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Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

Alister Thomas and MP Molwyn JosephAntigua St. John's - The proposed appointment of Alister Thomas as Information Commissioner that goes to parliament Friday for its approval, is part of a strategic move by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer to stem the flow of information from government to the public.

That’s the view of the member for St Mary’s North, Molwyn Joseph, who told his Fire and Steel radio audience, that there is a steady flow of information from government departments to media outlets that is damaging the government’s image.

Joseph said this flow of information from the government has not only embarrassed the government, but it has also made the Freedom of Information Act, under which Thomas has been proposed to be appointed, irrelevant.

“The Prime Minister had no intention to implement this law, in my estimation, if he did, then he would not have waited eight years to fully operationalize the law. Why now, well let me tell you, the Freedom of Information Act has become irrelevant! After the people of Antigua and Barbuda realized that this government was never serious about transparency and accountability, and therefore, they will not voluntarily make information available, the people took matters into their own hands. So the people themselves started culling information out of the government, as many people in the government felt that it was their national duty to get information out to the public,” Joseph declared.

According to Joseph…programmes such as Fire and Steel have benefitted from this information flow and Spencer’s decision to appoint Thomas is nothing but an attempt to stem this information flow.



“You know when you have water coming down a hill and you try to stop it that the water will make its own way. That’s what happening now! Tell them it’s too late!” he declared.

Joseph said the flow of information has stunned the government and he gave reasons why the information is leaking from government sources. “The people of Antigua and Barbuda are witnessing the ravaging of the economy, the corruption and they feel they must do something about it,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Joseph is also questioning Thomas’ eligibility for the post as Information Commissioner. Quoting from the Act, Joseph noted that Section 35 (2) (b) states that someone holding a public office is disqualified from being appointed to the position. Thomas currently holds the position of chairman of the Education Review Tribunal, a position to which he was appointed earlier this year under the Education Act.

Joseph made reference to Section 35 (2) (e) which bars anyone who ‘holds office in, or is an employee of, a political party or is a political activist’ from appointment as Information Commissioner. He said Thomas’ past political activism makes him unsuited for the job. He said he plans to raise these issues when the matter comes up in parliament.
 
For his part, Thomas had confirmed his appointment to the chairmanship of the Education Review Tribunal, but said that he had ceased political activism for over a year. He also denied that he currently serves as a close adviser to Prime Minister Spencer. He said he has worked under both ALP and UPP Administrations and that he is a strong opponent of partisanship. He added that he firmly believes that the Caribbean needs to make use of the best talents available and for this reason, he is prepared to make a national contribution to nation building.

Freedom of Information Section 35



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26 Comments In This Article   

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RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#26 Janet » 2012-07-30 19:48

Molwyn was put to shame for misleading the public about breaking the laws to appoint Alister. I thought he knew what he was saying on Fire and steal. I feel the emba**ment for him.
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Janet

anu - the game is a foot

#25 tenman » 2012-07-26 17:30

Anu I have issue with a law which is basically a sham. It should have stated instead as a disqualificatio n, someone who cannot be independent. Can you beleive that the described qualifications, not be a political activist, would have disqualified someone like Martin Luther King. I happen to think we need someone in that possition who will be willing to fight for country not party. Based on Thomas statement today, I have serious questions about his ability to be independent and fight for country. Chances are, nothing will stop this from happening since the I's have it. I have to hope, though with great doubts, that like Thomas Becket, Thomas will rise to the occasion and do what the job requires. I also see the connection between his appointment and the WPP scandal because based on the Cabinet press release, they are all tied together.

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tenman

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#24 TC » 2012-07-26 17:23

Why appointing Alister as the Information Commissioner, would stop the flow of information to the public is beyond me. Gosh, give the man a chance to do his job before you judge him.
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TC

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#23 Concern Antiguan » 2012-07-26 16:13

Again, can someone please tell me Mr.Thomas qualification for the position. This guy is an opportunist that blows with the wind. What a joke.
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Concern Antiguan

Dadliman - Political Activism is just a job

#22 Observer Overseas » 2012-07-26 15:19

I guess to Alister, political activism is just a job. So he has simply traded one job for another. Nothing wrong with that...
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Observer Overseas

@ Tenman

#21 Anu » 2012-07-26 14:49

Tenman, with all the information that is now public knowledge, i believe Alister Thomas may have a problem. One would perceive that his appointment would be a conflict of interest. What are our chances of having all our concerns being addressed truthfully ?
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Anu

@ Tenman - From Mas to Hon Cairman/Commiss ioner/Minister To Community Protector!

