[Solidus]

Quote

TEAM Barbados took on a completely different political look last night, after Prime Minister David Thompson tinkered with his Cabinet, making a number of changes he expects will allow Government to properly move the country out of the current economic crisis.

In a nationally televised nine-minute statement from the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, Thompson announced the changes, highlighted by the choice of three new ministers and three new senators.

Noting that the day-to-day functioning of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital remained a major concern, the Prime Minister announced that Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner would now be parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Health, with specific responsibility for the island's state-owned hospital. Her mandate will be to oversee the health institution's operations and its enhancement project.

In addition, Government will sell its shares in the majority Trinidad and Tobago-owned Barbados National Bank and commit a "substantial amount" from that sale to assist in development of the enhancement project.

Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo, previously the Minister of Family, Youth and Sports, will now take over as Minister of Labour. In her place will come first-time parliamentarian Stephen Lashley, Member of Parliament for Christ Church West Central.

The Prime Minister added he would retain responsibility for Immigration and the Social Partnership, but Government would continue to utilise the country's talent pool by recruiting specialised services from outside Parliament.

To that end, former trade unionist and executive director of the Barbados Employers Confederation, Harry Husbands, will become a senator and parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, with responsibility for Immigration and Social Partnership issues.

"Senator Husbands brings a considerable wealth of knowledge and understanding to this assignment," Thompson said. "I'm sure he will be helpful in this period, and process."

To assist in the management of administrative challenges, Senator Jepter Ince will become a parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister's Office.

"Those appointments will enable me to assume a greater oversight and coordinating role of other ministries, whose work is crucial to the overall success of our programme," Thompson told the country.

Revealing that he had completed individual interviews with all members of his Cabinet, the Prime Minister said changes were needed in the country, and Government would lead from the front.

Patrick Todd, the former Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, also has a new job assisting Minister of Economic Affairs Dr David Estwick. Todd will deal with the issues of economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and small business development, as Dr Estwick tackles the cost of living.

Minister of Education Ronald Jones will get to place more emphasis on the priority issue of discipline in the country's schools, as Thompson chose to make Minister of Social Care Chris Sinckler Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly.

Reverend Dr David Durant and human resource management consultant André Worrell will join Husbands as the three new senators, with Damien Griffith and Patricia Inniss being replaced in the Upper House.

"The process of review and restructuring of the operations of Government will continue. There will be more, I'm sure," Thompson promised.

"Barbadians are determined to make Barbados work. There is a general understanding of the changes we need to make," Thompson had said before announcing the changes. "I am encouraged by the positive attitude shown as you have all reported for duty," he added.

The Prime Minister had shuffled his Cabinet for the first time after his win at the January 8, 2008 poll on November 22 when it was just ten months old, claiming the moves were made to deal with the changing times.

A fortnight ago, Thompson appointed former Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office with reponsibility for Labour and Immigration, Senator Arni Walters as the new executive chairman of the Barbados Water Authority.
Nation

Thoughts?

[harry]

The constant reshuffle negates some projects. You spend loads of time trying to get a meeting with said minister and after the work that goes along with that the minister is shuffled ....your work and meeting in many cases are null and void.

[Solidus]

Never thought of it that way.

Honestly, im seriously concerned about the PM giving Todd that portfolio. I actually gasped when I heard it.

[harry]

Solidus, on Mar 10 2010, 07:55 AM, said:

Never thought of it that way.

Honestly, im seriously concerned about the PM giving Todd that portfolio. I actually gasped when I heard it.

Yea boy this shuffle will have some businesses reeling. But notice he did not touch tourism or foreign affairs....For those exact reasons. can't upset those apple carts right now.


Now what is Todd's background? I hope Thompson aint pulling these selections out of his bingo ball. I think...correct me if I am wrong....the right person for any ministry should be someone with some level of knowledge in that field or some scope that would have encompassed it at some point. Unfortunately you have to work with the team you have been given.

[***pika***]

Why do you think he is an idiot?

Mr. Todd's background was in teaching, I know he used to teach Mathematics at QC.

I am not sure what else he used to teach ?

I do not think he as is incompetent as people make him seem.

[Zero]

***pika***, on Mar 10 2010, 08:20 AM, said:

Why do you think he is an idiot?

Mr. Todd's background was in teaching, I know he used to teach Mathematics at QC.

I am not sure what else he used to teach ?

I do not think he as is incompetent as people make him seem.

I agree. The shuffle keeps people on their toes and keeps em more well rounded.

[Solidus]

I never said he was an idiot (besides the declaring your sexuality thing), but nothing he has done in the past has instilled me with any faith that he should be in charge of such an important portfolio.

