Parliamentary Question relating to the recent closure of the Weston Fire Station laid in Parliament 13th June, 2017

2016-04-18 Letter to Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture

Re: Required repairs to Tennis and Basket Ball Courts and facilities at the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve

2015-04-24 Letter to Ministry of Education, Science, Innovation and Technology

Re: Request for School Traffic Warden to be Located at St. Boniface Nursery School, Sion Hill, Highway 2A, St. James

Re: Petition from Residents of Sion Hill, Saint James Requesting Authorities to Urgently Remedy Problems Created by Severe Flooding

Download PDF Version

Download PDF Version

Tuesday February 25, 2014 Your Ref. is: W.34 / 1986/13

The General Manager
Barbados Water Authority
Manor Lodge Complex
Green Hill
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Sir

RE: Excessive Water Pressure Bearing down on Plumbing Systems of Households in Lower Carlton, Saint James

I refer to our previous correspondence on the above-captioned matter ending with your response dated 25th October last year to me.

Four months have passed since that time. I therefore now write kindly requesting you to inform me as to the findings of the investigations conducted by your Authority’s Engineering Department.

I look forward to receiving your written response in the very near future.

Yours faithfully,

_______________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North

cc. The Residents of Lower Carlton, Saint James

Tuesday October 15, 2013

The General Manager
Barbados Water Authority
Manor Lodge Complex
Green Hill
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Sir

RE: Excessive Water Pressure Bearing down on Plumbing Systems of Households in Lower Carlton, Saint James

I write this letter on behalf of some of my constituents resident in Lower Carlton, Saint James.

These constituents, who include Messrs. Adolf Mayers, Corey McClean, Michael Joseph, Ellerton Collymore and Glenroy Bacchus as well as Misses Carmen McClean, Arlene McClean, Ria Harris and Ione Drakes, have briefed me on the issue of an extremely serious water pressure problem which is impacting negatively on their water bills and on the integrity of respective plumbing systems and homes.

My constituents inform that their district is plagued by severe water pressure on the plumbing systems in their homes. The problem has been particularly accentuated within the last year. This problem has continued in spite of your organization placing water pressure valves on some of the water meters in the area and in spite of constant repairs by respective homeowners to their plumbing systems.

My constituents have been advised by their respective plumbers that the fault lies squarely and comprehensively with your Authority. It may be related to some defect concerning the pumping station which serves the district.

I myself have noticed water flowing, presumably from some burst pipes down the main road along the stretch commencing from just above the Anglican Church Rectory, on many occasions when I travel through the district.

This situation has resulted in an astronomical increase in the monthly water bills of these customers. Furthermore, they have had to pay huge plumbing repair costs in addition to repair or replacement costs of fridges and washing machines. Furthermore, there invariably exists water damage to and cracks in their houses.

My immediate request is for the BWA to thoroughly and concertedly investigate this issue with the objective of having this dire situation solved in the very near future. My second comment is that I have advised my constituents that they have a prima facie case against your organization to recover monetary compensation for their respective losses and for reimbursement of the excessive payment which they have made to it over and above what they used to be charged before this problem magnified itself.

I look forward to hearing from you within twenty-one days of the date of this letter outlining a strategy leading towards a solution of this serious circumstance.

Yours faithfully,

_______________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North

cc. The Residents of Lower Carlton, Saint James

Thursday January 9, 2014
The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Transport and Works
Pine East-West Boulevard
SAINT MICHAEL, BB11000

Dear Sir

Re: Dangerous Rock Along Road in Gibbs Hill Saint James / Saint Peter

I refer to my letter dated October 23rd last year written to you relative to the above-captioned matter. I have not even received an acknowledgement of receipt thereof, far less any concrete response as of today’s date although over 2 ½ months have passed since that date.

I enclose herein the below photos of this very dangerous rock protrusion:

I therefore now write kindly request receipt of a written response by the end of this calendar month.

