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