MOTTLEY ASKS FOR PARRIS TO RESIGN.

RESIGN!

The Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) made this appeal last night to chairman of the state-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Leroy Parris.

In a statement released just ahead of the party's public meeting in Spooner's Hill, St Michael, Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley urged Parris to step down.

This was because of the BLP's accusation against CBC of failing to give the public key information about the local and Trinidad operation of CLICO, the big insurance company, whose Barbados operation he heads.

Parris, chairman of CLICO Holdings Barbados, maintains that the company is not in any financial trouble, but Mottley says CBC, under his chairmanship, is short-changing Barbadians by not giving all the relevant information about the Barbados and Trinidad operations.

Mottley complained that CBC failed to carry on television, not just her comments relating to CLICO Barbados, but remarks made by the governor of the Trinidad Central Bank, Ewart Williams, on Friday.

Williams had said the financial state of CLICO Insurance was far more precarious than originally thought.


'Right to know'


"I call for Parris' resignation because persons who may be legitimately raising queries about CLICO, given the 38 000 policyholders, thousands of pension fund holders in Barbados, and the public at large have a legitimate expectation that those stories would be carried by CBC as they have been carried by other sections of the Press," Mottley added.

"CBC cannot only carry his [Parris'] Press conference and that of the Prime Minister, stating that all is well with CLICO, while ignoring everyone else.

"This is an abuse affecting freedom of information and the public's right to be informed. Above all else, we want Mr Parris to understand that CBC does not stand for CLICO Broadcasting Corporation."

Last Friday, Prime Minister Thompson told the House of Assembly that CBC had carried a number of stories from the Opposition Leader on the CLICO issue.

Last night Mottley also called on the David Thompson administration "to provide total disclosure to the country on the financial health of CLICO Barbados".

"In particular, the Barbados Labour Party is calling on the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, who has overall responsibility for the regulation of insurance companies, and thus the protection of policy holders, to state specifically whether or not CLICO's Statutory Fund is in deficit, and if so, to what extent," she said.(TY)

*Attributed to the Nation Newspaper, 16th February,2009*

I personally agree with Mottley on this.
There are none so blind who will not see.

TABLOID RUBBISH, RIHANNA AND BLACK HISTORY?

Hmmmmm.

This is interesting and your views and interaction are important to me. I think my views may provoke discussion...or not.

There has been much ado about Caribbean songstress Rihanna being beaten up by Chris Brown. Two things came to my mind. One is that on TMZ, they still say, as they do on CNN, that Rihanna is the ALLEGED victim. That little word ALLEGED is very important to us in the media because unless our editors (and I am self employed but was a journalist) intend to pay out millions MORE, that little word PROTECTS the media from lawsuit...and not even entirely, ask anyone in Law.

Now I am not too sure about the legalities of it, but it is quite fine to lift news and report on it using say in this case TMZ.com as a "source". What interests me is the quality of the source. while CNN itself uses TMZ.com from time to time, they use the word ALLEGE constantly.

In some areas of the Caribbean press, I am being bored to tears with the Rihanna story as FACT (and it may be a fact) with information lifted from TMZ.com which to me is no different but has a classier marketing and branding strategy, than the National Enquirer or Perez.com
Now the news is all about her Dad speaking out and/or being homeless and living from a truck. Who cares? This is a rolling stone gathering serious crappy moss and rolling into the direction of yellow journalism again. Sure one can report on Rihanna and the possible alleged beat-up but there is a limit for every news story and here I am back at Self governance.

Unless I have seen Rihanna beaten (and it is quite possible that she was the victim, or unless I have a medical report in my hand), I will not speculate to sell news. That is my hard line approach to news because I personally abhor gossip and gossip is not news and we had that discussion with the Nigerian nurses and the CBC and the Nation. Even my friend former High Commissioner to the UK Peter Simmons spoke on this on 92.9 FM in Barbados as well as to a colleague in Nigeria and the Nigerians are not amused. As you and I both know, one of the nurses is alive and well. Until (and it may) the situation becomes a huge lawsuit, the death certificates of the one whose death certificate is not produced is NOBODY's business. Frankly, I am shocked that anyone is interested but then again, I am not.

So do we have a responsibility to not follow lurid bogs, dot com gossip news or should we use some sort of self governance in reporting while perhaps still using these sources?

Everything is up for discussion.

Incidentally, I visited TMZ.com for the first time this morning and must say that the site is better than National enquirer (a huge rag) but no better in content yet seems to be a credible source. I am not one for "sources close to..." said. I know we do not have to reveal sources but in a lawsuit, we do folks! So let us get this straight.

I digress, the site had a bit saying Chris Brown was sorry and there was no comment from Rihanna. What a surprise? I do not expect anything from Rihanna. I wish her well whether she was a victim or not. TMZ had a little vote button on whether his apology was (pardon me) Public relations BS or genuine. Over 80% said it was BS. Again, it does not matter to me. That is tabloid journalism and is for tabloid journalists.

They have a place in society I suppose. This group on facebook and right here however welcomes them, but I do so with some reservations. I feel the same way about some blogs and frankly just because the BBC or CNN are top networks does not mean they are always right either.

Your views? Post to the group site or this blog. Happy February which incidentally brings me to this. Why is the Caribbean celebrating Black History Month and copying the US in the press reports?

We are predominantly black and we do not need to do this COPYING. We have things to celebrate about all cultures year-round. I even think that is the case in the US after 400 years of oppression, 28 days committed to trivia (albeit interesting) is possibly well... you tell me.

DLP DUPING AGAIN JUST LIKE IN 1990s! PUT THEM OUT!

Sue me PLEASE! DLP I mean you!

Yesterday I had the MISFORTUNE of listening to the debate in the House in Barbados in a doctor's office. I was bored mindless.I am in great health by the way for those who rather I was not.lol I would however encourage anyone with common sense to listen to the Opposition Leader's press conference on www.blp.org.

What an unholy disaster the DLP is. Now this has not a thing to do with political affiliation, it has to do with MY common sense.