Yours faithfully,

_________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for Saint James North

cc. The Residents of Gibbs, Saint Peter

The Residents of Rock Dundo, Saint James

The Honourable Michael Lashley, M. P., Minister of Transport and Works

October 23, 2013

The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Transport and Works
Pine East-West Boulevard
SAINT MICHAEL, BB11000

Dear Sir

Re: Dangerous Rock Along Road in Gibbs Hill Saint James / Saint Peter

I write this letter bringing notice to your Ministry of a protruding rock formation at the side of the public road along Gibbs Hill, Saint James / Saint Peter below Rock Dundo Main Road.

The presence of this protruding rock is very dangerous to both motorists and pedestrians who respectively drive and walk along this section of the road. It indeed makes it quite difficult to see vehicles which are approaching in the opposite direction. I am aware that there have been many serious accidents at this location due to the presence of this rock.

Many of my constituents who reside in the vicinity have expressed grave concern on this issue. It will not cost much money to remove this danger. I can email you two pictures of this area in the event that you believe that such may be helpful in identifying the exact location.

I kindly request that your Ministry investigate this matter in the very near future.

Yours faithfully,

_________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for Saint James North

CC. The Residents of Gibbs, Saint Peter

The Residents of Rock Dundo, Saint James

Wednesday September 25, 2013

The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of the Environment and Drainage
Pine North – South Road
Pine
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Sir

RE: Petition from Residents of Sion Hill, Saint James Requesting Authorities to Urgently Remedy Problems Created by Severe Flooding

I refer to my earlier letters dated 23rd October and 6th November, 2012 as well as 11th September, 2013 written to the Director, Drainage Division of your Ministry and copied to your office relative to the above-captioned issue.

I now enclose herewith a Petition from the residents of Sion Hill, Saint James on this matter. The residents hereby respectfully request the Drainage Division and any of the other government agencies responsible to urgently address and remedy what has become a nightmare in their lives whenever there is a heavy downpour of rain in their district.

My constituents in Sion Hill as well as in the other affected areas of Saint James North have reached a point of desperation. They are now living in the fear of their future livelihood and of the future integrity of their properties.

I sincerely hope that the relevant agencies of Government will treat this matter with the seriousness which it deserves. I am of course available to assist in any way possible and look forward to receiving your Ministry’s cooperation.

Yours faithfully,


_______________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North

cc. The Honourable Dr. Denis Lowe, M.P.
Minister of the Environment and Drainage

The Director, Drainage Division
Ministry of the Environment and Drainage

The Residents of Sion Hill, Saint James

Download PDF Version

Wednesday May 22, 2013

The General Manager
National Petroleum Corporation
Wildey
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Sir,

Re: Request for Meeting to Discuss Installation of Natural Gas in Districts of Saint James North Constituency

I write this letter in my capacity as the Parliamentary Representative for Saint James North.

I herein kindly request a meeting with you and your appropriate senior officer(s) to discuss the probability of natural gas being installed in certain areas of Saint James North constituency in the near future.

I am aware, for example, that residents of Bakers, Lower Carlton and in the Mount Standfast area have made requests to your organization for this facility.

I look forward to soon hearing from your office on this issue.

Yours faithfully, _________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North

CC. The Residents of Saint James North

Download PDF Version

Wednesday September 11th, 2013

The Director
Drainage Division
Ministry of the Environment and Drainage
Pine North – South Road
Pine
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Sir

Re: Severe Drainage and Flooding Problems at Sion Hill, Lower Carlton, Doughlin Road, Weston and Rock Dundo in Saint James during Rainy Weather Conditions

I refer to my earlier letters dated 23rd October, 2012 and 6th November, 2012 written to you relative to the above captioned matter. I can trace no written response from your department to the latter letter even though we have indeed communicated subsequently by the way of telephone on these issues.

Two of your officers did indeed visit with me these affected areas, and other districts in Saint James North such as Trents Tenantry, Westmoreland, Doughlin Road and Rock Dundo, on Wednesday 17th April this year. Certain actions were agreed to be taken in each case to attempt to alleviate the extremely severe effects of flooding and drainage issues after heavy rainfalls.

I am, however, aware that all of these mentioned areas continue to be significantly affected under the circumstances, with the quality of lives and the livelihood of many of the residents being threatened.

I now write kindly requesting you to inform me in writing as to the status of your Division’s efforts to alleviate this problem in each of the above-mentioned districts since five months is long enough time, in my submission, for strategies to be devised and implemented to deal with the matter.

