Coupled up at the BMA's

I read somewhere once that the greatest accessory you can have at a high profile event is the person on your arm, and even though that sounds a tad shallow, for sure you want your companion to complement you on the red carpet.

Here are pics of some of the couples who took to the carpet at the Barbados Music Awards. As before, all pics are courtesy of Bajanfuhlife.com.


The big kahuna himself, the founder and producer of the Barbados Music Awards, Ronnie Morris, tried out the red carpet experience along with a friend. The white on black, black on white contrast is kinda cute.


Member of Parliament for Christ Church West Central, the Hon. Stephen Lashley, put aside politics for the night to step out with his lovely wife.


Entertainer Ras Iley and his companion brought some colour and fun to the red carpet.


This couple was perhaps the best coordinated of the night.


King of the Dancehall Beenie Man brought along his own personal Barbie doll (her stage name really is Barbie).


I don't think this young lady was Machel Montano's date but they really do make a cute couple.

Tomorrow, we'll take a look at how the men represented.

Barbados Music Awards pics

As promised, here are some of the red carpet pics from Sunday's Barbados Music Awards. All photos are courtesy of Bajanfuhlife.com.

I found that this year many of the styles were more sedate, with patrons opting for a classy rather than risqué look. In some cases the men were more flamboyant than the women. Let's have a look at the women first.


These ladies opted for basic black on the night. I hope the one on the right had a shawl because the Gymnasium's AC unit can be brutal....


I suspect the back of her dress is very interesting....


Local singing sensation Shontelle lit up the Gymnasium. Her outfit would have been better accentuated with a smaller clutch, though.


This young lady looked cool and refined in blue.


A picture of Nubian elegance.


This senior guest probably put a few younger women in the shade.


Double award winner (Best Soca Collaboration and Best Ragga-Soca Single Female) Keann was radiant.


If you want to look royal then purple is the colour to wear.

Later, we'll check out some of the couples and see how the men represented.

Good news and bad news for Obama

Senator Barack Obama's run for the Democratic Presidential nomination has been filled with some wins and losses, some peaks and valleys. His victory in the the South Carolina primary on Saturday gave his campaign a major boost, and coupled with that on Monday he was endorsed by the Royal Family of the USA, the Kennedys.

However, on Monday it was also revealed that a contributor to Obama's campaign, Antoin "Tony" Rezko, was arrested on charges of fraud, attempted extortion and money laundering. Rezko is scheduled to stand trial Feb. 25. Obama has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but his opponent Hillary Clinton isn't letting go of the issue.

Well, as the Democratic presidential race moves toward a 22-state showdown on February 5, (Super Tuesday), we'll see how things pan out. I couldn't help noticing that Obama's main campaign slogan is is "Stand for Change", which is reminscent of the DLP's recent party slogan "Time for Change". Hopefully that rallying cry will work for him as well as it did for PM Thompson et al....


Photo: www.barackobama.com

Winners of 2008 BMA's

www.sawf.org

Local rap, pop, soca and reggae artistes were feted last night at the 2008 Barbados Music Awards at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

The big winner of the night was...no big surprise...Rihanna, who copped seven awards, including People's Choice Entertainer of the Year. Below is a complete list of the winners, courtesy of the site Boyce Voice.

Best Ragga- Soca Single- Male-
Mr. Dale- Soca Junkie

Best Ragga-Soca Single Female
Kimberley Inniss & Keann- Sweat

Best Soca Single
L’il Rick- Caan Wait

Best Social Commentary
Blood- Calypso Owes You Nothing
Red Plastic Bag- Bajans Can’t See

