COMMENT

We have had to resort to full moderation of this blog as Barbados Labour Party henchmen have resorted to the use of language, which is highly inappropriate. We felt they would offend the sensitivities of persons who visit our blogs and so we have returned to full moderation. Your comment might take a little time to be reflected but please bear with us, since we do not want this blog to be inundated with filthy and salacious language.

17 Comments

  • AM I BEING WATCHED?
    December 11, 2007 at 9:38 pm

    Recently, I was trying to post a message under my regular name. I am not revealing it at this moment; the reasons will be seen. During the writing of the article, my eyes were focused on the keyboard. I recalled seeing three flashes on my computer screen, but ignored them.Only when I was proofreading the article did I see something strange; pornographic words were inserted in my article! As I am not as “computer literate” as others, could this be a simple case of someone spying on me?
    I am a civil servant, holding some measure of respect in this country, could my experience be related to an article on another blog suggesting that phone calls or emails are being monitored by unknown persons/organizations here in Barbados? I AM NOT A MEMBER OF ANY PARTY, BUT HAVE BEEN VERBALLY ATTACKED AND THREATENED BY A GOVERNMENT M.P…….. because I refused to throw my support behind him during the last elections.

    Reply
  • Watchman
    December 15, 2007 at 11:02 pm

    If, according to an item posted on Nov. 18th, 2007, in a CADRES poll respondents saw Mr. Thompson as “more pleasant”, “more honest” and possessing “greater integrity, moral and spiritual values” than Arthur, then, wouldn’t Arthur have to be seen as “LESS pleasant”, “LESS honest”, possessing “LESSER integrity, moral and spiritual values”?
    If Thompson, according to Harold Hoyte, comes over as “a pastor”, one with whom you could safely leave your child, what is the subtle message he is sending about Arthur? Automatically, it can be argued that he is suggesting not to trust your child to his care. Furthermore, would it be wrong to suggest to young Barbadians that the message is, “Do not trust him”?
    (I am simply trying to analyse the messages which seem to be very much hidden.)

    Reply
  • Arno Scharl
    December 18, 2007 at 10:21 am

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    Reply
  • Foreign ground
    January 3, 2008 at 10:59 am

    I just want to encourage especially the young people in Barbados to go out and vote, putting their X soundly behind the Dems’ candidates.
    My ancestors fought too hard for the opportunity to vote, and especially as a woman, I must not dishonour those who gave up much that we could have choice. I will be home for the grand event to exercise my right. When you don’t vote, you lose your right to choice and must stay voiceless when the pace gets too hot. Sweep out the puppets!

    Reply
  • Analysers
    January 8, 2008 at 9:14 pm

    Be careful with phone calls, emails etc. David Thompson warns. Does anyone remember this warning posted previously?
    #
    AM I BEING WATCHED?
    December 11, 2007 at 9:38 pm

    “Recently, I was trying to post a message under my regular name. I am not revealing it at this moment; the reasons will be seen. During the writing of the article, my eyes were focused on the keyboard. I recalled seeing three flashes on my computer screen, but ignored them.Only when I was proofreading the article did I see something strange; pornographic words were inserted in my article! As I am not as “computer literate” as others, could this be a simple case of someone spying on me?
    I am a civil servant, holding some measure of respect in this country, could my experience be related to an article on another blog suggesting that phone calls or emails are being monitored by unknown persons/organizations here in Barbados? I AM NOT A MEMBER OF ANY PARTY, BUT HAVE BEEN VERBALLY ATTACKED AND THREATENED BY A GOVERNMENT M.P…….. because I refused to throw my support behind him during the last elections.”