#20 John French II » 2012-07-26 14:46

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. The title is now taking place in Chicago.
Tenman, Quote:
We had grown up in Antigua (the Rock) when Education had liberated our people. However, our government obviously felt that, having gained power, the important thing was to remain in power. ... Antigua was one of the islands during colonial days, on which the British had built a naval dockyard ... Georgian-era dockyards. And during those times, many native Antiguans (Crusoe would never agree to that characterization of the 95%) worked in the dockyard and became skilled in building sailing vessels. Before the Second World War, locally built sloops, schooners, lighters and fishing boats were built on the island. After the war, fibreglass and motor vessels began to replace those boats. None of our skilled builders was given the opportunity to travel abroad to learn these new skills in boat building.- Dr. Keethley Ivor Heath.
Glad beyond reason to see that you have seen the Light on this. Youths, please read ANTIGUA THROUGH MY EYES: An Autobiography by Keeethley Ivor Heath. Nation Building requires RWE as fnpsr, morris, skewill say. Respect!
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John French II

@ Cool Ruler

#19 Anu » 2012-07-26 14:38

Cool Ruler the statement you have made about Gaston Browne cleary describes the UPP's 8+ years in office. All that Gaston did on the programme was pointed out the flaws in UPP's governance and he provided the statistics. So why the Hating Cool Ruler?????????? The truth is an offence but not a sin.
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Anu

@ tenman

#18 DadliMan » 2012-07-26 14:28

When you see Alister, find out from him how one ceases to be a political activist. Reminds me of the honorary ambassador who kicked up a storm with his social justice movement. Once the UPP won, he claimed that his organisation was the propaganda arm of the UPP.

The ambassador I can understand, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that Alister would sink so low. The people who supported him over the years must be so proud of this ex-Political Activist.
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DadliMan

Dadliman - tell me it aint so

#17 tenman » 2012-07-26 13:29

Dadliman, its looking like you have won this one. I can't see why anyone who claims they love their country would be willing to have their tongue and other body parts tied. I also heard about the 24K monthly for government subletting that mall.The impression is that the man has been preparing for the info commissioner office for over a year.

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tenman

public office

#16 tenman » 2012-07-26 13:23

I suspect the PM's suggestion will be that public office does not include being chairman of the education tribunal. He may argue based on the ruling of Gaston Browne vs the speaker of the house, in order for it to be a public office, it must be listed in the constitution. The problem with the argument is the position itself, unlike the speaker position was not defined in the constitution. Hopefully commonsense will win out and Thomas will simply resign from the tribunal

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tenman

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#15 Cool Ruler » 2012-07-26 13:20

Listening to Gaston Brown on observer radio today, all I can say is this. When you in opposition it’s easy criticize and say this and that, when in government it’s a different sankie you have to sing from.
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Cool Ruler

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#14 Spin Doctor » 2012-07-26 13:11

So does this mean the Report into the FSRC will be released or is that to damaging for Spencer to contemplate.

Howabout updating us on the Extradition of Leroy King, that would be good for a laugh :lol:
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Spin Doctor

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#13 Reality » 2012-07-26 13:07

There is an interesting article on the Death of Free Speech on Antigua and the treatment of Ian (Magic) Hughes. Mr Spencer shouldn't think his actions have gone unnoticed in the world!

[urlhttp://www.mondaq.com/x/184790/Human+Rights/The+Death+Of+Free+Speech&email_access=on
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Reality

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#12 Cool Ruler » 2012-07-26 12:53

So DadliMan those who are criticizing without reason or rhyme daily, is because they miss the gravy train or because they did not get something?

As for that verbose individual called Malwin Joseph who is just full of himself, if his sources are feeding him all this information, how come they have not feed him the smoking gun if it exist regarding the power plant despite months of being on his soap box hollowing corruption in the matter.
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Cool Ruler

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#11 HC » 2012-07-26 10:49

Alister,you get you box han jack.LT Hector must be rolling in his grave.
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HC

A xxaux

#10 Dr. Dredd » 2012-07-26 10:37

Alister Thomas is one of the biggest xxxxs to have been foisted on Antigua. He listened to his mentor, Tim Hector and he copied everything he said. He`also has a good memory and he reads alot and spouts what he has read with lots of big words to impress the ignorant. Usually, he is also murdering the Queen's grammar.
If he so wants to give National Srrvice, let him work for FREE and give up the 3 big salaries and Governemt car and perks.
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Dr. Dredd

