Thursday, June 30, 2011

Chaguanas Government School produces top 3 students in SEA exams

Central Trinidad has taken top honours in the Secondary Entrance Assessment Exam (SEA). The top three students in the country are from the Chaguanas Government Primary School.

They are:

  • Gabrielle Balgobin, the number one student in the country
  • Adela Adams who placed second 
  • Rai Rooplal, tied for second place
The top two performers will be attending the St Augustine Girls High School. Rooplal will go to Presentation College, Chaguanas.

Eleven other students from the school scored over 95 per cent in the SEA exam. Their teacher, Neela Kissoon, told the media she never had doubts about whether her students would get the top marks. She has been preparing students for the exam for the past 15 years.

More than 17,000 students wrote the SEA Exam in March.

Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said this year students performed better that in 2010. Last year 13 per cent of the children who wrote the exam scored below 30 per cent; this year it only 9.5% of the students scored below 30 per cent.

PM Kamla verbatim: Closing remarks at closing of Colloquium on Women as Agents of Change

"Yesterday you would recall when I spoke with you at the opening of our historic Caribbean Regional Colloquium on Women Leaders as Agents of Change, I said that as accomplished women, we are the thoughts and dreams of our mothers and grandmothers embodied and made alive.

"It is their voices that we hear in our heads and hearts, urging us on as we walk the challenging road to leadership, standing confidently and proudly beside our male colleagues, to enable the process of national development which benefits all our citizens equally and without regard to gender.

"Over the past two days, I know that much was said on the issues of the empowerment of women, transformational leadership and what that means for Caribbean women, Caribbean political culture and the way forward for our countries.

"I am aware that there were repeated calls for more women to enter the political arena – for as we know, effective political representation by women is the key to changing the dynamics of our current Caribbean political and socio-economic reality.

"But, if I may add, as women, those of us who have been or who are now in the corridors of power must build and encourage that political will within our women (and certainly this would been highlighted during the colloquium).

"And I say that political will, that call to leadership must be nurtured in women of all social strata, representing the full diversity of women reflecting ethnic groups, age, socio-economic status, abilities, and rural/urban location – if we want to achieve that critical mass of women to enable meaningful change.

"And in this regard I want to endorse the work of one of the partners of this colloquium – in particular, the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership for its work in building capacity among our Caribbean women.

"Indeed we have one of your success stories with us today. The Honourable Marcella Liburd, Minister of Health, Social Services, Gender Affairs and Culture from St Kitts, has acknowledged that her participation in CiwiL played a significant role, along with the support of our very own Senator Penelope Beckles, in her preparing for the position she now holds as a Minister of Government.

"I know that you are developing a curriculum for transformational leadership and I look forward to the roll out of this programme. I congratulate you on this commendable initiative.

"And I want to support that call for including in that curriculum, in that programme avenues for our young women to benefit from the experiences of those who have actually been involved in politics and other leadership roles.

"But what of those women who may not know how to access CiwiL?

"If we look at the role of Councilors I believe that it is imperative that we must tap into that very vast base of women residing in rural communities and those women who are already taking on leadership roles at grassroots level without formal support or training.

"We need also to identify and involve women yet without a voice in our communities in this process of empowerment, leadership and indeed governance.

"And today I want to suggest that one of the mechanisms to tap into this resource base is with the help of our local government councilors, many of whom are present this evening.

"You are a vital part of the governmental and empowerment process.

"In her presentation, Dr Rosina Wiltshire, in quoting form a UN Women definition, defined transformational leadership as a “visionary process that starts at the level of individual transformation and transcends the personal to express itself at the group and institutional levels”.

"This process leads to the redefinition of gender and power relations, and the strengthening of leadership that is bold and innovative and builds on the skills of women and men in society.

"Transformational leadership, therefore is grounded in the principles and values of equity, equality, democracy, justice, caring, nonviolence and cooperation.

"The first tenet of transformational leadership is that it begins with self leadership and personal transformation and these are sentiment we all as women… as women leader and mentors must always carry with us.

"To re-iterate the words of one of our participants, we must overcome this “crisis of confidence” and “poverty of spirit” which threatens to undermine our own aspirations to political leadership.

"We have made progress but there is much to be done.

"Let us continue to learn from each other, to support each other and work with our men to bring about the changes we all seek for ourselves, our families, our communities and our countries.

"I challenge each of you to take the messages we have developed over these two days to your respective countries. Engage the women, girls and men.

"Become that voice which will signal to all those around that women have come of age.

"We are taking our rightful place in our countries and in the world.

"I wish each of you a safe journey home. I trust you had an enjoyable stay in Trinidad and Tobago.

"May God continue to bless each and everyone of you and your respective nation."

PM Kamla urges women to aim for leadership

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said on Wednesday women have now reached the point where they can alter the course of Caribbean political history.

She was delivering the feature address at a regional colloquim for on women as the agents of change.

The Prime Minister noted that historically women and girls have endured discrimination in most societies and despite significant gains in the last 100 years many societies still deprive women of their most basic rights.

She suggested that one explanation might be the lack of active participation in politics and government by women and said that is about to change.

“Today we are laying the groundwork for an era which will witness far greater participation of Caribbean women in the politics, governance and decision-making processes in our countries across the Region.

“Today we position Caribbean women as the transformational leaders who will bring not only unprecedented political and socio-economic changes but will seek to change all aspects of National Life.

“Across the world women are joining hands in solidarity and support, in a global women’s movement, sharing knowledge and experience and empowering themselves to build a peaceful and fairer world and today, at this colloquium, we say that the women of the Caribbean join in this important global effort.”

Persad-Bissessar said that the goal of the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWIL), a key partner in the colloquium, is to increase the number of women in politics, leadership and decision-making in the Caribbean to 50% by 2015.

“This is a goal I readily and strongly support and an outcome which should now be more feasible in light of this conference,” she said.

Noting that she was addressing the delegates as the first female prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Persad-Bissessar also paid tribute to other Caribbean women who were leaders in their respective countries.

“We need only to recall the esteemed legacy of Dame Eugenia Charles of Dominica who was the first woman to be elected Prime Minister in the Caribbean – a position she held for 15 years from 1980 and in the process earned the nickname “The Iron Lady of the Caribbean”. Dame Eugenia led an extraordinary life as a pioneer among women and a leader of men and women,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar said if women across the world have made rapid strides in yet “we remain marginalised from political leadership and decision-making and still command lower incomes than our male colleagues.”

