How about we let the PEOP LE choose who their Senators are!!!!!!

Time to come out of the dark ages Antigua, you constantly shame yourself

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Life, Liberty, Security, Enjoyment & Protection. You have read those words when I invoke the Mantra of Canada, France & the US. They are enshrined in A&B's Constitution, yet the People know Not. Everyone can quote, the US's Life, Liberty & The Pursuit Of Happiness. Cultural, Political & Social Penetration without the People being Aware so much so that many confuse the Westminister Parliamentary System for what pertains in the Good Ole USA. If we are to understand our Politicos and their Foibles, it is imperative that atleast we have a cursory understanding of the Constitution of Antigua & Barbuda 1981.
As Skye says Civics & Ethics at the Primary Level.
Go Well! Much Respect!

JFII trust that I have been listening. Thanks also for the references to that document labelled our constitution


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Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! The late John French, Weston, Pookie Davis & Quarkoo preached amongst the People of the Rock. They were despised & forsaken by men, women & children. They were men of African Peoples' Wisdom, sorrows and familliar with suffering. Like many from whom men hide their faces, they were rejected and we esteemed them not.
Not only are some myopic but many including the Black Elites & Politicos are totally consumed by ethical badmindedness - which Drs. Henry & Gordon describe as an ethical discourse in which people are seen as acting out bad motives rather than good ones: "acting out of spite, out of hate, acting with the intention to deceive, to dominate the other or to advance oneself at the expense of another."
If folks would understand the raison d' etre of the IMF it would be so easy to understand what they are doing. Take Social Security, we have already gone the way of NDEX. GoAB In The IMF's NEST Plan has ensured Quote:

the debt will have a lesser value ... mature over a longer period at reduced rate of interest.

Been warning of IMF's Interventions in ABIB (GoAB Spanked for $40.0M Loan) & SS to no avail.
Respect.

your birthright and land is your patrimony,and don't you ever give them up for a few dollars today,and later down the road,you have no right in your own beloved country.St Kitts/Nevis is getting a lot of money right now from the CIP,but within a next 30 yrs from now,born nationals,will be like Slaves,having to take the pittance,and will be second class citizens.
Baldwin,Douglas ,and Skerrit can only see their noses,and y the time the bad effects come around,they will be already dead and gone,not feeling the ripple effects.The Senators were right to stand up on principle.

In this case, the democratic process should make anyone who has anything to do with laws be directly selected by the people. Why? because these laws directly affects us and they are a critical part of our legislature, government.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Senate appointments Contd From The A&B Constitution 1981.
Quote:

4. Quote:

Subject to subsection (7) of this section, one Senator shall be appointed by the Governor-General in his discretion from outstanding persons or persons representing such interests as the Governor-General considers ought to be represented in the Senate.

5. One Senator shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the Barbuda Council.
6. One Senator, being an inhabitant of Barbuda, shall be appointed by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.
7. Before appointing any person representing interests under subsection (4) of this section the Governor-General shall consult such persons as in his discretion he considers can speak for the interests concerned and ought to be consulted.

Oh Gad! Pray Fuh Mi Picknees!

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! As a Young Nation, with a Young Upwardly Mobile and Educated Population, Our Leaders decided to adopt a system rooted in Oppresion of the Aristocracy and included a Senate to mimic The House of Lords. Since we had no Landed Gentry, Aristocracy Old Political Opperatives, they would be appointed from aa Young Population of Politicos, Entrepreneurs & the Black Petit Bourgeoisie.
Quote:

1. The Senate shall consist of seventeen persons who, being qualified for appointment as Senators in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, have been so appointed in accordance with the provisions of this section and such temporary members (if any) as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of section 32 of this Constitution.
2. Ten Senators shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.
3. Four Senators shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Friends the process of self-talk in the echo chamber demands an essential understanding of the debilitative feelings that may interfere with effective communications.
The Senate originates from Ancient Rome cloaked in the wisdom of old men.
In jolly old England it is the House of Lords - the Old Aristocracy. In the US the Senate was meant to be a check by the wealthy, who tended to be old, on the upstart members of the Congress. In Austrailia & Canada, the senates are again the place of the Old Aristocracy & Former Political Operatives. That was and is the Political & Social Construct.
Antigua & Barbuda - Single Legislature 1951. Adult Suffrage. 1967 Statehood. 1981 Independence & the Introduction of the Bicameral System of Governance now with Lower House & Upper House the Senate. and Antigua & Barbuda. Why? Follow The Leader on account of black disorientation, decenteredness and lack of Agency. No one posed the question, What system of Governance would we have developed as an African, English, Portugese, Arab & Taino People on these SIDS if we had not been influenced by British Buccaneers & left to our own Agency.

