Moontown

NOVEMBER 15, 2007

DENIS KELLMAN’S COLUMN- THE DEBATE

For years, the masses were regarded as insignificant in the banking industry. Today the masses have shown their capacity to turn rejection into prosperity by creating the credit union movement.

This movement has been able to create a financial climate to satisfy the needs of the under-privileged. It has empowered persons who previously were rejected by the system.

The recent amendment has demonstrated that shares are limited to a “too few” and that the masses can only provide cash to be lent to persons seeking to expand and rebuild their businesses.

In Barbados, we have seen a serious contraction in the share market with these take overs and this is now a matching attack at those who have shares at the lower end to ensure that the dividends remains.

What occurred yesterday was something I have always warned developing countries about. These countries create economic activities that are more prohibitive that their competitors causing jealousy to occur.

Barbados is at a crossroad where it has given the investors who previously invested in business to earn profits and employ people to one where the business is now being divided among friends at high capital gains and the destruction of real sustainable growth.

These investors need not worry because they know that the institution capable of matching them on behalf of the masses will be limited by the dictates of politicians who have a short term eye and can only see less than a year.

The DLP will have to reverse this trend and encourage the credit unions to improve their shareholding from redeemable shares to ordinary shares so that the institution can have the resources to enter the market and create an alternative land market to the others.

Any serious Government would understand that land is now the best asset to be held and that instead of increasing liabilities for credit unions, that owner’s equity could have been increased.

The Government has failed by not creating a parallel land market and the only organized institution with the capacity is the credit union movement.

It is rather interesting that the car market has not been touched in a negative way but more money is now allocated for the purchase of such items from persons who have cash to import and sell to the credit unions members to keep them poor.

I have said before that the DLP I know believe in ensuring that the masses are independent and that the BLP is for keeping them dependent. If one doubts what I said before, one has to watch what has happened with the property transfer tax that was reduced and some scattered to the masses from the money given up by the Government pretending that it was punishing large land owners by requiring them to give up property to the poor.

All that has occurred is that Government gave up revenue for property and because it is not done by the Government directly, it cannot be criticized by the International Institutions.

Too often the masses are punished for doing the right thing. We have to ensure that we do not end up running our own to their brothers in the Caribbean. The numbers are increasing, but the land available to them is decreasing.

Land was once seen as a fixed asset, now it is seen as a tradable good. If it continues like this, social and moral decay will be on our doorstep.

It is imperative that we stop having a land bank to create scarcity and turn into a parallel market to ease the tension. Government has caused the escalation of land prices by its land tax policies and by withdrawing so much land from the market creating demand.

This Government has done the masses so much wrong when it comes to land that they cannot get a spot to rent and have to resort to squatting.

This Government has a record of moving in on the poor whenever they have accumulated wealth. They did it with the land by robbing the poor for the poor and now they are doing it to the poor man’s bank, the credit union.

Those persons who rent properties to the poor should look out because sooner rather than later your rented house will be purchased by the renter.

It seems that kindliness of heart is a crime and it is better to leave your property idle than to help someone in need. Government has given up its role and has dictated it to those who elevated themselves by listening to their parents.

I know that it is difficult for someone to live on a spot for a long time and then has to move. But surely this should be a problem for the individual or the state and not the person who rented out the property.

The history of Barbados will show that when we stopped eating and cutting our own canes, we stopped cutting canes for others. You cannot take the interest from us and then expect us to continue.

If this country is going to prosper from tourism, then Government must appreciate Community Tourism to keep interest in the industry at all levels. We expect to hide the tourist from the public and then expect them to gravitate to them.

All levels must be accepted. We must rely on the total picture to satisfy society. Our tourism must be shared and the need to include everything for a “too few” will not help the country.

As a politician, I must operate in the interest of all and fairness must be my guide. I cannot be seen destroying one group for another but must create an amicable atmosphere for all.

Banks are set up by shareholders who are not necessary depositors of the bank but can take deposits from everybody. The credit union is owned by all members and cannot take deposits from outsiders. So why tell the members how to invest their money when the y cannot deal with outsiders like the banks? Tell us the true reason for the control. Members should be free to invest their money how they feel like.

Land and business is an individual thing and credit unions should be free to do as they like because it is their democratic right and not that of outsiders.

