News
Badger and the Bells
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IT IS OFTEN said that one should not kick a man when he is down. Badger disagrees, readers: It seems to him that in the absence of a better opportunity, there is no better time to apply a touch of the boot. Of course, Jamie Adams isn’t down. Let’s face it, however, readers, if ever a man deserved a good shoeing it is him. And after last Thursday’s command performance. Badger is inclined to do just that. Badger wants to deal closely and with relish with the self-serving nature of Jamie Adams’ theatrical approach to council business. We start as we must, near the end. Watching the webcast of last Thursday’s council meeting was an interesting experience.
After what were apparently significant protests outside County Hall’s doors. Jamie Adams proposed a significant concession to guarantee the maintenance of secondary education in St Davit’s. Councillors were taken aback. It seemed as though Jamie had made policy if not on the hoof, then at the last minute. But no. readers. Not a bit of it. We turn to Cllr Ken Rowlands’ cominents at the end of the debate. Called because of his extensive teaching experience. Ken assured members that Jamie’s apparent change of heart was no last minute blink in the teeth of public protest No, readers. The Voice of Ken assured councillors and the watching public that those in the know had been discussing the matter for weeks and that the cognoscenti had determined to save Ysgol Dewi Sant. This was not “pulling a rabbit out of a hat”, as one councillor had opined, this was a sensible decision. We are, therefore, readers in a quandary. Ken must be telling the truth: Rather like George Washington, Ken is incapable of telling a lie.
Ask Sue Perkins about Ken’s bona fides. if you have any doubt on the matter. So, having got to near the conclusion of the debate with Ken telling everyone that this was not the !PPG chickening out when faced with probable defeat in the chamber and opprobrium everywhere, we need to pause and rewind back to the debate’s beginning. Jamie Adams is rather fond of laying about himself with casual smears and innuendos. Councillors should not. said Jamie. jump on the education bandwagon to score political points. Goodness knows who he meant. because when he was asked point blank by elk. Jacob Williams who he meant he was too embarrassed to answer. And embarrassed is precisely what he should have been. Badger has commented before about Cllr Adams awkward relationship with the English language and the meaning of words.
While he gives every impression of having carefully prepared on his brief. Badger suspects that the Leader is less aware of his words than he might be. Taking the voice of Kcn at his word, it is the Council Leader who was ‘playing politics’ and in a pretty hypocritical and pathetic way. to boot. Badger has had a look at the minutes of Cabinet, the minutes of committees. the public record. Nowhere is there any sign of the IPPG reconsidering its approach to schools reorganisation before Jamie Adams made his announcement at last week’s extraordinary meeting. In fact, if Ken’s words were true. it beggars belief that the Council’s monitoring flunkey had to scurry out of the meeting to Xerox sufficient copies of it to hand round to
councillors.
In those circumstances, readers, we am faced with what has to be one of the most appalling choices a human being has to make. Do you believe Ken? Or was JamieAdams hypocritically playing politics with education? After all, what on earth prevented Jamie from telling councillors the night before the meeting that unknown members meeting in secret had determined an alternative policy that flew in the face of officers’ advice? What on earth possessed Jamie to call an extraordinary council meeting to debate a policy which he must have known — if we believe Ken — was not going to go forward’?
Why whip up a storm of protest that attracted 300 people to the doors of County Hall and then mollify them? If what Ken said is true (and why would we doubt itt) there was no need for any of the above, other than a meeting to debate the policy proposal subsequently advanced. Badger has a suggestion: Watching the webcast at the time. Badger was struck by how keen the Leader was to demonstrate that Pembrokeshire was a ‘member-led’ authority and that this U-turn on Ysgol Dewi Sam was evidence of the same. It is possible the fact that senior officers have played the system and manipulated the council’s policies and procedures for years to suit themselves and their bulging. overpaid wallets for years, has finally penetrated the bullet skull containing the leader’s brain.
What better way, what more public forum, would there be to nail that canard? It is possible that Jamie Adams’ speech was no more than his way of saying: “I’ve got no strings to hold me up. Look at me, I’m a real boy.” For the life of him, Badger can’t remember where that sentiment originates. What better way to demonstrate his political acumen, to show that Jamie is a man of the people, than by doing that which he claims others have done? Play politics with children’s education. Hypocrite is such an ugly word. Badger invites you, readers, to pick your own, shorter alternative. Harold Macmillan was described. not entirely kindly, as ‘the great actor! manager’.
Pulling the occasional funny face is the best the leader can do when following that less than grand tradition. It is possible. readers, that Badger is being unfair. That discussions had taken place over weeks about the approach to adopt. But even then, that does not get Jamie off the hook of the hypocrisy and cant he is so quick to detect in others. It is possible that Ken’s words were ill-chosen and that the IPPG leadership decided on a change of tack late in the day. But that would impugn Clir Rowlands’ credibility. Or perhaps the prospect of humiliating defeat in the chamber last Thursday and the prospect of electoral Gotterdammerung in 2016, rang alarm bells — or possibly cathedral ones — in Jamie’s brain. It is possible that Jamie backed down at the sound of those bells, afraid to ask for whom they were tolling. Badger has a hot tip for his favourite former yoghurt salesman. They toll for thee. Jamie. They toll for thee.