Much talk about these Constituency Councils was bandied about with great aplomb but no substance and then we hear Sinckler saying "no to Local Government" Interesting, why. Ok, I'll bore you. Local Government has elected members and can bring in taxes to run , say a Parish or whatever the case may be. In this case, the DICTATORS are going to appoint people to administer these Councils. Up to now I have no idea what the purpose is (nor the rant from de Rasta Man - Hammy La -), but I know this. Given the DLP's penchant for firing all and sundry who do not support their policies, I suspect that all the hirees shall be cronies and friends of the said Sinckler and his henchmen. I am open to correction so I am willing to take on Sinckler (crass as he is) anytime, anywhere ,in any forum. I know more about political policy and how a government can be run than he does in 20 lifetimes and it has nothing to do with my academic background. It has to do with caring about people and understanding economics on every scale - micro, macro...you name it and looking at needs and then coming up with solutions post analysis.

He (the Garrison Secondary grad, who is supposedly said to be eloquent but is indeed insulting to the other members and indeed, by extension the Speaker ), rants, raves, cusses people, uses nasty innuendo and then tries to defend the Constituency Councils which are all but identical to Local Government, except for local Government's ability to raise monies and taxes. So is de man confused? Or is he just an ignoramus? Then we have the issue of CLICO. Lordamercy. Up to now, we cannot find out why the PM would take Madam Governor out of her afternoon tea for a mindless and anti-intellectual press briefing that said nothing, in order to cover the tail of his children's Godfather and his good shopping buddy at Sunrise Mall, Ft Lauderdale (I saw them myself) Leroy Parris. Now Sue me, if you want. Truth in defamation is a defense, so here I am waiting on the writ. There is a fundamental problem when CLICO Trinidad is propped up by the Government and its own local Barbados Chairman (albeit a private company) denies that CLICO Barbados is a subsidiary, even Compton Bourne, my good friend at the CDB called him out on this discrepancy. Not only that, absolutely no CEO that should have such a close relationship with a private sector company (and vice versa, I don't care who it is) - it just is not good democracy.

But worse, "the Magician" Sealy, the Minister of Tourism is revamping the BTA (does this mean firing BTA staff that are not BLP supporters?) in order to increase tourism arrivals in Barbados. HUH? Is the Government aware that there is a global recession and that the US visitors will not even take a road trip to the next state so why would they come to an island with the worse service I have ever come across in my life. They do have options. I am widely traveled and I know of what I speak. Barbados is a beautiful island but for the horrible customer service especially in the tourist industry, save a few exceptions (I do like Sandy Lane, Tides, South Sea, Mango BaY and a few others like Lone Star, Fish Pot, rum shops, Susan's Waterfront, etc.) But how will he keep the people employed (except the DLP inherited 2 billion US in foreign reserves which is not for the protection of people but for buying services, products etc), while the supermarket prices (and I have one on my cellphone camera) are skyrocketing by $4 a week; and indeed while the price of Diesel (which is used in our distributive sector) is the one not decreased and gas at the pump was just INCREASED? Huh? Am I confused or stupid. Something is wrong here.....

Magician "David Copperfield" Sealy said that cruise ship arrivals will make Barbados sound for the tourist season which is not going anywhere. Has he ever taken a cruise. They are all inclusive with a few hours stop at a port. so what if there are six ships in the harbour. They are leaving in 24 hrs if so much and how much money will the passengers spend on key rings? Further, a marketing plan to Europe is a waste of time at this point when the EU is looking after itself. I am an EU citizen and I follow EU issues and I know this as a fact, so why doesn't a Government Minister? Protectionism is coming back (or may) in view of economic problems. Not necessarily a great idea in trade liberalization but the USA has a buy USA programme on. Hmmmm.

I could go on but the DLp bores me. I just have this to say. The people said they wanted change and they have it. A deplorable state of affairs which the DLP is blaming solely on the global economy when in fact, the moss was gathering on this rolling stone going nowhere but in a pit, before a recession was named. We all know recessions start earlier, so where is the DLP planning. They do not know what they are doing. They had Mascoll and they ill-treated him and he crossed the floor to the benefit of the BLP, while having sacrificed his PhD for the DLP. Well Bullocks to the DLP. He will rise again as will those with sense.

Really, there are none so blind as those who WILL NOT see. Change, For what. Indeed. The people deserve the DLP. There was a government in place that had the highest ratings at Standard and Poors, Arthur had the greatest of respect in the international world and now we have a group of whippersnappers fumbling about with the peoples/ business.

Oh, by the way. Is the press owned by the DLP. I noticed that both newspapers carry more DLP staged and bamboozled news to editors who I know have a strong affiliation with the DLP. Sue me, go ahead, I am waiting on the writ. File it. Now Mottley has to sue CBC because the DLP (nad its chairman maybe Leroy Parris again), do not think democracy is alive and well in Barbados. Well you voted for a dictatorship,m now deal with it! I don't understand my Bajans gossip but do not complain loudly about the nonsense going on with this Government. Who are they afraid of?
Adios!


p.s. and To that creep Adrian Hinds who asked me if I would still keep my promise to leave Barbados as a UK born and bred Citizen if the DLP gets in, my answer is ........

p.s.s. I smell a no-confidence motion or one term for those twits! And Leroy Parris wants FIRING!

CLICO, LEROY PARRIS AND BARBADOS CONNECTION

The Governor of the Central Bank in Trinidad, Ewart Williams, has made a decision to prop up or to use a common term now BAIL OUT CLICO, which is in trouble over the pond in Trinidad and has been downgraded since August 2008. Up to press time (and this is not a press release- they - the TnT government declared that assets were safe and the company would be restored to its former glory.

Gossip is not news so I checked the facts.

“Your funds are safe,” said Finance Minister, Karen Nunez-Tesheira at a press conference yesterday in the Central Bank’s 16th floor conference room. Williams yesterday announced that the Government is to take majority ownership of banking giant Republic Bank Ltd. It will take over Methanol Holdings Ltd and Clico Investment Bank (CIB), both subsidiaries of the CL Financial Group and provide funding for Clico, in a bailout of the CL Financial group by the Government and the Central Bank.

Nunez-Tesheira said, “This is a time when we must show our mettle,” adding that there was a “Government commitment to ensure that depositors’ assets will not be at risk. “We are going to weather this storm and the only way to do this is to take action swiftly and decisively.” Williams echoed her statements, emphasising the tremendous strength of the country’s financial system.

In a press release today it was announced that Government will bailout CL Financial, the parent company of Clico and Angostura.