She said there is a dire need “to hear our voices where policies are made and resources allocated, particularly with regard to women’s reproductive rights, equal work for equal pay and issues of gender-based violence.”

The Prime Minister noted that while Caribbean nations hold democracy and gender equality as fundamental principles “we, as women, have not ensured that in our respective countries our leaders have walked the talk.”

She added, “Now more than ever we must advocate for women’s full participation in democracy in recognition of the fact that women’s involvement in the democratic process and in governance is crucial for the achievement of sustainable development and the realization of the true potential of our Nations…

“Here in Trinidad and Tobago, I am proud to state that we have begun to infuse the concept of gender mainstreaming in the strategic plans of all Government Ministries.

“For the first time in this country we now have a Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development.

“The creation of this Ministry is no ad hoc decision, but indeed a deliberate move and in full recognition of the need to ensure that the issues of gender and the needs of our children remain at the forefront of the National Agenda.”

Persad-Bissessar noted that in Trinidad and Tobago women constitute 27 per cent of the Senate and 26 per cent of the House of Representatives.

“What we now need to do is to build on our successes and enhance the capacity of our women in the skills and knowledge that are crucial to effective leadership, to ensure that we take our place as members of parliament, occupy increased ministerial positions and seats in public and private sector boardrooms and in trade unions, thereby increasing our representation at the highest levels of decision-making.

She said, however, that if the Caribbean wants women’s perspectives to be included in decision-making, then women must articulate those views and make them heard loud and clear.

She suggested that women should establish networks and strategic alliances regionally and internationally to communicate mutual interests and work together in a more collaborative manner so that knowledge and experience can lead to genuine advancement.

“In doing so we must work and collaborate with progressive men who are not intimidated by our power and potential. We deserve respect, fairness and equality.

“Together with our male colleagues let us transform our world into a more equitable, safe and peaceful space for women and girls as well as our boys and men.

“And in so doing, I guarantee you that sooner rather than later, the day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only in the workplace or the home, but in the leadership councils of nations.

“Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the human race."

Clinton calls PM Kamla role model for the world

File: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Foreign Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan at a meeting in the US with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton
American Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has described Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar a role model for women throughout the world.

She made the statement in a video message Wednesday at the start of the two-day regional colloquium on women leaders as agents of change at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference.

She said Caribbean-American women “have added in ways large, small and everywhere to the story of America and we see them as agents of change in our own country.”

She said throughout the Caribbean “we must ensure that women are able to realise their own God-given potential and allowed to participate in every democracy.”

Clinton said when women prosper their families benefit as well. In nthat context she said the American government supports the Caribbean region in its efforts to achieve greater gender equality.

PM has confidence in Rambachan's ability to handle communication portfolio

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Wednesday she is confident that Foreign Minister Suruj Rambachan will do a good job in the expanded ministry, which now includes communication.

"He has tremendous skill in communications...and he will be assisted by Nicole Dyer-Griffith. I think we will do well," Persad-Bissessar said.

She acknowledged that the combination of Foreign Affairs and Communications in her Cabinet realignment is unusual. However, she said she thinks it will work and is prepared to give it a try.

Rambachan is now the line minister for the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) and Government Information Services Limited (GISL). The portfolios were previously held by Colin Partap (CNMG) and Rodger Samuel (GISL).

Persad-Bissessar said, "It may be unusual but we don't get things done unless we change things. The fit will work. You would have seen that many of the missions we undertook abroad, when we came back it was Minister Rambachan who will be putting over the incidents and events of those visits."

The Prime Minister said the Government must not be afraid to take chances.

"We have to go brave. We can't expect things to change if we do it in the same way, in the same old way. So I am prepared to give it a try. I think it will work."

No exemption. Duprey will have to face commission into failure of Clico

Former CL Financial Chairman Lawrence Duprey will have to appear before the the Commission of Enquiry into the collapse of Clico.

Sole commissioner Sir Arthur David Coleman delivered the ruling Wednesday  afternoon.


The Central Bank filed a lawsuit against Duprey on June 7th, claiming alleged mismanagement of Clico and "misapplication and misappropriation of its income and assets to the detriment of policyholders and mutual fund investors".

Duprey's attorney argued that the pre-trial publicity surrounding the Central Bank's action would be extended by the public Enquiry and would make it impossible for his client to get a fair hearing.

Andrew Mitchell said, "The years of oversight by regulators, Central Bank, the role of auditors and so forth and of course, if there are issues within the governance of one or other of the company that will become an issue."

However, Sir Anthony Coleman ruled against Duprey.

"The application as it now stands and as it became refined in the course of Mr Mitchell's submission to Mr Duprey being permitted to continue as a party in the proceedings, to appear in the proceedings but to give no evidence at all, is refused."

Sir Anthony promised to give the reasons for his decision in writing because of the complexity and uniqueness of the situation and the likelihood that it would add to the law governing Commissions of Enquiry.

The lawyer representing the Central Bank, Bankim Thankie, argued against an exemption for Duprey saying that if the commissioner excused the former CL Financial boss, it would set a bad precedent.

Bakr fails to show up at coup probe

The man who led the failed 1990 uprising against the government of Trinidad and Tobago failed to show up Wednesday to testify at the Commission of Enquiry into the coup attempt.

Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr's lawyer apologised for Bakr's absence and told commissioners his client was attending to a pre-trial matter regarding criminal charges laid against the Muslimeen leader in 2005.


Bakr is facing five charges. including sedition and terrorism, for a sermon which focused on the non-payment of the zakat by members of the Muslim community who are not members of the Muslimeen.

Narine Maharaj said the pre-trial hearing for his client is set for July 5.

NIDCO gets $1.5B cheque to begin highway to Point Fortin

Works Minister Jack Warner handed over a $1.5 billion cheque on Wednesday to the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO) for the construction of the highway from Golconda to Point Fortin.

NIDCO is responsible for managing the $7.5 billion project, which is the biggest development undertaking in the history of Trinidad and Tobago.

The minister said detractors should note that the People's Partnership government is serious about its work. 

When Warner and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar formally turned the sod for the project on January 25, critics said there would be no money and that the government was engaging in a publicity stunt.

Warner said he hopes the presentation of the cheque would silence those who believed “that we were joking, that it was tomfoolery, garbage and that the work would not go on." 

He added that “tractors are now rolling out” to signal the start of construction, which is being done by the foreign contractor Constructora OAS and sub-contractor Namalco. 

