Tail of Hurricane Tomas hits Tobago, parts of Trinidad. PM, ministers in field helping citizens

Areas of Trinidad and Tobago were hit Sunday by the tail end of Hurricane Tomas. the storm caused flooding in many areas of East Trinidad that suffered significant flooding and landslides.

Cabinet Ministers Jack Warner, Chandresh Sharma, Winston Peters, Rupert Griffith and Colin Partap have been in the field touring flooded areas and arranging relief for citizens.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is touring the affected areas and will be making an aerial tour of areas in Tobago. She had anticipated problems from Thomas and since Friday had mobilised key personnel to response if necessary.

A media release from the office of the Prime Minister Sunday said "government agencies, inclusive of Police, Fire Service and the ODPM were able to respond very quickly clearing all landslides that were observed from Toco through Sangre Grande and Mayaro with the help of the Regional Corporations, the Ministry of Works, CEPEP and URP.

"In addidtion, some nine families were relocated, two food shelters were set up in Mayaro and Sangre Grande and a temporary bridge was set up to replace one that was swept away in Sangre Grande," the release stated.

Click here for the latest on Hurricane Tomas

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Tomas gains hurricane strength, batters Barbados and heads to Windward island

Tracking map at 5 pm Saturday

Tropical Storm Tomas on Saturday blew off the roofs of several buildings, uprooted trees and utility poles and made several roads impassable in Barbados as it the storm headed to the northern Windward Islands where it gained strength and was declared a category one hurricane.

Rescue and medical officials warned Barbadians and visitors to remain indoors and the storm battered the island. Medical officials reported that they had received several calls from persons suffering from various injuries.

The regional airline, LIAT, and American Airlines cancelled flights in and out of the Grantley Adams International Airport for the day.

By 4 in the afternoon Tomas was affecting St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour (120 km/h). A hurricane warning issued for both islands and also for the French island of Martinique. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect Dominica, Grenada and Tobago.

At 5 p.m. Saturday Tomas was moving slowly on a west-northwest path. Forecasters say it is expected to stay on that course through Sunday. They said it will get stronger over then next 48 hours.

OSHA head pledges to get tough with employers

The new chairperson of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) is pledging to get tough with employers.

Dr Carol Bhagan-Khan made the point Friday when she was installed as the new head of the authority. She said she will ensure they all employers are are more compliant with health and safety regulations in Trinidad and Tobago.

Bhagan-Khan said she will use her office “to ensure workers in this country have a safe place of work and safe systems of work.” She pledged to use funds allocated to OSHA in the best possible way for the wider society, with the hope that productivity will increase with proper implementation of the rules.

In an address at the event Labour Minister Errol McLeod said the People’s Partnership Government is seeking to correct the injustice of the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) government by constituting the boards of the two agencies. He said the OSH Authority is an advisory body responsible for enforcement of the OSH Act, among other things. He there are three urgent issues to be addressed:

• the review and implementation of the recommendations arising from a recent comprehensive review of the operations of the agency 
• the advertisement and filling of the position of executive director of the OSH Agency, which has been vacant since May 2009
• the advertisement and filling of all other vacant senior positions in the OSH Agency so that it can execute its enforcement responsibilities effectively

PNM awarded billions in contracts just before election; Rambachan speaks of bogus land deeds

Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath told the House of Representatives Friday the Manning PNM government awarded $1.1 billion in contracts in the weeks leading up to the May 24 General Election to the Estate Management Business Development Company (EMBDC).

The EMBDC was set up to manage the 80,000 acres of land that the Caroni (1975) Limited owned owned prior to its closure by the Manning administration.

Bharath told MPs the previous government handed out the contracts in a 90-day period between April 19 and May 29, 2010. The period covers the time when Parliament was dissolved and included five days after the government was voted out of office.

“There may have been a legitimate reason for the award of these contracts...however there appeared to be an indecent haste in awarding those contracts," he said during debate motion to approve a Presidential order for land acquisition.

Bharath also questioned how EMBDC used state lands that were classified as prime arable land. “These were some of the best agricultural lands in Trinidad and Tobago,” Bharath said in reference to the lands that were used for mainly for sugar cane cultivation.

Speaking on the same motion Tabaquite MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Suruj Rambachan said a "ring of corruption" and tiny flaws in the system of land searches have allowed a series of “fraudulent schemes” to take place in relation to land acquisition. 

Rambachan said the corruption possibly involves officials of regional corporations.

“There are very distinguished legal firms who have presented searches to banks which now they find that those searches were in fact faulty and that is how those deeds get away,” Rambachan told the House.

“I have been hearing within recent times of false deeds in the country, where even banks have found themselves in problems, where they have accepted deeds and used it for mortgages and so on, only to discover that when the person can’t pay and the lands are advertised on the newspaper somebody comes and says, ‘but you are selling my land’ and then the bank says no this land has been mortgaged to us,” the minister said. “There are cases like that.”

“People have a kind of business going on in this country now where it seems the business may also involve maybe some of the regional corporations who have the tax records of the land and they notice people have not come in and paid their land taxes for 16 years or what have you and then they combine with people on the outside,” he said

“And they get into fraudulent schemes where people are dispossessed of their very valuable lands and then the lands are mortgaged to the banks and in the process the banks don’t get paid and then the real owner of the land turns up,” he added.

The minister noted Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar is setting up a special unit in the Legal Affairs ministry to investigate deed irregularities.

“He is setting up an investigative unit in his ministry in order to ensure that when people come with deeds you can at that point discover whether fraud has taken place,” Rambachan said.

Tropical storm Tomas spares T&T, heads to Grenada

Tomas at 5 am Saturday 30 October 2010

Tropical Storm Tomas was heading to Grenada at 5 am Saturday morning after creating a scare in Trinidad and Tobago and causing panic among citizens.

The country took all the necessary precautions and as people rushed home and stocked up on vital supplies. Offshore oil and gas facilities were evacuated as well.

The storm formed in the open Atlantic late Thursday afternoon and was heading in the direction of Tobago with Trinidad also in its path. 