Key points disclosed

• CL Financial is to divert its 55 per cent stake in Republic Bank and Methanol Holdings

• First Citizens will gain control of company's Republic Bank shares.

• Central Bank Governor assures depositors and policyholders that their money is safe.

• Mr Duprey says this is "not a crisis" it is the early addressing of the situation, a pre-emptive action.

Started out as a holding company for Colonial Life Insurance Company (Trinidad) Limited (Clico) in 1993, CL Financial is now one of the largest local conglomerates in the region, encompassing over 65 companies in 32 countries worldwide.

According to the company's website, its Industry Sectors range from:

•Banking & Financial Services
•Energy & Petrochemicals
•Forestry & Agriculture
•General Insurance
•Life Insurance
•Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution
•Marine Services
•Medical Services
•Real Estate
•Banking & Financial Services
•Energy & Petrochemicals
•Forestry & Agriculture
•General Insurance
•Life Insurance
•Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution
•Marine Services
•Medical Services
•Real Estate

http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/01/30/government-bailout-cl-financial

Imagine if this collapsed.

The implications for a disastrous lack of confidence in CLICO would result in a catastrophic situation, much like that being experienced in the US and started with AIG, Wall Street and the other sub prime mortgage lending greed Kings leading to a complete lack of confidence in the economy and the obvious result. But in a shocker, Leroy Parris, the Chairman of CLICO in Barbados, (in between some of the poorest English I have ever heard espoused from any executive) emphatically declared that there was "no connection whatsoever" between Trinidad and Barbados' CLICO. He said that the company was answerable to the Barbados Supervisor of Insurance, incorporated in Barbados and so on. That is obvious. In the same breath, the man said that CLICO Barbados was a SUBSIDIARY of The Trinidad organization, so obviously he is confused because when last I checked and one does not have to do company law, a subsidiary means there is a connection. Now throughout the election silly season Mr. Thompson denied any connection with CLICO whatsoever and decided to tell all that Mr. Parris is the godfather of his children and her personal friend. That is great. Nothing like a long standing friendship.

What befuddles me then is why we need the Prime Minister to call the Governor from her late afternoon tea, the supervisor of insurance and whomever else was at the press conference to tell Barbados that "there is no need to panic" and carry on to ensure that Barbadians are assured of the safety of their assets. I do believe that Leroy Parris attempted to do this already and there was no need for a statement from the PM. He also had Darcy Boyce, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank present for the 5 minute briefing.

Well, if this does not have the opposite effect and instill fear rather than qualm it, then something is wrong. I don't know why but I have a lot of questions - what is Thompson using the 2 billion in foreign reserves he inherited for; what is the nature of the stimulus package he claims Barbados needs; why have prices in Barbados sky rocketed when he said the cost of living would come down; where are the 500 houses in 500 days promised in the manifesto; How will Constituency Councils work and what oversight is planned to make sure they work properly and without even the appearance of corruption; why is the PM is taking a "dictatorial" stance in telling the private sector they have x amount of months to get their information ready for him , etc. I have numerous more question but I do not see the press asking them, I cannot get a letter to the press published in either paper. This whole thing just reminds me of 1991 (not the exact scenario when Sir LLoyd Erskine Sandiford had Bajans living off three weeks foreign reserves), but the shady appearance of the antics of certain individuals. I too would like this matter cleared up cos if people in Barbados panic, there will be a run on the banks and all hell will break lose - again! If there is nothing to worry about - there is no need for a press conference. In 2001 when there was a recession in the US, Barbadians did not even feel it, simply because the then leadership (with 4 economist at his disposal) was able to cushion any impact and no one lost a single job. I am sure that anything to everything that happens in Barbados will be blamed on the recession in the US.

Ask the DLP or whomever is in Government be it in Trinidad or Barbados to be accountable and not by (in the case of Barbados) slandering people at Thorpes in St James as they allegedly did last Sunday or by Donville Innis talking about who he fed in Haynesville but by actually telling Barbadians what is happening or will happen to the economy in light of global changes and on a parochial level.

There are none so blind as those who will not see.
Hmmmm.

IS REV. DR LUCILLE BAIRD BITTER WITH BARBADOS?

This note was sent to me by a Solange Bishop. I might add that there are many issues with which I concur, having been once myself. I never went back for other reasons. I am not interested in the high-flying, tithe-begging, prosperity preaching sorts that we see on TBN. I am a Cheerful giver and will tithe indeed but I too am turned off by Pentecostal Preachers who seem embittered and embroiled in some relentless complaining. By the way, last Sunday on 92.9FM VOB, Rev. Baird said there was moral decay in Barbados. There is moral decay everywhere but what was sad was that her bitter sounding monologue seemed a poor example to Young people seeking Christ and those barely holding on to faith.
Kim Young
REV. DR BAIRD:
I was shocked and dismayed at your Sunday interview on 92.9FM with Stetson Babb where you constantly berated Barbadians (in my mind you very own "sheep") and whined and complained in the most anti-Christian manner I have ever heard. I have attended your Church on more than one occasion and the service was regular, (nothing to write any Diocese/Seminary -Evangelical or otherwise - about), but then I go to seek Christ and not to worship the messenger, so Imagine my shock when you d complain to Stetson Babb that you are "A prophet who is not without honour except in your own land" and get VIP treatment in Nigeria; give free food (your words, none of which I ate) at the Zion Apostolic Ministries and served for 27 years assisting the Prisoners at the then Glendairy. While your Ministries may be noteworthy, the Good Book says that The almighty Father will recognize us not by good deeds but by our faith, belief in him and acknowledgement of Him. Worse, all this was spewed to the entire world on the internet. You sounded bitter. This is not Christian. You even complained bitterly about "sheep stealing". The same way you opened a Church and have choristers from other Churches, others may also open a church if they so feel ANOINTED! The Church belongs to Christ and is his bride, not yours. Dispense with the Vanity Dr Baird and humble yourself, lest you be humbled.