.

…../2

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours faithfully,

________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North

cc. The Honourable Dr. Denis Lowe, M.P.
Minister of the Environment and Drainage

The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of the Environment and Drainage

The Residents of Sion Hill, Lower Carlton, Doughlin Road, Westmoreland, Trents Tenantry and Rock Dundo, Saint James.

Download PDF Version

YOUR REF: D.D.11

Tuesday 10th September, 2013

The Director
Drainage Division
Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage
Pine North – South Road
Pine
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Sir

Re: Severe Drainage and Flooding Problems at Trents, Trents Tenantry and Church Point Saint James during Rainy Weather Conditions

I refer to our earlier correspondence relative to the above captioned matter, ending with your letter dated 27th April, 2012.

During the course thereof, you indicated that your Ministry was “in the process of finalizing grant funding to implement the recommendations of the 1996 Drainage Study which remain viable, as well as to devise and implement new strategies, taking into account climate change. This programme is scheduled to commence within the current financial year.”

I, therefore, now write kindly requesting you to inform me as to the status of this “grant funding” as well as the implementation of these “new strategies,” since we are now well into the financial year following your letter.

You are no doubt aware that the very severe flooding and drainage issues continue to be an extremely serious problem in these districts.

I look forward to receiving your written response in the very near future.

.

…../2

YOUR REF: D.D.11

Tuesday 10th September, 2013

Re: Severe Drainage and Flooding Problems at Trents, Trents Tenantry and Church Point Saint James during Rainy Weather Conditions

Yours faithfully,

________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North

cc. The Honourable Denis Lowe, M.P.
Minister of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage

The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage

The Residents of Trents, Trents Tenantry and Church Point

Download PDF Version

Wednesday April 3, 2013

The Director of Environmental Protection
Environmental Protection Department
Ministry of Environment and Drainage
NUPW Headquarters Complex
Dalkeith, ST. MICHAEL

Dear Sir / Madam

I write this letter on behalf of my constituents of Upper Mount Standfast, Saint James.

I attach hereto a copy of the letter dated 27th February this year which many of them have written to me drawing my attention, inter alia, to a health hazard existing in their neighbourhood.

They further inform that around three (3) years ago the Ministry of Health placed a notice on the property on which the mentioned derelict house is situate, calling on its owner to clean up the property and its environs. Nothing has been done to so clear the property or to demolish the house. The notice was removed, allegedly by the person responsible for the property.

I am also informed that the property may be owned by a Ms. Carmen Johnson-Hewitt (Barbados ID# 5705070083), who lives overseas. No one has resided on the property for the last ten (10) years.

I kindly request your Department, or any other relevant Government agency, to investigate this matter and to remedy this nuisance to my constituents in the near future.

Yours faithfully,

_________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament – St. James North

Encs.
CC. Principal Environmental Health Officer
Maurice Byer Polyclinic

Maurice Gaskin
Senior Environmental Health Officer
Vector Control Unit

Residents of Upper Mt. Standfast

Download PDF Version

Wednesday April 3, 2013

The Director
Rural Development Commission
Bridge Street
BRIDGETOWN

Dear Sir

Re: Request for Installation of Electricity Pole in Brathwaites Road, Sion Hill, Saint James

I write this letter on behalf of my constituents in Brathwaites Road, Sion Hill, Saint James.

I hereby kindly request your Commission to use its good offices to request The Barbados Light & Power Co. Ltd. to install a functioning electricity pole in Brathwaites Road, Sion Hill, Saint James (the second-closest electricity pole thereto is numbered JDE396 and is situate to the east of this area). The residents complained that the area is very poorly lit and that at least one female has been attacked on the road in recent times.

You are of course free to contact me in the event that you require any further information or details in this regards.