It is expected to become a major hurricane as it moves up the Caribbean towards Florida.

Storms warnings have been issued in Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Martinique.

PM, Opposition leader wish T&T Happy Divali

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar wished Trinidad and Tobago a happy Divali Friday.

Speaking in the House of Representatives at its last sitting before the Hindu festival of lights on November 5, she said Divali symbolises the best practice, goodness, decency, humility, equity, tolerance and justice. She said it is central not only to devotees of the Hindu faith but all in this God-fearing nation.

"In a marked way it affirms our country's devotion and commitment to integrity, probity and fair play," she said, adding: "May the significance of Divali guide us each day."

Opposition Leader Keith Rowley said he wanted to associate himself with the Prime Minister's sentiments, noting that it was not often that Trinidad and Tobago acknowledges its strength and character as a nation.

"We are a multicultural, multi ethnic people, living in peace and harmony and we can be proud that every year we can celebrate these festivals as national festivals," Rowley declared.

Parliament ablaze with Divali fashions as PM Kamla lays bill for Children's Life Fund

The House of Representatives was transformed Friday into an Indian fashion show with members from both sides dressed in Traditional East Indian outfits for the last sitting before next week's Divali celebration.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesssar wore a dark red and gold sari. Others dressed for the occasion included Donna Cox, Patricia McIntosh, Paula Gopee-Scoon, Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, Stacy Roopnarine, Jairam Seemungal, Lincoln Douglas, Herbert Volney, Winston Peters and Rudy Indarsingh.

The Prime Minister announced to the House that some of the outfits worn Friday by the MPs will be featured in next Wednesday's "Bombay Dreams" fashion show to raise funds for the Children’s Life Fund,

Persad-Bissesar laid the legislation to formalise the Fund, which will provide financial assistance to children who need emergency surgeries that are not available locally. 

She is contributing 15 per cent of her salary to the fund and cabinet members are donating five per cent. She announced that deductions so far have reached  $239,625 so far.

Moonilal fulfills childhood dream, graduates as a lawyer

Dr Roodal Moonilal has another title to add to his impressive academic credentials - Attorney-at-law.

The Housing and environment minister, who already holds a Phd, was admitted to the Bar at the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain Friday along with 78 other graduates from the Hugh Wooding Law School. Former Attorney General Russell Martineau presented Moonilal.

The MP for Oropouche East told reporters his graduation is a realisation of a childhood dream. It would also help his political career. He added, "This will serve me in the conduct of Parliament business."

Moonilal, 43, holds a Bsc in political science, a master’s in industrial relations and a PhD in development studies. He now adds LLB degree in law to his portfolio.

PM Kamla, FM Rambachan to attend state funeral for late PM Thompson of Barbados

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Foreign Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan will attend the State funeral next Wednesday of the late Barbadian Prime Minister David Thompson. They will join other regional leaders and dignataries for the funeral at Kensington oval.

Thompson died last weekend after losing a battle with Pancreatic cancer. He was 48.

Read the story: PM David Thompson of Barbados dies at age 48

Related story: New PM takes office in Barbados following death of PM David Thompson

In Parliament in Trinidad Friday, former Prime Minister Patrick Manning broke his silence to stand up and pay tribute to Thompson. Others, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Keith Rowley also paid tribute to the late Barbadian leader.


Read the story: House mourns David Thompson
 

Thousands of Barbadians are paying respects to their late leader whose body is lying in state Saturday at the headquarters of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which Thompson led up to the time of his death.
 

The public viewing began at the island's Parliament on Thursday.

Media reports from Bridgetown say there were some emotional scenes as politicians and Barbadians from all walks of life passed by the open, flag-draped casket of Thompson.

Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands was the first to pay his respects and offer condolences to Thompson’s widow Mara, children, Misha, Oya and Osa-Marie and other members of Thompson's family.

Next in line were Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, members of the Judiciary and members of the Diplomatic Corps with the general public following.

The public viewing continues on Monday at the St John Parish Church and the body will be returned to Parliament on Tuesday to continue the process ahead of the funeral the next day.

Charles speaks of tough times at COSTAATT, better to come under new minister

Rodney gets a corsage from Senator Lyndira Oudit

UN Ambassador Rodney Charles said on Thursday the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of T&T (Costaatt) has contributed significantly to tertiary education in Trinidad and Tobago despite attempts to undermine it.

Speaking at the institution's 10th anniversary celebration in San Fernando Charles noted that the college was able to take tertiary education into the country into the 21st century, despite the efforts of a shareholder whom he did not name, who tried to stifle Costaatt in order to develop the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

“Its first decade was characterised by benign neglect and Cinderella treatment by a shareholder who could not bring himself to understand the mission of this institution and the critical role it was playing in our country’s future,” he said.

“Budgets were limited and siphoned off to UTT, and other institutions, in pursuit of the elitist dream. Every initiative we developed, like COMPASS, was co-opted,”

Charles, who developed the schools Journalism school and was Senior Policy Adviser to the President of Costaatt before being handed a diplomatic appointment, said for nearly five years the college had to endure the step-child treatment as it occupied office and classroom space at the Eric Williams Medical Complex.

“Often, students while walking to classes could witness dead bodies being moved to the mortuary, or relatives crying for their departed,” he said.

He said Costaatt own a single building. "Those which we owned as John Donaldson and San Fernando Technical Institutes and ECIAF were taken away literally like a thief in the night and handed lock, stock and barrel to the UTT," he said. "You think it easy?"

Charles said the roadblocks did not stop the staff and administration who helped develop a quality institution with the help of Emmanuel Gonzales who was appointed President in 2008.

Charles said there is hope for great things to come now that there is "an enlightened Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education". The minister is Fazal Karim.

Acting president of Student Affairs Dr Meryle Hoyte praised Charles for his vision. “When I saw in the newspapers that UWI was establishing a school of journalism, I said what you talking bout?...Rodney Charles did that with us.”

Hoyte described the journalism department as "second to none".

Column: Are we there yet?

If you have ever taken a road trip with children you would have experienced the anxiety during the journey. "Are we there yet?" is the common refrain.