Best Soca Album (Solo, Duo or Group)
Krosfyah- Fire Proof

Best Reggae Single
David Kirton- Green Camouflage

Best Soca Compilation
Red Boyz- Soca Bonfire

Best Non- Soca Compilation
Hit Island Vol. 1

Reggae Artiste of the Year
David Kirton

Best Rock / Alternative Artist
Phillip 7

Best Jazz Album
Arturo Tappin

Best Jazz Artiste
Arturo Tappin

Gospel Artiste
KDB

Rap / Hip-Hop Artiste
Ruby Tech

Best Rap / Hip-Hop Single
Ruby Tech & Damian Marvay- Reasons

Pop / R&B Artiste of the Year
Rihanna

Best Pop / R&B Single
Rihanna- Don’t Stop The Music

Best Soca Collaboration
Kimberley Inniss & Keann- Sweat

Best Non- Soca Collaboration
Ruby Tech. & Damian Marvay- Reasons

Band of the Year
Krosfyah

Producer of the Year
Red Boyz

Instrumentallist of the Year
Arturo Tappin

BMA Media Award- Print / Internet
Andrea King- Nation Newspaper

BMA Media Award- Radio / Television
Hurricane

Best New Artiste
Nard

Best Music Video- Male
David Kirton- Green Camouflage

Best Music Video- Female
Rihanna- Shut Up And Drive

Songwriter of the Year
Dale “Mr. Dale” Rudder

Engineer
Deepu Panjwani

Song of the Year
Rihanna- Umbrella

Album of the Year
Rihanna- Good Girl Gone Bad

Entertainer of the Year – Female
Rihanna

Entertainer of the Year- Male
L’il Rick

People’s Choice DJ Award
Jon Doe

People’s Choice Entertainer of the Year
Rihanna


Congrats to all the winners.

How Rihanna spent her weekend

So the annual Barbados Music Awards were held this weekend (pics to come later) and one noticeable absence was our teen music queen Rihanna. Where was she and what was she up to?

Our girl was at the 2008 NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, France, where she copped the International Song of the Year Award for "Don't Stop the Music".

She also debuted a new cropped do and cut quite an elegant figure on the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals.






Congrats to Ms. Rihanna and good luck at the Grammys on February 10!


Photos: JustJared.com/www.theybf.com

Barbados Music Awards this weekend

On Sunday, the third annual Barbados Music Awards will come off at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, and next week I hope to bring you all the fashion and glitz of the event.

What's new with the awards this year? Well, it's under the patronage of a new Prime Minister (you can click on the poster to see a larger version) and I understand that this year Rihanna, who's nominated in six categories, will not be attending. Don't worry though, there'll be lots of star power at the event...in addition to performances from local heavy weights such as Hal Linton, Krosfyah and Lil Rick, Machel Montano, Beenie Man and Swizz Beats will be performing as well.

Click here for the list of nominees for Sunday's Barbados Music Awards.

Photo: www.boycevoice.com

Mia Mottley sworn in as Opposition Leader

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Mia Mottley, was today sworn in as Leader of the Opposition at Government House.

Mottley created history since she is the first female Opposition Leader in Barbados. She assumed the helm of the Barbados Labour Party after former Prime Minister Owen Arthur stepped down following his party's defeat at the polls last week.

Good luck, Honourable Opposition Leader!


Photo:www.blp.org.bb

The new Cabinet

Hi, peoples! Hope you're all enjoying a great Errol Barrow Day and Martin Luther King Day. As promised (though a tad late, apologies), here's the list of the new DLP Cabinet. It appears to be a solid team and many of the portfolios fit well with the expertise of the new Ministers so all we can do is wish them well and see how things go.


Hon. David Thompson – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Development, Labour, Civil Service and Energy.



Hon. Freundel Stuart – Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs.



Hon. Christopher Sinckler – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business.



Hon. Donville Inniss – Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and International Business.



Dr Hon. David Estwick – Minister of Health, National Insurance and Social Security.



Hon. Ronald Jones – Minister of Education and Human Resource Development.



Dr Hon. Denis Lowe – Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development.



Hon. Patrick Todd – Minister of State
in the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development.



Hon. Richard Sealy – Minister of Tourism.



Mr Haynesley Benn who will be appointed a Senator – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.



Hon. George Hutson – Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce.



Hon. Michael Lashley – Minister of Housing and Lands.



Hon. Dr Hon Esther Byer-Sukoo – Minister of Family, Youth Affairs, Sports and the Environment.



Hon. Steve Blackett – Minister of Community Development and Culture.



Hon. John Boyce – Minister of Transport, Works and International Transport.



Ms Maxine McClean will be appointed to the Senate as Leader of Government Business and as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.



Mr Darcy Boyce will be appointed to the Senate and will serve as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office with special responsibility for Finance and Energy.