Yours faithfully,
_______________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament – St. James North

cc. The Campbell Family, Brathwaites Road, Sion Hill, Saint James

The Holloway Family, Brathwaites Road, Sion Hill Tenantry, Saint James

Mrs. Sonia Thompson-Alleyne
Chairperson
St. James North Constituency Council
Weston Resource Centre
Weston, SAINT JAMES

Download PDF Version

Wednesday April 10, 2013

The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Transports and Works
Pine East-West Boulevard
St. Michael

Dear Sir,

Re: Request for Installation of Traffic Lights and of Pedestrian Crossings by Highway 2A / Westmoreland / Waterhall Junction and Along Sion Hill / Upper Carlton / Bakers Sections of Highway 2A Respectively

I write this letter on behalf of my constituents in Westmoreland, Sion Hill, Water Hall, Upper Carlton in Saint James and Bakers in Saint Peter.

Many of my constituents who reside in these areas have expressed grave concern on the following issues:-

1) The need for traffic lights to be installed and be operated at the Highway 2A / Westmoreland / Waterhall junction;
2) The need for pedestrian crossings further north of that junction along Highway 2A in the Upper Carlton, Sion Hill and Bakers Road.

In the first instance, vehicular traffic emerging from Westmoreland unto Highway 2A or attempting to go straight across the highway to Waterhall / Apes Hill has tremendous difficulty in so doing during peak hour traffic periods. This is also the case where vehicular traffic emerging from Waterhall / Apes Hill attempts to turn onto Highway 2A or travel west across the highway into Westmoreland.

Consequently, more vehicular accidents occur at this junction that ought to be the case.

In the second instance, it is of prime significance that this area is quite heavily populated and comprises a primary school, Gordon Greenidge Primary School, and a nursery, St. Boniface Nursery. Both young children going to school and adults traversing the highway to, for example, go to the bus stops have great difficulty in so doing, particularly during peak-hours.

I, therefore, write kindly requesting your Ministry to address these areas the very near and foreseeable future to the benefits of the affected residents.

I thank you in advance for you co-operation on these matters.

1/…

Wednesday April 10, 2013

Re: Request for Installation of Traffic Lights and of Pedestrian Crossings by Highway 2A / Westmoreland / Waterhall Junction and Along Sion Hill / Upper Carlton / Bakers Sections of Highway 2A Respectively

…./2

Yours faithfully,
_________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament – St. James North

CC. The Hon. Mr. Michael A. Lashley, M.P., Minister of Transport and Works
Ministry of Transport and Works

Mr. Virgil Knight
Chief Technical Officer
Ministry of Transport and Works

Mr. Randolph Outram
Director
Rural Development Commission

Mrs. Sonia Thompson-Alleyne
Chairperson
St. James North Constituency Council

The Residents of Saint James North

Download PDF Version

Wednesday April 10, 2013
Chief Town Planning
Town Planning Department
Block C
The Garrison
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Sir

I write in my capacity as Member of Parliament for St. James North, to arrange a formal meeting with you at the soonest available time.

As a new Parliamentary representative, I wish to gain a better understanding as to how your department functions, requirements or application procedures to assist constituents and to foster a working relationship with relevant officers. A major topic that I am eager to discuss and understand is that regarding the Zone One Policy, as it largely affects many areas within my constituency.

I look forward to your favourable response regarding a meeting in the near future.

Sincerely

_______________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson
Member of Parliament – St. James North

Download PDF Version

YOUR REF: CZ01/11/1

Thursday September 12, 2013

The Acting Director
Coastal Zone Management Unit
Bay Street
SAINT MICHAEL

Dear Madam

RE: COASTAL MANAGEMENT IN ROAD VIEW, SAINT PETER

I refer to our earlier correspondence relative to the above-captioned matter, ending with your letter dated 29^th August, 2012 to me.

In the course thereof, you indicated that “there are some shoreline enhancement works which require review and this process is currently being managed by the Town and Country Development Planning office, with technical advice provided by our department”.

I now write kindly requesting you to informassw q12 me in writing as to the status of the review.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours faithfully,

________________________________
Edmund G. Hinkson, M.P.
Member of Parliament for St. James North

cc. The Honourable Dr. Denis Lowe, M.P.
Minister of the Environment and Drainage

The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of the Environment and Drainage

Download PDF Version

January 11, 2013

Dear Constituent,

My connection and association with Persons with Disabilities is deep, long-lasting and very personal. In fact, it has been a natural aspect of my life since the day when I was told that my younger sister had been born with a hearing and, consequently, a speech impairment. I was and remain extremely close to my sister. Her disability has shaped my thinking and character significantly.