So am listening to Observer online and hearing Choko Weston on there instead of answering the questions put trying to spread propaganda about Antigua’s UNDP ranking claiming the ranking is lower than Haiti so I went looking for myself. It shows that Antigua is ranked 60 on the Human Development Index out of a total of 187 countries. See
hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/

I am glad he is being challenged by person like Raddy Hill a known ALP supporter even thou the jury for me is still out whether we should proceed with this program

Baldwin Spencer is doing what he was taught as a student of DEMON-acracy, he's simply been DEVILISH, the true root of democracy.

So now PM Spencer is a dictator? Didnt Lester Bird 'fire' Lennox Weston because he decided to stay in the Senate and speak, while his other colleagues walked out? Chups.

Why is everyone pretending that they do not understand that senators in Antigua are simply RUBBERSTAMPS. An appointed Senator is required to be a TEAM PLAYER and and as all players know, whenever you are opposed to the direction of the team you remind yourself that no individual or faction is superior to the TEAM.

An honorable teammate would voice his/her concerns directly to the King of the team and proceed to follow orders.

Those of us who have killed in the name of patriotism do not always believe in the cause, but we do not shirk our duty, we suck it up and do our job. They understood from the begining that their job was to rubberstamp, so Antigua people need to stop confusing ego **al TREACHERY with bravery.

There is no honor in disobeying the king over the sale of passports, after you have remained silent or supported much worse. What did you say on the WPP, fencing scandal, Royal Antiguan giveaway sale, and all manner of corruption.

If you want us to truly believe that you found Jesus, COME CLEAN ON EVERYTHING ... WAITING FOR THE TELL ALL INTERVIEW ...

@ Mac and skyewill. (CIP) Bill. They going to collect Mafia money and can't send them their passport and you can imagine what's next? skyewill you talking only about paying for one Passport and not receiving it? (True Stories). Me paid into Social Security thousands of hard earn cash $$$$/money they robbed out of my pay check each pay day all my working life over the years and now me retired the same government workers who eat off all me money they thief now fumbling to find some to pay me back the crumbs they left. Me looking for a good lawyer to bring a class action suit against them. Care to join up? I recommended some months back that they need to close the Ponzie-Madoff SS scheme down and pay back people their money now. If I had placed that Social Security money on the bank myself or keep it under the pillow I would have about a millions$$ from investing to retire. This is highway robbery by Government and the Social Security stooges and they have the balls to want to increase the payment and delay the retirement age to rob us some more.

fnpsr, how is it working for you: Your (US) ability to elect senators? You claim I don't want change, but ignore that I am advocating a change. Currently the PM selects most of the members (I think 10 of the 13). I am suggesting that this stop. Instead let civil organizations (NGO's) select the majority of the members. In essence its still the people choosing who they desire.

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You are being silly, however if you care to know I, ME paid for my pass port a few years ago and I have still not gotten it. (true Story) They pass port office can't even process people who born in Antigua much less.

crying for Antigua is something I can not do because you are a lost child and you will never learn. You keep having the same thing having to you over and over, so why do you need help. I see the same thing happen to you over and over .No one will stand up and say that is enough. They did it in Africa, America South America,and,Ind ia and many other country but the only on that no one that no one do anything is sit with you tail between your Antigua. Antiguan how much people must walk on you before before you stand up and take back what is yours.

I suggest you are either joking, mad or just plain mischievous!

If America, the senate, does not get anything done, why do we all want to leave and live in USA? why is USA the most power country? Why have so many things been done/completed

I don't understand how electing Senators will help things. Since getting kicked out of the UK, Antiguans have consistently elected Antiguans, resulting in a thirty year reign of error. If allowed to elect Senators, Antiguans will make the same disastrous mistake.

Wadadli Blogger says, "Maybe we should look at associations, groups and communities to appoint senators to represent the whole aspect of society. We can use the Barbuda council, bar association, teachers,police , [governor] general, leader of government, leader of opposition, business, contractors, taxi, bus, hotel, environment, disabled, clergy, rasta community. We get all of the groups to elect a representative and then we GOOD TO GO!!!" Wadadli Blogger, you forgot one group. It is called the "Good People of Antigua & Barbuda", which will encompass all the groups you mention. So wheel and come again!

And by the way, there are only one hundred Senators in the US, i.e., two from each of the 50 states.

Much Respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."

What about the passports that John Allen Mohammad was selling to Allah only knows who? Remember, there was no published report (like SIB) so there's obviously somthing the GOAB is hiding?

My Way of Helping, I strongly agree with you. The problem I see is that certain folks are afraid to call a spade a spade and to empower the people. This nonsense about NGO's selecting Senators is ludicrous. Give the power to the people and in this way, the the elected official is not beholden to anyone except the good people of Antigua. Instead of trying to improve the system, some folks like it just the way it is. Then they can wallow in the confusion and the chaos. It is time to step up to the plate and fix the inherent problems facing Antigua or we will still be talking about them fifty years from now. The names of the politicians will change, but the issues of today will still be there.

