally threw himself after balls to pull off crucial digs. The setter was in good blocking form to lead his team with three demoralising blocks on the Jamaicans.
Jamaica lost to defending champions Cuba 12-25, 13-25, 10-25 on Tuesday. Today, they play their final preliminary game against the United States while Barbados oppose Cuba.
After yesterdayÕs loss to Barbados, Jamaican coach Philip Greenland pointed to the BarbadiansÕ international experience as the edge which they had over his team.
ÒPlaying at this level, Barbados have developed a culture which we are yet to gain, where they can allow us to match them until the crucial end game,Ó Greenland said. ÒWhen it matters most, Barbados can lift their game and leave us behind.Ó
Greenland said the Caribbean volleyball championships were important but they should not be viewed as the end for the English-speaking Caribbean.
ÒThe Caribbean nations must do like Barbados and find the funding to attend these international tournaments in order for our volleyball to grow.Ó
BarbadosÕ win over Jamaica means the Bajans have qualified for the next round of competition.
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SSA: Landfill not damaged by rains [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: SSA: Landfill not damaged by rains
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Creator: Price Sanka
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Page: 19
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Paper Date: Sat, Jan 2, 1999
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Category: News
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THE flood waters which devastated several parts of St. Andrew and other rural districts had no effect on the Greenland Landfill, says the Sanitation Service Authority.
ÒThere was absolutely no slippage of the slopes whatsoever,Ó general manager of the SSA, Chris Griffith, said last week.
He was responding to suggestions that the heavy rains had caused damage to the facility Ð the point environmentalists contend will occur given the unsuitability of the site for the landfill.
Griffith said because of the amount of rain that fell there was an increase of water in the storm water pond [which collects water off the slopes], but no cracks have been detected.
ÒOne of the cells has water in it because of a blockage of one of the underground leachate pipes by sediment. This [water] has to be drawn off to clear it.Ó
He said the remaining slopes which still need to be grassed at the facility will soon be done to better cope with any rains and erosion. About 85 per cent of the landfill has been grassed.
The state-of-the-art landfill remains closed more than a year after its completion pending construction of a waste transfer station. It has been the centre of much controversy with objections to its location as an environmentally high-risk area.
The Opposition Democratic Labour Party has also condemned the siting of the landfill at Greenland and are on record as saying they would close the facility and look for an alternative to this type of final disposal.
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Landfill bursting at seams [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Landfill bursting at seams
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 24
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Paper Date: Thu, Apr 15, 1999
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Category: News
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by Terry Ally
IF the Mangrove Pond Landfill were a cat, it would have another four more lives to go.
The problem is no longer odour, it is space.
ItÕs fifth life, on borrowed land, is about to expire in another six to ten weeks. The landfill, which receives an average of 600 tonnes of garbage daily, reached capacity in 1996. There were four extensions since then.
The latest extension is the second which is an above-the-ground landfill with no liner and no leachate control.
On arrival, a Nation team found leachate oozing from the northern side of the landfill.
ÒThat will happen,Ó said a Ministry of Health official. ÒWe canÕt control it.Ó
The extension is on lands, to the south of the property, earmarked for the waste transfer station, composting facility, and offices for the northern depot of the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA).
General manager of the SSA Chris Griffith, declined comment at this time, referring us to Permanent Secretary Major Neville Edwards, who said, earlier this week, that Mangrove Pond did not fall under his jurisdiction.
The move from Mangrove Pond was contingent on the opening of Greenland, which in turn was contingent on the construction of a waste transfer station.
The official said that three of the five pieces of equipment at the landfill were out of service and awaiting parts, including the traxcavator which compacts the garbage.
This meant limited compaction using a D8 tractor which has to immediately lay a topsoil cover on every layer of garbage throughout the day, resulting in the landfill building faster.
ÒWe are operating above ground level and are therefore using more topsoil because wind drifts can take the odour to Arch Hall and surrounding areas,Ó said an SSA official, who asked not to be identified.
The last two extensions, one last year and the other in January this year, are above-the-ground landfills which have now risen about 20 to 25 feet above the land level.
The uncertainty over the move from Mangrove Pond to Greenland is taking its toll on the personal lives of the SSA workers.
The Nation heard how commercial banks were denying loans to workers because of the news that the operation was supposed to be privatised.
So there was uncertainty over whether these people would have jobs with the
new entity and will be able to repay their loans.
ÒSome of these guys have children at university and they cannot get loans to assist them. Just this morning a worker came to me and said he just doesnÕt know what to do.Ó
The Mangrove Pond landfill was opened in 1989 and by 1996 the four cells of the 44-acre facility were filled. In December, 1996, the first extension was created but in a year a second extension was being used.
Mid-last year, the landfill spilled into a section of the canefield to the east of the landfill and last January the garbage moved into a southern section of the adjacent property.
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Changing climate critical to climate [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Changing climate critical to climate
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 22A
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Paper Date: Wed, Apr 21, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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by Terry Ally
AS Barbados prepares to mark Earth Day Ô99, a senior Government official has underscored the vulnerability of the island to global warming.
Senator Tyrone Barker, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources, said that the problem of global warming is critical for all the small islands and low-lying countries in the region.
He told the opening of a regional greenhouse gas inventory workshop that the consequences of global warning, mainly due to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, will affect every activity in all Caribbean countries.
ÒAn increase in sea level as a result of global warming could be extremely disastrous,Ó he said.
He added that economic and social developments located along the coast line would be susceptible to nearshore flooding.
ÒThroughout the region key infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and fire stations are located in these coastal areas ... in Barbados the majority of our tourism infrastructure is located on the coastline. The problem of salt water intrusion is also a serious concern for many countries in the region who have to rely on freshwater aquifers and do not have rivers and streams as freshwater sources.Ó
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are so called because of their heat-absorbing properties. The majority of them are man-made gases, such as carbon dioxide which comes from the burning of fossil fuels.
The GHG emitted go into the atmosphere where they form a blanket which traps heat in the earthÕs environment.
This heat, referred to as global warming, is believed to help in the melting of polar ice which in turn causes global sea levels to rise.
NASA surveyors recently reported that the Greenland icecap was thinning by up to one metre per year which they said was a threat to coastal communities around the world. Comparing surveys between 1993 and 1998, they found the ice sheet had thinned five metres.
Melting ice on the east coast of Greenland helps drive the EarthÕs ocean currents, which affects rainfall and climate worldwide.
Upsetting the melting rate could slow or stop currents but despite this new information it was still not clear whether the icecap was growing or shrinking.
Barbados and other countries in the Caribbean are now in the process of learning how to create inventories of greenhouse gases as part of national communication reports to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change.
They will also be designing projects to help them cope with the impact of climate change.
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Dik-Dik's last stand [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Dik-Dik's last stand
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, May 14, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE frogs are back. When we came to Morgan Lewis in Õ77, there used to be tons.
We lived in the bus then and after lights out it was nigh impossible to reach safe haven without stepping on a fellowÕs back leg and having him scrabble madly to get away. My wife could high-jump ten feet with ease. Then they disappeared.
Now theyÕre back. At least 50 on the lawn a few nights ago. Their favourite frolic is for one to gallop full-speed in a humanoid direction, forcing said humanoid to flee into darker regions where its companions are lurking. Our lawn has become a mighty shrieky place at night. The wife has lost none of her jumping ability. And her daughters have inherited it. Frogs are very ecological. Hurrah for the frogs!
The other good news is that Krissie is back. She is the schol daughter studying in Canada. The great thing about winning a schol is that Chefette invites student and parents for a free meal. Kris had already gone when the dinner came around but they said we could still come. And she could get hers any time she was back. So we went and had delicious steaks.
My wife and I have a bet: she says Mr. Haloute of Chefette is a proper gentleman and he wouldnÕt let the child dine alone while its parents languish outside. I figure that is pushing our luck a bit. But IÕve worked out a little speech just in case: ÒSteak, please, well-done with macaroni pie.Ó Will he or wonÕt he? We shall see.
The sad news is, however, weÕre getting out of goats. We started with two in 1989, Dik Dik and Klip, and since then have come to love and respect these fascinating animals. Now we have over 150 and they have flourished beyond our wildest dreams.
GoatsÕ milk is a wonder product, easily digested by people who canÕt handle cowsÕ milk. Lots of healthy Bajan babies are now being raised on it, as well puppies and even race-horses. One health specialist uses it extensively not only in diets, but for bathing his patients. A gent recently was on a complete goat-milk diet, nothing else, for a week. And at the end of it he continued longer since he Òhad never felt betterÓ in his life.
GoatsÕ milk yoghurt is much less acid than cowsÕ; many customers make their own.
The goat cheese market is expanding (Pizza Man Doc is keen on it) as well as the meat.
GoatsÕ meat is rivalled only by venison for its lack of fat. Men who consume goatsÕ milk and meat need not boast of their sexual properties: the sultry satisfied expression seen on their womenfolk is ample testimony.
Our goatsÕ milk is popular with visitors and is often taken overseas. Pictures of our goats have appeared in international magazines. Recently we learned they are introducing spider genes into goats. ÒGood grief,Ó we thought, Òare goats now going to catch flies?Ó No, but apparently theyÕre going to make silk out of goatsÕ milk. (As in, ÒHoasey, ah want three yards of goat milk to mek a wedding dressÓ??)
Anyway, the wife and I reached a crossroads: upgrade and expand, or get out. As it turned out, the decision was made for us.
Sometime after we started, the other two main producers, Samuel Inniss and the
government, shut up shop and we were left carrying the flag. Subsequently, government imported a breeding herd of 60 does (at $2000 each) and set it up at Greenland. When these came into production, they phoned to find out our milk prices. So far so good.
Then we heard ads for goatsÕ milk from Greenland and found out they were selling 40 to 50 cents a pint below our market price. We figured this was an oversight and drew it to the attention of the powers that be in the Ministry of Agriculture. I even mentioned it to Liz and Mia but in all fairness didnÕt ask these ladies for succour as I assumed it would be changed.
I was wrong. They were adamant. And no one can compete with a government product where profit is not even a consideration. Not with undercutting at that level. My advice to would-be goat-farmers is: if you write a newspaper column, for GodÕs sake, never criticise the government.
One last word: there is something spiritually satisfying about keeping goats that I never quite understood. Only while writing this did I came across a quote from the Prophet Mohammad: ÒThere is no house possessing a goat but a blessing abideth therein, and there is no house possessing three goats but the angels pass the night praying therein.Ó WeÕve decided to keep four. For surely weÕve been blessed.
Goodbye, little goaties. Gonna miss yuh!
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Of smoke and fire [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Of smoke and fire
EDITORIAL
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Creator:
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Page: 12
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Paper Date: Sat, May 22, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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LAST Thursday, Prime Minister Owen Arthur casually dismissed a rumour that had swept the island like wild fire.
The rumour was that the Minister of Health, Liz Thompson had tendered her resignation as a result of differences over the Greenland Landfill and that the Minister of Education, Mia Mottley followed suit in a show of solidarity.
When reporters contacted Mr. Arthur he laughed away questions about the reports of the ÒresignationsÓ.
The Prime Minister said that disagreements between ministers were not unusual but he would not go any futher.
ÒI am sorry to disappoint the media,Ó he said with a chuckle. ÒMy cabinet is still in the very best of health but these things (rumours of resignations) add spice to the process of governance.
ÒIf I may quote from ShakespeareÕs King Lear: Ô As flies to wanton boys are we to the Gods; they kill us for their sportÕ.Ó
Thinking that they were neither wanton boys nor Gods, journalists dutifully dug up the source of the disagreement and the unconfirmed reports of resignations or threats of resignation.
It was to do with the award of the contact to run the Greenland landfill and operate a garbage transfer station.
It would appear that in the entire episode, Miss Thompson lived up to her reputation as an extremely fiesty debater.
We have not been able to get the complete and unabridged story about what took place between the Prime Minister on one hand and the Health and Education ministers on the other.
But enough has been uncovered to suggest that the disagreement was rather fiery. There is no need to quote Shakespeare to make a point. We only have to ask a commonsense question: Is there ever smoke without fire?
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DLP told: Get on with the job [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DLP told: Get on with the job
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Creator: King Michael
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 23
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Paper Date: Tue, Jun 01, 1999
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Category: News
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THE Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has to put an end to the internal bickering and disharmony and get down to the business of being viewed as an alternative Government.
Assistant General Secretary of the party, Kerrie Symmonds made this call in an impassioned speech which stretched nearly two hours at a St. Michael West branch meeting at St. LeonardÕs Boys School, Sunday night.
ÒThe time has long come for us to stop the political cutting up of each other over foolishness. We need to unite and put an end to the wrangling and petty talk. The DLP has to make itself ready and bring a new thinking.
ÒWe have to unify and move forward. We must get our act together and be ready for the long march. This party has to become strong,Ó he said.
The articulate attorney-at-law said he was disappointed that matters such as who should hold executive positions and for how long, were engaging the attention of those who should know better.
ÒThere is no magic in holding the post of president or any post. A post is not sacred, sanctified or ordained by God. The DLP has to get back to serious political debeate and the business of being an alternative Government,Ó Symmonds.
According to Symmonds, there has been too much confusion and mystery attached to the Greenland Landfill adding that he is still wondering when it will finally open.
ÒWhat is the real story behind the Solid Waste Management contract? When is Liz going to stop sheltering behind the coat-tails of Mia Mottley and Billie Miller. What is the exact position as it relates to Greenland?Ó he said.
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'Skewed' reports [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Skewed' reports
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation / Extra
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Paper Section And Page: 15
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Paper Date: Wed, Jun 30, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: Terry Ally
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GOVERNMENT has been advised to open negotiations for the management contract for Greenland to ONYX (Barbados) Limited.
And should negotiations with them fail, they should start talks with Miller Waste Solutions (Barbados) Limited.
The advice came from a Special Tenders Committee (STC) after it found serious discrepancies in the report by the Evaluation Committee which voted 2-1 in favour of Miller, saying the Canadian company presented the best combination of capability, service, quality and cost.
Investigations by the DAILY NATION revealed that so serious were the discrepancies in the Evaluation CommitteeÕs report that the STC summoned a meeting with them to explain why the results of their deliberations appeared ÒskewedÓ in favour of Miller Waste.
There were three steps in the evaluation.
The first to determine the suitability of five applicants. Miller Waste and ONYX succeeded but Canada Carib Limited (the company which built the landfill), GPEC International Limited, and J. McArdle Contractors failed.
The next step was evaluation of the technical proposals and the third was evaluation of the business plan.
The two bidders then appeared before the Evaluation Committee to make oral presentations and answer questions.
The final score was 47 points for Miller Waste and 42 points for ONYX. Miller scored higher on their technical proposal and the presentation while ONYX scored higher on their business plan.
But this raised questions which were put to the Evaluation Committee during a November 2, 1998 meeting with the STC.
The first was cost. Why did the Evaluation Committee recommend Miller Waste which was US$2.5 million higher than ONYX?
Chairperson of the Evaluation Committee, Sandra Prescod, said the role of her committee was to recommend the best combination of technology and expertise and was guided by the Request for Proposal (RFP) and was not directed to take cost into consideration.
But the STC maintained that cost was a valid question in any Òreasonable evaluationÓ and had to be addressed but the Evaluation Committee failed to clarify the issue.
Prescod also said that no minutes were taken of their meetings and the STC said that with no record they could not independently verify the report of the Evaluation Committee.
Another question was why the independent consultant, Guildford and Associates, rejected equipment proposed by ONYX for the Composting Facility and accepted that proposed by Miller Waste, which was more expensive, without a reason for the choice? The Evaluation Committee offered no comment, explanation, or clarification.
Gas control
Another major concern was that the Evaluation Committee played down the importance of controlling landfill gases which were highly combustible and contributed to odours. Miller Waste did not have a gas control proposal but ONYX did.
Prescod said the committee had no expertise in landfill gases and had to be guided by the consultant.
Both the Evaluation Committee and the independent consultant misreported that ONYX would not use portable fences to control litter at Greenland but Prescod said it was an error which would be corrected.
Another discrepancy was that the Evaluation Committee and the independent consultant seemed to have given no consideration to the fact that ONYX had vast operational experience and it was marked down because the Evaluation Committee said it was ÒvagueÓ on the names of its employees while Miller Waste identified its personnel.
The STC said this was strange because Miller Waste had little or no experience in solid waste management, with regards to landfill, while ONYX had a Òculture of solid waste management experienceÓ.
The ÒglitzyÓ presentation by Miller also tipped scales 128 points in their favour which led the STC to conclude that the Evaluation Committee paid more attention to ÒformÓ than ÒsubstanceÓ.
The Evaluation Committee also marked down ONYX because they said the company provided no operational manual but the STC disputed this, pointing out that ONYX clearly stated that it would use the manual provided by Stanley International Group Inc. (which designed the landfill) with minor adjustments.
The Evaluation Committee said ONYX did not indicate what the minor changes were.
The STC also noted the ÒtendencyÓ by the Evaluation Committee to use Òstrong emotive languageÓ. For example, MillerÕs bid was described as ÒcomprehensiveÓ and ÒsuperiorÓ while ONYXÕs bid was said to be Ògeneric and lacks depth in every respectÓ.
Though saying that the Evaluation Committee judiciously discharged its functions, the STC concluded that a number of discrepancies were apparent which ÒforcedÓ them to conclude that ONYX ranked higher than its competitor and they recommended that government start negotiations with ONYX first, and if those fail, then with Miller.
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'Thompson' factor [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Thompson' factor
THE LIZ THOMPSON AFFAIR
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Creator: Morris Roy
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 3
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 10, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Roy Morris
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IT WAS Thompson vs Thompson that brought down the Minister of Health yesterday.
While Prime Minister Owen Arthur declined to offer any detail on why he sacked St. James South Member of Parliament, Liz Thompson, Thompson herself yesterday admitted that Arthur told her the action was the result of the ministerÕs response to a request from Opposition Leader David Thompson.
But according a source, the Prime Minister was angry following a series of events which caused the public to label the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) as Òbecoming arrogantÓ.
He apparently called all ministers and told them to Òget on with the job of managing the countryÓ without giving the country the impression that ÒGovernment was committed to a course of outrageous behaviourÓ.
The source added that the ministers were admonished to carry out their duties without encouraging controversy and giving the public the impression that because of its 26 to two majority, public sentiment was not important.
Then on July 19, 1999, the DAILY NATION carried a report that the Leader of the Opposition was still awaiting a response from the health minister to a request one-and-a-half months earlier for permission to tour the controversial landfill.
He said then: ÒIn view of the importance of the Greenland project to the health of our nation, as well as the significant capital cost of the project, I should like to have the opportunity, along with my advisers, of visiting the project.Ó
In response, the minister said she had no objection to the Opposition Leader touring the landfill, but added:
ÒWeÕve had several requests for tours of Greenland and weÕve accommodated them. But IÕm rather curious about Mr. ThompsonÕs request for a tour ... because I still donÕt know if he sees it as a potential disposal site for the entire Democratic Labour Party, or for those people who are running against him for leadership.Ó
There was immediate widespread public criticism of the minister.
ÒShe kept creating these kinds of controversies for the Government,Ó the source said yesterday.
ÒThe Opposition has constitutional responsibilities and Mr. Thompson as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee must be treated with respect if not it will bring Government into disrepute.
ÒIt is an example of the outrageous behaviour which people have been attributing to the 26-2 majority, and was not in keeping with the mandate to settle down and get on with business without hubris and rancour,Ó the source said.
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In Thompson's own words ... [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: In Thompson's own words ...
THE LIZ THOMPSON AFFAIR
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Creator: King Michael
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 5
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 10, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Mike King
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FOLLOWING is the statement made by Liz Thompson following her sacking as Minister of Health yesterday by Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
ÒAt about eleven oÕclock this morning I received a message that the Prime Minister wanted to see me.
ÒI 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.
ÒI 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. ThompsonÕs to tour Greenland on Friday if he was available.
ÒI told him that I was concerned that Mr. ThompsonÕs request had not been facilitated and that I therefore intended to personally accompany him on tour.
ÒI indicated to him that when I received Mr. ThompsonÕs 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.
ÒThe 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.
ÒI leave the Ministry of Health and ministerial office having given of my best and having achieved much. Some of these achievements were published by the BLP in January in a document titled ÒProductive PartnershipÓ. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for having given me the opportunity to lead the largest and most complex Ministry in government and for his consistent support during the last five years. I am also appreciative of the support I enjoyed from the persons with whom I worked.
ÒI will continue to serve my constituents, the people of St. James South, to whom I am deeply committed. I remain loyal to the agenda and philosophy of the Barbados Labour Party.
ÒIn the next few days I will make a decision about my professional career but I should like to thank the many persons who have expressed their support in the last few hours.Ó
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Landfill 'needs logical review' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Landfill 'needs logical review'
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Creator: Ejimofor Patience
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 5A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 11, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: by Patience Ejimofor
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NEW MINISTER of Health Phillip Goddard says the controversial Greenland landfill is an issue in need of logical review.
Speaking to the Press in the Public Buildings yard Tuesday, the senator, said Greenland was Òof course an issue. It is something I have to review logically and we will take it one day at the timeÓ.
Goddard, who handed over the baton to Rommell Marshall as Minister of Public Works and Transport after six months on the job, said he had yet to settle in his new office.
He said there were a few things to tidy up in the old before moving into the new ministry.
Asked whether he saw his transfer coming, the senator said the appointment was sudden but the transition would not be difficult.
ÒI think I am prepared for it. I have good support, good people in place and I look forward to working with them.Ó
Goddard is inheriting a troubled ministry, plagued by criticism, strikes and general discontent.
A shrewd businessman, widely-travelled and former minister of state in charge of international business and foreign trade, he is expected to use his vast knowledge and experience to navigate the Ministry of Health.
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A time for exclusion [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: A time for exclusion
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 13, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline:
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Last week a caller accosted talk-show host Dennis ÒSugar-TongueÓ Johnson as follows: ÒIf I walk into a room full of people smelling stink and nasty, I do not have a problem; the other people in that room have a problem.Ó
Those may not be the exact words, but you get the drift. Now, in the context of todayÕs Barbados, the caller is right. But isnÕt something wrong there? Who should have the problem Ð one dirty man or a room-full of clean people? ShouldnÕt they have the right to exclude him Ð by whatever means?
You canÕt do that, you will say, the man has rights. Okay, but tell me this: if there is a war, you, me, PG, Maurice, KB, the Market Vendor, Sugar-Tongue Johnson and even Debbie (whose blue dress at church was simply ÒWow!Ó to quote one source) can be called up for duty, right? And if necessary, Briggideer Lew can send us to our certain death for the good of the country, right? And we poor, peaceful, polite citizens would have no right not to die, right?
But the damn vagabonds who are ruining this country have rights, right? Well let me tell you something: as far as I am concerned, this is war. And we must do what must be done for the good of this country.
Start with the schools: you have maybe six trouble-makers, fighting, stealing, being rude to teachers and encouraging others to do the same, disrupting a whole school of over 900. Expel them as was done in former times.
Baxters Road was a hive of activity where small businesses flourished and Bajans and visitors could relax and enjoy themselves. Enter some paros, pushers and thieves who spoiled it for everyone and drove the patrons to
Oistins. The host of shopkeepers and fish vendors threw their hands up and let Baxters Road be desolated by a few vagabonds.
Will St. Lawrence Gap go the same way? I played up there a few months back.
Hotels thriving, night clubs, wayside vendors selling food and what-nots, taximen, artists, fellows hustling foreign women Ð the whole place alive with activity.
Then the unkempt vagrants showed up. One tackled me as I was putting equipment in a car parked in a fairly dark area. He was mumbling to himself; I was sizing up a microphone stand and thinking body disposal.
Not two minutes later another was hustling me for change to make up a five dollar. Followed by a third leaning half-way into my pick-up trying to get my wife to buy a necklace.
Patrons donÕt feel safe. And itÕs only a matter of time before they stop coming. Again the livelihood of the many who do business in St. Lawrence Gap will be ruined by half-dozen vagrants. Another part of Barbados destroyed.
ItÕs the same everywhere. One filthy character in Bridgetown hugging up tourists can drive away hundreds. One ice-pick wielding yute can keep thousands from Crop-Over.
An indisciplined minority of ZR and minibus personnel are killing the prospects that small Bajan entrepreneurs could take over public transport.
Barbados is falling prey to policies of over-protection, not of the weak, but of the wicked. We have been brain-washed into accepting that the rights of individuals Ð no matter how reprobate Ð must take precedence over the rights of society as a whole.
And if Owen Arthur doesnÕt crack the whip and transform this back into a country where effort is rewarded, where evil is punished and bad apples eliminated, we are going to smell hell.
He has made a start. One arrogant and outrageous individual was apparently embarrassing the other 25 Bees. So he practiced the Politics Of Exclusion. Way to go, Owen. And we expect other disrupters flying government colours to get similar ÒdecommissioningÓ.
But I have a few reservations about Liz. True, she followed advice to site a dump at Greenland. But that apart, she tried her best. And sheÕs always been nice to me even when we were cutting and thrusting. Besides, sheÕs still smiling: does she know something we donÕt? Like:
¥ Remember Cox sacked a lady, and next thing he was replaced by a lady and the sacked lady reinstated. Could the same happen to Owen?
¥ Who favoured who for the Greenland contract?
¥ When Phillip, the Long-Nose battles Richard the Gorilla, will blood be thicker than all that water in the dump?
¥ Are we white people finally going to get some cheap air-conditioners?
All will be revealed in the fulness of time. Meanwhile itÕs bon voyage to my last brat Don-Don who flies to Florida tomorrow to study tourism management.
Can you imagine she failed a driving-test recently for going through a red light? As the mother-in-law said, ÒCud dear, dum could at least have gie she a ZR licence.Ó
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Sacking of a minister [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Sacking of a minister
EDITORIAL
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Creator:
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 6A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 15, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline:
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IT IS UNUSUAL FOR A PRIME MINISTER of Barbados to dismiss a Cabinet Minister. Whether the reference is to relieving the Minister of a portfolio, or advising the Governor-General to revoke an appointment, it comes down to the same thing.
In other places this happens with rather greater frequency than we are accustomed to. But at most only three Barbadian ministers have lost their jobs in this way.
In each case the circumstances were different. According to our records, Arlington DaCosta ÒJoyÓ Edwards was dismissed when he used funds of the National Housing Corporation to erect a home for the elderly in contravention of financial regulations and after Prime Minister Errol Barrow had specifically turned down EdwardsÕ request for such funds to be set aside for the project.
There is a view that Dr. Don Blackman was also dismissed. But neither side forcibly argued the point. GovernmentÕs case was that Blackman publicly attacked the Minister of Finance who, he said, was not going to release money for the repair of poor peopleÕs houses as long as he ÒBlackmanÓ had been the Minister responsible for Welfare. The Minister of Finance was the Prime Minister. We understood at the time that this attack came after Prime Minister Adams had convened a meeting of his ministers and decided to relieve Blackman of the Welfare portfolio.
Blackman claimed he had resigned before.
ÒI tendered my resignation to a group of ministers, led by the Prime Minister on September 1 at 7.30p.m,Ó he said.
In the most recent dismissal none of these features existed. The issue would seem to be the manner in which the reasonable request of the Leader of the Opposition was publicly dealt with.
The response was more appropriate to the political platform at election time and it is safe to assume that in the judgement of the Prime Minister it sent signals which ought not to be tolerated.
In times past, as Sir Frederick Smith said on Voice Of Barbados on Friday, the ministerÕs response would have been regarded as part of the Òcut and thrustÓ of politics.
The three circumstances were clearly different and in the case of Liz Thompson last week, there are no factors that should lead to enduring bitterness or that should prevent the ministerial benches from benefiting within a reasonably short time from her immense energy and ability. Her style is excessively confrontational and we believe that when she turns her attention to bringing that under control she would have begun her return to the front benches.
It has now fallen to Phillip Goddard to rise to the challenges posed by the Ministry of Health. Things are never quiet in this ministry.
At any one time it is the interns, the nurses, the public health inspectors, the landfill at Greenland, the Sanitation Services Authority. Always it is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. And there are other important areas to attend to like the Psychiatric Hospital.
Senator Goddard is sure to bring a new approach to the Health Ministry and may well turn out to be just what it needs at this time.
The Prime MinisterÕs options were limited by the reality that a new minister has a much better chance of survival while he wets his feet at the Pine than in the turmoil that seems constant at Jemmotts Lane.
The SenatorÕs skills were honed in the many successful years he spent as a businessman. It is these on which he must depend to navigate the treacherous waters of the Ministry of Health. We trust that he will bring sense to both the QEH and Greenland, the former by the continued implementation of the Haynes Commission Report and the latter by its subjection to a most rigorous review and letting the facts inform the decision he takes.
New Minister of Works, Rommel Marshall brings to his post several years in the insurance industry and a successful political career. He too will have his work cut out in dealing with the public service vehicles.
The public will await his bright new ideas.
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Goddard gives cousin the nod [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Goddard gives cousin the nod
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 3A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 18, 1999
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Category: News
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CHIEF OPPONENT of the Greenland landfill Richard Goddard said he had every confidence in the new Minister of Health to do what was right.
Speaking after a tour of the facility yesterday, he called the minister, who is his cousin, a man who listened to advice, and he was sure he would heed that advice and make the correct decisions on the controversial site.
Goddard advocated that Government abandon the site as a landfill and use it for other purposes such as a PeopleÕs Recreational Park or lease GreenlandÕs 300 acres to small farmers.
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Firing of Liz, a mixed bag of reactions [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Firing of Liz, a mixed bag of reactions
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
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Creator: Best Tony
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 21
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 20, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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LIKE many Barbadians in the US, the Rev. Llewellyn Amstrong thinks there was more in the mortar than the pestle.
ÒThe visit to the landfill at Greenland by the Opposition Leader, David Thompson, was only the occasion, not the cause of the firing,Ó was the way he put it the other day.
What the Rector of Calvary/St. CyprianÕs Episcopal Church on BrooklynÕs Bushwick Avenue, was talking about was the sudden dismissal of Liz Thompson as Minister of Health by the Prime Minister, Owen Arthur, and the explanation given for the sacking.
ThompsonÕs firing has been a major topic of discussion within the Barbadian community in New York City and elsewhere in the country.
And as in the case of the reaction at home, Bajan-Americans have voiced mixed feelings about what has happened. However, most of them are siding with Arthur. But even among those who are backing him on this issue, there is a feeling that the whole story hasnÕt been told.
More to it
ÒI donÕt think that the Prime Minister expects us to swallow the reason given for ThompsonÕs dismissal,Ó said a woman in Brooklyn who requested anonymity. ÒThere has to be more to it than that and until I hear more my sympathy is with Ms. Thompson.Ó
But the Bajan working mother is in the minority.
Dr. Dale Husbands, a professor of computer technology at Valencia College in Florida, disagrees with her reaction.
ÒI think Ms. ThompsonÕs comments about the Opposition Leader and Greenland being a graveyard for the Democratic Labor Party candidates were inappropriate and therefore the Prime Minister did what he had to do,Ó said the man who grew up in Prospect, St. James.
The Rev. Dr. Henderson Brome, brother of BarbadosÕ Anglican Bishop, Rev. Rufus Brome, shared Dr. HusbandÕs views.
ÒI donÕt think you can fault the Prime Minister for doing what he did,Ó said Father Brome, Rector of St. CyprianÕs Church in the Roxbury section of Boston.
ÒIt seems to me that Ms. Thompson displayed a sense of arrogance before,Ó he asserted.
Saw pattern
ÒIf this was her first mistake I donÕt think the Prime Minister would have moved like that,Ó added Father Brome. ÒI believe that there was a pattern of behaviour, and the Prime Minister felt that it wasnÕt right and therefore was driven to act.Ó
But while Father Armstrong also touched on the charge of arrogance he struck a note of caution, saying that there was often an undistinguishable line between
arrogance and self-confidence. By that he meant that what Arthur might have perceived, as arrogance could have been nothing more than ThompsonÕs self-assurance.
ÒSometimes when people are confident and strong-willed we describe them as cantankerous, arrogant and so on,Ó he contended. ÒVery often there is a thin line between arrogance and strength. So, I really donÕt know that Arthur was justified in doing what he did.Ó
Had a right
However, the Brooklyn priest was quick to assert that Arthur acted within his right to dismiss Thompson.
ÒI do trust his ability,Ó he added. ÒI find him to be a very humble person and he seems to be quite fair. Indeed, thatÕs one of the points that I noted because here was the Leader of the very small opposition whom he seems to be defending in principle. I thought that was very, very commendable.Ó
Father Armstrong said that although Thompson must be held accountable for what happened during her time in the Ministry of Health, it was clear that she was handed a problem-plagued cabinet post.
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Say That Again! [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Say That Again!
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Creator: Vanterpool Tony
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Section And Page: 13
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Paper Date: Sat, Aug 21, 1999
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Category: News
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ÒREALISE THAT YOU have sinned and fallen short and admit it.Ó
Ð Shorey Village, St. Andrew resident Joseph Williams, urging Minister of Health Phillip Goddard to abandon the Greenland Landfill project. He was a member of a party that included Opposition Leader David Thompson, which toured the site.
ÒI DO NOT SPECULATE. I work on fact and what is, and I just told you what the process is.Ó
Ð The new Minister of Health, Senator Phillip Goddard, saying that a decision had yet to be taken on whether or not Greenland is to be used as a landfill.
ÒI HAVE ALWAYS proclaimed fairness in sport and adamantly oppose the use of banned substances.Ó
Ð Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey reacting to the news that she had tested positive for a banned steroid.
ÒI AM YET TO recover from the reality that one who gave so much and cared so much should have come to her end in this tragic way.Ó
Ð JamaicaÕs Prime Minister Percival Patterson reacting with shock and outrage at the early morning murder of former cabinet minister, Rose Leon.
ÒNO LAW CAN stop every disturbed person from committing a violent act with a gun ...Ó
Ð United States President Bill Clinton explaining that no law can stop every madman with a gun but sensible gun control will save lives and make children safer at school.
ÒI HEARD THE SHOTS and got off my bed and laid on the ground while the rest of the family stayed in the back room. I was scared for my life.Ó
Ð Cave Hill resident, Kenneth Hurdle, 72, relating his experience during the shooting spree in his area.
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Initiatives step in right direction [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Initiatives step in right direction
ANOTHER P.M.
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Creator: Morgan Peter
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 6
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Paper Date: Thu, Sep 23, 1999
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Category: Living
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HARD ON THE HEELS OF VOB's admirable exercise at Eden Lodge have come two more very worthwhile initiatives from non-Governmental sources.
One, which got very little attention in the Press, was the project of the Scotland District Association which is beginning a programme of sorting garbage in Shorey Village, St. Andrew, the district which is at most risk in the event of an eventual disaster at Greenland. I understand that this is under the direction of Mr. Andrew Simpson of Envirotech and that the purpose is to develop a prototype which could - and should - be adopted islandwide.
It is strange that, as far as I am aware, there has never been any official explanation of what Government believes is wrong with the idea of sorting garbage, re-cycling, composting and then incinerating the remainder. There are incinerators today which give off little or no smoke or other forms of pollution. Is it that Government is so committed to Greenland that they hesitate to admit they have made a very expansive mistake? Especially at a time when they can't afford a few extra coppers for the coppers?
The other question in this regard is what happens to the one per cent Environmental Levy? Does it go into the Consolidated Fund? How much is made available to those who are actually doing the Government's job of protecting our environment? The Future Centre Trust? The Scotland District Association? Envirotech? Diceabed? Or are they all ignored like the Litter Patrol?
The second initiative is that of David Thompson, Leader of the Opposition and
President of the Democratic Labour Party, in calling for a national campaign to "rescue our nation". As everyone knows this is in reference to the surge of crime and violence which has escalated to a frightening degree during the course of this year.
It will be remembered that Mr. Thompson recognised the seriousness of the trend which he launched his 'Families First' programme just two years ago. This was in recognition of the fact that the deviant behaviour of some young people stems from the fact that they never benefitted from family guidance if, indeed, they had what could be called a family at all.
It is surely in the interests of everyone in this community to rally round and support this leader's call for unity of purpose in dealing with the present deteriorating state of affairs. It is time to stop pointing fingers at scapegoats - mothers, fathers, teachers, the church, politicians, police and judiciary - and come together to identify solutions. The essential element is Government for they have the authority to implement most of the solutions. It feel sure they will be big enough to follow Mr. Thompson's lead.
In this regard the editorial in the Advocate of Tuesday last has a strange comment. It stated: "If these (Mr. Thompson's) recommendations bring a smile to the face of our Attorney-General, the reasons are not far to seek. For one, they reflect almost exactly his own position on the issue of crime and punishment, including legislative measures to reinforce Government's hand'.
This seems to me quite unfair to the Attorney-General for if indeed, his own ideas had all along been identical to those of Mr. Thompson but he had done nothing to implement them he would justifiably incur severe censure. After all, who better to introduce legislative measures to reinforce Government's hand than the Attorney-General? Surely, the issue of increased emoluments for the police - strongly endorsed Mr. Thompson but now, we learn, rejected by Government - illustrates the differences in their views. The Attorney-General has been unjustly misrepresented.
I sincerely hope that the candlelight ecumenical service proposed for October 16 will be attended by all people of goodwill. I hope, too, that though it is practical to march from various assembly points, we will not be segregated at Heroes Square - let Christian, Rasta, Hindus, Jew and Muslim stand together and disown the sickening religious bigotry which surfaced during the 'values' debate.
Congratulations to Cappy Greenidge on his elevation to Acting Prime Minister but tell me "Where have all the flowers gone?" No doubt travelling on important public business but since they are travelling on important public business but since they are travelling at public expense wouldn't it be polite to tell us, who are paying those expenses, where they are going and for what purpose?
Hold strain, Mark - only a few more to go and it will be your turn to be P.M.
¥ Peter Morgan is a former tourism minister in a DLP administration.
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GARBAGE MUD-DLE [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: GARBAGE MUD-DLE
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 32
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Paper Date: Tue, Nov 9, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: by Terry Ally
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GARBAGE disposal at the Mangrove Pond landfill has been at a crawl in this week.
ThatÕs because recent rains turned the clay-capped St. Thomas facility soggy and slippery, making vehicular access difficult.
The clay is the same type of which Greenland was constructed and which was trucked from Greenland a few years ago to cap Mangrove Pond.
Since Mangrove Pond is over-extended, garbage now has to be dumped on top of those capped areas but the wet clay is prohibiting easy vehicular access.
One irate trucker said yesterday was the second time in two weeks he could not get into the landfill and had to park in a queue.
ÒI am going and put [my load] down in the nearest cart road,Ó said the trucker, asking for anonymity, and adding that other truckers would also find the nearest gully for theirs.
ÒThe trucks cannot get into the dump; it is like a long line of traffic in the evening. When a fellow gets there and sees that line, he going and dump in any cart road because income lost, time gone. That place needs to be closed.Ó
General manager of the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA), Chris Griffith, acknowledged the problem and said the authority was constructing an all-weather road at the back of the landfill to prevent any recurrence.
ÒWe have to cut a new road, to the side of the landfill, to access an area down to the back where one can get in to work this area during the period of bad weather.
ÒThis is not the extension, this is to access an area during wet periods.Ó
He said it was unfortunate there was a delay in getting to the landfill but it was just one of the problems with which the SSA had to operate, but expected that by Friday the new all-weather road would be ready.
Griffith said the SSA worked all day Sunday cleaning up the access road to facilitate business this week.