In that interview, we had to listen to your business while at the other side of your mouth you said you abhor gossip. No one is interested in trials of your mortgages, land or anything like this Rev. Dr Baird. We are interested in a closer relationship with God not complaints about being "slighted" (your words again, perhaps because an OBE is the lowest order on the proverbial totem pole of Orders), by those before you or even the current Administration. Nor is it your business, the sexual proclivities of those who run this country; that is to be confessed to God alone I would think while the individuals seek redemption. Why is this your business Rev. Baird?Ma'am, Jesus does not care about these things and you should not convey such disdain in your people who pay you tithes to God for you to carry out Ministries and you go on vacations and take rests and respites from a place that appears to give you stress. You have an honorary doctorate from somewhere for your work; you have a Ministry where you should be helping people and not complaining yet you spent little time expressing your love for the Lord and how he has blessed you and more time castigating those who have washed their proverbial hair on your feet.

Madam, I have been there twice and since this interview you will not see me, a tithe nor anyone close to me. The interview was ungracious, unChristian and ungrateful and reeked of the typical anger we are seeing make an uprising in Barbados. Please revisit saving souls in 2009 and leave the complaining to sad and faithless Parishioners. If you want to be a Dame, wait your turn like everyone else. I shall not visit your Church again after this and indeed will happily sit among the Anglicans and hear God's word without all the prosperity preaching and begging for money that has been copied from the US Evangelical manipulators and seek God in my closet if I have to. God Bless. May the Lord have mercy on you and may his Grace touch you in those possibly hurting places. If you can't take the heat, stay out of the Chapel and find another profession. You can talk a lot, maybe motivational speaking or a call in show on 92.9FM.
SOLANGE BISHOP

CUBANS CELEBRATE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE REVOLUTION

I used to sit on my Dad's knee and hear him speak of Fidel Castro, that was about 35 years ago. When the Western and indeed many media houses across the world decided Fidel was dead or dying, I trekked off to Havana, Cuba to explore its riches before he passed and catch a glimpse of the man. I went all over Cuba, bought Che Guevarra T-shirts and Grandma papers daily while sipping Cuba Libres. Apart from stunning architecture, art, culture, food, beaches, tobacco plantations and Cigars laced with fine liquers and then a nice wash down of a Cuba Libre or Mojito, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. Viva Cuba!

Since then Rual Castro has taken the reigns and controversy is back as Hugo Chavez, Bolivia's President, and The Russians get together with "friends" to get aid to Cuba. Let's watch and see but I am calling for an end to the embargo under Obama and he did say that Cubans will be able to send monies to their relatives back home in Havana.

Came across this piece:
By Donna Francavilla
Havana
02 January 2009


Cubans living in Havana maked the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution on New Year's Day, with little to celebrate but looking forward to the future.

Cubans attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution in Santiago de Cuba, 01 Jan 2009
Cubans attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution in Santiago de Cuba, 01 Jan 2009
In Central Havana festive music blared from crumbling colonial-era homes. The aroma of roasted pig and rice and beans filled the air. Most Cubans can't afford to drink at bars and clubs, so from their homes, they passed around bottles of rum, vodka and beer, filling their glasses and dancing. Cubans celebrated the New Year, hugging each other, kissing each other, and like most around the world, hoping for a better year.

When asked about the government's 50th anniversary celebration on New Year's Day, most Cubans are afraid to speak to reporters for fear of arrest. Privately, however, some call the revolution a disaster. Publicly, they say they support the government.

Apart from occasional celebratory posters and flags hanging from Havana store windows and buildings, there was not much hoopla on this 50th anniversary. President Raul Castro lead the main celebration in the eastern city of Santiago, but officials were said to have toned down its plans for an ambitious celebration after three hurricanes this year caused billions of dollars in damage.

On New Year's Day, children run and play in the streets.

Alejandro, a resident of Havana watches them. Like many Cubans, he feel hopeful after former President Fidel Castro stepped down and his brother Raul took over in February of 2008.

"We are hoping and counting on things getting better", he said.

Since taking power from his ailing brother, President Raul Castro has allowed Cubans to buy DVD players, computers and kitchen appliances. However, under his rule acquiring construction materials on the black market, the only means for Cubans to repair their homes, has become extremely difficult, suddenly halting work on many buildings in dangerous disrepair.

Artist and professional photographer Stephen Humphreys, who has visited the island nation more than 30 times, says the fact that former President Fidel Castro was able to overturn Fulgencio
Batista's government on New Year's Day is seen as a fateful alignment of the stars.

"For the Cubans it seemed like a very important and prophetic day because January 1 is important for many reasons," he said. "Obviously, the first day of the year. But also the day of the saints, an important day in the Santeria religion which has a big influence here in Cuba."

What's good for these people is a hope that the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will lead to more frequent visits to their Cuban family members in the U-S. They talk about looking forward to change, and the opening of their own economy and political system.

THE WHITE HOUSE HAS MORE SIGNIFICANCE THAN WE THINK FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS

The White House was built by slaves.

Maybe I could end the note right there.

Up until 1964 when the Civil rights Act was passed (and even then) Black people and indeed many members of the ethnic minorities did not have true FREEDOM. The last lynching occurred as late as 1951. For all those who are not minorities who hoped for a brighter day and for those whites and blacks who were beaten to death marching with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. the image of the President-elect Barack Obama and President Bush having a stroll on the portico before their meeting is poignant and deeply profound in its symbolism.

Back at University, we would have been asked to semiotically analyze the shot. This is not an academic piece. The simple image of Obama, who incidentally is not a descendant of slavery but is part of the "culture" in terms of being African American trying to reconcile many issues regarding race, culture, politics, freedom and being brought up by white parents, is very deep. Obama lived in Indonesia, raised by a Step father from Hawaii for a short while (Maya's Dad) and moved back to the mainland after his time at the University of Hawaii to go to Colombia. Imagine the richness of this experience, imagine the "confusion" of straddling both racial fences and looking for a sense of self-determination and identity in the environment in which he grew up. Imagine not having a mom to guide you along (she was often gone and looking for work) and you being left to make some important decisions on your own. Just read "Dreams from my Father". It is a repository of a man's life enriched by some very difficult situations. In many ways, he reminds me of the best of our Caribbean men as well.

However, what is key is that not one march or Presidency was in vain to this moment in time: Medgar Evers,the million man march with Louis Farrakhan, Booker T Washington, Malcolm X. Jack Kennedy, Eisenhower, Robert Kennedy, Abe Lincoln ... the list is endless. Racial and hate issues are still to be overcome but you and I hold a collective responsibility to promote CHANGE.

