Bajan News-cap Tuesday 24th September 2013
Good Morning to all my REAL DREAM CHASERS! As you start your day remember a dream doesn’t become a reality through mystical powers (unless you believe in obeah or witchcraft) even then it still takes determination, hard work, and perseverance to achieve that which you aspire to accomplish. In everything that you attempt to do acquire as much knowledge as possible; this allows you to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s prepare for the day by being aware of what’s in todays’ news-cap. According to the IMF highly indebted Caribbean countries like Barbados must reduce their fiscal and external imbalances but the private sector has to take the lead role in investment and growth in the region. Officials from governments and financial institutions were told this was the key to restoring growth in the Caribbean hit by nearly six years of stagnant economic activity. I find this to be an interesting perspective since the private sector has not been hiring since 2010 and furthermore has been reducing staff. Companies are taking their investments out of Barbados and into other Caribbean territories…my question is WHY? The Barbados Government is continuing to “carefully” examine the possible introduction of user fees at the island’s sole primary care medical institution. Minister John Boyce suggested that the entire society ought to recognise the need for efficiencies, management of revenue and its growth. Boyce said the objectives set out in government’s recent budgetary proposals “are real objectives that have to be met. It is a question of making sure that this country is here for us and for our children, 10, 15, 20 years down the road. So it is clear that all Barbadians from all walks of life will be asked to join in this very important struggle.” In other words all of wanna that voted “DEMS NOW DEMS AGAIN” plus the ones that know “TINGS WAS DREAD & VOTED RED” “GOTSTA PAY”….evabody dat poor gin suffa while the rich continue to prosper. IF YOU WANT TO PLAY – PAY! Those wishing to enjoy the facilities at Folkstone Marine Park will be expected to pay a fee in an effort to increase revenue for the National Conservation Commission (NCC). Chairman of the NCC Earle Yarde stated during the launch of National Arbor Day activities that they will be expanding their landscaping services i.e. they now have to make money. If people don’t want to pay to go to national parks maybe this will encourage the people living in various village communities to embark on the Independence Community Park Program where the “boys on the block” along with members of the community can design and build neighbourhood parks where people can lime for “free.” Being owed MILLIONS by the Barbados Government seems to be the cry of many private companies. One such company is RAYSIDE CONSTRUCTION LTD which sent home 60 workers yesterday due to the construction industry coming to a halt. Notices to workers stated that they would be out of work for a week but that is highly unlikely. Chances are they will be permanently out of work unless Government pays the company the money it owes and since the government has no money to clear its debts…….we have to choice but to empathize with the new members of the unemployed citizens. Pharmacists are increasingly being asked to have paid consultations with clients. The Barbados Pharmaceutical Society and the Barbados Association of Private Pharmacy Owners say that though this is not something they had planned, they note they are open to the idea of being paid for their time, beyond regular consultations. Interesting development so instead of paying to see a doctor people can pay to see a pharmacist….the plot thickens! The Medical Faculty at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus has so far generated more than $86 million in student fees and foreign grants for the benefit of this country’s economy. Principal Professor Sir Hilary Beckles made the announcement today during a ceremony for the signing of a memoradum of understanding between Cave Hill Campus and the Ministry of Health, to formalize the working relations between the two entities. RBPF Public Relations Officer Inspector David Welch is warning that people, who wear, possess or carry any camouflage item risk being arrested and charged. For the life of me why? If people in the USA, Canada, UK etc. can wear camouflage freely why can’t the people on an 166 square mile island wear a trendy “camo” outfit? I find it hard to believe that “Bajans” would want to wear camouflage to impersonate the “military” but that is just me. There is no confirmation that camouflage is being used in LOCAL drug-related crimes. Did you know that a delegation of 13 people including three NCF personnel, seven musicians and artistes, two Visual Artists and the President of the Association of Music Entrepreneurs went to S√o Paulo, Brazil last week? The objective was to further the National Cultural Foundation’s pursuit of opportunities for the export of our Cultural and Creative products and services into the lucrative Brazilian market. How were these people chosen? Was the public made aware that this opportunity was available to aspiring musicians or artists? What was the outcome of this trip? Curious minds want transparency when opportunities exist. THE David Thompson Memorial Constituency Councils Football Classic is not being used to enhance the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) political agenda. This assurance came yesterday from Acting Prime Minister Richard Sealy, who confirmed that Government would continue to support the competition.
ADRIAN “DAN” SKEETE just couldn’t find the antidote for Mark “Venom” Griffith, and Curtis Jones punched Jeffery “Borah” Best out of the “A” class division when the SJ Health and Bakery Limited Punches in Bunches Road Tennis Competition continued Sunday night at the Belfield court. The winners have earned themselves semi-final spots. New knockout kings Chargers made an easy start to their bid to become double crown champions by dismissing Foundation in straight sets when the Goddard Enterprises Limited Division One Volleyball League began Sunday at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. NULOOK 360 CONNECTION sent a loud message to the rest of the teams when the LIME Pelican Football Challenge continued Sunday at the National Stadium. The 360 Connection side made light work of De Pier Sportstown Galaxy, with a 6-1 margin. RAUL GARCIA has returned to Havana, Cuba but may wish to return to BARBADOS. Why oh Why are we even entertaining this? When convicted criminals serve their time and are deported back to Barbados from anywhere in the world are they ever allowed to return to those countries? Why should the Barbados Government allow Raul Garcia to return to Barbados because he made friends here and would want to visit them in the future? If Raul Garcia’s friends want to visit him let them board a flight and head to Cuba!! All of Barbados wishes Raul Garcia great health and prosperity as he returns to his homeland. I’m sure he could write a book about his life and it would be a best seller but upon his departure let the Barbadian chapter of his life now be closed. Well that’s all for today Dream Chasers! As you go about your day remember that every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and to change YOUR world. < Steph! Shalom!