    Add “Watchman’s” comments to the above. Which leader do you trust now?
    #
    Watchman
    December 15, 2007 at 11:02 pm

    If, according to an item posted on Nov. 18th, 2007, in a CADRES poll respondents saw Mr. Thompson as “more pleasant”, “more honest” and possessing “greater integrity, moral and spiritual values” than Arthur, then, wouldn’t Arthur have to be seen as “LESS pleasant”, “LESS honest”, possessing “LESSER integrity, moral and spiritual values”?
    If Thompson, according to Harold Hoyte, comes over as “a pastor”, one with whom you could safely leave your child, what is the subtle message he is sending about Arthur? Automatically, it can be argued that he is suggesting not to trust your child to his care. Furthermore, would it be wrong to suggest to young Barbadians that the message is, “Do not trust him”?
    (I am simply trying to analyse the messages which seem to be very much hidden.)
    …………………………………………………………..
    Who use these words to try to intimidate a leading public servant in Barbados? “Anyone who opposes me politically is just like somebody threatening my life!”
    Date? A Friday night before National Heroes Day.
    Place? A hilly location
    Speaker? G. Dubya
    Result? Failure and lost of our support for this election
    Reasons? Arrogance, ungratefulness and lack of integrity ……. (Arriving for nomination in a big-up SUV and roads breaking down? )
    Recent happening? Worst attended BLP meeting ever in Orange Hill!!!
    It’s time to be honest with ourselves, stop denying the truth and salvage some dignity.

    Reply
  • TheTruthTheWholeTruth
    January 10, 2008 at 1:59 am

    Open letter to self acclaimed “Bees”

    YOU ARE NOT A BEE!

    TO THOSE PERSONS WHO ONCE VOTED FOR THE BLP AND ARE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ARTHUR ADMINISTRATION, ESPECIALLY OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS

    Several people are agonising over a decision as to whether they should continue to support the Barbados Labour Party in light of its massive failure in its last term of office. These persons cannot accept the behaviour of the Arthur Administration during this period where its policies and actions did nothing but created hardship and disappointment for them. People who voted for the BLP in the 2003 election are justifiably annoyed at:
    o The government’s failure to deal in an effective manner with the crippling cost of living, after first saying that there was nothing that could be done.
    o The BLP promoting the sale of our scarce land resources to non Barbadians
    o The high price of land and houses putting them out of the reach of ordinary Barbadians, especially young people
    o The BLP’s failure to deal with the poor state of our health and other services
    o The neglect of basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage and the inconvenience caused by this neglect
    o The waste of tax payer’s money on dubious projects while neglecting basic amenities for ordinary people
    o The massive and unexplained cost overruns where the money could have been spent on social needs
    o The decline in good Barbadian values and the acknowledgement by Mr Arthur that Barbados now has a “bashment” culture.

    There is hope for such people. They need to know why they feel conflicted by the situation and where they can turn for help. BLP supporters have suffered, and are suffering, like all the other Barbadians who are now demanding change in government.

    After Tom Adams won the 1976 election, mainly on the grounds that the DLP had been in office for too long and that there was need for a stronger opposition, he conceived a strategy to crystalise his support. He persuaded those persons who had voted for him and the BLP that they were Bees and those who did not vote for him were Dees. He created a mythical bond between those persons who had voted for the BLP and the party itself. Several people bought into this artificial division. The political polarisation of this country was the result. The BLP was never interested in political education after this.

    The Adams’ strategy has divided families and communities which have common needs and concerns. It has created political differences where no philosophical, social, cultural, or economic differences exist. The BLP encourages and thrives in such an environment.

    The BLP does not initiate action on, and tries not to debate the issues that concern ordinary people. They did not respond to the issues raised in the Hardwood case. They did not take the lead in dealing with high prices, the land issue, quality of care at the QEH, social decay, and the host of other matters that ordinary people complain about.
    The BLP wants the country to concentrate on matters such as leadership, on who has an experienced team, on republican status for Barbados, and on all the irrelevant things that do not improve the quality of people’s lives. They supplement this with hand outs, political attacks and propaganda at election time. The BLP plays down issues you have a stake in, and in which you are interested for your own welfare.

    That is the fundamental difference between the DLP and the BLP. The DLP is people centred. It focuses on the social and economic issues that affect you. People are invited to think about and comment on the issues that concern them. The DLP is not about itself. The Democratic Labour Party is about making life better for Barbadians.