Barbados must be for all of us and those whose fore parents created goodwill cannot be ignored. Our new found friends must be accepted also but under conditions. They must have a love for our calypso because we have accepted their culture already.

“All of we is one family”. But we must be treated so, in order for others to be treated the same way.

A business with two equal partners cannot be divided in three because the third person would have to be acting illegally. No third person can come before a shareholder without the acceptance of both partners.

 If you stuff your bed with rocks instead of feathers, it is yours to sleep in.

Peace, love, unity, humility, oneness, Kellmanomics, wisdom and understanding.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE ST. LUCY DISTRICT EMERGENCY ORGANISATION WILL BE HOLDING ITS MONTHLY MEETING THIS THURSDAY NIGHT AT 7:30 P.M. AT THE ST. LUCY SECONDARY SCHOOL.GUEST SPEAKER: DR. LEO BREWSTER…TOPIC: COASTAL EROSION AND THE IMPACT ON THE NORTHERN ZONE….. CALLING OUT ALL FISHER FOLKS AND RESIDENTS THAT LIVE ON THE COAST LINE….U SHOULD BE THERE..

CHICKEN PELAU; PIGEON PEAS AND RICE

MACARONI PIE; CORN MEAL COU COU

SCALLOPED POTATOES; BAKED CHICKEN

BAKED PORK; BBQ SPARERIBS

BBQ PIG TAIL; FRIED STEAK FISH

GRILLED STEAK FISH; FISH GRAVY

PEPPERPOT; STEAMED VEGETABLES

TOSSED SALAD; COLE SLAW

Changes to the current electoral system are imminent as the prime minister reveals that his Cabinet will be giving consideration to measures required to bring about improving the system, including the possibility of a complete system of voter re-registration.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer’s statement was included in an address to the nation Sunday evening, where he broadsided the opposition Antigua Labour Party for threatening the country’s democracy.

The electoral commission has borne the brunt of the criticism for failing to execute its functions effectively, causing the general elections of 2009 to go awry, which led to three seats won by the UPP administration declared invalid by a High Court judge. Justice Louise Blenman in her ruling also blasted the commission for its “Incompetence.”

Now it appears that serious thought is being given to the ways things are done at the commission, with Spencer underscoring the need for boosting the human resource and finance needs of the system as a matter of urgency.

Spencer used his address to remind the citizenry that despite the election petition ruling, which is heading to the court of appeal, he remains in charge of governing the twin island state.

“In accordance with the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda, the UPP continues to duly form the government and I continue to preside as your prime minister. No amount of political posturing and uncivilized behaviour by a rowdy minority can change that fact.

“It was the ALP itself that was principally responsible for inserting into the 1981 Independence Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda, the right to appeal any decision of the High Court, including in electoral matters.

“What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

“In accordance with the Constitution that the ALP has sworn to defend, the UPP applied to the court for a stay of the decision and was granted that temporary stay. Utilising the constitutional right that the ALP, and any other organisation or individual has, the UPP appealed the court ruling asking that the matter be considered in the appellate court,” Spencer said.

The prime minister slammed the ALP for inciting violence and disorder, which he claims is in defiance of the established legal system and a mockery of the very Constitution they (ALP) they helped to craft. He warned that where such acts of violence and intimidation present themselves, they will be dealt with fairly and without favour.”

Spencer described the actions being adopted by the opposition as desperation on the part of power hungry officials. But he said his party is not affected one bit.

“Let me make it clear that the United Progressive Party is ready, willing and able to take on the Antigua Labour Party, and we believe very strongly and victoriously– at the polls if and when the time comes. I want the people of Antigua and Barbuda to understand that we are willing to stand up to the ALP and whoever else is bent on destabilising this country.

“The actions of the ALP and its leadership have nothing to do with the interest of Antigua and Barbuda and its people. They are desperate to get back the reigns of government to again plunder the national treasury like they did before. They want to get back in to save themselves from prosecution, which the state has started against them, and which they are using legal gymnastics to avoid.”

“In all the confusion they are now creating, their real concern is not the interest of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. They know what is hanging over their heads. They want to stop every effort that the UPP government is making to ensure that justice is done. They are trying to save their skins by seeking fair or foul means to get back in power and cover their tracks. That is what they are about and they must not be allowed to succeed. As sure as night follows day, no matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”

But amidst all the insults being traded between the two sides, Spencer is appealing for calm, as the country led by his government, repositions Antigua and Barbuda for success.