Mr Arni Walters will be appointed to the Senate and will serve as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office with special responsibility for Employment, Labour Relations and the Social Partnership. (no photo available)

Congrats and good luck to all!

Photos: DLP/www.signiafinancial.com/www.goddardenterprisesltd.com

Rihanna tats up again + Look who's all grown up

Home girl Rihanna was recently out and about in Los Angeles, shopping and visiting a tattoo parlour. Young, Black and Fabulous had the pics:




Her body is a canvas, I guess....

And look who's all grown up and looking fabulous...

None other than Keshia Knight Pulliam, little Rudy Huxtable of Cosby Show fame. She grow up too sweet.

Well, folks, it's a long weekend here so I'll catch you sometime on Monday. I'll try to post up the new Cabinet as soon as I get the info. Blessings and have a great weekend!

Election results

Well, well, well. Bajans are still recovering from a night which saw the incumbent Barbados Labour Party being swung out of office. They only managed to hold on to ten seats while the DLP captured 20 seats.

Let's do the comparison now and see how close my predictions came:

St. Lucy - Denis Kellman (DLP) WON
St. Peter - Owen Arthur (BLP) WON
St. Andrew - Irene Sandiford-Garner(DLP) LOST
St. John - David Thompson (DLP) WON
St. Joseph - Dale Marshall (BLP) WON
St. George North - Gline Clarke (BLP) WON
St. George South - Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo (DLP) WON
St. Thomas - Cynthia Forde (BLP) WON
St. James North - Rawle Eastmond (BLP) WON
St. James Central - Kerrie Symmonds (BLP) LOST
St. James South - Elizabeth Thompson (BLP) LOST
St. Philip North - Michael Lashley (DLP) WON
St. Philip West - Dr. David Estwick (DLP) WON
St. Philip South - Anthony Wood (BLP) LOST
Christ Church South - John Boyce (DLP)WON
Christ Church East - Reginald Farley (BLP)LOST
Christ Church West Central - Stephen Lashley (DLP)WON
Christ Church East Central - Ronald Jones (DLP)WON
Christ Church West - William Duguid (BLP)WON
Bridgetown - Patrick Todd (DLP)WON
St. Michael North - Ronald Toppin (BLP)WON
St. Michael North East - Mia Mottley (BLP)WON
St. Michael North West - Clyde Mascoll (BLP)LOST
St. Michael Central - Steven Blackett (DLP)WON
St. Michael East - Trevor Prescod (BLP)LOST
St. Michael West - Joseph Atherley (BLP)LOST
St. Michael South - Noel Lynch (BLP)LOST
St. Michael South East - Hamilton Lashley (BLP)WON
St. Michael West Central - Rommel Marshall (BLP)LOST
St. Michael South Central - Richard Sealy (DLP)WON

I guess 20 out of 30 isn't bad, even though I had tipped the scales in favour of the Bees. The biggest surprises for me were the losses of Elizabeth Thompson, Noel Lynch, Reginald Farley and Trevor Prescod. If Owen Arthur had retained the Government he would have had to pick a new Cabinet for sure.

I'll keep you up to date as the new Government is formed and the new Cabinet is rolled out. Congrats and good luck to the new Thompson Administration.

Photo: Prime Minister-designate David Thompson and wife Mara savouring the thrill of victory early this morning at Democratic Labour Party headquarters in George Street, Belleville, St Michael. (www.nationnews.com)

Election predictions

Hi, peoples. Sorry to have left you hanging in terms of the profiles but I wasn't well for a few days. Since time is against us and I have 18 candidates outstanding, I thought it would be easier for me to send you to the BLP and DLP websites to check out the candidates and I would do a bit of predicting on the outcome of tomorrow's elections.

Now, as I said before I'm no pollster or election pundit, nor do I owe any allegiance to any political party. I'm just a sucker for punishment with a blog. All predictions are just my gut feelings and based on feedback, but remember that the electorate can be very unpredictable and a large percentage of persons were categorised as 'undecided' in the polls. Also, we have to allow for any swing away from the incumbent BLP which might occur. If that happens, even the weaker DLP candidates might be elected.