Much respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."

I just read your explanation and yes, it makes sense, not to make part of it so political but in reality, it will always be political. Because it will always be political, the power should be given to the people. I must say it works in other countries, USA, and it empowers the people and give a bit more accountability.

Honestly, i do not know what NGO, is it negro group organisation? do not give an acronym and expect it is universal. I prepare the people having the power.

Tenman, who select the NGO who can vote and select senators?

I am always so amazed by the pronouncements of some antiguans on certain issues which are always in conflict with reality. Like the notion that our passports are not for sale. Honestly? Who in ANtigua and Barbuda has received a free passport. You have to buy it and if you dont have money you can't own one...and as a matter of fact the passport after you purchase it is not even yours....it remains the property of government and government can take it back from you whenever you misuse or contravene what it is intended for. And citizenship to persons outside of Antigua is listed in the constitution - so what if the CIP costs more? As long as there are guidelines to prevent criminals from getting here - go right ahead and i am a friggin born Antiguan.

@Cool Ruler ... If King Baldwin is not a dictator why didn't he call a press conference instead of coming and giving his National televised speech full of venom?

Let's get it straight and be honest ,,, King Baldwin is a wanna be dictator but people like you are keeping quiet which is enabling him to slowly turn into a full fledged dictator that Sasha Cohen's character in the movie "Dictator" would be proud of!!!

MY WAY OF HELPING do you know what NGO's are? The people will in essence choose their senators via organizations like the churches, the unions etc. What'** of electing the lower house and then electing the upper house? Seems like you are creating a duplicate and desire gridlock. My reading of the purpose of the senate is unlike the lower house it should not be as political. my way of helping, when persons are propelled by election cycles, sometimes they tend not to think long term (all about the now) The hope is that the senate would be able to help them regain perspective.


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I see allot of commenters on here and hear allot of people speaking about we should elect senators. Well can you imagine if a couple of "elected" senators with "political aspirations" or "political affiliatons" get together and decide that they are gonna make it hard for a particular Prime Minister/ Administration to govern (like how the Republicans behaved towards Obama) ... Nothing would get passed and nothing would get done and the Prime Minister would be a lame duck!!! Specially when you realise we only have 17 senators ... America has over a hundred senators and they can still do it!!!

Maybe we should look at associations, groups and communities to appoint senators to represent the whole aspect of society. We can use the Barbuda council, bar association, teachers,police , governer general, leader of government, leader of opposition, business, contractors, taxi, bus, hotel, environment, disabled, clergy, rasta community. We get all of the groups to elect a representative and then we GOOD TO GO!!!

I humbly believe the power should be in the people's hand. I know it is part of our nature to be more giving to our family and friends and because of this, yes, society will suffer. So, it is best they choose who represents them, make laws, implements it, in the senate.
If senators will be selected by goverment, elected officials, then we do not need them because as you see, if they vote otherwise, they will loose the job for aother person who will say yes. So, why not just let the elected person say yes, if we are not going to make the people vote for the senators and save money from paying senators?

You get what i mean a bit?

It is a shame when grown folks are penalized for voting with their conscience. I thought we lived in a democracy. It just goes to show half a dozen and six is the same thing.
I thought the Sunshine government was supposed to be a government for the people. However, they have proven that power truly corrupts. I applaud the senators for standing up for what they believe. Why can't the Prime minister and his allies see that this citizenship for sale business will bring down the country. The US is just waiting for something to use against us.
It is time for the government to represnt the people and not their own self interest. It is time to stop getting rich at the expense of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

Notes From A native Son Of The Rock! Quote:

5. There shall be inserted in any bill that is submitted to the Governor-General for assent in pursuance of this section any amendments that are certified by the Speaker to have been made in the bill by the Senate in the second session and agreed to by the House.
6. There shall be endorsed on any bill that is presented to the Governor-General for assent in pursuance of this section the certificate of the Speaker signed by him that the provisions of this section have been complied with.

Money Bill or No Money Bill, will the Constitutional Experts and Legal Beagles speak on the issue to a "Bewildered & Bemused Electorate".
The Question Still Stands: Once the CIP Bill is Passed, Notwitstanding The Objections of Many Antiguans, Will It Ever Be Repealed By a Vote In Parliament - Lower & Upper House? If Not, Will The People exercise their Rigt to Challenge In The Court or Through A Referendum?
Too many are hiding behind "De Rebuilding of De Barriers" or more polite Paliamentary speak "the Veil of Deception".
Oh Gad! Pray Fuh Mi Picknees!
Go Well! Much Respect!

