THE SEEMINGLY PROFESSIONALLY filmed video of what looks like a teenager having intercourse with a grown man has some officials here very worried.
They are saying the general quality of the recording, the superior lighting employed to allow for a clean production, the various camera angles used, and the in sync music suggests it may not be a film made by a bunch of amateurs with a cellphone. Rather, it could be the work of budding professionals.
They fear that if their analysis is correct, Barbados could be seeing the beginning of an underground pornographic industry – something they say this island does not need.
Cou Cou understands that they are particularly concerned about the impact such a development could have on young women. They are worried that girls could be drugged or tricked into participating in such movies and, as a consequence, ruin their lives forever.
In the film clip being circulated via WhatsApp, for example, the child’s face is clearly exhibited as well as the act being done to her. But at no time is any part of the man, other than his private parts, seen. Given this, it is clear from this movie that the biggest potential casualty is the young girl.
What the police, Child Care Board and other officials will do about this worrying development is left to be seen, but for sure, swift, decisive action needs to be taken to arrest this problem.
Cou Cou welcomes whatever action they can take to stop the production of such things, and we implore anyone who knows anything about this video to contact the police emergency number at 211.
Evidence not enough?
Six years after the collapse of CLICO and British American Insurance Company in which thousands of people have lost their life savings, questions are being asked if any investigation has been started by the Royal Barbados Police Force.
Yet within weeks of the SATURDAY SUN running a story about two children allegedly doing rudeness in a classroom in 2013, two journalists and the paper’s publisher were arrested and hauled before the law courts.
People are asking what more compelling evidence the police need to launch a criminal investigation into the actions that led to these companies folding other than the fact that policyholders have died while waiting in pain for matured policies which have not been paid; pensioners who put away money to ensure they could look after themselves in their golden years are now scrunting; and average policyholders who bought into the dream of investing in their future are now out of pocket, some penniless.
Are the police waiting to take action after both companies complete judicial management? If not, what are they waiting for?
Whatever the answer, though, Bajans are watching and reminding that justice not only needs to be done but must also be seen to be done.
Bursting with questions
With the first anniversary of the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) just around the corner, professionals who have to interface with the organisation are hoping some forum will be held where they could speak about the successes and shortcomings of the entity.
A recent business forum would have been ideal, but they complained the BRA boss lady did not make it, and so these professionals are still pregnant with questions and would love to have the appropriate answers.
The professionals are concerned that to some of their concerns they have been promised action, but to date most of these things are being done at snail pace. It seems the delay is due to the BRA needing to develop a methodology to handle some of these matters.
Then there is the vexing issue of Value Added Tax and Corporate Tax refunds. The BRA has been promising to effectively resolve this once their cash flow situation permits. The problem is, however, that there seems to be no end in sight for this, and so these professionals – like the vast majority of ordinary citizens waiting on their income tax refunds – are waiting in pain.
These apart, the professionals want BRA to more speedily respond to their email and telephone requests, and try in general to be more responsive to them.
That’s why they would love to hear what BRA’s masters think of their creation to date and whether it has delivered its mandate.