My thoughts on…the “free” light bulb scandal
Ok. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The Jamaican government undertakes a big project. Ministry of Industry and Commerce gets involved. Scandal ensu…Oh. You have. Ok then. Man, I thought under this new government we could go for at least a decent quarter without a scandal erupting, but I guess I was wrong. There’s now a big scandal involving some light bulbs Cuba sent to us for free as part of its “Jamaica-Cuban Energy Saving Project,” and surprise, surprise, the “Honourable” Phillip Paulwell, former Minister of Energy and Commerce and his partner in crime junior minister, Kern Spencer are at the center of it all. I tell you, there’s nothing “honourable” about many of these politicians walking around with that fancy title, one created by politicians, for politicians just to lend more prestige to themselves.
You think they would’ve sacked him after NetServ and Trafigura. But like the police, politicians shield each other. But back to the issue at hand. If you’re a typical blog reader, you probably have a short attention span, so here’s the lowdown. Cuba gives us free bulbs. Jamaica only needs to handle clearance, transportation and other minor expenses. Programme was supposed to save $169 million. PNP left a bill of $275.5 million. And the most despicable thing about this is that this was supposed to benefit the country. Couldn’t they just suspend their personal interests for one minute and, I don’t know, serve the people? I know this is a strange concept, especially when applied to local politicians, but I think it could work. I really hope that this scandal is just one big misunderstanding and that things are sorted out. But given the history of scandals in this country, that’s unlikely. If so, then I hope Paulwell finally gets the boot. Politicians have enough of a bad name already. No need for him to make it worse.
PAULWELL …the original scandal daddy…. there is this saying if iut walks like a duck …if it talks like a duck …if it looks like a duck …if it smells like a duck …. it must be Phillip paulwell….
yes, damn teif!!!!
I got some of the “Free bulbs” a couple year’s back as Phillip rolled out the free bulbs in his constituency first which I live in.
[...] My thoughts on…the “free” light bulb scandal Ok. Stop me if you ve heard this one before. The Jamaican government undertakes a big project. Ministry of Industry and Commerce gets involved. Scandal ensu Oh. You have. Ok then. Man, I thought under this new government we could go for at least a decent quarter without a scandal erupting, but I guess I was wrong. There s now a big scandal involving some light bulbs Cuba sent to us for free… have a short attention span, so here s the lowdown. Cuba gives us free bulbs. Jamaica only needs [...]
Owen… whats wrong with you?! Lef’ di man nuh? You doh remember he is the youthfully exuberant one?
I don’t understand this one at all.They had the same project here with the Cubans themselves installing the bulbs.Can’t figur eout how something like that ended up a scandal..lawd
Welcome to youthful exuberance 101 (y)
Poor Kern Spencer. It was reported in today’s news that he broke down in tears in Parliament yesterday (Tues Nov 6, 2007) when ‘inaccuracies” as he described them were being thrown out on the floor and he was prevented from defending himself by the PNP dinosaurs.
I personally think he’s taking the fall for someone….and he’s just plain old stupid to believe that his fellow politicians wouldnt hang him out to dry.
[...] “free” light bulb scandal took a interesting turn yesterday as Kern Spencer, former Minister of of State in the Ministry of [...]
i am upset about this bullshit going on in politics, i am doing a research on inequality in jamaica and guess who is the main culprit? phillip paulwell! and i guess that is no surprise,this man has been at the centre of scandals and curroption for a while now,i am waiting to see when this man is going to be punished for all his wrong doing. thank god for the new party,atleast now justice can be served…or i hope so.
Oh puhlease! (re: Kern taking the fall for someone) Let us not be fooled by the cow bawling! far too many of our politicians test their “tiefin” when they are esteemed members of the UWI Guild of Undergrads. Why in heavens is it anything but credible when they get caught with their fingers in the cookie jar is beyond me! What does it say about us as a society that we value the “I shall return” wo/men among us?
Shaima’s last blog post..By: Esteban Agosto Reid
[...] alright. In fact, Cuba’s aiding us, allowing our students to study over there, giving us free light bulbs…erm, let’s not talk about that shall we? I’m proud of Fidel. After countless [...]
[...] smile spread across my face as I heard the news. Kern Spencer, involved in the much publicized Cuban light bulb scandal, and his two co-conspirators, were arrested Wednesday evening. Even though he was locked up for [...]
i believe that he should be punished if he is found guilt, a gift by the cuban government, raise eyebrows to other investors and this is bad for the jamaican economy. much jobs are needed and donations as well,, jamaica is small an poor we need help,, but with politicians stealing from the people,, who will want to help,, knowing there is a possibilility of theft and the people not benefitting???