[harry]

Solidus, on Mar 10 2010, 08:27 AM, said:

I never said he was an idiot (besides the declaring your sexuality thing), but nothing he has done in the past has instilled me with any faith that he should be in charge of such an important portfolio.

Exactly.

[Solidus]

Quote

Mottley 'totally at a loss'


Published on: 3/10/2010.


THE Opposition Barbados Labour Party has been left "underwhelmed" and confused by Prime Minister David Thompson's announced Cabinet reshuffle last night.

In a Press statement, Opposition Leader Mia Mottley said the BLP was "at a loss" to find a rational explanation for what she called Thompson's "annual Cabinet reshuffle".

At a time when all in Barbados agree that we face dire economic challenges and Government is unable to execute its programmes, we were truly underwhelmed. The Prime Minister has done nothing to give Barbadians any confidence that the Government is now better positioned to meet these challenges," she said.

Mottley said that tinkering with Cabinet appointments to account for non-performance was not in the best interest of the country.

"Since the introduction of ministerial Government, the primary responsibility of the Minister of Health has been the Queen Elizabeth Hospital [QEH]. By giving a parliamentary secretary oversight of the QEH, including the refurbishing of the existing hospital or building of a new hospital is to reduce Donville Inniss to Minister
of Polyclinics.

"Similarly, Barbadians will ask why saddle Minister Estwick with Patrick Todd who will now be on his third ministerial assignment in two years? We are unsure of the role of Jepter Ince in the Prime Minister's Office, but we note and recall that he was removed as chairman of the National Insurance Scheme last year," he said.

Mottley noted new Minister of Labour Esther Byer-Suckoo had had a steadily reducing workload with every reshuffle and all that was left in the next reshuffle was for her to be removed from the Cabinet.

Mottley said the BLP was determined to see Barbados succeed as evidenced by its participation in the recent National Consultation On The Economy. (PR/WG)


Nation

[nineball]

Quote

By giving a parliamentary secretary oversight of the QEH, including the refurbishing of the existing hospital or building of a new hospital is to reduce Donville Inniss to Minister of Polyclinics.

Dat one dirty.

[Bajang]

Solidus, on Mar 10 2010, 10:53 AM, said:

Quote

Mottley 'totally at a loss'


Published on: 3/10/2010.


THE Opposition Barbados Labour Party has been left "underwhelmed" and confused by Prime Minister David Thompson's announced Cabinet reshuffle last night.

In a Press statement, Opposition Leader Mia Mottley said the BLP was "at a loss" to find a rational explanation for what she called Thompson's "annual Cabinet reshuffle".

At a time when all in Barbados agree that we face dire economic challenges and Government is unable to execute its programmes, we were truly underwhelmed. The Prime Minister has done nothing to give Barbadians any confidence that the Government is now better positioned to meet these challenges," she said.

Mottley said that tinkering with Cabinet appointments to account for non-performance was not in the best interest of the country.

"Since the introduction of ministerial Government, the primary responsibility of the Minister of Health has been the Queen Elizabeth Hospital [QEH]. By giving a parliamentary secretary oversight of the QEH, including the refurbishing of the existing hospital or building of a new hospital is to reduce Donville Inniss to Minister
of Polyclinics.

"Similarly, Barbadians will ask why saddle Minister Estwick with Patrick Todd who will now be on his third ministerial assignment in two years? We are unsure of the role of Jepter Ince in the Prime Minister's Office, but we note and recall that he was removed as chairman of the National Insurance Scheme last year," he said.

Mottley noted new Minister of Labour Esther Byer-Suckoo had had a steadily reducing workload with every reshuffle and all that was left in the next reshuffle was for her to be removed from the Cabinet.

Mottley said the BLP was determined to see Barbados succeed as evidenced by its participation in the recent National Consultation On The Economy. (PR/WG)


Nation

Was Jepter Ince still the head of Clico Mutual/Balance Fund(Correct me if I am wrong) at the time it started looking shaky?

[Solidus]

That's him.

I am not sure however if that was his fault or if it was due to the constraints of the portfolio.

[Bajang]

Solidus, on Mar 10 2010, 11:45 AM, said:

That's him.

I am not sure however if that was his fault or if it was due to the constraints of the portfolio.

Would that affect the level of confidence the PM/society would have in a person's ability to be the chairman of the National Insurance Scheme?

[Sledgehammer]

nineball, on Mar 10 2010, 11:21 AM, said:

Quote

By giving a parliamentary secretary oversight of the QEH, including the refurbishing of the existing hospital or building of a new hospital is to reduce Donville Inniss to Minister of Polyclinics.