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Progress report [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Progress report
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Nov 12, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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I LOVE to go a-wandering around the countryside ... but not literally, yÕknow. Bim is over-run with grass and it is depressing to realise we no longer keep livestock to convert it into human food. Instead we pay Bobcats to scrape it into big ugly heaps or weeders to drag it into the road. Progress, itÕs called.
Anyway, today weÕre going to go a-wandering and touch on this and that.
First off, our sympathy at the passing of Malcolm Marshall, the greatest fast bowler of his time. Maco delivered. That says it all.
One caller was suggesting this should impel Bajans to eat fruit and vegetables instead of meat. Maybe he should read about a massive medical survey in China, as quoted from Newscience. Stomach cancer came out the leading killer, followed by cancers of the oesophagus and liver.
Different cancers are prevalent in different areas of China depending on the diet. Liver cancer occurs Òin epidemic proportionsÓ around Shanghai and is attributed to hepatitis-B virus and a particular fungus which contaminates corn and rice. Oesophagus cancer is concentrated around Beijing and Òhas been linked to a favourite local dish of pickled vegetables.Ó Note the culprits: corn, rice, vegetables. All plant foods.
Enough said. But for how long will irresponsible ÒexpertsÓ keep trying to give the impression that the fruit and vegetables produced in todayÕs world are some sort of ideal diet? I wouldnÕt even make that claim for goat products. Although IÕm tempted to after guzzling arepas smothered in goat-cheese up at Juliette last week.
Talking about goats, let me belatedly praise Dr. Dennis Blackman and the Ministry of Agriculture for their efforts at encouraging local goaticulture. They are multiplying the imported herd at Greenland and things should start swinging ÒsoonÓ.
Unfortunately ÒsoonÓ in officialese means: in the coming millenium; or maybe the one after. The problem is red tape. According to a usually liable source, for anything to be sold by government, the price must be approved by the Minister, Cabinet, Parliament, the Solicitous General and, one suspects, members of his immediate family.
Greenland has had breeding bucks for sale since mid last year. But every time they fix a price, it takes six months or so to be ratified. By which time the bucks are worth a lot more. So they have to begin the process all over again, while itÕs costing to keep them.
There is one hope. When the bucks get old and decrepit, their value will start to fall. And at some point in time, price and value should just about match. For one fleeting moment, farmers should be able to buy. If theyÕre real quick.
Womonhood has reached a new pinnacle: Central Bank Governor. Seeing that women waste most of our foreign exchange on their cosmetics, clothes and house junk, it makes sense to have one of them tell the others to cut back.
However, our greatest female achievement to date I was myself privileged to see at PaulaÕs house. You know how in seconds women knot up telephone cords and men have to spend hours unravelling them? Well hers Ð you wonÕt believe this Ð was perfectly straight! The telecommunications industry spends billions each year on this problem. Maybe Paula has the answer.
It was Nahum the Elkoshite who predicted road-rage way back in BC: ÒThe chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against the other in the broad ways ... (II:4)Ó We have lots of Elkoshites here and MTWÕs ignorance of male psychology isnÕt helping. To let a male driver overtake you at a roundabout is, as Dave Barry puts it, Òtantamount to admitting his stapler is bigger than yours.Ó Imagine when itÕs a woman.
A blind horse on a trotting man could have seen that the National
Reconciliation public meetings would be but occasions to stir up racial tension until somebody did something incredibly stupid. Now it seems they have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. The agendists will be pleased.
Whatever I want on the Internet, I just open www.whatever.com. Sometimes it works. On Monday, I wanted some sax information but must have put in www.sex.com by mistake. Trust me, you donÕt want to go there. The strange thing is though, not only do the characters move, but some were doing our Barbadian national dance that you see at Crop-Over. DonÕt we have an intellectual property patent on that?
Finally, farewell to a great lady, Grace Branker, president of the Autumn Leaves Club. Every year I would mention their bazaar and she would send me a bowl of pudding and souse. Heaven self! Lord, when she settles in, get her to make you some.
Make sure she puts in tongue.
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Liz: I wanna rule my destiny! [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Liz: I wanna rule my destiny!
Xpress News
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Creator: Blackman Jennifer
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Publication: Campaign Express
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Paper Page: 4
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Paper Date: Wed, Jan 6, 1999
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Category: Elections
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LIZ THOMPSON wants to rule her destiny.
ÒAs a Barbadian, ... a woman, ... a black Bajan, I want to rule my destiny like I know you want to rule your destiny,Ó Thompson told the crowd assembled at the Bay Street Esplanade last night.
She said destiny is about fighting against the odds and making decisions based on the past and the present, not just about correcting what went wrong, but about Òlooking at, with, whom and how we are to go forwardÓ.
The Health Minister argued that destiny is about a man called Owen Seymour Arthur Òbecause God has chosen him for this time and placeÓ to take the country into the 21st Century.
Thompson spoke about cleaning up the Mangrove Pond landfill in St. Thomas and the compensation of all the affected families. She spoke about the fact that the landfill at Greenland, (St. Andrew) withstood the recent heavy rains.
She spoke of the lack of Barbadian sugar in Barbados and the time she had to condemn imported sugar.
Thompson said the country has come to know what it is to have a national hero because of ArthurÕs policies and Òelections on the 20th are not about obliterating Errol BarrowÕs memory because, by declaring him a national hero this party did more for him than the Democratic Labour Party ever didÓ.
The St. James South candidate underscored the point that Òmassa day done ... we are now our own people, independent, free-minded, strong-willed, determined to chart our own destinyÓ.
She cautioned that choices made now will affect Barbados for years to come, saying that Òwe must make decisions for our children and our childrenÕs childrenÓ.
Thompson said that under Owen ArthurÕs leadership the BLP has been transformed, strengthened and opened to all parties, and Barbados has similarly begun to be transformed.
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St. Andrew [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: St. Andrew
Xpress Info / Know Your Constituencies
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Creator:
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Publication: Campaign Express
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Paper Page: 14
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Paper Date: Wed, Jan 6, 1999
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Category: Elections
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THE constituency of St. Andrew takes in all of the parish of St. Andrew, and some of St. James and St. Peter.
It is the wealthiest in terms of natural resources such as clinker for the production of cement, sand for the construction indstry, and a variety of clays some of which are used in the production of clay floor and roofing tiles, and pottery.
It is also home to the controversial Greenland landfill. Nested within its rugged terrain, from which some of the most spectacular views are had, are a number touirms sites which include Cherry Tree Hill, St. Nicholas Abbey, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Farley Hill National Park, and Mount Hillaby - the highest point in Barbados standing 340 feet above sea level.
The constituency has had mixed representation over the years. During the period of the double representation system in the 1950s and 1960s, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) dominated and again held the seat when the single representation system was introduced in 1971.
Between 1976 and 1994 the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) dominated, except for 1986 when the DLP briefly captured it.
The last incumbent, George Payne of the BLP, was first elected to St. Andrew in 1991 winning 2 217 votes (53.3 per cent) against the then incumbent Clifton Neblett, of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) who polled 1 407 votes (33.8). The rest of the vote was split between the National Democratic Party's Carl Power who received 265 votes (6.4 per cent) and Independent Halton Martin who got 270 votes (6.5 per cent)
In 1994 he increased his showing with 2 415 votes (59.2 per cent) against the DLP's Lawrence Clarke who won 1 218 votes (29.9 per cent) The NDP's Osbourne Hunte scored 445 votes (10.9 per cent)
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Fishy garbage [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Fishy garbage
Xpress View / Campaign Groundhog
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Creator: Morgan Dawn
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Publication: Campaign Express
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Paper Page: 18
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Paper Date: Mon, Jan 11, 1999
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Category: Elections
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ST. LUCY DLP candidate Dennis Kellman is offering Liz an alternative idea to dumping garbage in the proposed landfill. He believes it should be converted into Òfish farming because Greenland is holding more water than garbage.Ó
He also asked the crowd at Market Hill, St. George on Saturday Night: ÒWhen Last you see a garbage truck up here? This week? Thank the DLP. They knew we were going to talk about garbage tonight.Ó
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Another battle of words [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Another battle of words
Xpress News
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Creator: Morris Roy
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Publication: Campaign Express
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Paper Page: 4
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Paper Date: Mon, Jan 11, 1999
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Category: Elections
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WHILE the political leaders may be debating if to debate, at least one candidate is offering to take on his opponent in a public show of knowledge and know-how.
The challenger: Dr. Denis Lowe, candidate of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in St. Andrew. His opponent would be George Payne, Minister of Transport, and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate in St. Andrew.
The challenge was issued on Saturday night at a Belleplaine, St. Andrew, public meeting.
Lowe charged that Payne had literally taken the constituency from the plane which the late representative DaCosta ÒJoyÓ Edwards had taken it and is dragging it through the mud.
He said there was a scenario where a man had been the Member of Parliament for the constituency for over nine years and St. Andrew is still listed as the second poorest parish in Barbados.
ÒI have been given consent to let the people know that as soon as the DLP assumes the Government of Barbados the dump will go and anyone who wants to stand in the way of that decision, they too will go.Ó
According to Lowe, roads are one of the trophies held up by the minister as one of his highest achievements.
However, he said that when the Government got the loan from the Inter-American Development Bank to construct the landfill, one of the requirements was the development of the road infrastructure in St. Andrew to accommodate the heavy trucks expected to take the garbage to Greenland.
Ò...Because if you know, most of the road works done in this parish lead to the dump.Ó
He then proceeded to list a number of roads that are in dire need as he mentioned Chalky Mount, Coggins, Lakes, Indian Ground and Spring Vale.
Lowe said that the roads in Chalky Mount were in such a deplorable state that people there stand to be trapped if there were any unfortunate circumstances.
ÒAnd the potters in Chalky Mount cannot get the tourists to patronise their business because the roads in the area are so bad and the MP walks around like George Jefferson telling everybody what he has done.
ÒWhat about Lakes? Recently when it flooded in Lakes when the minister was told that Lakes was flooded his response was, ÒLakes? Where is Lakes?Ó
Lowe charged that the Spring Vale road, a main road out of St. Andrew to the City, was started and abandoned.
The DLP candidate also contended that after spending thousands of dollars to pave the road in White Hill, people have been asked to leave.
ÒSo somebody has to tell me why the Government would take our taxpayers dollars and pave a road from top to bottom and then ask the people to move out.
ÒAs if the people of this constituency are so stupid that they donÕt understand there is a plan to rush the people out of St. Andrew and bring in COW. (C.O. Williams construction company), I am sorry for them.Ó
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BUSINESSMEN'S MANIFESTO [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: BUSINESSMEN'S MANIFESTO
ELECTION WATCH
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Creator: Cossy Marva
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Publication: Business Authority
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Paper Page: 16
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Paper Date: Mon, Jan 11, 1999
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Category: Business Authority
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by Marva Cossy
A WINNING election manifesto should include a strong commitment to practical public sector reform, a real environmental clean-up and the end of the Cable & Wireless monopoly.
If corporate Barbados had its way these would be some of the key pledges made by politicians trying not only to win the hearts and minds of the electorate but especially their votes.
Businessmen widely accept that a clean Barbados with an efficient public sector is part of the magnet to attract and retain investors.
ÒIt is too much of the burden to do business in Barbados,Ó complained Peter Boos, senior partner in Ernst & Young, one of the islandÕs leading accounting firms.
ÒI would like to see a real commitment by the winning party to improving the process.Ó
He spoke of red tape and long waits. As an example, he pointed to the Town Planning Department which he said was Òridiculously slowÓ, revealing that it took him four years to get a plan approved.
His preferred manifesto would therefore include a pledge to put benchmarks on the time and type of service a client would receive from the public sector.
Boos referred to GovernmentÕs Public Sector Reform programme, touted as a means of improving efficiency.
ÒAll slogans and talk,Ó he said, adding that a winning party should pledge to stamp out inefficiency and wastage.
Competitiveness is critical to economic growth and therefore a key issue. Boos warned that while people may point at the level of investment which Barbados had been able to attract especially in the tourism sector, the issue of quality, should be addressed.
Boos, whoÕs widely travelled and has also spent time in local hotels, compared BarbadosÕ offerings vis-a-vis its rivals.
ÒLook at the quality of the tourism plant and the service for the price paid; people are not getting good value for money.Ó
This is a matter Boos would like to see manifestos address, though he admitted that the trade unions had a part to play, working with Government and the private sector to ensure workers were properly trained and compensation tied to performance.
For Boos, the better manifesto would also include provisions to encourage hotels to cater more to business tourists, a sector which he thinks in a globalisation world, would be significantly beneficial.
ÒFew hotels can really cater to the business traveller,Ó he said.
Turning to Sherbourne Conference Centre, Boos noted that since it did not have hotel facilities on site, it meant bussing, which was not ideal.
ÒBusiness people donÕt like it, especially in the kind of traffic we have today. They are here on holiday, tooÓ he said.
That brought Boos to the traffic situation, a pledge for whose improvement, he said was a worthwhile commitment for a political party. ÒIt took an hour to get from Warrens to my office (Bay Street),Ó Boos said recalling one instance.
The winning party should be willing to deal with indiscipline on the roads and the fact that ÒBarbados has more traffic than the roads can cope with ...Ó
Boos felt political parties should also recognise that Barbadians as well as overseas investors preferred a country which offered a high quality of life.
This, he said, ruled out having an unreasonably high level of crime, traffic problems and the scant regard for the environment.
Boos, not impressed with efforts to deal with the garbage situation, said it hadnÕt improve over the last four to five years.
ÒThey have done a lousy job on the environment ... the garbage job is horrendous, thereÕs been no improvement in tidiness,Ó he said.
Boos noted that the Sanitation Service Authority had increased its fleet of trucks as well as GovernmentÕs effort to provide dumps but emphasised that the solution included much more.
The answer must be, he said, a complete re-look at the garbage situation which speaks to the management of facilities, recycling, public education and Òaction, not lip serviceÓ.
Boos has a deep interest in the offshore business sector.
ÒGovernment should commit seriously to working in partnership with the private sector to develop offshore business in a proactive and meaningful way,Ó he said.
He wants the next Government to have a Òmuch greater commitment to seek to diversify the offshore sectorÓ.
ÒWe have heard words, but in my experience, the reality is that it is not happening,Ó he said.
According to him, Barbados is too dependent on the Canadian market and therefore needs not only to develop other products but other markets.
A winning manifesto pledge, he said, should be to access appropriate expertise and to negotiate bilateral treaties, especially with countries in Latin America.
Any proper government which wants the business sector to thrive must always look for ways that it can help reduce cost and utilities. ThatÕs is one area Boos felt should occupy those putting together the partiesÕ proposals.
There should also be a pledge to provide competitively priced telecommunications services, particularly since Internet and e-commerce are now a Òmust haveÓ in business transactions.
ÒA pledge to break loose from the Cable & Wireless monopoly,Ó Boos stressed.
TOURISM: For the tourism sector, the Value Added Tax is one of the areas to which a new Government should pay attention.
President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Associatio Sue Springer, said some areas of the VAT policy needed be settled but did not go into details.
Both political parties contesting the January 20 elections agree in principle with a VAT but differ on its policies.
Reducing the level of crime is also on SpringerÕs list. She wants pledges to devise strategies to deal with this social problem which threatens to have deleterious effects on the fragile tourism industry, the islandÕs number one money earner.
MANUFACTURING: Ian Pickup, president of the Barbados Manufacturers Association, put forward six personal wishes for a manifesto.
The preferred manifesto should:
ÒPledge for the preservation and growth of manufacturing through a determined effort to reduce the cost of doing business, and through the promotion of greater efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing sector and those public sector departments which impinge on manufacturing.
ÒGreater emphasis on efficiency at the Bridgetown Port Ð ensure that the port is switched from making a profit to serving the importers and exporters better. When that is done, profit will follow as a matter of course,Ó he said.
ÒPut more emphasis on reducing energy and telecommunication costs.
ÒFight international trade bodies against unfair so-called Ôfree tradeÕ. Control the pace of trade liberalisation as it applies to Barbados to allow new efficiencies to take effect, and to maintain employment in the manufacturing sector.
ÒFind a way of bringing more women into the workforce.
ÒReduce the rate of Corporation Tax by at least ten per cent, to encourage entrepreneurs to enter manufacturing and grow with confidence,Ó Pickup said.
AGRICULTURE: Keith Laurie saw the need for a clear government policy on the future of agriculture in Barbados.
ÒAny uncertainty will lead to the abandonment of land and its sale for housing with no possible return to food production,Ó he said.
ÒThe importation of subsidised food from extra-regional sources must be controlled and the relevant countervailing duty imposed to level the playing field,Ó he added.
Farmers, he said needed assistance with marketing their produce.
ÒIt is clear that those activities that have a guaranteed market at a guaranteed price have been able to survive,Ó he commented.
A good manifesto proposal for the sector would be to set up special credit facilities for farms.
ÒBanks will finance a house over 20 years but will only give credit for farm buildings for five years,Ó he explained.
An agricultural bank that understands the needs of farmers is also a proposal
which will find favour with farmers.
ÒFeed is a major factor in the cost of production of most species of livestock,Ó Laurie said.
ÊGovernment should encourage the use of more local ingredients by offering incentives to the feed mills to adopt this policy, he said in connection with his proposals.
His other proposals include:
POULTRY & EGGS: Proposals for this sector should include tax concessions on poultry farm equipment. Ê
DAIRY : The milk supplied to the school meals programme should come from local dairies.
Assistance should be given to dairy farmers to computerise their production records in order to make them more cost competitive. Protection against the importation of subsidised fresh milk must be given.
BEEF: Importers of beef must state whether the beef was from cattle fed growth hormones and the product so labelled in the supermarkets.
In addition, he felt that the hotel and restaurant sector should be encouraged to utilise local beef.
The farmer said that the establishment of a feedlot to finish the cattle raised on grass so as to produce the highest quality meat for sale to tourists needed financial encouragement from Government similar to other manufacturing enterprises.
LAMB: In order to rapidly improve the quality of the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep, Laurie said a worthy political party should be willing to introduce artificial insemination using selected progeny tested rams from the national flock at GovernmentÕs Greenland station.
ÒFree castration of rams of poor quality plus a monetary incentive to farmers participating in the programme, in addition to making available good quality rams on loan for a six month period will also improve quality, he said.
Technical and financial assistance should be give to the private sector to set up a lamb feedlot capable of producing 60 lambs per week to supply the tourism sector with the highest quality cuts with other cuts going to the local market, he said.
PIGS: Assistance should be granted to pig farmers for transport of animals to the abattoir and for the high cost of slaughter fees. Artificial insemination should be provided in order to improve the genetic quality of local pigs. The use of local feed ingredients should be encouraged.
FOOD CROPS: The development of systems for the production of organically grown fruit and vegetables should be given the highest priority by the Ministry of Agriculture, Laurie, a former senator pointed out.
More research, he said should be carried out on alternative methods for weed control other than by the use of weedicides.
ÒIncentives must be given to farmers to use integrated pest management for the control of insects,Ó he said as he listed his proposals.
ÒThe system of granting duty free farm vehicles to farms must be made more transparent and it should be clear to any farmer as to whether they qualify for the concession or not,Ó he said.
SUGAR: The future of the production of raw sugar for export must be made clear.
Laurie noted the need to rationalise the number of sugar factories required to operate in the future, adding that the total mechanisation of the industry was essential for its survival.
He would like to see a winning manifesto which includes a pledge to pass enabling legislation to ensure energy is produced as a byproduct in factories.
ÒEvery encouragement must be given for the development of other uses of sugar cane and the production of byproducts,Ó he concluded. Ê
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Miller: BLP gaining with women on board team [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Miller: BLP gaining with women on board team
ELECTIONS '99
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Creator: Sealy Marilyn
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 23
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Paper Date: Tue, Jan 12, 1999
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Category: Elections
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IT WAS the womenÕs night when the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) St. James South staged a mass meeting at the corner of Haynesville and Thorpes, St. James, on Friday night.
Taking the platform was BLP candidate for the City, Billie Miller who was celebrating her birthday.
She told the large crowd gathered that Prime Minister Owen Arthur made a wise decision when he put three women in his Cabinet.
ÒThe prime minister has not regretted that decision. He has placed very large responsibilities in our hands and we have made a positive difference,Ó she said.
She said the BLP candidate for the constituency, Liz Thompson who was given a big Cabinet responsibility, knew where the priorities were in her ministry and
was not afraid to make decisions.
ÒLiz has made a difference, she has sometimes made controversial decisions but she has definitely made a positive difference, since women tend to bring a distinct perspective to things,Ó she said.
Miller said she longed for the day when she is able to see another three women in Parliament.
In her address, BLP candidate for St. Michael North East, Mia Mottley said the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) never showed any respect for womanhood and this showed most in the lack of women in Parliament and in Cabinet.
She said the DLP talked but never acted, but her party had talked and acted, noting that with Thompson at the helm of the health ministry, they were able to deal with problems like Mount ÔStinkarooÕ and Greenland.
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DEMS' JOB PLAN [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DEMS' JOB PLAN
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Creator: Boyce Hayden
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 1
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Paper Date: Tue, Jan 12, 1999
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Category: News
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THE Democratic Labour Party (DLP) yesterday gave a sneak preview of its election manifesto by announcing a new strategy for job-creation and tourism development.
Speaking at a Press conference, DLP leader David Thompson said his party had a master plan aimed at improving and expanding tourism jobs and restoring safety by eliminating the pattern of lawlessness.
Saying the DLPÕs manifesto would be launched Òlater this weekÓ, Thompson added that a DLP Government would take appropriate steps to protect and expand tourism jobs.
ÒWe want to encourage the development of holiday villas and houses on the East Coast for Barbadians to enjoy,Ó he said. ÒWe also want to institute measures to protect the small taxi and watersports operator and to reserve some of the ancillary tourism services for Barbadians first.Ó
Thompson said the DLP would strive to attract foreign investment without sacrificing local business.
In addition, he said it would Òrationalise and harmoniseÓ incentives offered to investors in the tourism sector so that Barbadian investors at all levels could have the same advantages.
The candidate for St. John said the island would be marketed in such a way that higher-spending tourists would come here, adding that the subvention to the Barbados Tourism Authority would be increased to enhance its marketing capacity.
According to him, its total tourism experience would be enhanced to ensure repeat visitors.
He said more Customs and Immigration personnel would be hired at the Grantley
Adams International Airport.
In addition, he said the DLP would build an incinerator to handle solid waste materials and review the use of the landfill at Greenland, St. Andrew.
Thompson stressed that the DLPÕs policy on tourism and job-creation would see emphasis on ensuring that all Barbadians and visitors were able to feel safe and secure.
ÒThe investment in tourism and the large numbers of tourists we have all worked so hard to attract to our island will vanish if violent crime, drugs and problems with our youth are not solved,Ó he said. ÒGuns, gangs drugs and violence are too prevalent in Barbados under this Barbados Labour Party administration.Ó
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Lowe challenges Payne to debate [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Lowe challenges Payne to debate
ELECTIONS '99
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Creator: McCarthy Charmaine
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 20
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Paper Date: Tue, Jan 12, 1999
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Category: Elections
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DENISE LOWE has challenged Minister of Transport George Payne to a debate on issues affecting St. Andrew.
Speaking at Belleplaine on Saturday night, Lowe, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for St. Andrew, charged that Payne had literally taken the constituency from the plane which the late representative DaCosta ÒJoyÓ Edwards had taken it and is dragging it through the mud.
He said there was a scenario where a man had been the Member of Parliament for the constituency for over nine years and St. Andrew was still listed as the second poorest parish in Barbados.
ÒI have been given consent to let the people know that as soon as the DLP assumes the government of Barbados the dump will go and anyone who wants to stand in the way of that decision they too will go,Ó he said.
According to Lowe, roads are one of the trophies held up by the minister as one of his highest achievements.
He then listed a number of roads that are in dire need of repair, such as those, he said, in Chalky Mount, Coggins, Lakes, Indian Ground and Spring Vale.
Lowe said the roads in Chalky Mount were in such a deplorable state that people there could be trapped if there were any unfortunate circumstances.
ÒAnd the potters in Chalky Mount cannot get the tourists to patronise their business because the roads in the area are so bad, and the MP walks around like George Jefferson telling everybody what he has done.
ÒWhat about Lakes? Recently when it flooded in Lakes when the minister was told that Lakes was flooded his response was, ÔLakes? Where is Lakes?Õ
ÒAnd the minister is spending so much money on Greenland in that area on roads and the good people of Lakes cannot get a decent road,Ó Lowe said.
He charged that the Spring Vale road, a main road out of St. Andrew to the City, was started and abandoned.
The DLP candidate also contended that after spending thousands of dollars to pave the road in White Hill people have been asked to leave.
ÒSo somebody has to tell me why the Government would take our taxpayers dollars and pave a road from top to bottom and then ask the people to move out.
ÒAs if the people of this constituency are so stupid that they donÕt understand there is a plan to rush the people out of St. Andrew and bring in COW.Ó
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Crime in main focus [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Crime in main focus
ELECTION WATCH
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Creator: Brandford Albert
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 14
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Paper Date: Thu, Jan 14, 1999
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Category: Elections
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by Albert Brandford
ITÕS a commonplace thing that in every general election thereÕll be issues of importance at the national level and others thatÕll be purely parochial.
ItÕs also true that even in the best of times, the economy will be a major issue though the debate may extend no further than the equitable distribution of the national pie.
In the campaign leading up to the January 20 poll, thereÕs no shortage of issues, some undoubtedly of greater import to the electorate than others.
Sweeping broadly, these include the economy and its prospects, joblessness, VAT, poverty, crime and violence (both domestic and that associated with the illegal drug trade).
Allied to these, are other perhaps more controversial issues that rightly concern every Barbadian but still do not command their sustained attention: the on-going St. Joseph Hospital saga; the Queen Elizabeth HospitalÕs woes; the still unopened Greenland Landfill; the strike-plagued south coast sewerage project; the clamour for housing units; the purchase of scarce land by non-nationals, among others.
ItÕs particularly noticeable, though, that not many of the speakers on campaign platforms have placed the economy at the top of their priorities, with the possible exception of Clyde Mascoll, and I suppose thatÕs only to be expected since he is after all the chief spokesman for the Democratic Labour Party on economic and financial affairs.
But the focus away from the economy is worrisome, particularly because there might be a temptation for us to believe that with what one politician called Òunprecedented prosperityÓ Barbados is immune to the possibility of difficult times ahead.
Robust growth
Prime Minister Owen Arthur, although pointing proudly to five consecutive years of Òrobust growthÓ spread right across the economy, has issued the appropriate caution.
It was significant that in his last Budget, he said that growth was of a sustained nature enabling Barbados to substantially lift its standard of living without over-extending its resources or having to make substantial foreign borrowings or start crash programmes.
Those gains, as he pointed out, enabled Government to begin what he termed parallel initiatives to underwrite social progress through an increase in support for the social services, a comprehensive poverty eradication programme, new mechanisms and institutions to attend to the needs of marginalised groups and to support non-traditional enterprise, and the creation of financial schemes to assist the working poor.
Arthur said the momentum for the economic growth was provided largely by capital spending in tourism and commercial development.
Problems loom
But he stressed that in the short-term, Barbados had to prepare for the global financial turbulence precipitated by the Asian crisis that could have a negative, and the possibility of undermining the islandÕs economic prospects by over--stimulation.
Over the long term, other problems loom: new international trading and business arrangements that could affect the sugar industry and commercial agricultural generally, as well as the offshore financial and other sectors.
Above the din of competing voices for national attention, the DLPÕs Mascoll has been trying to re-focus Barbadians on what he said were fundamental weaknesses and severe problems in the economy that would not allow it to withstand the effects of that Asian crisis.
According to him, the BLP in 1994 inherited an economy that was already stabilised by the DLP but failed to restructure it.
He argued that the main engine,tourism, was standing on one leg Ð the United Kingdom market Ð and that depsite robust growth in the United States, tourist arrivals from there continued to decline.
Mascoll also observed that despite a construction boom, there had not been any substantial construction of private sector homes in the last four years; and that GovernmentÕs job-creation strategy was not private-sector led as Arthur had stated, while manufacturing was on its last legs.
ThatÕs probably not the kind of analysis thatÕll get a candidate newspaper headlines or radio and tv time, but it was an attempt to put an important item on the national agenda.
Newspaper headlines and electronic media time, however, have been captured by a wave of sensational crimes and perhaps unprecedented violence in modern Barbados.
Authorities indicate that the upsurge began around June last year after four years of steady decline, but the most recent drug-related shootings and armed robberies at banks and other business houses along with heinous incidents of domestic violence have brought the nation up sharply.
What had been threatening for almost a year was suddenly upon us.
Crime in its various manifestations seemed to be reaching unmanageable proportions, and despite pleas from Commissioner of Police Grantley Watson not to panic, it appeared that even the politicians themselves have been affected.
The crime wave has now become the number one issue in the campaign.
As fear permeates the society, issues such as the economy, unemployment, VAT, and even poverty, seem to recede into the background while authorities face up to one of their stiffest challenges.
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Parish reclaims Payne [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Parish reclaims Payne
ELECTIONS '99
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Creator: Sandiford Robert
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 34A
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Paper Date: Thu, Jan 21, 1999
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Category: Elections
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ÒI CONSIDER St. Andrew George Payne territory.Ó
With those words, attorney-at-law George Payne filed his nomination papers earlier this month.
And last night, with the people behind him, he was returned as the parliamentary representative for St. Andrew.
Payne swept aside the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate, Dr. Denis Lowe, a first-timer, by 2 599 votes, capturing the rural seat for the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) for the third straight time.
ÒRepresentation in the constituency was good, and I was always confident,Ó said Payne, calling the win Òa victory for the people of St. Andrew.Ó
Payne polled 3 524 votes while Lowe got 925. In the last election in 1994, Payne received 2 415 votes, or 59.2 per cent of the votes cast, while the DLP candidate counted 1 218.
BLP supporters burst into celebration just after midnight at Alleyne School as returning officer Bertram Murray officially declared Payne the winner.
Decked out in one of the many hats he made fashionable during the election campaign, Payne appeared confident and eventually joined his supporters in dancing and celebrating his victory.
The Minister of Housing and Transport in the last Owen Arthur Administration, Payne has strongly managed to hold on to the rural constituency despite fierce criticism surrounding the siting of the solid waste landfill at Greenland in the parish.
Prior to recent and widespread roadworks, St. Andrew was often viewed as being neglected. Payne himself said that his constituency had lagged behind other parishes in the island, and much of the attention that had been focused on the area had been an effort to bring the parish on par with developments that had taken place islandwide.
ÒWe have been able to do a number of things in terms of delivery of services,
such as road repairs and a vibrant housing programme,Ó he said, Òand IÕm looking forward to serving the people of St. Andrew.Ó
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The Oliver twist [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: The Oliver twist
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Jan 29, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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TELL the truth, IÕs feel good when I see OliverÕs column in the paper. Not that me and Oliver doesÕgree on many things. I is for hanging; he isnÕt. I is a monarchy; he is a republic. I is a Bajan; he is a Caribbean.
Besides, I does be a lÕil jealous of Oliver. DonÕt get me wrong. I am not saying it is raceology or anything. But how come every few weeks you can read ÒHolliver Jackman is on leaveÓ, while me nor Rickey hasnÕt get one day off in the last ten years? Anyway, my wife says maybe he canÕt keep it up nowadays and once a week is too much. So lewwe lefÕ it at that.
But give Jack his jacket. Oliver is almost the last of those great classical columnists to whom honour is everything. And though misguided on certain topics, he is nevertheless duty-bound to reveal the truth and give you an unbiased analysis. And as long as Oliver and Gladstone and them fellows are around, no Government canÕt fool us.
The Lord knows we need them. We Bajans still have our wit. Like Fab telling me: ÒMan, Owen is a real butcher; when he done, all does left is de head anÕ de tail!Ó But we canÕt think. Imagine a yute phoned me last week wanting to buy a four-months old buck kid. So I told him I only had some that were just born. ÒOh,Ó he asked, ÒanÕ how long it would tek you to get dem to four months old?Ó That is what our motley education system is doing for us.
So I listens closely to Oliver. But last Sunday he came with a twist that has licked the stuffing out of my aspirations. I mean, it is only reasonable that we mediers who supported Owen would expect a little berry, even if it is only to be Justice of the Peaces or anything so.
Missed chance
Last time I missed my chance. Soon after they got in, I started getting phone calls from workers saying this big-body politician had sent them to me. I couldnÕt understand until I got a notice saying I was to be chairman of the Soil Conservation Board. I backed out.
Next thing, bram, I heard I is chairman of some big biodiversity unit. I mightÕa get more trips and per diems than whuh Truss read Ôbout. AnÕ I would be working up under Liz. But I backed out again.
This time I was going to cream them. Especially with my boy Philip in the money ministry. We white people donÕt win many battles but we donÕt lose any wars. And Don BlackmanÕs cudgel done drop straight back in Õe moutÕ. I had the old J4 Bedford truck shined up and ready to get my fair share of hauling grits and marl.
By the way, I hear over 600 St. Andrew workers are feeling very jittery nowadays. They better not mess with we. In any case, we know George goinÕ open up a Gems of St. Andrew and build hotels like bush down here.
MedierÕs responsibility
But to get back to OliverÕs twist. He says that with the paltry Opposition Ð in my view, a de facto one-party state Ð we mediers, like it or not, must not Òcozy up to powerÓ. That is a hard one, bearing in mind that George write and say how he loves me, the first man ever do that. And furthermore, that we must be stronger, more responsible, more aggressive in telling the people what is happening to our society.
Well, if Oliver say so, is so. And I starting today to reveal some pontes asinorum Ð jackass bridges (not the one Cow trying to build at Greenland corner; that will be a separate topic). I uses pons asinorum to describe when a big-up states a fact and then uses that to jump to a conclusion that the fact does not support.
Like, they tell us that a united Caribbean will fare better in the global economy. That is probably true. Then they conclude from that that we must have
political unity. Which is bull. All we need is a strong Caricom.
Or they say the Bajan Head of State should be a Bajan. Fair enough. So we must have a republic. More asinorum. Why not a Bajan king or queen? A president cannot rank alongside a king. And should we low-rate our country from a monarchy to a republic, notwithstanding that Monica has revealed such wondrous presidential perks?
Moreover we have the man. Hail ye His Majesty, King Clifford-I the First, King of Barbados and St. Andrew!
How ah sound?
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Ethical leadership needed more now than ever [Pg 2]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Ethical leadership needed more now than ever
LABOUR RELATIONS
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Creator: Rouse Vancourt
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Publication: Business Authority
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Paper Page: 29
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Paper Date: Mon, Feb 1, 1999
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Category: Business Authority
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WHEN THE GENERAL SECRETARY of the Barbados WorkersÕ Union, Leroy Trotman, identified what he called Òprice gougingÓ as one of the current scourges of the working class, he was raising serious questions about the ethical behaviour of a leading sector of our economy.
Ethics versus Profits: The public view of business activity is that business generally presents a trade-off of ethics versus profits. Charges like those made by Mr. Trotman would tend to reinforce this traditional perception. Many of our experiences with various business transactions also present us with strong evidence of doubtful ethical behaviour.
The relationships between the Social partners, as embodied in the documented Protocol, assume a high level of ethical behaviour. Going public with such a charge suggests a certain degree of frustration. Maybe, most business partners are not cued into the key behavioural assumptions of the accord that was signed on their behalf by Sir John Stanley Goddard.
As our economy grows, more and more entrepreneurs are joining into the business community. They may be relying on the examples set by seasoned business persons as models. Whatever models exist today in our business community will, therefore, extend and persist into the future.
Ethics versus Politics: A serious and far-reaching drama is being played out in the leading country in the world. The people of the United States of America are seeking to define the ethical standards by which they will judge the holder of the highest office in their hand.
Much confusion is evident. The confusion is compounded by the partisan political shenanigans in which the parties are engaged. It seems that the people are revolting against this partisan political puffery and have decided to settle for an ethical standard that is informed by pragmatic considerations. This is a lower standard of ethics.
ÒEvil prevails when good people fail to act.Ó: Here, too, in Barbados, we have just emerged from a torrid political season. A party has been endorsed to govern for another five years. This party assumed office, four years prior, by placing focus on certain alleged ÒinfelicitiesÓ of the previous regime.
Except for committees, commissions and enquiries, nothing has been done, where wrong doing was discovered. This behaviour reinforces the peopleÕs belief that ethics and politics do not converge.
IsnÕt it time to restore the game of politics to some ethical standard of which the people can be proud? With such an overwhelming endorsement from the people of this island, the gift of a higher political ethic would be most welcome. The people of Barbados need it, especially when they fear that their overwhelming vote of confidence may dissipate into internecine squabbling from the back-bench and some second term behaviour, otherwise.
The Cascade of Consequences: If the perception of Òprice gougingÓ persists, then it standard to reason that those who suffer most because of it, will react, such reactions may be bad for our economy. It may tend to undo many of the gains in the economy that were caused by the sacrifices of the workers.
Or conversely, Government may be forced to act by reintroducing some form of regulation of prices, which may undermine the strategic direction of our
economic programme. The power and uniqueness of our Protocol lie in the fact that it seeks to take the high road of aimed at collective outcomes.
ÒYou can never do just one thingÓ: Many expert and ordinary people have warned us about the possible environmental effects of the landfill at Greenland. Their arguments have been based, typically, on the cascade of consequences.
This becomes an ethical issue. Our Government will do well to reexamine this issue within an ethical frame and accept whatever decision is predicted. Inherent within this ethical frame is the notion that ÒThe future will be here.Ó
How we view the world, others and ourselves: A vision for Barbados was endorsed during the last election, ÒTo become the smallest developed country in the worldÓ. Refinement of this vision will assist in defining which developed model we wish to benchmark against, as well as the timeframe for the accomplishment of the goal.
Central to understanding how to get there will be our understanding of ourselves and the theories of ourselves that we wish to explore and, ultimately, accept. A construct that defines us as confident, intelligent and imbued with moral strength will be central to achieving our vision in a wholesome way.
If the last elections were about leadership, then the key to the order of political business should be the creation of leaders at all levels who can make sound moral choices in their public and private lives.
¥ Vancourt Rouse provides business advisory services and be reached at vanrouse@caribsurf.com
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Full hand for Arthur [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Full hand for Arthur
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Creator: Brandford Albert
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 16A
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Paper Date: Wed, Feb 3, 1999
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Category: News
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by Albert Branford
PRIME Minister Owen Arthur promised a ÒstreamlinedÓ Cabinet.
What has emerged is a bigger Cabinet Ð increased by three ministers Ð and a re-allocation of portfolios that begs a public rationale from the Prime Minister.
Already highlighted has been the shifting of responsibility for GovernmentÕs public relations and information, including the bedeviled Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), from the Prime MinisterÕs Office to the Ministry of Home Affairs headed by the mediagenic Attorney-General David Simmons, who also had the added responsibility of Leader of the House, taking over from Deputy Prime Minister Billie Miller.
No explanation was given for the change in the assignment of responsibilities for the media, previously the bailiwick of former journalist Glyne Murray in the first Arthur Cabinet.
Murray has privately indicated to media friends that he asked to be relieved of the media duties after four years and his focus would now be on CARICIOM matters, presumably the drive towards the Single Market and Single Economy Ð for which Arthur has responsibility to the Heads of Government Conference Ð as well as defence and security and ecclesiastical affairs.
The latter subject was until January 20 within the Division of Culture of the Ministry of Education Youth Affairs and Culture, where it was found under successive previous administrations.
Lease arrangement
Since disestablishment of the Anglican Church nearly 30 years ago, such matters have assumed diminishing importance in the affairs of state.
