PM Kamla leaves hospital, resting at home

Update from the Office of the Prime Minister:

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been discharged from hospital and is now resting at her official residence at St Ann's.

This was confirmed to JYOTI by an official of the official of the PM.

The official said Persad-Bissessar is "feeling better but needs to rest".

The Prime Minister was admitted to the St Clair Medical Centre on Wednesday after she complained of feeling unwell.

Photo story: Congratulations, my son. Presentation boy wins President's Medal

In this Trinidad Guardian photo proud parents Daniel and Yasmin Ram hug their son Shastri, at the Presentation College in Chaguanas on Thursday, after learning that he had captured the President’s Gold medal 2011. Photo: RISHI RAGOONATH

Check the full scholarship list by clicking here

348 scholaships for CAPE students; check the full list below

The government of Trinidad & Tobago has awarded 348 scholarships to students based on the results of the 2011 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh told reporters Thursday Cabinet approved the list at the weekly cabinet meeting.

Gopeesingh said 71 of the scholarships will be open and the others (277) classified as additional. It's an increase of 19 over last year's figures.

The government's investment in the education of the 348 scholars is $32.1 million, the minister said.

The Ministry issues a media release Thursday evening stating that the scholarships have been awarded in 10 subject groups:

1. Business
2. Environmental Science
3. Languages
4. Mathematics
5. Modern Studies/Humanities
6. Natural Sciences
7. Technical Studies
8. Technological Studies
9. General Studies
10. Visual and Performing Arts

Check the full list by clicking here

Three accused rapists remain in custody

Accused being escorted to court

Three men accused of raping a woman and her daughter in Longdenville and stealing the family's personal belongings, including a car, appeared at the Chaguanas Magistrate's court Thursday to answer the charges. A four suspect is still on the run.

Joel Vialva, 20, Jason Kareem Romeo, 18, and Stephen Lonely, 23, did not offer any pleas and did not have legal representation when the matter was called. 

The Magistrate ordered that they remain in custody until their another hearing next Friday.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Asraph Haspodeen, told the court one of the victims in a serious condition at hospital.

The rape and robbery is alleged to have happened on September 22 at around 2.30 am.

Reports state that the accused tied up the woman’s two sons, raped the 49-year-old woman and her 17-year-old daughter, then stole cash and jewelry before escaping with the family’s car.

Police caught two of the suspects during an exercise at Longdenville; the third surrendered to police.

Medical update from the office of the Prime Minister

Update issued at 5:00 pm Thursday, 29 September, 2011

The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar Prime Minister continues to undergo a series of medical assessments at St. Clair Medical Centre. Her attending physicians have advised that the Honourable Prime Minister undertook a comprehensive medical which necessitated her stay at the medical facility.

Her physicians further advise that the decision to extend her stay was only out of an abundance of caution following a mild allergic reaction to the dye administered during an evaluation.

During this period the Honourable Prime Minister has maintained the performance of her duties whilst being continuously updated by her Cabinet colleagues. The Prime Minister has received several Ministers and held discussions on Government business.

She remains at St Clair Medical Centre.

PM Kamla resting, may leave hospital Friday

from GISL - Government Information Services Limited

Minister of Health Dr. Fuad Khan has said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar remains warded at the St Clair Medical Centre, she is resting comfortably and “may be discharged tomorrow Friday".

Speaking at the Post Cabinet press conference on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister, the Minister said the Prime Minister’s doctor, Dr. Dickson Marchack, had indicated that all the “investigative assessments are normal or close to normal for a woman her age”.

Minister Khan however said there was some concern about the swelling of the feet of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister was taken to hospital on Wednesday after complaining of feeling unwell.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications, Dr. Surjurattan Rambachan said Thursday's Cabinet meeting was chaired by Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran. He added that the Prime Minister continued to work while hospitalized in the interest of the National Community.

A release issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday morning indicated:

"Prime Minister, The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar continues to rest comfortably at the St. Clair Medical Centre, where she is currently awaiting feedback on the assessments undertaken yesterday evening.

In light of this, her attending physicians have advised the Honourable Prime Minister to remain warded for an additional day.

The Honourable Prime Minister wishes to reiterate her expression of thanks to the National Community for their outpouring of support.

Further updates will be provided when more information becomes available."

HDC acquires 128 acres at Santa Rosa for 1,200 housing units

Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal told reporters Thursday cabinet has approved the acquisition of 128 acres of land at Trestrail Farms, Santa Rosa Estate for housing.