Dat one dirty.

LAWL

I like Suckoo bad. The woman is just at every launch and opening. A lady passed by my office today and said the only opening she isnt at is the opening of envelopes (she don't be at work)

The same woman reason to me that the DLP has 3 bulldogs. Ronald Jones, Chris Sinckler and David EStwick. She said that Sinckler was the only one that could coherently string together sentences and was the least cantankerous so they made him leader of the house

lol

[Polaris]

Solidus, on Mar 10 2010, 12:53 PM, said:

Quote

Mottley 'totally at a loss'

Mottley said that tinkering with Cabinet appointments to account for non-performance was not in the best interest of the country.

"Similarly, Barbadians will ask why saddle Minister Estwick with Patrick Todd who will now be on his third ministerial assignment in two years? We are unsure of the role of Jepter Ince in the Prime Minister's Office, but we note and recall that he was removed as chairman of the National Insurance Scheme last year," he said.

Nation

Is that a typo? or did I miss something?

[Solidus]

:(

[Solidus]

THE SPEECH

Quote

Fellow Barbadians, I have spent the past week having meetings and informal conversations with a wide cross section of people.

I am truly amazed, pleasantly so, by the positive attitude and optimistic outlook of Barbadians in respect of the forward movement of our country.

Barbadians are for the most part determined to make Barbados work! There is a general understanding of and appreciation for the challenges we confront.

The change in attitude, or should I say adoption of the positive attitude, that we have requested is taking place. I am encouraged by this.

I am fortified also in the knowledge that you have all reported for duty in promotion of the concept of "Team Barbados", and that irrespective of social, economic or political standing, you are agreed that Barbados must and will emerge from the current global economic crisis perfectly positioned to take advantage of opportunities that will emerge.

It is in this context that I have been reflecting on organizational structures at all levels of public administration. This will be a continuous process.

I have commissioned several studies and solicited the views of knowledgeable persons on how we can make Barbados work better for Barbadians.

Major change is necessary and Government will, of necessity, be a leading agent of that change.

We have started the process of introspection.

The realities of the economic challenges confronting our country demand optimal use of resources: human, financial and physical.

Monday, March 15th will see the tabling of the annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the next fiscal year commencing April 1st, 2010, followed by a week of debate on matters arising in those estimates.

Various fiscal scenarios and options will be outlined and evaluated on that occasion.

Over the course of the next few weeks we should complete a comprehensive review of the operations of departments of government.

This will entail a refocusing of priorities and reassignments of personnel at all levels, including that of Permanent Secretary.

In the meantime, I have completed a series of individual consultations with Ministers of government and an analysis of progress in key areas of governmental activity has been undertaken.

While the overall program of government has been hampered and somewhat slowed by limitations to spending, there are some matters that demand urgent and specific attention.

Two weeks ago I spoke to you and addressed the issue of the Barbados Water Authority and our management of scarce water resources.

Persistent drought conditions have rendered this challenge even more acute.

I am happy to report that Executive Chairman Arni Walters is on the job at BWA and the process of revitalization of that institution has intensified.

The day to day functioning of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is a second area of tremendous concern to your government.

Like you, the Minister of Health and indeed my office are inundated with comments, concerns and even complaints relative shortcomings of the institution - even though it is generally agreed that the level of professionalism and patient care is relatively high.

I am satisfied that in addition to the current management structure and coordination by a competent Board of Directors, there is need for more direct political oversight at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

It is too critical an entity in the overall delivery of health services to be left to chance or for its effectiveness to be questioned.

Already the Health portfolio accounts for the second largest allocation of the national budget.

Enhancement of QEH will be the largest capital project government would have embarked upon since the building of the Prison.

It is not for me to debate tonight which project should have been given priority in a healthier economy....what I would say, nonetheless, is that under this new administration, the QEH Enhancement project, whether an extensively renovated or completely new structure, is a major undertaking that will commence in this, our first term in office.

In pursuance of this goal, I have decided to re-assign Parliamentary Secretary in the office of the Prime Minister, Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner to the same posting in the Ministry of Health, with specific responsibility for overseeing operations of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as conceptualization, design and details of financing and execution of the QEH Enhancement Project.

Tonight, I wish to confirm the intention of the government to sell its shares in the Barbados National Bank and to commit a substantial portion of the proceeds of this sale towards the QEH Enhancement project.

Arni Walters' absence from the Cabinet has created a void in the key areas of Labour, Immigration and Social Partnership.

I have decided to reassign the Hon. Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo to the Ministry of Labour.

