#buttering up the right to get elected = nothing new believe me i’m aware

[afieldinengland]

big tent politics yeah yeah whatever but i don’t think labour should be letting someone who was already on the hardline right wing of the tories into said tent

[emospritelet]

Communion - chapter 3/4

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4 Ch 1] [Part 4 Ch 2]  [AO3]

81: “Come sit by the fire”

x

Belle was disoriented when she woke, the bed at the inn harder than she was used to and the grey light of dawn coming from the wrong place. It took several minutes before she realised it was Christmas Day, and she ran her hands over her face with a yawn. Going to the window, she could see that fresh snow had fallen in the night, a smooth layer of pristine white over what had already lain on the ground, and she shivered a little. The sky was clear, the sun just starting to rise, and it looked as though the day would be fine, if cold. Perfect for going to see the father of her child to discuss what they were going to do to plan for its arrival. Which according to him included lessons in Latin and the identification of poisonous fungi.

She had slept poorly, mind working through what Gold had said to her about who and what he was, and what their child would be. Shock. It must have been shock at the news. There was no other explanation she could think of for what he had said, other than him deliberately making fun of her, and she hadn’t thought he was that sort of man. Hopefully a night to digest her news would have made him more inclined to have a serious discussion about the future.

Taking a shower made her feel better, and she dressed in a warm woollen dress and thick tights above heavy boots, brushing out clean, shining hair. She was too nervous to feel hungry, but she was aware that the baby wanted food, even if she didn’t, so she ate some toast and butter and drank three cups of tea. The diner was quiet, the only other occupant a stocky man with a bristling beard. He was ploughing his way through a plate of eggs and bacon, a cup of coffee steaming by his side, and had the heavy eyes and surly expression of the hungover. Belle elected not to disturb him.

When she stepped out of the diner, the air was cold enough to make her catch her breath, and she shivered, pushing her chin down into her scarf as she walked. She was surprised to find Gold’s shop locked and silent, and after peering through the windows with no sign of him, chewed her lip in frustration. He had said he would be doing inventory, but perhaps his late start was a nod to the holiday. Or perhaps he was at home, wherever that was, quietly panicking over becoming a parent.

It was too cold to stand around and wait, so she decided to explore the town a little before trying the shop again, and set off at a brisk walk. The street of shops gave way to tree-lined avenues, and a pleasant, snow-covered park. A church poked its steeple out of the trees, a rough stone wall surrounding a cemetery. Belle could see a pretty old building beyond, which she expected was the home of the priest. She pushed her hands deep into the pockets of her coat and walked on.

“Lacey! Lacey!”

Belle glanced around at the sound of running feet, and yelped as a man skidded towards her on the icy sidewalk, tripping and almost falling into her. They grasped at one another to keep their balance, and she found herself looking into an earnest pair of brown eyes in a thin face, brown hair flopping over a forehead creased by lines of worry. The man who had collided with her was dressed all in black, except for a priest’s white collar, and was smiling at her.

“Lacey,” he said breathlessly. “I thought it was you.”

His accent was very Scottish, even more so than Gold’s, and there was an air of excitement about him, an energy that was almost infectious. He was beaming at her, and it made her want to smile back, even if he had mistaken her for someone else.

“Oh, I’m - I’m not Lacey,” she said, and his smile widened.

“You’re going by Belle again?” he asked. “No matter. Your choice, of course. I didn’t realise you were back in Storybrooke.”

“I…” She was about to say it was her first time, but he cut across her, excitement making his words bubble over.

“I just wanted you to know that ever since we met, my life has changed for the better in so many ways,” he said. “I stopped drinking! Just - just stopped, like it was nothing! I never thought I would do that: I was always too scared to try, but ever since - well, ever since—” He pulled a face, looking awkward “—ever since you, I haven’t touched a drop!”

“Er…” Belle was at a loss for words. “Uh - well done!”

“And it’s just made everything so much better,” he went on. “I was feeling so - so lost, like I told you, and it’s like you helped me find myself again!”

“That’s - that’s wonderful!” she said, feeling desperately awkward that he was pouring out his soul to the wrong woman. Perhaps she and this Lacey looked similar, and he had met the other woman while drunk. It would explain why he had them mixed up. Whoever Lacey was, she must have been a force for good, to help this priest find his way again.

“I have to go,” he said, glancing back at the church. “I have Mass at ten.”

“Oh, of course,” said Belle. “Don’t wait around in the cold on my account, Father.”

He grinned broadly, white teeth shining in the morning sun, breath steaming in the air.

“Thank you!” he said fervently. “I mean that, Lacey - uh, Belle - from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!”

He cupped her face with freezing hands and kissed her forehead. 

“Thank you,” he whispered, and then he was gone, hurrying up the street to the church.

Belle gazed after him, brow wrinkled in confusion. This is a very strange town.

She walked on, past the cemetery and towards the edge of town, where the trees grew thick, the bare trunks of birch and maple in amongst thick evergreens. In the distance, the sound of a car engine grew louder, an unpleasant, low roaring in the peaceful morning, and Belle glanced at the road ahead, eyes widening as an old black car she didn’t recognise came swerving into view. There was some sort of rock music blaring from it, which cut off abruptly as it squealed to a stop on the road just ahead of her.

Belle wasn’t sure who she had expected to step out of the car, but it certainly hadn’t been Roni and the blonde woman she had seen in the bar two nights previously. The blonde had a determined look on her face, and she fixed Belle with the light of fervour in her eyes. Roni’s expression, in contrast, was somewhat resigned and wary, and she kept glancing around nervously as she drew nearer.

“Belle,” said the blonde woman firmly. “I don’t believe Roni introduced us the other evening. My name is Emma.”

“Uh…” Belle glanced between the two of them. “Hi?”

Emma smiled warmly, reaching for her hand, and immediately let out a yelp as a spark of electricity snapped between them.

“What the heck!” she spluttered, shaking her fingers.

“Protection spell,” said Roni. “I thought as much. Don’t touch her again, you’ll only hurt yourself.”

“Huh?” said Belle, bewildered. “Protection what now?”

“Belle, please listen to me,” said Emma urgently. “After a great deal of persuasion—” She frowned at Roni. “I managed to find out what happened to you, and I want you to know we’re here to help.”

“Hey, leave me out of this,” said Roni hastily. “I agreed to give you a ride, that’s it.”

“What - what is it you think I need help with?” asked Belle, confused.

“The child you’re carrying,” said Emma. “You know it’s not human, right?”

“I - what?” Belle shook her head. 