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Quote:

3. For the purposes of this section a bill that is sent to the Senate from the House in any session shall be deemed to be the same bill as a former bill sent to the Senate in the preceding session if, when it is sent to the Senate, it is identical with the former bill or contains only such alterations as are certified by the Speaker to be necessary owing to the time that has elapsed since the date of the former bill or to represent any amendments which have been made by the Senate in the former bill in the preceding session.
4. The House may, if it thinks fit, on the passage trough the House of a bill that is deemed to be the same bill as a former bill sent to the Senate in the preceding session, suggest any amendments without inserting the amendments in the bill,
and any such amendments shall be considered by the Senate and, if agreed to by the Senate, shall be treated as amendments made by the Senate and agreed to by the House; but the exercise of this power by the house shall not affect the operation of this section in the event of the rejection of the bill in the Senate.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! RESTRIC TIONS ON POWERS OF SENATE AS TO BILLS OTHER THAN MONEY BILLS. 55.-
Quote:

1. This section applies to any bill other than a money bill that is passed by the House in two successive sessions (whether or not Parliament is dissolved between those sessions) and, having been sent to the Senate in each of those sessions at least one month before the end of the session, is rejected by the Senate in each of those sessions.
2. A bill to which this section applies shall, on its rejection for the second time by the Senate, unless the House otherwise resolves, be submitted to the Governor-General for assent notwithstanding that the Senate has not consented to the bill: Provided that-
a. the foregoing provisions of this subsection shall not have effect unless at least three months have elapsed between the date on which the bill is passed by the House in the first session and the date on which it is passed by the House in the second session; and
....

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! In PT4 of comments Never Let A Serious Crisis Go To Waste this Mere Voice in the Wilderness opined that there was a defining Convergence of Agreement between ALP & UPP. No one must be fooled by the Dissonance.
That conflict is being created with talk of "money bill" should be resolved through the Constitution of which most of us are not scholars.
RESTRIC TIONS ON POWERS OF SENATE AS TO MONEY BILLS.Quote:

54. 1. If a money bill, having been passed by the House and sent to the Senate at least one month before the end of the session, is not passed by the Senate without amendment within one month after it is sent to the Senate, the bill shall, unless the House otherwise resolves, be presented to the Governor-General for assent notwithstanding that the Senate has not consented to the bill.

Where are TheConstitution al Lawyers & Parliamentarian s to Guide Us?

Well King Baldwin just about got rid of all the UPP original members ... Tim Hector, The Donald & now Papa Lazy ... Daniel lucky he won his seat or he would of gone long time also!!! Lovell better fall in line or he next ... Chairman or not ... they better remember when it comes to King Baldwin " he can take party advice, executive advice and this and that advice but at the end of the day "ah fu he decission" !!!

Question is ... when is the UPP gonna get rid of King Baldwin the dictator? Or are they gonna wait for the public to get rid of all of them in 2014?

MY WAY OF HELPING your 2013-02-23 17:25 comment finds me in disagreement. I think since we already have an elected parliament (lower house) why also make the upper house as political? The change I will humbly suggest is to allow NGO's to select most of the senators. Their job would be to ensure loop holes are closed and that the issue is properly looked at. I have no problem with the continuance of the senate not being able to stop a law from being passed but to delay it. The delay could help ensure more soberness from our elected MP's.

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@Cool Ruler ... Are you saying that in 1993 or before when VC Bird was at the head of government that he had CTV block all channels for his speeches?

Well if you can tell us that ... can you tell me when CTV was created and when was VC Bird's last National televised speech? Or at least one such instance/speech you speak of?

JFII, my understanding is they can vote down a none money bill (the CIP should have been a money bill but for some strange reason was not). However, the lower house can bring the bill again during the next session and it is not required to go before the senate. I suspect this (delay tools) was all done with the intention of giving the lower house more time to be sober since they are more likely to be driven by political considerations.


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Cool Ruler, I am told by persons close to the PM that he is a believer in guided democracy. You come across as someone who seems to sit at his breakfast table, do you not know this? Is it that you do not know that guided democracy is simply a sweet sounding term for an authoritarian government? Many in government (current and former) see the electorate as children to be manipulated. The manipulation is carried about through the use of the media (propaganda) and its something the nazis were very good at. Cool Ruler perhaps you prefer the safety of a lie since it fuels your hate but that fire will do you harm in the long run.

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Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! fnpsr, some say, Quote:

The Deed is Done, The Doers Undone!

Others say, Quote:

I have done the deed. Did'st thou not hear a noise?

Yet Others with glee shout Quote:

Out, Out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts & frets his hour upon the stage & then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound & fury signifying nothing.

