“To those whom much is given, much is expected.” These words were spoken by U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who undoubtedly drew direct reference from the Gospel, Luke 12: 48, where it is states: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him […]
Category: Column
There seems to be a growing trend among celebrity mothers to ask for push presents. Bentleys, diamond rings, sapphire necklaces and basically anything your heart desires. But have these women gone too far? Why set a price on one of life’s most natural, precious and awe-inspiring moments? A little tacky, maybe. Serena Williams posted on […]
Even as we welcomed the news emanating from the Heads of Government Meeting held in Montego Bay, Jamaica two weeks ago, that there will be some ease in relation to the movement of Haitians in the Commonwealth Caribbean, we are yet again reminded of the poverty and oppressive policies that can undermine even the best […]
“Representative democracy is a messy means of translating collective desires into optimal levels of government service provision; the absence of referenda and direct forms of balloting for specific goods and services lead to an oversupply of government.” – (Howard A. Frank). Forthright discussions on the state of Barbados’ economy, including criticisms on how it is […]
If an airport in the Caribbean wishes to be an international hub or even a regional hub, it is probably well advised to drop departure and other passenger taxes. Passenger taxation is ‘swamp taxation’ because no one besides the receiver wants it, and it sucks. “Dutch Government ditches passenger ticket tax in efforts to halt […]
One of the core principles in the BLP Manifesto’s Covenant of Hope was: Improving the livelihoods of all of our people and widening economic enfranchisement. I was therefore very happy to see two planned Government initiatives that address that principle in the press in the last few weeks. The first one was the Building Blocks Program […]
Haiti’s current fiscal problems that led to four days of riots setting back the country’s already fragile economic and political stability have implications for Caribbean Community and Common Market countries (CARICOM) that cannot be ignored. If economic and social conditions continue to deteriorate the flight of Haitians seeking refuge in other countries will intensify, and […]
Amid preparations for what arguably is the most crucial annual conference since its formation back in 1955 in the Land’s End, St Michael home of the late Elsie Tudor-Burrowes, the once almost invincible Democratic Labour Party (DLP) finds itself today at the lowest point in its 63-year history after suffering a humiliating knock-out in the […]
Governments across the globe institute taxation policies as an integral part of fiscal policy to fund Government expenditure. In most jurisdictions, the imposition of personal income tax is applied, alongside excise, property, sales and other taxation measures. Taxes can be considered a necessary evil. The major concern would be the fair application of the taxes […]
When it comes to the optimum amount of water to drink each day, everyone seems to have a different opinion. So should we be drinking six to eight glasses, two litres, or even more? Do other liquids besides water count? And what are the warning signs that you’re drinking too little water? Registered nutritionist Kerry […]
Small island developing states (SIDS) such as Barbados have inherent characteristics that make them vulnerable. These include small economic and geographical size, limited resources (human, capital, technology etc.), openness to trade and proneness to natural disasters. Barbados, like many of our island counterparts, has fashioned Government to be an influential actor in economic activity. This overreliance […]
There is nothing that says that any woman who is successful in any sphere must support or fight for women’s rights and equality. However, I believe that when the sphere we are speaking of requires the forwarding of an agenda like a competition for political office does, a woman should clearly set out her agenda […]
I recall in my early days at University I had attended a session on feminism. The topic was very ‘philosophical-sounding’; one of those with about 25 words in the title. I cannot remember the exact wording but it could have been The Impact of Feminism on the Educated Female and the Consequent Effect on Socialization of the […]
Will it be a repeat of 1998 or will a new country have a star to add to their jersey? We will have to wait and see as France play Croatia on Sunday in the historic final of the 2018 World Cup. The football world is on the verge of World Cup history as for […]
The world’s attention over the last few weeks has been focused on the football team who became trapped in a cave in Thailand after sudden rains caused flooding which blocked the entrance. As I write, the good news is that all 12 young boys and their coach have now been rescued after this harrowing ordeal. […]
I am scheduled to be deployed to Haiti shortly to assist them in their recovery efforts. However, the recent social unrest, which resulted in deaths, property damage and flights into Haiti being suspended, may put those plans in jeopardy. With the government awaiting the IMF’s directives, Haiti’s experience is relevant to Barbados at this time. […]
Barbados and the rest of the developing world is entering uncharted territory with respect to dealing with the effects of a rapidly ageing population. In 2010, the United Nations projected the global population over the age of 60 would reach 1 billion by 2020 and almost two billion by 2050, representing 22 per cent of […]