Immigration and Social Partnership are crucial to the successful implementation of our contract of faith, especially at this juncture, where the involvement of the social partners is critical to the success of efforts to grapple with the continuing economic downturn and its impact on employment and the quality of life of citizens.

Management of the social partnership is a specialty area that I believe require specialist attention and coordination at this time.

In keeping with my policy of accessing and utilizing the best available talent, whether in or outside the elected team of Parliamentarians, I have decided that, while, as Prime Minister, I shall retain ministerial responsibility for both Immigration and Social Partnership, I will recruit from outside of the current Parliament the specialization that is required to oversee the day to day functioning of these critical portfolios.

Accordingly, Trade Unionist and former Executive Director of the Barbados Employers Confederation, Mr. Harry Husbands will be appointed to the Senate and to the position of Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of Prime Minister, with specific responsibility for Immigration and the Social Partnership.

Senator-Designate Harry Husbands brings a considerable wealth of knowledge and understanding to this assignment and will, I am sure, be very helpful in this period and process.

To assist also in the management of our response to administrative and economic challenges, I have also decided to invite Senator Jepter Ince to assume the position of Parliamentary Secretary in the office of Prime Minister.

The appointments of Senators Husbands and Ince will enable me, as Prime Minister, to assume a greater oversight and coordinating role of other ministries, whose work is crucial to the overall success of our program.

Furthermore, to assist Dr. Hon. David Estwick in the significant responsibility of tackling the issue of cost of living head on, I have decided to re-assign Hon. Patrick Todd to the portfolio of Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Empowerment, Trade, Industry and Commerce.

Minister Todd will have specific responsibility for overseeing issues of empowerment, entrepreneurship and small business development.

Fellow Barbadians, an area of particular concern to Government is that of Family, Youth and Sports.

Like you, I am concerned about issues in relation to our youth. This government, in its general election campaign, produced a clear Charter for tackling and resolving issues of concern to young people.

Irrespective of economic challenges and realities, we are determined to implement our Youth Agenda. We are resolved to promote the concept of family and the values entailed therein.

Sports is an area with considerable potential and which we believe should be fully exploited, especially in periods of adversity.

Accordingly, in giving new impetus to these areas of social concern, I have decided to invite Hon. Stephen Lashley, Member of Parliament for Christ Church West Central, to join the Cabinet of Ministers in the capacity of Minister of Family, Youth and Sports and to spearhead implementation of our family, youth and sports agenda.

Furthermore, as a means of sending correct and consistent messages to society in respect of our appointments to the upper Chamber, the Senate, I have invited Rev. Dr. David Durant and Human Resource Management Consultant, Mr. Andre Worrell, to join our team in the Senate and to bring their perspectives to bear on our deliberations both in the Senate and at meetings of the Government's Parliamentary Group.

Their appointments have created the need for me to otherwise utilize the services of Senators Patricia Inniss and Damien Griffith.

I take this opportunity to thank Senators Inniss and Griffith for their service over the past two years.

Furthermore, as part of efforts to ease the workload of the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Ronald Jones, so he can focus more on the priority issue of discipline among our children - both on and off the school compound, Hon. Christopher Sinckler will become Leader of the House immediately.

Fellow Citizens and Residents, as I intimated at the beginning of this address, the process of review and restructuring of the operations of government will be continuous.

The changes I have outlined this evening are but a further step along the road of necessary adjustment. There will be more, I am sure.

In the interim, I want to end where I started by acknowledging the positive attitude and disposition of a wide cross section of society to the challenges we confront.

I sense a resolve, indeed a determination on the part of many to play their part as members of Team Barbados in making Project Barbados work.

I thank you for this!

Some say I am an optimist. Indeed I am!

I am encouraged and strengthened by the resilience of our people and by their determination to propel Barbados through this period of strain. It has not been easy...it will not be easy...but, with our collective will and participation, it will be achieved!

[nineball]

Quote

Fellow Barbadians, I have spent the past week having meetings and informal conversations with a wide cross section of people.
I am truly amazed, pleasantly so, by the positive attitude and optimistic outlook of Barbadians in respect of the forward movement of our country.
Barbadians are for the most part determined to make Barbados work! There is a general understanding of and appreciation for the challenges we confront.
The change in attitude, or should I say adoption of the positive attitude, that we have requested is taking place. I am encouraged by this.

I read this at the beginning and was wondering if he lives in the same country we live in, or if he head in the sand.

But then I saw this at the end.

Quote

Some say I am an optimist. Indeed I am!

Optimist aint even de word.

[Solidus]

The PM just gave Mia some advice based on her criticism "think before you speak" lol

[benedict]

The best form of defense is attack?