CountryWomen/Me n, What's Next? Senators have Resigned, Been Disappointed & Will be Appointed. The Bill will be Tabled, Debated, Passed without Ammendments & Assented into Law. Will It Ever be Repealed! You Be The Judge!
Rastas, Many are blaming the Good Hon Dr. PM. for a flawed Structure & System. Avoid confusion of US political processes creeping into your own political, social & cultural thinking due to US cultural penetration.
If you do not think it is Good Governance, Transform The System.
Every person to vote for every one running for elected office regardlees of party affiliation with no constituency. Fewer MP's, Reduce Cabinet. Abolish Senate. Build Community, Municipal Councils.
Oh Gad! Pray Fuh Mi Picknees!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but when people come on hear daily chatting cap about dictatorship, they really have no idea what dictatorship is. I will not bother to mention the countries around the world that has such but will come closer to home and ask you guys to speak to persons from Haiti under Papa and Baby Doc or the Dominican Republic under Trujillo and understand what dictatorship is. If Spencer was **ator, Caribareba would not be available to allow you freedom of speech to cuss him or slander and asssinate peoples character. Not even if you use a moniker like myself.
I am quite sure all the dictator nonsense being mentioned hear, when he was making the address the other night, all the cable channels were not blocked out and his address carried on them as CTV use to do when VC was making one. Talk about who was a dictator.Nonsen se

You know Mr PM,I think you,re stucked between a rock and a hard place.Anyway you turn this scenario its over. With all the IMF moneys,taxes,lo ans etc you,re broke,this was your last straw to grasp,without this money your Govt is sure to collaspe. You fired your senators for voting against it,we all know you will install your stooges and will do all to get it through.Since it is not just your senators that are against it,we the people will fire you for forcing it upon us,So hope you understand , YOU,RE DONE,it makes no sense postponing the inevitable,you are better off calling elections ASAP.

FNPSR,I would like the NEW C L to CALL A NO CONFIDENCE VOTE AGAINST PM Dr Dr Spencer.
But first he WOULD HAVE TO TELL THE NATION OF ANTIGUA BARBUDA and for that matter THE REST OF THE WORLD the REASON HE GAVE FOR NOT SUPPORTING THE FORMER Comrade Leader (CL).
I wish Ms G Christian WELL and ALl THE BEST.Be strong.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! After the Court Rulings for Election Results 2009, questions were posed to operatives of both parties. Why did they not see an opportunity to make Transformative Changes to the Constitution & System Of Governance, rather than continue on blindly with the "First Past The Post". To a man, they saw no need & were quite comfortable with the system since it favoured the Paramountcy of the Governing Party. One Executive Apparatchik did admit that the Constitutions of All these SIDS were cogged, lacked much Original Thinking & Agency.
Tenman, The Upper House must approve Bills from the Lower House for such to be passed. It is clear the Senate has no Veto Power. They may delay the passage of a Bill by ammendments but may not sit forever on the Bill. Given the Senate's appointment process & composition, it is expected that Senators would undertake detailed review of Bills passed by the Lower House, that GoAB of the Day, must always be conscious, notwithstanding rigging the appointees in their favour, Bills must get through the Senate where the "party line" is more flexibe than in the House. ALP & UPP disagree with the last point.

Why not use the likes of the Golden Girls, Monica Dear, Louisa Tully and Valerie Pole....

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! In the rush to Independence, all of these English Speaking Caribbean SIDS, who were neither Masters of their own Destinies or Drivers of the political, economic, social or technological evironments, wholeheartedly embraced the Westminister System of Governance holus bolus, lock stock & barrel, with a wigged judiciary - oh how their brains must have itched - to enshrine dominance of a system the people were yoked to & chafed under. No one sought a New Dispensation. No Transformation! It was business as usual with Tinkering around the Edges.
It is abundantly clear that the Antiguan & Barbudan framers of the Constitution were mindful of the past condition of the 95% people of African Descent - More then. They Enshrined Protect ion Of Right To Personal Liberty in Article 5 and Protect ion From Slavery & Forced Labour in Article 6. Notwithstanding the Significance of 5 & 6, no one in these Caribbean SIDS asked the question, What system of Governance would we have developed as an African, Indian & Taino People on these SIDS if we had not been influenced by North Atlantic Buccaneers & left to our own Agency.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Friends, Here is the Link to The A&B Constitution: www.ab.gov.ag/pdf/ab_constitution.pdf
Skye, The GG has & will play her role. Her One Permitted Appointee under Article 28.4 has not been affected. Issue Closed.
Dessalines, Quote:

Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus; and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and Peep about to find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates:The fault, dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underlings. Julius Caesar

Some will argue, that it is neither fate nor the Constitution & The Westminister Parliamentary System complete with Lower House & Upper House of Senators skilled in exercising "Sober Second Thought" that makes us Underlings, but our Own Weaknesses. Save for one appointed Arab, Parliament is made up of the 95% of African Descent.
How do the 95% of the People - a Bewildered & Bemused Electorate - of Antigua & Barbuda set about to appreciate & realize a constructural adjustment to their Location in Time & Space, given their disorientation, decenteredness & lack of Agency?

