Many people are aware the Emperor Nero played his lyre while Rome was engulfed in flames, not fiddled as some would say – the expression led to the name of a highly popular computer software programme also called Nero which burns data to disks.

It seems to be an amazing similarity when a Cabinet Minister fully aware of an impending strike yet still seeks to holiday smacks of the same type of laissez faire attitude, it also goes deeper than that – why did the acting Prime Minister not look to defer the leave until after the matter is settled?

This is part of the gist of what Barbados’ Opposition Leader, the Hon. Mia A. Mottley said during a Press Conference earlier today {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

The Minister of Health left Barbados yesterday for a vacation – a Mediterranean cruise. Therefore, the Acting Prime Minister must seek to have this situation resolved as a matter of urgency and have the Minister return to Barbados and defer his vacation. Barbadians know that a patient can be in pain and in serious need of treatment without their case being categorized as an emergency. However, they will not understand why they must be the victims of this industrial impasse triggered by the precipitous and reckless decisions of the Board.

The Bajan Reporter at this point wishes to note when David Thompson was in Opposition, he would always state that Barbados needed Leadership, yet this is something which appears alien to Acting PM Freundel Stuart with his crushing muteness on the monumental devolution of the island’s healthcare system.

At the brunt of the matter is the firing of two doctors, one who is the sole urologist for the medical facility and despite his seeking legal advice on the matter was summarily dismissed, nevertheless the Barbados Association Of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) has vowed patient care will not be adversely affected and the CEO of the QEH, Dr Dexter James has promised functions will proceed as if nothing happened – but can they?

Ms Mottley sees the need in order for the QEH to run better is if Government steps further away from micro-managing the facility, but she did not speak to if the facility would then be free for all as currently pertains {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

The time has come for Government to step further away from the administration of the Hospital, there needs to be a coalition of not only Medical professionals but people who advocate the rights of the Patient as well.

Ms Mottley also referred once more to the NHC saga where in her view, Michael Lashley as Minister has a duty to answer the serious charges laid against him by the former Chairman – whom he appointed. It can only be construed as contempt towards the public and its right to be given the full facts surrounding the Minister’s role and the issuing of contracts by the NHC. It is ironic when one considers how this DLP government promised full transparency and accountability in their Manifesto and a new Freedom of Information Act.

Further to her pledge last week Sunday, Ms Mottley submitted a private member’s resolution to ask the House of Assembly to refer the matters pertaining to the award of contracts at the NHC between December 2008 and July 31st, 2010 to the Public Accounts Committee in the interest of achieving full transparency and accountability.

The Opposition Leader posed intriguing questions pertaining to best business practices as it relates to not only the National Housing Corporation but the Jada Construction Group {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

Did the NHC sell the land to the Jada Group (Housing Concepts) at Coverley for $3.00 per square foot while boasting about wanting to sell lots to poor and low income Barbadians for $5.00 per square foot? Did any of the Jada Group of companies pay for and/or apply for the Planning Permission for the units to be constructed at Valerie? Have there been discussions with the Jada group in respect of the more than 1000 houses to be built at Bushy Park? Why is there no contract in place with Clico for the housing project with the NHC at Constant? There are more questions than answers! Let us get the facts!

Barbadians are now wondering who is in charge – according to the Opposition Leader – not just at the Ministry of Finance but the island in general. Ms Mottley acknowledges Prime Minister Thompson is unwell but she points out how Barbados expects his Cabinet to step up to the crease.

“It is time for Freundel Stuart to face the Barbadian public and provide leadership as he was given the authority to do during these 2 months,” the head of the Barbados Labour Party admonished. “Mr. Stuart, give the country the calm assurance that there is a Government in charge of the affairs of the country, and particularly at this time, with the disconcerting state of affairs at the QEH.”