“At this time of rebuilding, the country needs peace and calm not power-hungry persons preaching anarchy and violence. I call on all well-thinking, decent Antiguans and Barbudans, who I know make up the majority of our population, to remain committed to the current peaceful path of rebuilding our country,” he concluded. (Antigua Sun)

Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment, Hilson Baptiste has issued a stern warning to neighbouring islands that wish to have their goods imported into Antigua and Barbuda that they need to meet specified standards or risk losing their produce.

“We are what we eat they say. I have to make sure we have food, the best quality food on the shelves for the people of this country for our people’s consumption.

“All we are saying is that when you are bringing food into Antigua packaging must be right and handling must be perfect. Don’t bring them in no old crocus bags or in dirty boxes like we are dogs, otherwise they will be dumped in the sea or in the garbage.

“We have standards for our consumption and you must respect that when you bring food to Antigua. Come down on a Tuesday morning and you will see how they handle things, like garbage.” said Baptiste referring specifically to food items coming from Dominica which amount to some $7 million per year.

He said the time has come for the marketing of produce to be done properly as is required and specified by the laws of the country. Baptiste also stood in defence of local farmers saying that it is unfair that they spend so much making investments and working so hard to get their produce out and still have to compete with imports from other countries that will not meet required standards.

He stated that if he looks at import warrants and sees that what is being brought into the country is available locally then he will not be signing the documents.

“We are not saying that people cannot bring food into this country but they also have to meet certain standards,” Baptiste stressed. (Antigua Sun)

Following its black march through the streets of St. John’s dubbed “mourning the death of the nation’s economy” the opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has indicated that it will not be easing up until Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer leaves office or calls a by-election.

According to Deputy Political Leader of the ALP, Gaston Browne, the party will be proceeding with a series of pickets and public meetings to put pressure on the Baldwin Spencer-led administration, to demit office.

“We are not holding up, we are going to continue until we get rid of this fraudulent government who have continued to mismanage the country’s affairs and impose harsh taxes on the nation’s people.”

Browne said the party will be holding another picket tomorrow at the Prime Minister’s Office after which a public meeting will be held in the St. John’s Rural West Constituency one of the three constituencies affected by the ruling in the High Court by Judge Louise Blenman.

He continued that following the public meeting this evening, another will be held on Thursday in St George’s which will be followed by a massive rally on Labour Day.

Browne maintained that the Baldwin Spencer-led administration needs to go, to make way for a caring government who will work in the interest of the people of the country.

Scores of ALP supporters gathered outside the office of the prime minister last week bearing placard strong in their demands calling for the immediate removal of the Baldwin Spencer administration from office office. (Antigua Sun)

Microsoft Corp unveiled two cellphones Monday that are meant for social networking-savvy teens and 20-somethings in an attempt to revitalise its mobile business and regain ground on iPhones and BlackBerrys.

Microsoft said its new touch-screen phones - a short, square-shaped handset called ‘Kin 1′ and a longer, more rectangular one called ‘Kin 2′ - will be sold exclusively in the US by Verizon Wireless.

They are being made by Sharp Corp, which has produced Sidekick cellphones, whose software comes from Microsoft-owned Danger Inc.

In the past, Microsoft has mostly sold its mobile software to other companies to put it on phones they make. This will be the case with its recently announced Windows Phone 7 Series software, which is expected to be on handsets by the holidays.

The Kin phones mark a departure, as Microsoft has sway over the creation of their software and hardware.

Verizon said it will start selling the Kin phones online in early May and in stores shortly thereafter.

In the fall, carrier Vodafone Group PLC - which owns Verizon Wireless in partnership with Verizon Communications Inc - will start selling the Kin phones in Italy, Spain, Germany and the UK.

Microsoft has not yet announced prices.

Roz Ho, leader of the Microsoft team behind the Kin, said the company has been working on the Kin devices for several years, trying to create a handset for people who especially want to connect with others over social websites such as Facebook.

The phones are also meant for people who want a handset that works simply without forcing them to hunt through menus and icons, she said.