“Oh, real subtle,” said Roni sarcastically, folding her arms. “You said you’d break it to her gently!”

“Do you have a better way to tell someone their child is a demon?”

“I don’t know, maybe at least sit her down and make her a chamomile tea first?”

“You think chamomile tea is gonna soften the blow?”

“No, I think a decent shot of whisky would, but you can’t exactly give it to a pregnant woman!”

Emma threw up her hands, clearly frustrated.

“Why did you even agree to come here with me?”

“Because you can’t damn well drive!” snapped Roni. “And you have no idea what subtlety is! Left to your own devices, you’d probably turn up at Gold’s house with a bunch of angels and try to fucking smite him!”

“I would not!” 

“I thought if I brought you here myself, maybe we could sneak in and sneak out without him finding out,” Roni went on. “You seem intent on making everything ten times harder!”

“Roni, you’re being no help whatsoever, do you know that?”

“May I remind you that coming here was your idea?” said Roni. “And that it’s me who’s trespassing in this town? I told you how our kind reacts to territorial incursions, right?”

“Yeah, but I figured you were over-reacting!”

“She wasn’t.”

Gold’s voice, flat and deadly calm, made them all jump, and Belle shook her head in disbelief. He had appeared out of nowhere, a faint mist swirling around his feet as he glared at the two women. There was a faint hint of sulphur in the air, and she could almost see his hackles rise as his eyes found Emma. They were dark with fury, boring into her as she faced him down.

“Get out of this town!” he hissed. “This is my domain, angel!”

“I don’t see your name on it, demon,” said Emma, raising her chin. “There’s a convent here. That gives me equal footing with you.”

Gold let out a hollow laugh, mouth twisting in a nasty smile.

“You think the righteous outnumber the rest of us, do you?” he said. “Please. I could tell you tales about that convent that would give you nightmares. At least I don’t pretend to be a force for good.”

“No, you just pretend to be human.”

“I’m more human than you, dear,” he said acidly. “I came into this world just as any human does. I enjoy the pleasures this world offers, just as any human does.”

“Oh, I just bet you do…” 

“But there again perhaps such things are beneath you, celestial being that you are,” he went on. “Probably survive on nauseating self-righteousness.”

“I’ll take self-righteousness over evil any day of the week,” she said witheringly, and Gold showed his teeth.

“As I thought,” he drawled. “Every bit as judgemental as all angels I’ve had the displeasure to meet.”

“You’re a demon, it’s my job to judge you!”

“Everybody stop talking!” shouted Belle.

There was a moment of silence. All three of them turned to face her, and the look of rage drained from Gold’s face, his expression turning soft and sad-eyed. She put her hands on her hips.

“What the hell is up with everyone?” she demanded. “Is this some elaborate joke I’m not in on? Why the hell are you all talking about angels and demons and good and evil and - and my baby not being human?”

“Belle.” Gold’s voice was gentle, and Emma gave him an odd, sideways look. “I’ve been trying to tell you that. I told you what I was.”

“Stop it!” she snapped. “It’s not funny! I’m - I’m pregnant, and - and it’s Christmas, and - and somehow you’re all making fun of me, and it’s mean!”

“We’re not!” protested Roni.

“I don’t understand what’s wrong with you people!” she went on. “Just - just stop being weird, all of you! Right now!”

Gold sighed, and exchanged a glance with Roni, who shrugged in a defeated manner.

“Show her,” she said, and he winced.

“She won’t like it.”

“You ashamed of what you are, or something?” said Emma dryly. “Because from where I’m standing that would seem like personal growth.”

“Oh, I moved past that a long time ago, angel,” he said, his tone very even. “I’m just very aware of human aesthetics, and I doubt Belle’s idea of the perfect human form includes me.”

“How do you know?” asked Roni. “She went to bed with you, didn’t she?”

“Yes, like this!” he snapped, waving a hand up and down himself.

“Like I said.” Emma curled her lip at him. “Ashamed.”

“Easy for you to pick up on, is it?” he said snidely. “Shame is your stock in trade, is it not?”

“Just as - as lust is yours!” she countered, and Gold grinned.

“Well, I know which I prefer.”

“Would you two stop sniping at each other?” snapped Roni. “Gold, don’t pretend you’re suddenly suffering a crisis of confidence. Maybe you’ve been in human form so long you’ve forgotten how pretty your other form is.”

“Oh, I’m sure that humans are known for their love of wings and tails on romantic partners,” he said sarcastically. “You know as well as I that no one but our own kind finds that attractive.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” muttered Emma, and Roni gave her a sharp look before turning her attention back to Gold.

“I told you from the first that you’re underestimating her,” she said. “Belle is - unique. You saw that about her, right?”

Gold smiled slightly.

“True.” 

“Stop talking about me as though I’m not here!” said Belle petulantly. “And - and stop talking nonsense! Are you all drunk?”

“Dammit, Gold, just show her, would you?” snapped Roni.

“Show me what?”

Belle felt like stamping her foot, her heart thumping with a mix of anger and frustration, and Gold let out a sigh, turning on his toes to face her.

“Belle,” he said gently. “I have to show you something.”

“Yeah, so I hear!” she snapped. “What the hell is it?”

Emma snorted, and Roni gave her a flat look. Gold sighed heavily.

“Don’t be afraid, alright?” he added.

Belle folded her arms.

“I’m not afraid,” she said evenly. “I’m annoyed. Whatever it is you have to show me, bloody well get on with it.”

Gold muttered under his breath, then shrugged out of his suit jacket, tossing it to Roni, who caught it and narrowed her eyes as he went to work on his tie.

“Seriously?” she said. “You’re getting naked in the freezing cold? I really doubt that’s gonna add to the impressiveness of your physique.”

“This is an expensive suit,” he said in an aggrieved tone.

“So just poof it off.”

Gold’s hands stilled.

“Oh,” he said, and glanced over his shoulder at Emma. “Best avert your eyes, angel. I’d hate to tempt you.”

Emma made a gesture that was far from angelic, and folded her arms.

“Just wanting to point out that I’ve already seen you naked,” said Belle dryly. 

“You have,” he said, lifting a hand and spreading his fingers. “But not like this.”

“Like what?”