Anyhoo, here're the 30 candidates and my predictions on the winners. We'll compare my list and the real thing on Wednesday. You can view the BLP candidates here and the DLP candidates here.

St. Lucy - Denis Kellman (DLP)
St. Peter - Owen Arthur (BLP)
St. Andrew - Irene Sandiford-Garner(DLP)
St. John - David Thompson (DLP)
St. Joseph - Dale Marshall (BLP)
St. George North - Gline Clarke (BLP)
St. George South - Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo (DLP)
St. Thomas - Cynthia Forde (BLP)
St. James North - Rawle Eastmond (BLP)
St. James Central - Kerrie Symmonds (BLP)
St. James South - Elizabeth Thompson (BLP)
St. Philip North - Michael Lashley (DLP)
St. Philip West - Dr. David Estwick (DLP)
St. Philip South - Anthony Wood (BLP)
Christ Church South - John Boyce (DLP)
Christ Church East - Reginald Farley (BLP)
Christ Church West Central - Stephen Lashley (DLP)
Christ Church East Central - Ronald Jones (DLP)
Christ Church West - William Duguid (BLP)
Bridgetown - Patrick Todd (DLP)
St. Michael North - Ronald Toppin (BLP)
St. Michael North East - Mia Mottley (BLP)
St. Michael North West - Clyde Mascoll (BLP)
St. Michael Central - Steven Blackett (DLP)
St. Michael East - Trevor Prescod (BLP)
St. Michael West - Joseph Atherley (BLP)
St. Michael South - Noel Lynch (BLP)
St. Michael South East - Hamilton Lashley (BLP)
St. Michael West Central - Rommel Marshall (BLP)
St. Michael South Central - Richard Sealy (DLP)

Total - BLP - 18 / DLP - 12.

We'll see on Wednesday.

Candidates for St. Philip North

Michael Lashley - DLP
Michael Lashley must be one of the busiest lawyers in Barbados. You can't turn to the court pages in the dailies without seeing his name mentioned as the legal representative for someone. Whether he will remain the representative for the people of St. Philip North on January 16 is anyone's guess, although I expect him to retain his seat. He better watch out for the 'silver fox', though.


George Griffith - BLP
A big part of politics is public relations, and George Griffith is a veteran at projecting a positive public image. The reproductive health expert and former Consul-General to New York may present Michael Lashley with his toughest challenge yet. This should be an interesting contest to watch.

Photos: BLP/DLP

Candidates for St. James South

Elizabeth Thompson - BLP
Minister of Energy and the Environment Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson can probably write a book about her life in politics so far. One of the shining lights of an early Arthur administration and dubbed one of the three "power puff girls" (along with DPM Mia Mottley and Dame Billie Miller), she was later fired from her post as Minister of Health. She was resurrected politically by Arthur a few years later and appointed as Minister of Housing, before being switched to her current portfolio a year later.

A flamboyant personality, Liz Thompson is highly expected to retain her seat. That is, if she can stay out of trouble between now and the 15th.


Donville Inniss - DLP
Businessman Donville Inniss may be a newcomer to the polls, but he's no stranger to the public eye. The Rotarian and DLP Treasurer was at the centre of controversy in 2001 and it may have come back to haunt him. Good luck with that, Mr. Inniss.

Photos: BLP/DLP

Candidates for St. James Central

Kerrie Symmonds - BLP
It's easy to forget that Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds was once a candidate for the DLP. Sometimes I can't believe that this now staunch Bee once locked horns with Liz Thompson in St. James South.

Well, as they say, that was then and this is now, and Symmonds is trying to retain his carved out St. James Central seat. He can talk up a storm but I hope for his sake he's done more to distinguish himself in the constituency than he has at his Ministry. In my humble opinion, his riding could go either way.


George Hutson - DLP
Chartered Accountant George Hutson may have lost to Kerry Symmonds in the 2003 elections, but he hasn't lost his testicular fortitude; not many people can call PM Owen Arthur a "sorry Prime Minister" and emerge unscathed.

Is this his year? It might be but it all depends.

Photos: BLP/DLP

Rihanna post-Christmas update

I know that quite a few people visit this site for their Rihanna fix, so I thought that in between all the election posts I'd include a post on what our homegirl Rih-Rih's been up to since she was home for Christmas.


