“Back raise, back raise, dem people back raise me . . .” is the refrain from a professional man who fancies himself somewhat of a crooner.
He apparently feels his situation could be similar to the one the Mighty Gabby’s hit from the mid-1980s describes. That is, he put certain proposals out there and another person rejigged them and presented them as a more attractive deal; the business people involved went with the other individual’s ideas, leaving him disappointed and out of pocket.
From what Cou Cou has learnt, this man was involved in a major deal with others, and put down his money after signing the dotted line to make sure things happened.
His silent partners were supposed to come forward with their cuts to make the deal a reality as stipulated on the agreement he signed.
However, when the time came for the others’ money to flow in, it wasn’t there. So the man who signed the agreement had to walk away empty-handed, leaving his money behind.
Now suggestions are being whispered about a “back raise”. True or not, we can’t say at this time, but for sure we’ll be keeping an eye on this to get to the heart of this matter.
Things brown
Could it be a sign of the times that a business long regarded as a standard bearer in international trade is cancelling a major aspect of its operation here?
Cou Cou understands that the business has already indicated to its partners that it is no longer getting the volume of sales to make an operation here viable, so they are cutting their losses and pulling up stakes.
The thing is, another entity with the same first name has also indicated that they may no longer continue operations here because of similar reasons.
And if that isn’t a sign that everything seems to be going south despite the pretty talk, a couple of banks have already written their customers telling them they cannot do business as usual when it comes to a certain commodity as the situation has changed.
Cou Cou, like all Bajans, would like to know if this is proof that things are now becoming desperate and these foreign companies, whose only allegiance is to their bottom line, know this and are running away. Time will tell.
‘Mayor’ in hot seat
A self-appointed mayor is getting a tongue-lashing for declaring his intentions without first seeking the blessings of his constituents who it will impact most.
From what Cou Cou understands, the vertically challenged mayor has grandiose plans of erecting a facility at a certain location, but the people who own the land on which it would be built don’t want to part with their property.
In fact, the people are vex as hell at the suggestion and are, to date, quietly protesting the pending move.
However, the mayor is adamant that he will get what he wants. Some are saying he may be taking this hard line because if it can be accomplished it would be a lasting memory of his long tenure.
Cou Cou understands the people who are against the move will soon be taking their case to a higher authority and appealing for justice.
At the same time, it has been suggested the mayor will trump them by ensuring his higher authority compulsorily acquires the land, after which, and hopefully with the help of some non-nationals, he will get his edifice built.