The Prime Minister finally has a voice or should i say balls, when the nation has been pleading and bawling for him to say something about the IMPORTANT issues that are taking down the country e.g: THE ECONOMY< THE CHINESE INVASION< CRIME, he stays DUMB........... .WOW Baldwin now you talking, something you once opposed when the ALP brought it to the fore, (oh I see the pattern REMEMBER "The White Elephant",now Mt St. John's)......WO W now all of a sudden you want to implement it,get some ideas of your own.........You should be thanking these senators they made a sinking party look good, they show that integrity still exists in you PARTY.
They stood up for what is right, they prove that they have more balls than you..... but you know why you need this bill passed, it's a classic case of putting the horse before the cart.....you know that the wheels are in motion so if this bill isn't passed you are in BIG trouble........ ....Money dun pass, passports dun processed.

senators be elected by the people

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! The title comes courtesy of Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, former Congressman & Chief of Staff to Prez Obama. His words to fellow Democrats in selling the $825 billion "stimulus": Quote:

You Never Let a Serious Crisis Go To Waste. And what I Mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.

It is clear that this A&B 'Crisis" of "Matter Of Senators" & CIP "Stimulus" Bill is & will be the "Giant Sucking Sound" you will hear as it ** the Oxygen out of every conversation & discussion "In Time To Come." up to & including 2014.
Two Days Ago, The Venerable Pompey in what may be a Seminal Op Ed: Confusi ng Public Policy with Party Politics provided readers with a most important "Learning Opportunity". In this, "awesome, superlative analysis! Educative, practical, wise & pro-democracy" work, RP's wisdom was given to Comrade Leader, Sen. Greene & to such esteemed parliamentarian s, this mere voice added MP Lake.
Some Say one of our Heros Opined "we are not a reading public", let's cast that in History's dustbin & Read The Constitution Of Antigua & Barbuda, 1981.

I remember writing some years a go, during the electoral commission debacle, that if we allow individuals the right to single-handedly chip pieces off our constitutional rights, then they will one day decide to not chip, but break off, chop off, bite, chew and then spit out our rights. Many refused to talk because it was political opponents this man attacked, but now...he does not care. Nobody hAb none right in Antigua/Barbuda but Baldwin Spencer! Now imagine if he behaves this way because the persons he appointed disagree with him, now take into account the clause in the CIP propsd bill, where he is given the right to make decisions based on his discretion? "Heaven help mankind!"

People tend to be on their best behavior in public, and if this is his best behavior, then woe to those who live with him!!! We as Antiguans/Barbu dans need to take swift and decisive action...if we continue to allow this man to get away with, "A fuh me decision" we will find ourselves slaves. I can not see any fair minded, democratic philosopher supporting the actions of the PM. Is he above criticism...peo ple can't "Tark as you like!" No more? Where are all the previously loud, patriotic NGOs. Dem got cheese in dem mouth or were/are they just pretend upholders of justice and fairness?

The PM is a narcissist xoxioxaxh...if he can be ruthless, unforgiving with those he rubs shoulders with, eat with...then imagine how he would treat the rest of us who are not close to him, whether we subscribe to his philosophies or not. I can imagine this man at home? If in public he is so ill-mannered, rude, vindictive and wicked, then imagine him at home.

I know at least 3 of the proposed senators personally, and if they accept dr dr pm appointment then they will loose all credibility and respect in my eyes.

Here is the definition of a dictator. I don't think there can be any doubt that it fits our PM perfectly.

Quote:

The term "dictator" is generally used to describe a leader who holds and/or abuses an extraordinary amount of personal power, especially the power to make laws without effective restraint by a legislative assembly

It goes on to say.....

Quote:

Dictatorships are often characterised by some of the following traits: suspension of elections and of civil liberties; proclamation of a state of emergency; rule by decree; repression of political opponents without abiding by rule of law procedures

Is this what we have to look forward to under Baldwin Spencer and the UPP?

WELL IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIME DAT BALWIN SHOW HE TRUE COLOR.... SO WE REALLY GONE BCK IN TIME... CANT EXPRESS OURSELVES ANYMORE.. WE GONE BCK TO THE DAYS WERE ITS PUPPET AND PUPPET MASTER... HAVE YA FUN NOW BALWIN CAUSE U THE PUPPET MASTER BUT AH TELL U THE PUPPET STRING DEM GO CUT SOON AND U GOT FART...

Politics without principle is like religion without sacrifice.The good 4senators lost their jobs as they ignited the fire for change and that fire must be kept burning to safeguard our democracy.
Each of the founding fathers of the UPP has fallen out with this tyrant,even his own friends.Time to get rid of spencer either in the upp upcoming convention or a vote of no confidence if the few wise ppl want the party to survive for our democracy and ANTIGUA to move forward.