Indeed, were it not for the fact that the Anglican Church owns significant tracts of land and properties which the Government needs for educational and other purposes, a formal relationship might not exist at all.
One can think of church lands such as at The Glebe, St. George, several church schools which may be part of EduTech 2000 project, and even the temporary lease arrangement at BishopÕs Court for the Fire Service headquarters, details of which have not been made public.
Arthur himself has responsibility for the Prime MinisterÕs Office, the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Ministry of the Civil Service.
Murray, as Minister of State in the Prime MinisterÕs Office, also had responsibility for the Civil Service between 1994 and this year, with particular reference to Public Sector Reform.
Under this new dispensation, responsibility for the Public Service remains within that ministry, but Public Sector Reform, widely regarded as MurrayÕs ÒbabyÓ, has been given to the Ministry of Labour, Sports and Public Sector Reform, (formerly Community Development), headed by Rudolph ÒCappyÓ Greenidge.
Some interest has also been generated in the newly-created Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources, headed by Rawle Eastmond, formerly Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Eastmond has taken over the Ministry of the Environment from what used to be the Ministry of Health and the Environment, which is now a single portfolio agency.
Controversial matters
As such, heÕs responsible for matters such as coastal conservation, environmental conservation, the Caves Authority, quarrying and mining, and energy, formerly within the Prime MinisterÕs purview.
Inexplicably to some, the Ministry of Health retains control of such controversial environmental matters as solid waste disposal, including the Greenland and Mangrove Landfills.
Within the Ministry of the Attorney-General and Home Affairs, which for the first time has been given a Parliamentary Secretary in newly-elected MP Rev. Joseph Atherley after Simmons had complained of the workload, some subjects such as police administration and the correctional institutions have been shifted from Home Affairs to the A-GÕs Chambers.
Though such areas as international business and financial services have assumed increasing importance in recent years, the division of labour between the Ministries of Industry and International Business, Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development, seems to some unnecessary.
The new Ministry of Social Transformation, headed by Hamilton Lashley, has gobbled up the Community Development Division, welfare agencies, childrenÕs and womenÕs departments and also encompasses the Urban Development Commission and the Poverty Eradication Bureau.
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Husbands quits over beach block [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Husbands quits over beach block
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 7
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Paper Date: Fri, Feb 5, 1999
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Category: News
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by Terry Ally
ONE of the directors of the Morgan Lewis Ocean Front Development has quit the company over the blockage of the vehicular access to the popular Morgan Lewis Beach.
Local entrepreneur James Husbands told the Weekend Nation he had resigned as a director and offered his shares to the other shareholders and would now be concentrating on his core businesses.
He said he resigned because Òthe distraction and concern of the public about the blockage is not being handled, to my mind, in the best interest of the public and I would prefer not to be associated with that (project)Ó.
Meanwhile, the Town and Country Planning Department is not divulging how it proposes to deal with the blockage to the St. Andrew beach.
In a brief response issued through the Government Information Service, the department said: ÒThe site is the subject of a town planning application and is currently being dealt with.Ó
It was just before Christmas that a load of boulders was dropped in the cart road leading to the beach, and a metal barricade was erected across the road early last month.
The Weekend Na-tion understands that the companyÕs action may have originated because it was stuck with a hefty clean-up bill for garbage illegally disposed on the property.
A sign advising people against dumping garbage in the area was erected before the boulders were dumped, but it was knocked down.
Beach-users now have to trek some distance to the shore.
A 26-acre beach-front property was recently acquired by three businessmen Ð James Husbands of Solar Dynamics, Anthony DaSilva of Innotech Services Limited and Bruce Kitch of Carib-Canada Limited, the company which constructed the Greenland Landfill.
Investigations suggested that a legal argument might well ensue about whether owners of beach front property have the right to prevent thoroughfare on their properties to the beach.
The principals of the company are yet to keep their promise to explain to the public the reason for the barricade.
DaSilva said last week that the statement would be made in an advertisement, but it has not yet appeared.
The public access to Morgan Lewis Beach was apparently washed away more than four decades ago, and the present access had been in use for that period.
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No denying Turton [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: No denying Turton
SPORTS IN REVIEW '98
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Creator: Alleyne David
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Publication: Weekend Nation / Sports Extra
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Paper Page: 8
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Paper Date: Fri, Feb 12, 1999
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Category: Sports / Special
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NOT even a flat tyre could stop John TurtonÕs ride to a third successive win in the 1998 Pedallers Paradise National Road Race.
Riding in the colours of The Mutual Bank Wheelers, he overcame the challenge of Pearson Kellman (Shell Saddle Boys Wheelers) and Nebut Rosemond (Barclays), to take the top prize.
The 100-mile race began just before 7 a.m. on Sunday, October, 25, outside DaCostaÕs Mall, Broad Street.
The route took the competitors through all 11 parishes before ending at the National Stadium, Waterford.
The first ÒbreakÓ occurred near the Top Rock, Christ Church roundabout when Michael Connell (Alcolado Glaciers) pulled away.
As he rode past Bushy Park, St. Philip, Turton made a break along with Kellman.
Everything went well until the race approached Greenland, St. Andrew where Turton was delayed by a flat.
By the time the riders reached St. LucyÕs Parish Church, Turton was again among the front runners.
The beginning of the St. Lucy circuit signalled the end of the mastersÕ ride and the juniorsÕ race :The mastersÕ title went to Michael Connell and the juniorsÕ was won by Carlitos Jones.
For the next 15 miles the front runners stayed together until Rosemond got a flat tyre near Diamond Corner, St. Peter.
He tried to get back into contention but finished third behind Turton and Kellman.
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Students 'park' out [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Students 'park' out
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Creator: Sealy John
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Page: 1
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Paper Date: Sat, Feb 13, 1999
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Category: News
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THE BAWDEN ENVIRONMENTAL Park group played host to a number of schoolchildren recently.
The students, from Wesley Hall Primary, toured a number of sites in St. Andrew Ð Greenland, Bawden River and Sedge Pond.
The visit was co-ordinated by the Barbados 4H Movement Support Group at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The children also saw how solar energy was used to pump water for irrigation and dry crops with systems provided by the University of the West Indies.
At the end of the fun day, a number of trees were planted.
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Health care reform [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Health care reform
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Creator: Husbands Clifford Sir
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 30
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Paper Date: Thu, Feb 18, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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FOLLOWING is Part 2 of the speech delivered by the Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands at the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday.
My Government will pursue cultural policies that are designed to foster a sense of pride in its citizens and to develop the self-worth and self-confidence of the nation.
It is fully committed to the preservation and protection of BarbadosÕ cultural heritage; and will establish a National Heroes Gallery, and the Kamau Brathwaite Institute of African Studies at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, and will create a national framework for the development of all aspects of the performing and fine arts.
My Government appreciates the enormous economic potential of culture and cultural industries. It will, therefore, continue to give support to the expansion of business opportunities in cultural goods and services and implement policies to protect our strategic interests.
The services of the National Library Service and the Archives Department will be rationalised and expanded to enhance the level of their efficiency.
Health
The quality of life and the preservation of our economic base can only be secured by the protection of our citizensÕ health.
The Barbadian health care system is in the throes of change. There is no doubt that it must be made flexible and must adapt to rapidly changing technology, increased public expectations and rising costs.
Against this background, my Government is committed to a fundamental rationalisation of the services within this sector.
In particular, it will carry out measures to enable the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to deliver health care of the highest quality by using the best practices applying cost-effective measures and making patient care its No. 1 priority, in line with the recommendations of the Report of the Haynes Advisory Commission into the affairs of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
My Government will also embark on the first major physical expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 40 years. A Patient's Rights Charter will establish patient care and rights at the centre of care delivery and administration. My Government will create an autonomous management structure for the hospital in line with the recommendations of the Haynes Commission Report.
My Government will also review the role of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a teaching hospital and lift the cap on medical training.
Nurses constitute the largest single group of health care workers. To this end, my Government will develop a career path for nurses with the appropriate recognition and remuneration. A post of full time Registrar for the General Nursing Council will also be established.
The first line of defence in an effective health care policy is a strong public health programme. My Government will restructure the Public Health Inspectorate in accordance with the recommendations of that body. In addition, the Health Services Act and Regulations will be upgraded to strengthen the
powers of the Health Inspectors to deal with issues relating to food quality, derelict vehicles, abandoned houses and overgrown lots.
The Sanitation Services Authority (SSA). will be restructured, and a new fleet of vehicles will also be purchased to improve the quality of its service.
The opening hours of polyclinics have recently been extended. My Government will make provision for at least one polyclinic to be open on a 24-hour basis.
My Government will enact new Mental Health legislation and will encourage a greater community approach to the provision of mental health care. The physical plant of the Psychiatric Hospital will also be refurbished.
Solid waste
My Government will fully implement the extensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme which was defined as a major component of the general policy of the Health Sector Development Plan 1993-2000.
Both the National Sanitary Landfill at Greenland and the Bulky Waste Facility at Bagatelle have already been completed and will soon be fully operational.
To complement these facilities, my Government will shortly be constructing a Transfer Station and a Composting Facility at Vaucluse, St. Thomas.
The other components of this programme will involve the enactment of new legislation to support these policv initiatives, to control illegal dumping and to support recycling.
Environment
There is now general acceptance that we must take special care of our physical environment. My Government will implement a Beautify Barbados 2000 programme to enhance the islandÕs highways and landscapes, and especially to convert the 300 gullies of Barbados into assets available for the recreation of our citizens and our visitors after the model of the Welchman Hall Gully.
It will also create protection regimes and management practices for heritage areas such as HarrisonÕs Cave, Folkstone Park, Turners Hall Woods, Graeme Hall Swamp and Carlisle Bay and our natural wetlands.
My Government will ensure that our beaches are accessible to all and that they never become the exclusive preserve of any sector in the community.
The legislative programme will include, inter alia, comprehensive Environmental Protection Legislation, a Clean Air Bill and a Noise Pollution Bill.
Water
My Government is committed to the maintenance of the best water conservation practices, the protection of our potable water supply from contamination and the provision of an adequate supply of clean water at all times to the public.
It will maintain incentives for the use of water conservation devices.
The Desalination Plant at Spring Garden will be constructed. At the same time, the Leak Detection Programme to identify and replace all faulty mains will continue.
My Government will provide the resources to complete the planning of the West Coast Sewerage System. The work on the South Coast Sewerage Project will be completed during this term.
Housing
My Government is committed to providing access to affordable, good quality housing to every Barbadian family. My Government will also continue its policies to expand the available number of serviced lots and to provide 100 per cent mortgages for all purchases of housing and of serviced lots by low income earners. It will also implement measures designed to reduce building costs for all sectors of the community.
To meet the needs of those who are still unable to purchase immediately, the National Housing Corporation will continue the construction of terraces units. This policy, however, will be complemented by an acceleration of the sale of existing units by the National Housing Corporation.
My Government will require the National Housing Corporation to build smaller clusters, construct recreational facilities and provide for green spaces in
all of its housing developments in recognition of the need to set housing construction in the context of a larger programme to build strong communities in a pleasing, aesthetic environment.
A new major housing programme leading to the emergence of a new town centre will be developed at Deane Town in St. James.
Urban renewal
The assault on urban poverty has been systematically undertaken since the establishment in 1997 of the Urban Development Commission. The emphasis on slum clearance, the improvement of physical and social amenities and the encouragement of enterprise, both at the individual and community levels, must continue to be the mission of this institution.
My government will supplement these policies by the provision of a subsidy to urban tenants to ensure that they pay no more than $2.50 per square foot for the land on which they live. The landowners will receive the difference between that $2.50 per square foot and the fair market value of the property.
My Government will support the Urban Development Commission in a programme to rehabilitate the derelict properties found in urban communities, ensuring that a collaborative approach is followed between the commission and the owners of these relevant properties.
Rural development
The efforts commenced by my Government in urban Barbados will be matched by the continued development of our rural communities.
Thus, the work programme of the Rural Development Commission will be expanded, and efforts to create economic opportunities to ensure the survival and prosperity of rural communities will also be intensified. In all of these areas; my Government will act in concert with non-governmental organisations to carry out programmes for the social and economic development of disadvantaged persons and for the improvement of physical amenities in rural Barbados.
My Government will systematically expand the financial resources available to the Urban and Rural Development Commissions in each year over the next five years.
Public workers and transport
My Government is committed to ensuring that every community in Barbados enjoys the benefits of a paved road early in the 21st Century. The programme to repair and especially to build new roads in communities will be expanded in pursuit of this objective.
My Government is committed to providing good road and traffic control systems, with adequate storm drainage and sidewalks to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The ABC Highway will be expanded to a four lane highway. Over 30 kilometres of major roads and highways will be established, and to improve the flow of traffic, over-passes will be introduced on the ABC Highway.
Government will support the programme to upgrade our public transport system. An additional 100 new buses will be acquired to expand the fleet of the Transport Board. To facilitate the proper regulation of the public transport system, an independent Transport Authority will be established.
My Government will fully integrate the operations of minibuses, route taxis and the Transport Board fleet to produce a fair and equitable system.
In respect of drainage my Government will intensify the operations of the new Drainage Unit to reduce the incidence of flooding in Barbados.
My Government will also implement corrective measures up-stream of such flood-prone areas as Speightstown, Holetown, Weston, HeadleyÕs Land, Murphy Pasture, Barnes Land and Harts Gap.
Sports
My Government will institute policies to ensure that all communities in Barbados be provided with sports facilities and the means to have those facilities fully and effectively utilised.
My Government will also continue its support to sporting organisations and will, in particular, institute special measures to facilitate the growing and successful participation of our young people in international competitions.
Industrial relations and labour
In its previous term of office, my Government successfully negotiated and implemented a social contract between the social partners representing the state, labour and capital as an essential mechanism for the attainment of social progress and economic stability.
It will honour its obligations under the existing Social Contract and conclude other similar arrangements that will deepen and enhance the consultative and decision-making process.
In addition, a national Minimum Wage will be introduced in an effort to ensure a proper standard of living for all working Barbadians.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, during the years of structural adjustment of the economy, workers in the public sector shouldered a unique and unequal burden. In recognition of such sacrifice, my Government will fully restore to all workers in the public sector, the emoluments lost by reason of the operation of the Reduction of Emoluments Act Negotiations with the social partners will shortly commence to agree on the terms of compensation.
A Trade Union Recognition Bill, an Unfair Dismissal Bill and an Occupational Health and Safety Bill will be enacted.
¥ To be continued in the WEEKEND NATION.
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More questions than answers [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: More questions than answers
ANOTHER P.M.
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Creator: Morgan Peter
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 6
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Paper Date: Thu, Feb 18, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE trumpets have sounded a fanfare. The Mounted Troop has clip-clopped over the Chamberlain Bridge. The National Anthem has rung out. His Excellency the Governor-General has inspected the immaculate Guard of Honour.
The Members of the Ancient and Honourable House of Assembly have elected their Speaker and duly followed him in stately fashion into the Senate Chamber. The Speech from the Throne has been delivered. Inherited tradition has followed, Westminster style. GodÕs in His Heaven and Parliament is in business again.
Yet I have always had the feeling that Governments, both stripes, have always followed the Westminster tradition, of which we boast so proudly, as and when it suited them. Any aspects which were a nuisance Ð or could possibly prove a source of embarrassment Ð have been quietly dispensed with.
One such is the opportunity afforded to the Opposition to ask questions of the Government. In the Canadian and Australian parliaments the opposition is entitled to fire verbal questions at the prime minister for one hour every day that Parliament sits. The British PM gets off lighter with only half an hour once a week. In all cases the PM answers immediately unless research is necessary.
In our Parliament there has never been an item on the Order Paper allowing for a Question Time. The best that an opposition can do is to table parliamentary questions. That is the easy bit. The more difficult, often impossible task, is to elicit parliamentary answers.
At the time that Parliament was dissolved last December there remained on the Order Paper no fewer than 48 unanswered parliamentary questions. The most long-standing of these dated back to November 4, 1994 when Erskine Sandiford enquired whether the Minister of Public Works, and so on, was aware that areas of Bayville were overgrown with weeds, bush and grass creating a health hazard and wanted cleaning up. Presumably something was done about it in the intervening four years but the minister never troubled to advise Sandiford, Parliament and the nation that the matter would be attended to.
Other questions related to the award of contracts: the number of licences issued to public vehicles; whether there were any applications for radio and TV licences; the number of temporary posts created in the public service; the number of appointments of personal assistant to ministers; the number of trips abroad by the Prime Minister and his deputy, their purpose and their cost, and so on, and so on. All quite factual information which could have been collated by a junior clerk and submitted to Parliament Ð yet all disdainfully ignored.
Questions were asked about salaries of people paid from the public purse Ð the directors of the Rural and Urban Development Commissions; the ambassador to the Caribbean Community; the Cultural AttachŽ in New York; to personal assistants to ministers: the Chief Executive Officers of the GEMS project, the Fund Access and many others. All our employees but weÕre not allowed to know what weÕre paying them.
Which Statutory Corporations and Government-owned companies afforded boxes at Kensington? How much was paid from the Poverty Alleviation Fund and to which organisations? Who was awarded the tender for catering at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and when will the LionsÕ Eye Centre be opened? Were tenders invited for the sale of Foursquare Factory? The cost of the various Commissions of Enquiry? Not even Parliament in supposed to know.
There were numerous more awkward questions. When will Mangrove close and Greenland open and what was in the report of the latest study? What is happening with the South Coast Sewerage Project? Why is the GEMS project shrouded in secrecy? One can understand a certain reluctance in answering these but surely Parliament and the public are entitled to be informed?
By chance Albert Brandford wrote an interesting article in the last Sunday Sun on the subject of ministerial accountability which concluded with a statement by a former British Cabinet Secretary, ÒA failure by ministers to meet the obligations of ministerial accountability by providing information about the activities of their department engenders cynicism about Government and undermines the democratic process.Ó
The post-election statement by the Prime Minister offering full co-operation and facilitation to the Opposition was most laudable. Might I respectfully suggest that he begin by instructing his ministers to answer questions?
¥ Peter Morgan is a former tourism minister in a DLP administration
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Students to get IDB boost [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Students to get IDB boost
EDUCATION
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Creator: Brandford Albert
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Publication: Business Authority
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Paper Page: 7
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Paper Date: Mon, Mar 15, 1999
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Category: Business Authority
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by Albert Brandford
AN estimated 50 000 Barbadian students are expected to benefit from an information technology programme co-financed by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank.
According to the IDB, the Education Sector Enhancement Programme, towards which it is contributing US$85 million and the CDB, US$30 million, would also develop teaching materials and provide training for 4 000 teachers, school administrative and support staff and Ministry of Education officials.
In its 1998 annual report to be released in Paris, France today, the IDB said the programme would help the education system produce the skilled workforce required to drive a modern economy by providing the hardware, software and technological infrastructure to computerise all of the islandÕs primary and secondary schools.
ÒHaving achieved universal basic education,Ó the IDB said, ÒBarbados now faces the challenge of improving the quality of its education system and strengthening its capacity to keep pace with economic and technological change.
ÒThis programme is to provide schools with the information technology, teaching methodology and educational materials necessary to prepare students for what is fast becoming a more knowledge-based, service-oriented and entrepreneurial workplace.Ó
The IDB said the programme would provide the islandÕs 80 primary and 23 secondary schools with the hardware, software and networking infrastructure necessary for computerisation.
ÒSome 10 000 computers will be installed in classrooms, libraries and offices,Ó the IDB said.
ÒÕMedia centresÕ created in clasrooms will include a television, video cassette player and TV-PC converter.
ÒAn estimated 50 000 students will benefit from the programme, and it is expected that by the year 2005, three-quarters of all graduates will have achieved acceptable levels of computer mastery.Ó
The bank said the programe would also finance school repairs and upgrades to make them computer and network ready, as well as general structural repairs.
Better known as EduTech 2000, the seven-year $350 million programme will be the largest single project carried out by Government over the next decade.
The IDB said it was also financing the US$13 million Solid Waste Management Programme aimed at protecting the environment and improving public health by financing construction of modern and efficient waste disposal facilities.
According to the bank, the programme would finance construction of a below-ground sanitary landfill (at Greenland) to provide space for solid waste for 20 years.
It said a 100 00 cubic metre recompacted clay liner, one metre thick, would line the perimeter to eliminate the risk of soil and groundwater pollution.
In addition, a transfer station is to be built (at Vaucluse) and equipped to compact and deliver waste to the landfill. Roads in the area will be upgraded or repaired to assure safe transport.
And, a new composting facility will deliver more than 20 000 tons a year of organic yard and garden waste, the IDB said.
ÒEnvironmental education activities financed through the programme will range from media campaigns to recycling incentives and community seminars for businesses and residents,Ó the IDB said.
ÒPrivate sector participation will be fostered by their involvement in construction and operation of the new facilities.Ó
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On the cutting edge [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: On the cutting edge
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Creator: Alleyne Gayle
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 16A
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Paper Date: Sun, Mar 21, 1999
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Category: Living
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by Gayle Alleyne
SHE pulled out a cutlass before thousands at a major political meeting.
Her fiery, articulate speeches proved a drawing card.
Unanimously, she was the butt of the best campaign insult.
When Barbadians reflect on the choice elements of the 1999 General Elections, Liz ThompsonÕs name will figure prominently.
Somehow, at almost every turn, this politician was the centre of attention Ð good, bad, funny, you name it. As her campaign slogan and song unwittingly predicted it was really Liz Everytime.
Perhaps this was not surprising for someone who, in her first parliamentary and ministerial term, found the headlines whether she liked it or not: being labelled ÒcantankerousÓ by Prime Minister Owen Arthur; playing sanitation worker for a day; grappling with the countless woes at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital; and defending the opening of Greenland landfill.
Now back in the saddle as Minister of Health, the woman in focus shrugs, resigned to her fate of attracting contentious issues like honey does bees.
ÒIÕve always been like that. Even when I was at school I managed to attract attention, comment, controversy. I truly donÕt know what about me causes that,Ó she says, looking puzzled.
On second thought, the two-time St. James South Member of Parliament concludes it must be her Òimpulsive natureÓ. She has been in hot water for it before; once, as a St. Michael schoolgirl, when she had to write apologies for an essay that offended teachers.
That impulsiveness showed at the Barbados Labour PartyÕs (BLP) candidatesÕ presentation in Carlisle Car Park when she suddenly held a collins aloft while delivering a riveting speech dubbed The Blade.
Remembering her action and the ensuing controversy, Liz rolls her eyeballs skyward, slowly shaking her head.
ItÕs that ÒIÕve done it againÓ look.
ÒIt was an error of judgement. The collins was not used in a threatening way, but it gave people scope to misuse it. Given the concern about crime, it is perhaps best a minister not be seen with a collins, whatever the intention. It could send the wrong signal.
ÒIt didnÕt occur to me that people would use it negatively and it could hurt the party,Ó she acknowledges, adding such afterthought spurred her day-after apology.
Also, there was some outcry within BLP ranks.
Marvelling at how swiftly an apparently splendid idea was twisted into something sinister, she says using a cutlass to illustrate her address occurred as she pondered her topic while dressing to go to the BLPÕs stomping ground.
ÒAt the time I thought it wouldÕve been wonderfully demonstrative,Ó explains the 37-year-old, who borrowed the implement from a constituent.
In stitches
That incident might have been the proverbial nine-day wonder, but for Leader Of The Opposition David Thompson, who Ð joining a chorus of condemnation, with some declaring his namesake should be arrested and charged Ð left Barbadians of all political persuasions in stitches with the following biting remark: ÒIn the case of Liz Thompson, I understand the police would have a difficulty because they should really be charging the cutlass with walking around with an offensive weapon.Ó
The woman at whom the stinging quip was directed was equally tickled. Her face lights up as she applauds the St. John representative.
ÒI thought it was a gem. That was the insult of the campaign. ThatÕs the kind of ÔbuseingÕ I think politicians should do. The language was clean but it was such a cutting and incisive insult.
ÒIt was beautiful. I gave him full marks for it. ThatÕs the truth. When I read it I laughed out so hard. I think that will be on me for a long time. That is class.Ó
Stretched across an antique sofa in her neat living room, she thinks back to the origins of that entire episode.
An unforgettable epigraph from a book read years ago Ð ÒWhen the axe came into the forest, the trees said ÔThe handle is one of usÕ.Ó
That the minister cannot remember the novel off-hand Ð ÒItÕs an African American writerÓ Ð but recites the quotation from memory speaks to its impact. Later, it was found in Alice WalkerÕs Possessing The Secret of Joy.
ÒIÕve never forgotten it. It has been with me for seven years and when I was thinking about my speech for Carlisle Car Park, that quotation came to mind. I just felt that was the night to use it,Ó says Liz, her face taking on a faraway expression.
As she excitedly repeated the quote (taken by Walker from a bumper sticker) others looked bewildered.
ÒIt meant nothing to them but what came to me when I read it was deep betrayal. When you consider the place the Dems traditionally held in politics, as the popular mass-based party and then the anger people felt in 1994 and how people still feel about them now, betrayal is what comes to you.Ó
That night, she urged Barbadians to see the Demcratic Labour Party (DLP) as the blade of the axe rather than its (wooden) handle, stressing the hardship and pain the blade had inflicted across this country.
Throughout the campaign, such theme-wrapped speeches, including one dubbed Destiny and her moving prayer on election eve, made this politician a hit on the platform; being deemed the BLPÕs best speaker.
ÒIf people found my speeches deep it was because they reflected whatÕs in my mind, my heart; things I believe in.
ÒI feed a lot off the crowd. ItÕs about connecting with them and speaking to issues they want to hear, in a meaningful way. I think I can do that,Ó she surmises.
Pausing reflectively, Liz Thompson recognises she has come a long way from the almost brazen, young Turk who dared to challenge then DLP incumbent, Keith Simmons, in the 1991 poll. Trounced by 1311 votes, she was undeterred.
ÒWhen I came to St. James South it was with the determination that I was willing to take three elections to win. I felt the BLP needed to have that continuous presence.
ÒThe party had written off certain seats to the DLP and never ran candidates who were willing to stay and fight,Ó says this spirited female who prevailed in 1994 on her second attempt, beating DLP first-timer Clyde Mascoll.
Her three candidacies have marked Òpersonal and political growthÓ, with her graduating from an also-ran to a Government minister; from a political neophyte to planning strategy and coordinating campaigns while, simultaneously, changing status from single to married to divorced.
ÒIn my first election, I was in a steady relationship. By the second campaign I had not only got married but divorced that man.
We got divorced the first day Cabinet met after the 1994 General Elections. I was late for Cabinet because I was meeting with my lawyers.
ÒI had changed a lot by 1994 É I speak about leaving my husband and rediscovering myself É I found I was losing a lot of the things that were the core of Liz Thompson.Ó
Such personal troubles, coupled with repeated raps as health minister, armed her well for her third poll.
ÒThis was a bruising campaign. I knew I was going to be under extreme attack. The Dems made that clear. Kerrie Symmonds was touted as one of their best candidates. The challenge was to show what had been done in Health and in my constituency.Ó
The pitched battle between her and the DLP newcomer was watched and debated intensely. Symmonds was accused of insulting her physical looks and derided her as the ÒCud DearÓ minister who blamed everyone but herself.
Negative into Positive
Cuddling one of her three dogs affectionately, a smiling Liz says she resolved to turn SymmondsÕ comments into a positive.
For example, querying how he could expect fat women and those with natural hair to vote for him after speaking disparagingly of her size and braids.
ÒWhen people attack me thatÕs when I am at my most lethal. I donÕt make a lot of noise. I sit down and plan. You say IÕm short, fat, ugly and stupid. So a short, fat, ugly, stupid woman gine beat you real bad.Ó
Though confident, the incumbent was still surprised at the magnitude of her victory Ð 1 640 votes; a stunning majority compared to her 218-vote margin in 1994.
As Liz tells it, there was pure pandemonium in her home as election night unfolded in the BLPÕs favour. When her counting team telephoned with the outcome of SF1 (the largest box in St. James South and in the island), she knew she too was going back to Parliament.
ÒI won SF1 (Wanstead, Oxnards, Husbands) by about 500 votes and my stronghold, Haynesville, hadnÕt been counted yet. I remember putting down the phone and saying ÔThat boy gine get maulÕ.Ó
¥ Read what Liz said to the Prime Minister about calling her cantankerous; her thoughts on her poliical future, dating being called a lesbian and much more in Part. 2 coming Wednesday.
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Lookah de food! [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Lookah de food!
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Apr 9, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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YOU EVER get the feeling that something is just too big for you? That thereÕs no
way you can cope? That's how my wife used to feel before we got married. Boy, is
that her favourite joke nowadays!
But thereÕs a lot of that snowed-under feeling going around. Youth problems, ZR
indiscipline, global warming, you name it. Helplessness. Like, Sir Goddard raises
the issue of seriously unclad ladies in the Investigator. The Advocate responds,
Oh yeah, what about smut in foreign papers, on the Internet, on TV? And we cave
in.
Wrong attitude. We got to fight. We blocked casino gambling; regained access to
Morgan Lewis Beach; Greenland ainÕt open yet. We got to fight.
Today we are fighting for our health. Computers, cell phones, exhaust emissions,
stress and above all, food, are taking their toll. The situation seems hopeless.
At least, that's how I felt after reading Ms. Ena HarveyÕs warnings in the Sunday
Advocate of March 21. Pesticide residue abounds in local and imported foods,
hormones, antibiotics. And it has we men in trouble: prostate cancer up 134 per
cent; testis cancer up 125 per cent; sperm counts down 50 per cent. I canÕt live
with that.
I mean, itÕs one thing to hear Dr. Henry Fraser say so; but when an attractive
young lady says you may soon not be able to toot your flute, it hurteth to the
very soul.
So letÕs talk food. Scientists recognise three distinct schools of foodology:
There is the Mother-in-lawÕs, summed up in the dictum: ÒModeration in all things,
chile, a little with contentment is great gain.Ó
Secondly, my daughterÕs: eat only healthy foods, where ÒhealthyÓ is defined as
Òfood approved by some dweeby scientist who probably never did an honest dayÕs
work in his, her or its life.Ó She knows all about colestrerol, sattirated fats
and no-flab abs.
Thirdly, there is my school, the Hog-Trough School. We recognise that the species
that survive on this planet Ð rats, stray dogs, black ants, mengeeses Ð are
those that eat every and anything. ThatÕs what we do.
However, all three schools are agreed that the levels of pesticide residue and
contaminants in both meat and plant products have reached totally unacceptable
levels.
Especially since we read Ms. Harvey.
So where do we go from here? Do we sit back defeated and say: ÒWhuh we goinÕ do?
Ef yuh mind dem people, yuh wun eat nuttinÕÓ? No, we got to fight! Things do look
kinda brown, but bear in mind, these problems have only arisen in the last 30
years because of Òscientific progressÓ.
When I was a yute, country folks grew a mixture of food crops and vegetables, a
few holes of cassava, corn, eddoes, bananas, sweet potatoes and a breadfruit
tree. Kept a few yard fowls, ducks, rabbits, sheeps and a pig. The plantations
duplicated this on a bigger scale. The crops and animals werenÕt the highest
yielders, but they were adapted to our conditions and suffered few problems.
Then the white man came down. To my everlasting shame, I was part of the
process. Take corn. The local strains had well-covered ears not attacked by
insects. Julian Mahon at Lion Castle developed a superior Bajan strain by rigid
selection.
Then we, the scientists, brought in hybrids with higher yields. But now you had
to spray heavily as more and more resistant insects took over. And also, of
course, you had to go back to the white man every time you wanted seed.
We repeated this process for many other crops. I hear weÕve even brought in
Barbados cherry strains from Puerto Rico which have worm problems that ours never
had.
And we did the same for livestockÐ high-falutin Holsteins from Canada susceptible
to tick-fevers, coughing pigs, arthritic goats. And worse than all that, we
import feeds and food from America laced down with pesticide.
It is time for action. The situation warrants the creation of a new Ministry of
Clean Food and Hops Bread headed by Ms. Harvey (she is famous for the latter) to
co-ordinate efforts to:
¥ Encourage the return to organic farming and local varieties.
¥ Establish a laboratory for testing for residues.
¥ Educate the public about food hazards and expose offenders using slogans like:
ÒYou spray, you say, Õgainst worms and germs, but now youÕve killed out half my
sperms.Ó
Should Ms. Harvey require an able assistant, I would be nothing loath to serve
under her. Together we can lick this problem.
Then me and Sir Goddard goinÕ after those Investigator girls.
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Nelson: I'm goin' with Owen [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Nelson: I'm goin' with Owen
EDITOR'S DIARY
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Creator: Mayers Harry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 9A
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Paper Date: Wed, Apr 28, 1999
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Category: Living
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Following is an exclusive interview with Lord Nelson for publication today, HeroesÕ Day when Trafalgar Square is being pulled from under his feet and renamed National HeroesÕ Square.
HM Ð What is it like up there, Lord Nelson?
Nelson Ð Pretty hot. Unusually hot for April. An excessive amount of hot air. Coming from the house over there. ItÕs even blowing away and melting the droppings from my pigeons. But what are you about?
HM Ð How do you feel about the controversy over where you should be living?
Nelson Ð I donÕt give interviews but I must confess that I am rather surprised by the heat generated over whether I should be put somewhere else; thrown into the sea, placed in Nelson Street Ð I may not mind that, mind you Ð auctioned or sent to the museum.
IÕve grown to like it here and I would prefer to stay but if I have to go I have to go. Like everybody else, IÕm going with Owen.
HM Ð Oh?
Nelson Ð Circumstances have changed, my dear fellow. The cannonball that hit me, you would not find these days. Today people use mental balls; balls that confuse peopleÕs minds; propaganda balls. There are balls and balls, you know.
HM Ð What do you mean?
Nelson Ð Do you believe my presence here has hindered individual or national development and progress in any way? This little country Ð I didnÕt like it at first.
It was detestable Ð has produced truly great men and women; intellectuals, persons who have distinguished themselves in the professions, trades, sports and of course, politics.
Sir Grantley Adams, his son, Tom, Errol Barrow; and here now we have Mr. Arthur who, I was observing up to recently, seems destined to be another great Barbadian leader.
Have I been in their way? Mind you, old chap, IÕm not against the country and people having their own heroes. But how will moving me help in the countryÕs development?
HM Ð It is said you are a misfit in Barbados and will be a bigger misfit in HeroesÕ Square.
Nelson Ð Ah well! How things have changed. But why spend so much energy on a one-eyed, one-armed old geyser when that energy can be used somewhere else.
Poverty alleviation instead of welfarism; arresting the moral decay; those school children; taxi drivers who swear worse than sailors; helping to prevent the exploitation of consumers; that kind of thing.
What has become of Greenland, by the way? And how about the hospital there named after Her Majesty? Note that I have not even touched crime and violence. But think about that.
HM Ð You sound upset, Lord Nelson.
Nelson Ð I am. Damn it. He has such a brilliant future and heÕs about to throw it away with foolishness. All symbols; little substance.
HM Ð What are you talking about?
Nelson Ð After all these years here, I am still a foreigner and I will not disrespect my hosts. But tell me this. Where now is that last man who interfered with me needlessly?
HM Ð Whom do you mean?
Nelson Ð DonÕt pretend you donÕt know of what and of whom IÕm speaking. Your know as well as I do that heÕs gone. G-O-N-E. Gone!
And you know what? IÕm going too. After all, if Governor Cox, one of your own, got smashed with cannonball, who am I? And heaven knows I donÕt want to be hit by another one. So IÕm going Ð with Owen.
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Landfill woes hold up opening [Pg 2]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Landfill woes hold up opening
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 16
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Paper Date: Thu, May 6, 1999
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Category: News
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THE Greenland landfilL appears to be riddled with problems preventing its early opening.
Eighteen months after its completion, sources have indicated a range of difficulties Ð from construction kinks to indecisiveness on the management contract.
Despite several attempts over the last two weeks, the Nation was unable to get any comment from the Ministry of Health Ð neither denials, clarifications nor explanations Ð on the reports.
A source at the Sanitation Service Authority, which is the caretaker of the idle landfill, said one of the most worrisome issues was the salt water in the main landfill basin, raising questions of whether it was brackish water or sea water.
ÒWhen Carib Canada handed over the facility to us, they showed us the designs. At the surface was top soil followed by a layer of shale, then sand, then clay. When R.J. Burnside International went in and excavated the top soil and shale, they hit water and it was salt water,Ó said the source.
He said there was concern that with the fluctuation of this salt water, garbage would not stay put.
Another problem was that the drainage pipes were too small and had become clogged with clay.
ÒThis is a major problem, especially in the number one leachate tank. To move that water, we have to pump it.Ó
Another source close to the project confirmed that clogging of the drainage pipes was a major problem, and it was compounded because of the thousands of tonnes of clay trucked back to the compound to shore up the cracks which had been appearing in a section of the basin.
That clay had washed down, clogging the pipes, something which will cost about half-million dollars to correct, said the source.
A third source said not everyone supported ONYX Barbados getting the contract. The other company in the running was Miller Waste Solutions.
Last October the Weekend Nation reported that Cabinet had agreed to award the management contract to ONYX Barbados.
ONYX is a joint venture between a French company and Williams Industries, while Miller Waste Solutions Barbados was a joint venture between a Canadian company and Rayside Construction whose team include Dr. Hugh Sealy, the landfillÕs project manager.
Cabinet favoured ONYX because of its 6.4 million bid compared to MillerÕs $7.7 million and running costs of $5.05 million compared to MillerÕs $6.2 million.
ONYX was also favoured because it had experience in operating 125 landfills on three continents while Miller had no hands-on experience.
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Village academy 4: The bottles business [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Village academy 4: The bottles business
BEYOND THE BOUNDARY
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Creator: Beckles Hilary
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page: 8A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 9, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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WHEN I was a younger youth learning the art and science of cricket culture in the St. Andrews/St. Peter Village Academy, much emphasis was placed on the political aspects, particularly as it related to the power of umpires and the rights of players, family, loved ones, spectators, and opportunistic onlookers.
It was made clear to me, in a purely theoretical sort of way-of-course- that only sexual relations could generate as much legitimate passion as cricket.
As a result, very early in life, I became sensitive to the prevalence of domestic violence and cricket warfare in everyday lie within village society.
Perceptions of injustice, whether it was a result of being Òtief outÓ by an umpire, or losing a sweetheart to a criminal rival, meant that licks had to share, or that at least, something would get Òbrek upÓ. And so, village culture was textured.
Cricket politics in the village made provision, not formally, for the Òbrekking upÓ of a game in at least a dozen ways when it was spoilt by a ÒtiefingÓ umpire who in turn was adjudged to be bringing the game into disrepute.
We were clear, and there was concensus, that the moral and civil fabric of the game had to be protected from such Injustices of the Peace. Upholders of cricketÕs high values and religious principles, would ÒdoneÓ the game as an act of restoring high standards, wise jurisprudence, and general community decency.
The counter judgments of family, friends, and paramours were often swift, decisive and painful. ÒBrekkingÓ up the game was part of the culture, and plaintiffs were as creative as they were sanctions.
We had few bottles around in those days, but in any case no one thought that a bottle was appropriate technology in this regard. It was considered hard, cold and too deadly an anti-social instrument.
Our commitment, instead, was to the rockstone (of the soft kind Ð as found in Greenland), young breadfruit, pawpaw, and the occasional bad egg.
Take Little Hitler, for example. He was so named because his father supported the Nazis during the war because they were fighting against the English who he believed to be the real enemy because they kept him colonised, disenfranchised, and also because their descendents owned all the land around him.