Because of the work of civil rights leaders legislators and people like Rosa Parks, the foundational work was laid and Obama was able to realize a dream. But let's not be ridiculous with our excitement and be bushy tailed and wide-eyed, wearing rose coloured glasses. Obama has inherited the worst economy of modern times and other issues must still be addressed, including racial issues. There are legislative propositions with far reaching implications and Obama also has to use executive orders where necessary. He has a lot of tough decisions to make that may be unpopular regarding those who elected him. He has to prioritize and I believe his transition team knows what its doing.

These issues (race, culture and society) do not die just because a black man is President. That is naive. Ignorance will still run amok in some quarters. We have work to do GLOBALLY! We have work to do domestically.

The expectations are high for Obama, the pressure is boiling but this unflappable and audacious man is surrounding himself with the brightest and the best of all races and with a bi-partisan boldness which will see him achieving his campaign promises only with the support and patience of the electorate who dared to hope alongside him. He is using his website Change.gov to allow us to engage in true participatory democracy using the public sphere. I believe his WH and Cabinet will be a microcosm of the US.

And so, that meeting was another first but for Obama, personally. His first meeting at the WH was as President-elect. How fascinating. The symbolism of this, should not be lost on any of us, Republican or Democrat, black or white.

ANONYMOUS BLOGGERS WILL BE BOOTED

No one will be allowed to leave comments on this blog without privately leaving their full name and address and contact numbers which will never be published. Names like (with respect) "Living in Barbados" is not a name in my opinion.

Leave actual names and not pseudonyms. Works of those using pseudonyms will be left out and moderated or rejected completely.
Kim Young

CARIBBEAN JOURNALISTS AND THE MIDDLE EAST WAR; REPORT PLEASE!

IT BREAKS MY HEART, especially at this time to see the bodies of any child whether from Israel or Gaza, a soldier from Israel or a child from Israel is AS PRECIOUS as a child from Gaza.

So I am confused. Or am I? What I am more confused about is the apathetic approach by our journalists in the region to this story and second and third generation Arabs or Jews using the "excuse" that it doesn't matter cos they are Catholic or some other religion. The fact is, I am British and if I was in another country, 20th generation or not, I am not about to bury my head in the sand and pretend. Worse, the reporters will not ask anyone in our communities and Muslims and Jewish folk co-habit nicely...though I am told otherwise. Barbados has Mosques and the oldest Jewish synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and most Arabs do indeed attend the Catholic churches here and profess Judaism, though most are from the Syrian and Lebanese communities.

The United States has historically backed Israel and the EU, US and Israel have determined that Hamas is a terrorist group. HAMAS is Arabic, and is an acronym for "Harakat Al-Muqawama Al-Islamia" , has been elected by the people of Palestine, they are known for good social programmes - schools, medical facilities and so on and as we speak students have just stormed my embassy (The British Embassy) in Tehran. They left peacefully after storming the "joint".

It seems ridiculous to elect a group known to the world as a terrorist organization, that group controlling the entire Gaza area then to put yourself (since they control all of Gaza) in the position of being blown to smitherineens by the IDF. The IDF and HAMAS are mortal enemies and therefore the people upon electing HAMAS may have put themselves at the mercy of HAMAS at this time. I am still wary and confused about the apparent disproportionate attacks from the IDF including the ramming of a boat carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. A US Congresswoman discussed this on CNN. Over 375 dead in Gaza to 14 dead in Israel speaks of incredible fighting power or something else. Is Hamas the right group to run Gaza, if the world deems them a terrorist group?

What is going on?

I am asking a question. I am not from the Middle East nor have I academically studied Islamic/Jewish relations at Kings College, UK or anywhere else. My MA is in an altogether different area but I am a journalist and I seek first to understand BOTH sides of this argument, politically, socially, culturally and economically. I have friends who are Jewish and I have friends who are Palestinian (the ones I have now are all for peace but many Palestinians want the recognition of a state called Palestine) and when last I checked, they are blood relatives but this war goes way back to when I was a child! I remember stories my Dad's knee that he told me about Arafat ( a man he admired for demanding recognition of Palestine as a state and not for any terrorist activities or alleged ones), just as he did about the then Leaders of Israel and their sense of self-determination and culture and strong belief in Judaism and the persecution they have suffered.

So is it a matter of who is right or wrong, or is a matter that we need an imminent and permanent ceasefire! Is right or wrong even an issue?

When will it end?
How will it end?

Is HAMAS a terrorist group or a resistance group and is this a matter of semantics? I don't know, you tell me. Educate me on this, because a new President is taking the reigns at the White House and he is inheriting this war as well. As far as my discussions go with especially Palestinians, they are not too sure that anyone cares? The Israelis say Gaza started it; the Palestinians say the IDF started it?

What matters to me is that I do not want to see the body of a six year old child wrapped in a Palestinian or Israeli flag. That, quite frankly, is all that matters, that life is preserved and that common sense, diplomacy and a willingness to agree to disagree if need be, continue but a sustainable ceasefire is a must.

One last note: The internet is primarily run by the West, expect most of your research to show the Western viewpoint. This is an empirical fact straight out of my MA studies in Mass Comm, hence my request for education from sources other than the US, UK but from journalists and bloggers and others representing the voices of both the Israelis and Palestinians. I am fed up with war - war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Genocide in Darfur, riots in Athens,bombings in London, Mumbai, Madrid, Bali...the list is endless.

Tell us what is really happening! As my friend former diplomat Dennis Jones said, "one man's freedom fighter, is another's terrorist". This war is ages old. It may never end!

OPEN NOTE TO BARBADOS FREE PRESS HATEFUL BLOGGER ADRIAN HINDS.

I DO NOT TOLERATE NONSENSE AND CERTAINLY YOU CANNOT ROB MY SENSE OF SELF ESTEEM, INTELLECT, EDUCATION OR JOY? DID I TREAT YOU WITH DISGUST? IT MIGHT BE BECAUSE YOU ARE BENEATH THE AIR I BREATHE AND YOU DISGUST ME AS A SO CALLED JOURNALIST. In 2009, I am ridding myself of nuisances and you are one. Indeed we have never met, except for you to impose your will, so to speak on me politically and to harass me on my blog and on FACEBOOK. STOP IT NOW OR YOU WILL PAY A HIGH PRICE. I will become a vexatious litigant and I have cause. STOP STALKING ME!!