Where is THE Gaston/Asot.Com bo''''

#9 T.C.Rogers » 2012-07-26 09:31

Strange that the Gaston/Asot combo attacking M.P Joseph over the fenses/Chinese powerplant and they are now silent on the appointment of another political Hack!!!!
They are so jealous over the Fearless Leadership qualities M.P Joseph has shown ,why don't they take up one of the many corrupe issues that the Govt inflicted upon the people and show there colors????????? ???
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T.C.Rogers

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#8 Dennis Brown » 2012-07-26 09:21

First document I want to see under the FOIA is the Chinese Power Plant docs.
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Dennis Brown

@ tenman

#7 DadliMan » 2012-07-26 09:01

Quote:
For his part, Thomas had confirmed his appointment to the chairmanship of the Education Review Tribunal, but said that he had ceased political activism for over a year.
tenman, see what I was talking about? Did you know that Alister ceased political activism over one year ago? See what cheeze can do? UPP has long realised that the best way to silence criticism is to appoint the critics to lucrative positions.
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DadliMan

RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph

#6 Anonymous » 2012-07-26 07:46

That bitter boy Molwyn always criticising. Credit only goes to Molwyn. Alister do your thing.
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Anonymous

@ Lester B

#5 Jackie Spense » 2012-07-26 07:33

I guess # 4 will rule you out from this position? At least it doesn't rule you out from being PM!

Stay as long as you can so UPP can win more easily...you must think of yourself first at all times! The Party and the Country are less important to you!

If this wasn't true, it would be very funny!
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Jackie Spense

The Chairman & The Critic Who Roared!

#4 John French II » 2012-07-26 06:25

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. From Monetary Citizenship to Old Engines. Who will deliver Transformative Governance? Many call for Leadership. Banish them to Redonda. Bring out the Fireman!
Read Crusoe and if you are not prepared to Muntiny, then you deserve the Masqueraders.
Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda including the guano, grung ghouls and boobies on Redonda!
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John French II

Bad Egg

#3 Toonuff » 2012-07-26 05:31

“The people of Antigua and Barbuda are witnessing the ravaging of the economy, the corruption and they feel they must do something about it,” he explained. - but they did do something Mr Joseph, result was you were all thrown out of government in 2004!!!
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Toonuff

Tickle Me & Tell Me I Am Dreaming! PT5 (2011-12-02)

#2 John French II » 2012-07-26 05:29

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Hopefully, you will have followed CA's Link to Educati on Appeal Tribunal Appointed and the Comments contained in the Subject Title. It has been said that "plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose" roughly stated "the more things change, the more they remain the same.". Friends, CountryWome/Men , Ouadadlians, Rastas, "Bawling Pickey Head People" With your indulgence permit me to sing: Quote:
She Looked me over and I guess she thought I was all right. All Right in a sort of limited way for an off night. She said don't I know you from the Cinematographer's Party? ... She said there's something about you that really reminds me of money. She is the kind of a girl who could say things that weren't that funny. I said what does that mean I really remind you of money? ... She moved so easily all I could think of was (Sunshine). I said aren't you the woman who was recently given a Fulbright. She said don't I know you from the (Blue) Cinematographers Party? I said who am I to blow against the wind? I know what I Know. I'll sing what I said. We come and we go. That's a thing I keep at the Back Of My Head.
Have Mercy Pon Us!
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John French II

Tickle Me & Tell Me I Am Dreaming! PT4 (2011-12-02)

#1 John French II » 2012-07-26 04:56

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Yesterday, amidst much internal turmoil, this commentor did no join the fray. With CA's provision of a link to COI's It was obvious "Who am I to blow against the wind?" Our recent expedition into the Deep Blue for Sushi solicits a Geisha Proverb Quote:
"Vision without Action is a Daydream (some would say wet dream); Action without Vision is A Nightmare."
With the approach of the Emancipation Celebrations some 8 mos after the celebrated visit of The Hon. Minister a "Bewildered & Bemused" masquerading people are with the help of the Most Merciful & Benevolent being shown the Promised Transformational Land with a Transaction some eight years in Revelry & Mas Camp Gestation. Quote:
Thomas had confirmed his appointment to the chairmanship of the Education Review Tribunal, but said that he had ceased political activism for over a year. He also denied that he currently serves as a close adviser to Prime Minister Spencer.
Will this transaction go: Quote:
'to much was more than enough' and immediately after the birth ... sent the infant ... to Santo Domingo in the Dominica Republic - Dr. Heath
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John French II

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