He used to pooh at the fellas going off to join the war effort in the same way that he did when they filed past his house in the early morning going to work on the plantation.
Little Hitler was our best batsman; his father didnÕt like cricket because it was too English and not played by the Germans, the Japanese, nor the Russians.
But he was never out, and saw all umpires as criminals and immoralists. We loved Little Hitler, but for this one little character flaw.
He had a bad dog named ÒLionÓ that was bigger than most of us. We called it an Òall stationÓ, and trembled when it approached us or any space we occupied.
When Little Hitler was batting ÒLionÓ would take up a position behind the standing umpire.
When he was given out, the act of pelting away the bat was the signal to ÒLionÓ to invade the field looking for the umpire or the ball to put in his mouth.
When he got the ball, which was less mobile, Hitler would shout Òhold it till the umpire come back.Ó
If we wanted to play on, Little Hitler had to be reinstated, since only the retrieving of the bat was the sign for ÒLionÓ to release the ball.
But I had a particular fondness for Big Joe, who used to drive one of Mrs. RockÕs Rocklyn buses. He, too, hated ÒtiefingÓ umpires.
If he was given our, especially caught behind or runout, he would park the bus on the wicket at every opportunity for a month Ð thereby neutralising the only stretch of flat road we had in the village, which was named by counter-imperial proclamation, ÒLordsÓ.
While the bus was parked there, the big fellas used to ÒtiefÓ the canvas off the sides to make covers for the wicket up on the pasture. It was always fascinating by the poetic justice involved.
Mrs. Straker, however, took the cake. She hated it when her son, who we called ÒFloursÓ, because he ate nothing unless it was made of flour, was given out.
Flours would run home and tell his mother that the fellas ÒtiefÓ out his hand when he was looking ÒunoutableÓ, and that they were calling she names on top of it.
Mrs. Straker would turn up with a rocking chair, put it in the middle of the wicket, and read aloud from a Macabe bible which was thought was the devilÕs own text. Game done!
The younger fellas, however had their own forms of retribution against the abuse or ill use of the power invested in umpires.
Anytime a match was played between the fellas from up the hill, and those from down the hill, a civil war would ensue because the neutral umpireÕs bias was uncovered in some remark he would make when pointing his finger for the batsman to leave the field.
If your father owed him money, or your mother didnÕt speak to him after he ÒseeeesÓ her, make sure that every ball hit the middle of the bat Ð or you are walking. Fighting would ÒbrekÓ out right there so!
Worse yet, when our village played away Ð against a neighbouring tenantry, wars of disrespect were inevitable.
If we beat the fellas fair and square, we would get ambush on the way home, and licks like peas. If we get beat, worse yet; we would get licks there and then for wasting their time, because the game was dead like the funeral a cruel fella would claim he missed attending just to play the game.
All of this is part of the ancestral pedigree of our village cricket.
There was a lot of passion, and a deep commitment to a notion of justice. I learnt very early how to walk, even before the fellas appeal because if my grandmother heard that I was involved in any such business Ð then the domestic violence part would literally kick in.
So what is this bottle business all about? I do believe that they should not be allowed into the Oval; I am not saying that patrons should go back into their past and walk with guavas, sour-sops and ackees from which traditional politics may be resurrected.
In India patrons attend with oranges for the sole purpose of keeping perimeter fieldsmen honest, and I do recall that sometime in the 1970s, either Lords or the Oval in London was forked up by IRA forkmen, and the game abandoned.
The Kensington Oval, unfortunately, is located in town, and we country people have a problem with town folk and this bottle issue. Not one breadfruit was collected by the BCA garbage collectors -; and yet all of us got blame for what happened.
I object to it, and from now on, I will be walking to the Oval Ð via Eagle Hall market.
¥ Professor Hilary Beckles is a cricket historian.
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That 'daddy knows best' attitude [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: That 'daddy knows best' attitude
ANOTHER P.M.
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Creator: Morgan Peter
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 6
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Paper Date: Thu, May 13, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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IF THERE is one fact of life which has been highlighted by the GovernmentÕs lack of consultation with the people over the Lord Nelson-Trafalgar Square issue, it is that Governments, sooner or later, responds to comments, suggestions and questions from the public with the attitude ÒDonÕt bother me with your nonsense Ð Daddy knows bestÓ. This time itÕs sooner rather than later.
It must be conceded that on this current subject there is at least a plea of mitigation in that the proposal was included in the Manifesto. I wonder how many voters were persuaded to support the one party rather than the other by this pledge.
It was then announced that Errol Barrow would stand in NelsonÕs place. It is unlikely that even Miss Mottley, who has been in charge of this cultural confusion, knew in advance of Big DaddyÕs inspiration, for it was revealed just two days after she had assured the public that no decision to move Nelson had been taken and would not be until the committee had heard the peopleÕs views. One friend gushed that the Prime Minister had built bridges.
Others saw it as mending fences after the tirade against Sir John Goddard and C.O. Williams. It was all so unnecessary and so divisive Ð if only they had listened to the people first. By the way, I trust they wonÕt try to stand Dipper on the same plinth as Nelson. No hand-me-downs for our heroes.
Sad to say this is not an isolated instance of refusal to consult with or listen to the people. How long and how often have people like Richard Goddard and Edward Cumberbatch been advising the Government that it was unwise to site the dump at Greenland Ð and given very cogent reasons to back their statements. So now it is reported that Landfill Woes Hold Up Opening Ð that is 18 months after the construction was finished. The NATION reporters were Òunable to get any comment from the Ministry of HealthÓ neither Òdenials, clarifications nor explanationsÓ. ÒDonÕt bother meÉ
There has been ample advice from Dr. Colin Hudson and the Future Centre Trust about the advantages of separating garbage which would result in far less ending up in the landfill. Vociferous pleas have been made by Canon Andrew Hatch and others for Governmental support for companies which have ways of
disposing of glass, plastic, paper and other waste materials for the same purpose. Nothing has been heard from the ministry in response to these very worthwhile suggestions. ÒDonÕt bother meÉÓ
The whole subject of agriculture, from the future of sugar to diversification of the crops, has been publicly discussed with input from such knowledgeable people as Stephen Cave, Tyrone Power and Coleridge Pilgrim. Whether anyone in Government has been listening may never be known. ÒDonÕt bother meÉÓ
One of the aspects of Agriculture which is disturbing is the inability of local producers, both large farms and the quarter acre man, to compete with the prices at which produce can be imported. Are they supposed to give up or will they be given some kind of protection in order to save jobs and investments? ÒDonÕt bother meÉÓ If the treatment which has been meted out to the manufacturing sector is anything to judge by, wherein protective tariffs which, I am told, could have been extended Õtill 2005 under WTO rules, have been reduced and are to be eliminated altogether by the end of this year, then the agriculturists had better look for other employment and other sources of income.
And suddenly, Government has recognised that what dozens of knowledgeable people Ð not least their own Noel Lynch MP Ð have been saying about tourism for ages is true. It has taken the downturn, which has been predicted for at least a year, for murmurs of a shake-up. It needs more than a shake-up to stem the tide. The answers have been out there in the public domain for ages but ÒDonÕt bother meÉÓ
Why is the Venture Capital Fund still dormant after four years? What is going on at GEMS and how much has it so far cost the tax-payers? What was the real reason for which the Governor of the Central Bank was so ignominiously fired? Why has no answer been given to the justifiable question as to the rationale behind the appointment of the Pan African Commission to membership of the Trafalgar Square Committee? And why does Mr. ComissiongÕs commission report to the Prime MinisterÕs Office and not to the Minister of Foreign Affairs? and so on, and so on. ÒDonÕt bother meÉÓ
Ah well, I expect they will get around to these less important matters after they have auctioned off Nelson, done away with Hastings, Worthing and Folkestone and put names on some more roundabouts. When it comes to determining priorities. ÒDaddy knows bestÓ.
¥ Peter Morgan is a former tourism minister in a DLP administration.
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Spin the Dipper [Pg 2]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Spin the Dipper
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, May 21, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE annual monthly general meeting of SOP (Support Our Party) droned on with members saving their attention for Any Other Business and the usual battle between Frank Poopley and Sammy Smellit. Nor were they to be disappointed.
ÒMr. Chairman, Sir,Ó began Poopley, Òare our party leaders not aware of growing public disenchantment; of a general consensus that they are doing foolishness? Can they not see, as Tom Field keeps pointing out, that this criticism is coming from our own supporters? That their town-hall meetings approach is fooling nobody? What we are getting is HobsonÕs Choice government Ð take it or leave it Ð and it is not going down well after all the talk about Ôinclusive, transparent and consultativeÕ. Harold HoyteÕs article on May 2 has left us naked and exposed.Ó
Smellit reddened and rose: ÒIn our yesminister system of governance, Mr. Poopley, democracy applies to free choice in elections, which gives us our mandate. After that, only the illusion of democracy is necessary. You canÕt run a country on the opinions of the riff-raff. Indeed not! We will make the important decisions and they can have their say on the minor details. Like, if ever we decide to allow casinos, they can suggest what colour the neon signs should be. What more could they want? And as for Mr. Tom Field!Ó and here he smiled and sat down.
ÒMaking decisions is one thing,Ó countered Poopley, Òdoing foolishness is another. That Greenland mess keeps getting deeper. Recently the Nation had it that a former Ministry of Health engineer has joined a private firm hoping to run the landfill. I seem to recall a firm had offered to build, at no cost to government, a safe, state-of-the-art incinerator which would have solved our garbage problem as well as provide energy for desalinating water and generating electricity. LetÕs hope that engineer wasnÕt part of the decision to build a landfill instead, or all hell will break loose about conflict of interest.Ó
Smellit became somewhat subdued: ÒFellow-members, maybe our party has taken some rash, and, yes, foolish decisions. But our role in SOP is support, not judgement. And damage-control is where we must now focus our attention.Ó
ÒWell then,Ó said Poopley, ÒyouÕd better start working on your damage-control for this Barrow in place of Nelson nonsense. That decision was obviously not thought through and people are going to be hopping mad when they realise weÕve given Barrow the worst spot in town.
ÒCheck it out: if they put him facing Broad Street, he will be backing Heroes Square. If they put him the other way round, traffic coming up Broad Street will only get to view his backside which will become the butt of countless jokes. ItÕs a no-win situation. Why on earth didnÕt they listen to people like Keith Simmons and Dennis Tull?Ó
Smellit gulped some water, opened his mouth, then closed it again. Then he croaked feebly: ÒDoes anyone, for GodÕs sake, have any ideas?Ó
ÒPeck-stickÓ Williams now came to the rescue: ÒMaybe all is not lost, Mr. Chairman. For with a simple electric motor, say a 1 hp., it would be possible to have the statue rotate and satisfy all sides.Ó
ÒOh thank you, thank you, Peckers,Ó roared Smellit, Òyou have saved the day. Spin the Dipper! Of course! That's the ticket.Ó
Old Molly Perkins rose shyly: ÒIf heÕs going to be motorised, couldnÕt we also have him waving to the people?Ó
ÒJumping and waving,Ó put in the bare-midriffed ÔDemistitsÕ Pudenski, known
for her tight clothing and loose morals; and she wiggled wantonly Blue Box-Cart style, causing several members to stretch longingly.
ÒJust rotating will do, thank you, ladies. And there will be town-meetings where the people can have their say as to at what rpm the Dipper should spin. Democracy!Ó
Even Poopley was smiling. ÒYÕknow, Nelson will be better off wherever they put him Ð harbour, esplanade or museum. Whole families will be able to picnic around him on Sunday afternoons and bedeck him with flowers on his birthday and the anniversary of Trafalgar. You couldnÕt do that in town.Ó
ÒAll's well that ends well,Ó concluded Smellit, Honi soit qui mal y pense! I now declare this meeting adjourned sine die until the third Sunday of next month.Ó
And all retired for rum-punch and fish-cakes.
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Rumour 'untrue' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Rumour 'untrue'
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Creator:
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 3
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Paper Date: Fri, May 21, 1999
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Category: News
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AFTER yesterdayÕs Cabinet meeting, WEEKEND NATION reporter, Gayle Alleyne, spoke to Government ministers Liz Thompson and Mia Mottley whom, it was rumoured, had resigned or threatened to resign.
Below is a verbatim account of that conversation as the ministers prepared to leave Government Headquarters.
Alleyne: ÒDid you threaten to resign?Ó
Thompson smiles and reaches to close her car door.
Alleyne: ÒDid you threaten to resign?Ó
Thompson (addressing Mottley who is approaching): ÒSpeak to Alleyne, Mottley.Ó
Alleyne: ÒDid you threaten to resign and Miss Mottley was in solidarity?Ó
Thompson: ÒDo you want an on or off the record answer? Mottley, come.Ó
Deputy Prime Minister Billie Miller interjects.
Miller: ÒPlease donÕt harass the minister, I am very serious.Ó
Alleyne: ÒI am not harassing the minister.Ó
Miller: ÒMiss Alleyne, I am serious. DonÕt harass the minister.Ó
Alleyne: ÒI am not harassing her, Miss Miller.Ó Miller: ÒWell, she doesnÕt share your view.Ó
Alleyne (to Thompson): ÒI am harassing you?Ó
Thompson: ÒMiss Alleyne has heard that the Prime Minister called a Press conference today because I had resigned or threatened to resign over the management contract relating to the Greenland landfill and that Mia had also threatened to do so.Ó
Mottley: ÒYou should ask the Prime Minister.Ó
Alleyne: ÒNo, but it would have been you all who were planning to resign.Ó
Mottley: ÒGayle, give me a break. You really feel I would have just come out of Cabinet (if I was resigning)?Ó
Alleyne: ÒWere you all intending to resign or did you all threaten to resign?Ó
Mottley: ÒNo, no.Ó
Alleyne: ÒYou never did?Ó
Mottley: ÒNo.Ó
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DUMP VOTE [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DUMP VOTE
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Creator: Gollop Chris
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Paper Date: Wed, May 26, 1999
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Paper Page And Section: 1A
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Category: News
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by Chris Gollop
THE CHOICE of a company to manage the Greenland Landfill project was voted for two to one.
Two in favour of the Miller Waste Solutions Barbados Limited team with connections to the Rayside Group of Companies, and one to Onyx Barbados Limited with its links to the C.O. Williams Industries group.
But Government seems to be leaning in favour of grant-ing the contract to Onyx.
Two committees and one independent consultant separately reviewed which consortium Government should open negotiations with on the Greendland Landfill Project.
The DAILY NATION has learnt that a technical committee comprising civil servants and an independent consultant funded by the sponsoring agency, the Inter-American Development Bank, voted in favour of Miller Waste SolutionsÕ technical proposal for the multi-million-dollar contract.
Less costly
The other only contender for the project, Onyx of France, got the support of the tenders committee Ð and only by virtue of their proposal being less costly than that of Miller Waste Solutions.
Even so, that committee voted that Miller ranked first on its technical proposals, presentation and interviews while Onyx ranked first only on its business proposal, which came in cheaper.
Spokesmen for the Miller group argue that, under the evaluation criteria, cost should not have been the primary consideration at this stage of the process.
The evaluation criteria focused mainly on ÒresponsivenessÓ Ð whether the proposal was received by Government by the stipulated time; the qualifications and track records of the proponents; their technical capabilities; and their ability to implement the project.
There was also a ÒbusinessÓ component attached to the proposal in which the evaluators were to determine if the design, construction operations and maintenance costs were reasonable.
Asked for its views on this outcome, a spokesman for Miller said yesterday: ÒIf we are going by the evaluation criteria, price should not have been a factor at this stage. What was presented was a technical proposal to the Government of Barbados for solutions to waste management.Ó
Miller therefore argued that it would be unfair for Government to award the contract in favour of Onyx and Williams Industries just because their submission offered a less costly means of operating the proposed Greendland landfill.
It was, he said, a matter of quality.
ÒIf you want me to spec you a used Japanese car, I will spec you one. If you want me to spec you a BMW or a Benz, I will spec you one ... We will show you what you have asked for.Ó
Besides the issue of cost, the other factor that the Miller Waste Solution/RHB Holdings Consortium wants to clear the air over is concerns the technical expertise of the joint venture.
To this end, the Miller Waste Solution spokesman has dismissed Press reports that its team, which includes the Rayside Group of Companies, Hinds Transport and BrathwaiteÕs Construction, is inexperienced in the field of landfill management.
Besides identifying the highly-qualified Angelos Bacopoulos as their chief executive of the project, the Miller Waste Solution /RHB Holdings Consortium comprises the City of Toronto, a municipality with huge resources and major experience in landfill management.
ÒThat was one of the primary reasons we brought the City of Toronto to the table as part of our consortium,Ó said Dave Hinds, managing director of Hinds Transport.
He explained that the City of Toronto, like all municipalities across North America, had been so corporatised for their own financial security.
ÒThe City of Toronto was in fact seriously considering putting in a bid for this project, and that is why we brought them in,Ó Hinds said. ÒTheir landfill management experience extends across the whole of Greater Toronto area.Ó
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Economic anomalies [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Economic anomalies
DLP COLUMN
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Creator: Phillips Leopold Douglas
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10
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Paper Date: Fri, May 28, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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RECENTLY an apologist for the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in response to a charge that the Barbadian economy had stagnated and was in danger of falling into recession, argued that the new Government needed time to assess the responses of the regional governments to the emerging challenges. Two weeks later Prime Minister Arthur repeats a similar caution and starts alarm bells ringing in the corridors of economic discussion.
We are beginning to see a pattern developing and with our reading of the recent past we expect Arthur to start distancing himself from any problems that occur in the economy. We will refer to it as the Arthur syndrome and it can be described as a tendency to accept praise but to avoid blame.
All the economists agree that the post 1994 period was one of minor threats and challenges and that the Prime MinisterÕs stewardship can be described as cautious, even deliberately pedantic. They claim that the next three years will prove to be challenging and that the deficiencies of the economy will come to the fore and further that creative skills and thinking will be necessary if the country is to reach its full potential.
We have argued with some justification that Prime Minister Arthur was too cautious and that he failed to manipulate the economy to generate outcomes that could guarantee a sounder and broader base economy that would be more resilient to external pressures. We maintained then and do so now that the economic stewardship of Prime Minister Arthur between 1994 and 1999 was short of creative thinking.
In another medium we drew attention to the state of the tourism industry. We noted that even with reduced beds, hotels in March were reporting 60 per cent occupancy and that workers were on week on week off schedules. We also drew attention to the state of Agriculture and have noticed that the new Minister has not said a word in response. The story with international and local trade is even less inspiring. There was a time when the word was that the informatics would lead the drive for total employment. We saw the shift to construction and short term Government jobs as the source of meeting that goal. But the bottom is about to fall out as the massive overspending and wastage begin to come to book.
We await estimates on the cost to taxpayers of the Greenland and the South Coast Sewage Projects. We await with deep concern the true picture of the expenditure in the Urban and Rural Development Commissions. We expect explanations about the expenditure over budget at the National Assistance Board and the fact that the National Housing Corporation is in a worse financial condition than the Transport Board. We have been calling for a probe into the GEMS project but the Prime MinisterÕs response has been as silent as a Wilkingson sword is sharp.
There was in the words of a popular BLP call-in programme host, Òlots of VAT money aroundÓ. We remind the Government that the source of the taxes does not alter its responsibility and we expect full accountability.
The recent clash at Bay Street and the efforts at camouflage that followed may be a residual trait from the 1994 administration. As the climate changes and the challenges emerge we expect the Arthur syndrome to grow quickly and to assume epidemic proportions before next June.
¥ Douglas Leopold Phillips is a pseudonym for the Democratic Labour Party.
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A gambling with power? [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: A gambling with power?
OUR CARIBBEAN
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Creator: Singh Rickey
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, May 28, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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IN THE world of politics all things are possible.
Possible. for instance, for ruptures in party leadership structures, resignations or dismissals from cabinets when least expected, defections of known party stalwarts to the ÔOther sideÕ, sudden loss in popularity for a government or party, or the sudden miniaturising of once powerful political figures and parties.
It is, therefore, somewhat surprising and amusing to find so much time and space being devoted to basically speculative reports about the threatened or offered resignations of two very influential and popular ministers in Prime Minister Owen ArthurÕs second term cabinet--Liz Thompson and Mia Mottley.
Against the background of their performances in the January Õ99 General Election campaign, Thompson and Mottley, along with Billie Miller, have earned the media-generated image of the Òpower puff girlsÓ. Whether or not they are flattered by such a description is not the point at issue.
Rather, the issue is whether this notion of ÒpowerÓ did in fact contribute to the reported shenanigans about cabinet resignations by two ministers Ð within just four months of the massive 26-2 electoral landslide by ArthurÕs governing Barbados Labour Party (BLP).
There may be more in the mortar than the proverbial pestle. Or, as the Sun On Saturday editorialised on the reported resignations and the swift rebuttals that followed, there can hardly be Òsmoke without fireÓ.
The witty Unquote pictorial column in that same Sun On Saturday edition, had Arthur and Thompson embracing with the Prime Minister smilingly pleading, Òhug me. DonÕt leave me, LizÓ. Two days later, there was a page-one photograph in the Daily Nation showing the Health Minister helping the Prime Minister to a dish of peas and rice at a Sunday picnic.The caption asked whether this was a
Òpeace offering?Ó
In these exciting, confidence exuding days of a 26-2 parliamentary majority, cabinet ministers who are also quite sure of their support base within party and constituency, can run risk of gambling with their assumed political clout.
Particularly, if the issue of controversy may mean crossing swords with a very popular Prime Minister who, like counterparts elsewhere, can find it tactically engaging to appear to lose a battle only to win the war in his or her own measured time.
Prime Minister ArthurÕs cancellation of an unexpected Press conference summoned for Thursday, May 20 Ð the day of the cabinet meeting at which resignations were offered over a dispute in the cabinet involving the Greenland Landfill Ð had given some credence to reports that something politically significant had developed. The explanation subsequently offered by the Prime Minister for cancelling the press conference was itself not without surprise.
Arthur said he wanted to discuss with the media a statement made by his St.Lucian counterpart by Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia on the exchange controls regime of the control of the Barbados Central Bank but having spoken with Anthony during that day, he decided to cancel the media conference.
I started by saying that in politics all things are possible. And it is quite possible that instead of first clarifying the issue involved with Anthony, the Barbados Prime Minister, not known for political carelessness, hastily, or mistakenly, summoned a press conference and then, just as quickly cancelled it.
The Òpower puff girlsÕ must be smiling!
You think this politics thing easy!
¥ Rickey Singh is a noted Caribbean journalist.
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An otter view [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: An otter view
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, May 28, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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FIRST a hot breaking story: last Monday intrepid Nation editor Ridley Greene was at the Wildlife Reserve, no doubt pushing the Visitor magazine.
At length weary and famished, he settled down to lunch in the restaurant. Whereupon he and his daughter were set upon by two fierce beasts, to wit, otters.
ÒThey look like big rats,Ó he told me after in a fear-drenched voice, Òand they flopped up on the seat next to me.Ó Ridley decided to have a stern word with them.
ÒYÕall,Ó he began, Òare otterly out of place. Yuh want sendinÕ to Otterson Zoo.Ó
The otters were unimpressed. ÒThey jumped on the table,Ó continued Ridley, Òthey ate our hot-dogs, they (and here his voice almost failed him) drunk our dranks.Ó But worse was to come. For when his meal was replaced, "they made it clear by means of obscene gestures that we should forfeit that as well. Or else.Ó Ridley was last seen departing the scene Merlene Ottery style. While the attendants put the otters in their pen, proving once again the old adage that Òthe pen is mightier than the word.Ó
Next item: we political analysts foresaw trouble for Owen with his over-sized majority. True, he won the last election virtually single-handed and would probably have got the same result with Ding-Ding and Talla Lalla as candidates. But he clearly has problems.
So far threats of resignation have been denied. But it would surprise no one if a faction should break away to form a new opposition or even take over government. The problem for us citizens then would be to decide whom to support.
This administration has been almost schizophrenic in its actions: on the one hand promoting sound policies and unity; on the other flirting with fringe elements and fomenting division. And we arenÕt sure who is responsible for what.
IsnÕt it ironic? For years IÕve played with two groups Ð Celtic and Caribbean Ð and theyÕve never asked me to sing. Yet one of the top calypso tents is after me to join their line-up this year. Without ever having heard me sing a note. I said no at first.
But now I've got a call from the National Cultural Foundation: would I join
their line-up of calypso judges? This scenario has possibilities: could I sing in a mask and judge myself?
Anyway, I've bought a book, ÒWukkinÕ-up on stageÓ, by Alice anÕ Hinds, and IÕm working on my tunes. One is a serious social commentary about how, with so many ills around, Cabinet members got involved with dismissing a Central Bank governor: ÒDem like dem ent hear Õbout Clinton, anÕ whuh happen wid Monica doo-doo; yuh cahn play round wid trivialities, when so much expected of you. Tings so bad 'bout hey right now, dey better pull up dey socks; for while de country goinÕ to de dogs, all dey could think 'bout is sacking Cox.Ó
The other one, ÒDictionÓ, tells how a female calypso judge happened to come into the dressing room while I was changing, and insisted thereafter I should win: ÒLowdown ent got no lyrics, he cahn even cah a tune; he ent score no points for presentation, like Õe come from de moon. But when it come down to diction, I refuses to back down; a man wid dat kind of diction, got to cah home de crown!Ó
The race talk has been knocking dog at the town meetings. But then every issue ends up as race. Greenland was race because a Caucasian opposed it; Nelson is race although the survey shows most Bajans donÕt want him moved; cricket is race Ð Òthe only thing wrong with West Indies cricket,Ó said a recent caller, Òis Tony Cozier.Ó
At one Independence Day parade I watched nine police horses Ð eight dark, one grey Ð move off from the Garrison. And that was race: ÒYou see how black people does always get unfair,Ó said one fellow bitterly, Òlook de white horse in front anÕ we got to follow behind.Ó
Now things may be coming to a head: ÒWe tekkinÕ down Nelson,Ó a road worker explained to a white St. James house-wife, Òthen the Queen. Then we cominÕ for all like you anÕ get yuh out the island.Ó Oh well, at least we know the time frame. And as the ship leaves the harbour, weÕll be singing for Bim, ÒFor you are beautiful, and we have loved you dearly, more dearly than the spoken word can tell.Ó
Ironically, as I was writing this, my friend Luther Watson, splendiferous in Adidas wear, dropped by for a gallon of goatsÕ milk. He is back for a few weeks from his football contract in Ireland. At least some people don't judge everything by race.
The wife has a birthday sometime this weekend. Remind me to remind the children to get her something. Happy birthday, doobie-doobie! Yuh sweeter than a pig-snout.
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Cement sets back COW [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Cement sets back COW
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Creator: Babb Bernard
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 17A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: News
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ONE CONSTRUCTION company which would have been hardest hit by last weekÕs cement shortage was C.O. Williams Construction which easily commands the largest slice of the construction boom on the island.
Following on would be Rayside Construction.
Between them, on stream Government projects alone cost in excess of $100 million. The two are also contracted to do several rural, development projects.
Here is a list of the major projects now on going by Williams Construction:
Government projects
¥a new highway from the St. AndrewÕs Parish Church to Greenland costing $10 million;
¥the extension to Highway 2A at Mile and A Quarter in St. Peter;
¥The overlay package "B" at Salters, Trents, and Dash Valley with an initial cost of $11 million, but which sources said was likely to finish around $25 million;
¥the expansion at the Grantley Adams International Airport which has been costed at $28.6 million;
¥the Barbados Water Authority headquarters in the Pine;
¥the desalination plant, as well as the initial work on the Hinds Hill Reservoir.
Private Projects
¥Millennium Heights;
¥Port St. Charles;
¥Apes Hill;
¥Aspects of the new Sandy Lane Hotel and golf course;
WilliamsÕ competitors, Rayside Construction, have tucked in the construction of Highway 6 at a cost of $9 million;
¥Swan Street redevelopment at $6 million;
¥Various National Housing Corporation projects costing $2.5 million.
The capital works have been keeping the industry and ancillary services extremely busy and even forced Government to delay some of its own capital works projects to avoid an overheating of the economy.
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Toronto not bidding [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Toronto not bidding
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 4A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: News
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CITY OF Toronto says it is not part of the Miller Waste Solutions (Barbados) Limited consortium bidding for the Greenland contract.
And Angelos Bacopoulos, head of its solid waste division, is not the chief executive officer of the Barbados project.
Last week, Miller Waste Solutions took issue with a report in the Sunday Sun which said that it had no landfill experience.
In disputing the statement, Miller Waste Solutions said it had the highly qualified Bacopoulos as its chief executive and brought to the table City of Toronto which had huge resources and major experience in landfill management.
ÒThat was one of the primary reasons we brought to the table City of Toronto as part of our consortium,Ó Dave Hinds, managing director of Hinds Transport, one of the companies in the consortium, was quoted as saying in the Midweek Nation.
Bacopoulos could not be reached for comment as he was on leave, but Steve Johnston of the City of TorontoÕs media relations department said there was no indication that the City was a part of the consortium.
After placing queries with Miller Waste Systems in Markham, Ontario, Johnston said that Miller Waste informed them that Toronto was Òincluded in the proposal as a consulting partner with respect to the technical development and the operation of the landfill siteÓ.
In addition, Bacopoulos was not the chief executive officer of the Barbados project, but was acting as a technical consultant on behalf of the City of Toronto. The RHB consortium itselt drew that to the attention of the Nation.
Bacopoulos, described in Toronto Press reports as ÒToronto garbage czarÓ, is the director of the Solid Waste Management Division.
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DUMP TWIST [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DUMP TWIST
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 1A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: Terry Ally
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THE controversy surrounding the Greenland Landfill has taken several new twists - a denial, a dismissal and a disassociation.
One of the Barbadian companies which was reported to be part of a Canadian consortium bidding for the multi-million dollar contract, has said it is yet
to enter any formal agreements with the North American company.
Onyx (Barbados) Limited has dismissed certain charges by its competitor Miller Waste Solutions (Barbados) Limited and said its contract was $36.5 million cheaper than MillerÕs over the 14-year lifespan of the contract.
And City of Toronto told the Sunday Sun it was not part of the Miller consortium but was approached a year ago to act as a technical consultant.
It was last Sunday that a Sun feature said Miller had no landfill experience and its contract was costlier than its competitor.
Miller disputed it, saying that it brought to the table the experience of Angelos Bacopoulos and the City of Toronto which had considerable experience in solid waste management.(See MillerÕs full response on Page 7A)
But while the experienced Angelos Bacopoulos, director of the CityÕs Solid Waste Management Division, will be a consultant to the Miller consortium, the City itself is not part of the consortium.
Also on board, said Miller, was the Barbadian consortium of RHB comprising the Rayside Group, Brathwaite Construction, and Hinds Transport.
Yesterday, chairman of the Rayside Group, Keith Rayside, also flatly denied that his company was part of the Miller consortium. He said Miller approached RHB but there was no agreement.
ÒWe strongly object to our name being used in the media over the awarding of the contract,Ó said Rayside.(See full Rayside statement on Page 5A)
ONYX, meantime, revealed figures which showed that its bid was US$1.4 million cheaper for construction and its operation cost was US$1.3 million less per annum.
ONYX also said it was Òabsurd and absolutely falseÓ that its bid was cheaper because it was leasing used equipment. It said the tenders specified brand new and dedicated equipment which they costed in their bid.
The French company also charged that Miller had no landfill experience while ONYX operated 125 landfills around the world.
The choice appears to be dogging Government, with a reported sharp disagreement in the Owen Arthur Administration over the matter.
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Construction big part of Miller Group [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Construction big part of Miller Group
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 4A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: News
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MILLER Waste Solutions (Barbados) Limited is a subsidiary of the Miller Group based in Markham, Ontario, Canada.
It said it teamed up with a local joint venture HRB to bid for the Greenland management contract.
Employing over 1 500 people, Miller Group leans heavily towards construction.
The company was founded in 1917 as A.E. Jupp Construction and when its ownership changed in 1940, the name changed to Miller Pavings Limited.
Since then it has diversified operations to include waste management, materials manufacture and marketing, and transit operations.
Its waste management operation comprises collection services, sorting and marketing of recycled materials, and operation of a waste transfer station mainly for Ontario, but no landfill management.
HRB is a joint company comprising Rayside Group of Companies, Brathwaite Construction, and Hinds Transport. However, Rayside denied being part of the consortium. Rayside said HRB was approached by Miller but there was no formal contract.
Technical advisers to the consortium is City of Toronto, which has considerable waste management expertise.
The business interests of the Miller Group are:
¥ Road construction and paving Ð asphalt and concrete paving of highways, roads, airports, and parking areas
¥ Road rehabilitation Ð surface treatment, sealing, recycling, and highway winter maintenance
¥ Engineering construction Ð site preparation, excavations, construction and rehabilitation of bridges, dams, breakwaters and docks, sewer and water-main installation
¥ Materials manufacture and marketing Ð aggregates, dolomites, ready-mix concrete, hot mix asphalt, commercial quicklime and metallurgical grade limestone, Portland cement and calcium chloride
¥ Waste management Ð municipal and commercial waste collection and disposal, collection, sorting and marketing of recycled materials and yard waste, hazardous waste disposal, and transfer station operation
¥ Municipal services Ð operation of municipal transit systems.
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French company ONYX part of worldwide dump contra [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: French company ONYX part of worldwide dump contractor
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 4A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: News
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ONYX (BARBADOS) Limited is a subsidiary of the French conglomerate, Vivendi, and has teamed up with Williams Industry of Barbados to bid for the Greenland management contract.
Vivendi, which employs over 235 000 people world-wide, started in 1853 as a provider of water and water distribution systems.
Over the last 140 years, it has spread its tentacles into waste management, transport, energy, construction, real estate, communications, Press and media, and utilities in 90 countries.
It entered into waste management and heating in 1967 when it constructed district heating networks in France, and putting into operation household waste incinerators and composting plants.
The parent company, which has annual revenues of US$40 billion, sent jitters through the stock markets last September as a result of rumours about its financial stability.
The company responded by saying that it was meeting all its financial targets for 1998 and last yearÕs operating income was around eight billion French francs or 50 per cent up over the previous year.
By January, the company moved to restructure its debt through the first subscription offer in euros for convertible or exchangeable bonds.
The offer was 1.5 billion euros with an option, in the case of
over-subscription, that could increase to 1.7 billion.
Within four hours of opening, the offer was over-subscribed 600 per cent.
ONYX is the third largest solid waste company in the world as well as the largest solid waste company in Britain.
It operates 125 landfills and 40 waste transfer stations around the world, including in Latin America, Asia Pacific, Australia, North America and the Caribbean.
In the region, it operates the 4 000-tonne per day landfill in Caracas, Venezuela and is currently building and will operate the CaribbeanÕs first waste-to-energy plant in Martinique, processing 100 000 tonnes per year.
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Miller already at work in the region [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Miller already at work in the region
LETTERS
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Creator: Duggan David A.
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 7A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE ARTICLE in the May 23 edition of the SUNDAY SUN titled Whither Greenland by Terry Ally is incorrect in its reference to Miller Waster Solutions.
The City of Toronto, which is an integral part of our proposal, operate a number of landfills including the largest landfill in Canada. Miller Waste Solutions is one of CanadaÕs top solid waste management companies with extensive experience in the collection and disposal of waste including recycling, composting and treatment of hazardous waste.
Marshall Macklin Managhan Ltd. a major shareholder in Miller Waste Solutions International has world wide experience in solid waste management including present involvement in Trinidad and St. Vincent where it is advising the governments on waste management.
The people that we are proposing to assign to this project all have extensive landfill operations experience.
Finally I would like to point out that the criteria used to evaluate the various proposals for the development and operation of waste facilities included several factors only one of which was cost. The bottom line in the award of the contract was best value to Barbados. There are many examples of problems that have arisen from the award f this type of project based on price alone.
We would very much appreciate a retraction or published apology for this indiscretion.
-DAVID A. DUGGAN
Miller Waste Solutions International
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Rayside: No Miller deal yet [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Rayside: No Miller deal yet
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Creator: Gollop Chris
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 5A
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Paper Date: Sun, May 30, 1999
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Category: News
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THE RAYSIDE GROUP OF COMPANIES has distanced itself from the growing controversy surrounding the awarding of a contract for the building of a transfer station and management of the Greenland Landfill Project.
The groupÕs reaction follows the publication of DAILY NATION reports last week in which a spokesman for Miller Waste Solutions (Barbados) Limited, one of two foreign companies bidding for the contract, was quoted as referring to the
Rayside Group as being part of its team.
The articles also referred to a ÒMiller Waste Solutions Barbados Limited team with connections to the Rayside Group of CompaniesÓ, and stated that Miller had formed part of a joint venture with RHB Holdings, Òa local interest group which include the Rayside Group of CompaniesÓ.
Chairman Keith Rayside said the Rayside Group of Companies was a shareholder in the joint local company RHB, which comprised the Rayside Group of Companies, Brathwaite Construction and Hinds Transport.
He stressed that RHB Holdings had received a proposal for a contract with Miller Waste Solutions but had not signed any agreement because counter-proposals submitted by RHB were still to be addressed.
Among the elements which RHB had objected to was an offer by Miller Waste Solutions of a 30 per cent shareholding in the operation. RHB has asked for at least 40 per cent.
As a result, Rayside said it was premature for Miller Waste Solutions to use the name of the Rayside Group, in light of the fact that no agreement had been reached or signed.
He added: ÒWe object strongly to our name being used in the media over the awarding of the contract.
ÒItÕs wrong to stress the name of the Rayside Group as if we were involved in the negotiations. All the negotiations to date have been done by Miller Waste Solutions.
ÒWe could not have been involved since we have no contract, no agreement with Miller Waste Solutions.Ó
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'Attacked' on late-night run [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Attacked' on late-night run
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Creator: Alleyne Barry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 5
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Paper Date: Thu, Jun 03, 1999
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Category: Courts
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THE driver of a minibus told the No. 4 Supreme Court yesterday that four men who were passengers took him and the conductress hostage on a night almost four years ago.
Alistair Piggott was the main witness when the rape and robbery trial of four young men got under way.
The men, Robin Howell, Wayne Springer, Peter Forde and Orlando Lorde, have pleaded not guilty to raping and robbing the woman on July 13, 1995.
Piggott said he had been the driver of minibus B192 for almost a year.
His route from Bridgetown started in the Lower Green Bus Stand, and was a two-way one, travelling to Speightstown, St. Peter, then on to Indian Ground, St. Lucy.
On the night of July 13 he drove off from Bridgetown around 11 p.m.
When the minibus reached French Village, St. Peter, he heard the conductress ask passengers how far they were going.
Told to park up
Before he could look back, however, he felt something placed to the back of his neck, and someone behind him told him to turn off the lights, turn the bus around a corner and park in a gap.
Piggott said before that four men were in the bus, along with the conductress.
One of them asked for the busÕ counter, and the driver gave it to him.
ÒI was told to go to the back of the bus, and I went,Ó the driver testified.
He said one of the men then told him and the conductress to take off their clothes. ÒI only took off my pants, but the conductress took off all her clothes.Ó
She sat on the back seat, and he on the seat in front.
According to Piggott, two of the four men were also in the back seat at the time.
ÒI didnÕt look back,Ó he testified.
Piggott said they were parked in the gap for about ten minutes when one of the men said they should get from there, since he had to go elsewhere.
ÒI couldnÕt see clearly, and I didnÕt know what was going in the back of the bus,Ó he told the court.
Another of the men said he wanted to drive the bus, but Piggott told him he could only drive it if he had a driverÕs licence.