    During the early 1990’s the DLP introduced a number of measures which restructured the Barbados economy and secured the rate of the Barbados dollar. In 1994 several people who felt aggrieved by the 8% pay cut decided to withdraw their support from the DLP. They thought that they were operating in their best interest. That was their prerogative. Everyone has a right to do this. When you find that the policies and actions, or lack of action of the government are putting you at a disadvantage you are entitled to look after the interest of your family and yourself. Politics is about you, the people.

    Every election gives an opportunity for you to assess what is best for you. Every election is like a new beginning. If you cannot accept what the BLP has done and is doing you have a responsibility to support what will make life better for you and your family. You do not have to blindly follow anyone. You need to think for yourself.

    Once you have thought about your situation you will find comfort in the policies of the Democratic Labour Party. You will find that the DLP’s policies and emphases have your interests in mind. You will like what the Democratic Labour Party will be doing for:
    o Families
    o Children and Young People
    o Women
    o Senior citizens
    o Workers
    o Communities
    You will like what the Democratic Labour Party is proposing to:
    o Reduce the cost of living
    o Educate our children
    o Ensure adequate health and other social services
    o Provide Barbadians with affordable land and adequate housing
    o Develop and promote sporting activities
    You will be pleased that the Democratic Labour Party will be:
    o Ensuring a sound and sustainable economy
    o Protecting our way of life
    o Securing our democracy
    o Looking after your interest and making your life more comfortable

    Help the Democratic Labour Party to help you: Vote in your interest. You are not a BEE!

    Reply
  • TheTruthTheWholeTruth
    January 10, 2008 at 2:00 am

    DLP Open Letter to First time voters

    January 2008

    Open letter
    To all first time voters in Barbados

    Dear Elector

    You are aware that an Election is to take place on January 15, 2008 to choose representatives to serve in the Barbados House of Parliament. You have been given the opportunity to vote on this occasion and you are invited to exercise your right to vote.

    As a new voter you are welcomed to the democratic process. It is a sincere wish that you will treat the opportunity to take part in this election with all the seriousness it deserves. Our forefathers fought for the right to vote and the Democratic Labour Party, lead by the Right Honourable Errol Barrow, ensured that persons over 18 years could vote as well. In many countries people are still fighting to have some say in the process and to be able to vote in elections. Recently in Pakistan a leader was assassinated while pushing for free and fair elections in that country. In South Africa black people have been given the vote less than fifteen years ago. Democracy and our way of life are dependent on the voting process. What Barbados will become and the future that you will face depend on you and on your participation. You must help to create the Barbados that you will want to live in.

    We go into this election with a number of major problems facing Barbadians and impacting heavily on our young people. These problems include:
    o Our land being taken up by non Barbadians, leaving little or no space for our young people.
    o The high price for land and houses which put them out of the reach of young Barbadians
    o The poor state of health, education and other social services
    o Lack of proper recreational and self development facilities for young people
    o Crime and the fear caused by escalating and serious crime
    o The waste of tax payer’s money, almost one billion dollars, on dubious schemes and projects with horrendous unexplained cost overruns.
    o An ever increasing National Debt caused by inefficiency, waste and corruption; a debt which you will have to pay for in the coming years
    o The arrogant attitude of the ruling party because of its numbers in Parliament and because it has been in office for too long
    o The recent comments by the outgoing Prime Minister about not wanting to see the DLP ever win an election. There are only two major parties. If one is in office all the time we will in effect have a one party state
    o The decline in good Barbadian values and the calling of elections over the Christmas period, which period is normally spent to reflect on our Christian heritage and to bond with our family
    o The failure of the government to account to the people on its dealings, the behaviour of its members, and the spending of our money
    o High consumer prices, their impact on the quality of our lives and the Prime Minister’s inane response about growing more food in our backyards.