And that seems to be what is happening with people watching the new Kamla People's Partnership government in Trinidad and Tobago. 

It's only been five months and a few days yet if you listen to people you would think that the government has been there for an eternity and nothing has happened.

In fact this government has achieved more in this short period than any government in Trinidad and Tobago. And it has been working with just the financial crumbs left by Patrick Manning and the PNM after their orgy of spending and waste.

Still every time there is a negative report, the emails start flying around, the phone calls are fast and furious: "O Gawd, we in trouble! The government go mash up!"

Since May 24 I have been inundated with such calls and emails from party faithful who all seem to feel that the sky is falling in.

The end was near when Kamla asked for a review of the airport contracts; the government was "mashing up" when politicians in COP were trying to score points during an internal election; it was all over when the PSA called for mass protests; all hell is breaking loose because of the CL bacchanal.

Look around folks. The sky is not falling in. Yes, some media reports would like you to believe that. The PNM's misinformation and political propaganda is aimed to making you believe it. And people's own selfish needs are adding fuel to all the rumours flying around. Don't get sucked in with Chicken Lickin' and fall prey to Foxy Loxy.  

I have been telling everyone who would listen that the PP government is NOT in trouble despite the propaganda that says so. Things are happening; the government is at work. 

It took God a full seven days to create our world. Don't expect Kamla and her team to undo all the wrongs and fix every problem in less than six months! We gave them five years, so we need to have some patience.

Haven't we experienced enough government mistakes in Trinidad and Tobago in recent memory?

The real anxiety from among supporters and many opportunists who have emerged like woodlice from the political woodwork is Kamla's delay in completing the appointment of boards and making diplomatic appointments.

There is every reason for the Prime Minister to be cautious and to check and double check everything.

In the old days a party card was the essential credential to get on a state board. It didn't matter if you had the competence to serve or whether you understood what the company did. And some of the people demanding board appointments today still fall in that category.

What Kamla is doing right is making sure of a few things:

• No person is going to serve on more than one board
• Everyone appointed to a board would have the right credentials
• Everyone will have o go through a background check
• Party connection is not a passport to favours

You will likely say if you look at some of appointments already made she has broken some of those rules. However I would argue to make such a determination you have be understand all the relevant issues and know all the players. In such circumstances I would give the lady the benefit of the doubt.

There is grumbling as well about foreign postings. Obviously she has determined that running things at home takes precedence over the overseas missions and foreign policy. She and her Foreign Minister appear to be in full control so waiting a little while longer to find the right persons to serve cannot be a mistake.

One of our greatest faults as a nation is that each of us seems to be an expert in everything. We know how to run a political party, we know how to run a government, we know how to run state boards, everyone can be a diplomat.

I am sorry folks, it doesn't work that way. I know that our recent past has not provided good reason for trusting politicians and it will take some time to make the adjustment.

Kamla et al promised change. Change takes time. We are not there yet! The journey is just beginning. Have patience. And take time to enjoy it and to be part of the change. 

Jai Parasram | Toronto, October 30, 2010

Guest column: That PSA dispute - by Robin Montano

It is difficult to understand what is going on between the Government and the Public Service Association with regard to the salary negotiations for public servants. 

Oh! It is fairly easy to understand the P.S.A.'s President, Mr. Watson Duke. His is the classic trade unionist's position: "We want more money". And there is nothing basically wrong with this approach ... at least as an opening gambit. 

But unfortunately things don't always work like that and a big problem right now for the Government is finding the necessary funds to meet all of its obligations including, but not limited to increased salaries for the public servants.

The present dispute is not, and should not be about whether or not the public servants deserve an increase. By and large they do. 

There are a few who don't deserve even the salary that they are getting at present ... but they are (thankfully) not anywhere near a majority, and it is unfair to effectively punish the majority of hardworking and deserving public servants because of an inefficient minority.

No. The real issue is whether we (the country) can afford any increase at all ... and if so, what is the size of the increase that we can afford. 

Now, it ought to be of great benefit to both sides of this issue to have as the present Minister of Labour a man whose trade union credentials are impeccable and therefore whose word ought to be trusted by Mr. Duke et al. 

But the Minister has been conspicuous in his silence on the issue and the question has to be asked: Why?

I can only think of two reasons why the Minister might want to keep quiet and not intervene now:

1. He is completely incompepent and does not understand his proper role and his duty to the country; or
2. He simply does not trust his Ministerial colleague, the Finance Minister, and is not personally convinced that the figures that are being presented by the Government (his Government) are true and correct

I am ready, willing and able to accept that there may be another reason (or even 10 more reasons) but I really can't think of any.

Now, speaking for myself and myself alone, I find it hard to believe that Mr. McLeod is an incompetent person. 

So, if he is not incompetent then his unwillingness to intervene must be (unless there is some other reason which I can't think of) because he doesn't trust his Government's figures and is unwilling to put his credibility on the line for his Ministerial colleague. 

Because, if he did trust his colleague and his Government he could and should call Mr. Duke and say something like "Hear what Watson. We just don't have the money to pay all yuh." 

And he could and should then lend his name and his prestige to finding a solution to the present imbroglio instead of leaving the Chief Personnel Officer to twist and turn in the wind. He has the pretige and the clout and the credibility to bring both the P.S.A. and the Government into line.

But he is not doing that at all! The closest he has come to commenting on this most serious dispute is to support David Abdullah marching with the P.S.A.! What does that tell you?

The only test of leadership is to lead, and to lead vigourously. The Minister of labour has to "get off the pot" and lead the parties out of a dispute that could have serious adverse consquences for this country. And he has to do it now!

For more of Robin's writing please visit his blog: The Rag

UDeCOTT stays because of its financial commitments: PM Kamla

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told the Newsday newspaper Thursday she will not disband the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) because of the company’s financial commitments.

She added that Jearlean John will continue to be chair of UDeCOTT and oversee its operations until a new board is appointed.

John submitted he resignation when the new government took office. However Planning Minister mary king asked her to stay on pending the appointment of a board.