Piggott then drove the minibus from the area to Farley Hill and stopped at the Greenland junction. At that stage one of the men took the wheel, and drove the bus on to Belleplaine.
Made a run for it
Piggott said while the man was driving the bus, he stood in the doorway, near the emergency exit button.
At Belleplaine, he pressed the emergency button and hopped off the vehicle, running straight to the Belleplaine Police Station where he made a report.
Piggott said he later made another trip to the station, where he pointed out two of the accused men from a line-up.
He said he recognised Lorde because he was sitting facing him from the front passenger seat, and he recognised Forde because when he was standing in the vehicleÕs doorway, Forde was in the seat behind the driver.
According to the driver, he searched the bus a few days later and found a pair of bangles, which he handed over to the police.
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Any number can play [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Any number can play
DLP COLUMN
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Creator: Phillips Leopold Douglas
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10
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Paper Date: Fri, Jun 04, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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EVERY WEEK some issue arises that suggests that the unity within the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) is cosmetic and that complicity in a propaganda exercise has been the key to the survival of the most diverse assemblage of interest in the politics of Barbados. No one can criticise Owen Arthur for that feat though some may characterise his victories as Phyrric.
We say complicity because the media have categorised the presence of the most radical and turgid elements across Barbados embedded in the womb of the most conservative political party as a new philosophy called ÒinclusionÓ.
The person who coined this expression was, in fact, British Prime Minister Tony Blair as he poached members from the Liberals and the Conservative Party. Having regard to the existence of a third party in recent Barbadian politics, ÒinclusionÓ had a previous incarnation.
All of a sudden deep in the bowels of the Labour Party one can find David Denny, David Comissiong, Ikael Tafari, Martin Cadogan, Trevor Prescod and Eric Sealy. When one considers that embedded in the BLP bowels are David Seale, Senator Phillip Goddard, Billie Miller, Mia Mottley and Senator Pat Symmonds, matters such as the awarding of contracts, the appointment of chairmen and other board members and the future of Nelson must create national headlines and assume greater significance than they would otherwise attract.
Inclusion can be defined as Òcontained as a part ofÓ or simply as Ònot excludedÓ.
In both cases the question that must be asked is Ð contained in or excluded from what? In other words, what is it that binds this assortment of ideals into a knot of collective focus?
We believe that it is about convenience. On the one hand the frustration of waning ambition among perceived radicals and on the other the temporary accommodation of a coalescence of conservative forces to this radical group. But it is erupting.
The collective force of the varied interests was brought together just before elections as every token was extended and measures were taken to open the door of opportunity. With the election ended and the individual interests now seeking reward for their investment, the cracks are starting to open.
We have already drawn to the publicÕs attention the almost scandalous scenario Ð the Gems project and the confusion with the South Coast project. Over the last week, the Central BankÕs squandermania and the Greenland fiasco have been unearthed. We are aware that several interests which made Christmas and New Year gifts to the BLP are watching to see whose interest the party will serve.
We can bet that the Prime Minister will choose to do whatever makes him popular. It may mean that only his interest in being popular is served, as was evident in the Central Bank, Caribbean Airways and CBC disputes. But while his popularity prevails and the individual and group interests within the BLP compete, the valued traditions of democracy, decency and thrift disappear under challenge from political expediency.
¥ Douglas Leopold Phillips is a pseudonym for the Democratic Labour Party.
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Dedicated to serving others [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Dedicated to serving others
Dr. Patricia Bannister - (1936-1999)
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Creator:
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Publication: Weekend Nation Extra
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Paper Page: 4
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Paper Date: Fri, Jun 4, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline:
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An appreciation for the life of Patricia Yvonne Lawrence Clarke Skeete nee Bannister (1936-99) by her brother Dr. Lance Bannister.
ÔPatpeÕ was the sister of ÔYopoÕ (Yolande) and ÔLanc LancÕ (Lawrence) and a half brother Collins Roach, from her fatherÕs side. Mother of Adam, Simon, Archie, Catherine and Matthew Clarke, grandmother of Hope Clarke, ArchieÕs daughter and Kofi Alberto Batastoni Clarke, SimonÕs son. She was the daughter of Muriel Jordan and Egbert Lawrence Bannister.
What great men do the less must prattle of. What I attempt here is a cross between a eulogy, an apologia, and a post mortem, a sort of explication.
Uncle ArchieÕs exaggerated pride of pregnancy walk on one of his visits to the Bannister home at Trents, St. Lucy was my first inkling that I was to get some competition for motherÕs love in the form of a sister Pat. It was not customary in those days to let children in on these confidences.
Having had many miscarriages following the birth of the author, mother engaged the services of Dr. Hal Shepherd and a qualified midwife a Miss Gilkes from Road View, St Peter. Dr. Shepherd delivered a very small baby and bathed and dressed her himself.
He visited daily for the next three months. After a mountainous labour, there was born no ridiculous mouse.
No star appeared in the East but Aunt Enid ran all the way to The Mess House School to Cousin Win, Uncle Archie, Miss Ellie Phillips the schoolmistress, and the Quimbys to make the annunciation.
Mother upbraided her for telling the parish and the marish, who in due course brought gifts.
At school she did ÔdancingÕ and though chubby could trip the light fantastic with the best. Pat learnt well at St. LucyÕs GirlsÕ School, later AlexandraÕs and still later QueenÕs College where we got the best results of the girls who took part in the Barbados scholarship exam. She was not awarded the scholarship, which was given to a Harrison College boy.
However in the following year, partly as a result of her performance, a scholarship was set aside for women. The Honourable J. E. T. Brancker in a sour grapes aside volunteered ÔBannister can afford to pay for herÕ.
As far as expectations of the achievements of women go, her father Egbert Lawrence Bannister was ahead of his time. He felt that girls should be given the same opportunities as boys. And Pat did him proud.
Medicine
She followed the example of her brother who did medicine at University of the West Indies by studying at the Royal Free Hospital for women in London and
passed cum laude. I understand that I was her hero and this was the reason why she has done medicine. Later she specialised in psychiatric medicine at the Maudesley.
Some thought she carried on the feminist struggle in her marriages of which there were two. The first was to Michael (Spotty) Clarke a surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the next to Charlie Skeete a civil servant international banker, and career diplomat, both of whom had and have my sympathy.
She got a job at the Psychiatric Hospital where she later rose to become the head. Her personal love of people often clashed with institutional and civil service straightjackets.
When her work had ended there she retired to promote God. She went so far as to become the part owner of a church.
Pat made friends from America to Egypt, from Greenland to Australia and these she grappled to her heart with hoops of steel.
These ranged from ÔkingsÕ to paupers without losing the common touch.
Pat loved people with a selfless love. She collected friends, as does her son Archie, and he came by it fair.
One story of her selflessness goes like this: She was the prayer coordinator of a group called Women Aglow.
Their wishes and problems were written on pieces of paper and put in a box of which she was the caretaker.
One of her best friends tells me that one day when Pat was ill and she had gone to look for her, expecting to see Pat looking sorry for herself she was surprised to see her kneeling down by the side of the bed, poring over the prayer notes which were spread out before her, praying over them. That was how she prayed for herself.
The disadvantaged made up the great majority of her friends. Those suffering from physical, (including ineffective conditions) and mental afflictions were welcome to all the help she could give. At all hours she made available to them her table, lodgings, and money (not meant to be repaid), and above all herself.
Pat had everything.
Fame Ð she was highly thought of in medical circles. She was the first female consultant at the Psychiatric Hospital. Her friends and family and her patients thought the world of her.
When people called up my office or home to speak to Dr. Bannister, and I said ÒspeakingÓ and they found that they had only got me, and they expressed the opinion that I could not be Dr. Bannister, their Dr. Bannister, and they were right, the tone of their voice dropped. I was perhaps a teensy weensy bit jealous. This was a hard road to follow, big shoes to fill.
Money Ð as much as she wanted for herself, for others never enough.
Real estate
A rich man was once recounting to his friend at his friendÕs home his wealth in cash, real estate, and bonds and then asked his friend what was the extent of his.
His friend went into the back and emerged with four boys and one girl, clinging to him like a bunch of grapes. This is my wealth.
That friend might well have been Pat beauty, pedigree, fashion, style, flair, she had it, even though she would take off her shoes at the slightest pretext and often turned up at oneÕs house with shoes in hand.
You could say that though her head was in the clouds her feet were firmly planted on the ground. She remained a country girl.
Loyalty Ð where others say they believe in God, while still holding on to things of this world Pat put her money where her nought was. She practised what she preached.
She gave everything without equivocation evasion or mental reservation, to God.
PatÕs decisions, born in logic, nurtured by wisdom, were rooted in faith.
For her faith I admired her, for her hope I emulated her for her love I adored her.
For her spiritual qualities there is admiration and for what she did about her sickness acceptance.
Her father before her had felt like Hamlet, that life was but a mortal coil to be shuffled off, a cocoon from which there has to be slowly and painfully
extruded the miracle of the butterfly. Perhaps she herself had subscribed to that idea.
Some look for a miracle. Look no further. The miracle is here.
When you think of the unselfish way Pat has exuded healing to all she came into contact with physically and mentally, and the hope she inspired in this world and for the next, what greater miracle could one want?
There was rain this morning ending a long drought and her cows will soon be standing up their ears in green grass. ThatÕs the miracle.
Let us face it, Pat lived for and died for her beliefs. She used the armoury of God not deigning to put on the armoury of man.
By her example she promoted the cause of minorities, women, the poor, the black, the disadvantaged and others will carry on where she left off.
On behalf of her children, family, present and past, Jordans, friends, associates, and those who only heard about her, I offer a toast.
ÒTo Pat: Long may you, and what you stand for, live on in our hearts,Ó and turn down an empty glass.
So, Ave atque vale , soror mea. Hail and farewell my sister. Hasta la vista, baby. Put in a good word for us Õtill we get there.
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Question Time [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Question Time
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Creator:
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 8A
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Paper Date: Wed, Jun 09, 1999
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Category: News
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TO THE PRIME MINISTER:
Why did you pass up such a golden opportunity; to be the first person to use the Greenland Dump by dumping the two troubletrees in it?
Ð Just Suggesting.
TO ALL BARBADIANS:
WhatÕs all the fuss about Nelson, Trafalgar Square, CBC et al?
You got the Government you wanted, now you have to be satisfied with whatever it does for the next five years. Carpark jamming is over.
Ð Hindsight.
TO THE MANAGER OF 104.1 FM:
HOW come Smokey BurkeÕs promo for 104.1 YESS FM is used often, but his music
is never heard on this station?
Ð CALYPSO LOVER.
TO MINISTER GEORGE PAYNE:
While I compliment you on a smart looking hat, doesnÕt protocol dictate that you remove it as manners require?
Ð HATs OFF.
TO COMMISSIONER OF POLICE:
WILL anyone be reported for the hi-noon, hour-long, shoot-out which took place at Cox Hill, in St. Philip on May 6, or will it go unsolved like all the other gun shots that are constantly going off in the area?
Ð PAX, PAX, PAX.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
WHAT is the definition and function of an executive maid?
Ð DOMESTIC MAID.
TO THE MINISTER OF HOUSING:
WHAT is the criteria for getting an apartment in London Bourne Towers?
For example, do you have to be a Bee?
Ð FRUSTRATED WITH NHC.
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Say That Again! [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Say That Again!
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Creator: Vanterpool Tony
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Publication: Sun On Saturday
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Paper Section And Page: 13
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Paper Date: Sat, Jun 12, 1999
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Category: News
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ÒI DID IT ball-by-ball, and it went very well. The radio manager came up and asked me if I knew anything else beside tennis. I said: ÔI know cricket, I play it and I love it.ÕÓ
Ð Lawyer Donna Symmonds, explaining how she became a cricket commentator during an interview with BBC Online columnist Giles Wilson. She was a member of the BBC Radio 4 team covering the World Cup.
ÒI want to advise people against trying to use that money again. Anybody coming across any such [counterfeit] money should return it to the police or the bank.Ó
Ð Police Superintendent, Albert Carter commenting following a report of fake money being circulated in St. Philip.
ÒNO MATTER WHAT I do I canÕt win in this country.Ó
Ð Construction magnate, Charles O. (Cow) Williams to those who took exception to his gift of 48 head of cattle to the prison, claiming the action had sent the wrong message since Williams was bidding for the contract to manage the Greenland Landfill.
ÒI DONÕT BELIEVE there will be any trouble ... ItÕs only a game after all.Ó
Ð PakistanÕs captain Wasim Akram the day before the World Cup game at Old Trafford between his team and India. Unfortunately immediately after the match, which India won, violence erupted and two Indian supporters were kicked and punched while two Pakistani fans were handcuffed and dragged away by police.
ÒI DONÕT THINK any money is too much for our police officers. They are worthy of a good salary at the end of the month.Ó
Ð Anglican priest Curtis Goodridge addressing a service marking the start of Police Week at St. LucyÕs Parish Church.
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Essay winners collect prizes [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Essay winners collect prizes
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Creator: Bailey Pauline
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Publication: Daily Nation / Extra
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Paper Section And Page: 2
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Paper Date: Wed, Jun 16, 1999
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Category: News
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ÒLESS fighting and more talkingÓ is an appeal coming from nine-year-old Cherese Neblett, winner of this yearÕs St. AndrewÕs Police and Primary SchoolsÕ Association (SAPPSA) Winston Sandiford Essay Competition.
She and the other prize winners collected their trophies and plaque at a ceremony held recently at the St. SimonÕs/St. SaviourÕs Primary School.
Neblett, a student of St. SimonÕs, said she chose the topic My Thoughts For The Year 2000 because the issues outlined in her essay were on her mind for a long time.
The other topics were: Why I Like To Read Books and Is Greenland A Good Site For The National Landfill?
The articulate youngsterÕs essay focussed on curbing violence, finding a cure for AIDS and cancer, garbage disposal, job provision for school leavers and transportation, as she called for the introduction of overhead roads.
Three other schools, St. AndrewÕs, Chalky Mount and Hillaby TurnerÕs Hall, participated in the competition.
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What next for black business? [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: What next for black business?
IDENTITIES
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Creator: Mottley Elombe
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 6A
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Paper Date: Mon, Jun 21, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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ÒThey import goods, sell to wholesalers who in turn sell to retailers who then sell to the public. In some cases the wholesaler is also the importer and the retailer. Many small businessmen in our study shared the view that they were literally at the mercy of the wholesaler who could sell his products at the retail price, thus forcing them out of business.Ó Ð Christine Barrow and J. E. Greene Ð Small Business In Barbados: A Case Of Survival, 1979
JUST OVER 20 years ago, there were a series of public discussions at Yoruba Yard followed up by extensive call-in discussions on CBC and VOB. There were also weekly reports in the print media covering these discussions. There was a great deal of pessimism about the expansion and survival of black business altho there was a great desire to see more opportunities for black businesses in the country.
In spite of this pessimism, there has been an expansion of several businesses owned by blacks, primarily in the distribution of food and in the services area (supermarkets, insurance, travel, support technical services, etc.)
The major successes by blacks in food distribution centred around the willingness to import directly, keeping mark-ups low and going for volume. This type of flexible guerilla retailing undermined in many ways the power and strength of the major traditional importers and wholesalers. Some of them opted out of the retail business preferring to remain wholesalers where the mark-ups were higher. Some even sold to former employees. Whatever the reasons, today the retail food industry is controlled by a number of supermarkets owned and controlled by Blacks.
Before continuing with my discussion I want to big them up: Neville Rowe (JulieÕN), Edwin Worrell (Budg-Buy), Andrew Bynoe (Carlton), Roger Miller
(Ricks), Dave Hinds (Roxy), Anthony Edwards (Eddies), Audley Jordan (JordanÕs), Lionel C. Hill (Lionel C. HillÕs). There are many other small mini-marts scattered across the country and many others who fell by the wayside over the years.
Black businesses fail for many reasons Ð lack of capital, lack of credit, bad management, over-ambition, no provision for continuity, and psychological intimidation. Very few pass on to a second generation. In the list above, Ricks is the only business going into a third generation, all the others are in the first generation.
Some time ago, these enterprising entrepreneurs (with the exception of Audley Jordan and Lionel C. Hill) formed a company called SIGMA, each person contributing $30 000. The purpose of SIGMA was to import goods. It was not the first time that such an effort was going to be made. Lloyd Alleyne did it with Shamrock and some of them also did it with a variety of items. However, it was the first time that a group with such a large distribution was going to go up against the traditional importers.
The first big shipment was potatoes, which were being sold to themselves at $19 a bag. The traditional importers were selling them potatoes at $25 per bag. When the traditional importers found out what was going on, they dropped their price to $16 a bag. This was a legitimate action by the traditional importers. Guess what happen? Do you know that the owners of SIGMA chose to buy the potatoes from the traditional importers and allowed their potatoes to rot. In a short time, the price went back up to $25 per bag.
Here was an opportunity to use the muscle of their turn-over and distribution network to build a new and powerful enterprise and to make themselves independent of the traditional importers for the first time. Instead, their spines collapsed and so too did SIGMA.
What is the psychological reason that caused SIGMA to fail? The objectives were justifiable and achievable. They were pooling their purchasing power to get a better deal from their suppliers by dealing directly with them rather than thru the traditional importers who also have their own outlets.
I recall the SIGMA experience when I saw Rayside tacitly withdrawing from the proposed consortium bidding for the Greenland contract. When the Nation Group failed in its bid for the Pine Hill Dairy, preferring to hide behind the Trinidad firm Lok Jack, I was more than disappointed that they too were unwilling to stand up to the fire test.
I remember Neville Rowe was sold the Bridge Street outlet of Supercentre by Barbados Shipping and Trading with glee that it was going to fail because, under them, it had failed. As JulieÕN it did not.
So what does the 21st Century hold for black business in Barbados? Is it more of the same plus what Mac Fingall has so obviously pointed out, more Trinidadian ownership? Or more non-black Bajan ownership? What next? Ah gone!
¥ ElombŽ can be reache on e-mail at elombe@cwjamaica.com.
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SCHOOL BOOST [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: SCHOOL BOOST
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 36A
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Paper Date: Mon, Jun 21, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: Terry Ally
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ONE OF BarbadosÕ newest secondary schools, Alma Parris School, is being expanded.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Cynthia Forde, said that the three-year old school Ñ which specialises in teching low achievers Ñ had run out of classroom space to accommodate subject which were added to the curriculum.
The expansion will take place on the site of the old bus terminal in Speightstown, where a new prefabricated two story building is being assembled and the existing buildings refurbished to accommodate computers and other
equipment.
In addition, Forde said the school would be putting some of its extra-curriculum activities onto the regular timetable from September.
ÒA lot of parents do not like children at school after hours because of the danger some of them experience, such as late transportation Ñ you donÕt want your girl child on the road at six oÕclock Ñ so we are including a couple of those extra curricula activities into regular timetable so that everybody gets an opportunity to participate in scouts, cadets, steelpans or whatever the programme is, because enough children are not benefiting from the after-school programme,Ó Forde told the Daily Nation.
She said the progress of the school was ÒexcellentÓ in the last three years and she was very happy with some of the approaches at the school.
Apart from academic subjects, the school focuses on job experience by placing students Òon-the-jobÓ for two days a week at such places as the Greenland agricultural station, West Coast hotels, a bakery, and a boat builder.
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Only part of the strategy [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Only part of the strategy
LETTERS
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Creator: Forde Vanburn
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 7
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Paper Date: Tue, Jun 22, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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YES, Elombe.
Renaming of Trafalgar Square is for sale. Like Greenland. It is part of the strategy of the lowing herd (1) which controls this government.
We quarrel over a half-acre in town and a statue, while thousands of acres on our beautiful coasts are being alienated forever.
And one man has a gold plated horse on his lawn worth thousands Ð more than the weekly pay of his maid for twenty years.
Our children will not forgive us of the BLP.
Ah gone, too!
Ð Vanburn Forde
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Confounding the critics [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Confounding the critics
DLP COLUMN
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Creator: Phillips Leopold Douglas
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10
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Paper Date: Fri, Jul 02, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE speculation by our companion on this page about the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is not inconsistent with the usual Barbados Labour Party (BLP) approach to propaganda.
Their strategy has been to sow seeds of doubt and confusion with the hope that it will be just a matter of time before these predictions of internecine warfare and internal squabbles come true.
It must be of great regret to them that the special conference on Sunday, June 27, 1999, did not meet their game plan.
For that matter, the conference was a triumph for the new blood infused into the Dems since the last election. It was also a great moment of pride for party stalwarts as they saw the future of the party much more clearly.
The BLP would do well to consider that if the sleeping giant should wake-up and the apathy and indifference can be redirected, there will be a tremendous challenge posed to this Government.
Many Barbadians already believe that the GovernmentÕs mandate is far too large and that it has led quickly to arrogance and deception that propaganda cannot conceal.
The press event held by David Thompson after the conference had concluded revealed that the party had divided into four serious working-groups and that the core of the presentations was ideas Ð not petty posturing and squabbling.
It was the opposite of what BLP insiders can tell us about cabinet and parliamentary party meetings chaired by Owen Arthur in the past two months.
The Government is losing its way. It is now a collection of personalities held together by personal enmities rather than the cohesive force just six months ago that was to take Barbados quickly to another level of achievement. Instead, we have lay-offs, tourism and sugar declines, business confidence falling by 20 per cent, crime and violence, confusion at QEH and with Greenland and a continuing saga of Ministerial bickering.
The governing party realises that they cannot get momentum on the basis of the Prime MinisterÕs popularity alone.
One BLP stalwart tells us that all of those recent converts to the going-with-Owen theory who have jumped on board the party have been showered with gifts of grants, loans, subventions, commissions, contracts, trips and perks.
There is no philosophy that unites them beyond their sycophantic and parasitic support of the BLP leader. It is widely felt that without the financial props,
they would all walk away from the BLP tomorrow.
On Sunday, there was a different wind blowing through. It was the young and older women of the DLP Ð no power puff pin-ups Ð who essentially took control of the various groups and guided the gathering to forward looking suggestions and solid recommendations which, if followed, will unite the party with the people.
It was not an occasion for platitudes and posturing by the leader. It was a day of serious work underlined by the forty recommendations made by the groups on programmes for the party, its image and strategy.
¥ Douglas Leopold Phillips is a pseudonym for the Democratic Labour Party.
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Survival of the greenest [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Survival of the greenest
BARBADOS 2000 TOWARDS A BRIGHTER SUN
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Shine
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Paper Section And Page: 12
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Paper Date: Sun, Jul 04, 1999
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Category: Living
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By-Line: Terry Ally
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ÒOnly after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you realise that money cannot be eaten.Ó Ñ Cree Indian prophecy
IMAGINE being put in an isolated area with a group of people with all the food and supplies you need but not knowing just how long you will be there. Survival will depend on how everyone manages the supplies.
ThatÕs the way it is with humans on earth. And as Barbados heads into the 21st Century the pressing concerns will be on managing our resources Ð not only food but all environmental resources: water, air, land Ð in such a way that we can survive.
The challenge is to craft future development on the basis of todayÕs environmental skill and knowledge. But this is often not cheap, leading to other challenges Ð specifically, creating and enforcing certain developmental standards.
Blueprint
Small islands are vulnerable in ways in which other countries are not.
Many activities, such as pesticide use, sewage and industrial discharges, leachate from garbage dumps, and even refuse, may eventually reach freshwater supplies and the sea, so care must be taken about how these are managed.
These wastes may poison drinking water supplies and damage or kill reef ecosystems which protect the beaches from erosion. They may harm the health of swimmers on our beaches, which are aggressively marketed to tourists whose revenues prop up the lifestyles of islanders.
Some management tools are already in existence in Barbados, such as zoning restrictions to avoid bacterial contamination of the underground water supply from household and commercial sewage wells. Sewage treatment plants are also being constructed on the south and west coasts to join Bridgetown in stopping any outflows to the coasts.
But what is needed badly is a master plan Ð a National Environment Policy
(NEP).
This policy would set guidelines for development: what can be developed and where, and which developments would require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
EIAs are mandatory in certain World Bank and InterAmerican Development Bank-funded projects. Barbados should not wait to have them imposed. EIAs should be part of an NEP and should not be regarded as an unnecessary expense.
In a certain Caribbean country, developers of a controversial resort resisted an EIA, which was not a legal requirement. Eventually, when one was done, it turned out that the hotel would have been easily flooded during times of rough seas.
For industrial processes, there should be a mandatory Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA is more comprehensive than an EIA and involves evaluating the process from cradle to grave to ensure that each step does not abuse the environment.
The NEP would also set out clearly a protected area policy, a national park policy, a conservation area policy. It would look at protecting the islandÕs biodiversity through a policy of sustainable use of that diversity.
A policy on how to handle the islandÕs garbage disposal and developments along the coastline would be part of an NEP along with specific legislation on pollution.
A central administrative body is needed to manage environmental affairs. At the moment, management is split across many departments, agencies and ministries.
If it is a matter regarding turtles, queries go to the Fisheries Division, which is under the Ministry of Agriculture, or the private Bellairs Research Institute. If it is beach blockage, the matter is referred to the Town Planning Department, which falls under the Prime MinisterÕs office. But a groyne in the water goes to the Coastal Zone Management Unit of the Ministry of the Environment. Pollution is the responsibility of the Environmental Engineering Division of the Ministry of Health.
The NEP must translate into action, and there are many commonsensical links to be made between cause and effect.
If, for example, global warming is taking place, the polar icecap is melting, and it is causing sea levels to rise, then why give planning permission for coastal development? Should not these hotels or homes be set further back to take into consideration the eventuality of sea-level rise?
Should there not be a policy to immediately restrict building construction on the seaward side of coastal roads, and should there not be a programme to move these buildings inland or extend the coastline seaward?
This issue surfaced in Montserrat shortly after the Langs Soufriere volcano destroyed hundreds of homes.
Several decades ago, a government study recommended that development should not take place on the slopes of the volcano or in the area in which Plymouth was developed. The reason was that one day the volcano could awaken and threaten them.
However, it was inconceivable that 30 or 40 years later that would be the case.
The Montserrat crisis has caused disaster planners to take a critical look at other Caribbean islands with volcanoes. Though Barbados has no volcano, there are other hazards which should dictate what is developed and where.
Climate
Annually, Barbados goes through various weather cycles. Some years are dry, others are wet, and yet others are average. It is therefore essential that climatologists and meteorologists create links with agriculture and provide information on medium- to long-term climate outlooks for planning purposes.
Given that during strong El Ni–o years the southern Caribbean can expect drier than normal times, should the normal crops be planted or drought-resistant varieties?
This is an important consideration. If there are no drought- resistant crops, how much additional water would be needed for irrigation? Would the island have this quantity, given that all the water in Barbados currently comes from rain? (A desalination plant has yet to be commissioned.)
In northern Brazil, which is hit hard by the effects of El Ni–o and La Ni–a,
the authorities vary their crops according to the climate outlooks. This would also provide invaluable information for water planners whose job it is to ensure adequate water supplies.
Regional climatologists are well on their way to developing reliable medium-range climate outlooks. The Caribbean Meteorological Institute, in association with the International Research Institute on Climate Prediction and other collaborating agencies, has devised a three-month climate outlook for the Caribbean showing the probability of it being dry, wet or average. The prediction is revised every other month.
Waste disposal
Among BarbadosÕ urgent needs is a solid waste policy. While everyone knows the virtue of the four Rs Ð reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse (you can also refuse harmful products) Ð what is the national policy?
When Barbadians are up to their eyeballs in plastic and glass containers, and they have no other use for them, what do they do with them?
Some years ago, a Barbadian garment manufacturer made a breakthrough in the German market but was rudely awakened by their new environmental trade regulations. The Germans accepted the garments but returned the packaging. The reason?
The packaging did not meet environmental standards. They were disposable, not recyclable.
Barbados has not been the only country affected in this way. Jamaican banana exporters have found their cardboard boxes back on their doorsteps.
WhatÕs BarbadosÕ solid waste policy? Given the shortage of land space for garbage disposal, should the island continue to accept any and all types of packaging?
It is just a matter of time before that high-risk, controversial Greenland landfill is filled up. What happens next? IsnÕt it time that Barbados turns to incineration or implement a multi-faceted approach to solid waste disposal?
Proactive or reactive?
Too often, Barbados has been reactive instead of proactive. People have seen environmentalists as nuisances and EIAs as a waste of money. But a proactive approach makes sense and helps to protect the country in the long run.
For many years, there were calls for the introduction of unleaded gasoline which went unanswered. Then, one day, unleaded gasoline was introduced. That coincided with the phase-out of cars which ran on leaded. There followed a reduction in accumulated concentrations of lead in the environment from vehicle exhaust emissions.
In the early 1990s, leading up to the UN Global Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States in Barbados, the island, along with Antigua, was recognised as an environmental leader and negotiator in the Caribbean.
Soon after it took place, the three key people who were the Òinstitutional memoryÓ of the conference (and of environmental issues in Barbados and the region) were all reassigned. One is no longer in government service, the other two have diplomatic postings. Barbados lost much momentum, becoming an international disappointment.
It is time for an intensive public education campaign to create environmental awareness and make environmental issues second nature to all Barbadians. Only then can people appreciate and protect their surroundings so that for however long they and their families inhabit the island their resources are not jeopardised.
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DUMPED! [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DUMPED!
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Creator: Connell Antoinette
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 1A
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Paper Date: Sun, Jul 04, 1999
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Category: News
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THE SEARCH is on again to find a company to manage the Greenland Landfill in St. Andrew.
Yesterday, Government declared the last tendering process null and void, claiming that it was Ògrossly compromisedÓ by detailed press reports. This move has further delayed the opening of the problem-plagued landfill and extended the life of the controversial Mangrove Landfill in St. Thomas.
ÒThe view taken by Cabinet, that regardless of which company was eventually awarded the contract under this process, the transparency and rationale for its selection would have been in question. Cabinet therefore decided that in the best interest of the country and the tendering and evaluation process, that the contract be re-tendered,Ó a Press release stated yesterday.
Previously, it came down to key competitors Miller Waste Solutions Barbados Limited and Onyx Barbados Limited which is connected to C.O. Williams Industries. The decision became so intense that there were rumours of a rift in Cabinet over a 2-1 decision in favour of Miller Waste Solutions.
There was no clear indication that these two companies would re-tender.
Businessman Ralph ÒBizzyÓ Williams reacted to the news of a re-tendering by stating it was GovernmentÕs privilege to do such.
ÒIf they think that is the right thing, let them do it,Ó he said, adding he could not say what the company would be doing.
Dave Hinds of Hinds Transport which was connected to the Miller Waste Solution
said: ÒI canÕt give a comment. The matter has to be discussed.Ó
Last month, environmental consultant David Simmons publicly advised Government to re-open the tendering process since he felt Cabinet proceeded on the false notion that foreign expertise was needed.
This time around Government is asking that tendering conventions be upheld since over an eight-month period ending on June 30, about 21 news items, some containing confidential information, were published.
Two committees and one independent consultant reviewed the applications.
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Residents fuming over landfill [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Residents fuming over landfill
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Creator: King Michael
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 5
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Paper Date: Thu, Jul 08, 1999
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Category: News
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By-Line: Mike King
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ARCH HALL and Bennetts residents are angry they still have to endure the awful smell from the controversial Mangrove Landfill in St. Thomas.
ÒHow long is too long when it is not good?Ó and ÒEnough is enough!Ó were some of the cries from the residents yesterday.
They were upset the operations at Mangrove were being extended because of GovernmentÕs decision to reopen tendering for the new Greenland facility.
One Bennetts resident said the dump had been so much of a nightmare for her family that two of her children were now asthmatics. She said her two children would breathe much easier when it was closed.
ÒThe dump has certainly brought on the asthma in my 12-year-old son, and my 19-year-old daughter has had to move because of the effect the dump has had on her. She now lives in St. James with her grandparents.
ÒTwo weeks ago, my son had an asthma attack and had to be taken to hospital. The dump canÕt close fast enough for me,Ó she said. ÒItÕs been tough for most of us in the district. We just have to hope and pray.Ó
Another Bennetts resident, a 75-year-old pensioner, also said the dump was posing problems for her family.
ÒWhenever the smell comes down, I have to shut my window and spray the entire house. My son suffers with sinusitis and the dump makes it tough on him. I would really like to see it closed, but we have not been able to do anything about it,Ó she said.
A middle-aged Arch Hall woman said it was ÒhurtfulÓ she and her neighbours had to endure the stench for so long.
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Beaten 'with a piece of wood' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Beaten 'with a piece of wood'
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Creator: Harewood Ona
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 4
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Paper Date: Fri, Jul 09, 1999
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Category: Courts
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A CHRIST CHURCH man said he required surgery after he was beaten with a piece of wood by George Stevenson Maughn while in a house at Ocean City, St. Philip, on September 14, 1997.
The case of serious bodily harm against Maughn got going in the No. 4 Supreme Court yesterday before a nine-member jury.
Donkrison Moore of Greenland, Enterprise, Christ Church, testified that he, his brother and another friend went to the house at No. 29 Ocean City where he lived with the accused, to look for a switch his mother had sent him for.
After checking to ensure that all was well in the lower part of the house, he went around to the back and proceeded upstairs to look for the item, he said.
ÒI went into the dining room, took a drawer out of a desk and placed it on the table top. As I did this, I felt a sharp blow to my left hand,Ó the complainant said.
The court also heard that he was struck several times with the wood on both hands as he attempted to defend himself.
ÒHe retreated to the master bedroom and I tripped over a suitcase in the passageway, while on the ground Maughn continued to beat me about the head and upper back with the wood which was dark, cylindrical and about 10-15 inches long,Ó he recalled
Moore added that he sought medical attention at FMH Emergency Medical in Belleville, St. Michael, and subsequently had surgery performed on his left hand.
During cross-examination by defence attorney Michael Lashley, Moore denied ever threatening the accused or cutting up his clothing.
ÒDidnÕt you have conflicts with the accused during the ten years that you lived together?Ó Lashley asked.
ÒNo, Sir,Ó replied Moore.
Moore also denied a suggestion that on the day of the incident, he advanced towards the accused with a drawer in his hand.
Senior Crown Counsel Anthony Blackman and acting Crown Counsel Trevor Gibbs are prosecuting. The case is being heard before Madame Justice Marie MacCor-mack.
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Christ Church wounding trial [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Christ Church wounding trial
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Creator:
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 4
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Paper Date: Fri, Jul 09, 1999
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Category: Courts
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THE TRIAL of George Stevenson Maughn, 44, of Pioneer Road, Bush Hall, St. Michael began yesterday in the No. 4 Supreme Court.
He is charged with causing serious bodily harm to Donkrison Moore, of Greenland, Enterprise, Christ Church, on September 14, 1997.
The case is being heard before Madam Justice Marie MacCormack by a nine-member jury consisting of five women and four men.
Attorney-at-law Michael Lashley appeared for the accused while Senior Crown Counsel Anthony Blackman, and Acting Crown Counsel Trevor Gibbs are prosecuting.
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Dis mussee Crop-Under [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Dis mussee Crop-Under
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Jul 09, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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WELL, I invite you all to come-along, boychile, we havinÕ a glorious time; we goinÕ to a city where de moonlight nevah shine. AnÕ yuh need not to fear, yuh need not to fear, de army will be dere; God Himself shall be a light, to guide
us on our way.
Abreeham anÕ Ize-ick, Peter, Paul anÕ Bannebus, Moses anÕ Danyull, who was casÕ in de lionÕs den; somebody anÕ somebody else, somebody anÕ somebody else, many more, but ah cannot call dem name.
You know that old spiritual? J. B. Clarke, the watchman, taught me it as a boy at Vaucluse, strumming his stick like a banjo, and vamping with his mouth. By the way, if you remember who those ÒsomebodiesÓ were, let me know. Cause I forget.
This week we want to invite all you overseas Bajans to come-along, boychile, to our Crop-Over festival. ItÕs the last for this millenium, although the experts say the next isnÕt starting until 2001. We say to hell with the experts, we arenÕt waiting no whole Õnother year.
Maybe you get the news from people like my brotherÕs son in Florida who sends peopleÕs private columns all parts of the world. But if not, here is a round-up.
Crop-Over started this year before the crop over. The big-up sugar daddies (thank God itÕs not the white people now) and the union footypussed and delayed the crop.
Now canes are standing and the rains are coming. We will lose foreign exchange and maybe quota too Ð we didnÕt reach the export target. So this is more like a crop-under.
With the Hilton and Sandy Lane being knocked down, Glendairy remains the destination of choice. One man fought with a chisel to gain readmittance.
Last week, Eric Sealy presented the guests with a big-able TV set and Ð at a time when many of us feel rapists should be castrated Ð a number of balls. Occupancy has grown from a maximum of 110 in 1966 to well over 700 nowadays. Soon a sizeable annex may be required (see below).
The St. Joseph Hospital inquiry has for the first time afforded Bajans an in-depth look at how our Governments do business.
But just when we thought transparency was the order of the day, Owen and the gang have cancelled the whole tendering process for management of the Greenland landfill because the public was told too much.
This is both revealing and regrettable. The precedent has been set and Bajans will demand to know the details about Government contracts. So why not let the truth come out up front rather than have it dragged out of you at an inquiry in a few yearsÕ time?
Big money is being wagered as to which will operate first: LizÕs landfill or SimmonsÕ gallows. This is alluded to in my calypso, PoliticiansÕ Things: ÒWhat a terrible case is SimmonsÕ thing, it hanging fire but it just canÕt swing; if it could it would solve a lot, but like he goinÕ lefÕ it to decay and rot. While LizzieÕs thing canÕt open yet, and when it will is a dangerous bet; it full of water anÕ it catching moss, as Bajans continue to count the cost.Ó
Not many good calypsoes have come through and the tents are suffering. People arenÕt going to pay to hear four lines repeated ad nauseam over a drum beat while the perpetrator wuks up. They want wit and humour. Were it not for comedy acts, attendance might fall even further.
Having said all that, I had a great time last Saturday night at the Cockspur Class Kaiso And Comedy tent with Gabby and company.
The place was packed and Lords Blakey and Radio showed how to hold a crowd without resorting to vulgar gymnastics.
Actually, this column is coming out kinda negative which goes against my original intention of getting you Bajans to come home for Crop-Over. So letÕs look at some of the positives around here. With the swing-bridge and the wharf closed, Bridgetown is fast becoming one humongous parking lot, if you donÕt mind sitting in your car. Also, the residents of Mile-And-A-Quarter, the Prime MinisterÕs home-town, are rejoicing it isnÕt Mile-and-A-Half or they might never live to see the road-works there completed.
We are moving toward a socially transformed Barbados where no one will soon have to work. The Jamaicans have bought one of our biggest hotels, Paradise, and closed it down so we donÕt have the trouble catering to the tourists who went there.
The Trinis are buying up our manufacturing plants and closing them down Ð we wonÕt have to toil in no factories and we can import cheaper from them anyway.
About the only thing we Bajans still own is Lord NelsonÕs statue, and youÕd better come quick if you want to see him. So how about it, boychiles?
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Not just Branford [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Not just Branford
COU COU & FLYING FISH
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Creator: Boyce Hayden
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Publication: Sun On Saturday
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Paper Section And Page: 11
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Paper Date: Sat, Jul 10, 1999
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Category: Living
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DAVID THOMPSON opened a can of angry worms earlier this week when he said people like Brandford Taitt should step aside to make way for younger folk.
While folks in the Dems generally supported ThompsonÕs view, insiders feel that in terms of rebuilding the party he has to go further than Taitt and Sandi.
