And in the PM's address today there was plenty of talk about how government needs to change the way it does - or actually, does not - do business.
A case in point came up when the discussion turned to the export of cattle to Mexico.
That export opportunity has been tied up in red tape - on both sides of the border for years.
And, now, according to one cattle producer, it's being undermined by petty turf wars between the Ministry of Agriculture and Beltraide.
It seems Beltraide attended a meeting in Mexico that the Agriculture people didn't even know about.
And so, the producer claims BAHA was teling him that if he sticks with BELTRAIDE that's his choice.
The Prime Minister called on the Agriculture CEO Gabino Canto to explain.
He said they're moving ahead - but then he got into a bureaucratic song and dance that the PM just was not in the mood to tolerate and he berated the CEO publicly:
Gabino Canto - CEO, Ministry of Agriculture/Fisheries
"We sent a contingent of people to Mexico City to meet with them specifically to find out what are the problems. And when we went there, they told us that there was no problem. But when we needed it in writing, they didn't put it together, so that we can address those. Those are issues are pending at the Solicitor General's Office to look at. It is there; we sent it there about 4 months ago, and it's still there. The employment of the supervisor, the manager for the project, the cattle sweep has already been made, so it's only a matter of time for us to kick-start the cattle sweep process."
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"That's the point; it's been a matter of time for a while. I want to be certain that from our file, there is no delay. And I don't want to hear that the Solicitor General is taking 4 months. There are private lawyers that can draft these. If it's so important, let us pay; let us get it done."
Gabino Canto
"PM, the regulations were done by a private lawyers. It was sent to the Sol. Gen.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"For what?"
Gabino Canto
"For approval.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"Send it to Cabinet."
Gabino Canto
"The Cabinet has approved it."
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"Well then, Let's pass them. I'm sorry, sir. I don't mean to be impatient, but that is exactly why people have this perception that we are incompetent in Government, and 9 times out of 10 they are correct. Anyway."
Best estimates are that with cattle will not be exported until mid-2013...