    At the same time what are the issues that have been addressed by the outgoing Barbados Labour Party since the election has been called? Their main focus (according to their full page advertisements and PR releases) has been on:
    o Who said that discussions could have taken place over a bowl of soup
    o Whether wires at a political meeting have been cut or not
    o Whether permission has been given to erect bill boards
    o Whether wearing T-shirts at election time is against the law
    o How many people have checked into their web site to view their first presentation of candidates
    o Who is the co-leader of their party
    o Who has been treated badly by his former colleagues
    o Whether a candidate should have shaken another candidate’s hand
    o Whether a motor race course, approved for development long ago, will be owned by foreigners like so many of the recent property developments in Barbados
    o The second launch of their 30 candidates, since the first launch failed to generate interest
    o How many people attended their second candidate launch

    So far the BLP has paid no attention to the matters that affect your young life. Do not expect them to. They will bluff you until Election Day. That is why they gave very short notice for the calling of the election. This short notice is being challenged in the law courts of Barbados. They do not want to debate the issues. They cancelled the debates on CBC. They do dot want to deal with your concerns. This is definitely not good enough.

    There is an urgent need for change in Barbados. We need a better Barbados for all, not only for the wealthy and privileged. It is clear that the BLP, having been in office for three terms and more than thirteen years, cannot and will not make the change that you need. They have either caused the situation or have allowed it to happen. They will not change Barbados for the better so there is no hope for you with further BLP rule.

    A Democratic Labour Party team will make change happen for your benefit. A DLP administration will strengthen communities by giving them the authority to make decisions on matters that affect them directly. A DLP government will be people centred, and will be based on integrity and accountability in public affairs. The specific proposals to improve the quality of life for all Barbadians are set out in the party’s Manifesto. You are advised to read this document and discuss it with those you associate with. The DLP’s programme for change includes:
    o Focusing on social development by enacting special programmes for families, children, young people, women, senior citizens, workers, and communities
    o Dealing with the problems that effect you most, such as the cost of living, the price and availability of land and housing, the provision of health and other services, and the hassles of every day living in this country
    o Providing a sound and sustainable economy, protecting our way of life, and guaranteeing our democracy.

    You are invited to take an active part in this election campaign and ensure that you vote in your own interest. You may call the DLP campaign office at 436-3105 and indicate how you would like to assist the campaign.

    VOTE D.L.P VOTE FOR CHANGE IT IS…. BETTER FOR BARBADOS

    Reply
  • Concerned Citizen
    January 16, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    There is one very serious mistake that some BLP elected members made in the 2003 elections that I hope the DLP does not make. When constituency member were interviewed for assistance, BLP members referred to the voting list. Some of the interviewees had not voted and felt that this was used against them by the BLP (because if they did not vote, then they could not have voted for the BLP member).

    This worked against the BLP in the 2008 elections because entire families remembered 2003 and voted against the BLP candidates regardless of who DLP candidate was.

    Reply
  • Watchman
    January 17, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    Can we press the WICB to get the Honourable Prime Minister, David Thompson, and team-mates into the West Indies cricket team?

    For them to withstand the “reverse swing” of the BLP, then use “reverse, reverse swing” to clean up most of the Bees frontline players and come out on top needs to be properly analysed!

    In their Chapo Poll cartoon, Arthur was shouting “WHEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!” Now, his people are crying “EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!” New P.M., Thompson, was begging for a push. They pushed him with the “Taiwanese ‘Wonton Soup’”, now they have been found “wanting” and swimming in their own soup! He pushed back so hard that many got catspraddle.

    One positive outcome is that some people will now begin to put family first and find time for their husbands. At the same time, it has been realised that to overcome Donville Inniss, you have to reduce size and get fit ……. instead of getting the fits.

    Reply
  • Tony Hall
    January 22, 2008 at 10:03 am

    Congrats to the DLP on a well run campaign. The elections are over and I realise that there some very sore losers in the BLP camp. What PM Thompson has to do is watch out for persons like Albert Branford and Henderson Bovell. A wounded snake is a dangerous snake.