The Prime Minister told Newsday, “I have no choice but to keep UDeCOTT because of the financial commitments, and I am currently in the process of putting a new board in place.” 

The paper quoted government sources as saying that Persad-Bissessar is pleased with John, who was a cabinet minister in the Panday UNC government, and might keep her as chair of UDeCOTT.

John is also the managing director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

UDeCOTT has been one of the most controversial government companies and was the subject of a commission of inquiry which found evidence of widespread irregularities. 

Its former executive chairman Clader Hart quit just before the report of of the inquiry was handed to the president and left the country with his wife and young daughter.

Hart is currently under investigation for fraud. Five senior manager of UDeCOTT are also under suspension. UDeCOTT has not awarded any contracts since the general election.

The Manning PNM administration created UDeCOTT in 1994 as a limited liability company. It has operated as the main project management company for government's mega projects handling billions of dollars. 

When Keith Rowley questioned a lack of oversight by UDeCOTT Manning kicked him out of cabinet, saying his "wajang" behaviour was not acceptable.

Manning to speak Friday on Bail Bill, plans to "take government to task" on crime

Patrick Manning is on Friday expected to snap out of his self-imposed slumber and speak in the House of Representatives on a bill to amend to the Bail Amendment bill.

The former Prime Minister has not spoken in the present Parliament, choosing to sit quietly just as the representative for San Fernando East.

Both Manning and opposition chief whip Marlene McDonald are listed to speak in response to the bill, which Attorney General Anand Ramlogan will pilot.

There appears to be some confusion about who will speak first for the opposition. A statement from Manning’s San Fernando East constituency confirmed that Manning is “scheduled to make his contribution” to Parliament Friday.

It added that Manning proposes “to take the Government to task for its handling of the crime situation,” adding that Manning “will lead off the Opposition’s response."

However media reports say the PNM has advised the Speaker's office that McDonald would lead off the PNM’s reply on the bill, with Manning speaking third in the opposition lineup in the debate, after McDonald and MP Donna Cox.

The Trinidad Guardian said that was a decision taken by the PNM Parliamentary caucus. Manning has refused to attend caucus meetings since he was dumped as leader of the party following the defeat of the PNM in the May 24 general election.

It is likely to be Wade Mark who will make the decision about who speaks first since the convention is that the person "who catches the Speaker's eye" first is allowed to speak.

The bail bill requires a three-fifth majority to pass. The government has a comfortable majority to get it through the House of Representatives. However it would require additional support in the Senate.

No conflict in appointment of chair of Clico probe: Ramlogan

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has stated that there is no conflict of interest in relation to the Government’s choice of Sir Gavin Lightman QC as the chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into Clico.

Ramlogan was responding to comments from opposition Senate leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson who said in Parliament earlier this week that Sir Gavin was the lead attorney for CL boss Lawrence Duprey in the Republic Bank takeover. 

She told legislators, "there may be a real or perceived conflict of interest in his appointment to that Commission of Inquiry.”

However Ramlogan said Wednesday that's not an issue. And he denied that Lightman had once worked for the former CL chairman. "It is an unfortunate and unfounded accusation that is completely without merit," Ramlogan told local media.

He added, "In consulting persons to serve on the Commission I did inquire about conflict of interests and was given the assurance that none existed.

"Subsequently to the Senator’s allegations I spoke with Mr Gavin Lightman and Peter Carter (counsel to the inquiry) and they both confirmed that they in fact never worked for Clico or any of its affiliates or Mr Duprey,” Ramlogan told the media.

"He was a serving judicial officer. He was not in private practice," Ramlogan said.

But Beckles is not yet ready to apologize or back away from her allegations. "If I am wrong, I will apologise," she told reporters.

According to Sir Gavin's resume he had been a Judge of the UK High Court’s Chancery Division and in 1996 he became a judge at the UK Administrative Court.

Clico policyholders happy with gov't response; slam CB threatens legal action

The CLICO Policyholders Group said Thursday its last resort will be to take legal action against the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), the Government, former directors of Clico and CL Financial, Clico's parent company.

And the group has denounced a statement from the Central Bank, calling it "misleading, fallacious, egregious and offensive".

The CBTT took out media ads this week stating that it did not make promises to pay Clico policyholders.

In the ads, the Bank stated, "...the Bank, working together with the Government of T&T (GORTT), was seeking to assure that, in the developing situation, the Clico policyholders would have been offered the best possible protection, subject to reasonable public policy constraints," the CBTT said.

"The Bank was not able in law to give any binding assurance of the nature claimed, since the bank had no power to provide financial assistance to Clico, but was conveying and supporting the financial resolution strategy of the GORTT, in the best interest of the policyholders," it added.

Read the story: Central Bank made no promises to pay Clico policholders: statement

However Deputy chairman of the Policyholders Group Peter Permell told reporters Thursday he believes the Central Bank is misleading people with its response on its level of responsibility to protect investors and protect their assets.

Permell referred to statements made last February by Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams and former CLICO executive Claude Musaib-Ali making a guarantee. 

He said the Central Bank must accept its responsibility for the Clico situation because it is the regulator of the country's financial sector. He said the Bank has an obligation to provide financial assistance to Clico policyholders.

"We have read the letters and heard the comments that policyholders were greedy, but policyholders acted responsibly and, if necessary, as a last resort, we are prepared to take legal action. We have a solid basis for a case," Permell said.

He said while there is a solid legal case to be made the group has no problems with the current Government and had held "amicable meetings" with the interministerial team led by Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath to help resolve the problems CLICO investors faced.

The government is considering a proposal from the group for a payment to investors of 40 per cent of their principal investments in Clico up-front and the remainder over the next five years with interest.

That is an alternative to the offer made in the budget for the payment of $75,000 with the remainder to be paid over 20 years with no interest.

Photo story: Jack Warner meets Russian PM in Moscow

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. 

Warner was in the Russian capital in his capacity as FIFA Vice-President. Both men spoke with the assistance of a Russian translator.

Putin promised Warner that he will visit Trinidad and Tobago whenever he's next in this part of the world. 