I therefore vowed from an early age that I would do my best in whatever way possible to help improve the quality of life of Persons with Disabilities in Barbados.

That pledge led me, shortly after returning to Barbados from my legal studies in 1986, to enroll as a member of the Lions Clubs of Barbados. It was this service organisation which primarily established the School for the Deaf, now known as the Irving Wilson School, the School for the Blind and assisted in the foundation of the Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre.

Over the last fifteen years, I have volunteered as a legal and policy advisor to many of the associations and bodies which seek to advance the cause of Persons with Disabilities in Barbados. I also served for three years between 2005-2008 as the Deputy Chairman of the National Advisory Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Today, Persons with Disabilities continue to hold a very special place in my heart and I remain as committed as ever to assisting them in any way to live improved lives.

My vision and hope is that Persons with Disabilities in our Country will live in a just society providing them with opportunities for more expansive education and vocational training, greater avenues for meaningful employment, better social security arrangements, adequate housing and public transportation, easier access to the built physical environment and better facilitation for special sporting and recreational activities. I am exceedingly proud to be one of the few persons publicly pushing for the enactment in Barbados of Disabilities legislation.

I will, with God’s help, continue to fight passionately for these rights as long as I have the strength, capacity and ability to do so. This is one of the main motivating factors for my entry into elective politics.
A vote for me and for the Barbados Labour Party would ensure that the agenda for enhancing the quality of life of Persons with Disabilities is achievable. I therefore look forward to receiving your support and vote as well as the support and vote of your care providers, relatives and friends in St. James North so that I can have the opportunity to be your next Parliamentary Representative and to further advance your interests, this time at the level of government policy.

Yours faithfully,

_________________________
EDMUND G. HINKSON
Caring Committed Capable

Download PDF Version

January 3, 2013

Dear Constituent,

Congratulations on reaching the age of being able to cast your vote for the first time. I know that it will be a very special occasion for you to enter that polling booth during the upcoming General Elections which are due to be held by mid-May, 2013.

My name is Edmund Gregory Hinkson and I have been chosen as the Barbados Labour Party’s candidate for St. James North, your constituency. I am aware of some of the concerns and challenges of the youth, being the father of a daughter and a son, both under the age of twenty one. I hope that you are positively involved in your community’s development through sports, culture, church, a service club or any other worthwhile venture. It is also not too early for you to be associated with a political organization. It is my heartfelt wish that you join my Party and me on this exciting journey to improve the quality of life for you and for our citizens.

I look forward eagerly to meeting and interacting with you in the near future, if we haven’t yet met. We can then share ideas, policies and plans on how best we can together make life better for you and for all of the young people in our constituency as well as in our country.

I wish to share in your interests, encourage your involvement and support and earn your vote to be your next parliamentary representative.

Yours faithfully,

_________________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON

Download PDF Version

November 19, 2012

 

 

The General Manager

The Transport Board

Weymouth

SAINT MICHAEL

 

Attention: Ms. Sandra Forde

 

Dear Madam,

 

Re: Lack of Adequate Public Transportation Servicing The Whim and Ashton Hall, Saint Peter

 

I refer to my earlier letter dated 18^th April this year written to you relative to the abovecaptioned matter.

 

I now write thanking your Board on behalf of the residents as well as on my own behalf for now agreeing to implement an additional bus service to the Whim and to Ashton Hall, Saint Peter from this month.

 

I look forward to receiving your Board’s continued co-operation as I seek to improve the quality of lives of the people of the Saint James North constituency.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

_______________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON

EGH: mal

 

Cc. The Honourable Rawle Eastmond, J.P, M.P.

Download PDF Version

October 1, 2012

 

 

The Director

Drainage Unit

Ministry of Drainage

Pine North-South

SAINT MICHAEL

 

Dear Sir,

 

Re: Severe Drainage and Flooding Problems at Lower Carlton and Sion Hill, Saint James During Rainy Weather Conditions

 

I write this letter in my capacity as the Barbados Labour Party Candidate for Saint James North in the upcoming General Elections. This constituency includes Lower Carlton as well as Sion Hill and their respective immediate environs.