Some of the die-hard Dems feel that if Taitt and Sandi are to be put out to pasture, they would have to be joined by a number of two-time losers and others who are regarded as dead-weight.
Among the old DemsÕ list of political race horses, who should be retired, are: Chris Sinckler, Derek Alleyne, Yvonne Walkes, Ralph Thorne, DeLisle Bradshaw, Wendell Callender, Rudy Grant, and Tyrone Estwick.
Based on the work which Trevor Prescod and Anthony Wood have been doing, the old Dems feel itÕs very unlikely that people like Fruendel Stuart and Johnny Tudor would ever be seated in Parliament again unless in the Public Gallery.
More in the mortar
This scenario recently played out at a certain institution.
One short man called another to sit next to him to discuss something.
The other short man looked over his spectacles as if dazed and continued reading.
After a few minutes, the first short man beckoned him over again.
The other short man looked up and indicated to the first short man that if he wanted to talk he has to get up and come over.
It was a very instructive power play which eye-witnesses said confirmed there is more in the mortar than the pestle.
Call for by-election
WE hear that some people in St. Michael West are calling for a by-election.
They are claiming that they canÕt find their man and they would like an election called to fill the void.
In addition, they say that people in Vietnam have not been able to get any of the things done, not even the play park.
National security?
Cou Cou received an anonymous letter earlier this week.
It stated:
Dear Ministers,
I am deeply disappointed, perplexed even, by your decision to re-tender for the management of the Greenland landfill on the basis that the tendering process was Ògrossly compromisedÓ by detailed press reports.
As an ardent supporter of your party, I thought you would have welcomed the detailed press reports which to the best of my knowledge contained information which was not denied by any of you.
I was also under the impression that the Press reports surfaced after a decision was already made by Cabinet; but maybe I was wrong.
It was also my belief that sharing such information with the public was all in keeping with your manifesto pledge of open Government.
Was it one of your people who said that the only aspect of Cabinet which cannot really be made public are matters pertaining to national security?
Are you trying to imply that the next time around the peopleÕs business would be kept from them?
Yours truly,
Bee-littled.
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SERIOUS BODILY HARM TRIAL [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: SERIOUS BODILY HARM TRIAL
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Creator: Harewood Ona
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Publication: Sun On Saturday
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Paper Section And Page: 4
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Paper Date: Sat, Jul 10, 1999
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Category: Courts
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THE trial of George Stevenson Maughn, 44, of Pioneer Road, Bush Hall, St. Michael, continued yesterday in the No.4 Supreme Court.
He is charged with causing serious bodily harm to Donkrison Moore, of Greenland, enterprise, Christ Church, on September 14, 1997.
The case is being heard before Madame justice Marie MacCormack and a jury of five women and four men.
Attorney-at-law Michael Lashley appeared for the accused, while Senior Crown Counsel Anthony Blackman and acting Crown Counsel Trevor Gibbs are prosecuting.
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Lions roaring a bit faintly [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Lions roaring a bit faintly
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Creator: Morris Roy R.
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Publication: Daily Nation / Extra
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Paper Section And Page: 6
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Paper Date: Mon, Jul 12, 1999
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Category: Entertainment
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By-Line: Roy R. Morris
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THERE was a lot of roaring in the LionÕs Den last Friday night when the judges went hunting in QueenÕs Park for Pic-O-De-Crop semi-finalists.
Unfortunately Ð or fortunately Ð depending on your perspective, 95 per cent of that roaring came from cubs Ð calypso cubs.
And even though they represented themselves well, generally, and most members of the audience appeared to enjoy themselves, it was quite clear that the pride needed a lion king, or two, to anchor the show.
What was quite clear to me by the end of the show was that the judges would not have had a difficult time picking who were genuine East Coast Road material, notwithstanding the fact that who eventually makes it to the Calypso Bowl depends on how calypsonians from other tents performed.
In short, while they were some strong performances, I walked away from the show with the impression that no more than two contenders, and thatÕs stretching it, stood a chance of reaching that semis.
In fact, since the tent has been inviting patrons to donate non-perishable foods for distribution to the elderly, IÕll put my money where my mouth is and give an undertaking to donate $100 of canned goods to the Salvation Army for every member of the tent who receives the nod of the judges other than Shawnie and Tara Holdipp.
Shawnie, in the first half, performed what was the leading political/social commentary of the night in the Den, Falling Down. He sang about everything from hanging, to the firing of Winston Cox, to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to Greenland, and won an encore. But while the lyrics were strong, melody could have done with a little more refinement.
He brought the curtain down in the second half with an up-tempo number called One for Morgan, a tribute to one of BridgetownÕs more familiar pan players.
Tara demonstrated clearly that she has learnt how to use the stage, and the microphone, as a member of the band Full Swing, and did a commendable job with her HIV Positive. What I could not figure out was why she kept pronouncing HIV as a word, ÒhivÓ, as opposed to the abbreviation H.I.V.
Her second song, Kissing Tale, was also performed well, except that on two many occasions I couldnÕt understand what she was saying Ð but maybe the judges did.
I was itching to give Itchie consideration as a semi-finalist after his first number, Tribute to the Elders, which he started a bit lacklustrely, but really got into, and finished with a burst of energy. The line A memory of you must linger on after you are gone, capped each verse beautifully.
But he gave it away in the second half with an up-tempo number, De Hammer, that got some shoulders, shaking in the front line, but based on the judging criteria, would hardly have impressed the judges.
Hurricane Helen's My Favourite Hero, a nursery rhyme done to music and Jamming With The Black Man, the words of which she and a very select few apparently understood; Ronnie's We Grooving, Original Duck's Wuk Dah Waist; Mr. Pan - who leaves you with the impression that Cubba has returned to the tents - with Girls Love Pan and Pan; P-oui's Everybody Free, Dale B's On The Route served only to give the audience something to smile at or move a shoulder to, just barely, while providing the judges with a chance to "chill".
My song of the night, certainly the most cleverly written, would have to be Li'L Man Li'L Man, who sang that his wife would understand if he gave the girls 'li'l man".
While the Den clearly lacked mature calypso lions, it was clear that once the cubs continue to be well fed the pride would live on.
By the way, when will the appropriate persons in Government take the decision to tear down the Sheel Shed?
It's a most uninviting and uninsiring place, the acoustics are terrible, and
it does the development of calypso very little good.
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'Plain case of self-defence' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Plain case of self-defence'
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Creator: Harewood Ona
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 4
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Paper Date: Tue, Jul 13, 1999
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Category: Courts
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IN AN unsworn statement from the dock yesterday, wounding accused George Stephenson Maughn said he was acting in self-defence.
Maughn, who said he regretted the incident, is accused of causing serious bodily harm to Donkrison Moore, of Greenland, Enterprise, Christ Church, on September 14, 1997.
ÒI acted only in self-defence under attack from Moore,Ó he said.
Maughn told the court he arrived at No. 29 Ocean City, St. Philip, around 3 p.m. and went around to the back of the house to investigate some noises he heard.
ÒI saw Deighton Moore, Tyrone Harewood and Donkrison Moore at the back of the
house. As soon as I arrived, Donkrison started making threats at me, saying I want licking up and I donÕt want nothin wid him.Ó
Maughn said he went upstairs to the master bedroom, where he remained for about two hours.
ÒDuring that time, Don made six to seven trips upstairs and repeated the earlier threats. He also made punching and stabbing motions at me. I remained silent and continued to lie on the bed.Ó
The accused said he attempted to go to the kitchen after 5 p.m. to get something to eat.
ÒWhen I got to the doorway of the bedroom, he was holding a drawer in his hand and he told me I want licking up. He raised his hand and attacked me É I retreated to the bedroom and took up a piece of wood to defend myself,Ó he said.
The court heard that there was a scuffle, during which DonkrisonÕs brother, Deighton, and his friend, Tyrone, appeared on the scene.
ÒLater a friend came to take me to the District ÒCÓ Police Station.
ÒWhen I came downstairs Moore had armed himself with two large stones and was attempting to throw them at me,Ó Maughn added.
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'It was self-defence all the way' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'It was self-defence all the way'
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Creator: Harewood Ona
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 4A
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Paper Date: Wed, Jul 14, 1999
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Category: Courts
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ÒYOU are free to go.Ó
With these words Madame Justice Marie MacCormack sent George Stephenson Maughn from the dock of the No.4 Supreme Court yesterday.
It took the jury two attempts and a total of two hours and 15 minutes to find Maughn not guilty on both counts of causing Donkrison Moore, of Greenland, Enterprise, Christ Church, serious bodily harm on September 14, 1997, at a house in Ocean City, St. Philip.
ÒI always figured that wouldÕve been the outcome. I was innocent,Ó Maughn told the Daily Nation minutes later.
Defence attorney Michael Lashley said he believed justice had been done.
ÒIt was a clear case of self-defence. My client did not act maliciously,Ó the lawyer said.
The jury returned with a unanimous not-guilty verdict on the first count of causing serious bodily harm with intent to maim, disfigure or disable Moore on September 14, 1997.
But they were sent out a second time to deliberate on the second count of inflicting serious bodily harm.
ÒI am going to ask you to retire again for the second count.
ÒTry to reach a unanimous verdict. If you canÕt, you must reach a majority verdict on which at least seven of you agree,Ó the judge instructed the nine-member panel.
Twenty minutes later they returned with a majority verdict of not-guilty on the second count.
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David and Goliath [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: David and Goliath
ANOTHER P.M.
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Creator: Morgan Peter
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 6
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Paper Date: Thu, Jul 15, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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DAVID COMISSIONG is a pleasant young man but confused, perhaps even consumed, by his own demons.
He has wandered from one political party to another, rattling his wooden sabre, searching in vain for a Goliath to slay. He was one of those, together with Hammie-La, the Israel Lovell posse and others, who appeared to swallow the bait which was dangled before them prior to the General Election. As a result the grateful Government not only provided him with a Goliath but elevated his status to put the fear of God into poor old Goliath.
The first coming in the form of the botched Heroes/Nelson issue gave rise to the rather embittered race debate. The second by the creation of the Pan African Commission which gave him one foot in the office of Prime Minister.
When he tells us all, in so many words, that we had better do it his way of risk social unrest and then expect us to believe that he was not predicting violence if his advice is ignored, he is asking too much of even this tolerant society. Ordinarily one might say ÒWell itÕs only David C. spouting off and heÕs entitled to his opinion as much as any of us.Ó
Similarly his proposal that the British should pay reparations to the nations of Africa and the diaspora for injustices committed some 200 years ago, could be shrugged off Ð ÒItÕs only David C.Ó Ð and could even be quite funny with some of the scenarios it conjures up. Who is to pay whom? The British today are a hodge-podge of the original whites and thousands of people of African, Indian, Pakistani, West Indian, Chinese descent and considerable numbers of mixtures of all of the foregoing. Will Lord Paul, one of the wealthiest men in Britain, be expected to cough up his share considering that he is an Indian, born in India, but is now so British as to be a member of the Upper Chamber of Parliament? There is equally a diaspora of thousands of descendants of those wicked Brits of 200 years ago who are now third and fourth generation Americans, Australians and even West Indians. How are they to be tracked down to make them pay up? With all those mixtures who is to pay and who is to receive? The permutations are endless. Maybe everyone will have to take a DNA test.
If it ever came about it would create a serious precedent for the Turks who are descendants of the Moguls who controlled everything from Spain to India. And the Spaniards and Portuguese would have to recompense the South American Amerindians. The Italians would all be broke paying off all the people whom the Romans conquered Ð though I expect they would demand a credit note for the fine roads they built which are still in use.
All of this might provide harmless chatter in the rum shops and the cocktail parties and then be laughed off and forgotten were it not for one big, but É David C. has that foot in the office of the PM and thereby obviously has his ear. He is a de facto of the Government just as any chairman of a statutory corporation.
So where does the Government stand on these issues? The question has been asked publicly by many people. Is the Government intending Ð as proposed by David C. Ð to sponsor a Resolution at the UN calling for these reparations? Not a word has been heard from the Prime MinisterÕs Office Ð surely people deserve to be told.
By taking this restless, aggressive young man to its ÒinclusiveÓ bosom the Government has the proverbial tiger by the tail. They really donÕt need another problem right now on top of Greenland, Nelson, the sugar quota, a Minister chasing away investors, the QEH, a surge in gun-related crime and violence, multiple problems in the schools, tourism in tatters and the terribly embarrassing situation of not having anybody to hang.
What would you do if you found yourself in such a fix? If you donÕt know the answer youÕve never been in politics or the Public Service. One of the blessings bequeathed to the former colonies by the British Empire Ð and there were a few Ð was a lesson in how to deal with such crises. It is practised all around the world in the countries upon whom the sun never used to set. If youÕre faced with a seemingly intractable problem simply appoint a committee to study it.
All the pressure is relieved at one fell swoop. Any awkward questions arise Ð refer them to the committee ... Make sure the deliberations are stretched out and by the time the committee reports their recommendations can be safely pidgeon-holed since no one remembers what it was all about. It canÕt go wrong.
So thatÕs what theyÕll do Ð just wait and see.
¥ Peter Morgan is a former Minister of Tourism in a DLP Administration.
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The people's right to know [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: The people's right to know
ANOTHER P.M.
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Creator: Morgan Peter
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page: 6A
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Paper Date: Thu, Jul 22, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline: by Peter Morgan
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There has been a great deal of discussion in the British Press recently about a Bill which the government proposes to send to Parliament shortly to liberalise Freedom of Information. By chance there is a parallel debate going on in Trinidad and Tobago.
In both cases the opposition, the media and commentators in general are dissatisfied with the Bills as drafted. It is said they do not go far enough and are certainly not as comprehensive as promised in the Manifestos of the respective governing parties.
There is never going to be total agreement in any society on whether a governmentÕs policy is sufficiently open in providing information about which the citizens are entitled to know or whether the limits imposed in the name of Òpublic interestÓ and State security are too stringent. It is a matter of trying to find a reasonable balance.
Suspicions that governments try to hide information which may be to their detriment are inevitable and quite understandable. After all, ministers are not going to volunteer information which might show them up in a bad light. You wouldnÕt nor would I.
Ministers, like you and me, are going to tell everyone aspects of any matter which reflect positively and neglect to mention anything which they would rather not read about on the front page of the daily papers. Yet when these are matters of public policy or public administration the people are entitled to know what is happening Ð for better and for worse.
So while Britain and Trinidad and Tobago are wrestling with the issue and trying to find an acceptable compromise, what of Barbados? Mention has been made in passing from time to time of a Freedom of Information Bill but nothing seems to have been happening to bring it before the public. It is one of those items of legislation which ought never to be imposed on a community. It ought to reflect the views of the community and strike a balance between the Òneed to knowÓ of the news media and the Òneed for confidentialityÓ of the Government.
This necessitates public debate but no government is going to initiate such a debate with undue haste. The longer it can be deferred for one reason or another, the better. Debate will only come after agitation from those concerned Ð notably the news media people Ð and I havenÕt noticed any such
signs.
There is little public information out in the open today. At the end of the last session of Parliament there were some 45 questions on the Order Paper still unanswered, some of them dating back to 1994. When did you last hear a minister, having attended a conference in some distant part of the world, make a parliamentary statement as to what took place and how it would affect this country?
Have you been made aware of your countryÕs position on any matter which has been debated at the United Nations or the Organisation of American States recently? Do you know how your vote was cast on any of these issues? I would be very interested Ð and so, I am sure, would many other former servicemen Ð to know whether Barbados has signed the Land Mine Treaty and, if not, why not. As far as I know we have never been told.
DonÕt you think you are entitled to know what the ambassadors and high commissioners on your payroll are busying themselves with? It must be said that H.E. Mr. Simmons looks very dashing in his topper and tails when presenting his credentials hither and thither across Europe. But must we depend on David Jessop to tell us what is happening at the European Union and the World Trade Organisation and how events are going to impinge on our lives and those of our grandchildren?
How many reports of commissions, inquiries and surveys on this and that have been assigned directly to a pidgeon hole without ever seeing the light of day?
Now we read of David Thompson doing his job as Leader of the Opposition making a simple request to visit the very expensive and unproductive Government project at Greenland and he canÕt even get an acknowledgement of the letter in over six weeks. What have they to hide?
Everyone knows that if senior news media people raise their voices too loud and make a fuss they are liable to get a good cussinÕ out with barrack room expletives but that must not deter them. ItÕs all part of the job! But I havenÕt seen a subdued editorial calling for some action on a Freedom of Information Bill. ItÕs not GovernmentÕs fault if they let sleeping dogs lie.
¥ Peter Morgan is a former Minister of Tourism in a DLP Administration.
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No canola for Nelson [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: No canola for Nelson
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Jul 23, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline: by Richard Hoad
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This weekÕs article was originally entitled: How come we see? It was about how come we out here could see education being ruined by co-education; by the use of dialect in schools; by abandoning hymn-singing, parsing, sentence construction and prŽcis; by not learning great poems and literature. But the ÒeducatorsÓ couldnÕt see.
It was about how come we can see that prison is no punishment. (ÒThe guys in prison are almost as free as when they are outside,Ó says the Assistant Commissioner in St. Lucia. Their inmates were found with wine, TV, marijuana, you name it. One had a cell phone Ð that figures - in his cell.)
But the law-lords canÕt see it. Nor can they see that giving concurrent sentences and releasing known vagabonds on bail encourages them to commit a spate of crimes.
Or that if the Constitution is standing in the way of proper punishment - the cat and hanging - then it needs changing.
It was about how come we can see that if, as Chairman Chessie says, none of the 70 days and 6 000 pages of evidence in the St. Joseph Hospital Inquiry can be used against anybody, then it is a waste of taxpayersÕ money and time.
And if the Opposition Leader canÕt get a peep at LizÕs thing at Greenland, nor can the latest report on it be made public, something must be very rotten down there. But the big-ups canÕt seem to see.
And so it is with a lot more in this country. But thereÕs nothing you or I can do. So to hell with that article.
Instead let me tell you about Nelson, my hero, and the canola oil controversy. Lest you get yourself in a similar marital predicament.
The problem is where to start. Should it be with the sister-in-law and her Òhealthy foodÓ campaign which caused my wife to buy the canola in the first
place?
Should it be with brother George having to go away for an operation and giving us the bacon in his freezer? (We wish Georgie well, by the way; he is the standard bearer of the Vaucluse Hoads, of height and length unsurpassed.)
Or should it be with my concern that a time may come when Nelson can no longer stand proud and erect, master of all he surveys? Verily I would rather depart this earth than live with such an indignity.
Anyway, what happened was, whenever we buy a leg of pork, I slice some and fry for me and the children.
If Heaven is, by definition, a place where you get the best of everything, and pork is the sweetest thing out, then obviously they eat pork in Heaven.
And it is nonsense not to eat it down here. Besides, my fried pork is unique.
But then it started tasting goofy. I traced this to the canola oil the wife was buying. I object to canola oil on three grounds: one, I am yet to see a plant or animal in any dictionary or encyclopaedia named a ÒcanolaÓ. I believe it is old engine oil.
Two, it tastes bad. And three, the white people overseas, the same ones who would shake their finger at you and deny having sex with Monica, say itÕs good for you. I donÕt trust them.
Well, the battle was joined. Me, grumbling constantly about canola food; the wife saying itÕs all in your mind, shut up and eat it. I was losing badly: not only did her mother and sister gang up against me, but by lunchtime, hunger was driving me to eat anything, canola or not. It was time to take a stand.
My opportunity came a few Fridays ago. I had written a lousy article and was feeling morbid. I knew she was frying steak fish which I love with rice.
What better way to put her in her place than to refuse to eat any? This I did, although it felt kinda bad to realise she had put a piece of snout in the rice just for me.
Whoever said hell hath no fury like a woman, knows my spouse. While I flare up, Poof! and go out a second later like a Trinidad match, she seethes in silence for months after. And spurns Nelson.
Still I felt justified, man of the house and all that. Until Kris, the linguist brat, cornered me: ÒYou Eselbeagle! You thought that fish was fried with canola oil? Well, Mum did it specially for you with oil from Uncle GeorgeÕs bacon!Ó
Ouch! That put a different complexion on things. Now she wonÕt thaw until well into the next millenium. Which raises the question: will Nelson still be standing?
I donÕt know. But henceforth IÕm staying out of controversy. And I advise my intellectually backward brethren to do likewise, keeping especially far from any so-called debate with elements who are trying desperately to stir up race hatred in this country.
Ah gone!
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Breach caused by Press reports, Ôa load of garbag [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Breach caused by Press reports, Ôa load of garbageÕ
LETTERS
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Creator: Rowe William
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page:7A
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Paper Date: Sun, Jul 25, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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Byline:
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It is a whole load of crock to suggest that Press reports after the fact could have caused a breach of the tendering process for Greenland.
A load of garbage!
Messrs. Williams, Hinds, Rayside et al can now join together and sue the Government for millions in damages.
Transparency and accountability have now to be redefined! Ð William Rowe
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Minister of Health's response baffling [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Minister of Health's response baffling
LETTERS
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Creator: Douglas A.
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 7
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 3, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE response of the Minister of Health to the Opposition Leader, as carried in
your Online Nation recently, is sickening and disgusting. How can someone of such ilk actually be the holder of such a high office?
Reading on later, I see she said that the buck does not stop at her when it comes to poor garbage collection. ItÕs the unionÕs fault!
Well I see it clearly. The minister is to hurl stones and criticise people and never take the blame for anything. Greenland is a multi-million hole that she dugged for her entire political party. That is where the real garbage is headed.
Ð A. Douglas
152 Doscher Street
Brooklyn, NY.
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Liz: Politics, the love of my life [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Liz: Politics, the love of my life
THE LIZ THOMPSON AFFAIR
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Creator: Slinger Timothy
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 5
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 10, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Tim Slinger
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AT 3:15 p.m. yesterday, a smiling Liz Thompson walked down the steps of the Ministry of Health.
It was ThompsonÕs first public appearance since the announcement of her sacking hours earlier.
While the media waited, several staff members watched from a distance as they peeped through the louvres of adjoining offices.
Dressed in black, as she was on her way to the funeral of the sister of former Cabinet colleague, Anthony Wood, the former Minister of Health appeared in fine spirits and even burst out in laughter at certain questions from the media.
She made it clear that her sacking from office could under no circumstances signal the end of her political career.
ÒDefinitely not ... have you ever known Liz Thompson to do anything other than politics?Ó she quipped.
Asked whether she was surprised about the decision to dismiss her, Thompson smiling said: ÒYes and no.Ó
Earlier she said: ÒThe Prime Minister is free to appoint and disappoint persons, thatÕs the nature of politics.Ó
In a Press statement released later in the evening, Thompson spoke about being summoned to the Prime MinisterÕs office about 11 yesterday morning.
ÒI went to Government headquarters where the Prime Minister informed me that he was concerned about the controversy ensuing over a statement I made last week in relation to the Leader of the Opposition visiting Greenland.Ó
Thompson said following further discussions on the matter, the Prime Minister
terminated her Cabinet post.
ÒI will continue to serve my constituents, the people of St. James South, to whom I am deeply committed. I remain loyal to the agenda and philosophy of the Barbados Labour Party,Ó the statement added.
Thompson also thanked the media for their relationship during her tenure as a minister.
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Goddard takes up health ministry [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Goddard takes up health ministry
THE LIZ THOMPSON AFFAIR
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 22
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 10, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Terry Ally
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HE served just over six months as Minister of Public Works and Transport but he was shifted yesterday to the Ministry of Health, taking over from Liz Thompson who was sacked by Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
Sixty-year-old Senator Philip GoddardÕs rise to the Òmost controversialÓ ministry in the land came after two unsuccessful attempts to win a seat in Parliament.
He first entered elective politics in 1986 trying to unseat Dr. Richie Haynes. He tried again in 1991.
The electorate may have been sceptical of this Caucasian member of the business class and may have thought that he would have the business class more at heart.
His break finally came in 1994 when he was appointed a government senator and Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for International Business and Foreign Trade.
He would later be appointed a full minister with responsibility for the same portfolios.
Goddard may have been a stranger to the Cabinet but no stranger to commerce having come from the successful GoddardÕs family business which has spread its wings across the Caribbean and South America.
Goddard was on the move from the start and attracted criticism from the opposition for being one of the most travelled ministers of the Owen Arthur Administration.
Goddard, in fact was a traveller, and he boasted the successful negotiation of taxation treaties which would lay the ground work for the establishment of hundreds of offshore businesses and inflows of millions of dollars in foreign exchange.
In 1986, government reported 895 new offshore businesses and by last year the number of new companies exceeded 2 000.
Goddard quickly became a chief proponent for the reduction in telecommunication costs in order that the data processing and informatics industries here could compete with other domiciles in the region.
By 1998 the industry saw Cable and Wireless slashing its T1 rates by 25 per cent with Goddard promising further reductions.
Following the January 20, 1999 elections, Goddard was again appointed to the Senate and Minister of Public Works and Transport.
He was also appointed leader of government business in the Senate.
He was educated at the Ursuline Convent, Miss Murphy Primary School, and Lodge School.
In 1959 he went to Florida where he studied at the Naval Flight Training School in Pensacola.
He was a former chairman of the Pine Hill Diary, a director of Goddard Enterprises Limited, and a past president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce.
Goddard is the cousin of farmer, Richard Goddard, one of the fiercest critics and opponents of the controversial Greenland landfill which was a thorn in the side of his predecessor.
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Troubles over the years [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Troubles over the years
THE LIZ THOMPSON AFFAIR
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Creator: Bradshaw Maria
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Publication: Daily Nation / Extra
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Paper Section And Page: 1
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 11, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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By-Line: by Maria Bradshaw
+
THE MINISTRY of Health has always been a troublesome and difficult one.
Time may reveal that over the years more people have held that portfolio than any other Ministry.
From 1956 when Freddie Miller became the first Minister of Health in Barbados 15 persons from both the Democratic Labour Party and the Barbados Labour Party have held that portfolio.
Included among them were Joy Edwards, George Fergusson, Sir Edwy Talma, L.B Brathwaite, Dr.Rameses Caddle, Erskine Sandiford, OÕBrian Trotman, Keith Simmons, Don Blackman, Tom Adams, Billie Miller, Cyril Walker, Brandford Taitt and Elizabeth Thompson.
Philip Goddard will now be included in this list as Minister No.16.
Yesterday former health Minister Elizabeth Thompson joined the list of casualties in the Health Ministry. However, to her credit, she is among a few who lasted a full term.
To this day Democratic Labour Party member Branford Taitt, who is at the centre of a commission of enquiry into the St. Joseph Hospital, holds the record as the longest serving Minister of Health Ð from 1987 to 1993.
Former Prime Minister Tom Adams may be considered as holding that post for the shortest time. It is understood that he once served in that Ministry for six months.
Considered as one of the most important and expansive Ministries it has always been dogged with controversy.
Many may remember the cadaver issue in 1983 when the offshore medical school, St. Georges University was given permission by the Ministry to bring in cadavers for practical dissection by students.
There was much public outcry then against Minister of Health OÕBrian Trotman and there were calls for his resignation when shortly after that incident he sacked 200 casual and temporary workers without pay.
It is no wonder then that there has been a perennial search to find someone to competently manage the countryÕs health affairs.
Controversy has spawned every sector of this Ministry including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and its sister polyclinics; the psychiatric hospital; public health sector; St.Joseph Hospital; the Mangrove and Greenland landfills and the Sanitation Service Authority.
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SAY THAT AGAIN?!! [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: SAY THAT AGAIN?!!
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Creator: Vanterpool Tony
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Page:13
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Paper Date: Sat, Aug 14, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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Byline:
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ÒNo arrogance and outrageous behaviour will be allowed from members of my Cabinet.Ó
Prime Minister Owen Arthur announcing the sacking of Liz Thompson as Minister of Health.
ÒI DONÕT THINK she should take the blame for Greenland because it was a Cabinet decision, and she was defending the indefensible.Ó
Chairman of the Scotland District Association Richard Goddard, commenting on Liz ThompsonÕs dismissal.
ÒI AM feeling fine. I will be doing the normal things that I have been accustomed to doing and this is one of them.Ó
Sacked Minister of Health Liz ThompsonÕs response when she was caught by the NATION on an exercise bike in a gym. It was her first day off the job.
ÒIT MAKES IT very difficult when a patient suffering from diabetes, angina, high blood pressure [or] kidney failure comes to you and announces that he has discovered a new cure: dog dumpling syrup.Ó
Dr. Richie Haynes warning against Òbogus curesÓ.
ÒTHESE LITTLE TWERPS from abroad feel they can simply come and defy our laws, and some tourism officials are part and parcel of the abuse of the laws of Barbados.Ó
A statement in Parliament by Christ Church South MP Sir Harold St. John who welcomed foreign investors but not to flout the laws of Barbados.
ÒI FOUND MYSELF locked inside tight walls of metal and whispers of people I didnÕt recognise.Ó
Ali Abdel-Rahim Mohammad, 32, an Arabic teacher, who spent three hours in a morgue refrigerator after being pronounced dead by drowning. He grabbed the hand of an attendant who was trying to close the refrigerator door.
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Green light [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Green light
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Creator: King Michael
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Page: 3
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Paper Date: Sat, Aug 14, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline: by Mike King
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\Sun On Saturday
OPPOSITION Leader David Thompson will visit the controversial Greenland Landfill on Tuesday, a tour he says he is anxious and very keen to make.
ÒThere has been a lot of controversy over the landfill and the objective of our visit is to approach it with an open mind, but we will be taking into account the previous commentary made by professionals, environmentalists and concerned citizens about the environmental, social and economic impact of the project,Ó he said.
He will visit the St. Andrew landfill as part of a delegation headed by new Minister of Health, Senator Phillip Goddard.
It will be the first tour of the landfill for Goddard since he took over ministerial duties from Liz Thompson, who was fired from her post on Monday by Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
The delegation will have also officials from the Ministry of Health, Sanitation Services Authority and the Sewerage and Solid Waste Project Execution Unit.
Thompson said he will head to St. Andrew with a few advisors which includes former Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, Edward Cumberbatch.
Also going wil be MP Denis Kellman and Senators Clyde Mascoll and Cynthia Thomas-Worrell, all of the Democratic Labour Party.
ÒI am really looking forward to visiting the project principally because it is a major public sector project which impacts on the finances of the country, the environment, and will eventually directly affect the way in which we dispose of every piece of garbage in our country,Ó Thompson said.
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Mixed views on Liz Thompson affair [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Mixed views on Liz Thompson affair
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Creator: Lewis Wayne
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 3A
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Paper Date: Mon, Aug 16, 1999
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Category: News
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POLITICAL Scientist Dr. Neville Duncan thinks that Prime Minister Owen Arthur did not act hot-headedly in firing Minister of Health Liz Thompson last week.
Speaking on the Voice of Barbados programme, Point At Issue yesterday, Duncan said there were other issues related to Greenland that could be brought out that were not in the public domain for discussion.
ÒI am still not convinced that this would have been the only event. There were a whole series of actions before that; the confrontational aspects of managing a ministry, that may be the minister was spoken to about before that we need to examine.
ÒI certainly donÕt believe that the PM just acted in a rush of hot headedness on this matter,Ó he said. The University of the West Indies lecturer said he understood the ministerÕs sacking within the context of the Prime Minister trying to set new standards of public behaviour.
Democratic Labour Party representative on the programme, Kerrie Symmonds, said it was Arthur who was arrogant since he believed that his interpretation of the 26 to 2 mandate was that he did not have a duty to be accountable but that the minister did.
Symmonds said that the two things were not consistent.
Attorney-at-law Leroy Inniss, another panellist, was adamant that the Prime Minister may dismiss any minister at any time. However, he said, in a system of open Government it would have been nice to have an explanation.
ÒIf he believes that a particular Cabinet minister is going to cause him and
his Government problems, in one way or the other, he may dismiss any Cabinet minister at any time for any reason.
ÒA seat in the Cabinet is a gift of the Prime Minister and he does not have to consult anyone if he decides to change a member of his Cabinet,Ó Inniss said.
But, he added: ÒIn a system where we expect open Government, having shown faith in a particular person to appoint that person to a ministry, we as members of the electorate would like to know what has gone wrong that this person has been so unceremoniously removed.Ó
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Landfill tour today [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Landfill tour today
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Creator: Gibbs Roxanne
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 3
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Paper Date: Tue, Aug 17, 1999
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Category: News
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AFTER a month-and-a-half of cold shoulder from the Ministry of Health, Leader of the Opposition David Thompson gets to tour the controversial Greenland landfill this morning.
His entourage of 20 will be guided by new Minister of Health, Senator Philip Goddard, when the tour gets under way at 8 a.m.
Thompson, chairman of ParliamentÕs Public Accounts Committee, a watchdog of Government spending, will be accompanied by his three other parliamentary colleagues Ð Denis Kellman, and Senators Clyde Mascoll and Cynthia Thomas-Worrell Ð along with several advisors including retired deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, Edward Cumberbatch.
Goddard will lead a delegation which includes Permanent Secretary for Special Assignments, Colonel Neville Edwards, who has responsibility for the landfill, other members of the Solid and Sewerage Waste Project Unit, and members of the Sanitation Services Authority.
The tour comes eight days after Prime Minister Owen Arthur fired Liz Thompson as Minister of Health, apparently over certain remarks she made when responding publicly to the Opposition LeaderÕs request for a tour of the facility.
Thompson said in a weekend interview he would approach the matter with an open mind, but would take into account previous comments made by professionals, environmentalists and concerned citizens.
It will also be the first tour for the Press since the completion of the landfill two years ago. Requests by this newspaper for tours of the facility in the last two years were denied.
The $25 million landfill was the subject of much criticism by the former DLP Shadow Minister of Health and Environment, Johnny Tudor.
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'Tropical paradise' soon thing of past [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Tropical paradise' soon thing of past
LETTERS
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Creator: Gittens David
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 7A
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Paper Date: Wed, Aug 18, 1999
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Category: Current Affiars
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SOONER or later the public will find out Òthe truthÓ of the Greenland Landfill issue.
If indeed the site turns out to be unsuited for garbage disposal, a good suggestion may be to turn the specific place and some of the surrounding area into a national park or forestry, with biking and hiking trails, and so on.
Pretty soon, there is going to be no place in Barbados reminiscent of the tropical paradise we presently are, and this just may be the last opportunity to secure something for the citizens of the near and distant future.
Ð David Gittens
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Terms of reality [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Terms of reality
EDITORIAL
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Creator: Wickham John
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 8
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 20, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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SOONER OR LATER every polity needs to come to terms with the reality of the conditions which determine the successful management of the circumstances of the lives of its citizens.
These circumstances are more often than not dictated by realities of climate, environment, and geographical location and, sometimes, values inherited from a history beyond its control.
It therefore becomes essential for a people and its leaders to identify and face those realities and values bravely, since the message of some recent events of Òthe days of our livesÓ is that our country may be approaching a day of reckoning.
During the last few weeks, in addition to a spate of vicious acts of violence, our citizens have had drawn to their attention cases of derelict properties in such condition that the only solution to the problems faced by their occupants may be acquisition by government.
The saga of the Greenland landfill appears to be coming to a decisive end in abandonment of the project after considerable debate and not a little bad feeling in high places.
The volume of vehicular traffic on the countryÕs roads recently evoked from the Minister of Tourism and International Transport a suggestion for a reduction in the number of vehicles on our roads.
It must have become fairly obvious in recent months that several of our environmental problems have as their cause a reluctance in the society as a whole to come to terms with the simple fact that Barbados is a small island.
Since it is unlikely to grow any larger, the solution of many of our problems must lie in our willingness to cut our coat to suit our cloth: This will not be a simple adjustment to make after so many years of feeling that we are cocks of the walk, but it is the only rational option that we have, if we are to survive the challenges that the coming years are sure to provide.
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All talk and no tripe [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: All talk and no tripe
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 20, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE smiling editor, Harry Mayers, believes Bajans of all races should build a partnership with a shared vision of the future; but this canÕt be done Òin a nation home established on a minefield of masked hate, distrust and suspicion.Ó Strong words, Harry. And certainly not my experience of Barbados in over 50 years. Au contraire
Anyway, Harry thinks the National Reconciliation Committee will help clear the ÒminefieldÓ. But will it? Did the committees on casino gambling, moving Nelson, West Indian integration, the Greenland dump, the Voice Of Barbados race debate, you name it, change anyoneÕs opinions? Or have they become more entrenched?
Bringing together people of different views can make things better. Or worse. LetÕs throw in a poetry here by Sam Foss to show what I mean:
ÒThey met and they talked where the crossroads meet, four men from the four winds come; and they talked of the horse for they loved the theme, and never a man was dumb.
ÒThe man from the North loved the strength of the horse, and the man from the East his pace; and the man from the South loved the speed of the horse, and the man from the West his grace.
ÒSo these four men from the four winds come, each paused a space in his course; and smiled in the face of his fellow man, and lovingly talked of the horse. Then each man parted and went his way, as their different courses ran; and each man journeyed with peace in his heart, and loving his fellow man.
ÒThey met the next year where the crossroads meet, four men from the four winds come; and it chanced as they met that they talked of God, and never a man was dumb. One imagined God in the shape of a man, a spirit did one insist; one said that nature itself was God, one said that He didnÕt exist.
ÒThey lashed each other with tongues that stung, that smote as with a rod; each glared in the face of his fellow man, and wrathfully talked of God.
ÒThen each man parted and went his way, as their different courses ran; and each man journeyed with wrath in his heart, and hating his fellow man.Ó
You see how it is, Harry. Some topics bring people closer together, others push them apart. Religion is a pusher-aparter. And there is probably more Òvenom and hatredÓ between different religious groups here than between different races.
Tripe is another unwise topic. At least in my marriage. Cow-belly tripe. I love it. Mummy used to cook it all the time. The wife wonÕt. In vain do I laud its endearments.
In disdain does she claim it looks like an old towel and smells disgraceful. In rebuttal do I point out that other facets of married life have similar attributes but are not eschewed on that account. In the end, I get no tripe.
In my opinion, another talk-shop on race will achieve little. Some years back, Edward Cumberbatch organised such a group and we met at his house every week. The Bussa Committee was then in full swing and Father Harcourt, Hilary Beckles, Keith Laurie, Trevor Rudder and others were included.
True, in a matter of weeks we had reached reconciliation and consensus Ð on the fact that Pearl CumberbatchÕs food was real sweet and well worth the journey. But not on much else besides.
By the way, there is currently a similar discussion group organised by a mixed-race couple and there was one with the wonderful name of ÒTributariesÓ which involved the Indians and foreigners married to Barbadians. So people are trying to get together.
In fact, two Sundays ago me and the wife went to a luncheon which turned out to be about 95 per cent Indian.
One played the harmonium, another the tablas, another beat on a cake-pan as they belted out songs from different parts of India. And some Bajan folk
tunes. We had a great time.
YÕknow, maybe thereÕs a message there. Had they dwelt on the ills of white colonialism in India; and I on how in 1756 the Nawab of Bengal imprisoned 146 of my English ancestors in an 18 x 15 ft. room Ð the Black Hole of Calcutta Ð so that by morning all but 23 had died of suffocation, we might have parted with wrath in our hearts, hating our fellow man. But we didnÕt. Instead we sang.
And maybe the Reconciliation Committeers should sing together rather than talk.
And the yutes of Eden Lodge and Cave Hill. And the different religions. And they who jambust and they who donÕt. And maybe weÕll achieve HarryÕs partnership and Bajans can journey with peace in their hearts, loving their fellow man.
And maybe IÕll get some tripe. I donÕt know. Best wishes to a good friend, Roy P. Byer, who is at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Walk tall, my brother.