Gold swept a hand down the front of his torso, and a cloud of red smoke enveloped him, making Belle jump in surprise. Her heart was pounding, her breath coming hard in her chest, and she watched the smoke thin and drift apart, wisps clearing to reveal what was unmistakably Gold, and yet not. His skin was covered from head to foot in tiny golden scales, his fingernails black, his eyes gleaming gold, reptilian and ancient. Two large, bat-like wings unfurled behind him, stretching outwards as though stiff from lack of use, and a long, tapered tail lashed the air. Belle stumbled back, eyes wide with shock, and her arms flailed as she lost her balance and toppled backwards into the snow.

“Belle!”

Immediately he was by her side, cradling her in his arms.

“Are you hurt?” he asked anxiously.

He was himself again, once more immaculate in his suit and tie, his skin as soft and pink and human as it had ever been. Belle struggled in his grip, and he released her, squatting on his heels as she pushed to her feet and backed away from him, her breath coming in rapid, frightened pants. Her heart was thumping painfully, pulse throbbing in her ears and behind her eyes, and her outstretched finger wavered as she pointed at him.

“You,” she said haltingly. “You - you…”

“Yes,” he said quietly.

She shook her head.

“No,” she said. “No. No no no.”

“Yes.”

His voice was a whisper, a breath in the air, and she went on shaking her head, as though that would somehow dispel the strange dream she appeared to have wandered into. Gold rose to his feet slowly, as though swift movements would scare her, and extended a hand to take hers. Belle pulled away abruptly, almost jumping out of reach.

“I can’t,” she said. “I - I can’t…”

She turned on her heel, walking blindly back towards the town, her mind a maelstrom.

“Belle, wait!”

She held up a hand, fingers splayed, a blocking motion shutting them all out.

Gold watched her go, feeling strangely powerless, and Roni inched closer, until she was standing by his side.

“That went well,” she observed, and he shot her a sideways look.

“Are you still here?”

“Looks like it.”

He waited for her to say something, but she simply stood there in silence. It was almost as though she pitied him. Or at least that she could empathise. He glanced over his shoulder at where the angel was looking down her nose at him, and turned his back one more.

“What are you doing hanging out with a bloody angel, anyway?” he demanded.

“Oh, like you cornered the market in cross-species relationships, or something?”

“Yes, but an angel?”

Roni shrugged.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but we happen to share a number of common interests.” She glanced around. “Look, Emma’s probably not gonna leave town until we’re sure Belle’s okay. Is that going to be a problem?”

Gold turned slowly, swivelling on the toes of his shoes. The angel - Emma - raised her chin defiantly, blonde hair gleaming in the winter sun, and he sighed, shoulders slumping. I don’t have the energy for this.

“Just stay out of my way,” he said wearily, and disappeared in a plume of red smoke, leaving behind the faint smell of sulphur.

x

He had intended to spend the day in his shop, but instead he went home to pour himself a glass of brandy and brood. Belle was still in town, he knew that much. He would feel it if she left.

Thinking about it logically, he wasn’t sure what he had expected, but Roni was right: he had seen something different in Belle. He was the first to admit that picking up on human jokes was something he had never been very good at, but his conversation with her in the bar had felt genuine. After all, he had heard countless tales of humans who enjoyed the thrill of bedding a demon, who would willingly let one into their dreams, and later into their beds. He had met many of them himself, over the years. None of them wanted to see the demon’s true form, of course, but they still got off on the danger. He hadn’t thought Belle one of those shallow creatures, but he hadn’t realised that she had thought him fully human either. 

There was something about her, he reflected, something that went far beyond her beauty and intelligence, and her kind heart. Something that held his interest far more than any other human he had met. She was different. Even if she didn’t fully realise it yet. Most humans could sense the darkness in him, and avoided him, even if they didn’t understand why. But Belle had sought him out. Belle had wanted him. Perhaps he simply needed to give it some time. Perhaps she would return.

x

Dusk had fallen when the knock came. 

He glanced up, brandy glass hanging from his fingers, his body grown stiff from the length of time he had been sitting in his chair. The knock came again, and a spark of something like hope took life in him. It wasn’t Roni, and it wasn’t the angel either, he could sense that much. Hopefully they would stay out of his way for the duration of their visit; he really wasn’t in the mood for a showdown. Which left only one possible visitor.

He pulsed out of his chair, rolling his shoulders as he walked to the hallway. The third knock was rapid and insistent, and he quickened his pace a little as he reached the door. 

It had been snowing again, and Belle was covered in a light dusting of flakes, her cheeks pink with the cold. She was bouncing on her toes, looking nervous, but she fell back on her heels as he appeared, her expression shifting between caution and relief.

“Hey,” she said, and he smiled faintly.

“Hey,” he said. “You must be freezing.”

“Yeah.” She sniffed. “I - uh - went for a long walk.”

“And you found your way here?” he said. Belle wrinkled her nose.

“Everyone in town seems to know where you live,” she said. “But they were pretty reluctant to give me the address. Kept telling me to stay away, like I’d suffer some terrible fate.”

“That sounds about right,” he said wearily, and she shrugged.

“Yeah, well, no one decides my fate but me,” she said. “Can I come in?”

Gold smiled, and stepped back, holding open the door.

“Of course,” he said. “Come sit by the fire.”

[gospacegay]

LRTIHEW: Part Eight

The title stands for “Longest Rusame Thing I Have Ever Written”.

First Chapter: https://gospacegay.tumblr.com/post/165808913233/lrtihew-part-one

Previous Chapter: https://gospacegay.tumblr.com/post/165963359973/lrtihew-part-seven

There is swearing, fluff, eventual smut, insanity, and lord knows what else.

Visiting was fun. Ivan and Alfred fought constantly, occasionally trying to beat the shit out of each other. It was the only normal interaction they really knew. After getting kicked out of a Mexican restaurant, they decided to visit a planetarium. The evening was polished off with a movie at Alfred's house. The Russian could tell America was extremely stressed with work. The chaos caused by his boss's death was evident, phone calls constantly interrupting their day out.

As Alfred's cell phone went off yet again, he groaned. “You should not ask for my help if you can not handle the side effects, Alfred.” Ivan said knowingly, gradually getting used to human names. Alfred rolled his eyes and answered the device after pausing the action movie. It was apparently a short a conversation, with much yelling. Ivan raised his brow in questioning manner while eating popcorn.

Hanging up, Alfred glared at Ivan. Used to this, the Russian looked back with a deadpan expression. “What did you say to Kozloff? He's asking questions.” the honey blonde demanded. “If a leader does not ask questions, he is a poor choice.” Ivan countered, knowing full well what the short tempered American was talking about. If the man didn't suspect something after seeing Ivan's name listed eighty years ago in records, he was completely retarded.