According to the blog Young, Black and Fabulous, Ms. Rihanna pulled down about $500, 000 for a Christmas party in Russia. Not a bad payday for 40 minutes work, right?

Then it was back to Los Angeles, where she got in some retail therapy at Barney's.



Hmmm. Wonder if she's shopping for the Barbados Music Awards?

Rihanna also copped the Best R&B Song award for 'Shut Up and Drive' at last night's People's Choice Awards. The awards show was cancelled because of the writers' strike so her award was announced in a taped special on CBS hosted by actress-singer Queen Latifah. Congrats, chica!

Photos: www.telegrah.co.uk/www.theybf.com

Candidates for St. James North

Rawle Eastmond - BLP
Minister of Labour Rawle Eastmond has had several portfolios through which he could distinguish himself and by all accounts he's done a creditable job. I'm on the fence in terms of his chances if there's a swing, but I wouldn't be surprIsed if he retains his seat.


Austin Husbands - DLP
Austin Husbands has had a lot to talk about in St. James North, e.g. flooding and persons blocking access to the beaches there. He's been very visible and vocal leading up to the 2008 elections and hopefully that will land him in the winner's circle.

Photos: BLP/DLP

Candidates for St. Thomas

Cynthia Forde - BLP
If there's a BLP stronghold in Barbados it's St. Thomas, being the former seat of the late Prime Minister J.M.G.M. 'Tom' Adams. It's highly unlikely that the competition will unseat current Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Cynthia Forde.

However, if I was 'Cynthie', as she's popularly called, I would demand this time around that I got a full-fledged Ministry, not this Minister of State post she's been holding down for the past three terms.


Haldene Dottin - DLP
Another DLP first-timer to the polls, banker Haldene Dottin will have a hard time unseating the incumbent Cynthia Forde. If there's a swing he may stand a chance, but I suspect Forde has St. Thomas all wrapped up.

NB: The DLP has made some amendments to its site so unfortunately there're no more links to the DLP candidates' bios. Also, the candidates' photos are smaller.

Photos: BLP/DLP

Things that make you go hmmm on the campaign trail

1. Is Barbados really for sale 'for a bowl of wanton soup' as Prime Minister Arthur claims? He levelled this accusation at the Opposition DLP recently, stating that that party was receiving campaign contributions from Taiwan. The Taiwanese Ambassador in St. Kitts has denied it, DLP leader David THompson has denied it and the man allegedly in charge of brokering the deal, CLICO Chairman Leroy Parris, has denied it.

Maybe it's time we ask all political parties to reveal the sources of their campaign contributions, because this is some funny business for real!


2. Is it me or have the political parties and/or their supporters become more desperate this election year? There're allegations of wiretapping of DLP calls, DLP billboards being torn down (apparently they were erected illegally, so it's all par for the course), and even the disturbing report of death threats against UWI Lecturer Dr. Don Marshall.

Get your act together, people! No matter who wins on January 16 we still have to live on this blessed little rock. When people start believing that their livelihood depends on a particular party, that's when we're going have real issues around here.


3. Is it a coincidence that one week before the General Elections a No Confidence Motion is being brought against DLP candidate for Christ Church East Central, Ronald Jones, in his capacity as President of the Barbados Football Association? Jones is the incumbent in that constituency as is largely expected to retain his seat. Is it also a coincidence that the person who announced the motion was dressed in a bright red shirt, the colour of the ruling BLP? It really makes you go hmmm.

Photo of posters - www.nationnews.com; photo of Ronald Jones - www.dlpbarbados.org

Dare we dream?

I was very excited to learn recently that Presidential hopeful Barack Obama topped the Omaha, Nebraska Caucus and also the Iowa Democratic Caucus, taking about 37% of the vote.

Next stop, New Hampshire on Tuesday. Good luck, Brother Barack!

Photo: Barack Obama celebrates with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia Ann and Sasha after winning the Iowa Caucus (www.theybf.com)

Candidates for St. George South

Ian Gill - BLP
One of the two first-timers facing the polls in the St. George South riding, Ian "Cupid" Gill is a popular DJ on the Starcom Network, and is also a Project Manager and Financial Economist. He can talk up a storm for sure; whether he's convinced anyone to feel the love is another matter.