The meeting between the two men had been scheduled for earlier in the year but had to be postponed because of Warner's national commitments.

Judgment reserved in Ish, Steve extradition case

The Court of Appeal on Thursday reserved judgment on appeals by businessmen Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh to avoid extradition to the United States.

The judges heard arguments over two days and concluded that they would announce their findings at a date to be fixed.

One of the principal points argued by lawyers is that the extradition order is a violation of a citizen's fundamental rights since the relevant legislation did not receive the required constitutional majority in Parliament in order to take effect.

The businessmen are challenging decisions by High Court judges. One challenge is against the decision by Justice Vasheist Kokaram to dismiss a constitutional motion challenging the legality of the Extradition Act. The other questions Justice Joan Charles refusal of a judicial review of the Attorney General’s decision to order their extradition.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan signed the extradition warrants on October 9 for the businessmen to be sent to the United States to face fraud and corruption charges The two face 95 charges of money laundering and bid-rigging and have been indicted by a U.S. grand jury.

Commentary: Time to end T&T's rum culture

Arrive Alive is a special interest group in Trinidad and Tobago that is deeply concerned about the number of people who have been killed and continue be killed on the roads in the country due to poor road practices, including speeding and impaired driving.

Brent Batson, who is the new president of the group has announced that he expects that the 2010 road fatality figure - which is about now 169 - to reach 200 by the end of the year.

“When we look at the statistics we are not happy, we are not seeing the major decrease in traffic fatalities that should be happening, and we are genuinely concerned about the lack of a co-ordinated effort to deal with it,” he told reporters at a news conference this week.

Batson announced a new Arrive Alive media campaign entitled “How Many Lives Saved” incorporating, press, radio, tv and web to promote the importance of personal responsibility.

Arrive Alive's campaign is commendable and will hopefully encourage people to take greater personal responsibility. It might even save a few lives.

However, the one issue that needs to be addressed in Trinidad and Tobago is drunk driving.

We are a society that encourages consumption of alcohol. It has become part of popular culture as evidenced by the various Chutney "hits" that celebrate rum drinking.

The Chutney singers are merely reflecting reality. Take a look around you and you will understand. You can buy alcohol just about anywhere, including gas stations. I have seen drunks at the wheel with beer bottles in hand driving on our roads.

Go to the supermarkets with your kids and you will find a whole section for a variety of alcoholic drinks. Is it any wonder then that we celebrate drinking? 

It is time to make a change to our rum culture and we can start by looking at a country like Canada where the rules that govern alcohol ensure that there is control without establishing prohibition.

• Alcohol sales are restricted to exclusive government-run shops that are very strict on who can enter and buy alcoholic beverages
• It is illegal to drive with open alcohol in a vehicle. All drinks must be sealed and placed either in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle, outside of the reach of the driver
• No alcohol can be consumed in a public space unless a special permit has been obtained in advance
• It is an offence to carry open alcohol on public transit or walk with it on the streets
• Underage drinking is strictly enforced; even house parties are regulated
• Bars are liable if they fail to restrict the use of alcohol to persons who are clearly intoxicated
• On special occasions with festivities, Public Transit operates free services for persons who are unable to drive because they have been drinking

We can get creative in Trinidad and Tobago and use measures such as these and introduce others to change the way we live and how celebrate special occasions. No one is advocating a ban on alcohol. 

However if we start paying more attention to our attitude to drinking we could save lives both on the roads and at home. Much of the domestic abuse stems from abuse of alcohol.

Mass media help shape mass culture. We can start with new rules that govern how we present messages about alcohol. The government can change the rules about licensing bars and rum shops. State alcohol shops like those in Canada could be an option as well. (Think of the revenue it could generate for the state.)

The new government promised change. Too many of us expect change only in the way politics is conducted. Perhaps it is time or citizens to urge their representatives to look closely at the damage our rum culture is causing to the nation, our families and especially our youth.

We can still have a river lime without everybody getting drunk. How? Make sure that for every vehicle that is at the lime, we have one designated driver. That is an example of how each of us can begin to take personal responsibility.

Our future as a nation depends on taking responsibility for our actions. And that includes the way we treat alcohol. We can change things and still have a great time celebrating Christmas and Carnival and everything else. 

Alcohol, like everything else, has its place. And its place is not with our children or anyone driving a motor vehicle. 

Sero Parasram | Toronto, October 29, 2010

Central Bank made no promises to pay Clico policholders: statement

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) claimed on Wednesday that it did not give a guarantee at any time that all Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico) policy contracts would be honoured.

The bank made the statement in response to a letter from Attorney Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, who is representing some Clico policy holders and is threatening legal action if the bank fails to honour a commitment to pay.

More than a month ago Maharaj wrote the bank giving it a seven-day period in which to respond or face legal action.

However the CBTT has stated that at no time over the past 21 months did it give guarantees of payments and therefore Maharaj's legal claim should not be made.

The Bank stated in ads ad that it was not reasonable for policyholders to have interpreted statements of the Bank, ‘as constituting a clear and unambiguous representation,’ that all policy contracts would be honoured in accordance with the full terms and conditions.

"Rather, the Bank, working together with the Government of T&T (GORTT), was seeking to assure that, in the developing situation, the Clico policyholders would have been offered the best possible protection, subject to reasonable public policy constraints," the CBTT said.

"The Bank was not able in law to give any binding assurance of the nature claimed, since the bank had no power to provide financial assistance to Clico, but was conveying and supporting the financial resolution strategy of the GORTT, in the best interest of the policyholders," it added.

It noted that that under section 44F (5) and 44D of the Central Bank Act, the bank may be given instructions by the Minister of Finance and would comply to those instructions.

In that context the CBTT said it considers the Clico proposal outlined in the 2011 budget by Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran “to be an offer of an option of financial assistance to policyholders which is not inconsistent with the bank’s efforts to find an acceptable solution in the changed circumstances.”

Therefore it said it cannot answer the allegations that GORTT failed to consult with the policyholders in formulating this proposal, but notes the recent discussions between policyholders’ representatives and an appointed team of Government ministers.