 

As your Department and Parent Ministry are both undoubtedly aware, the said areas are both subject to very severe flooding and drainage issues whenever a heavy downpour of rain falls, even for a period of just fifteen minutes. This problem has been on-going for a number of years. It has been accentuated, in the case of Sion Hill, by the construction of houses above this area which have diverted the natural course of the water unto the properties of some residents living in this district.

 

The majority of residents who are affected by these flooding conditions are, understandably, by now totally frustrated by what they consider to be the failure of Government to address this issue and to alleviate this problem.

 

I have taken notice of the fact that your Department has employed additional workers within recent times in an attempt to buttress the labour force required to address this type of problem nationally. I sincerely trust and hope that this part of Barbados is given priority by your Department in this regard. The quality of life of a large community of tax-paying Barbadians is at stake.

 

I look forward to receiving your Department’s response as to when you reasonably expect that this matter will be dealt with. I trust that it will be in the very near future.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

_______________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON

EGH: mal

 

Cc. The Minister of the Environment and Drainage

 

The Honourable Rawle Eastmond, J.P, M.P.

 

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Drainage

 

The Residents of Lower Carlton and Sion Hill, Saint James

 

Download PDF Version

August 9, 2012

 

 

The Director,

Coastal Zone Management Unit,

Ministry of the Environment and Drainage

Bay Street

BRIDGETOWN

 

Dear Sir,

 

Re: Coastal Management in Road View, Saint Peter

 

I write this letter in my capacity as the Barbados Labour Party’s Candidate for Saint James North in the upcoming General Elections.

 

Some residents or Road View, St. Peter have expressed concern over the presence of stones and boulders which have been illegally placed on the beach in the area by some of the property owners. The placement of these structures has had the effect of diverting the course of the sea to the extent that neighbouring properties are now experiencing a harsher impact therefrom during adverse weather conditions than was previously the case.

 

 

 

These residents are understandably worried that their respective properties are now at risk of serious damage as a result of these actions by others.

 

Furthermore, these structures now prevent and hinder accessibility to all parts of the beach in the area.

 

I therefore write kindly requesting your Department to investigate this state of affairs. I am of course available to supply any further information or assistance which I can possibly supply.

 

I look forward to receiving a written response from you in the near future on this matter.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

________________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON

EGH: mal

 

Cc. The Honourable Rawle Eastmond, J.P., M.P

 

The Honourable Denis Lowe, M.P, Minister of the Environment and Drainage

 

 

Download PDF Version

June 28, 2012

 

 

The Director

Rural Development Commission

Bridge Street

BRIDGETOWN

 

Dear Sir,

 

Re: Request For Installation of Electricity Poles in a) Westmoreland, Saint James and b) Upper Weston, Saint James

 

I write this letter in my capacity as the Barbados Labour Party’s Candidate for Saint James North in the upcoming General Elections.

 

I hereby kindly request your Department to use its good offices to request the Barbados Light & Power Co. Ltd. to install functioning electricity poles in the following districts in the constituency of Saint James North, viz.

 

1) Westmoreland, Saint James (the closest electricity pole thereto is numbered KDB592). This area is on the main road leading to the Highway 2A/Westmoreland junction, and

 

2) Upper Weston, Saint James (the closest electricity pole thereto is numbered KB0295). This area is through a gap off of the main road.

 

You are of course free to contact me in the event that you require any further information or details in this regard.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

______________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON

EGH: mal

 

Cc. The Honourable Rawle Eastmond, J.P., M.P

 

St. James North Constituency Council

(Attention: The Chairperson)

 

Download PDF Version

May 30, 2012

 

The Director

Rural Development Commission

Bridge Street

BRIDGETOWN

 

Dear Sir,

 

Re: Request To Repair Home of Melda Ramsey in Clarke’s Road, Ashton Hall, St. Peter

 

I write this letter in my capacity as the Barbados Labour Party’s Candidate for Saint James North in the upcoming General Elections.

 

I write this letter in support of the earlier request by Miss Melda Ramsey of Clarke’s Road, Ashton Hall, Saint Peter which was made to the Rural Development Commission since 2003 or thereabouts for repairs to be carried out to her home in which she resides.