The minister said the government provided the first payment of $1.5 billion from its own resources. 

“We shall look for borrowings inside and outside the country and if we don’t feel to borrow, we pay again from the inside,” Warner said. 

“But the fact is, at no point in time shall be the lack of payment, the lack of finance at any time be a reason for this work not to continue,” he said. 

The highway would pass through several communities in south Trinidad and when completed would have eight interchanges, 18 crossroads and eight bridges. In addition there would be solar lighting along the entire stretch of highway.

“In doing so, we shall transform overnight the entire transportation policy and system in the South and the legacy this Government leaves shall be a legacy of good transportation in south Trinidad which was promised to them for more than 50 years,” he added. 

Warner also noted that 40 per cent of the work would be handled by local firms and he urged those contractors working on the project to contribute to the support of cricket or football in the communities.

He assured residents who will have to move in order to facilitate the construction that they would be fair compensation and that it would be done speedily.

Jack complains to Guardian about news story

Works Minister Jack Warner wrote the Editor in Chief of the Trinidad Guardian Wednesday complaining about a story that contains statements attributed to the minister.

Warner's letter is reproduced below:

Mr Anthony Wilson
Editor in Chief
Trinidad Guardian
22 St Vincent St
Port of Spain

TODAY'S FRONT PAGE HEADLINE

Dear Sir,
I wish to express my dissatisfaction as it relates to the headline “Jack Says He will work harder but . . .SPLIT WONT WORK” published in today's issue of the Guardian.

Your headline does not even remotely reflect my sentiments on this matter which were expressed to your journalist in Cedros yesterday (Tuesday) morning. What is even worse your story on Page 3 does not even reflect anything from your front page headline.

Based on a question asked of me, I informed your journalist that under the previous UNC administration led by Mr. Basdeo Panday, the portfolios of Works and Transport were split and based on general opinion, it did not work.

However, I advised that I am the eternal optimist and asked that we give the split a chance to work. It is informative to note that this has been reported verbatim in the other two dailies as well as on television last night.

I am indeed saddened by your newspaper's undue sensationalising of statements I have made on this issue and wish to encourage you to remain loyal to the comments which I make in the course of my duty.

Responsible journalism requires one to report the facts. In this case, your headline reflects an interpretation of what I have said which is sadly erroneous. 

We in the PP government are all aware of your newspaper agenda. All I ask is that you do not deliberately misrepresent what I say in an attempt to achieve your objective.

Regards
Jack Warner
Minister of Works & Infrastructure
Cc Surujrattan Rambachan, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Information.

Dookeran slams Anil for comments about Seepersad-Bachan


Winston Dookeran has said it is unfortunate that Sports Minister Anil Roberts resorted to "falsehoods" to attack his colleague, Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan.

The political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) was commenting on the public statements by Roberts suggesting that one of the reasons why Seepersad-Bachan was removed as energy minister was because she kept former PNM advisers within the ministry.

He also suggested that she had not seized oipportunities for Foreign Direct Investment in the energy sector.

"I think it is more than unfortunate what Mr Anil Roberts has said, especially as a current member of Cabinet, and implying issues that have led to her removal that are false," Dookeran said Tuesday night.

"The concept of collective responsibility has been flouted in the face of the Partnership in the face of his comments," the finance minister added. 

While the COP expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's decision to move Seepersad-Bachan as Minister of Energy, Roberts supported it.

Roberts is one of four candidates running in Sunday's COP internal leadership election. In response to his comments, 
Seepersad-Bachan has called for his disqualification as a candidate.

Dookeran did not go that far. he also said he would not endorse any of the candidates. However he disagreed with the suggestion that Seepersad-Bachan was removed from energy for non-performance. 

"I don't think performance was the issue. I think the Prime Minister herself said that she (Seepersad-Bachan) had built a foundation, and I think we owe a sense of gratitude to her for having done so."

He said while COP is disappointed with the shift of Seepersad-Bachan to Public Administration and the removal of Senator Patrick Watson the part recognises that it must accept these as part of the reality of coalition politics.

"I have told my colleagues that let us not forget that we are a member of the Partnership and, therefore, within that context, there is need to set up the institutions that will allow us to have more collaboration on issues pertaining to governance and appointments," Dookeran said.

"Anyone who believes they can operate unitary parties in a coalition context is not reading the politics of Trinidad and Tobago today, and I believe that should be the first agenda item on the new dialogue that must take place in the aftermath of the elections of the COP," said Dookeran.

Seepersad-Bachan dismisses suggestion that PNM caused her to lose energy ministry

Story by: Roger D Ramcharitar, Adviser to the Minister, Ministry of Public Administration, Government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago


Public Administration Minister, Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, on Wednesday dismissed statements made by Sports Minister, Anil Roberts that the PNM caused her downfall.

Reports in the press quoted the Sports Minister as saying that Seepersad-Bachan’s assignment to the Ministry of Public Administration was the result of “PNM Advisors” being retained by the Government of the People’s Partnership.

However, Seepersad-Bachan dismissed the claims stating: “Mr Roberts must first try to appreciate the progress made in Energy in the past year and the tremendous positive shift that has taken place, even motivating a forecast of 2.5 percent growth in 2011 for the sector.”

“Mr Roberts must also recognise how his statements will erode the gains we have been able to make in energy in the past year. We have put an enormous amount of work in building a new platform for energy and to restore confidence in the sector especially from the international community, and these baseless statements will hurt the sector.”

“In addition, Mr Roberts must understand that we are a Government. We were elected as the Government of the People’s Partnership and therefore we represent everyone. This approach of using platforms to launch attacks on people must stop. We are not campaigning, we must not be in the business of hurting people, we are the Government now!”

On her decision to retain persons named by the Sports Minister, Seepersad-Bachan said: “Mr Roberts may be suggesting that we should have taken the same approach as the PNM and fire everyone in sight the moment we took office. How different would that have made us? Our responsibility is to govern and to use the resources and expertise available to us to ensure the public gains benefit from our Government.”

Seepersad-Bachan added: “I would also urge my Cabinet colleague to try to understand his role as a Minister. He cannot continue to launch spurious attacks on fellow Cabinet colleagues like this, particularly when these people have served the new policy direction of the Government of the People’s Partnership.”

“As a Government, our actions must not hurt people, we must serve people and this public squabbling and tit-for-tat must stop! To continue picking public fights will mean that we damage our own Government and I will not be any part of that.”

