#SpeakingOut – Where is the transparency?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.

by John Goddard

Three years ago, the Barbados Labour Party assumed office, promising transparency and accountability in  Government. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that the administration has taken its promise seriously.

Since the last Cabinet reshuffle, Senator Lucille Moe has been absent from sittings of the Senate, and not a word of explanation has been given to Barbadians.

Is Senator Moe still being paid from the public purse? Is she on sick leave or has she resigned?

Why should the public be left to speculate, especially since the Government has access to GIS, CBC and a newly created propaganda arm, better known as The Department of Public Affairs?

This is simply not good enough coming from a Government which accused the previous administration of not communicating with the electorate.

Secondly, it is months since Mr Gline Clarke vacated his parliamentary seat to take up the position of High Commissioner to Canada. Yet, we are still awaiting a credible reason for his not being on the job.

We are not sure whether absence of flights to Canada or some inexplicable delay in that country’s acceptance of Mr Clarke’s appointment is the reason.

If it is true that the High Commissioner designate is not being paid, there is need for an explanation for his treatment by the party he has faithfully served.

Barbados has always enjoyed an excellent relationship with Canada, and Barbadians deserve to know when the island will again have representation in that country.

Contracts have been awarded without transparent tendering processes, on the flimsy grounds of urgency and, in one case, that the company offered the contract was the only one with the experience and expertise to do the job.

Did the BLP, when in Opposition, not lambaste the then administration for giving sweetheart deals? This business of doing things in Government which the party condemned while in Opposition breeds cynicism, especially among the younger segment of the electorate.

Moreover, the tendering process or lack of it opens the door for corruption which both major political parties claim interest in stamping out.

Much song and dance was made about consultants prior to 2018, but we are yet to find out how many consultants and or advisors are employed by this Government. In addition, we do not know their job descriptions or how much they are paid from the public purse.

Why can we know the number, salaries and allowances of the Prime Minister and her Ministers, but not consultants? While I am at it, can somebody please tell us what has become of Ambassador Clyde Mascoll, and whether White Oak and Mr Jong are still advising the Government?

Madam Prime Minister, the country awaits the answers to these and other questions. After all, you pledged that your Government would be characterised by transparency and accountability.

John Goddard, retired but always an educator.