 

Miss Ramsey is a fifty-two years old blind person. She is unemployed. The roof of her home is in terrible condition and is badly in need of repairs. She is also in need of indoor toilet and bath facilities, since her present such facilities are outside in the yard.

 

Her thirty year old son, Mr. Ryan Ramsey, is the only other occupant of the house. His occupation as a bartender does not provide him with the financial resources to fully undertake the repairs on his own accord.

 

I sincerely hope that your Commission can assist her on this matter in light of the circumstances of her case.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

______________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON

EGH: mal

 

Cc. Mr. Ryan Ramsey

 

Download PDF Version

May 4, 2012

 

The Chief Town Planner

Town and Country Planning Department

The Garrison

SAINT MICHAEL

 

Dear Sir,

 

Re: Issue of Zone One Policy in Parts of the Constituency of Saint James North

 

I write this letter in my capacity as the Barbados Labour Party’s Candidate for Saint James North in the upcoming General Elections.

 

Large sections of this constituency, including parts of Upper Carlton, Rock Dundo, the Whim and Ashton Hall, are situate in areas where a Zone One Policy is applied by your Department. The application of this policy has far-reaching implications on the quality of life, both socio-economic and recreational, on a substantial number of residents in this constituency.

 

I now write kindly requesting a meeting with you so that I can be more fully briefed on the issues informing this Policy from your Department’s viewpoint.

 

I sincerely trust that you can accommodate me in this regard in the near future and I look forward to meeting with you.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

______________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON

EGH: mal

 

Cc. The Honourable Rawle Eastmond, J.P., M.P

 

Download PDF Version

Download PDF Version

October 18, 2011

 

 

The Clerk of Parliament

Parliament Building

Heroes Square

BRIDGETOWN

 

Dear Sir,

 

Re: Submission On Prevention of Corruption Bill, 2010 to Joint Select Committee of Parliament

 

I submit this Memorandum pursuant to the invitation of the abovecaptioned Committee of Parliament. I now write as follows:-

 

1. CONSTITUTIONALITY OF LEGISLATION

 

Out of an abundance of caution, any legislation relating to disclosure of personal financial affairs should expressly declare that it applies even although it is inconsistent with the Protection of Rights and Freedoms Section (s) of our Constitution. The Trinidad and Tobago Integrity in Public Life Act adopts this position.

 

Such a provision of course means that the Act would need to be passed by a two-thirds majority of both of our Houses of Parliament. This ought not to be a hindrance, since both political parties have in the past publicly expressed their commitment to have such legislation on our statute books.

 

2. METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OF PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION COMMISSION

 

I do not believe that any Commission members ought to be appointed by the Head of State on the advice of either the Prime Minister or of the Leader of the Opposition, as is the case (two members in each instance) being proposed by the existing Bill. I believe that three members of the Commission (i.e. those other than the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, The ICAB recommendee and the BBA recommendee) ought to be appointed by the Governor General acting in his own discretion.

 

In fact, there is precedent for this position since in Antigua and Barbuda all three members of the Commission are appointed in such manner.

 

I also believe that the Commission ought to have seven members only, rather than eight. An even numbered Commission can result in the Chairman having a casting or second vote which, in my submission, is not in the full interest of democracy.

 

 

3. DECLARATION OF AFFAIRS

 

Section 12 ought, in my submission, to be amended to make it clear that the assets, income and liabilities mentioned consist of those both inside and outside of Barbados.

 

4. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM DECLARANT

 

The person to be appointed as examiner under Section 14(3) ought also to be appointed in the Governor General’s sole discretion and not by the Governor General after consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

 

5. DECLARATION BY POLITICAL PARTIES

 

Section 17 of the Bill, which speaks to this issue, is impractical in its present form. To mandate the two political parties in Barbados to file declarations stating the name and address of every financial contributor to them is not realistic and is unworkable. A more sensible approach would be to mandate such where the contribution is over a certain threshold, for example $50,000.00.