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Memorable quote: PM Kamla at swearing in of original PP cabinet


PM Kamla to open Regional Colloquium on Women as agents of change

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will on Wednesday deliver tyhe opening address at the two-day Caribbean Regional Colloquium on Women Leaders as Agents of Change at the Hilton in Port of Spain.

The Colloquium is an initiative of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. It's aim is to promote awareness of the challenges facing women today and to offer solutions to advance their empowerment.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in collaboration with UN Women, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWiL), will host the event.

It a media release the PM said, “It is a truly historic moment when women leaders in the region can come together to decide on the path towards empowerment in the lives of women in both the public and private sectors. 

"It is true development when women are granted the agency to explore their own potential and contribute to the sustainability of a nation.”

The Colloquium will bring together female political leaders from the region, from across the political divide, as well as parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic community and civil society representatives.

They will: 
  • Share their experiences and challenges as women leaders
  • Raise awareness of the gender equality commitments made in key international agreements including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005-2011
  • Agree on priority goals and strategies for advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality in the political, public and private sectors in the Caribbean
  • Strengthen the regional network of women in politics 
Delegations from throughout the Caribbean, the Inter-American Commission of Women members from Latin America, and a high level delegation from the United States, will attend.

American Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will send a video message to delegates.

Clovis, Smith removed from Caribbean Airlines board

File: The original CAL board with Jack Warner
Two members of the board of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) have lost their positions: Alan Clovis and Susan Smith.

Jack Warner made the announcement in south Trinidad Tuesday. "I would say that one of them had to be relieved because we had to make room for one Jamaican on the Board...The other one was relieved because in Caribbean Airlines' wisdom, it was the most prudent thing to do."

The Jamaican member - Dennis Lalor - represents Air Jamaica, which has merged with CAL, with the Trinidad and Tobago national carrier holding 84 per cent of the shares.

George Nicholas will continue to chair the board along with businessman Mohan Jaikaran, Gizelle Russell, Avedanand Persad and Venosh Sagewan-Maraj.

Warner is no longer the line minister for CAL. The transport section of his ministry has been transferred to former PTSC chairman, Devant Maharaj.

Clovis told reporters Tuesday no one has advised him that he has been moved from the CAL board. He added that as far as he knows he did his work and there is no reason why he should be fired.

Clovis has had a close relationship with the CAL chairman. However he said his support for the chairman was always based on what's best for the airline and the country.

PM Kamla heads to St Kitts for CARICOM summit

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will lead the Trinidad and Tobago delegation to the annual CARICOM summit, which takes place from Friday to Monday in St Kitts.

This year's agenda includes security, financial, economic, social and health issues, including transport matters.

This is the Prime Minister's second CARICOM summit. In keping with her policy of having PP leaders act, Persad-Bissessar is most likely to appoint Winston Dookeran to hold the fort during her absence. 

The Trinidad and Tobago delegation will include T&T's CARICOM ambassador Edwin Carrington, ambassador Mervyn Assam, Foreign Affairs Minister Suruj Rambachan and Trade Minister Stephen Cadiz.

Carrington, who served 18 years as CARICOM Secretary General, will receive a special award at the opening ceremony on Friday. Caricom chairman, St Kitts Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas, has invited St Maarten Prime Minister Sarah Westcott-Williams to attend. St Maarten is interested in Caricom membership.

The opening will also feature addresses by Barbadian Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Haitian Prime Minister Michael Matelly, St Vincent’s Ralph Gonsalves and Suriname’s Col Desi Bouterse.

Roberts attacks Seepersad-Bachan's performance in energy

With just days to go before the international election to choose a new leader for the Congress of the People (COP), one of the candidates is standing firm on his criticism of his party colleague, Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan.

Sport Minister Anil Roberts has said Seepersad-Bachan, who has been moved from the energy ministry to Public Administration, has said Seepersad-Bachan treated him with contempt since becoming a minister and kept PNM advisers close to her.

Roberts said he supported the Prime Minister in her decision to make the change at the energy ministry, adding that Seepersad-Bachan was under performing.  

"She is one of the reasons why I am in the leadership race. If she would like me to discuss with her my views, she can call me anytime she wants," Roberts told the Express newspaper.

Roberts added, "We in the People's Partnership Government came in based on the corruption of the PNM...So if we won an election based on this, how is it possible that people voted for change and a minister would want to keep all the advisers who were advising Ken Julien?"

Seepersad-Bachan has defended her decision to do that but Roberts' argument is that she has behaved as if there are no other energy experts and professionals in the country.

"I have given up...
trying to call Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan. She has never returned my call...I feel very sorry for her constituents," said Roberts.

Roberts also suggested that the former energy minister failed to attract foreign investment, citing one company that was interested in investing US$1Billion in the energy sector.  

"They have not received a call, an e-mail, a response acknowledging a Request for Proposal or to discuss because they could not get a response from her. This is very saddening to me, I have to now clear the air. She is misleading the members of the COP into attacking the Prime Minister and the Cabinet," he said.

Seepersad-Bachan says Anil not fit to lead COP

Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan suggested on Tuesday that her Congress of the People (COP) colleague Anil Roberts should drop out of the party's leadership election scheduled for Sunday.

The new Public Administration Minister in the Trinidad and Tobago cabinet took a swipe at her cabinet colleague who criticised her performance in her previous position as the energy minister.

Roberts is one of four candidates in the election. The incumbent leader, Winston Dookeran, is not running. The others are Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar, COP Vice Chairman Vernon De Lima and floor member Nalini Dial.

Polls suggest that the race is between the two cabinet members - Roberts, who holds the sports portfolio, and Ramadhar.

Seepersad-Bachan, who is a founding member of the COP, urged party members to vote for any of the other candidates.

"I hope COP members don't put God out of their thoughts and vote for Mr Anil Roberts as the political leader," she said in an interview with the Express newspaper.

"I heard Mr Roberts say on the radio that he sanctioned my move from the Ministry of Energy. Who is Mr Roberts to sanction anything?" she asked.

"You are making up lies. The Prime Minister never said that to me, she said she needed someone who was bright and strong to take on the challenge to transform the public service and that was why I was moved," she said.

Seepersad-Bachan said Roberts also defended her decision to keep former PNM advisers on her payroll.

"Let me tell Mr Roberts once more and let me tell everybody—that is not the politics that I subscribe to. I am not firing anybody because you're a PNM, United National Congress or COP. You are there to do a job and if you are competent and you are delivering, then so be it. We campaigned against that type of behaviour," she said.