“Now he's going to bug me and think I'm some magical creature or whatever.” Alfred whined. “Are we not, to humankind? We do not age, and heal in minutes.” Ivan replied, always one for playing devil's advocate. “I guess, but that's not the point –” the tanned nation's spiel was interrupted by loud knocking on the door. The two nations waited to see who would get up first. The knocking picked up again.

“You are so lazy!” Ivan hissed, standing. Answering the door, he opened it up a crack. “What?” he asked rudely, seeing an upset American president with crossed arms. He was flanked by two guards as per usual. “Who is it? Alfred yelled from the couch, too comfortable to move. “It is Mr. Kozloff and his men.” Ivan crooned.  The American scrambled to rise to his feet, throwing blankets and pillows off the couch.

“Sir, this is surprise!” Alfred squeaked, aware of how compromising he may appear. His new boss already wanted to yell at him. Ivan felt a twinge of empathy, but was mostly relieved something wasn't his fault for once. Ivan gathered with a blanket, watching the brewing storm. The human leader said nothing for a moment looking around. He took in photos as far back as the American civil war, proudly displayed above the couch. The rest of the home was decorated with old bits of junk that historians would drool over. Ivan's own house was the same way, stuffed with books over a century old.

“What are you?” the president finally asked suspiciously. His two body guards were as nonchalant as ever, used to everything. “I'm your helpful assistant sir.” Alfred replied, not exactly lying. “Tell me the truth.” the man ordered. “Well... I'm the United States of America. Technically I'm a living manifestation of the country. I influence the population as much as they form me, basically.” the honey blonde attempted to explain. It was a bizarre subject to breach.

“So many long words, Alfred. I sincerely hope your tiny brain did not hurt itself.” Ivan noted sarcastically. “Shut up! I know words. Your big dinosaur brain doesn't understand my brilliance.” the American shot back. “I was told you like dinosaurs.” the Russian teased flirtatiously. He mostly didn't mean it, the gesture engineered to get under Alfred's skin.

Looking rather red, Alfred shoved him. “Fuck off. I need to talk to my boss man seriously... 'kay?” he cursed, the statement softening to a question at the end. That was about as civil as it got between them these days. Taking the hint, Ivan shrugged and stood. “I am using your kitchen, filthy American.” he replied, walking off. He ignored any further protests.

For a country with a rich agricultural past, Alfred's kitchen was sparsely stocked. The glossy white kitchen was poorly organized as well. While Ivan started moving things around, he disparaged at the sheer whiteness of the space. It reminded the ancient Russian of icy fields back home. A kitchen was the heart of the home. You needed bright colors, patterns, and fabrics. Even a big red wall mural would do over this blankness. Ivan contemplated painting a Russian eagle on the wall.

“What are you doing in there?” Alfred yelled down the hall. “I am making your kitchen more efficient, comrade.” Ivan hollered back, in a good mood. There was muffled cursing, but no true response. While sorting the half empty cupboards, the ash blonde found basic baking supplies. Humming Korobeiniki, Ivan set to work. Making something himself was the only way he was going to get a good meal.

Mixing butter, baking powder, and oil with water, the slurry was fed flour slowly. Soon it was a pale dough thick enough to knead by hand. Ivan rolled up the sleeves of his sweater and set to work. The end result wouldn't be as delicious as yeast based breads. Ivan didn't have the time or supplies for such an endeavor. Beef strips and mushrooms were fried in a pan at the same.

After roughly forty minutes of work, Ivan slid the pirozhki into the oven. Setting a timer, Ivan dug out some of Alfred's expensive rum. Grabbing several shot glasses, he returned to America's plush couch. “Are you finished explaining the obvious yet?” Ivan asked, setting up shots. He raised a tiny glass to the American president and his goons in silent offering. They all refused. The bodyguards looked at him with thinly veiled distrust.

“I'm trying man. He doesn't believe me.” Alfred complained. “This story is ridiculous, Mr. Jones.” Mr. Kozlov denied, looking frustrated. “You appear to be friends with him. Do you have a better explanation for this... joke?” the man appealed to Ivan. Russia nodded sagely, pulling a knife from under his sweater. The body guard's hands jumped to their guns but didn't draw.

Ivan rolled his eyes, cutting a thin line across his own palm. It stung fiercely despite being a shallow cut. Droplets of blood welled forth from the tiny wound. Wiping the blade clean off on his sweater, Ivan tucked it away. He then showed the palm to the American president. “Please watch Mr. Kozloff. I do not wish to repeat this act.” Ivan said sternly, expression masking pain. The human looked on with a blend of horror and curiosity. The insignificant cut healed in under a minute. Smooth pale flesh was as it always had been.

“Man, that was gross. You didn't have to cut yourself.” Alfred whined. “Would you prefer I stab you for demonstration?” Ivan threatened, taking a swig of rum. He cringed at it's sweetness. “Dude, you don't chug rum, you sip it. I thought you were civilized. Give me that.” Alfred insulted him, taking the bottle away. “If you had vodka or everclear, I wouldn't have to resort to drinking this... brown sugar water.” The older nation argued. “I'm sorry thirty nine percent isn't strong enough. I'm not a professional alcoholic like you.” Alfred retorted.

They paused their bickering to look at the president. He looked rather pale, running a hand through black hair. “You okay boss?” Alfred asked, leaning forward slightly. “You healed.” was all the man had to say. “Yes. I did.” Ivan replied casually. “Who are you?” the leader finally asked. The question Ivan had been waiting for. “I am Ivan Braginsky, formally referred to as the federal republic of Russia. I am pleased to properly introduce myself.”

“Russia is in your house? Why is he in your house? Why are you friends?” Mr. Kozlov rapid fired questions, starting to really freak out. “We aren't friends. He breaks in and uses my stuff.” Alfred protested, pouring himself a shot. “I was invited.” Ivan pointed out, munching on the long forgotten movie popcorn. “You're hiding from your dictator boss, dude.” the honey blonde countered. “Vladimir Putin is a wonderful leader that was elected fairly.” Ivan bristled possessively. “Oh my god, no one is re-elected six times, like ever.” Alfred dismissed, rolling his eyes.

The Russian huffed, but said nothing. The man-child nation before him simply didn't understand, changing leaders so fast no one knew their names. A real leader lasted for the ages, remembered for their wise choices. The American president exited abruptly, just as Ivan's pirozhki finished baking. Ivan looked at the spring world outside, watching the human retreat. “I like him.” he said with finality. “It's the accent right? It's fun. I haven't had a president with an accent in ages.” Alfred agreed, starting the movie again. Ivan chuckled, then joined his oblivious companion.

The death of president James Selkirk was swiftly forgotten in the political storm of confusion that followed. The lethargic American senate struggled to respond as the world swamped replacement president Yuri Kozlov with immense pressure to perform. He was handling the stress admirably, from what little screen time Ivan saw on the television. The ruse was going well, with the man's ex-KGB parents visiting the white house unhindered. Ivan wanted to laugh from how amazing things were going.

[stephaniefchase]

Bajan Newscap 4/25/2017

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is your daily news cap for Tuesday 25th 2017. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

ECONOMIC BURN – Time will tell who is wrong and who is right! This was the terse response issued by outspoken Minister of Agriculture Dr David Estwick today in response to the latest economic action plan, which is currently under active consideration by the Freundel Stuart Government. The new plan, which includes proposals for dealing with the island’s ballooning debt, does not take into account Estwick’s controversial US$5 billion United Arab Emirates-funded plan, but a much more conservative debt restructuring programme — one which seeks to yield $112 million annually in interest savings, which Estwick is neither convinced is based on the best economic advice nor can yield the desired fiscal turnaround. However, saying he has been burned enough by his own Government, he has now resigned himself to the position that he must allow his political colleagues to learn the hard way. “They [Government] are free to choose whatever they want to do. Time is the best evaluator of reason. They have to find a way to attempt to discredit me, but I know that we cannot get out of these economic challenges without restructuring and the financing of the national debt,” he told Barbados TODAY. “Let them proceed. Time is the best revealer of who was right and wrong. I proposed domestic debt restructuring, foreign debt restructuring, a combination of the two as well as the entire debt via the sinking fund strategy . . . . They are on their own,” he stressed, adding, “I have nothing more to say on the matter.” The latest debt restructuring proposal is outlined in a 30-page report submitted to the Prime Minister last month by the Fiscal Deficit Committee of the Social Partnership, which was mandated by Stuart on March 3 to make recommendations on the way forward for the economy of the country, whose foreign amortization and debt service is estimated at between $300 million to $400 million annually. The report specifically suggests that as a means of tackling the bothersome debt issue, Government should cut the coupon rate and extend the maturities on Treasury Notes and Debentures by 200 basis points to yield the $112 million in savings. This approach runs counter to Estwick’s sinking fund proposal for wiping out the country’s entire debt and restoring economic growth and sustainability. However, the committee’s proposal, which comes amid concerns about the island’s dwindling foreign exchange reserves which fell to 10.3 weeks of import cover or below $700 million last December, is more in line with recent suggestions by former Prime Minister Owen Arthur and Opposition Barbados Labour Party economic advisor Clyde Mascoll for there to be a debt exchange, which allows the island to surrender its existing debt and bond instruments and replace them with a different maturity. The report also acknowledges that the cross default clause on the Credit Suisse Loan would require immediate repayment of $317 million. The move is expected to reduce the annual income of the National Insurance Scheme, which currently holds Government debt instruments, by $60 million, but is not expected to have an immediate material impact on the NIS’ cash flow, since the NIS currently reinvests interest in Government paper. However, the committee acknowledged that it could lead to medium term adjustments to its contribution rates, or a reduction in benefits. Commenting on the proposal today, Estwick was still not satisfied that Government was heeding the best economic advice. (BT)

PROPOSALS TOO PEICEMEAL – Proposals put forward by the Foreign Exchange Working Group of the Social Partnerships to help the Freundel Stuart administration shore up the dwindling foreign exchange reserves have been dismissed as “piecemeal” by one of the island’s leading economists. The recommendations currently before Government for consideration include a hike in cruise visitor head taxes and airport departure fees and a full examination of the national import bill “with a view to identifying a list of non-essential items which would be subjected to higher tax rates and or quantifiable limits”. The committee also recommended a stepped up programme of incentives with a view to attracting more investment to the island, major engagement with the international business sector with a view to making it easier for the sector to do business here, engagement by Government and the Central Bank with the high-end business and financial community on “a targeted programme of sterilized short and medium term loans”, the facilitation of  philanthropy by external high net worth individuals and remittances by the Barbadian Diaspora and frequent opportunities for domestic duty-free shopping zones where both locals and visitors can purchase items at duty-free prices in United States dollars. However, making specific reference to the proposed rise in airport departure taxes, President of the Barbados Economic Society Jeremy Stephen said some of these recommendations would do little improve the foreign exchange reserves. He maintained that the focus needed to be on retention, and incentivizing the private sector “to bring money back home”. He suggested this could include implementation of the plan announced by Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler in last year’s Budget, to create the duty-free zones. He also pointed to the latest calls from the private sector to reduce the deficit, saying both the public and private sectors needed to do their part in that regard. A second committee, this one mandated by Stuart to present recommendations on how to reduce the worrying fiscal deficit, had suggested an across-the-board 10-15 per cent rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) with no exemptions, concessions or zero ratings for any industry or sector. It is a proposal that has not gone down well with political analyst Peter Wickham, who told Barbados TODAY he was sceptical about the benefits of such a move. With Sinckler set to present the Budget before the end of next month, Wickham warned it ought not be a “giveaway” budget, as the Minister of Finance has to be fiscally responsible, given the current state of the economy. “He cannot go giving away stuff as consistent with what people do during an election. And I also think he needs to send a message that he is able to deal with the deficit. He has created one in the Estimates, and I’m anxious to see how he will close it in the context of retaining popularity,” he stated. (BT)

SEALY STILL BANKING ON HOTEL JOBS – When major hotel projects in the pipeline eventually come on stream, as many as 14,000 jobs could be created, driving the level of unemployment back down into single digits.     In addition, policymakers believe the room stock should reach 9,000 to 10,000 to accommodate the increasing numbers of visitors coming to Barbados. Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy made those observations Sunday afternoon as he addressed the monthly meeting of the St Philip South constituency branch of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) at the branch office in Belair, St Philip. He told the audience that the number of hotel beds had fallen from 6,600 in 1980, to 5,000 in 2008, the year that the DLP came to office. But citing statistics to bear out his argument that the local tourism industry was doing well, Sealy said Barbados welcomed 592,000 visitors in 2015, and that number increased to 613,000 in 2016, with a five per cent increase projected for this year. He said the hundreds of jobs provided through the Sandals and Sam Lord’s Castle projects, for example, did not account for the employment that would be created for other Barbadians indirectly. Speaking at a location that is a couple hundred metres away from Sam Lord’s Castle, Sealy pointed out that the investment of US$230 million made it the largest real estate project ever undertaken in Barbados. Describing the Sam Lord’s project as the crown jewel in the strategy, Sealy noted that the focus on expanding had to be on areas other than the south and west coasts. The St Michael South Central MP said Carlisle Bay in the City is another area that the Ministry of Tourism can focus on building out. According to Sealy, the Hyatt project earmarked for that area will be a catalyst for other players who own real estate in that vicinity to get involved in tourism and create jobs for people. The construction of the 15-storey Hyatt Hotel on Bay Street is facing a legal challenge mounted by social activist and attorney–at-law David Comissiong.  (BT)

BAD ADVICE – Don’t raise airline departure taxes! That is the stern warning to Government from hotelier Adrian Loveridge in response to a proposal to increase tourism taxes, put forward by the Foreign Exchange Working Group of the Social Partnership, which was mandated by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart to advise Government on measures to boost the dwindling foreign exchange reserves. On the other hand, Loveridge said he had no difficulty with the recommendation by the same committee to increase the cruise head tax. Concerned that the bread and butter tourism industry is not producing the required financial returns while the island’s stock of foreign reserves is fast declining, the Committee warned of the need for urgent corrective action to stem the downward trend, including hikes in cruise visitor head taxes and airport departure fees.  (BT)

NUPW LEFT OUT OF CONSULTATIONS – The island’s largest public sector union Monday accused Prime Minister Freundel Stuart of treating it with “scant respect”. The charge was levelled by the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) in a statement issued to Barbados TODAY, after it was left out of tripartite economic consultations last week. In fact, the union said it was only made aware late last week via the news media that the Prime Minister and other top officials of his Government had met with leaders of its sister union – the Barbados Workers Union  – and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations (CTUSAB), as well as the local private sector, to discuss the findings of two Social Partnership committees, which were mandated by Stuart on March 3 to make recommendations on the way forward for the economy. In a statement issued by the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) last Thursday, the Prime Minister warned of the need for immediate corrective action, with the island’s 2-to-1 peg with the US dollar already showing cracks, and an all-out balance of payments crisis now a possibility given that Government’s debt rose above 110 per cent of gross domestic product at the end of last year, while international reserves fell to $682 million, the lowest level since 2009. He also called for urgent consideration to be given to the future of three key state enterprises — the loss-making Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Barbados Transport Board and the Sanitation Service Authority, which now appear destined for the proverbial official chopping block. While describing Tuesday’s tripartite discussions as “frank and robust”, Stuart also said the vital importance of dialogue among all stakeholders at all stages of the process towards solutions of the fiscal deficit and foreign exchange problems was stressed and advised that, in this vein, meetings of the Social Partnership will be taking place over time on specific matters. However, the NUPW has deemed it “extremely ironic” that the Prime Minister would speak about the concerns of the Social Partnership being imperative, while “completely disregarding the NUPW, the premier public sector labour organization in Barbados, from being part of the composition of either of the committees, that presumably have deliberated over matters which directly impact on the livelihood of thousands of public officers. It stressed that it was never invited to participate in the recent economic discussions.  The union also made it clear that while the CTUSAB was the umbrella body for trade unions and associations in Barbados, it was not a trade union and therefore does not represent NUPW in these matters.  (BT)

REDMAN: STRANGE DOCKING THREAT – The executive of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) is questioning why its members’ salaries are being threatened with deduction for attending a meeting held during school hours, while members of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools (BAPPSS) attend monthly meetings during school time but never face such threats. BSTU president Mary Redman, addressing a BSTU meeting held at the National Union of Public Workers headquarters in Dalkeith, St Michael, yesterday, said: “If we have a meeting at the school and we indicate the nature of the problems in the school and the seriousness of the problems, if this meeting has to go on for any time over the official lunch time, that is seen as industrial action. “If we have a meeting during the school time outside of the school, that is seen as industrial action, yet still every month we know at least one Tuesday a month for BAPPSS, there are whole-day meetings by the principals of the secondary schools . . . not like ours that are just a few hours of the school day, and they do it consistently,” she added. Redman was taking issue with a letter from the Ministry of Education threatening to abate the salaries of teachers who attended April 5 March For Respect, which she said the ministry had termed a strike. (DN)

CLASS LOOMS OVER ACQUITTED TEACHER – The Ministry of Education and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) appear on a collision course over a teacher who is now prevented from teaching children on her own after more than 35 years of service. BSTU president Mary Redman said the union now had a battle on its hands after a letter sent by a principal to a teacher indicating she was now a “secondary teacher”, after being reinstated to the classroom following her interdiction on an assault charge. While not disclosing the school, Redman said the court found the teacher not guilty after hearing the facts, which pointed to the child being struck accidentally. She said the social studies teacher was acquited four months ago, but it was only recently that the ministry’s interdiction was lifted allowing her to return to the classroom.  (DN)

TEACHERS COMMISSION MUST NOT BE ‘ELECTION TALK’ – President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) Mary Redman is charging that the promised establishment of the long awaited Teachers Service Commission could be little more than “election talk” by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. Speaking at yesterday’s church service at Bethesda Tabernacle in Vauxhall, Christ Church to mark the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the Democratic Labour Party, Stuart revealed that a 1974 constitutional provision for a teachers commission would come into effect “in a matter of weeks” and would separate teachers from other public officers, although the teacher would remain subject to the oversight of the Public Service Commission (PSC) for discipline and appointments. Teachers have been demanding such a body for a long time, and generally welcome its proposed formation. However, in an address this afternoon at a BSTU meeting at the Dalkeith Road headquarters of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Redman questioned how Stuart intended to set up this new entity in such a short time span when the teachers or their unions had not yet been consulted. “We hear of the setting up of the teachers service commission and we hope that this is much more than just election talk. This is something that the BSTU has been asking for year after year. I understand that it is supposed to be set up in a couple for weeks and I am concerned about that aspect because we need proper consultation, we need involvement of all the stakeholders, we need to understand the constitution and position of this commission as well as its structure,” Redman said. The BSTU president took issue with Stuart’s suggestion that the PSC would continue to have oversight, slamming it as an attempt to sell the current system in new packaging. “It does not make sense to have a teachers service commission if it is similar in structure to the Police Service Commission where the actions to be taken still end up lumped together with the rest of the Public Service Commission because nothing effectively would have changed,” she argued. Redman was of the view that any new body to manage the teaching service must have the autonomy to resolve the concerns of teachers speedily. “We need a teachers service commission with a different type of structure that would allow our issues to be dealt with effectively, to be dealt with efficiently and to be dealt with expeditiously. Otherwise they could save their time, effort and money that the setup of the commission would cost. So we need to be engaged in this whole plan as soon as possible,” the trade unionist insisted. Earlier, President of the Barbados Union of Teachers Pedro Shepherd had told Barbados TODAY that he had reservations about the independence of the proposed body. He also expressed the hope that such a body would end the protracted issue of teacher appointments. (BT)

STRIKE OFF – The threat that had been left hanging last week over the start of the new academic term has been lifted, with President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Pedro Shepherd saying he expects a “smooth start” tomorrow. “We predict a smooth start to school tomorrow. We haven’t had any complaints or anything, so we do look forward to a smooth start. We look forward to beginning this term on a very smooth note,” Shepherd told Barbados TODAY this afternoon following a tour of the St Lawrence Primary School in Christ Church. This is vastly different from the militant stand that the BUT boss had taken last Thursday when he addressed the final day of the union’s annual conference. Back then, he hinted at industrial action over the vexing issue of docked pay – also a concern for the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU), which had called a meeting of its membership today to make battle plans in the event the Ministry of Education had stuck to its threat to dock the salaries of teachers who, earlier this month, had attended the BSTU’s March of Respect to press for a resolution to a number of issues, including payment for the marking of school-based assessment projects administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council. There were no such threats today, and no reference to the docking of pay, only concerns about the health and comfort of students and staff of the St Lawrence Primary School. Even then, Shepherd was conciliatory in tone, saying the ministry was working to remedy the situation. With regard to students of St Paul’s Primary School who were relocated to the Collymore Rock Nazarene Church last term because of leaking roofs, Shepherd said they would return to the school when classes resume tomorrow. (BT)

LEADERSHIP CHANGE NEEDED – A former Cable & Wireless chief executive is challenging political and business leaders here to motivate the country in order to rescue the ailing economy. Ian Blanchard, now chief executive officer of the Caribbean Institute of Leadership and Coaching, today said results are best obtained when people are motivated and passionate about what they do. He said changes to leadership styles of both politicians and business leaders were needed in order to drive success, adding that too many people made the mistake of  believing they had “arrived” and therefore became complacent. The business and executive coach advised the leaders to “find new information and find new concept and principles” to help them grow, adding that they could no longer expect personal and economic growth by relying on “old practices”. The one-day Powered by Purpose leadership conference, which will feature a number of international speakers, will be held on May 5. It will be broadcast live from Atlanta, Georgia in the United States and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world, including the Hilton Barbados Resort. The leadership conference will draw from an array of motivational speakers and business leaders, including actor and producer Tyler Perry, and Jim McKelvey, the co-founder of Square, a financial services, merchant services aggregator and mobile payment company based in San Francisco, California. (BT)

TRAINING TRUST – Government’s Training Administration Division (TAD) has taken a technological leap that will make training and educational opportunities more easily accessible to public servants. The training department for the public service yesterday launched a website and mobile application, and also introduced the virtual classroom, as it announced the adoption of Internet-based learning technologies to mark its 50th anniversary. Permanent secretaries from various ministries, as well as staff of the division, were at Hilton Barbados for the launch, labelled Chapter 50: Entering The E-Environment. Deputy principal training officer Fay-Marie Browne said the website would allow civil servants to view and access services, as well as to conduct business with the Division. In addition, the site would facilitate the application processes for public servants’ subscription to training courses, study and training leave. She anticipated the virtual classroom would widen the TAD’s reach of public officers wanting to access learning opportunities. (DN)

ONE BLOCK AT A TIME - Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth Stephen Lashley has appealed to corporate Barbados, charitable foundations and the wider public to help in the revitalization of the historic City of Bridgetown. His call came Sunday evening at the official opening of the Synagogue Redevelopment Project at the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of the capital, where he urged interested parties to help restore the 392-year-old town one block at a time. Lashley noted that the rejuvenation of the City had become of major importance with the rise of heritage tourism. Expressing his gratitude to Michael and Doreen Tabor for their charitable act, Lashley urged Barbadians to contribute to maintaining the pristine and immaculate condition of the grounds. Lashley held that the Government could not undertake the responsibility alone, noting that it was currently financing the restoration of Queen’s Park House. Representative of the Tabor Foundation, Joe Steinbok, who contributed $2 million to the project, revealed that the restoration touched the entire city block, except the synagogue and cemetery. The old fire station was converted into a museum and a café was incorporated into the architectural design. New developments also include the construction of a social hall to host weddings and bar mitzvahs. (BT)

LICKS FOR FLOGGING – More high-profile barbadians are turning their backs on flogging children. Once a mainstay in the disciplinary arsenal of Barbadian parents, more calls are coming for the practice to be made illegal. Director of Parent Education for Development in Barbados (PAREDOS), Sheila Stuart, yesterday said it should be banned even in the home, while outspoken educator and retired principal Jeff Broomes, once a proponent of corporal punishment, said he too wanted it removed from the law books. The issue has made headlines again following another recommendation by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to ban flogging in Barbados. (DN)

WELL OF WORRIES – A dog trapped in a well on Sunday night has unearthed fears by road users about an unsecured Barbados Water Authority (BWA) work area in Greens, St George. Chief inspector with the RSPCA, Wayne Norville, was eventually able to rescue the injured canine, but only after some tricky manoeuvring around a dangerous electrical pump deep in the shaft. The discovery of the pump also added to the degree of danger and raised questions about why the area was not better secured considering the type of equipment there.  On Facebook, Norville posted the dog’s rescue from the near 20-foot-deep hole in the presence of the Barbados Fire Service, pointing out that the BWA well was allowed to remain uncovered and there was no certainty about the voltage inside it. (DN)

SALESMAN HIT WITH $14,000 FINE - A 36-year-old salesman who pleaded guilty to possession of a pound of drugs has eight months to come up with $14,000 if he wants to avoid spending two years at Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds. Corey Antonio Waithe, of 3rd Avenue Station Hill, St Michael admitted to charges of possession, possession with intent to supply and trafficking of cannabis when he appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today. According to police prosecutor Sergeant Martin Rock, lawmen were on patrol along Hinds Hill last Friday when they stopped the car which Waithe was driving. After speaking with him, a search of the vehicle was requested, to which he consented. Police found a bag containing the illicit substance under several articles of clothing. When asked to account, Waithe admitted that it was cannabis and that he had concealed the drug which had an estimated $9,000 street value. Attorney at-law Romain Marshall, in mitigating for leniency for his client, pointed out to the magistrate that Waithe had cooperated with police and had not wasted the court’s time. Despite prior convictions, Marshall argued that Waithe did not have a propensity for such crimes. He said the only aggravating factor against his client was the drug itself. Marshall then urged the court not to dwell on the estimated street value of the drugs when considering sentence, as his client was self-employed and earned $400 to $500 a week. “He acknowledges that he is wrong and will pay a fine. I just ask that a fine be reasonable   . . . so that he can pay,” the lawyer stated. Following his arguments, Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant reprimanded and discharged Waithe on the possession and possession with intent to supply, but fined him on the trafficking offence. Waithe returns to court on December 15 to either pay the fine or show proof that he has already paid it. (BT)

W.I UP AGAINST IT – West Indies’ brittle and unproven batting was brutally exposed by leg-spinner Yasir Shah, leaving the Caribbean side staring at yet another defeat following a chastening penultimate day of the opening cricket Test against Pakistan here yesterday. Trailing on first innings by 121 runs after Pakistan piled up 407 all out, West Indies were in strife at 93 for four in their second innings at the close – still requiring 28 runs to avoid an innings defeat on today’s final day at Sabina Park. They were cantering at 72 for one at one stage but that false sense of security was exposed as three wickets fell for 17 runs in the space of 39 balls as Yasir wreaked havoc on the innings to finish with four for 33. Left-hander Kieran Powell missed out on a well deserved half-century when he fell for a fluent and composed 49 while debutant Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with 20 before his demise. (DN)

BIRKETT LEADS LAKERS TO WIN – Lumber Company Lakers are back to their winning ways. The same can’t be said of the champs. Keefe Birkett scored 15 of his 31 points from the line, including two clutch free throws, as Lakers held on for Sunday’s tense 86-80 victory over Orange 3 Pinelands in the Co-operators General Insurance Basketball Premier League at the Barbados Community College. The win was the second in a row for the previous league leaders, who started the season with a hot 6-0 record before dropping three of their next five games including two successive losses. (DN)

CHESS TEAM IMPRESS – Barbados missed out on an opportunity to claim a hat-trick of titles at the CARIFTA Chess Championships last week but president of the Barbados Chess Federation, Allan Herbert, says he couldn’t be more pleased with the national team’s performance. Barbados placed second overall, claiming seven medals – two gold, four silver and one bronze – and lost to the host country Jamaica in the four-day championships. “It’s a very strong medal haul for us. Taking it to Jamaica where they had the strength of numbers because they were the host federation was always going to be hard. We simply didn’t have anything on offer in the Girls’ Under-20 and Jamaica took gold, silver and bronze and that was just an overwhelming advantage,” Herbert said. Herbert said the overall performance was outstanding and he believed they all achieved their personal goals. (DN)

MERCER, MATTHEWS SHOW STRENGTH – Michael “MIKEY” Mercer topped the charts at the inaugural Strong Fest event to win the Strong Man title while Shari Matthews claimed the Strong Woman title. Mercer, of Bassa Bassa Gym, seized the title with 70 points and Matthews, of Crossfit 246, destroyed the women’s competition with 114 points on the final day of competition at the Valley Fitness Gym in St George on Sunday evening. The 285-pound calypsonian, who made his lifts look as easy as performing on stage on the first day of competition, won the squat, almost lifting twice his body weight with the highest weight of 515 pounds. “I’ve done some training overseas as well so I was able to really open up my numbers to get a feel for what I really can do. I can comfortably say in my back squat, my bench press and my dead lift, I went nowhere near my maxes. I just did enough to get that top position. (DN)

NOT MUCH HYPE – The crowds were smaller, and so was the hype surrounding the 13th annual Digicel Reggae Beach Party on Sunday night. Hundreds flocked to Pirates Cove Complex, Bay Street, St Michael, to see some of their favourite artistes but the enthusiasm of the audience paled in comparison to previous years. Had it not been for Jamaican acts Konshens and Demarco, the entire show probably would have fallen flat. At 9:30 p.m., Demarco appeared on stage after years of not performing in Barbados. During his 40-minute set, he put down hits such as Love My Life, Puppytail, True Friend and Fallen Soldiers; and he actually got a lift out of the crowd. (DN)

TOO LEWD – Local entertainment promoter FAS Promotions is being accused of promoting prostitution through song during last night’s Digicel Barbados Reggae Beach Party, a charge the company denied. A self-proclaimed prostitute known only as Natalie performed the now popular song Dirty Harry with singers SK and Pummydoo during the early hours of the show. The song, which Barbados TODAY understands has been pulled from rotation by one of the leading radio stations, openly promotes prostitution and parades it as the norm. Following the performance, many in the audience stood in shock and openly questioned why the promoters would allow such a song to be performed on a public stage. Some even asked openly, “this is what we promoting now?” Others who did not attend the event but heard of the performance, also expressed their displeasure, with some asking if “this is what we have come to”. One woman who opted not to be identified asked, “How all of a sudden it’s cool to be a prostitute?” Senior Pastor of Restoration Ministries David Durant today chastised the promoters, saying the decision to have the song performed was in “very poor taste”. Durant complained that Barbadians seemed to have departed from their Christian values and needed to reevaluate themselves. “Our values have fallen significantly in Barbados in the last several years. Our spiritual morals and values are gone and it seems as though we are just on a road of pleasing ourselves and doing what seems good in our own eyes and just fascinated by enjoying the pleasures of the world,” Durant, a Government Senator, told Barbados TODAY. Durant added that adults needed to set good examples for the children, who were looking on and recording the adults’ every action. He called on FAS Promotions and other promoters at large to be careful of the acts they book and the message that it could send, not only to locals but to those abroad. In a statement today, FAS Promotions Director Al Gilkes said Natalie was not booked by his company, but was brought on stage by SK. However, Gilkes said all performers were made aware of the profanity laws of Barbados before they went on stage. “FAS Promotions booked SK among a number of Barbadian performers for the Reggae Beach Party event. While Natalie was not contracted as a performer for the event she appeared on stage as a part of SK’s act. As a matter of course for ALL FAS Promotions events, all performers are advised about the profanity laws of Barbados and the liability attached to the breach of these laws and this was done for the beach event. FAS Promotions does not condone the breach of any of the laws of Barbados and regrets if any patrons were offended by any of the performances on Sunday,” the statement said.(BT)

That’s all for today folks. There are 249 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newscapsbystephaniefchase