The PM used the occasion to address nationals on Wednesday November 5, 2008, at Camden Centre, Judd Street, WC1, London.
Some Londoners are somewhat peeved and others mystified why it took so long for the Hon Prime Minister to visit England bearing in mind he visited the United States on a few occasions albeit Official and otherwise, Toronto and other countries along the way.
The feeling generated among London’s bajans seems to be; we are least important than the others and not on the list of priorities. The Hon Prime Minister did however admit later in the evening that he did actually passed through London on two occasions but was unable to meet or address nationals. One can only conclude such feelings among the bajan population are justified.
In spite of the above concerns, the Hon David Thompson was greeted with rapturous applause from the packed auditorium when he entered, accompanied by two of his ministers, Hon Richard Sealy, Minister of Tourism, Hon Christopher P. Sinckler, Minister of Foreign Affairs’, Foreign Trade & International Business and members of the Diplomatic Corp.
Although the occasion was eagerly awaited but somewhat overdue, their delight and the reception given to the Hon David Thompson and his Ministers can only demonstrate how bajan Londoners feel about his presence and by extension their passion for Barbados.
The evening’s proceedings opened with two somewhat brief but impressive presentations by, the Hon Minister of Tourism, Mr Richard Sealy and Mr Christopher P. Sinckler Hon Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade & International Business. In his presentation, Minister Sinckler vowed among other things, to make Barbados’ Missions around the world more efficient and bajan friendly. His Excellency, Mr Hugh Anthony Arthur, Barbados’ High Commissioner to England, invited the Hon David J.H. Thompson to the podium amidst deafening applause which seemed to go on forever.
In his own inimitable style, Prime Minister Thompson acknowledges the warm applause and proceeded to deliver a well presented and impressive address to his nationals. The Prime Minister spoke for approximately 1 ½ hours and remarked; it was the largest gathering of bajans he has ever spoken to in London, estimated at around 500 people. Although the auditorium consist mainly bajans from London and surrounding areas, they were people from Reading in Berkshire and as far afield as Birmingham in Warwickshire.
The Hon Thompson’s speech was flawless, impressive and inspiring. However two of his topics were met with deafening applause. (1) The PM spoke about the much published and talked about malpractices within the legal fraternity now being permeated in Barbados, and his quest being a lawyer himself, to pay special attention to this occurrence and reverse this trend. (2) The PM expressed his dislike for the term “Returning Nationals” and has instructed his Ministers to refrain from using the term. Prime Minister Thompson believes the term 'Returning Nationals' has a stigma attached to it and sometimes used in a derogatory sense.
Prime Minister David Thompsons’ address concluded with a Q&A session which he handled competently and interspersed with wit and humour.
Mr Donville Johnson, Deputy High Commissioner was the Master of Ceremony.
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In a short impact speech, interspersed with wit and humour, the Hon. Minister outlined areas in which the Barbadian Diaspora, particularly in England can help with respect of developing Barbados.
The minister also stressed the concept of “Returning Nationals” is something he dislikes; it immediately sets off certain prejudices. He think that stigma should be removed….the “Facilitation Unit” seems too focussed on the material side of things, however amidst loud applause from the large gathering, he alluded to the fact he have no responsibility for that area.
The minister said he believes we need to encourage and facilitate a programme for Barbadians living abroad to encourage people to visit… they can market the island. Surveys and polls show, beyond the attractions, it is the friendliness of the people that is the strongest selling point…. they are the main reason why people return to Barbados.
The Hon. Minister concluded how happy he was to be in London addressing the audience, and thanked everyone for their attendance.
Mr Michael Carrington MP, Speaker of the House of Assembly (Barbados) was introduced to the audience.
Members of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) present were: Mr Ralph Taylor (Chairman), Mr Stuart Layne (President) and Mrs Petra Roach (Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Europe).
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This is Dr Estwick’s first visit to London albeit in an official capacity, and he took the opportunity to address Barbadian nationals and bring them up-t0-date with matters relating to health care and the challenges, including the problem plagued Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The Hon. Minister spoke of improving the functions of the Polyclinics by ensuring they have the diagnostic capability to upgrade to secondary care level and ease some of the pressure off the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
In respect of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), its age, design and structure, Dr Estwick said a decision will be made about building a “new facility that will carry our diagnostic capability”.
“A decision to re-build approximately 60 per cent of the QEH to accommodate new hi-tech energy loads has been agreed at cabinet level”.
The Minister said he believe St Joseph Hospital can be used to develope international Health related services.
Dr Estwick also spoke on matters relating to pensions, Social Security, the landfill at Mangrove & Greenland and his intention of creating a facility to transform waste into energy and the contribution oversees nationals can make for a better Barbados. “We need three types of help he said; financial, manpower and expertise; we feel you can make a contribution in this area, he told the audience”. The Minister concluded by paying tribute to; High Commissioner H.E. Mr Edwin L Pollard and Mr Herbie Yearwood, assistant High Commissioner for 13 years loyal service to the Government and people of Barbados.
The Hon. Minister received a standing ovation for a very impressive presentation.
After a lengthy question & answer segment, assistant High Commissioner Mr Herbie Yearwood, chairman, brought the evening’s proceedings to an end.
Dr. Estwick was accompanied by; Martin Cox (Permanent Secretary, Health), Dr. Joy St John (chief Medical Officer), Danny Gill (Director of Planning & Research) and Mitchell Clarke (Chief Nursing Officer). Also present was Mr Lionel Sealy (former General Secretary, Barbados Democratic Labour Party).
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