Dr. Esther Suckoo - DLP
Family physician Dr. Esther Suckoo has come out swinging, and she seems very business-like. If she gets the nod and holds to her promises she should do good things in St George South.


Photo: BLP/DLP

Candidates for St. George North

Gline Clarke - BLP
As Minister of Public Works and Transport, Gline Clarke must be one of the most maligned Cabinet Ministers in Barbados. Complaints about the state of the roads, traffic congestion and shortage of buses all fall on him.

There is a school of thought that the St. George constituencies indicate the political temperature in the rest of the island, i.e., the party that captures St. George usually wins the elections. I've been hearing rumblings in St. George but since the Bajan electorate is highly unpredictable, I'll give Clarke a 50-50 chance.


Colin Spencer - DLP
Musician/entertainer Colin Spencer is well known in Barbados because of his participation in Crop Over. Unfortunately, in my opinion he's always come across as aloof and touchy. I'm not sure that he actually likes people, so I was surprised when I heard he planned to face the electorate.

Well, the DLP machinery must know what it's doing and I'm sure he has many redeeming qualities. He sings like an angel and is a talented lyricist so that's a start. As for his chances...I wouldn't count him out.

Photos: BLP/DLP

Candidates for St. Joseph

Dale Marshall - BLP
Attorney-General Dale Marshall has come a long way from being George Payne's protégé. Like Minister of Housing George Payne and Minister of Health, Jerome Walcott, he began his political life as a Senator before facing the polls.

Since assuming the role of Attorney-General in February 2006, Marshall has had a lot to handle, e.g. the construction of the new prison at Dodds and the tragic cave-in at Arch Cot. It's not that he hasn't done an efficient job; it's just that he had large shoes to fill, assuming the post previously held by Mia Mottley.

But, at the end of the day it comes down to how the candidates are viewed in their constituencies, and St. Joseph has typically been a stronghold of the BLP. If there's a swing , his opponent Randall Rouse may have a chance, though.


Randall Rouse - DLP
Businessman Randall Rouse is one determined fellow; this is his fourth attempt at capturing the St. Joseph riding. You never know what will happen on the day, but I'll be surprised if he pulls it off this time.


Photos: BLP/DLP

Candidates for St. John

David Thompson - DLP
If there's such a thing as a safe seat, then I strongly believe Opposition Leader David Thompson's St. John seat is it. Constituents in that parish have been unfailingly loyal to the Democratic Labour Party for decades, and there's no sign that they plan to change any time soon. Chalk up one seat for the DLP.


Tyrone Power - BLP
I won't be so bold as to say that Agriculturalist Tyrone Power doesn't have a chance in hell of winning the St. John seat. I'd say his chances are as good as Peter Phillip's in St. Lucy or Haynesley Benn's in St. Peter and leave it at that.

Candidates for St. Andrew

George Payne - BLP
One can say that Attorney-at-law George Payne has done well by St. Andrew. In the three terms he's held the seat he's made sure that his constituents have benefitted from his various portfolio changes. That parish has some of the best roads in the island, no doubt courtesy of Payne's tenure as Minister of Public Works. However, his record was tarnished in April 2000 when PM Arthur fired him, and he's been holding his peace on the back bench ever since. (There's a reason why his nickname's 'Silent George'.)

I've been hearing that Payne's re-election is not a sure thing as some people think and I believe the contest for the St. Andrew seat will be one of the more exciting ones. One thing I know for sure; if George Payne isn't re-elected come January 15, he has a lot to fall back on, unlike some other candidates....



Irene Sandiford-Garner - DLP
The woman likely to upset George Payne's apple cart is articulate Marketing Executive and PR savvy Irene Sandiford-Garner. A first-timer to the polls, she's warmed to the task as if she were born to run for politics. She's really taken the fight to George Payne, who may have upset a lot of constituents by his wordless stint on the back bench. I give her an even chance.


Photos: www.blp.org.bb/www.dlpbarbados.org

Things that make you go hmmm on the campaign trail

Prime Minister and leader of the Barbados Labour Party, Owen Arthur, moving through a crush of supporters who converged at Bay Street Esplanade last night.

