Words that offended the PM of T&T

Prime Minister Patrick Manning's fight with the media is taking on a life of its own with Manning holding his ground suggesting that he did nothing wrong, did not suspend anybody and he has a right like any other citizen to go to a radio station to complain, or even go to court, if he is aggrieved. A partial transcript of the offending broadcast might explain why Manning is angry.

Two people were in the studio during the newscast. And they appeared to express their personal opinions as part of the news broadcast.

In suspending them over the broadcast the station's management said they had breached the established policy of expressing opinion within the newscast.

News anchor:
The Prime Minister added that the engines of vehicles today are so computerized that they will automatically adjust to the engine timing so that you would not be able to feel the difference. He added that when the price of premium gasoline went up it was for those who could afford it. He said the price of gasoline in Trinidad is the lowest in the world.
Announcer:
So wait nah, the price of gasoline went up for only those who could only afford it, right?
News anchor:
That is the boss.
Announcer:
But what going on in this place boy. (Both laugh: Ha, ha, ha.)
News anchor:
The Prime Minister assured that incentives would be given to motorists to make the change to CNG. Yes, so he paying for you to go and change your whole kit.
Announcer:
You know who much it cost to, to?
News anchor:
Yes about $5,000.
Announcer:
About $5,000, is about $10,000.
News anchor:
Yes between $5 and $10, one mechanic said.
Announcer:
Jesus Christ. Why would you raise gas for the minority which is the people who can't afford it. That is the minority eh.
News anchor:
It doesn't make much sense to, but we need to sustain the increase spending of the Government at this time. So think about it.
Announcer:
Think about what? There is nothing to think about and Diesel may soon go up.
News anchor:
Yep and he is also going to be encouraging people, persons are now going to be encouraged to change their, to convert their cars from Diesel to CNG.
Announcer:
Which if a man hit you from behind it could be very dangerous because the tank is in the trunk.
News anchor:
That's our Prime Minister.

Manning told Parliament Friday the cross-talk raised the issue of editorializing. And he again spoke about the CNG issue: " You check your cars, ladies and gentlemen, and tell me where your gasoline tank is. And you will find out in many of your cars if you get hit from behind, you meet a gasoline tank before you meet a CNG tank".

He insisted that the commentary between the two was unprofessional.

Editor's note:
Manning is probably right that CNG is safer than gas. He was one of the first persons in Trinidad and Tobago to equip his private vehicle with a CNG tank that took up most of the trunk of his Nissan Bluebird. That, however, is not the issue that has caused the national uproar.