I do not like you, you are not my type among the myriad of reasons to find you unattractive in every way, Mr Hinds.

That said (this was posted on his blog) :

"THIS IS THE LAST TIME I AM ASKING ADRIAN HINDS TO CEASE AND DESIST FROM CALLING MY NAME; COMMENTING ON MY BLOG OR OTHERWISE MALIGNING ME.

You have been warned and I am ready to serve you with a writ for "stalking" me, harassment and a number of other issues relative to libel, defamation regarding you and your little people. I do not know you, did I treat you with disdain? If so, it is perhaps because I dislike and disrespect you as a human being. I have contacted attorneys on this. Leave me alone Mr hinds, you are not MY TYPE! I do not like undereducated twits, political whippersnapper and gossipers, I like people with INTELLECT!

feel free to check MY isp address , I do not care! I have not broken any Act of Barbados and is cyberspace yet regulated? This is why YOU THINK, you can get away with nonsense but my LAWYERS KNOW THE LAW!

You know who I am, but better yet , I WILL FIND YOU AND MY ATTORNEY WILL SERVE YOU AND THE BLOGS YOU WORK FOR. AND I HAVE REPORTED YOU ON FACEBOOK! You cannot force me to like you or share your shallow opinions - any!"

This was posted on one of those sick Barbados blogs to get Adrian Hinds, a dark black( for descriptive purposes only), unattractive male, disguising himself as a journalist to stop haranguing me.

Anyone who behaves like him will get the same bloody treatment. This is a new year!
Having to write on blogs using the veil of anonymity shows the stupidity of the people in Barbados and their love for dirt, gossip and nastiness; this is why they will get nowhere. Of course, I do not mean everyone but BU and BFP DISGUST me!

Happy New Year Adrian and all! (DO NOT TEST ME!! I AM VERY DANGEROUS LEGALLY SPEAKING!) Indeed, take that however you want, except it is not a threat to you or yours or anyone else physically or in any other way. If you think so, take it to the police and see if they have the "technology" (as they said and I have spoken to Dottin very recently) to deal with it. GO AHEAD AND SUE ME!

Do I seem scared? I am shivering in my Manola boots and Prada bag! LOL!
YOU INFIDEL!!
Kim

MIDDLE EAST "CONFLICT" AND CARIBBEAN JOURNALISM?

It is an all out war, not a conflict. The Israelis have moved in on Gaza and are blowing people to smithereens and HAMAS is using Al Jazeera and Ma'an and other networks to tell its story, the IDF (Israel) is using the Western Media and its local networks to blame the Palestinians.

As journalists, how should we approach this? I have noticed a lack of interest in some parts of the region in the ESTABLISHED media (whatever that now is) to even discuss the issue. For example in Barbados we have the Syrian-Lebanese Community run mainly by energetic, feisty and opinionated women who have much to say about their neighbours Jewish or Palestinian, Iranian, Egyptian, Jordanian and the list goes on; we have a Jewish Community as well, indeed there is a beautiful Jewish synagogue in Bridgetown, Barbados.

I was recently told by a wonderful Jewish man here that I know, that Jewish people are even persecuted in Barbados, I was SHOCKED. It made me think, why can't anyone turn on CBC or read the Nation or the Advocate or the blogs (though I am not a BU or BFP fan) and see any commentary on this destruction in the Middle East. Is this not worthy of investigation.

We all know it is centuries old and as I was reminded by former diplomat and now IMF friend Dennis Jones that this situation is centuries old. Indeed. HAMAS was accused of targeting Israel last year all year and the media did not blitz it but because now TODAY this is an eight day strike more worthy of news and blitzing, we see more on CNN, BBC and other networks both in the Middle East and the Western world. Is this fair to Israel? Is it fair to Gaza? Fairness is not our issue - a balanced story is our job.

It is not a matter of who is right and wrong, that is not our role as journalist but since we have people of the region on our doorstep and in our verandahs having tea and cake, where is the story?? I want to hear how the Jews in the region feel, how the Lebanese/Syrians feel, how the Palestinians feel? How the Arabs feel here in the region watching this unfold. They are in the Caribbean - WHERE IS THE STORY??

It was the same at 9/11 and since. Even recently some Muslims were thrown off an Air Trans flight. No one asked the Muslim community anything here; no one asked the Christian community anything and then I saw PROFILING IN BARBADOS. I heard a man with my own two ears call Muslim women walking their children in Wanstead Gardens "OSAMA BIN LADENS" while I walked past and greeted them "Salaam". If I see a Jewish friend , I say "Shalom".I RESPECT DIFFERENCES despite the highly charged issues. Media workers must have BALANCE! You may be surprised to learn that many Jews, Christians and Muslims get along fine and have many peace projects along the way.

Whither journalism? Well I can blog it (the Middle East WAR) but I want to read it in the established media around the region!

There are bloggers but are we only concerned with parochial issues in the region, while lifting the news off AP, Reuters and other sites? Are we so insular that only what happens in the region is news?

This is 2009, don't we need to get our act together? We also have a new President of the USA in BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA coming in. He said "..if someone was attacking my home with my two daughters in it, I would respond..." (I did not hear the rest) and the Israelis used this to "justify" part of their response. He did say a few days later that there was more need for balance and a proportionate response. But what does this really mean? Does it matter? (someone incidentally correct me if I misunderstood.

The US is historically on the side of the Israelis, should journalists not find out why? It is all historical. Are we lazy or is it not just a "sexy" story, chock full of death, gore, blood, gossip, murder and mayhem or controversy. Well, when kids and moms, indeed anyone is slaughtered on the alter of politics, religion and land, I take up my pen. Will you please take up yous?
Happy New Year 2009
Kim Young MA (Leic)

HAITIAN DIES ON AA FLIGHT - IS A LAWSUIT APPROPRIATE

QUITE FRANKLY, I find this story very disturbing. If someone asks for oxygen, I see no reason, why it cannot be administered and then to have faulty equipment on board is even more ridiculous. A desperate woman's plea goes unheard and she dies on the flight.
I do not want to play the card that I have so often witnessed myself: the card where Haitians and other Caribbean, Pacific and Asian people are not noticed, but if they were otherwise situated, shall we say, they get the attention they ask for.