"If Mr Roberts wants to practise that, let him keep that, that is the old politics," she added.

Seepersad-Bachan also seemed to have a problem with the loyalty of Roberts to the COP, noting that he attended a PP political rally wearing a UNC shirt.

The party's election rules forbid candidates from attacking colleagues. The penalty for breach of those rules could be disqualification.

Richardson was no drug dealer or thief: Smart

Former Attorney General Anthony Smart on Tuesday told the commission probing the failed 1990 Muslimeen coup former National Security Minister Selwyn Richardson was neither a drug dealer nor a thief.

Former Muslimeen Jamal Shabaaz accused Richardson of being involved in a drug coverup. He made the statements during testimony before the commission.

Read the story: Shabaaz tells coup probe NAR ministers were involved in illicit drug trade

Smart and Richardson were members of the Robinson National Alliance for reconstruction (NAR) administration. He said he worked for a firm that handled Richardson's estate following Richardsoin's murder.

He confirmed that Richardson's total savings at the time of his death amounted to just $23,000.

"Mr Richardson was no drug dealer and it is unfortunate that that rumour has taken root in the society," Smart told commissioners.

Smart said after the testimony from Shabazz Richardson's widow called him to give an assurance that her late husband was no drug dealer.

"I can tell you, based my own experience of Selwyn Richardson, Selwyn Richardson may be a number of things but he was not a cocaine dealer," Smart said.

London dedicates plaque to TT's George Padmore

The city of London on Tuesday honoured Trinidadian George Padmore, one of the most influential black political thinkers of the 20th century, by unveiling a heritage plaque at 22 Cranleigh Street, Camden, where Padmore lived from 1941 to 1957. It came 98 years after Padmore's birth.

That location was a centre for anti-colonial activists from around the world. The plaque was organised by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, in collaboration with the High Commissions of Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana, and the Camden Council.

Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo, the High Commissioner of Ghana, who attended the unveiling, said: “Ghana is privileged and honoured to be contributing to the commemoration of a true African patriot, a selfless and pioneer Pan-Africanist.”

Padmore was born Malcolm Ivan Meredith Nurse in Arouca on June 28, 1903. He worked as a journalist until 1924 when he left for university in the United States. He did not complete his degree, choosing instead to go to Moscow to serve in the Communist Party, which he had joined in 1927.

Padmore later resigned from the party and moved to London where he began his Pan Africanist acitivty working as an anti-imperialist and pro-equality journalist, writing for African, African-American and Caribbean newspapers, and publishing books and newspapers in the UK.

Padmore moved to Ghana when the country became independent in 1957 to take up the position of adviser on African affairs. He died in London on September 23, 1959, after a short illness.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

PM Kamla's quote

"I must say I have had tremendous cooperation in this consultation exercise and by and large we have consensus...I think we are poised for doing better. I look forward to the service of all my Ministers, all the Senators, all the MPs."

PM Kamla welcomes back Manning, lays out legislative agenda for new Parliamentary session

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar welcomed back Patrick Manning to the House of Representatives Monday, following the brief suspension from Parliament.

Parliament suspended Manning shortly before the end of the first session.

“Let me welcome back my erstwhile colleague, the MP for San Fernando East,” Persad-Bissesar said as MPs applauded. Manning responded by getting up and bowed to the Prime Minister.

Speaking during a brief sitting of Parliament Persad-Bissessar called for
co-operation from Government and Opposition members.

"In the national interest as we confront social, economic and other challenges, I ask that we work together, maybe more intensively.” Persad-Bissessar said.

Persad-Bissessar pledged to heed the advice offered by President George Maxwell Richards during Monday's ceremonial opening of Parliament

“His comments are very interesting to us. We’ll take guidance from his comment regarding diversification of the economy and in bio-technology and nano-technology he spoke of.

 “Those areas we intend to address in the new session. “I give the commitment that my eyes will focus on the next generation,” she added.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to lay out some of her legislaitive agenda for the new session.

She focused on crime, stating that after passing ten pieces of anti-crime legislation in the last year, Government would continue legislation to equip police, deal with social issues and improve the lives of citizens.

She said a revamped “dangerous dogs” legislation would be among bills to go before Parliament. Others include the abolition of preliminary inquiries, one to regulate private security firms and get them to assist the protective services, a new DNA bill and land reform laws.

The Parliament elected MP Jairam Seemungal as deputy House Speaker replacing Dr Fuad Khan, who is the new Health Minister.

Parliament opens for 2nd session but adjourns to "date to be fixed"

The second session of the tenth Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago opened with the usual pomp and ceremony on Monday and was promptly adjourned to "a date to be fixed".

Leader of Government Business, Dr Roodal Moonilal, announced that arrangements are being made to complete preparations for the move of Parliament from the Red House to the Waterfront Complex to allow contractors to finish the restoration of the historic Parliament building.

“We have adjourned to a date to be fixed because we would really want to fast track the movement from the Red House to Tower D,” he added.

Moonilal said if there is an emergency while the transition is taking place, the Parliament would convene at the Red House. He added that he expcts sittings to resume by about the middle of September.

The President of The Republic, Max Richards, addressed legislators and urged them to stop the blaming and get on with the future. Focus on the next generation, he said, not the next election.

Richards urged the Government and Opposition to use that as their guideline for the work in the new session of Parliament. 

Richards stressed the need for equal opportunity and called for policy decisions to ensure even-handedness, equality of opportunity and transparency. 

Richards said: “We keep hearing that T&T belongs to all of us, yet the evidence does not indicate we have come away from the tendency to seek to promote ‘our own’. 

“Our policies and practices must reflect a determination to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation or any other subjective consideration.” 

He said the individual must become more important than the country, adding that partisan interests must not be the guide for legislators.

“Opportunity for all, enhanced productive capacity and productivity must be at the centre of our thoughts to move T&T from where we are to where we ought to be...

“With this in mind managers must be committed to proper management and time must be devoted by supervisors to training those under their charge so there is more knowledge of what is required rather than learning from mistakes."

Richards said if such leadership is absent the best policies will fail. Richards added that the past year was one of "enthusiasm at almost fever pitch, expectations have been high...we have seen positive movement in some areas.”

He said the positives included continuing recognition of tertiary education and expansion of the GATE and similar programmes, which he described as 
“a necessary stepping stone upwards from poverty.” 