"THE WORLD WILL NOT BE DESTROYED BY THOSE WHO DO EVIL, BUT BY THOSE WHO WATCH THEM WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING".

this just show us as antiguans , that we cant go against our now government or else ! smdh

The time may be right for a "no confidence vote". I hope the new Comrade Leader is taking note. With some persuasion, the CL may be lucky in picking off a few UPP votes in the Lower House. As I recall, there was some talk of a few voting with the opposition the last time it was being considered. CL, now is the time to strike. Strike while the iron is hot, while the UPP is in some disarray. To use an american football strategy, it is time to call and 'audible' or to go a "hurry up offense". The idea is to catch them off-guard, so they cannot regroup.

"Let's fix the little things woth RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."

this action the PM took, where the senators is concern, going to cost him in time to come

You sound so foolish.One thing,you are right his backbone is showing,his covering is finally ripped off his back,revealing all. A dunce dictator.Which tells me one thing about you,and it is, you are dunce to.

Would these replacements really want to work with or in his mind for a dictator like Bakdwin Spencer? Where is the integrity that Antiguans/Barbu dans use to pride themselves with...,Woe to those who constantly sell their patronage and souls for a few moments of pleasure, power and money! Dem will meet it...read the story of Ahab...and dem will know!

The newly elected senators would be looked upon as sheeps being led to the slaughter. Now is not a good time to be appointed senator by the P.M. Who ever is ask should turn down his request.

Too often we try to convince our selve**le Antigua is a democratic state - IT IS NOT. Political reprisal is alive and well. We need to demand a balanced government - CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES TO REQUIRE ELECTED SENATORS is long overdue. The upper House has been nothing but a rubber stamp for the presiding administration for decades. Now one of the few times that the Senators oppose their "bosses" (no bias), the blade has dropped. There can't be any BALANCE in government when senators are chosen by political parties with the expectation to have no opinion. I am well aware that the Senate has no veto power but the action of the 4 is in no way a veto - there actions to the lower house is REVISE THE LANGUAGE.

Please tell these people not to take the Job, they will listen to you. Antigua and Barbuda must see the evidence that this man is not fit for Power?

If the UPP candidates continue to run with this prime minister, they are as evil and horrible as him, please everyone, take it from "MY WAY Of HELPING" boycott UPP party, do not ever acknowledge it in the election, ever. I do not want to hear, no more than 1 vote was given to UPP. Listen to me, save yourself everyone, when i act and speak it is for the benefit of all, Listen to me all. please listen, sit and analyse.

Dessalines, he swallowed the poisonous pill. No idea if this was the plan but it surely is having the affect any opposition would desire

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Maybe Balwin should get Leroy King to be Senator. It's clear he's never leaving Antigua !

Congrats Mr. Lewis, well deserved.
Congrats to the others also.

As the saying goes "the things change the more they remain the same." Before any "replacement" of the Senators, the people of this country deserve to be heard on CIP bill! If it was "dead-on-arriva l" in the Senate the first time around, it shouldn't be resurfaced again in Parliament with the newly appointed Senators! We don't need no more "Causalities-of -Westminister" at the hands of the Chief Servant! Is eaither the people get a "vote-of-no-con fidence" or calls for "early general elections," which should be held in three months. It is either that or 'constitutional reforms referendum' in the land?

The Govt is corroding internally/exte rnally.The ship is almost at the bottom of the waters,Antigua is clearly heading towards total collapse,it is quite clear to anyone with an IQ of 75 that the sitting govt led by Baldwin Spencer has lost its way and cannot manage the job it was employed to carry out.Political preference aside,i am at a complete loss why anyone who is educated and claim to be Intelligent would remotely consider defending/suppo rting/alligning themselves with a corrupt collapsing regime who is taking the country down the road of destruction.It can only be two reasons for this ,either these people are seeking to fill their pockets or they are not as smart as the world thinks they are.

How can someone apologize and you accept their apology and all the bla bla bla ramblings and still resign. Politicians really take us for jack** especially the ones who really cant think for themselves. Total bull** and it **es me off when they come with this nonsense. David Massiah and maleka Parker were forced to resign thats what it is but respect to Colin Derrick and Anthony Stuart who stood up like a man for what they believe in and hence their appointments were revoked.
As a grammarian this morning my heart is heavily burdened to see David Massiah apologizing for what he believes in and making himself a total Jackass to the people and the world and this man suppose to represent workers in this country. My old headmaster Mr Alphonso A Osbourne have to be very upset at his home right now because he is a strong man and he stand up to anyone for what he believes in no matter who it is especially for us at the time going to Grammar School. The Ministry of Education could not run rough shod over him. Fons i know you reading this because you one of my Facebook friends and i feel your pain also...........

Stand4something or fall4anything.. .I salute the 4senators,they stoodup for something,if that dr dr pm really wants to know the will of the ppl on the CIP then let the referendum run.Again your time is up...just get going dictator.

Antigua & Barbuda the actions of the Prime Minister is a travesty to our already crumbling democracy and border lines in essence dictatorship...

He seems to misunderstand that in our very Westminster System that the Senate is not there for rubber stamping, but acts as a final point of reasoning for any laws or policy that will enacted and affect the lives of our people and our society...