Read on and tell me what you think. Were it me, I would have long filed a lawsuit for negligence. I don't know tort law but I see causality and a lack of duty of care in there somewhere. Then the airlines use "jurisdiction" to get out of situations.
I should know. I sued AA a few years ago.

NEW YORK (AP) - An American Airlines passenger died after a flight attendant told her he couldn't give her any oxygen and then tried to help her with faulty equipment, including an empty oxygen tank, a relative said.

The airline confirmed the flight death and said medical professionals had tried to save the passenger, Carine Desir, who was returning home to Brooklyn from Haiti.

Desir, who had heart disease, died of natural causes, medical examiner's office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said Sunday.

Desir had complained of not feeling well and being very thirsty on the Friday flight from Port-au-Prince after she ate a meal, according to Antonio Oliver, a cousin who was traveling with her and her brother Joel Desir. A flight attendant gave her water, he said.

A few minutes later, Desir said she was having trouble breathing and asked for oxygen, but a flight attendant twice refused her request, Oliver said Sunday in a telephone interview.

After the flight attendant refused to administer oxygen to Desir, she became distressed, pleading, "Don't let me die," Oliver recalled.

Other passengers aboard Flight 896 became agitated over the situation, he said, and the flight attendant, apparently after phone consultation with the cockpit, tried to administer oxygen from a portable tank and mask, but the tank was empty.

Two doctors and two nurses were aboard and tried to administer oxygen from a second tank, which also was empty, Oliver said.

Desir was put on the floor, and a nurse tried CPR, to no avail, Oliver said. A "box," possibly a defibrillator, also was applied but didn't function effectively, he said.

"I cannot believe what is happening on the plane," he said, sobbing. "She cannot get up, and nothing on the plane works."

Oliver said he then asked for the plane to "land right away so I can get her to a hospital," and the pilot agreed to divert to Miami, 45 minutes away. But during that time, Desir died, Oliver said.

"Her last words were, 'I cannot breathe,'" he said.

Desir, 44, was pronounced dead by one of the doctors, Joel Shulkin, and the flight continued to Kennedy International Airport without stopping in Miami, with the woman's body moved to the floor of the first-class section and covered with a blanket, Oliver said.

American Airlines spokeswoman Sonja Whitemon wouldn't comment Sunday on Oliver's claims of faulty medical equipment. Shulkin, through his attorney, Justin Nadeau, declined to comment on the incident out of respect for Desir's family.

American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp. and based in Fort Worth, Texas, is the largest domestic airline.

ISLANDWIDE STRIKE OFF; SIR LEROY GRANDSTANDING???

All the 50 years of work by the gurus of the BWU is down the drain and rights of the workers have been compromised. Hmmm. Thank God, I never subscribed to the herd instinct.

Was It is possible that tomorrow, while the PM is away (or he may be back from Trinidad if he goes), this island that the BWU would have shut down the country. It has been called off at 4.30pm on VOB 92.9 news. Was Sir Leroy grand standing and playing around with workers' rights? What now?


American Airlines had cancelled flights but given the "newness of the administration" the strike will not now come off. said Trotman. He was wrong. He knew the administration was new when he called the strike. The PM appealed on radio from NY "...To let good sense prevail as the government tries to settle down in the face of challenges were not of its making", PM Thompson.

A nation-wide shut down of this country would have spelled disaster for this country and the Government. No one seemed to be taking into consideration that Sir Leroy Trotman had asked the NUPW (public workers) to join the BWU in this nation-wide strike. To do so would be to make Barbados an economic and service and private/public sector financial and other activity GHOSTTOWN and Barbados will lose money. Our reputation would be shrapnel on the world stage.

In addition while Bajans "enjoyed" a free "Bank Holiday", overseas investors wouldllook away from Barbados, aircraft and cruise ships would divert to other ports and the list goes on...if there was no one working. So what is his next plan, now that the administration is new. This is rather odd to me. As I said it was new a few weeks ago too.

I am pro-Union and pro-negotiation. I covered strikes and I studied Industrial Relations at post graduate level and ONLY when every exhaustive effort fails, is that the only time a national strike is called and I do not believe that either Royal Shop or Sandy Lane warrant a national strike and more sustained action as promised by Sir Leroy...then, but what of now! What of the fired Sandy Lane workers, the Royal Shop workers, the country?

So what is happening in Barbados? How will a future strike look if one comes off - a march? Do we sit home and watch Lifetime or CBC or CNN? do we go on cookouts on East Coast. How is this being planned? Will there be placards and marchers where the atmosphere eerily resembles the march against Sandiford YET there is NO RELATION to the DLP government but yet would be the first national breakdown to happen after their installment, albeit not their fault.

Will good sense prevail? Is the future of this country in terms of our local and foreign investment and day to day business not more important than shutting us down and losing hundreds of thousands in productivity? Or grandstanding and posturing?

In the interim, Mr Arnie Walters a man who once worked on behalf of the BEC ergo employers is the Head of Labour in the PM's office, was he going to intervene and negotiate with Sir Leroy if the NUPW was asked to join in or is he negotiating now? Does he have the hands off approach the DLP favoured while saying Arthur was always in the middle of a strike intervening? This is a fair question. Indeed, what is the government's role should there be more industrial action. This is a question for either government in power at the time.

I do not know, it is a question?? The BEC worked on policy for employers' rights. I do not have all the facts but suffice it to say that this pro-union girl would not be striking following the herd instinct to shut down my country .

That action is way too extreme in these cases and would do harm to the Country.

EL PRESIDENTE, Fidel Castro resigns in Cuba.

I went to Cuba about a year ago. The experience was mind-blowing in many ways, especially culturally. Barbados is a friend of Cuba's and while many celebrate in the streets at the resignation of Fidel Castro, this is an opportunity to reflect on his charisma and the role he played in relieving the Cubans of Batista rule. I will discuss this more later. In the meantime, do share your views on the rule and 'reign" of Fidel Castro. What do you think it means for the next US and Cuban Presidents?

A Message from the Commander in Chief

Dear compatriots:

Last Friday, February 15, I promised you that in my next reflection I would deal with an issue of interest to many compatriots. Thus, this now is rather a message.

Fidel Castro Ruz - The moment has come to nominate and elect the State Council, its President, its Vice-Presidents and Secretary.

For many years I have occupied the honorable position of President. On February 15, 1976 the Socialist Constitution was approved with the free, direct and secret vote of over 95% of the people with the right to cast a vote. The first National Assembly was established on December 2nd that same year; this elected the State Council and its presidency. Before that, I had been a Prime Minister for almost 18 years. I always had the necessary prerogatives to carry forward the revolutionary work with the support of the overwhelming majority of the people.

There were those overseas who, aware of my critical health condition, thought that my provisional resignation, on July 31, 2006, to the position of President of the State Council, which I left to First Vice-President Raul Castro Ruz, was final. But Raul, who is also minister of the Armed Forces on account of his own personal merits, and the other comrades of the Party and State leadership were unwilling to consider me out of public life despite my unstable health condition.

It was an uncomfortable situation for me vis-à-vis an adversary which had done everything possible to get rid of me, and I felt reluctant to comply.

Later, in my necessary retreat, I was able to recover the full command of my mind as well as the possibility for much reading and meditation. I had enough physical strength to write for many hours, which I shared with the corresponding rehabilitation and recovery programs. Basic common sense indicated that such activity was within my reach. On the other hand, when referring to my health I was extremely careful to avoid raising expectations since I felt that an adverse ending would bring traumatic news to our people in the midst of the battle. Thus, my first duty was to prepare our people both politically and psychologically for my absence after so many years of struggle. I kept saying that my recovery "was not without risks."

My wishes have always been to discharge my duties to my last breath. That’s all I can offer.

To my dearest compatriots, who have recently honored me so much by electing me a member of the Parliament where so many agreements should be adopted of utmost importance to the destiny of our Revolution, I am saying that I will neither aspire to nor accept, I repeat, I will neither aspire to nor accept the positions of President of the State Council and Commander in Chief.

In short letters addressed to Randy Alonso, Director of the Round Table National TV Program, --letters which at my request were made public-- I discreetly introduced elements of this message I am writing today, when not even the addressee of such letters was aware of my intention. I trusted Randy, whom I knew very well from his days as a student of Journalism. In those days I met almost on a weekly basis with the main representatives of the University students from the provinces at the library of the large house in Kohly where they lived. Today, the entire country is an immense University.

Following are some paragraphs chosen from the letter addressed to Randy on December 17, 2007:

"I strongly believe that the answers to the current problems facing Cuban society, which has, as an average, a twelfth grade of education, almost a million university graduates, and a real possibility for all its citizens to become educated without their being in any way discriminated against, require more variables for each concrete problem than those contained in a chess game. We cannot ignore one single detail; this is not an easy path to take, if the intelligence of a human being in a revolutionary society is to prevail over instinct.

"My elemental duty is not to cling to positions, much less to stand in the way of younger persons, but rather to contribute my own experience and ideas whose modest value comes from the exceptional era that I had the privilege of living in.

"Like Niemeyer, I believe that one has to be consistent right up to the end."

Letter from January 8, 2008:

"…I am a firm supporter of the united vote (a principle that preserves the unknown merits), which allowed us to avoid the tendency to copy what came to us from countries of the former socialist bloc, including the portrait of the one candidate, as singular as his solidarity towards Cuba. I deeply respect that first attempt at building socialism, thanks to which we were able to continue along the path we had chosen."

And I reiterated in that letter that "…I never forget that ‘all of the world’s glory fits in a kernel of corn."

Therefore, it would be a betrayal to my conscience to accept a responsibility requiring more mobility and dedication than I am physically able to offer. This I say devoid of all drama.

Fortunately, our Revolution can still count on cadres from the old guard and others who were very young in the early stages of the process. Some were very young, almost children, when they joined the fight on the mountains and later they have given glory to the country with their heroic performance and their internationalist missions. They have the authority and the experience to guarantee the replacement. There is also the intermediate generation which learned together with us the basics of the complex and almost unattainable art of organizing and leading a revolution.

The path will always be difficult and require from everyone’s intelligent effort. I distrust the seemingly easy path of apologetics or its antithesis the self-flagellation. We should always be prepared for the worst variable. The principle of being as prudent in success as steady in adversity cannot be forgotten. The adversary to be defeated is extremely strong; however, we have been able to keep it at bay for half a century.

This is not my farewell to you. My only wish is to fight as a soldier in the battle of ideas. I shall continue to write under the heading of ‘Reflections by comrade Fidel.’ It will be just another weapon you can count on. Perhaps my voice will be heard. I shall be careful.

Thanks.

Fidel Castro Ruz

WHERE DID YOUR PRIVACY GO?

I found this tit bit really interesting.

http://prstudies.typepad.com/weblog/2007/07/private-realm-p.html

Thursday, July 19, 2007
Private realm, public sphere

Once, there was no privacy. Large families lived in small dwellings; those in large houses were surrounded by large households. Where the individual could break away from the group, there were the exhortations of the church to consider: an omniscient God was watching you. (As a reminder of this medieval world, I'm told there's still no word to describe privacy in Italian.)

Now, as Naomi Klein has argued in No Logo, the public realm is being privatised: invaded by sponsorship and advertising clutter. Our default assumption is private, not public. (Commuters on public transport are individual iPod bubbles or are blithely conducting private conversations in public.)

Others argue that in our 'surveillance society' there's an unacceptable invasion of privacy, but I interpret this debate differently. We are so agitated about this issue because it runs counter to our assumption that privacy and individualism will triumph.

This issue matters to students and job seekers when they find that what they assumed to be private (for example, their Facebook conversations, interests and photos) are considered in the public domain by university authorities or employers. It might matter to anyone taking photographs in public spaces; depending on how the photo is used, whose privacy is being invaded? Were any children in the frame?

If we are privatising the public realm and witnessing the deconstruction of the mass media into masses of media, then what is left for public relations to do? I'll leave this for the scholars to debate, but I suspect that the phrase public relations will decline in usage through this century. Nor will it be replaced by private relations: that phrase will surely still mean something else.

Posted by Richard Bailey at 09:11 AM in PR history, Social media | Permalink