He noted the emphasis on infrastructure development and the new enthusiasm in agriculture.

No unfair treatment to COP in cabinet changes: PM Kamla

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Monday the changes she made to her cabinet have not put the Congress of the People (COP) at a disadvantage in the People's Partnership.


She dismissed talk of reducing COP's influence, stating that COP's concerns have been addressed. However she said if the party wishes to meet with her again to discuss these matter she would not have a problem with that.

Persad-Bissessar noted that she had met the COP leader Winston Dookeran and deputy leaders Prakash Ramadhar and Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan to discuss the changes.

"They were of the view that we had taken away all the COP members in the Upper House, which is totally not true," she said, noting that Timothy Hamel-Smith has retained the highest post in the Senate and acts as President of Trinidad and Tobago.

She added, "When COP member Mary King was removed she was replaced by a COP person..."Patrick Watson is no longer with us but he has offered to serve in another capacity," she added. She also noted that COP member, Nicole Dyer-Griffith, has been appointed a Senator.

"So there were three COP members and there continues to be three COP members...I do not believe that they were unfairly treated. They have won six seats in the Parliament and they have in fact seven ministers," the Prime Minister stated.

Persad-Bissessar said her "realignment" provided space for all elements of the partnership.

With respect to former energy minister Caroplyn Seepersad-Bachan who resisted the move from energy to public administration, the Prime Minister stated, "In the end she made the right choice and that is what is important...I think she has skills and competencies that could better serve the Government in Public Administration."

The Prime Minister also dismissed talk about why Jack Warner remained in cabinet despite calls from some coalition members for him to be fired.

Persad-Bissessar said: "I have no evidence. I said before that I would not prejudge this matter. There have been reports and allegations. But I have no evidence of wrongdoing and I would not act without such evidence."

She said she had been thinking about separating works and transport for a long time, noting that in the Panday UNC administration transport was a separate ministry.

The Prime Minister is not bothered by the fact that one of her new ministers - Verna St Rose Greaves - continues to oppose the death penalty.

"I am convinced that collective responsibility overrides personal opinions. I have seen it with others in my Cabinet and I am of the view that those who have offered themselves to serve ... will abide with collective responsibility as the time comes. And if they don't ... it would be a true Westminster moment," she said.

No demotion; Seepersad-Bachan sees new role in Public Administration as a "challenge"

Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan said Monday she is looking forward to her new role in government as minister of Public Administration.

Seepersad-Bachan moved to her new portfolio Monday with her former junior minister, Kevin Ramnarine, taking over as the energy minister.

She told reporters she would have preferred to remain in energy but at the same time she said the country comes first and she agreed to accept the challenge to develop public administration.

And she was adamant that the lateral move was not a demotion.

"Well I don't know if you would say it is a demotion because when the Prime Minister spoke to me on Saturday night, she said she wanted someone who was strong and bright to be able to take on this challenge in public administration," she said.

Prakash Ramadhar, who is running for election in the Congress of the People (COP) leadership race this weekend acknowledged that his party is disappointed with the move.

However he made made it clear that every post in the cabinet is given at the discretion of the Prime Minister.

"Of course, there is some disappointment, but at the end of it, the PM has the sole responsibility in deciding which Ministry any member would occupy and in her judgement, having regard to all the great work Carolyn has done in the past, I think Carolyn has brought that Ministry to a point to achieve great success," Ramadhar said on morning TV Monday.

Another COP leadership candidate, Anil Roberts, expressed concern that while Seepersad-Bachan was a good minister of energy she retained as a ministerial adviser someone who was closely connected with the previous administration.

"I was deeply disturbed for an entire that for an entire year, that a main advisor, a main cog of Ken Julien for Energy was kept on by our Ministry of Energy."

However Roberts said he is confident Seepersad-Bachan would do an excellent job in her new position.

New child development minister eager to work on behalf of nation's children

"Verna St Rose-Greaves took office Monday as the new Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development in the Trinidad and Tobago cabinet with Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial as her junior minister.

The outspoken social activist was a strong voice for justice during the 2010 general election campaign and was appointed as Special Advisor on Children's Advocacy Issues in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Now she is fully in charge of developing policies and ideas to carry out her responsibilities. And she spoke about her plans as she took the oath of office.

"I know there are people with a lot of experience, women in particular, who have been doing this groundwork all this time," she told reporters. 


"So it is gathering these people and then getting a framework by which to function and a plan to develop the programme lines and to select the best staff, the best people for this situation. 

"It is going to be an expert-led project, not expert in terms of just academia, but certainly marrying the University to the street and bringing all that we have, so it can work for the interest of the people and the children of Trinidad and Tobago."

The new minister said she accepted the appointment to serve the children of T&T. "That is the main reason because I think I have worked all my life for this. There are so many people who have done the groundwork and I think this is an opportune time for us to ensure that we offer them the protection they deserve because they are the future of this country."

New health minister promises to fix system; PM won't accept excuses

Fuad Khan is taking charge of the ministry of health at a time when there are great demands to deliver a higher quality of service.

And on Monday he pledged to begin transforming Trinidad and Tobago's health sector by making use of the health centres scattered across the country.

Khan, who served in the Panday administration as the junior minister of health under Dr Hamza Rafeeq, told reporters he plans to make the centres more efficient and offer a wider range of services to citizens.

"I need to look at the system as it is, see how we left it at 2001, and decide if it needs changing to get a different and better result because we can't go down the same path and expect something to change. It does not make any sense. We have to change it," he said.

He said he believes that focusing on the health centres as a point for primary care could reduce the demands placed on the main hospitals.

"A lot of the bed spaces can be deployed differently if you have a proper system at the ground level.

"So a lot of patients can access health care in mini hospitals I would say, utilising the District Health Facilities and the Health Facilities. Create small same-day surgery centres and mini hospitals. That will take the load off the major hospitals," the minister said.

However he said all his plans have to go to cabinet first.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters she is not accepting any excuses. "I expect him to deliver, deliver and deliver."

The new minister has got a vote of confidence from the Medical Professionals Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MPATT).

In a media release, MPATT said Khan's previous experience, along with his hands-on knowledge (he is a urolgist), will be a benefit to the health sector.

MPATT said it is looking forward to comprehensive changes in procurement, human resource management and in the provision and delivery of all aspects of health care services.

Rowley objects to cabinet makeover

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley claimed Monday that the cabinet changes made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar are a distraction to avoid further attention on embarrassing events affecting the government.