 

Other challenges to such legislation are how would you value truthfully a contribution which is in kind rather than in money, what happens where the contribution is given to an election candidate who does not win his/her seat and who does not fall within the definition of “a person in public life” and what happens where the contribution is made to a political foundation created to financially assist the election candidate or Member of Parliament.

 

This Section, in my submission, definitely needs more thought. This issue ought perhaps to be dealt with by Campaign Financing legislation rather than by Integrity legislation.

 

6. PRIVATE SECTOR CORRUPTION

 

In my submission, legislation creating the post of Contractor General, similar to that existing in Jamaica for example, ought to be also enacted in order to give efficacy to Parts V and VI of this Bill. Without such an Official overseeing the award of contracts by Government or Quasi-Government departments or Statutory Boards which are over a particular amount, these provisions will be to a large extent toothless and ineffective.

 

7. DEFINITION OF “PERSONS IN PUBLIC LIFE”

 

I do not believe that the President and Chief Executive Officers of registered trade unions per se should be included in this definition. It is, in my submission, both impractical and unnecessary to include trade union representatives within the ambit of this legislation. Additionally why should they be included when there is no proposal to similarly include the high echelons of private sector and employer organizations?

 

I also believe that ordinary members of Statutory Boards and of Government-Controlled Companies ought to be excluded. Only the Chairman and his Deputy need to be included.

 

However the definition needs to be widened to include not only Heads of Government Departments and public officers at the level of Permanent Secretary but also the following:-

 

(a) Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Chief Technical Officers of Ministries;

(b) Police Officers of the rank of Inspector and above;

(c) Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Senior Customs Officers;

(d) Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Senior Inland Revenue Officers, Auditors of the Inland Revenue Department and Senior Tax Compliance Officers;

(e) Deputy Chief Immigration Officer and Senior Immigration Officers;

(f) Heads and Deputy Heads of Divisions of Statutory Boards;

(g) Deputy Commander of the Defence Force;

(h) Deputy Head of the Coast Guard and Senior Coast Guard Officers;

(i) Heads and Deputy Heads of Diplomatic Missions;

(j) Chief Officers of the Prisons;

(k) Members of the Tenders Board by whatever name called;

(l) Deputy Auditor General and

(m) Deputy Accountant General.

 

An examination of the Antigua and Barbuda legislation would reveal that all these categories of persons are included within its ambit.

 

The definition ought also to make it clear that General Managers and Managing Directors of Statutory Boards and Government-controlled Companies are included within the phrase “Chief Executives”.

 

8. PUBLICATION OF NAMES OF OFFENDERS

 

Any Barbados legislation ought, similarly to the Trinidad and Tobago legislation, to provide for the publication after a reasonable period, say six months, of the names of persons in the Official Gazette and in the daily newspapers who fail to file declarations within the stipulated time and without reasonable cause and who are required to so file.

 

Such a provision will, quite frankly, give more effect to this legislation.

 

The Barbados Parliament ought to also provide for the Commission at any time after such publication to apply to Court ex parte for an Order directing such persons to comply.

 

9. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

 

Provision ought to be made for the issue of a certificate of compliance by the Commission to a person in public life on satisfactory compliance with the legislation, if so required by such a person.

 

10. EXEMPTION FROM LIABILITY

 

Our legislation ought, similarly to that of Trinidad and Tobago’s, to exempt the Commission and its members from liability from any action or suit for any matter or thing done under the Act or within the course of their duties.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

It is generally believed that corrupt practices have added significantly to the cost of conducting business with the public sector and government in a substantial number of countries. Barbados needs to ensure that the legislative framework exists to eliminate as much as possible such a notion and to enhance transparency and accountability in our Country’s political and administrative governance. There is no doubt that our Country requires legislation of a similar nature to that being proposed by this Bill. Similar proposed legislation was first brought to Parliament some 30 years ago. Its enactment is now long overdue.

 

Parliament must still, as the legislative body of a small developing state which needs to maximize all its possible human resources, not make the criteria so onerous that persons with worthy contributions to make in public life are deterred from so serving. On the other hand, Parliament also needs to ensure that certain categories of persons holding public office in the Country are brought within the purview of the legislation.

 

I respectfully commend these suggestions to the Joint Select Committee and trust that they would receive its due consideration.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

EDMUND G. HINKSON