That set-up could also present a risk. Unlike most popular smartphones, the Kins won’t have access to application stores that let customers download add-on software programs.

Ho said her team studied consumer habits and then built the activities they used most often into the Kin phones.

For instance, in a demo for The Associated Press, the Kin’s home screen showed a live stream of updates to social networks and websites that can be clicked on and responded to.

Users can send photos and other material to people dragging it on to a little circle at the bottom of the screen. A finger swipe across the screen can then bring up a page with applications such as photos and music.

The music player will be based on Microsoft’s Zune software, which until now has been only a stand-alone media player.

The Zune software also will be incorporated into the Windows Phone 7 handsets that multiple manufacturers will be able to use.

Both Kin phones are black with screens that respond to multiple finger gestures, similar to the ‘multitouch’ technology on the iPhone. The shorter Kin 1 has a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out from the bottom, while the Kin 2 has a full QWERTY keyboard that comes out from its side.

Both include Wi-Fi access and cameras capable of taking higher-resolution photos than most handsets: The Kin 1 will include a 5-megapixel camera, while the Kin 2 will have a 8-megapixel camera. The Kin 2 will also be capable of shooting HD-quality video.

Neither has a memory card slot; instead, the phones will upload content such as photos and videos to a Kin online storage service to free up memory.

- AP

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

The parliamentary Opposition is today expected to attack the budgetary plans of the Government when its Finance Spokesman Dr Omar Davies responds to the $503-billion package presented in Parliament last week.

Finance Minister Audley Shaw told the House of Representatives last Thursday that he plans to finance the Budget through tax revenues and grants amounting to $326.3 billion and $176.3 billion in loans from the domestic market.

Yesterday, People’s National Party Chairman Robert Pickersgill told The Gleaner that the Opposition’s response to the Budget would take the form of a “midterm review of the Government”.

“Apart from bemoaning the absence of a growth path, just like in our interventions before, we will make suggestions and our spokespersons will continue to do so,” Pickersgill said.

Last year’s proposal

The finance spokesman’s presentation today will set the tone for a hectic week of parliamentary debate. Last year, Davies lashed the Government for what he called an “incredible” Budget and urged that the Government undertake critical spending to boost the economy.

Among the proposals from Davies was for an urgent programme of infrastructure works to be funded from money out of the Universal Access Fund (UAF) and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).

Prime Minister Bruce Golding later embraced the proposal for the use of TEF money for projects, but said the UAF would not be touched as it was not set up for that purpose.

“We will be pointing out where there is an absence of provisions in critical areas. We will do what we have to do as an opposition,” Pickersgill said.

This week’s presentations

During tomorrow’s continuation of the debate, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett will present for the Government, while Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell will speak for the Opposition. Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller will speak on Thursday.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding will make his contribution next Tuesday before Shaw closes the debate next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Shaw is scheduled to meet with members of the micro, small and medium-size (MSME) enterprises on Friday.

The meeting will take place at the Stella Maris Conference Centre at 6 Shortwood Road, St Andrew.

According to Professor Rosalea Hamilton, president of The MSME Alliance, the post-Budget forum is of paramount importance to the sector.

“The MSME Post-Budget Debate is expected to provide an opportunity to hear directly from the finance minister about how the IMF-prescribed macroeconomic policies will help them to make the required adjustment to a new economic environment and to dialogue with the minister about the challenges MSMEs currently face,” Hamilton said. (Jamaica Gleaner)

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com

Inspector Steve Brown gives details to the media on a shooting in which three students travelling on a Coaster bus (in the background) on Slipe Pen Road, Kingston, were injured. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Three children are now in hospital nursing gunshot wounds after two brazen gunmen opened fire on a Toyota Coaster bus on Slipe Pen Road in Kingston yesterday afternoon.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that the men attempted to stop the bus, which drove by them.

Upset that their request was rejected, the men then pulled guns and fired at the bus, hitting the three high-school students in the process.

The students were rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital. The Gleaner understands that the injuries are not life threatening.

The incident, which occurred after 3 p.m., caused the busy thoroughfare which links down-town Kingston to Cross Roads to be blocked off, resulting in motorists diverting to alternative routes.

The police said they believe the men mistook the driver for another individual who they thought attacked them earlier in Half-Way Tree. (Jamaica Gleaner)