And he said Persad-Bissessar has broken her own rules by allowing Verna St Rose Greaves and Nicole Dyer Griffith to serve in the Senate and government.

Both women were candidates in the 2010 general election and both failed to win their seats. Persad-Bissessar had said she preferred not to have "failed candidates" appointed to the Senate.

However in response to Rowley's comments she said there is enough distance to allow from the election to allow the women to serve. 

Rowley said citizens cannot trust the prime minister, adding that she is not a "principled" person.  

He told reporters, “The PP titanic sails relentlessly towards a collision course with the people of T&T while the Prime Minister is rearranging and realigning the deck chairs.” 

Rowley, who has been clamouring for the removal of Jack Warner from cabinet over corruption allegations linked to FIFA, suggested that Persad-Bissessar is unable to fire Warner.

However the PM has made it clear that there are only allegations against Warner and is no evidence against her minister with respect to his role as a former FIFA executive. 

Rowley said while Persad-Bissessar has described Warner as her "best performing minister" she still removed half of his portfolio and handed it to Devant Maharaj. 

Duprey's lawyer says his client should not give evidence at HCU/CL probe

A lawyer for former CL Financial chairman Lawrence Duprey told the inquiry into the collapse of the Hindu Credit Union (HCU) and the CL Financial conglomerate that Duprey should not be a witness before the commission because that could 
prejudice the civil and potential criminal case against Duprey. 

Andrew Mitchell presented the argument as he addressed the enquiry Monday Mitchell said in his opinion Duprey has already suffered from adverse publicity and also faces the risk of “adverse inferences” arising out of the probe.

Mitchell said he agrees that it is “entirely appropriate” for the commission to continue. However he stated that is is “entirely inappropriate” for his client to be a witness because it could prejudice his “fair trail rights.” 

Mitchell said his client “wishes to cooperate...(but) also wishes to have the opportunity of a fair hearing whether in the civil or criminal jurisdiction or both.”

He also registered his concerns about putting his client in a position to respond to witness statements, where there is no prepared material provided. 

Sir Anthony Colman is the sole commissioner in the investigation into the two failed companies.

Earlier this month the Central Bank and Clico began civil proceedings against Duprey, former CL Financial executive Andre Monteil and related companies. That was followed by a challenge from Duprey seeking to stop the Commission.

Mitchell told the commission he has reversed his position on trying to block the proceedings and offered three options for consideration.
  1. Adjourn the part of the Enquiry that touches and concerns the role of Duprey and others who are named in the civil proceedings
  2. Permit Duprey to withdraw from the enquiry to allow him to focus on "other pressing concerns"
  3. Permit Duprey to remain as a party but without giving evidence
Mitchell said he prefers the third option of not allowing his client to give evidence before the commission. 

The proceedings have been adjourned until Wednesday to give the attorney to the Commission of the Enquiry, Peter Carter, and the lawyers representing the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance and the Clico Policyholders Group to present their views.

Monday, June 27, 2011

New mimnisters take oath of office in TT as Parliament begins new session

Three new ministers take the oath of office Monday in Port of of Spain as the Trinidad and Tobago begins the second session of its 10th Parliament with a speech outlining government's priorities for the next year.

Prime Minister announced the cabinet realignment Sunday night in an address to the nation. While some of the changes were expected, other came as a surprise.

MP for Baratarian/San Juan Dr Fuad Khan is taking over thje Ministry of Health from Therese Baptiste-Cornelis. Khan's job as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is going to Jairam Seemungal.

Another new minister is Devant Maharaj who is entering cabinet through the Senate. He will take the portfolio of Transport, which used to be a part of the portfolio of Jack Warner.

There has been a shift in energy with a new minister - Senator Kevin Ramnarine - taking over from San Fernando West MP Carolyn Seepersad, who is moving to Public Administration to replace Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam, who has accepted a position as T&T's Consul General in New York.

There is also a realignment of the foreign ministry with Dr Suruj Rambachan keeping that portfolio, which has now been expanded tio include Communication.

His parliamentary secretary is Nicole Dyer-Griffith, spouse of the the PM's national security adviser, Gary Griffith.

Four senators have been fired - Ramgoolam, Patrick Watson, Baptiste-Cornelis and Subhas Panday. Their replacement are Devant Maharaj, Verna St Rose Greaves, who will be Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development, Dyer-Griffith and Terrence Baynes.

Baptiste-Cornelis has been offered a diplomatic posting to Geneva.

Big cabinet changes in T&T

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced some cabinet changes Sunday night. Here's is a quick glance at some oif the changes:

  • Dr Fuad Khan, MP - Minister of Health replaces Sen. Terese Baptiste Cornelis
  • Jairam Seemungal, MP - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives taking the post vacated by Fuad Khan
  • Senator Devant Maharaj - Minister of Transport. Transport has been removed from the portfolio of Works and Transport, held by Jack Warner, MP 
  • Senator Verna St Rose Greaves - Minister of Gender, Youth and Community Affairs
  • Ramona Ramdial, MP - Minister in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Community Affairs
  • Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, MP - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications
  • Senator Nicole Dyer-Griffith - Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communications
  • Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, MP - Minister of Public Administration, replacing Nan Ramgoolam, who is moving to New York as T&T's Consul-General
  • Senator Kevin Ramnarine - Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs, taking over portfolio vacated by Seepersad-Bachan
  • Rudranath Indarsingh, MP - Minister in the Ministry of Local Government
  • Nela Khan, MP - Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government
  • Senator Emannuel George - Leader of Government Business in the Senate
  • Colin Partap, MP - Minister in the Ministry of National Security

PM Kamla's address to the nation - Sunday 26 June 2011 (part 1)

Fellow Citizens, as I had previously announced, it has been my intention to undertake a critical review of the performance of my Government during its first year in office and to make such changes as are necessary in order to fulfill the mandate given to us by you, the citizens on May 24th 2010.

Performance reviews are routine in determining both individual and organizational performance. It is no different for my government and for Members of my Cabinet.

In fact, I have often remarked that my government is a performance driven one responsive to the needs of the public, and as such, during the first year

I emphasized both service to the people, action and delivery.

This government came into office amidst extremely high expectations on the part of our citizens for a type of governance and management that is sensitive to their needs and more significantly adopts plans and programs which solve their problems.

At the time of the formation of my Cabinet very few of my Ministers had the benefit of serving in Government and in Cabinet or had done so a long time ago.