News
Hundreds of nurses from India to help ease pressure on NHS in Wales
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A FURTHER 200 nurses and doctors from Kerala in India will be recruited to join the health service in Wales.
The announcement strengthens the agreement made between the Welsh Government and the Government of Kerala last year to support ethical recruitment from India to Wales, and on the basis of mutual benefit.
The NHS in Wales now has more staff than at any point in its history, directly employing almost 97,000 full-time equivalent staff, and the Welsh Government is committed to continue investing in the current workforce and in training the NHS workforce of the future.
By welcoming healthcare professionals from Kerala, the NHS is benefiting from a wealth of knowledge which bring skills and experience that enrich the healthcare system.
More than 300 healthcare professionals have already taken up positions across NHS Wales from the Indian state since the agreement was signed in March 2024.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles met staff coming to Wales and thanked them for their support of NHS Wales.
Staff Nurse Teena Thomas from Karunagappally is set to join NHS Wales soon and said: “I’m drawn to NHS Wales’ commitment to providing high-quality patient care and its reputation for excellence in healthcare.
“I’m excited to be part of a team that values compassion, kindness, and respect. The opportunity to work in a multicultural environment and contribute to the well-being of the Welsh community is truly fulfilling. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and expertise in a supportive and inclusive work environment.”
The Health Secretary also met with Minister for Health, Woman and Child Development, Veena George, to reaffirm and strengthen the working relationship between Wales and Kerala.
Health Secretary, Jeremy Miles said: “We are committed to delivering a sustainable NHS workforce which can handle present demands and meet the needs of the future.
“Wales has a long and proud tradition of welcoming healthcare professionals from all over the world and ethical international recruitment is a key part of our workforce strategy to ensure that the NHS in Wales has the right people and skills it needs.
“I am pleased a further 200 healthcare professionals from Kerala will be playing an important part in supporting NHS Wales, joining those who have already been recruited to our healthcare system.
“I thank them for everything they do and the Government of Kerala for the warm welcome and look forward to continuing to build our strong working relationship.”
(Pictured: Indian nurses – file pic)
Community
Tenby’s Eileen Machin celebrates 101st birthday with five generations of family
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TENBY’S remarkable Eileen Machin turns 101 tomorrow (Feb 28), marking another milestone in a life filled with adventure, service, and love.
A proud veteran of the Women’s Services during the Second World War, Eileen has lived through history and continues to embrace life with an energy that puts many to shame. She still lives independently in her own flat and regularly uses her free bus pass to travel to Pembroke, where she meets family for catch-ups.
Eileen, a mother of six, also fostered many children over the years, providing a loving home to those in need. Her warmth and generosity have extended through the generations, as proven by a remarkable family photo taken last year, featuring five generations—ages 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100—alongside grandchildren from Pembroke and even as far as New Zealand. Pictured with her are four great-grandsons (two from the UK and two from New Zealand) and one great-great-grandson.
A true adventurer at heart, Eileen made headlines last April when she renewed her passport—free of charge, as is the privilege for centenarians—and jetted off on a family holiday to Cyprus. She was the life of the party, dancing the nights away and making the most of the all-inclusive perks with a few well-earned gin and tonics.
Eileen’s incredible life and stories are an inspiration to all who know her. As she celebrates her 101st birthday, surrounded by loved ones, one thing is certain—this extraordinary woman isn’t slowing down any time soon!
(Pic: Eileen Machin with her five-generation family, including four great-grandsons and one great-great-grandson.)
Crime
Police impose dispersal zone at Tenby multi-storey after spate of anti-social behaviour
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A DISPERSAL zone has been enforced at Tenby’s multi-storey car park following a surge in anti-social behaviour, Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed.
Officers say they have received “a number of reports” of disorder both within the car park and in the surrounding area. The incidents have been described as serious enough to warrant immediate action, with police vowing to tackle the issue “robustly.”
Police clamp down on disorder
In response, a Section 34 dispersal zone has been put in place, granting police and PCSOs the authority to order individuals to leave the area if they are involved in, or likely to engage in, anti-social behaviour. Those instructed to leave must not return for 48 hours.
A spokesperson for the Tenby Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) urged parents to take responsibility for their children, saying: “Parents, please be aware of where your children are and what they are up to.”
Reports of escalating incidents
While police have not disclosed specific details of the reported incidents, concerns have been raised over escalating problems at the site. The multi-storey car park was the location of a tragic accident last month when a six-month-old baby was struck by a car and later died.
Residents and businesses in the area have expressed concern over ongoing disturbances, with some calling for increased police patrols and improved security measures at the facility.
How to report anti-social behaviour
Police are urging anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour to report it via: 101 (non-emergency police number)
101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
Online at https://orlo.uk/oL3e3
The dispersal zone will remain in effect while police continue to monitor the situation.
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