¥ÊRichard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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The tango of Liz and Owen [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: The tango of Liz and Owen
OUR CARIBBEAN
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Creator: Singh Rickey
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 20, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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PRIME MINISTER Owen ArthurÕs summary dismissal of Elizabeth Thompson as Health Minister at once shows how very confident he is as leader of his party and Government and also his anxiety to give a new tone to the quality of governance in this country.
And the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP), still faced with its own post-election internal adjustment problems, could be making a serious error in believing its own propaganda that the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Òis fraying at the edgesÓ and that the Arthur administration Òis in crisisÓ.
Both Arthur and the DLPÕs David Thompson may, on quiet reflection, concede to an overkill in what has come to be known as The Liz Thompson Affair. First, the Prime Minister in not giving her the chance to withdraw a most insensitive, rather offensive political remark about the ÒdumpingÓ of the DLP at the landfill; and ThompsonÕs own hasty interpretation of her sacking as being indicative of Òconsiderable stressÓ and ÒcrisisÓ in the Government.
It is most unusual, a rarity indeed in our region, for a cabinet minister to become a casualty at the hand of his or her Prime Minister for making an
offensive political remark against the opposition.
But was this really the cause for the dismissal of Thompson, or the fact that competent and hard working as she may have been, her trade mark combativeness had become a liability for even a very popular prime minister and Government!
If it is the latter, then ArthurÕs warning against any tarnishing of the GovernmentÕs reputation by ÒarrogantÓ and Òoutrageous behaviourÓ (though not directly hurled at Liz Thompson) ought to be taken quite seriously by all of his cabinet colleagues, particularly those who may have also misinterpreted their own support base within the BLP and personal popularity.
Prime ministers and presidents do not have to give the specific reason for dismissing a cabinet minister or switching portfolio responsibilities.
They, of course, would not be unmindful of public perceptions. In the particular case involving Liz Thompson, Prime Minister Arthur may have counted heavily on public awareness of the constant controversy surrounding her as Minister of Health.
But why didnÕt he switch her to another cabinet post? Or requested a public statement linking a withdrawal of the offensive ÒdumpingÓ remark with information of her readiness to accompany the Opposition Leader on the requested tour of the landfill?
No, the prime minister probably felt that this would not have sent the message he wanted to telegraph across the bow of party and government.
Not if he is really anxious to avoid his his BLP administration falling victim to a previous one that paid a heavy price of massive electoral rejection for the ÒarroganceÓ and Òoutrageous behaviourÓ associated with then leading cabinet ministers and party officials.
Or is there more in the mortar than the pestle? In this column on May 28, on A Gambling With Power?, written against the background of media reports that Liz Thompson and Education Minister Mia Mottley had either threatened or offered their resignations over a management contract for the Greenland landfill, it was noted:
ÒIn these exciting, confidence exuding days of a 26-2 parliamentary majority, cabinet ministers who are also quite sure of their support base within party and constituency, can run the risk of gambling with their assumed political clout.Ó
This is, after all, politics!
¥ Rickey Singh is a noted Caribbean journalist.
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Another haunting? [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Another haunting?
LETTERS
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Creator: Smith Aurilius C.
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Section And Page: 13
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Paper Date: Sat, Aug 21, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE reopening of the tender to contract for the management of the Greenland Landfill has, like the opening of a grave in a Òburial-groundÓ, ÒraisedÓ another spectre (spook/ghost/white-shadow), evidently.
Could the recent firing of Minister of Health Liz Thompson be another haunting of the present Cabinet, prophesied by John A. Connell (Daily Nation December 13, 1994, Page 6)?
Could the Editor-in Chief of the Nation newspapers, with Òa rattling noise in his headÓ, himself be seeing prophetic visions: Òthree (named) ministers turned into political jellyfishÓ, and the others into Òwhat nature of spineless fishÓ? (Sunday Sun, August 15, Page 11A)
Just asking!
Ð C. Aurelius Smith
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Liz: I'm not arrogant [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Liz: I'm not arrogant
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Creator: Alleyne Barry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 14A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 22, 1999
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Category: Living
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By-Line: by Barry Alleyne
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IN THE BACKGROUND, the soulful and soothing sounds of HandelÕs Messiah, a classical masterpiece, flow through the home of former Minister of Health Elizabeth Thompson.
In the foreground, a nervous-looking Thompson prepares for her first interview with the Press since being fired by Prime Minister Owen Arthur on August 9.
With the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) manifesto gripped in hand, she attempts to become comfortable, but appears restless.
As her three dogs on the outside seek comfort from their mistress by scratching closed doors, Thompson, 37, tells of her tenure as this islandÕs second female Minister of Health.
She stares around the room, her eyes resting on a bouquet, as she apparently seeks solace from the floral arrangement sent her by sympathetic constituents.
The fact that she loves to listen to Handel may be a simple coincidence, no odd twist of fate.
The 18th-century baroque German composer, described by Beethoven as the greatest ever, and Thompson, arguably the most controversial minister ever, have many things in common.
Both were considered to be great at the jobs they chose and loved. But both were severely criticised and ridiculed for their work, which was attacked by members of their profession, and the public as well.
Handel eventually went blind, whilst she turned a blind eye to a storm brewing around her career, and getting on with the job.
She chats away for over an hour-and-a-half, expressing her devotion to the people of St. James South and the core values of the BLP, her relationship with Arthur, life away from Cabinet and back in the law courts, and her peaks and valleys as Minister of Health for eight years.
One of the first questions posed is about her personality. SheÕs been described by Arthur as cantankerous, arrogant and outrageous, statements that eat at the heart of who she really is.
She laughs aloud, then goes into deep thought, climaxed with a sigh. ÒA woman in a leadership role is judged much differently than a man,Ó she says.
ÒBeing a woman makes a great deal of a difference, because some things said by a man would be considered proactive. The same things said by a woman would be her being aggressive.
ÒMen can make certain statements and be thought of as strong. If a woman does the same, people call her bombastic or arrogant.
ÒIÕm very self-confident; arrogant IÕm not.Ó
Claiming she had seen such behaviour over and over during her tenure, Thompson even remembers when some people said there should not be so many female ministers.
She noted that many Barbadians also intertwined her style on the political platform with her private persona, concluding that one and the other were the same.
ÒMy constituents certainly donÕt find me arrogant and cantankerous,Ó she quips through a wide smile.
ÒIt [the statement about her personality] is something IÕm going to have to live with. But being a woman is a great thing anyway.Ó
She claims talk about her being hostile was a media creation, and admitted that what the Prime Minister said about her being cantankerous, Òhurt meÓ.
Thompson appears much more comfortable when talking about her performance in Cabinet. She is adamant that she did a good job in the largest, and often most controversial, ministry.
ÒI carried the burden for more than five years,Ó she noted. ÒIt was larger than when Taitt [Branford] and Miller [Billie] were in charge, and then Environment was added as well.
ÒItÕs also the most complex ministry to run in this country, and you canÕt just turn around every problem in a few years.Ó
She cited the problem with the Greenland project as a perfect example, where a Cabinet project easily became the ÒLiz Thompson AffairÓ.
Still, she claims victory in having helped the transformation of the Barbadian landscape from a health perspective. Of her many achievements was taming what was dubbed Mount Stinkeroo at Mangrove, St. Thomas; development of a National Solid Waste Management Plan; and the near completion of the South Coast Sewerage Project.
In addition, a model for redevelopment of the Psychiatric and Queen Elizabeth hospitals, and a strategic plan for nursing into the 21st century have also been tabled.
Concerning the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), which had provided problem after problem for her, the former minister said it was the one institution in Barbados to employ over 2 000 people under one roof, and has had serious problems for the past two decades.
ÒWe still have by far the best-run hospital in the region,Ó Thompson claims. ÒAnd there is high-quality service and excellent staff.Ó
She noted that any criticism of the hospital should be in the context of its development, with only a budget of $86 million, since more doctors are employed than ever before, and services are being added annually as demands for proper health care increase.
Bond issue
In her opinion, health can only go forward if the Prime Minister starts floating a bond issue and put the money earned for the development of the QEH and the ministry as a whole.
ÒIf the attempt is made incrementally, it wonÕt be done,Ó she said.
She believes she needed more administrative support as minister. ÒIt [the ministry] is way too difficult to handle on your own without a supportive structure underneath you. There is a definite need for more than one senior administrative officer, as well as two deputies.Ó
Life away from the hype has been relaxing for Thompson. She smiles more, appears way more relaxed in public, and admits she is now at peace with herself.
ÒI canÕt say if IÕm relieved, but I can say there is no more stress every morning when I get up. This is the first time I can come home from work and see the sun setting,Ó she says as she stares through her door to the west.
ÒIt was an honour to serve in Cabinet, since so few people get to do it in their lifetime, and I enjoyed the challenge, but now IÕm doing something else.
ÒIÕve accepted what has happened.Ó
ÔNot fairÕ
According to her, itÕs not fair for a minister to be held solely reponsible every time something goes wrong in a ministry. She added that ministers are policy directors, and there remains a low degree of accountability in the public service.
ÒSome of the most important jobs in life are given to people without the advantage of preparation,Ó the attorney-at-law noted.
ÒSenior people should be there to guide and support you, but it doesnÕt always happen.Ó
Another disappointment is her inability to see the completion of two projects she conceived: a plan for the elderly in Barbados; as well as one for the homeless, which should come to fruition in 2001.
She expects to continue making an impact nationally, from the backbench in the House of Assembly.
ÒI look forward to articulating issues of national interest, and ensuring my constituency gets what it deserves. I believe in the BLP, and will not be deviated from the things I stand for,Ó she said.
According to her, even contributing from the backbench remains a wonderful opportunity. ÒPublic service is my life. ItÕs what I always wanted, and I will never stop giving of my time.Ó
¥ The full Liz Thompson interview will be broadcast on VOB 92.9 FMÕs Point At
Issue today at 1 p.m.
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Thompson: Don't split the posts [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Thompson: Don't split the posts
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Creator: Gollop Chris
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 11A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 22, 1999
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Category: News
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DAVID THOMPSON is keen to be re-elected president of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Ð not necessarily for himself but for the sake of the party.
Indeed, he has dismissed suggestions by Johnny Tudor, his opponent for the presidency at todayÕs elections at the DLPÕs annual general conference, that the offices of Opposition Leader and party president should not be held by one person.
Rather, he said, it is imperative that this is the case.
ÒThe party cannot send mixed signals to the public on who is leading the DLP and who is facing Owen Arthur when he looks in the political mirror. If it is me, the public must know and feel it is me,Ó Thomspon said in an interview in the lead-up to todayÕs executive elections.
Culture
ÒOne has to understand the culture of Barbadian politics. There cannot be a leader of the DLP in Parliament and one out of Parliament.Ó
For while Thompson acknowledged that the constitution of the DLP does not spell out the role of the president, that person is, in the context of Barbadian politics, the leader of the party Ð perhaps even moreso than the political leader.
He explained: ÒThe political leader is ÔappointedÕ by members of the House Ð be it Prime Minister or Opposition Leader. But the real leader [of the party] is the person who demonstrates that he has the support of the rank and file.Ó
The St. John MP went as far as to say he would not have the Òmoral authorityÓ to lead the DLP unless he got the full support of the partyÕs rank and file, though he stopped short of saying what he would do should he lose todayÕs vote.
ÒI want to make it clear that I consider the president...to be the leader of the party...and unless the constitution is changed to specify a specific role for the president such that it is akin to party chairman as is the case in the BLP and other parties, I require the support of the rank and file to continue in any leadership office I presently hold.
ÒNo amount of sophistry about division of responsibility and separation of powers and the need for someone to concentrate on their parliamentary role can convince me otherwise,Ó he said.
To support this point, the Opposition Leader noted a shift away from parliamentary to extra-parliamentary activities by both parties.
ÒI have already been focusing on extra-parliamentary activities, such as the Greenland tour, the St. Lawrence Gap visit, town hall meetings and expansion of the traditional parliamentary group to include non-parliamentarians. What is being theoretically touted is already in practice under the existing structure,Ó he said.
ÔMany watchingÕ
But that is just one of the issues that Thompson touched on in a wide-ranging interview with the Sunday Sun on the eve of what he described as one of Òthe most important everÓ annual conferences, as the party begins to rebuild from the crushing defeat of the January 22 General Elections.
ÒThe truth is that many from within and without are watching to see if we are serious about rebuilding or whether irrelevance will consign us to the dump-heap of history,Ó he said.
ÒThey want to know that the DLP can climb out of this quite dramatic defeat and perform its role as a vital, living political institution. My job as a leader is to create and sustain a momentum rather than pay homage to a monument. Our members must believe that it is possible to make a major comeback.Ó
As such, he said the conference would provide members with an opportunity to discuss and examine the philosophy of the party going into the 21st century, using the 1999 manifesto as the springboard for such an exercise.
One of the most significant developments since the election defeat, he said, was the appointment of a committee to look into the reasons for that result.
ÒThe committee has taken this task extremely seriously and has been looking beyond 1999 itself and trying to piece together the elements which have contributed to our decline since 1986 when we received a terrific mandate.
ÒConsider this: of the 36 persons who were either elected or appointed senators in 1986, none are performing any parliamentary role now. The forces which brought together that group failed to sustain them,Ó he observed.
Another issue that will be high on ThompsonÕs agenda at the conference is the question of the partyÕs financial position and what he sees as an urgent need to appoint a chief executive officer.
ÒWe had one many years ago, but our financial situation required that we downsized in 1994. It is vital that the administrative operations of the party, together with some innovations I have in mind, can be led by a paid administrator.Ó
On the issue of finances, he has suggested diversifying the use of the DLPÕs George Street Auditorium headquarters in Belleville, in order to cash in on its prime location in a commercial district.
ÒThe establishment of a credit union and the use of our resources to network among members at the micro-business and social level are vital. We cannot preach these virtues at the national level without demonstrating that they can work among us.Ó
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Thompson should apologise [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Thompson should apologise
LETTERS
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Creator: Douglas Alphonzo
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10A
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Paper Date: Mon, Aug 23, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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I WAS shocked to read on your Internet edition recently (here in Brooklyn) about the unbelievable news that Liz Thompson told Parliament that there were no leaks at Greenland but Philip Goddard said there were.
At the very minimum Thompson ought to do the decent and honourable thing and apologise to Parliament for misleading it.
That is the very least that should be done and it should be considered the first strike.
On strike three, she should be out!
Ð Alphonzo Douglas
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'Small hotels can't survive' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Small hotels can't survive'
BUDGET REPLY '99
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Creator: Thompson David
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 27A
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Paper Date: Thu, Aug 26, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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¥ From Page 26A
concession as a package to an industry so that anybody wanting to invest can go to the law and say look these are the clear areas of benefits, but to give the impression that these are new concessions is wrong.
We have been granted these things for years and the Honourable member for St. PeterÕs fine Italian hands could be seen on many of the files in the Ministry of Finance in relation to hotels on the West and South coast, some applying for waivers on crockery and on cutlery and on bed sheets and he was trying to develop a composite list.
When I left the Ministry we had agreed on a basic list of items, as well as introduced on a project basis.
Different projects in Barbados applied for concessions, Almond Beach, Westmoreland and on a project basis, when they could justify the project we
would offer them many of the concessions which are contained in this, so this is not new.
I tell you this is a nickel and dime approach to the legislation but into the concession, but in relation to the hotel sector, what the Honourable Member for St. Peter needs to tell us is the extent to which notwithstanding all of these concessions.
The competition which the small hotels on the South Coast are getting from the giant project which is able to price its rooms very competitively and is going to end up driving a lot of South Coast hotels into the ground unless some policy is established to save those hotels.
I have seen numerous small hoteliers on the South Coast who can tell you why the giant hotels are able to offer the cut rate that they are able to offer when selling their rooms in Canada and that kind of thing.
Out of business
It is going to drive the small hotels on the South Coast out of business. The small family-owned hotels are owned by black businessmen in this country. The small hotels which have existed for a long time as basic bed and breakfast kind of operation, are not going to be able to survive when the giant project reaches its potential, critical mass of a thousand rooms and the Honourable Member for St. Peter needs to tell us whether these measures are going to ensure that those hotels are more competitive.
I have a parliamentarian question which I hope to ask by the end of this session in which we need some comprehensive information on the development of Gems projects.
Where the sources of financing are coming from in a comprehensive way, not piecemeal so that issue can be addressed, because it is one of those things that is going to create major problems in the tourism sector.
Council nothing new
In the institutional reform announced in the Budget there is nothing new on the Council on Competitiveness. When I read the paragraph describing it, if you go back to the foreign exchange committee from 1991, you will see it was precisely set up for that purpose.
The Customs Department, the Central Bank, the Town Planning Office, all of us used to meet project by project, we would cut through the red tape and the trade commissioners who were much reviled and criticised by the Honourable Member for Christ Church South and others.
They were then asked to go out and tie off the loose ends and to get the projects executed so this is nothing new.
A Council on Competitiveness in Barbados has to address a critical issue which this Government is not addressing and has failed to address since 1994 and that is the issue of productivity.
All of the talk about productivity and competitiveness, all of the institutions that were set up in the mid-1990s, all of the work that was done to try and ensure that we could really deal in an effective way with productivity from the point of view of impact of competitiveness, has gone to nought because we are back to exactly the same arrangement which we dated the previous protocol and the previous wage negotiations which we had in the 1990s.
Thus I urge the Honourable Member for St. Peter since competitiveness is rooted in this issue of productivity and remuneration for productivity, that he deals with that.
I believe that it is also important to deal with the performance of Government departments that has to deal with investment decisions, there is no Minister of Finance who would not have played greater problems by people just tipping on files doing nothing about it, by people giving you false information when you ask them what is happening to the matter, by pretending that they are are doing things, writing a lot of nonsense on the files and pretending that they are studying it and analysing the cost benefits and all of that when we know that those matters could be expeditiously dealt with.
There are other countries in the Caribbean where you can go one place get one stamp and thatÕs the end of the matter if that is what is being looked that is not really competitiveness, that is not competitiveness, that is public sector
reform and that public sector reform has been promised since 1994 and to this day still remains undelivered. So what the Honourable Member for St. Peter describes as the ÒCouncil for CompetitivenessÓ it is really a council to ensure that the Government Department meets time deadlines and that was the whole rationale for the white paper public sector reform which was introduced some months ago.
Software Development
Now, sir, on the issue of training for software development I believe that the Government should be given credit.
I think that the amount given is far too small and we would support a much more significant increase and beyond that I would say this: I would even support the Government identifying a cadre of people and finding the appropriate place to train them immediately if that can be done and making the resources available to them.
I say that for the simple reason, Mr. Speaker sir, that in our manifesto in 1999 we made the point that since there was a significant attrition in relation to those informatics companies which were either having problems with our recognitions procedures, or alternatives were not able to competitively function in the Barbados economy that we should be looking at the higher end of that market.
Our manifesto is replete with that recommendation. The Government has been talking for a long time about this training.
But let me explain something, there are hundreds of young women who are back out of employment now as a result of the closure of those major enterprises that were involved and I am making the assumption that they should be given the first opportunity to be involved in any kind of training which the Government is going to undertake at the higher end of this market, but in any event, the $500 000 which is given in this area which is to deal with a major deficiency and create good quality jobs for Bajans is paltry when you compare it to the budget of the Pan African Commission, when you compare it to the budget of many of the other entities, when you compare it to what it is going to cost to beautify in front Government Headquaters, when you compare it to moving NelsonÕs Statue and of all the commissions of enquiry.
Slot machines
The Government can take $4 million or $5 million if those resources are available and really affect some change in relation to that sector and I think that that is very important. On the issue of gambling, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I notice that after every election, the Honourable Member for St. Peter reviews the position in relation to slot machines
When I was Minister of Finance, they were breaking down our door in the Ministry of Finance to have the numbers increased.
All kinds of pledges were made, I wonder why it is that after every election, there is suddenly an increase in the number of slot machines, or whether this is part of policy that not being able to provide the kind of quality jobs or substance for Barbadians, the quick picks formula is overtaking our country. Where has this sudden demand for slot machines come from; it needs to be explained why aren't the present gambling betting laws change in Barbados to be more modernised.
Why is it that the minister is content to have no power in relation to setting the policy in relation to gambling under the existing law, but every two years is rushing to increase the numer of gaming machines that are available, there must be a reason for this, and I presume that we will get to the bottom of it in due course.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in the 1999 election campaign the theme was the inclusion of all, the exclusion of none, not many have been included in this yearÕs Budget, that is a fact. Apparently it has excited no one; the Press gave it very low marks whether it has touched very few Barbadians directly that the general aura in which a Budget is delivered in Barbados is low-keyed, that six ministers chose to exempt themselves.
I have seen ministers come out in the worst condition to make sure they were there for the Budget because a Budget, particularly where a Prime Minister delivers it, is one of the most significant statements of policy in a year.
There can be no excuse unless there are internal problems in the Cabinet or in the Barbados Labour Party as a whole for ministers to be absent from the Budget. It is a discourtesy to their minister and Prime Minister and everybody else who is discourteous is dealt with.
So you got six on your hand now, you dealt with one, you have six more, and more than that, it is a discourtesy to the Opposition and it is a discourtesy to the people who elected them, particularly where there are new members of Parliament.
There can be no excuse under any circumstances and if the Minister of Finance pitches his Budget so low, in the national priorities that it has now become a low-keyed non-event in the history of Barbados, it is no wonder that after every Budget Reply the Honourable Member for St. Peter gets vex when the Opposition fails to come in to contact with issues of policy and so on.
What is happening over there is that we are taking a lead which is being set over there and that is why the Budget Debate annually is loosing its appeal and its interest, and it is why the Honourable Member for St. Peter cannot come to grips with some of the very important concepts which should have been dealt with in this yearÕs budgetary exercise and for the reasons I have mentioned so that as we go into the next millennium it is business as usual.
ThatÕs a fact. We have had more riveting debates in here about what will happen in the next millennium outside of this Budget Debate, and that is quite surprising because there was a time when the Budget was at the heart and start of economic and social policies in our country.
This Budget also reflects issues that immediately affect a small minority of persons. It tells us what is in the minds of the business community, and they are perfectly entitled to have that. They are always the first to rush out and praise every single Budget for fear of offending ministers of finance.
They say every Budget is a great one, and three months later they tell you they need more concessions on this and more concessions on that.
By the time the next Budget comes along they say the economy is in a shambles, so that doesnÕt surprise me. But what IÕm trying to say is what the minister ought to do would respond to their concerns, and many of the other issues which are so critical have been pushed off on the national agenda.
PeopleÕs concerns
It tells us what is on the minds of the business community and none of the concerns of the people, the average man, the policeman, the teachers have been whispering in the ear of the Honourable Member for St. Peter in preparation for this Budget.
Not a single minister, as I have said, has articulated a vision for his ministry. Fatigue and tiredness are already setting in to a young administration, and ministers who should be seizing the opportunity to outline the future of this country are reneging on their responsibility to the electorate.
There is a reason why the Attorney-General does not have a lot to say because he canÕt come to grips with the issues of personal safety, the impact of illegal drugs and guns, but these issues need to be dealt with because at the end of the day they can have a tremendous effect on every thing the Honourable Member for St. Peter says about the economy of Barbados.
A large chunk of this yearÕs Budget, project finance and otherwise, is going to be spent on EduTech 2000.
That imprint of EduTech 2000, which should be at the centre of the Government policy initiative and therefore should attract some attention from the Honourable Member from St. Peter, or the minister, has been absent from this exercise, and therefore the person speaking to the Honourable Member from St. Peter is obviously not alerting him to the problems that they are facing, and the ministers themselves are not alerting him to many of the issues that affect Barbadians.
There are still a large number of our citizens who are making a trek to the National Housing Corporation trying to get land and housing, nothing in this Budget reinforces the efforts to try to solve their plight.
Building costs
Building costs are going up, the NHC itself is offering wooden units,
two-bedroom wooden units in excess of $60 000, three-bedroom units in excess of $90 000. Something has to be done to deal with these kinds of things, and these building costs need to be brought down, so that the purchase of a home by a Barbadian who has a low income is still something they can aspire towards.
I think everybody is dissatisfied. We have had debates in here, of course the Honourable Member for St. Peter has not been present, but I have heard the Honourable Member for St. Thomas comment on it, the cost of low income housing in his constituency, the cost in mine, the cost in St. George, in other constituencies, it is pushing the cost of housing out of the reach of Barbadians at the lowest earning economic capacity.
The social agencies in Barbados, not just those that deal with business facilitation and competitiveness and economic issues, are what need to be reformed, and we constantly say that and nothing happens.
The Welfare Department, the National Assistance Board, the Child Care Board, and many others need the kind of attention and resources to undertake their social mandate.
We make a grave mistake every year in these Budgets where we believe that as long as the Barbados economy is growing and as long as the business community can say yes, a Budget addresses their particular concerns, and as long as we have low inflation, that at the end of the day everything is all right, and the problem is that the Honourable Member for St. Peter has not been spending enough time on the ground and therefore he does not understand many of those issues that are affecting Barbadians.
We are about to turn this century and go into another, and no wonder so many people are disenchanted with politicians.
On the one hand we were told that by the turn of this century structural unemployment would be a thing of the past, but there are still thousands of unemployed single women I spoke about at the beginning who maintain families.
There are many young women who have not even had their first job yet, who are skilled, it is not just unskilled, because the impression that is often given in these Budget debates is that the women we are talking about have no skills, are untrainable, left school at 13 and therefore there is nothing you can do with them. That is not so.
Social threat
There are many who are very skilled, even having left school at a young age, but cannot find an opportunity and have not become part of the economic mainstream in Barbados.
Female unemployment in Barbados is a social threat because it reaches deep into the families, it reaches deep into homes, it reaches into children and has a great impact on them.
The Honourable Member for St. Peter has a responsibility at an economic level, as an economic planner, to deal decisively and work hand-in-hand with other sectors of the economy on a strategy to address this problem, the problem of high levels of female unemployment in this country.
The area of pensions still needs attention and we have discussed it time and again in debates in this chamber. Not tinkering, and yesterday we had another exposition. The Honourable Member for St Peter seems afraid to make bold adjustments and to announce bold adjustments to the National Insurance Scheme and to the pension arrangements in Barbados.
So we had a National Insurance debate two years ago, he said maybe changes were coming, they havenÕt come yet.
Now in this debate he said that looking at all of these options, no proposals for change have been made yet. He is attracted to the idea of increasing the retirement age, he is attracted to the idea of increasing the number of years for which people must get contributory pensions to the NIS, but no definitive decision has been made.
Time is running out on issues like these, and other countries are galloping far ahead of Barbados in relation to planning effectively for the retirement of the large, ageing population that they have, and I believe this was an issue which the Honourable Member for St. Peter should have addressed in this Budget.
In fact I was looking forward to major reforms of property taxes and major reforms in relation to pension in this Budget.
Not on my say-so, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member for St. Peter said on many occasions since January that this Budget would focus on major reforms in property taxes and on dealing with the issues of pension. If he was not ready to deal with those issues, or any others, he could have spared the entire country yesterday the two-hour exercise that we went through.
In terms of affordable quality health care we are playing musical chairs at the top level of the administration of health.
What is the strategy that is being employed? Is it the Haynes Report? What is the position with Greenland? What is the position with the St. John Polyclinic?
A whole range of areas of health policy that should have been dealt with a long time ago have been essentially sabotaged because they were caught up in egos, in personal foibles and personal agendas, and for a long time the Democratic Labour Party has been trying to get these matters dealt with effectively .... and people are boasting about a lot of nonsensical achievements that have been a part of the health sector in this country.
It is the one sector that has had more promise and attention because it is the one sector that affects the lives of Barbadians in every respect from cradle to grave.
To get a handle on the management of the health sector obviously requires more than what the Honourable Member for St Peter provided before.
Perhaps there are some major institutional changes at the top level of decision-making which need to be made to get our health services in order.
But, at the end of the day, we are going to head into the new millennium with basically the same arrangements in place, with the same problems that have characterised the health sector, and with a new minister whose record in the areas in which he was most competent is nothing to speak of, far less in an area where he is on the learning curve like everybody else.
So can we wait for another five years, Mr. Speaker, for the issues of labour to be dealt with while still extolling the virtues of the social partnership?
Partnership
Every time we turn around somebody is talking about the social partnership has to come together to solve this and that problem.
But the critical issues that affect labour, the social partnership is into national reconciliation, the social partnership is into all kinds of other things, but the issues which were at the core of the original arrangement which is for the protection for the jobs and the rights of workers, the social partnership does not seem to be delivering on the way in which it was anticipated.
The Honourable Member for St. Peter seems to feel that everything you say is an attack on the unions, the unions are not the social partnership, the social partnership does not rest only on what is put on the official agenda.
There are certain values that inform the relationship between the private sector, Government and the labour movement in this country, but right now, Mr. Speaker, we are facing direct impact on labour of globalisation, more flexible labour contracts, workers contracted from pools of labour, sometimes no NIS contributions paid, and no stable work environment.
At the end of the day we are galloping into the new millennium without the Honourable Member for St. Peter being able to tell us about the new arrangement to protect the workers in Barbados or if they will ever be put in place.
Back-burner
Relegated to the back-burner have been the concerns of youths and families, so, Mr. Speaker, as I get to the conclusion of this debate, I think it is very important for us to focus on those persons who in the 1999 election campaign would have expected to be included in anything the Barbados Labour Party is going to be doing.
Think of all the young people on the block who were swept up on election morning under the guise of a new promised land, of jobs and of restoration of their manhood, pride and dignity and taken to the polls to vote for the Barbados Labour Party.
They have been left behind eight months later. Why did they vote for the
Barbados Labour Party? That is what they are asking themselves now. They want to be included, but they will have to be left wondering after yesterdayÕs Budget who is going to include them, because they donÕt rank very highly in the priority of the honourable member for St. Peter.
Think of the pensioners I saw going into the polls in wheelchairs, with walking sticks, blind, being lifted by people, having a square meal probably for the first time for the whole week because it was Election Day.
They are people sleeping on the streets in the City that donÕt get a square meal for the week, but I know they got one Election Day, and I know who carried it and gave it to them and why.
But we are not going into that, so Mr. Speaker, all of those elderly people swept up on election morning, as they were going to the polls they were being told that they would get house repairs, increased pensions, better home care, and then the indignity and humiliation when they had to line up at the agencies of Government just to get a small hand-out to assist them with something.
YesterdayÕs Budget exposed them to reality. Why did they vote for the Barbados Labour Party? Why arenÕt they included? They have to ask that question.
Taxi-drivers
What about the taxi-drivers who put their motor vehicles at the disposal of Government on election morning, but who the day after sometimes canÕt even get one job in a day because of the fierce competition, the new licences that were issued and all of the other arrangements which threatened their livelihood.
They got the people to the polls for the Barbados Labour Party, but now that the Barbados Labour Party is giving the goodies out, they are left behind.
They are not included, they are not part of the inclusion of all, exclusion of none motto of the Barbados Labour Party, we will include all and exclude none.
What about the single mothers with children to feed and to send them school next week who would have been promised all kinds of arrangements to assist them in their domestic family obligations?
They would have gone to sleep on Sunday night saying to themselves: ÒWell, based on the promises that were made to me I expect the Honourable Member of St. Peter to deliver a budget that in some way can ease my pressure and stop me from scratching my head every morning to make ends meet and to take the responsibility of my own family seriously.Ó What was in the budget for them?
They must ask why they were not included. What did they do wrong?
What about the civil servants, the professionals such as the police and the nurses and the teachers who were told that they would be regraded and would get back their eight per cent?
What about the public sector reform that was to introduce more transparent promotions for them?
What about the regrading of their posts? Those promises, Sir, are as elusive as the promise by Sandals to build that hotel in Black Rock after all of those years which the Honourable Member for the City had relied on several occasions.
So, Mr. Speaker, Sir, our view is that the Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals in 1999 should be very ambitious.
Such a statement should be a major vision exercise for the person who is delivering it.
Sound statement
It should be a sound statement of intents about the commitments of Government, setting goals and values and it should come from the Minister of Finance.
To my mind, as I say, with some kind of passion and relevance. It has greater significance because of where we are at this point in our development and where we have to go.
Despite the DLP losing the last general election, our 1999 manifesto dealt thoroughly with all of these issues, particularly the issues that impact most on Barbadians.
We had ideas then about how to take Barbados forward. Regrettably, the opportunity to seize on these ideas was not taken up; that will not daunt us because based on what is happening in Barbados, we are constantly going to be modifying those ideas, putting them before the public of this country and making ourselves ready so that we are relevant and we can appeal to the
people.
We will not be daunted by our place in history at this time. We do not wear blinkers and therefore it is on that premise that we believe that a large number of Barbadians must be asking themselves the question today: ÒWhy did I vote for the BLP in January?Ó because nothing said by the Honourable Member for St. Peter last night in this debate would have given them any comfort or succour.
No one provided a road map or a vision for the future. At the end of the day you will have to ask the question: ÒIs this what the politics of inclusion is all about?Ó
¥ (Please note that this edited version of Mr. ThompsonÕs Budget Reply was transcribed from tapes. The leader of the Opposition does not usually have a prepared text.)
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Dems on-line [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Dems on-line
DLP COLUMN
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Creator: Phillips Leopold Douglas
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10
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Paper Date: Fri, Aug 27, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE first political party to demonstrate the use of leading edge technology in the development of it institutional base is the Democratic Labour Party. The partyÕs website, which was the first for a Barbadian political party, was pioneered by two young men and former general secretary Branford Taitt.
Of interest is the fact that the DemsÕ opponents followed shortly with a much-hyped launch of their website that was a year late. Nothing new has been posted on their site since January 1999 and the Barbados Labour PartyÕs St. James South site, promoting Liz Thompson, was not maintained.
Political parties need to adopt new technologies and maintain them. It is not a public relations gimmick. It is going to be a vital part of communicating in the globalised world. Businesses are doing it. Households are using personal computers and the Internet. Schools are now getting computer-age ready. It is natural, therefore, that a modern political party will use technology to the fullest.
Since the inception of the website, the Dems have had the most active and controversial chat room and an up-to-date format on which you will find a party calendar, Press releases, current news, party columns and other information updated on a weekly basis. It is clear that the Dems are not taking information technology lightly.
The use of the partyÕs website can give it tremendous advantages in terms of disseminating information and attracting discussion and support. Beyond that, it is the perfect and less costly means for building an information base without leaving home.
The Democratic Labour PartyÕs 44th Annual Conference is on-line. Users of the Internet can get on to the DLP website at dlpbarbados.org and find the sub-site which has all of the current photographs of the church service, opening ceremony and first day. There are also shots of the tour of Greenland Landfill. Additionally, you can read speeches, reports, election results and important conference information. This is technology at work.
The drive to modernise the DLP and wean it away from practices which no longer produce efficient results is a positive development. It is a project that is exciting for the young and intriguing for the old. For throughout the day last Sunday, the older party members came into the IT room and browsed the Internet! They had tremendous fun and started to understand that this was one of the ways forward.
As the conference proceeded, e-mail messages were received and read from party supporters in the United States, Europe and Barbados. This was in conjunction with an active display of the page on a large screen throughout the dayÕs proceedings.
This innovation for the DLP conference is now infecting other political parties. The PeopleÕs National Party, which has a very interesting website, has placed the use of technology at the centre of the its deliberations for their party conference in September this year.
The search for new strategies to develop the Democratic Labour Party must begin with people. But technology is critical and, in that regard, the Dems are on-line. We cannot speak about these issues without getting ourselves ready to benefit from technological changes.
The conference continues on Sunday and there will be more opportunities to see modern technology at work.
¥ Douglas Leopold Phillips is a pseudonym for the Democratic Labour Party.
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Great example for women [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Great example for women
LETTERS
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Creator: Watson Omar
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Section And Page: 13
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Paper Date: Sat, Aug 28, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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FROM the reports conveyed in the media, former cabinet minister Elizabeth Thompson was dismissed for refusing to allow Leader Of The Opposition David Thompson the right to tour the controversial Greenland landfill.
But from a first hand explanation by Thompson, I have concluded that this speculation was not accurate.
In fact, Thompson explained that she made every possible attempt to allow him to do so and she also explained that she was very busy during that time.
Thompson also stated that she shows no remorse towards the Prime Minister and his decision and that she would continue to give her utmost support to the Barbados Labour Party, the Prime Minister and the people of St. James South.
I think that is a great example for the women of Barbados and our region.
Ð Omar Watson
(18 years old)
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DUMP SUIT? [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: DUMP SUIT?
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 32A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 29, 1999
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Category: News
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IF GOVERNMENT reopens tenders for the Greenland Landfill management contract, it could be faced with one of the largest lawsuits in local history.
A well-placed source said it was not inconceivable that the two finalists in the process, Onyx (Barbados) Limited and Miller Waste Solutions, could sue for loss of contract which was $77 million for Onyx and $95 million for Miller Waste, once they were officially notified that the tendering process was null and void.
They would dispute that there was a breach of the tendering process as claimed by the Government in a Press release last month.
The source said that while the Press release announced to the public that the tendering process was quashed, the two shortlisted bidders were not informed Ð something Minister of Health, Senator Phillip Goddard, confirmed last evening.
ÒThey received no correspondence regarding what was contained in the Press release, but what they received were letters asking them to extend their bid bond for another three months and that expires at the end of September,Ó said the source.
ÒThis is about the fifth extension and both companies have paid about $50 000 in bid bonds so far.Ó
Goddard said they were not notified because Government was investigating, with the Inter-American Development Bank, re-opening the tenders.
ÒThe Government does not want to do anything that is ultra vires and therefore we are proceeding with an abundance of caution to ensure that the whole process is transparent and that everyone has an equal chance to tender in the process. All those involved will be notified when the final determination is made,Ó Goddard said.
The July 3 Press release from the Sewerage and Solid Waste Project Unit, declared the tendering process null and void:
ÒThe view taken by Cabinet, that regardless of which company was eventually awarded the contract under this process, the transparency and rationale for its selection would have been in question. Cabinet therefore decided that in the best interest of the country and the tendering and evaluation process, that the contract be re-tendered,Ó it stated.
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From garbage to paradise [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: From garbage to paradise
LETTERS
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Creator: Gittens David
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 7A
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Paper Date: Sun, Aug 29, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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SOONER or later the public will find out Òthe truthÓ of the Greenland Landfill issue.
If indeed the site turns out to be unsuited for garbage disposal, a good suggestion may be to turn the specific place and some of the surrounding area into a National Park or Forestry, with biking and hiking trails, etc.
Pretty soon, there is going to be no place in Barbados reminiscent of the tropical paradise we presently are, and this just may be the last opportunity to secure something for the citizens of the near and distant future.
In respect to the garbage disposal. One hopes the Government would consider the tactic employed by some of the South Sea Islands in the Pacific:
Drive interlocking piles offshore and form areas to receive garbage. As each area is filled, trees are planted, and they become little islands.
Think of the beauty of a chain of such offshore "islands," planted with coconut, almond and grape trees, populated by birds, including our temporarily lost pelican.
Things of beauty, joys to behold!
-David Gittens
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'Not wrong by pretty odd' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Not wrong by pretty odd'
MUSINGS
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Creator: Cumberbatch Jeff
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 8A
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Paper Date: Sun, Sep 5, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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IN the words of the local calypsonian, ÒI'm backÓ. And what a midsummer's break it has been. The death of my mother, an all too brief academic sojourn in Italy and Switzerland, back to an engrossing commercial law conference, a new university year and, as usual, plenty of fodder for musing.