The Trinidad and Tobago government has offered to pay Clico investors $75,000 with any outstanding balances to be paid in equal instalments over a 20-year period at no interest. Policyholders and investors have rejected that.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has appointed a committee to meet with stakeholders to find a compromises. The team, led by Food production Minister Vasant Bharath has received recommendations for altewrnative plans and submitted them to cabinet for consideration.

However, Persad-Bissessar has made it clear that any funds to be paid will have to come from the taxpayers and she has a responsibility to be accounatble to them.

Editorial: Are we a civilized society?

"My daughter put up a fight. While she was on the ground, she tried to brace and the knife cut her hand. Someone could have tried to save her.”

Those words from Reverend Dennis Lalla about the murder of his daughter express my thoughts as well as I read the story of the brutal attack on the clergyman’s daughter.

Media reports vary. However what is clear is that the man who attacked Sabrina Lalla-Mitchell at her workplace on Tuesday was able to inflict more than a dozen stab wounds on the woman with no one but her two young sons – aged 10 and 11 – lifting a finger to prevent this savage attack.

It happened in the presence of co-workers at a motor vehicle showroom. The man was acting alone. Why on earth would people watch such and do nothing? If the media reports are correct, the man was armed only with a knife.

What kind a society have we become where we could look the other way when a crime like this is taking place? 

I refuse to believe that noting else could be done under the circumstances.

I was also distressed to read media reports quoting women’s rights advocates as asking "What else could be done?" 

Diana Mahabit-Wyatt, chair of the coalition against domestic violence, is quoted as saying Sabrina took all the precautions she could to protect herself from abuse. Perhaps Sabrina did. That's another issue.

I think the media are asking the wrong questions. This is not about abuse of women. This is about murder and a society that has become selfish and callous.

The real tragedy is that society abdicated its responsibility to protect this woman and today her two children will have to live with that nightmare forever – a nightmare of one man plunging a knife into their mother while they looked in horror with adults refusing to get involved.

Today, I am ashamed to write that we in Trinidad and Tobago are no longer a civilized society if we can stand idly by and let one man take a woman’s life and do nothing.

The issue raised by Mahabir-Wyatt is also a valid one and raises the question about what our society is really doing to protect women from abuse both in the home and in the wider society. But that is for another day.

Jai Parasram | Toronto, 28 October 2010

Lawyers argues extradition law violates rights of individuals: Lawyer

A lawyer for businessman Steve Ferguson argued in court on Wednesday that his clients rights have been violated by the provisions of of the Extradition Act 1985, claiming the legislation derogates fundamental rights of citizens.

Fyard Hosein quoted from English jurist Lord Hoffman to make the point that the extradition process is “a violation of rights.” He asked a panel of the Court of Appeal to quash the decision by Attorney General Anand Ramlogan to sign warrants for the extradition of his client and businessman Ishwar Galbaransingh.

Hosein said the legislation was not passed with the three-fifths majority needed for such bills and therefore runs counter to Section 13 of the Constitution which he said expressly states that the three-fifths majority vote is required for the passing of such a statute.

Section 13(2) states: “An act to which this section applies is one the bill for which has been passed by both Houses of Parliament and at the final vote thereon in each House has been supported by the votes of not less than three-fifths of all the members of that House.”

However Section 13(1) states that the act may apply although it is inconsistent with Sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution.

Hosein told the court the effect of the Act is that it vests the power of extradition in the hands of the executive, thereby making it a breach of the Separation of Powers guaranteed in the Trinidad and Tobago constitution.

On October 9 Ramlogan signed off on warrants for the extradition of Ferguson and Galbaransingh to the United States to face several fraud charges in relation to the construction of the Piarco Airport terminal building.

Both men are using every legal opportunity to fight their extradition.

UWI introduces certificate program in Journalism; TTPBA warns of challenges facing media

The University of the West Indies has launched a Certificate in Journalism program at its St Augustine campus in Trinidad.

Speaking at a media briefing Wednesday, UWI Principal Professor Clement Sankat said, “With advancements in technology and the dynamic and competitive environment in which we function, different competencies need to be developed in order to respond effectively and meet the demands of the profession.

“This programme in journalism therefore demonstrates our keen commitment as a university to respond to our stakeholder need and to provide customised training in a discipline that is critical to our growth and development as a society, a country and a region,” he said.

The one-year full-time program has been approved for government funding through its GATE program.

It begins in January 2011 and is aimed at young people who want to enter the field of journalism or media practitioners who want to improve their skills to perform even more effectively in a 21st century media environment.

Among courses offered in the program are Media in Caribbean Society, Reporting the News, Journalism and Business, Introduction to New Media Technologies.

Publisher emeritus and former chief executive officer of Caribbean Communications Network, Ken Gordon is the driving force behind the program.

Gordon, who raised funds to ensure the viability of the program, said the program is a good beginning. He added that he hopes to see it become a degree program "in a relatively very short period of time."

The President of the Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA) Kiran Maharaj, who also spoke at the launched, warned of a decline in media because of the lack of motivation and passion by those who work in the media.

“Many years ago people got involved in the industry mainly out of passion, few of us had training, but that is dwindling. It’s dwindling too because there is not just a lack of the availability of proper training and education and guidance but there is a lack of motivation,” Maharaj said.

Maharaj technological advances have made it easy for rumour and false information to feed the population and paint a canvas of chaos. “In an era like this, good journalism is necessary,” she said. “It goes beyond reporting...It is about fact-finding so that the pipelines of information are filled with quality and fairness.” 

She stated that stakeholders and shareholders must become involved in the process of "ensuring that our industry continues on a path of excellence” She added, “If we don’t start now to do something about, it in a few years many positions for leaders will become vacant and our industry will die."

Sharma approved $52M for San Juan market, construction resume Monday

Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma has made an about turn and announced on Wednesday that the government of Trinidad and Tobago will spend $52 million to build a new market in San Juan.

The project was approved by the previous Manning PNM administration but was stopped when the new People's partnership government took office.