Since the political parties contesting the January 15 elections here got into full swing over the holidays, there's been non-stop press coverage of their every move, from the whistle-stop tours to presentation of candidates to Nomination Day activities.

Election time or 'silly season' as we Bajans call it provides its fair share of comical and 'hmmm' moments, so I thought that over the next week or so I'd share a few with you. Let me know some of your 'hmmm' moments as well.

1. What's up with political parties making entertainment such a large part of their meetings? I know they want to draw people but they're fooling themselves when thousands of people turn up to their meetings and they believe every person will translate into a vote in their favour. Many of them came to hear the acts for free, trust me.


Leader of the Opposition DLP, David Thompson, making his way through the huge crowd at Oistins on Tuesday night.

2. Did someone really cut the wires to the sound system while Luciano was performing at the DLP's meeting to present its candidates on Tuesday night? The Dems (DLP)claimed that they were sabotaged but the Bees (BLP) refuted their opponent's claim and said it was the failure of the DLP's equipment that lead to the halt of the reggae artiste's performance.

3. What did PM Arthur mean when he stated earlier this week that former Leader of the Opposition and current Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Clyde Mascoll, would be his "co-leader" in a future BLP Government? What will this mean for his current Deputy, the capable Mia Mottley? It really makes you go hmmm.

Photos: www.nationnews.com

Candidates for St. Peter

Owen Arthur - BLP
Many say that Owen Arthur is unassailable in St. Peter and I tend to agree with them. The whole BLP campaign is pretty much built on Arthur's charisma and it appears as though a lot of weak candidates are riding on the 'going with Owen' bandwagon. I think he should be back in Parliament post-January 15.


Haynesley Benn - DLP
Marketing Executive Haynesley Benn should know his opponent pretty well; after all, they are cousins. Benn has the gift of the gab and is very personable, but I don't think he'll be able to depose the incumbent Owen Arthur.



Photos: www.blp.org.bb/www.dlpbarbados.org

NB: I'm only linking the bios of the DLP candidates because I can't find the full bios of the BLP candidates. Feel free to send me a link if you know where I can locate them.

Candidates for St. Lucy

Denis Kellman - DLP
Although he can be aptly described as a loose cannon in the DLP, there's no denying that Denis Kellman is the unofficial King of St. Lucy, or at the very least, Moon Town (the nickname of a district in
St. Lucy called Half-Moon Fort). The shop proprietaire has fended off competition from another local entrepreneur, Gray Broomes of Pizza Man Doc fame, and even Prime Minister Arthur's own brother Richard Arthur, and I'll be seriously suprised if he doesn't win the St. Lucy seat again. I see more sessions of 'Kellmanomics' in our future.

Peter Phillips - BLP

A newcomer to the political fray, banker Peter Phillips will have his work cut out for him in the North. I don't know how many inroads he's made in St. Lucy but the constituents there appear to be a pretty loyal bunch. I hope he can handle defeat well.


Photos: www.blp.org.bb/www.dlpbarbados.org

General Elections 2008

Come January 15, 68 candidates will be vying for 30 seats in Barbados' House of Assembly. Of these, 30 will be fielded by the incumbent Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and Democratic Labour Party (DLP) respectively, four by the People's Empowerment Party (PEP) and two by the People's Democratic Congress (PDC). Two independents will also be contesting the General Election.

Between now and then, I'll be posting up the candidates and discussing their chances at the polls. I'm no political scientist so don't expect any statistics or major extrapolations. That's why we have Peter Wickham and CADRES.

I'll just be giving my honest opinion and gut feelings based on years of working in the media and especially around the local politicos. I'll start in the north in the parish of St. Lucy and work my way down to St. Michael.

Later today, I'll get cracking with the candidates for St. Lucy, the incumbent Denis Kellman of the DLP and Peter Philips of the BLP.

AMENDMENT
I just learned that one of the two Independent candidates, Peter Prescod, will not be contesting the General Election as planned; the poor guy couldn't get anyone to nominate him. Cuh dear.

Happy New Year!

Hi, peoples! Here's wishing you a healthy, prosperous and spirit-filled 2008. May all your dreams come true and may you have the opportunity to fulfill your true potential.

Blessings.