The PRIVILEGE he is offered to be empowered as Prime Minister to do what he did, is by the grace / support of the people's representatives in the House of Representatives and he can lose that privilege as he has taken from the Senators, who have all voted against the CIP bill in the priority interest of the people vs his political party...

His actions are noting but the result of the obvious lack of civic education by not only himself, his colleagues, our society more importantly our political system...

It's time that as citizens we unite and execute a national dialogue to confront his actions and tell our representatives to revoke his appointment as Prime Minister... maybe then he will learn...

Political strategies and their outcome will decide a party's future.

We need Constitutional reform, Senators should be elected not appointed they hold one of the highest position in our Parliament.

I could never understand why, but now I do, Senators dont work for the ppl they work for the person that appoints them. If they were elected the PM could not remove them ....Oh well now we see and i hope we take action agains nonsense in the future to better democracy

In this democracy if the senators do not want to sell the country’s passports to whomever, from wherever, for whatever $$ then use some political commonsense and withdraw the proposal and move on. Why go after the senators in this way? You must expect opposition in a democracy. Everyone do not see eye in a democracy for good reason. Only in a dictatorship senators are force to agree with the supreme leader. I recommended before that it is best to call the election early and hear what the people think of your UPP government.

The late Senator Tim Hector who, went to a international conference in the UK on the recommendation of the then High Commissioner to London, Sir Ronald Sanders, was unceremoniously dismissed and thrown out of the UPP which he helped to create, by this dictator. The late Donald Halstead, acting as Counsel to Dato Tan whose investment this dictator had opposed on the grounds of excessive concessions, took the matter to court and loss, also threw Halstead out of the Party before he died. The sale of our Passports is worst than any tax incentives Lester and the ALP granted to Dato Tan. He asked us to oppose the extensiveness of the incentives granted, the four Senators are simply asking us to oppose this Dictator with the selling of our Passports and we should, without taking political sides, agree with them God Bless Antigua and Barbuda.

Would these new senators be able to debate on the bill? Or that's it for the CIP bill?

Watchful though I agree the man must be congratulated for going in accordance with conscience, national hero accolades go too far. There are, for example, single mothers who make a similar choice every day, not to whore themselves. I have a problem with Mr. Derricks "laid back style" because to my mind its laziness: I recall his laid back style leading him to complain after the elections (or at least at the last minute) about not being able to find voters. It was also at work during the Gary Nelson debacle which saw the police chief rightly complaining about lack of resources and operating without a contract

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Big up to Balwin. Finally showing some backbone who don't like it, well too bad

The Prime Minister has played his hand and clearly has not weighed the consequences of his actions. Not only has he entrenched the widely held view that he is a dictator, but he has succeeded in bringing national attention to his lack of leadership skills.
Even more interesting is the expected role of the persons who will be named as replacement senators. Are there still men and women in this country who are simply prepared to go along to get along; who will act against the majority position in selling our passport? I await the appointments and join the rest of the country in awaiting their actions.

After reading both of CA articles on this issue to save what is left of my beautiful Antigua and Barbuda, I now recommend the they suspend the constitution or do what is legal here and call early election. We have no confidence in this UPP government. Who is advising the Prme Minister? They need resigning too. I am crying at the moment and cannot concentrate to type anymore today. God bless Antigua and Barbuda.

Seems to me as if one union official sheepishly resigns to be replaced by another union official. Baldwin boy, your pickings seems slim, slim, slim. Well based on your press release, we know that the “proposed” new senators will be in favour of selling our birth-right. AND HERE IT IS WE THOUGHT THAT SOME OF THE “PROPOSED” NEW SENATORS HAD DECENCY AND CLASS. I AM SO GLAD WE FOUND OUT DIFFERENT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.

The Prime Minister have finally purged ALL of the Derricks from the United Progressive Party. With the removal of Colin "Councillor" Derrick, one of the founding members of the UPP and former candidate who did not receive any help or support in the constituency he was choosen to serve, the Baldwin Administration have once again disrespected a very capable and talented Antiguan. This is not the first time he has ben disrespected. He was unceremoniously removed from being the Minister responsible for Social Transformation because he refused to be a part of the Administration' s policy to victimize and fire persons who did not back the ruling party. To his credit he NEVER engaged in any corrupt or illegal act which is presently the downfall of his colleagues in the UPP. Colin Derrick laid back stlye of quiet integrity and his stand on the horrible CIP legislation, has truely made him a natioal hero! Congratulations to you Mr Derrick and God bless you and the others who stood with you.

Further evidence, if indeed any is required, that the "Westminster Parliamentary Democracy" system is in fact not democratic, but is a Prime Ministerial Dictatorship. Don't do what the Prime Minister orders, go home!

I am total agreement with the 4 senators that stand up for what is right in the sight of God. When this country is fester with maf^^^^ we all will be wipe out.