Comment history

Stapedius says...

I can definitely agree with that. All I'm saying is I think trying to link individuals within the firm to this is inappropriate. I guarantee you any of the other firms would have done the exact same. But again I agree with you, the PM really needs to get on top of things. I honestly feel like he is somewhat lazy. Then he tries to be all things to all people. It simply can't work. My issue with this situation is though, that it shows how easily we can be distracted in this country. We have so much work to do as a people and we just get side tracked with these stupid issues. Deal with it and lets move on. We have tendency to ruminate over issues for far too long in this country.
Then we really need to get a handle on all these leaks. Someone needs to go to jail for all these leaks.

On UPDATES: NIB report cost govt $861,000

Posted 15 May 2013, 9:22 p.m. Suggest removal

Stapedius says...

Exactly spoiter. Its amazing to see how people are letting silly politics in the way of the big picture. I say they all did some wrong in this and should be reprimanded appropriately. But its like Cargill wants to attack anyone who questions what went on at NIB. I would agree that this is an exorbitant amount for an audit. But, if it had been done in-house I think the legitimacy and independence would have been jeopardized. What's weird though is the Tribune not perusing the audit and reporting on those findings. Instead, they choose to go after the government on its cost. The point is, yes the government should be questioned on the cost. But equally important is what was found in the report. If this isn't biased reporting I don't know what is.

What's even sillier is that people appear to be attacking Grant Thornton and its management. I don't see why its necessary to keep calling these people's names as if they even actively dealt with the report. Yes, they may be in management positions, but it doesn't mean that they personally compiled the reports. We are too personal man. Grant Thornton, like PwC, Ernst&Young, Deloitte&Touche is a reputable accounting firm. I think they all do a fine job of auditing and accounting. So please lets try to give people some credit and stop calling everyone political cronnies. These guys may not even bother with politics or care about either major political party.

On UPDATES: NIB report cost govt $861,000

Posted 15 May 2013, 6:11 p.m. Suggest removal

Stapedius says...

@Thisisours. This why we really need to start pushing for more oversight in our Parliament. We all know that successive governments have pillaged and raided the resources of this country. That's why I say we need to make some amendments to the constitution for an autonomous agency to monitor the transactions of our governments. We always have this back and forth blame game when a new government comes in. We also need to restrict the powers of the PM from unilaterally making appointments for some key positions. Perhaps we need to even go further in making sure that the PM cannot take on the role as Finance Minister. And, whoever does become Finance Minister is properly vetted and there is continuous Parliamentary oversight.

On Claim over award of contracts

Posted 15 May 2013, 12:15 p.m. Suggest removal

Stapedius says...

Totally agree. Politics aside, it seems like a house cleaning is in order. Cargill, Gibson and the rest need to go. Its now a he said, she said game. Can we the Bahamian people just get some service?

On Claim over award of contracts

Posted 15 May 2013, 12:01 p.m. Suggest removal

Stapedius says...

@vincep. I agree he has missed the boat, but what's new about that with Minnis. Not the biggest Ingraham fan here, but jeez he was far better than this joker.

The economy is bad and it does contribute to crime. But things have to be viewed in context. Look at where and when this crime took place? In any city, it is simply not safe to be out on unfamiliar streets at this hour. Who were these women and where were they going at such an hour? Honestly, would most people go out in the strange parts of NYC, LA, Chicago, Detroit or even MIA for that matter? This is truly a sad situation to happen to visitors and Bahamians. The solution is multi-faceted and jobs alone won't stop crime. The social mindset and lack of good education has a lot to do with this mess we're in.

Stapedius says...

So true. The government is not serious about collecting revenue. There is no ease of doing business in the country. Not sure why these people are paid when nothing gets done. It truly is a restriction to commerce.

Stapedius says...

Why is there always so much turmoil in our sporting organizations? The BAAA for many years has shown up in the press for some leadership battles. I believe the last time was Sands vs. Hollingsworth. Seriously, please sort it out. We are so proud of our Bahamian kids Carifta performance. What kind of example are we setting to our kids when the adults can't work together? Please, lets move beyond the bickering. World Championships is near and we need everyone on board.

Stapedius says...

Back to blame game we go. As far as I'm concerned its not even about party. Because I think supporters of both major parties feel let down and disappointed. Not matter what side your on it seems like there's a circle of people in this country who only take care of there own. This goes across party lines. It really is sickening. They cut dirty deals and we suffer for it. Meanwhile their kids get the best education and opportunities. Something has to happen in this country.

Stapedius says...

Not every discussion has to be about race or nationality CC. The fact is the gaming laws are in fact discriminatory to Bahamians. It isn't racist or xenophobic to state the facts and it appears that's what Bastian is saying here. Now you may disagree with him or even the idea of gaming in this country but it is unfair to call every argument in support of putting Bahamians first, xenophobic or racist. We agree on a lot of things CC, but you allow your politics to constantly be on the attack of the PLP or anyone appearing to be in their support. Fact, gaming in the 'Bahamas' should be in large part owned and operated by Bahamians. Just as gaming in the United States is largely owned by Americans. There's no xenophobia there. Sure there should be and we welcome foreign investment. But foreign investment should not be to the detriment of the Bahamian business owner.

On Web gaming ‘belongs to Bahamians’

Posted 29 April 2013, 9:03 a.m. Suggest removal

Stapedius says...

True, the issue isn't his age and I don't know the man so I wouldn't accuse him of anything. But I do know that the youth of this country is fed up with government lies about training etc. Both FNM and PLP bring back these old foggies when there are qualified, innovative young Bahamians to do these jobs. So stop selling this story that foreign companies won't train Bahamians because Bahamians won't train Bahamians. Look at the cadre of Ambassadors recently sent. The same old stock of people. Nothing new nothing fresh. The FNM did the same bringing back people who have milked this country for years. The fact is, and many Bahamians who have worked in government would can attest to this, is that there is simply no training from the "so called" experienced service members. They act as if they're indispensable and no one else can do the job. We need a proper training program for civil service. Mr. B has been is service for many years are we are thankful for his service but when is enough enough?

But its not only in government. There are executives in this country who have held positions that no Bahamian has ever held in international companies yet we have a huge generational gap in qualified Bahamian executives. The hotel industry is a classic example. The few Bahamian hoteliers and GMs have done nothing to promote and protege young Bahamians in that industry. Its all for me baby. I suppose that they love the feeling of parking their fancy vehicles on the hotel door and hearing the valet boys say "the boss reach or you can't park there that spot for the boss." Pathetic.