Sharma was reluctant to approve the funds for the facility which is in one of the three regions controlled by the opposition People's National Movement (PNM). However, following meetings with stakeholders he concluded that the investment in the market is worthwhile.

Construction is scheduled to resume on Monday on.

"As you know, when we started, there were some concerns but we resolved those concerns in terms of what we are about. We consulted with all the stakeholders as we promised to do," Sharma said.

He added that his permanent secretary Steven Creese will make sure that "we observe all the rules, to make sure we get value for money and to make sure the work will finish in the shortest possible time."

PP government gives $4M for Divali celebrations

SDMS General Secretary Sat Maharaj receives a cheque for $1.2M from Culture Minister Winston Peters

Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters on Wednesday distributed cheques amount to $4 million for Divali celebrations across Trinidad and Tobago.

The National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) and the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS).the two largest Indian groups in the country, got the lion's share of the funding. NCIC received $1 million and the SDMS got $1.2 million.

The SDMS has promised to use the money to fund Divali celebrations at more than 200 temples across the country. The NCIC's major expenditure is its annual Yagna and Divili Nagar exposition held at its headquarters in Chaguanas.

"This funding will allow the Maha Sabha, as well as the NCIC, to bring Divali celebrations to every community throughout the country," Peters said. 

He added, "We are very much looking forward to contributing to the enhancement of the celebration of this festival and similarly supporting other events that represent the culture and heritage of our people."

The minister also handed out cheques to several community groups and organisations.

At the opening of Divali Nagar Wednesday night Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan was honoured as the NCIC's "Chief Guest". In an address he paid tribute to NCIC for keeping Indian culture, religion and traditions alive.

"Divali Nagar is in itself, for many, an annual pilgrimage where one connects with one's cultural and religious self, where one is reminded of one's ancestry and where one asks and answers, in varying degrees, who am I, from where have I come, what is my mission," he said.

Read the story: Rambachan praises NCIC as place of cultural pilgrimage

Rambachan praises NCIC as place of cultural pilgrimage

Foreign Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan on Wednesday night accepted the honour of "Chief guest" of the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) at the opening of the Council's Divali Nagar 2010.

In a speech to mark the event Rambachan, who is also a respected Hindu community leader, said the cultural honour is one that he values "immensely and for which I express my sincere gratitude and thanks".

He added, "I accept it on behalf of the many who have believed in me, who have stood by me in good and in bad times, who have had the courage to admonish and praise me in a spirit of genuine friendship, who have shared my vision and mission and who have been the recipients of both praise and criticism simply for being my loyal friends."

Rambachan said he wanted to "particularly share this night" with the members of his family and the Saraswati Kirtan Mandali, the religious group with which he has been associated. The group celebrated its 40th anniversary in April.

He said accepting the honour also confirmed that he shares the NCIC's vision and its mission, "which I have always interpreted to be an equal place, space and opportunity for the development, promotion and practice of East Indian Cultural traditions and religious expression."

He said there should never be any argument in Trinidad and Tobago about cultural space since all groups have contributed to build the country as one with a vibrant diversity characterized by mutual respect.

Rambachan said government's introduction of a formal policy on multiculturalism, cross cultural understanding that is now more evident in the national consciousness.

The development, he said, means that "the way is being paved for an environment which will make real the promise of our national anthem, “here every creed and race find an equal place.”

Commenting on the role of the NCIC the minister said the group's promotion of East Indian art forms freed the East Indian population from struggling for a cultural soul.

"In a western dominated society, where success and acceptance depends on joining the perceived dominant culture, it is easy to be acculturated. While this is happening, the awareness created by NCIC acts as a stumbling block to total acculturation," the minister said.

He also acknowledged the work of other Indian cultural groups such as the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, The Bharatiya Vidya Sansthaan, ASJA and the "hundreds of mandirs, Pundits, Imams, and individuals who have also laboured to ensure cultural persistence".

Rambachan lamented the loss of language but noted that it has not diminished interest in Indian culture, nor in attachment to Hinduism. He said on the contrary, the work of the NCIC has keep Indian culture alive through its events, including its annual Yagnas.

Rambachan noted both he and his brother, Professor Anant Rambachan, have officiated at more than a dozen of those Yagnas from which several books of discourses have been published.

"The intellectual contribution of the Yagnas to Hindu thought, and the interpretation of the Scriptures in a 21st Century context is unparalleled in any country where Hindus form a significant part of the population," he said.

Admitting the risk in leaving out some who are worthy of praise for their cultural work, Rambachan acknowledged the contribution of the various groups and persons to the preservation of Indian culture noting that their work helped motivate both adults and children to sustain their cultural practices.

The theme of this year’s NCIC celebration relates to global places of pilgrimage. Rambachan said this offers the community an opportunity to examine "our religious and social history" by looking at the various religious sites which have been developed over the years of the East Indian presence.

He said Divali Nagar has become an annual pilgrimage, "where one connects with one’s cultural and religious self, where one is reminded of one’s ancestry, where one asks and answers in varying degrees, who am I, from where have I come, what is my mission."

He said, "Divali Nagar is a pilgrimage where one is not only reintroduced to one’s ancestry but also where reconnects with ones ancestry.

"Divali Nagar is a pilgrimage where one arrives and within minutes sheds the acculturated cultural personality and re-clothes oneself in the culture and traditions of the ancestral villages.

"Divali Nagar brings an end to cultural estrangement which often occurs as a result of what a dominant culture suggests needs to be done to succeed.

"Divali Nagar is a pilgrimage where one comes to pay tribute and to be inspired by the icons of Vivekananda and Gandhi.

"Divali Nagar is an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Lord Shiva, who sits majestically at the entrance to this village an annual pilgrimage for those who make the journey for spiritual knowledge through the discourses and spiritual music in the hall transformed into a temple.

"Divali Nagar is the place of pilgrimage for saada roti and aloo, pepper roti, doubles and phoolourue, jaleebi, khurma and pera," Rambachan said.

He paid tribute to the NCIC for bringing into the national focus places of pilgrimage in Trinidad and Tobago, noting that each place of pilgrimage that will be venerated "has a history, a story to tell, a story mainly of human aspiration, spiritual experience and achievement."

Rambachan also talked about the annual Ramleela, describing it as another form of pilgrimage "where each year open spaces become the theatre for communities to remind themselves of the values taught by Rama in Ramayana. People who attend leave with a new vigour and inspiration to live a values based life."

Suruj talks of Hindu 'miracles'; calls for temple in the Sea to be UNESCO heritage site

Foreign Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan spoke on Wednesday about places of worship in Trinidad and Tobago where miracles have taken place and wondered about the transformation that would take place in the country if each home were to become a place of pilgrimage.

He was speaking at the opening of Divali Nagar 2010 in Chaguanas, where he was honoured with the title of Chief Guest. In his speech Rambachan devoted some time to speaking about local places of worship. He also called on UNESCO to declare the Siewdass Temple in the sea a World Heritage Site.

Here's Dr Rambahcan, verbatim:

"The name Gheerahoo Trace, I am told by MP Chandresh Sharma was the first place in T&T where miracles were recorded as a result of worship of the lingam.

"The story goes that a villager was stung by a scorpion. Being alone, and at a time where cell phones were non-existent, he crawled to the lingam and touched it. He was miraculously healed.

"The story of Patiram Trace, perhaps one of the earliest places of pilgrimage is the story of the Nancoo family, of a cutlass that struck a stone from which milk flowed, a stone that has grown and is worshipped as a lingam, worship which has blessed many a life, caused many a miracle, created much happiness.

Patiram Trace Shiva Temple at Penal is famous for a Swayabhu (self manifested) Shivling. The Shivalingam in Patiram Trace Shiva Mandir is still growing according to devotees who are regular visitors to the temple.

According to local people about a century ago, a man was hired to clean the bush on top of the hill on the outskirts of Penal. After clearing some bush, he tried to sharpen his sword on a stone protruding on hill. 

Suddenly, the stone chipped and milk flowed from the stone. Some people also say that blood flowed from it. After the incident the man lost his eyesight.

But he realized the power existing there and soon a small Shiva shrine was erected and he took care of the divine Shivling. Being blind he could not take care of the lingam properly and the man prayed to Shiva to have his eyes restored.

It is said that soon he got back his sight and devoted his entire life to the care of temple. Now, his family members are the custodians of the temple.

Surprisingly most Trinidadians have never heard about the small Hindu temple (mandir) nestled amongst the lush greenery at Chacachacare.

The Mandir was opened in 1945/6, built solely by the efforts of Doon Pandit (1900-1958) a Hindu priest and community leader from the Las Lomas/Arima/Tacarigua area who was known for his guru-like qualities in administering healing miracles.

Touched by the plight of the lepers who were regular visitors at the Mandirs at Las Lomas and Arima seeking his healing powers, he felt compelled to provide a place of worship for them at Chacachacare which to that point was run by the Dominican sisters of the catholic church.

Once per week, Pandit would organize a pilgrimage to the island. The pilgrims would take along food, offerings, musical instruments and other articles of worship and embark on the boat journey to Chacachacare visits which the lepers enthusiastically looked forward to.

Such was the authenticity and high esteem of this Hindu holy man that His Majesty King George VI in 1949 conferred upon him the title of MBE (Member of the British Empire).

His reputation as a healer had spread to as far as India, England, Venezuela and other Caribbean islands. Perhaps his most recognized act was in curing Josephine Shaw, wife of the then-Governor of Trinidad.

People seeking him came from diverse racial, religious, age, class and gender backgrounds. As I said before the places of pilgrimage are stories by themselves of our peoples.

A well known site of worship for Hindus and a tourist attraction, the Waterloo temple was built by Sewdass Sadhu, an indentured labourer who came to Trinidad in 1907.

The story is well-known: Sadhu built his first temple in 1947 on lands owned by the sugar cane company, Tate and Lyle. It was broken down and Sadhu was charged with trespassing and fined £100 or 14 days in prison.

Declaring that if he couldn’t build his temple on the land then he would build it in the sea, Sadhu began the work that would realise his dream. With two buckets and an old lady’s bicycle with a carrier at the back, Sadhu began the laborious and painstaking task of building the temple in the sea.

Five hundred feet into the quiet waters of the Gulf of Paria, it today continues to stand on the very spot Sadhu first built it, if not in the same condition since repair works were carried out with help from the State and private business in 1994.

Over the years, Hindu devotees and tourists alike have made the journey to the Temple-in-the-Sea, once described as the first of its kind in the western world by Dharmacharya Pundit Krishna Maharaj.  

Siewdass Sadhu site should become a UNESCO heritage site for what it represents.

As we speak of places of pilgrimage I want to invite you to make a pilgrimage to the Triveni Mandir and experience the life ambition of Ramoonsingh; make a pilgrimage to Calcutta Road and experience the Chinmaya Mission and the vision of Swami Prakashananda.

This year’s theme has suggested that we can make every home a place of pilgrimage.

Can you imagine if every home in this country were to be given a name, what will be the impact on that home and by extension the community?

Can you imagine going home on an afternoon and seeing a sign Shanti Bhavan or Sukh Bhavan? Can you imagine if each place of work can be seen as a place of pilgrimage what will be the impact upon interpersonal relationships, innovation, productivity?

Can you imagine what will happen to our competitiveness as a nation if each person instead of seeing himself/herself as a worker would begin to see themselves as devotees going to work where all work becomes an act of service and worship?

This is what the theme of this 2010 Divali Nagar implies. Our religion and cultural ideals must be integrated into our daily lives if impactful social change is to be realized.

We must come to the realization that the very religion and cultural traditions that inspire us at our places of worship are what we need to inspire us to higher levels of achievement ant the realization of our best potential.

Let us think as to how we can make all of life a grand pilgrimage not only to secular success but to satiating the hunger of the spirit for fulfilment that can only come from how we choose to work and to serve.

This is the essence of the light of the deya at this Divali celebration.

Happy Divali.

Dr Surujrattan Rambachan | 27 October 2010.