Despite this, and the existence of the Ministerial “learning curve”, together with the need to build trust with the public service and to have the public service adapt to the culture of high performance expected of my government, the consensus by way of our achievements is that we have done well in our first year as a government.

We are aware however of the need to do better!

We know that our citizens expect more given the extent to which they have been denied the quality of life which an economy like Trinidad and Tobago should have provided during the years of plenty.

It is in response to fulfilling these expectations, that I have undertaken a review of portfolios and have made certain changes. These changes in which some Ministers will be reassigned to new responsibilities, is by no means a reflection of their competence.

It is rather a more effective alignment of competencies to positions where they will be more effective.

I value and applaud their efforts in the particular Ministries where they served and assure them of my continuing support as we work together for the benefit of our country.

At the same time, I expect that those who now hold these portfolios will be dedicated to excellence, high performance and delivery.

As Prime Minister and as the “CEO” of the Cabinet, I am committed to the values of efficiency or value for money, effectiveness (getting the job done well and on time) integrity, responsiveness, service excellence, a caring attitude, fairness and equal treatment in the conduct of the business of government.

I expect all members of my government will be so guided.

Realignment of portfolios is common after a year in government.

In this government, it was also obvious that certain Ministries had responsibilities which were not in keeping with their core business. of those Ministries.

This created duplication and an inefficient use of both human and material resources.

I have also sought to correct as far as possible these anomalies.

I believe that such changes will improve both governance and quality of service delivered.

In making changes, however, I am moved by the spirit of cooperation and understanding by the Members of my Cabinet, particularly those who were directly affected, a testimony to their commitment to team and to the higher vision of the government which is the satisfaction of the people.

I am also gratified by the high level of cooperation and understanding which I have received in this exercise from my fellow leaders in the People’s Partnership, and for which I thank them.

In light of what I have established as the focus of the government and to fulfil the mandate given to us, I wish to announce the following major changes to my Cabinet.

CHANGES TO BE MADE

(i) The creation of a new Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development and the Appointment of Ms. Verna St Rose Greaves as a Senator and Minister of this Ministry and also to the Appointment of the Honourable Ms. Ramona Ramdial, MP, as Minister in this Ministry

(ii) Secondly, the creation of a Ministry of Transport and the appointment of Mr. Devant Maharaj as a Senator and Minister of this Ministry

(a) The assignment of the Information Portfolio to a Ministry now to be known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communications with the appointment of Ms. Nicole Dyer-Griffith as a Senator and Parliamentary Secretary in this Ministry; Minister the Honourable Surujrattan Rambachan, MP, will be appointed as Minister of this Ministry

(b) The appointment of Dr. the Honourable Fuad Khan, as Minister of Health

(c) The appointment of the Honourable Ms.Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, as the Minister of Public Administration

(d) The appointment of Senator the Honourable Mr. Kevin Ramnarine as Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs

(e) The appointment of Senator the Honourable Mr. Embau Moheni as Minister in the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism

(f) The appointment of the Honourable Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh, as Minister in the Ministry of Local Government

(g) The appointment of the Honourable Ms. Nela Khan, as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government

(h) The appointment of Dr. the Honourable Delmon Baker, as Minister in the Ministry of Finance
(i) The appointment of the Honourable Mr. Colin Partap, as Minister in the Ministry of National Security

(j) The appointment of Mr. Terrance Baynes as a Senator

(k) The nomination of the Honourable Mr. Jairam Seemungal, as Deputy Speaker of the House

(l) The assignment of responsibility as Leader of Senate Business to Senator the Honourable Mr. Emmanuel George

Please see PM's address part 2 below.

PM Kamla's address to the nation - Sunday 26 June 2011 (part 2)

My Fellow Citizens The role of a Prime Minister is to govern in the best interest of the people.

Not every need can be met in the short term, since resources are never infinite and hence prioritization of projects and programs of work is a necessity.

I have always maintained in answer to my philosophy of leadership, that I listen before leading, that I try as far as possible to build a healthy consensus with respect to decision making.

Thus far as Prime Minister, I believe that I have sought to live faithfully to this my espoused philosophy.

I know however final decision making is my responsibility.

It is for this reason that I try to be very careful in the decisions I make, sometimes taking a bit more time so to do.

It is difficult in government to reverse a decision and as such one has to be extremely cautious, especially in a complex and plural society like Trinidad and Tobago, where the concerns of so many different interests have to balance in the course of decision making.

I have to the best of my ability tried to achieve this in my decisions including the changes I have announced.

As Prime Minister, I have never feared admitting where I have erred. It is part of my desire to recognize the need for transparency in government and of being human.

Only God doesn’t make mistakes.

Without harping on the issues of the past or on the quality of management of the economy under the previous regime, my government’s inheritance included a depleted treasury, poor level of citizen security, the problems surrounding CLICO and HCU, corruption and wastage, a demoralized public service and a population whose basic needs for a better quality of life remained an elusive dream.

Despite the inheritance, we are committed to bring about the change people desire.

The fair minded amongst us will admit on reflection that the process of change has indeed begun.

As your elected government, one to whom you gave a Constitutional majority, we will not shirk from our responsibilities.

We will see it as our national duty, the need to solve your problems, to achieve citizen security, to build a society where every creed and race find an equal place, where discipline tolerance and production will not only be our watchwords but will manifest in our daily activities and relationships, where the spirit of neighbourliness would re-emerge and a strong sense of community will again dominate our national consciousness, and where we would share each other’s’ cultural space and an improved understanding would provide the platform for national harmony and peace.

We have a challenging journey ahead of us together.

The next session of Parliament begins tomorrow with a full ceremonial opening.

It will be the last ceremonial opening in the Red House before the Parliament building is fully restored.

Preparations have already begun for the 2011 budget.

Your government will proceed to work at high intensity on all fronts.

Our focus will now be directed to improving the delivery of goods and services to you, the people; growing the economy; attracting investments and stimulating business; creating jobs and keeping the cost of living under control.

In addition, we want to strengthen and boost our social infrastructure and educate and train our people for a modern, thriving economy.

The gains we have made in containing crime, we will consolidate.

Our objective will be to continue to reduce the number of murders and other violent crimes as well as to contain other minor offences.

Your government is committed to serving you, listening to you and responding to you.

As we usher in tomorrow, I pledge on behalf of my government, to collectively redouble our efforts in the interest of our great nation, Trinidad and Tobago.

I thank you.

May God continue to bless each of you and may God bless our nation.

Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai