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Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Say No To 'Extra' Debate On Leadership

Many Barbadians were looking forward to the televised debate on Law on Order last night on the CBC TV 8. Instead news broke in the afternoon that there is some confusion about the format the debates should follow. The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in a clear the air statement today had this to say: For…

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Many Barbadians were looking forward to the televised debate on Law on Order last night on the CBC TV 8. Instead news broke in the afternoon that there is some confusion about the format the debates should follow. The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in a clear the air statement today had this to say:

For this coming election the corporation has increased the number of debates to four. The topics are: Law And Order, Social Policy And The Environment, Economic Management And Leadership. The Barbados Labour Party has confirmed its willingness to again participate in the debates and is agreeable to the four as proposed by CBC. The Democratic Labour Party is seeking to change the format of the debates to have two by representatives and two by leaders. As a consequence, the CBC has postponed the recording of these debates – Source NationNewspaper

It seems strange to BU that the BLP have been making an issue of Leadership and if what is reported in the Press is accurate, David Thompson seems willing to go head to head with Arthur. Why is the BLP avoiding the extra debate with Prime Minister Arthur? We would have thought that Arthur would welcome it. This willingness of Arthur and the BLP to run away from debates comes against the backdrop of Arthur not participating in parliamentary debates over the last year. Coincidentally, Arthur’s distaste for debate in the Lower House occurred soon after last year’s clash with Thompson over an alleged donation of $750,000.00 which was deposited to his personal account. Some people are of the view that after the poor showing by Liz Thompson and Clyde Mascoll in the no-confidence debate this had the effect of influencing Arthur to dissolve parliament. We are sure that the BLP have a good reason for wanting the one leader format of the debate to continue. In the BU household when we look at the preceding events, something does not add-up.

33 responses to “Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Say No To 'Extra' Debate On Leadership”

  1. ~B~F~P~E~ Avatar
    ~B~F~P~E~

    BU,

    You should stop spreading LIES.

    ~B~F~P~E~

    http://www.nationnews.com/story/333675684104213.php

    CBC clears air on debates

    Published on: 1/5/08.

    THE Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation last night issued the following statement on the issue of televised debates involving the island’s two main political parties:

    “The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation pioneered political broadcasts in Barbados.

    “These debates were structured to facilitate exchanges on the economy, social programmes and the political leaders.

    “Previously, three debates were held to accomplish these objectives and they contributed to public enlightenment on key issues and leadership qualities.

    “For this coming election the corporation has increased the number of debates to four. The topics are: Law And Order, Social Policy And The Environment, Economic Management And Leadership.

    “The Barbados Labour Party has confirmed its willingness to again participate in the debates and is agreeable to the four as proposed by CBC.

    “The Democratic Labour Party is seeking to change the format of the debates to have two by representatives and two by leaders.

    “As a consequence, the CBC has postponed the recording of these debates.

    “The CBC believes it would be regrettable if the Barbadian electorate was denied the opportunity to view debates which can be of value in determining their choice of candidate and party on January 15.” (TY)

  2. ~B~F~P~E~ USA Branch Avatar
    ~B~F~P~E~ USA Branch

    A few days before the event, David Thompson promised that there would be a “surprise” at the launch of the DLP campaign in Oistins on Wednesday night.

    What happened to the “surprise”?

    And lest you mistake us for BLP supporters, we want to know why you are not questioning the HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY being spent (some would say wasted) on political advertising by both the BLP and the DLP.

    They are both bombarding our ears with party songs every minute on the airwaves. While they have the right to promote their interests, we feel they are overdoing it.

    Where is all this money coming from?

    (And though he asked the same question, don’t mistake us for Comissiong either. His brand of “church-controlled communism” is VERY DANGEROUS for Barbados…. Avoid it like poison!)

    ~B~F~P~E~

    BFPE we have blogged on the need to make campaign financing more transparent in Barbados.

    David

  3. Ayub Avatar
    Ayub

    CBC is clearly showing a bias toward the BLP………It going so far as to allowed the BLP to place a banner on their website……http://www.cbc.bb/content/view/13762/52/
    This is so shameful !!!

  4. Kola Avatar
    Kola

    Ayub,

    That banner is called advertising, in case you don’t know.

    There is nothing shameful about it.

    Go and check the Nation for DLP ads, you hypocrite.

    Kola.

  5. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING TROUBLE NAVIGATING AROUND THE NEW DLP WEBSITE AS I AM ?

  6. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    In Rouse’s 10-point plan for St Joseph published in today’s nation at http://www.nationnews.com/life/376665701108928.php

    I am impressed that he expresses the desire to
    provide day care facilities
    establishing an ambulance station
    and have a working relationship with representatives of border parishes St Andrew, St John and St Thomas.

    Mr Rouse does not state where he will the provide day care facilities, which I hope will be for BOTH the elderly and the young toddlers etc in different wings of the building.

    Nor does he point out where he will establish the ambulance station, but he is certainly batting on the correct wicket in understanding the need for decentralizing all aspects of the health care delivery services of Barbados for their optimum delivery.

    I agree with him also in his quest for regular meetings of representatives of the border parishes or their assigns for consultation on all sociological matters relating to their zones. There is a need to think zonally rather than paraochially or by constituency, as is currently the practice.

    ST JOSEPH PEOPLE LISTEN UP! ROUSE IS ON THE BALL!

  7. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    This willingness of Arthur and the BLP to run away from debates comes against the backdrop of Arthur not participating in parliamentary debates over the last year. Coincidentally Arthur’s distaste for debate in the Lower House occurred soon after last years clash with Thompson over an alleged donation of $750,000.00 which was deposited to his personal account.
    ==============================

    WAS IT EVER PUBLICIZED THAT OWEN WAS ON A SABBATICAL????

    David: If you listen to Owen’s BLP launch Speech you will hear him attempt to suggest that the eight or so months he was missing from parliament last year (third term) was due to him being on a Sabbatical. His words were something to the effect,”Like Barrow who took a sabbatical in his third term I had to do the same in my third term” Listen to the speech, I haven’t had time to download and cut and paste it. This is Owen’s answer to Richard Sealey’ who on the DLP launch called him a COWARD for running away from parliament since March or April 07.

  8. David Avatar
    David

    Adrian H we heard the speech but had another interpretation. Something like Arthur stressed how hard it must have been for Barrow in a third term and he ran away. He then compared himself to Barrow by saying he did not run away. Even if we accept that he took a sabbatical which is his right, is he on Sabbatical now by avoiding a leadership debate with Thompson?

    You better download the speech fast because it seems much editing is happening this time of year 🙂

  9. Chick Avatar
    Chick

    David is right. That is what I understood Owens speech to say. He was basically saying that he did not run in the third term like Barrow did and get tiered etc.

  10. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Many Barbadians were looking forward to the televised debate on Law on Order last night on the CBC TV 8. Instead news broke in the afternoon that there is some confusion about the format the debates should follow.
    ============================================================
    One can understand why the General Attorney would not want to clash with Mr Lashley in the type of debating form that he is in as judged from watching the DLP youtube videos.

    “Lashes” is coming off a short run and articulately bowling bouncer after bouncer, and yorker after yorker. Then he still slipping in the occasional googly. I don’t think the General Attorney wanted to make a fool of himself on national tv in such a public test match.

    Consequently he took the proverbial advice that he who (doesn’t) fight and runs away, lives to fight another day. However, he will undoubtedly have to deal with Lashley and take his lashes when Lashley speaks on Randall’s platform in St Joseph. Time is still longer than twine!

    The ploy of the government owned, and BLP controlled CBC to postpone the recording of these debates because the “Democratic Labour Party sought to change the format of the debates to have two by representatives and two by leaders” is both a red herring and a nonsequitur.

    If the CBC was privately owned, and depended on its finances by its ratings dependent on the support of the populaces purse, it would have gone ahead and taped the first debate on law and order seeing that this could not have obviated the DLP’s desire to change the format.

    What ever the DLP’s position (wrong or right) there had obviously been some agreement for this debate to occur. Lashley seemed to know this, was obviously prepared, and was smart to turn up. His competitor also must have known that he was slated to defend the Government’s position on Law and Order, and ought to have ben ready for the fray.

    As the General Attorney, he should have been better prepared than Lashley, since this was his full time job!

    Both the CBC and the BLP has insulted the Barbadian populace, who like me, have benefited from the free education post 1961! Certainly indeed “something does not add-up!”

  11. Wishing in Vain Avatar
    Wishing in Vain

    DLP MANIFESTO PUTS PEOPLE FIRST
    BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (01/04/2008) — The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) will outline a comprehensive, holistic, and people-centred plan for developing Barbados when it unveils its 2008 General Election manifesto tomorrow (Saturday) night.

    Entitled Pathways to Progress, the 56-page document will be made public via a multi-media presentation at a mass meeting at Passage Road, Bridgetown, beginning at 7 p.m. DLP President and Political Leader, David Thompson, heads a high-powered team of speakers.

    “Our 2008 manifesto is a landmark document that was prepared after much consultation with Barbadians from all walks of life. It is anchored on traditional Democratic Labour Party values of putting people first and seeks to take the social revolution started by Errol Barrow, Cameron Tudor and the other stalwarts to the next level,” Thompson said.

    “The agenda speaks to the reality which currently faces Barbados and is built on the four pillars of good governance, law and order, economic empowerment, and genuine social transformation. It aims to achieve balanced and sustainable development for the benefit of all Barbadians,” Thompson added.

    Other speakers at the Manifesto launch, to be streamed “live” via the DLP’s Internet website, are candidates Chris Sinckler, Freundel Stuart, Irene Sandiford-Garner, Haynesley Benn, Dr. David Estwick, and Campaign Manager, Brandford Taitt.

    It has been an eventful first full week of DLP campaigning since the pre-Christmas announcement of the January 15 election date. The week began with a record turn-out on New Years Day at a cultural extravaganza in Oistins where the full slate of candidates was presented. Retired editor and veteran political commentator, Harold Hoyte, said it was “the biggest political event I have ever attended in Barbados.”

    The DLP expects another massive crowd in Passage Road tomorrow night as it continues to bring a message of hope to those Barbadians who are looking for a change of government come January 15.

  12. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING TROUBLE NAVIGATING AROUND THE NEW DLP WEBSITE AS I AM ?

    THE OLD SITE IS COMING UP AND QUICKLY GOING TO A NEW PAGE AND I CANT ACCESS THE STUFF FROM THE OLDER SITE

  13. David Avatar
    David

    GP it looks like the DLP have started up a new website and it could be a work in progress. Why don’t you call or email the contact given on the bottom of the page?

  14. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    Someone in the BLP clearly messed up with these debates. The CBC expected it to go on, Lashley was there and ready, the BLP wasn’t. CBC’s spokesperson had to “go away and come back” in order to explain what happened. The BLP haven’t offered a decent explanation except to say “we didn’t know about it” (in Marshall’s case) and “we are awaiting CBC’s decision about the format” (in the campaing manager’s case).

    At best, a communication blunder leading to lack of preparedness transpired. At worst government is dodging a head to head when clearly they are the lesser prepared of the two parties.

    And yes, the BLP says that leadership matters most, but yet don’t want the leaders to go head to head twice. Reeks of hypocrisy and the resonance of a clearly hollow campaign slogan.

    CBC is government run right? sigh.

  15. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Georgie Porgie // January 5, 2008 at 4:35 pm

    IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING TROUBLE NAVIGATING AROUND THE NEW DLP WEBSITE AS I AM ?

    THE OLD SITE IS COMING UP AND QUICKLY GOING TO A NEW PAGE AND I CANT ACCESS THE STUFF FROM THE OLDER SITE
    ==============================

    Yes same results for me. Somebody call de Dee’s, I hoping to watch tonights meeting. 😀

  16. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    I am recieving the BLP meeting live here in the Orlando area clear as a bell!

  17. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Still cant get onto the DLP site.

    Cahhhhhhhhhhhhhhnnnnnn wait!

  18. Ayub Avatar
    Ayub

    DLP need to get their act together………cann’t even run a fackin website and want to run de govt…………lawd have mercy on bimshire!!!!!!!!!!

  19. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    but I can hear keep Owen battin

  20. Ayub Avatar
    Ayub

    The following was just post on the DLP website
    “Industrial action at Cable & Wireless Barbados has forced an adjustment of our plan to provide a “live” stream of tonight’s DLP 2008 General Election Manifesto launch. Only the unveiling speech by DLP president and political leader David Thompson will now be streamed. The DLP sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience which stems from circumstances beyond our control”.

  21. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    “* Industrial action at Cable & Wireless Barbados has forced an adjustment of our plan to provide a “live” stream of tonight’s DLP 2008 General Election Manifesto launch. Only the unveiling speech by DLP president and political leader David Thompson will now be streamed. The DLP sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience which stems from circumstances beyond our control.”

    That is pure crap and lies. The Cable and Wireless strike has not affected internet services in Barbados. This is the same sort of D-ception that we heard earlier this week about “cut wires” in Oistins.

  22. Sheila Thomas Avatar
    Sheila Thomas

    Or could it be that the crowd is so small they have abandoned streaming it live?

    Are they trying to HIDE something?

    Maybe I better go down Passage Road and join DAVID OF BARBADOS UNDERGROUND who is certain to be there already.

  23. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    The BLP choir has started to sing its adulation to Owen the Antichrist!

    I am so happy I didnt join the party in 1986 cause I give my adukation and adoration to NO MAN SAVE JESUS ONLY.

    Atherley is saying stuff that we have be haering for the last month or so.

  24. bUnderGround Avatar
    bUnderGround

    Live DLP stream link (URL) http://stream.netro.ca/dlpbarbados

  25. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Bostic has contributed little new and Gabby did some ass licking.

  26. James Tudor Avatar
    James Tudor

    What a massive crowd at the BLP meeting!

    http://blp.org.bb/livetv

  27. Avatar
    Anonymous

    The Bees have really come out HOT tonight!

  28. centipede Avatar
    centipede

    “Many Barbadians were looking forward to the televised debate on Law on Order last night on the CBC TV 8. Instead news broke in the afternoon that there is some confusion about the format the debates should follow.”

    But then, what did you really expect? Especially from a PM who in all his tenure must have given about 3 news conferences…

    And… when you see these ‘debates’ – you’ll hang your head in shame… the participants will look like convicts on their way to the gallows and the whole thing will be embarrassing.

  29. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    Just returned from Chris Sinckler meeting in Deacons Farm.

    Very large crowd.

    Very warm lashes for Malik-wid-teet-and-no-sense

    Very warm lashes for Dictator General O$Arthur

    One could sense that a ‘Swing’ is in the air

  30. Fred Avatar
    Fred

    Yes Andrew this was a meeting that I would suggest we could well have had 10,000 persons at it was packed , it was a massive meeting, it was very informative as well, I wonder what ASSCOLL did at that house to which the speaker referred.

    All of the speaskers were of an excellent quality and substance, they really seem to have the ones of the blp by the short and curly.
    The comment of the political season must be the one I heard earlier tonight at the MASSIVE DLP MEETING AT THE FARM THIS EVENING.

    A PARTY SUPPORTER WHEN ASKED HOW THINGS WERE GOING WITH THE CAMPAIGN AND WITH A SERIOUS AND CONCERNED LOOK ON HIS FACE HE REMARKED THAT HE WAS VERY CONCERNED AND WHEN PRODDED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIS CONCERN HE STATED THAT HE WAS VERY CONCERNED AS TO IF ASSCOLL WOULD MANAGE TO GET BACK HIS DEPOSIT AS HIS DEFEAT WILL BE THE MOST ONE SIDED OF THIS ELECTION.

  31. Lethal Avatar
    Lethal

    Fred,

    “Yes Andrew this was a meeting that I would suggest we could well have had 10,000 persons at it was packed…”

    Unfortunately for you, DLP supporters such as Wishing in Vain have often come to these blogs reporting FALSE FIGURES of the crowds which attended DLP and BLP political meetings. By chance I happened to be in the city one night when one of those meetings was taking place, and I was shocked to visit this blog and others and see Wishing in Vain reporting a crowd of 15,000 people when the crowd I saw was very small indeed. Please try to provide PHOTOS next time. Spreading these desperate lies and try to deceive people will only backfire on you. Bajans are not fools.

  32. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    I just recieved this article from a friend who lives in NY via email. Does it make sense to you guys on the ground back home? What is your interpretation?
    ==========================

    E-Day draws nigh in Barbados

    In a truly democratic environment, Bajan voters always let the chips fall where they may. Barbadians, as in 1986 and 1999, have on occasion demonstrated, gladly, the ‘decisiveness of fair play’ while in the polling booths. Arrogant and dictatorial leaders are usually relegated to the back of the political bus, especially if and when they show their potentially ugly heads and dictates.
    I personally salute all the 68 candidates who have taken the plunge in the wake of knowing, quite well, that the Bajan voter is one who is known well for “eating you out, sweeping you out, and keeping you out.” That has been their natural scheme of political ‘ploys’, from time to time! The results of the January 15 Election will reflect, significantly, honesty and sophistication!
    There is the school of thought that those who must dabble in punditry should thoroughly do their homework, and cut out the unsubstantiated wishful-thinking syndrome, altogether. Pound-for-pound, the two major parties are about evenly poised. One party has 8 lawyers and 3 doctors; and the other one has 8 lawyers and 2 doctors.
    Outside that exclusive group are engineers, businesspersons, holders of powerful graduate degrees, educators, a trade unionist, accountants, an entertainer, pharmacists and economists – to be found within the final 60 that makeup the Bees and Dees. Noticeably, the PEP has a 50 percent lawyer makeup.
    Having thrown around a few numbers, I will now address the REAL task at hand: playfully predicting to my friends (and new anxious buddies) “how the ‘S’ factor will determine the final outcome of the Jan. 15 Election in Barbados.”
    From this point on, I will be highlighting relevant L-E-T-T-E-R-S; and common and proper names. I tend to think that, as E-Day draws nigh, I have a better understanding of what the Oracle is saying to me, via the alphabet – believe it or not. So now, I close my eyes tightly in order that I may see clearly: sequentially, one CLARKE will be returned; two DAVIDs will make it; two DENISes; one EASTMOND; one GEORGE; not one GILL; only one INNISS; and one JOSEPH; two LASHLEYs; one MARSHALL will get the nod; two MICHAELs; no PETER, nor any PRESCOD will make it this time around; but one RONALD; and one THOMPSON will be successful, for sure.
    Regrettably, even if the ball is swinging on the birthday of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., only one of the three Ws, in the lineup, will be the recipient of a standing ovation while at the wicket. And, four of the five doctor/dentist categories will easily win their seats.
    If ever there was going to be a deciding factor, there are seven (7) males whose last names all start with the letter “S”! Amazingly, six of those seven will be victorious when the dust settles on the batting strip.
    At this juncture, I can feel the cumulative pulses of the doubting Thomases. For one reason, or another, I may have generated a little discussion among the beloved Bajan family the world over. However, you the people should always be cognizant of the fact that you too are in constant contact with the ‘Oracle’ as far as domestic politics is concerned. Think about it, I don’t have to tell you who is winning in St. John, St. Peter, St. Thomas, St. Lucy, St. Michael North West, St. Michael South East, St. Michael North East, Christ Church West, Christ Church West Central, Christ Church East Central or St. Philip South. No Carl Stone or Peter Wickham has to tell you via their polls, either. So let’s agree to agree since all of us already know that “whatever is to is, will is”! As a certain well known spin doc would say: ‘the die is cast’!
    Regardless of how you slice it, there is a massive political tremor in the making, if I may say so.

  33. autoversicherung vergleichen Avatar
    autoversicherung vergleichen

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