    Reply
  • Justice Seeker
    January 25, 2008 at 6:51 pm

    If, and I agree, the church/christians has/have a right and responsibility to hold our politicians responsible for their actions or words, should the same politicians be ridiculed for giving credit to Almighty God for allowing them the opportunity to govern?

    Why has David Commissiong attacked P.M. Thompson for crediting the Almighty for they winning the recent elections? What would the response have been if he had said that, by their own power and strategies, they had won it? What if they had credited “the devil” for their success? How would Commissiong and others have responded? Isn’t “The Lord has been the people’s guide ….”, in our National Anthem, saying the same thing that the P.M. has said?

    My response? The DLP did NOT win the elections, the HAND OF GOD saved this country from unknown spiritual and political attempts to destroy us! If you cannot feel it in the atmosphere or realize that the weight of a hammer has been lifted from over us, something has to be wrong. Amos 9:11 and Ezekiel 34:21 to the end were not given as coincidences. Not the cheques, not the planning, not the DLP, not the BLP, THE HAND OF GOD WAS, AND IS RESPONSIBLE!

    Reply
  • Mac
    January 30, 2008 at 2:38 pm

    I hope the new Barbados government will remove VAT from the burden of the living passed on by the dead. The website http://www.coopmed.com have information on the funeral insurance plan Co-opLIFE. It states that one premium insures up to six persons.

    Reply
  • Tony Hall
    May 11, 2008 at 10:46 am

    I know the persons who were responsible for this blog are more than likely very busy with other assignments. I spoke with the PM recently when he was in New York about keeping this blog going. I think he realises the importance of it and I hope it is dealt with expeditiously.

    Reply
  • concern
    June 20, 2008 at 7:30 am

    what are is this government doing about the of all these guyanese this has to stop now. this has become out of hand and everybody fed up it will just be a matter of time before bajans take matter into there own hands.

    Reply
  • Small Fish
    March 15, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    Open Letter To PM Thompson

    PM Thompson, I am aware that as PM you can not solve all the problems of the world or those of Barbados but I am sincerely asking if you can initiate an investigation of the Barbados Underground Blog. The line between freedom of expression and the fascilitation of and promotion of hatred, racism and xenophobia is being breeched daily on this blog. I have watched in fascination that has turned to horror and disgust by the open forum that has been provided to a group of individuals who are hell bent on destroying and tarnishing the international image of Barbados as a progressive and educated country.

    Case in point, the recent incident on Long Beach which has left Canadian tourist, Mrs. Schwartzfeld in a coma as a result of an unprovoked attack. A regular poster to Barbados Underground, who is well known for his long racist diatribes has referred to Mrs. Schwartzfeld as “white thrash” and deserving of what befell her. I wish that I could say that this comment was an isolated incident by one poster but sadly, it is not. This type of rhetoric is common practice and even encouraged by the blog’s host. On a daily basis, the most hate-filled, depraved and evil racism is spewed forth against anyone who is not Black Barbadian.

    PM Thompson, I am but a small fish in what I am sure, is a long line of big fish who are demanding of your time and efforts but the reputation of Barbados and it’s tourism industry are at stake.

    Reply
  • Mongoose
    July 5, 2009 at 8:38 am

    I do not disagree with Small Fish – one or two of the bloggers on BU are extremely racist and their comments should be moderated. But while you’re investigating BU I think you should also investigate Barbados Free Press whose only agenda seems to be to destabilize Barbados and the Barbados Government. I believe it is known (though perhaps not generally) that BFP is financed by a disgruntled Canadian who, because he cannot dictate to the B’dos Gov’t, is taking every opportunity to pull down Barbados and to give us a bad name abroad. This man also controls the Keltruth Blog.

    Reply
  • 10 to 1
    July 8, 2009 at 10:20 pm

    CSME? It will fail, just as West Indies Federation failed, watch and see. The sooner Barbados gets out of it the better.

    Reply

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