Such was the nagging feeling that while the rest of the world concerns itself with the nature of things as they soon will be, we are consumed with trivia and content to pursue will o' the wisps such as the reconciliation of human racial difference, and through a committee at that.
This is not meant to be an indictment of the Hunte Commission established by the Prime Minister. Still, it is difficult to see how, given its nature and the proposed method of its operation, the process of reconciliation could be advanced in the vapid atmosphere of exhibitionist, anecdotal contributions that pervades local commission hearings.
Might not the issue have been better served by an investigative commission with the relevant skills of social inquiry which would examine matters such as instances of the systematic exclusion from opportunity and denial of access to public benefits where these are based on racial considerations?
On that agenda would be, too, the extent to which the state might need to use its power of affirmative action under section 21(3)(c) of the Constitution to redress any discovered imbalances in this context. One could almost be forgiven for musing that these matters are the raison d' etre of a Ministry of Social Transformation, properly - so-called.
There is little else that could be done. Private racial discrimination, as morally indefensible as it is, is generally regarded as a flaw in human nature Ð not traditionally remediable through the state action.
Midsummer, and you can ask the bard of Avon; is notorious for its eldritch occurrences. The Times reports a successful suit by a university student for poor teaching which forced her to abandon her studies. She was awarded £30 000 to compensate for loss of future earnings. There was the odd spectacle of the Anglican bishop, a descendant of slaves, apologising for the connivance of
his denomination at slavery and the slave trade.
On the surface, this seems entirely proper. However, deeper analysis raises some interesting questions. Is the Anglican Church of 1999 identical to that of the 19th century and should one whom the church of that era would never contemplate as a communicant, far less a prelate, be morally competent to apologise for its misdeeds? Should the present Cabinet apologise for the errancies of past executive authorities? An identity of name is not an identity of substance.
Someday too, I must find the space to muse further on the strange headline in an advertisement in the Weekend Nation of August 23 which urged us to say no to human values ... except when they are those provided by the individual signatory to the ad. Ha, ha, ha!
In Barbados, the Prime Minister found it necessary to relieve the Minister of Health of her duties, purportedly because of her sophomoric response to a request from the Leader of the Opposition to visit the Greenland landfill. For a student of dismissal law, the public reaction was interesting. Some sought to justify the removal on the grounds of constitutional misconduct, others argued that removal was too harsh a recourse in the circumstances and, oddly, that another ministry should have been offered.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to see how the Prime MinisterÕs recourse to dismissal of a Cabinet member can be faulted either constitutionally, conventionally or politically. To him is the power of appointment to, or dis-appointment from, Cabinet office and no reason for either is necessary.
At the same time, however, it must be conceded that any justification such a dismissal which is tendered should be susceptible to analysis for sufficiency. On this basis, the incident fits neatly into the category of Ònot wrong but pretty oddÓ for the ministerÕs behaviour, as much as it smacks of regrettable arrogance, seems hardly, if at all, at variance with the tone of contemporary local political discourse.
Is this the onset of a new code of conduct for public officials, whereby any infringement warrants summary dismissal?
In Guyana, section 95(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that during any period when the Office of President is vacant, the office shall be assumed by the Prime Minister. However, by virtue of an agreement between the constituent parties of the PPP/Civic Coalition, the person who holds the office of Prime Minister should always be a member of Civic, while the president should always be a member of the PPP.
In the event, when it became necessary recently to have a new president, it was not the incumbent prime minister who assumed office, but the prime minister who was sworn in as such a few days later for the express purpose of becoming president, the incumbent prime minister having resigned.
There might be little which is constitutionally wrong with this Ð I am not certain Ð but it does seem odd that an inter-party compact could avoid the strict intendment of the Constitution. Could it be argued that the Guyanese Constitution does not contemplate a period during which there is no president Ð the king is dead, long live the king Ð and so the prime minister at the time of the demission whether by death or resignation automatically becomes president, subject to the formalities of the oath Ð sectio 197(1)?
And even if this argument is rejected, is the constitutional boast of its supremacy a reality only in theory, to be read as subject to inter- and intra-party compacts, parallel provisions and other statecraft? As one former prime minister was minded to observe, that is ÒrealpolitikÓ.
¥ Jeff Cumberbatch is a lecturer in law at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus
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EduTech off-track [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: EduTech off-track
DLP COLUMN
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Creator: Phillips Leopold Douglas
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10
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Paper Date: Fri, Sep 10, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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IN THE 1999 election, the Democratic Labour Party was the only party to identify education as the key strategy to people-oriented development on the basis that the primary goal of our education policy is designed to teach the individual that he or she has worth.
The aim of education is to equip people for living, tap their creativity and produce entrepreneurs and independent creative thinkers who respect the community and the family and who are capable of individual expression.
Central to our approach is the focus on values and the resolution of conflict, equality, co-operation, self-worth, respect, patriotism, responsibility and character building. There are possibly many other values that our educational system should promote but its central goal is to equip beneficiaries with the tools for life and living and all inputs into that process need to be tapped.
The Dems, like other political parties, are committed to the development of an African studies programme but we stress one which see the contribution of Africans and Africa in a holistic and universal way. We also believe in the participation of all citizens in a life-long learning process as means of creating confidence and adaptability in our people. These precepts form the basis of our philosophy.
And yes, we support any programme which seeks to bring technology and skills to people. Not just those who are in the classroom but into homes, the workplace and communities. For technology assists people in communicating, building skills and breaking down barriers.
For those reasons, we had no problem supporting a project to bring technology into the teaching and learning process because we fundamentally believe that Barbadians need to interface with leading-edge technology and become more adaptable. Nothing less than the most ambitious programme is good enough for our people,. We have long been an advocate of a policy of ensuring computers
in every home and for training and retraining for all citizens in the use of technology.
We have, therefore, expressed doubts about EduTech 2000 in the hope that the Government will proceed on a basis that achieves these or similar goals. Clearly the Barbados Labour Party is going in three or more directions at the same time in relation to EduTech. And it might end up going nowhere fast. Another Greenland?
The first phase of EduTech appears to be a building programme that has been thoroughly messed up. A few contracts have been awarded to some party hacks who cannot tell one end of a hammer from another, their cash flow is drying up and the quality of work is extremely poor. What corrective measures are going to be implemented to get the repairs completed in time? How are our school children going to be accommodated in the interim?
That is the price one pays for importing partisan considerations into a project that could, if advice is accepted, be the most significant change agent in our country for the past 20 years. For if EduTech is now just a Ministry of Education glorified building programme that is botched and blundered, then the entire project will flounder and the ultimate responsibility will rest with the minister.
A few publicity and propaganda stunts will not save EduTech.
¥ Douglas Leopold Phillips is a pseudonym for the Democratic Labour Party.
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SSA: White stuff wasn't leachate [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: SSA: White stuff wasn't leachate
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Weekend Nation / Extra
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Paper Section And Page: 2
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Paper Date: Fri, Sep 10, 1999
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Category: News
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THE SANITATION SERVICE Authority said that the white stuff pouring from the landfill on Monday was not leachate.
Commenting on a story in TuesdayÕs edition of the Daily Nation, deputy general manager Stanton Alleyne said they were repairing marl roads at the Mangrove Pond Landfill when the rains came down and that was what was pouring downhill from the waste facility.
He said that given the expanding nature of the landfill, they dug trenches around the facility to collect and channel the leachate back into the landfill.
Leachate is the sticky liquid which oozes from rotting garbage.
Alleyne said with the delay in the opening of the Greenland landfill, Mangrove Pond was under stress with an additional 600 tonnes of garbage each day.
ÒIt is a difficult situation at Mangrove Pond and we are working hard not to build another Mount Stinkeroo,Ó he said.
He added that the landfill was still going higher each day but because of the large area of the site the gradual growth is hardly noticeable to the eye.
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PM barked up wrong tree [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: PM barked up wrong tree
FLYING FISH AND COU-COU
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Creator: Boyce Hayden
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Publication: Sun on Saturday
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Paper Page:11
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Paper Date: Sat, Sep 18, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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Byline:
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Prime Minister Owen Arthur might have barked up the wrong tree when he chose a certain person to act in a certain position.
According to the buzz from within the bosom of the Bees, several party faithfuls would have preferred if a backbencher, a person who faced the polls, would get an occasional pick.
They want to know whether fellows like Barney Lynch, Trevor Prescod, Joe Edghill, David Gill, Duncan Carter and Mark Williams will ever get a chance to bat even for a week-end.
The scoop is that some feathers are about to be ruffled.
Disgruntled over Dems day
Some Dems are still very uncomfortable about certain things that happened at the last annual conference.
One of the main concerns some people had was why it took so long to count a few hundred votes.
A disgruntled Dem said if this had happened in a general election, some Dems would have been calling for an enquiry.
Farley for 29th seat?
If plans are carried out, be sure that Reggie Farley will become impregnable at the polls.
We hear that a new seat, the 29th for the House of Assembly, may be formed out of the Christ Church East constituency, and that a few areas that may not be favourable to Reggie, may not be his concern in the future.
The way how things may turn out Reggie should be laughing all the way to the polls for as long as he wants it.
Keep reading for more on this.
Gladness or madness?
ThereÕs a certain piece of furniture which is becoming very popular in certain offices.
ItÕs not a clock, a desk, a chair or anything of the sort.
More and more offices, including those occupied by certain senior people, are reportedly being outfitted with mahogany couches.
Someone who made the observation told Cou Cou he canÕt figure out if itÕs a sign of gladness or madness.
Too big for a fill-up?
Since Liz Thompson was fired as Minister of Health, certain political observers did a health inspection.
And the results are not at all flattering.
Here are some of their observations:
¥ more garbage has been piling up islandwide;
¥ a mass exodus of nurses has taken place;
¥ doctors are scarce;
¥ the NUPW is complaining more;
¥ there has been a sharp increase in the water and fish in the Greenland Landfill.
Their question is: ÒAre LizÕs shoes too big to Òfill-up?Ó
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Hurricane article was most interesting [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Hurricane article was most interesting
LETTERS
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Creator: Armstrong E.
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Page:7A
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Paper Date: Sun, Sep 19, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline:
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TERRY ALLYÕS ARTICLE ON HURRICANES was most interesting and readers appreciated
your research. I hope those Greenland Landfill folks noted that 20 inches of rain
fell on the day of JordanÕs flood in 1901.
As a little child, when we drove through Benthams, St. Lucy, my grandparents
spoke of a relative who had been lost there. I sought the help of the chief
archivist and I will share with you the information she gave to me.
The following is a summary of an extract from the Barbados Agricultural Reporter
newspaper of Monday, July 8, 1901.
The Sad Fate Of Mr. Jordan And His Son
During the heavy rainstorm that prevailed all Friday, Mr. Arnold W. Jordan,
manager of Oxford Plantation, after transacting business, left town on his return
journey to the plantation.
His six-year-old boy was seen with him in the buggy in Speightstown around 4:30
p.m. There was no coachman.
At about 5 oÕclock, he reached a powerful stream of water that crossed the road
between BenthamÕs and Alleynedale during heavy rains. When he attempted crossing,
the horse and buggy was overpowered by the force of the water and swept away into
the gully. The bodies were found on the Saturday morning entangled in trees.
Two labourers, Joseph Husbands and Thomas Turpin, found the body of Mr. Jordan at
about 6:30 a.m., stuck in the trees in the gully behind Barrows, about a quarter
of a mile from the spot where the accident happened.
The body was taken to Barrows Dwelling House and the matter reported to the
police.
The body of the son was found about 9 oÕclock entangled in the trees in the
gully near Broomfield about a mile and a quarter from the scene of accident.
Thanks, Christine (Roachford).
Ð E. Armstrong
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The trees that bind [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: The trees that bind
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Creator: Ally Terry
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Publication: Sunday Sun Extra
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Paper Page:8
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Paper Date: Sun, Sep 19, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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Byline: by Terry Ally
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A REFORESTATION pilot project aimed at checking land slippage is underway in the
Scotland District.
The project is part of activities to mark National Arbor Day, Wednesday.
It will ascertain whether the trees can in fact absorb the moisture in the soils
which cause land slippage and avoid costly gabion works, which are currently the
only means to deal with the sub-surface water problem.
In all, 2 000 trees are to be planted by year end.
Head of the Forestry Unit in the Soil Conservation Unit, Nigel Jones, said that
the Eucalyptus Pilot Project is underway in Morgan Lewis, St. Andrew, where there
has been massive land slippage.
ÒThose casaurina trees,Ó he said, pointing a three clusters of adult trees down a
slope, Òwe planted on top of this slope, but when the land slipped they moved
downhill with the soil.Ó
A large project was underway to lay sub-surface drainage pipes and gabion wells
and accompanying that was the pilot project to plant scores of eucalyptus trees.
ÒThe eucalyptus tree has broad leaves, is fast growing, and has a high rate of
transpiration.
ÒIts roots go deep down and remove moisture in the soil strata, which prevents
soil degradation.Ó
He explained that soil degradation happens in two ways.
First, there are layers of salt in the soils in the Scotland District and springs
cause this salt to ooze to the surface and kill vegetation.
Secondly, oils in the JoeÕs River area go to the surface and sterilise the soils
so no vegetation can grow on it.
Jones said the trees will help to rehabilitate the soil through the natural arbor
cycle. That is, as the leaves fall and decompose, they return nutrients to the
soil and attract other species of vegetation (spread by birds) to colonise the
area.
If this project is successful it could mean the saving of millions of dollars in
gabion rehabilitation work in sections of the Scotland District.
A few miles away in TurnerÕs Hall, where the road washed away, Jones pointed to
two contrasting scenarios.
Where eucalyptus trees were planted the road remained intact, but at the section
where the road broke away, casaurina trees and other plants collapsed and slid
away with the landslide.
The theory is that the eucalyptus trees absorbed the moisture, removing the
threat of land slippage, the forester said.
He added that besides soil stabilisation and aesthetics, trees also provide a
carbon sink and change the micro-climate.
In any forested area the temperature could drop by one to two degrees, and from a
global perspective trees contribute to the global carbon sink, he said.
ÒForty-four per cent of wood plants is carbon and trees help to absorb carbon and
remove it from the atmosphere.
ÒIt doesnÕt matter how small an area it may be, all combined, they help to
balance the ratio of carbon in the atmosphere.Ó
Cabon dioxide is one of the main culprits responsible for depletion of the ozone
layer and global warming, which can lead to dramatic climate changes and which
scientists believe will spawn more ferocious hurricanes.
The reforestation project also includes Boscobelle, Greenland, Melrose, near the
Flower Forest, White Hill and the coastal areas.
On the coast, where fat porks, sea grapes, seaside Mahoes, cashews, and
casaurinas will be planted, the roots will provide a habitat for nesting turtles,
check erosion, reduce the quantity of sand that gets blown across the landscape,
and help build sand dunes.
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YOUR TRAFFIC UPDATE [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: YOUR TRAFFIC UPDATE
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Creator: Morris Roy
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Page:8A
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Paper Date: Mon, Sep 20, 1999
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Category: News
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Byline:
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There continues to be a major excavation at the junction of Black Rock Road and St. StephenÕs Hill, where the Barbados Water Authority is laying new mains.
The area is now controlled by temporary traffic signals and motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should be extremely careful.
Students and staff at the St. James Secondary School and St. James Composite School at Trents can expect continued inconvenience this week because of major roadworks in the area, part of the expansion and reconstruction of the road that links Highway 2A at Lancaster, St. James, with Highway 1 at Holetown.
Motorists are reminded that extensive highway construction projects continue at Mile-And-A-Quarter, St. Peter; Greenland to Belleplaine in St. Andrew; and in and around Woodbourne, St. Philip; and St. PatrickÕs, Christ Church, and they should therefore exercise care.
The Ministry of Public Works is undertaking major land stabilisation and road reconstruction at Springvale and TurnerÕs Hall, St. Andrew; Dark Hole and Parks Road, St. Joseph; and MartinÕs Bay, St. John, and these roads remain closed to vehicles.
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The train that goes nowhere fast [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: The train that goes nowhere fast
LETTERS
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Creator: Barrow Peter
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 10A
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Paper Date: Mon, Oct 4, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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AFTER touring Greenland with the 2-26 train, I am convinced that it is not the best place for a landfill and I say that based on my observation, because if you put anything at the bottom of a hill when the rain falls it will wash it away, and the landfill is at the bottom of the hill.
When we left the landfill I thought that I will take a tour around the country to see how things were looking.
The first stop was the Central Bank to speak with the Governor to find out how the economy was doing, only to be told that the Governor was fired.
On my way to the Harbour Road to look up at the dream team, I glanced across at Heroes Square but did not see any heroes.
I made a quick stop at the BTA to look at the dream team, and was told that two had woken up and gone but the other one is still dreaming.
From there I was making my way up Bay Street only to be told that there was an accident with the gravy train and a minister was thrown from the cabin and one was about to jump.
The driver was under intense questioning as to how the accident happened but he was unable to say what happened.
Ð PETER BARROW
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Black man and woman travelling [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Black man and woman travelling
ARTS ON SUNDAY / THE BOOK STAND
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Creator: Stevenson John
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Publication: Shine
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Paper Section And Page: 12
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Paper Date: Sun, Oct 10, 1999
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Category: Living
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A review of Always Elsewhere by John Stevenson
IT is only obvious that parallel to the outward movement of African people to Europe and the Americas Ð as members of the African diaspora Ð a body of literature would eventually evolve from the experiences of these travellers.
Fuse to this growing canon the travelogues of African-Americans experiencing Mother Africa for the first time, Barbadians lost in the fairy tale territory of skyscraping New York or a Togolese recounting his encounters in the Arctic vastness of Greenland, and one has the recipe for what Afro-Caribbean British author Paul Gilroy calls the literature of the ÒBlack AtlanticÓ.
Whether it can be considered newly-minted conceptual currency or a recycled take on the notion of the African diaspora, the term ÒBlack AtlanticÓ Òencourages the reader to think that the concept of the diaspora is itself a vast ocean that touches many shores Ð Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, the Americas Ð criss-crossed in all directions by people, goods, and ideasÓ.
Always Elsewhere (Cassell, 300 pp., paperback) is the labour of literature researcher Alisdair Pettinger, who valiantly attempts to bring together excerpted pieces of travel writing, poems and a humourous playlet-vignette from a broad range of writers.
The book is divided into six parts: Middle Passages, Strangers in a Strange Land, Ethnography in Reverse, Tours of Duty, Africa, and Home.
The periodicity of these various accounts stretches from as far back as Ukawsaw GronniosawÕs 1770 autobiographical narrative through to an excerpt from young Haitian-American Edwidge DanticatÕs Breath, Eyes, Memory (1984).
African-American playwright George C. WolfeÕs side-splittingly funny satire of the Middle Passage is juxtaposed with famed jazz soprano saxophonist Sidney BechetÕs encounter with the London law courts during his adventures in Europe.
Notable, too, is our very own John WickhamÕs impressions of the Big Apple in Notes from New York. The excerpt from Andrew SalkeyÕs Georgetown Journal gives the reader a sampling of his fine narrative filigree, the only complaint being that the excerpt ends rather too soon.
Evidently, PettingerÕs compendium is a highly significant attempt at locating
disparate ÒshardsÓ of text within a comprehensive volume, thereby acquainting the general reader with important works in the diasporic canon.
Literary theorist Edward SaidÕs notion of exotic ÒothernessÓ is summoned up in many of the accounts, and it would be interesting to read a post-modernist literary theoretical appraisal (with its subsidiary notions of master and meta-narratives) of many of these works.
There will, of course, be need for another volume. Eminent for inclusion in such a future volume are James BaldwinÕs Stranger in the Village (from Notes of A Native Son), Wole SoyinkaÕs classic poem Telephone Conversation, George LammingsÕs essay The African Presence (from The Pleasures of Exile), African-American poet Maya AngelouÕs experiences in the Middle East and Africa, E.R. BraithwaiteÕs A Kind of Homecoming, and Edward ÒKamauÓ BrathwaiteÕs poetic peregrinations in Ghana (found in Masks).
¥ John Stevenson is a freelance writer.
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Lasciate speranza [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Lasciate speranza
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Oct 15, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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SISYPHUS, King of Corinth, went to hell. HeÕs still there all like now. His task is to roll a big boulder up a mountain. That is all. But as soon as he
gets it nearly on top, it slips and rolls back to bottom. And he has to start all over again. Sisyphus is one helluva frustrated man.
So too must be our policemen. They crack the crimes, they catch the criminals, risking their lives to do so. Only to see them set free on bail, on some stupid technicality or after serving a little yippy-yappy term. Soon the criminals are back on the streets committing more crimes. And the police must risk their lives to catch them again.
That is what you call hell. Or worse. At least Sisyphus doesnÕt have anybody shooting at him while heÕs rolling his rock.
Winston HallÕs latest outburst mustÕve been the last straw. His three ÒescapesÓ smack of complicity: (1) as a murder accused, he was left unattended in a prison van; (2) supplied with hack-saws, he and three others cut the cell-bars and left. (Think of the noise four hacksaws would make in the dead of night); (3) Hall, a maximum security prisoner, simply ran away from two guards and jumped the wall.
To ask police to give up their off-days to tramp through gullies looking for a miscreant thus emboldened is an insult. And, to my mind, the Òwait your turnÓ, Òin due courseÓ language with which they are now being addressed is equally insulting.
We see 11 million being spent on an elaborate bridge and a short stretch of road from Greenland Corner to St. AndrewÕs Church, for what reason no one knows. So money canÕt be a problem. We see Parliament within days passing legislation to rename Trafalgar Square. So changing the law to allow police proper representation canÕt be a problem. Pussy-footing is what we are seeing, gentlemen.
Let us at this point leave the police and turn to an equally frustrated group which we shall call Òthirsty, aging, married menÓ. And their corollary will be Tantalus, king of Sipylus. Tantalus also went to hell. HeÕs still there all like now. And heÕs real thirsty. He stands in water up to his chin, but every time he goes down to take a sip, the water drops out of his reach. Overhead there are succulent fruits, but as he tries to touch, they move away. Tantalus is one helluva frustrated man.
DoesnÕt all that sound amazingly familiar? If it doesnÕt, you obviously arenÕt a thirsty, aging, married man. Or youÕre Cow Williams. I saw him on Saturday morning. He had apparently just come out of the brambles on Morgan Lewis Beach, for his Rover was covered with slime and yukky stuff. I offered to wash it off for him for $5.
But the point is Cow Williams looks as young as he did when I first met him around 1960 and he gave me a piglet. (Interruption: Julian Hunte just called to invite me to the Fantasy Club. Says itÕs very educational: ÒYou learn a lot of geography.Ó) CowÕs secret, of course, is that he drinks Òyute soupÓ which they brew in Guyana.
For you and I who canÕt afford that, getting old is a different matter. First, everybody keeps telling you how old you look. And how ugly. And where once you would give a Rasta a lift and he would thank you with a, ÒPeace, bruddah-manÓ, now itÕs, ÒNuff respect, pappy!Ó
But worst of all, your wife wonÕt let you do any gardening. You get to know how Tantalus feels. Tantalised. You thirst for a sip from the Bandusian font. You see those fruits dangling there. Surprisingly, your wacker still starts at the first pull. But to no avail.
A popular radio personality tells me that on such occasions he goes on the Net. That is a joke. All you get is more frustration. They either want your credit card number (IÕve never even seen a credit card) or your e-mail address. I put in logical choices like seymour@ilaro.net but they say IÕve committed an illegal operation and close down.
And then you start getting these dreams, embarrassing dreams, where youÕre gardening with somebodyÕs wife. As a gentleman you should (at least I do) apologise when next you meet the lady, but you still feel guilty about doing what you did. And knowing what you know.
Thirsty, aging, married men donÕt have it easy. Nor do policemen. Hopefully the lawmen will soon get some satisfaction. Married men must remain locked in their DanteÕs hell inscribed: ÒLasciate ogni speranza voi chÕentrate!Ó Ð Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.
Oh well, IÕll see you in my dreams.
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Garbage woes pile up [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Garbage woes pile up
EDITORIAL
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Creator:
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 8
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Paper Date: Fri, Oct 29, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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A PROMINENT BROADCASTER complained on air this week that his garbage had not been collected for two weeks. His is not a singular plight. Householders in Barbados have for several months now been living with piles of uncollected refuse under their noses.
It is time that the authorities take drastic action. The excuse is, and we have no doubt it is a valid one, that there is a shortage of trucks and that orders have been placed for new ones. In fact, we understand that a few have arrived on the island.
Members of the Sanitation Services Authority (SSA), if they have not already done so, must get into their cars and drive around Barbados and visit those areas where there are dozens of households and see the problem for themselves.
They might then consider looking at serious alternatives. Is there a case for involving the private sector in garbage collection? We anticipate that there would be some resistance to this idea, but the health of our nation is of paramount concern.
We note that garbage collectors have been working at night to clear up some of the backlog, but this does not appear to be making a significant dent on the problem. There is the larger issue of solid waste disposal. The landfill in St. Thomas continues to be used while the controversy over Greenland seems to have abated as we await news of action on the transfer station. It has been a long wait.
The still new Minister of Health, Senator Philip Goddard, we understand, has been working hard to address the myriad problems of this difficult ministry. While he must be addressing the serious policy issues, we must ask the SSA to convince him and us that they are coping adequately with the garbage problem.
For a start this authority should improve its public relations. It must assure the suffering householders that everything is being done. In fact it should tell householders that everything is being done. In fact it should tell householders what are the scheduled collection days in their districts and stick to them. They can and must do better,
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Give people voice in decision-making [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Give people voice in decision-making
LETTERS
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Creator: St. Hill Leonard
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 7A
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Paper Date: Sun, Oct 31, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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THE saddest comment I have read in recent times indicting Universal Adult Suffrage, Emancipation and Independence for Barbados is: ÒI donÕt have any authority.
Whatever Government want to do, they gine do. Anytime they want me to move, I am quite willingÓ.
Even in the context of an unnecessary Greenland Landfill or the necessary improvement of Church Village as the rationalisation of the location of the Central Bank Building (BridgetownÕs answer to Port of SpainÕs Eric Williams Financial Building); that expression of hopelessness is unjustifiable and incriminating.
Public participation is at the core of the local survey (environmental assessment of physical, social and economic conditions) which must be carried out by the Town & Country Development Planning Office in all matters affecting the future use and development of land in the Island - rural, coastal and urban.
A local survey considers land use, density, age and condition of buildings, factors limiting development, catchment areas for social activity, relationship of workplace and home, traffic census, demography and practicable planning standards of design.
In the course of the conduct of this survey and its analysis, no inhabitant of any area defined or designated for comprehensive development could feel ÒpowerlessÓ to affect the eventual plan.
A profusion of ÒTown MeetingsÓ with a rent-a-crowd in attendance; but without a Town Council or a Town Hall or established boundaries of the ÒTownÓ is a contradiction of terms.
Town Meetings Òex post factoÓ which announce what has already been decided as irrevocable, are exhibitions of arrogance insulting the notion of a Òparticipatory and transparent democracyÓ.
But let us not despair. Let us rationalise.
¥ First convert the Barbados Tourism Authority into The Municipality of Greater Bridgetown.
¥ Endow the President of BTA with the powers of The Mayor of Bridgetown.
¥ Give the Board of Management of BTA the powers of the Town Council of Bridgetown with responsibility for concentrating on its development and
maintenance as the National Tourism Product that can sell itself.
¥ Save the advertising cost of ÒpackagingÓ and marketing intangibles abroad.
¥ Invest the savings in a Bajan Airline as a shuttle service for tourists from the Atlantic seaboard of North America, South America, Africa and Europe.
¥ Give the people an effective voice in the framing and execution of the comprehensive policy for the development and preservation of their environment. ÒLet the people goÓ from the abject servitude to partisan political patronage that is reflected in the creed ÒI donÕt have any authority.
Whatever Government want to do, they gine doÓ.
Ð Leonard St. Hill
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'Bring back Liz in good time' [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: 'Bring back Liz in good time'
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Creator:
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Publication: Sunday Sun
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Paper Section And Page: 1A
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Paper Date: Sun, Oct 31, 1999
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Category: News
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GUEST SPEAKER at SundayÕs Barbados Labour PartyÕs 61st annual conference Professor Hilary Beckles was greeted with thunderous applause and a number of standing ovations throughout his speech.
There was much applause after he thanked conference chairperson Liz Thompson for her ÒsophisticatedÓ handling of his arrangements.
He then went on to say: ÒAs a St. Andrew homeboy, I resisted the Greenland project and will now transfer that resistance to Minister [Phillip] Goddard.
ÒI wish in good time she [Thompson] can be restored to her residency on higher ground because the frankness of her voice is missed.Ó
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Opposition wants answers [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Opposition wants answers
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Creator:
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Publication: Daily Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 20A
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Paper Date: Wed, Nov 17, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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LEADER of the Opposition David Thompson yesterday added a further four Parliamentary Questions to the 16 he asked in the House of Assembly last Tuesday.
This time, he was joined by his colleague, St. Lucy MP Denis Kellman, who tabled three of his own.
Thompson asked of:
The Minister of Information:
1. Will the minister state the amount, if any, owing by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to the Insurance Corporation of Barbados for any CBC staff pension fund or any other purpose as at August 1, 1999?
The Minister of Public Works and Transport:
1. Is the minister aware of the condition of the road leading from Foster Hall to Bath in St. John?
2. Is the minister aware of the number of accidents which have occurred on this road in recent months?
Will the minister state whether there is a programme in place to effect repairs to this road?
3. Will the minister further state when such a programme is likely to be effected?
The Minister of Education:
1. Is the minister aware that the physical infrastructure of the St. MargaretÕs Primary School, St. John, has deteriorated?
2. Is the minister aware that following such deterioration a resident of the area fell and sustained injuries as a result of her fall?
3. Will the minister state whether there is a programme to have remedial work done at the St. MargaretÕs Primary Schol?
The Minister of Labour, Sports and Public Sector Reform:
1. Is the minister aware of the need for sports and recreational facilities to service the areas of Four Roads, Pool, Spooners, Cherry Grove, Henley, Lemon Arbour, Wakefield, Sherbourne and Knights Village, St. John?
2. Will the minister state whether there is a plan to provide sporting and recreation facilities for these areas?
Kellman asked of:
The Leader of the House:
(1) Will the minister state:
(a) whether Government has reviewed the design of the Greenland Landfill, and
(b) whether Government proposes to proceed with the opening of the landfill?
(2) Will the minister further state the costs, including consultants fees and all capital expenditure, in respect of the construction of the landfill as at November 1, 1999?
(3) Will the minister also state the cost as at November 1, 1999 of maintaining the landfill?
The Minister of Housing and Lands:
1. Will the minister state when the housing project known as London Bourne Towers will be handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Lands and further when will the tenants take up occupancy?
2. Will the minister state whether the delay in the opening of the London Bourne Towers has been caused by any design flaws in the construction of the project?
3. Will the minister state the cost to date of the construction of the London Bourne Towers?
Also:
1. Will the minister state the sums of money raised or paid to the National Housing Corporation from September 6, 1994, by way of bond issues, loans, grants, subventions or other contributions; and in particular
(a) the amounts disbursed by way of loans for the financial years 1995/1996, 1997/1998;
(b) the amounts disbursed by grants for the financial year 1994/1995 and each succeeding year ending 1998/1999;
(c) the itemised expenditure on any capital projects for the financial year 1994/1995 and each succeeding year ending 1998/1999;
(d) the disposition of funds raised by bond issues ending at the financial year 1998/1999;
(e) the accounts payable by the National Housing Corporation at the financial year ending 1998/1999?
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Simplistic solutions [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Simplistic solutions
THE LOWDOWN
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Creator: Hoad Richard
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Publication: Weekend Nation
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Paper Section And Page: 9
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Paper Date: Fri, Nov 19, 1999
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Category: Current Affairs
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IT WAS J.C.Hammond, headmaster of Harrison College, who first recognised it. ÒHe has a clear mind,Ó he wrote on my report card. Then the great Rudolph Goodridge, after giving me top marks in a history essay, chortled by way of explanation: ÒHoad is simple!Ó To which one callow yute retorted: ÒYou can say that again, sir!Ó
I am not bragging here. I was then, as I am now, an animal farmer. Animals do not bull-eliminate. That is the province of legal luminaries, politicians and such.
Animals get to the point. And after you associate with them for a while, this trait rubs off.
ItÕs frustrating, though. You can see clearly the solution to a problem. But the big-ups, befuddled by their own woffle, accuse you of being ÒsimplisticÓ. ÒThis is a complex issue,Ó they tell you in Davidellisian tones, Òrequiring a multifaceted approach.Ó
It goes way back. Old-time farmers had long ago observed that milkers who got cowpox never got smallpox. No one believed them. Until in 1796 Edward Jenner tested it and brought that dread disease under control. Of course, Jenner got the credit; the simplistic dairy farmers arenÕt even remembered.
Over the years, this farmer has pointed out the nonsense of a Greenland dump, of co-education, metrication and not executing criminals. To no avail. Neither
he, nor any farmer accustomed to dealing with vicious animals, would have put Hall in a fancy cell without spending the extra $600 for a toilet and bath. Now we hear theyÕre wasting over $350 000 of taxpayersÕ money to enquire as to how he got out? Have we gone mad?
Anyway, today letÕs take a simplistic look at Roxanne GibbsÕ two articles on asthma. Here is a disease, very rare 50 years ago, suddenly taking on epidemic proportions. And, as others have pointed out, itÕs a lot to do with ÒoverprotectingÓ our children.
Your immune system is like an army using various strategies to overcome an invading enemy. If the enemy attack is small, it is easily repulsed; and your guys learn his characteristics and can knock him out when he comes again. You are immune.
But if your army doesnÕt get much chance to fight, then it starts mounting battles against imaginary enemies Ð dust, pollen, whatever. YouÕre looking for trouble.
And probably asthma.
Roxanne explains all that better than I can. What grinds me is that health-care personnel are still telling mothers how to sterilise this and disinfect that. They keep pushing ÒhygieneÓ although they know full well that it is at hospitals, where the strictest hygiene is practised, that the virtually incurable germs take hold.
What we need is Òlow-gieneÓ. A lÕil dirt doan hurt. Let the children drink ÒbubsÓ and suck eggs. And when it comes to germs, live and let live. If you kill the little germs by bathing every day with antiseptic soap, their heavy-weight bad-John cousins are going to step in. And, apart from being unhealthy, women changing their underthingies unnecessarily after only two days or so lose their appeal. No wonder 50 per cent of our marriages are ending in divorce.
But low-giene is only part of the solution. WeÕve got to reduce the stress. During stress, the body releases cortisol which stops the immune system from functioning normally.
And, brother, is there stress out there! Take traffic lights. They are beginning to scare me even more than roundabouts. (Although the new trend where you get jambusted by motorists coming out of a junction on your left isnÕt easy either.)
But twice recently, I suddenly realised that none of the traffic-lights on my side were working. Cars were piling up behind, horns blowing, me panicking.
Simplistic solution: let Cedric Archer, big chief of the MTW, come and explain how come the Government of a country aspiring to be a republic and run its own affairs, canÕt run two dozen traffic lights. I mean, besides bulbs and timing devices, what is involved? And we want names. And we want the damn lights working. Or else.
And while heÕs at it, let him tell us what is being done about our roads, and whether motorists who wreck wheels in MTW potholes will be compensated.
Although we must credit them for one thing. You know how Berger is bragging about its new paint that you canÕt smell? Big deal! MTW is using paint for road markings that after two days you canÕt even see. Real high-tech.
Too high, alas, for a poor simplistic farmer to appreciate.
¥ Richard Hoad is a farmer and social commentator.
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Arthur fires Liz [Pg 1]
(GREENLAND)
Slug Line: Arthur fires Liz
AUGUST 1999
BARBADOS - THE 20TH CENTURY AND BEYOND
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Creator: Morgan Dawn
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Publication: Sunday Sun / Special Sections
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Paper Section And Page: 28A
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Paper Date: Sun, Nov 28, 1999
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Category: Business / Special
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WORLD famous South African trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, celebrated Emancipation Day with Barbadians.
In his address at the Emancipation (Bussa) Statue, he said: ÒAfrica is not going to be strong unless we realise we are all Africans.Ó
¥ ÒVolcanic ashÓ blanketed the roads between the National Stadium and the Spring Garden Highway when Red Plastic BagÕs Volcano exploded, sweeping the 1999 Tune-of-de-Crop in its wake.
Bag beat Alison HindsÕ Togetherness and LÕil RickÕs, CanÕt Stop We, into second and third, respectively.
Gwyneth Squires won Best Festival Designer and Band Of The Year with her portrayal of From Colony To Republic, which was also adjudged winner of the historical category. SquiresÕ creations won her King and Queen of the Bands, and Best and Largest Bands of the year titles.
As usual, Crop-Over had controversies. Seven of the National Cultural FoundationÕs eight cul-tural officers staged a sick-out, and a storm brewed over the broadcast of the festival, as well as protests over attempts to limit stall owners to sell only the drinks of sponsors.
¥ Sanitation Service Authority workers at Temple Yard stopped work to protest the filthy conditions under which they work. After about four hours of talks with officials, the 15 sweepers and carters resumed work.
¥ Prime Minister Owen Arthur fired Minister of Health Liz Thompson over to her remarks about the opposition Democratic Labour Party leader David ThompsonÕs application to visit the Greenland landfill site.
Arthur called the statements Òarrogant and outrageousÓ. Thompson said she considered them part of Òthe cut and thrustÓ of politics.
Senator Phillip Goddard replaced her, while Government backbencher Rommel Marshall replaced Goddard as Minister of Public Works and Transport.
¥ Minister of Education and Culture, Mia Mottley, announced that Barbadians would be encouraged to attend festivities on the Ermie Bourne Highway to greet the rising sun on January 1, 2000. Due to our geographic position, this island is the first land mass in the Western Hemisphere on which the sun dawns.
¥ December 31, 1999 would be a bank holiday to enable businesses to double-check that their systems were Y2K-compliant, and to give them time to sort out any glitches before the next business day.
¥ A group of Christian leaders objected to the Ministry of Education sanctioning the use of an Education in Human Values Project, which uses a book inspired by the Hindu, Sai Baba Organisation.
The ministry explained the book was not a textbook, just one teachers could use if they wished. They suggested that since the book was more universal in content than the Bible, which caused non-Christian children to absent themselves from assembly as instructed by their parents Ð the book might be useful.
¥ More than 300 unionised Barclays Bank workers walked off the job in protest against Òslow-pacedÓ negotiations, and called for better conditions of service. The bankÕs director said the action was Òa breach of contractÓ.
¥ The rains came, but this time the residents of HeadleyÕs Land, Bank Hall, St. Michael, were not flooded out. It showed the temporary measures taken by Government worked. The project to affect good drainage in the area is to be carried out in four stages.
¥ Cable and Wirless BARTEL chief, Trevor Clarke, announced that from October, cheaper overseas phone rates would be available.
¥ Thirteen children were left motherless when two women died after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a bus on Lazaretto, Black Rock, St, Michael. Cynthia Mounter, 38, and Hazel ÒIshaÓ King were the mothers of seven and six children, respectively.
¥ Eleven students from Harrison College and six from QueenÕs College won Barbados scholarships. Twelve others won exhibition.
¥ A freak wind which descended on Merricks, St. Phillip, rippied off the roofs of a few houses, wrecked two dwellings, uprooted trees and left a trail of debris. The Met Office described it as a micro-burst.
¥ BarbadosÕ most wanted man, Alfred Harding, was nabbed by police in St. Lucia armed with a loaded unlicensed firearm. He was jailed for four years.
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