Speaking at the post cabionet media briefing, Moonilal said the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) intends to build 1,200 housing units on the land.

Moonilal said there is a need for 125,000 housing units. He noted that to deliver that, the HDC would need 8,000 acres of suitable land for development.

"In that context, if we are to reach our goal of providing 6,200 housing units per year, the HDC will indeed need to acquire 400 acres of land annually for the next 20 years," Moonilal stated.

The HDC is engaged in currently building homes at construction sites in Union Hall, San Fernando; Egypt Trace and Dass Trace in Chaguanas; and Fairfield, Bromage Estate in Princes Town.

Moonilal said the construction at these estates is in addition to the new "Land for Landless Programme" which is a joint initiative of the HDC and the Land Settlement Agency.

The programme will provide building lots for under privileged citizens. the lots will have a foundation for building a home, complete with plumbing fixtures. Moonilal said earlier this week most of those lots will go to CEPEP workers.

State of emergency tally: 3,338 arrested

Official figures show that 3,339 persons have been arrested since the State of Emergency was declared on August 21. A total of 48 were arrested in the 24 hour period ending at eight Thursday morning.

In the latest security sweep Defence Force personnel recovered several rounds of ammunition in Central Trinidad on Thursday.

Police spokesperson ASP Joanne Archie confirmed that soldiers made the discovery at Todd's Station Road in Longdenville following a search at an abandoned house.

Archie said the soldiers found a black plastic bag containing three rounds of 380 ammunition, three rounds of .40 ammunition and ten rounds of .40 ammunition. She said no one was arrested.

Archie also confirmed that on Wednesday protective services personnel found a green Defence Force bag, 2 camouflage outfits, and 2 bullet proof vests at an abandoned building at Second Caledonia, Morvant.

The following is the breakdown of the arrests so far:

• Outstanding warrants: 853
• Serious offences: 683
• Traffic offences: 650
• Drug offences: 623
• Gang-related: 449
• Enquiries: 357
• Breach of curfew: 177
• Other offences: 140
• Homicide Investigations: 56
• Firearms recovered: 112
• Ammunition recovered: 12,330 rounds, 28 magazines

Williams statue for Woodford Square: Lee Sing

The Mayor of Port of Spain announced on Thursday that the city will erect a statue of the late Dr Eric Williams in Woodford Square in honour of the country's first Prime Minister and founder of the People's National Movement (PNM).

Williams launched the party in Woodford Square in 1955 as a citizens' movement, renaming the square the "University of Woodford Square." It has remained a special place for the party.

Williams was a very private individual and had always said he did not want any monuments bearing his name. Despite that the Trinidad and Tobago governments has named two institutions in honour of Williams - the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at Mount Hope and the Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port of Spain.

Lee Sing told reporters it is important or the younger generation to have a link to the past.

“I believe in putting a statue with the appropriate panel of information, people who come to POS and visit Woodford Square will understand the tremendous contribution this patriot, this brilliant son of Trinidad and Tobago made to develop our society to what we are today," the Mayor said.

He added, "People do not know it. Some wish not to credit him with it, but were it not for Dr Williams, the democracy that we enjoy today would not have been."

Lee Sing did not give details of the cost. However he said he wants the monument ready before next year since 2011 is the 100th birth anniversary of Dr Williams.

The Mayor said the details of the project are still being worked out and added that he hopes to get contributions from the Corporate sector to fund it.

PM Kamla in hospital

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed an AMCHAM meeting Wednesday. Later she was admitted to hospital

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar fell ill on Wednesday and was taken to the St. Clair Medical Centre where she is resting comfortably and under the supervision of her medical team.

A brief media release from the office of the Prime Minister said medical personnel conducted tests and assessments and are awaiting the results. She will remain at the private hospital overnight for further observation and rest.

The release stated, "The Prime Minister has been on a hectic schedule over the past two months during which time she continued to work through a bout of dengue from which she is still recovering."

It added, "The Prime Minister has been visited by her Cabinet colleagues and has expressed her appreciation for all the concern and support she has received from members of the public."

Photo story: PM launches Am Cham's Health and security exhibition

This is the last official event attended by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar before being admitted to hospital.

In the Trinidad Guardian photo above she speaks with the president of American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Am Cham) T&T, Simon Aqui.

The event was Am Cham’s 15th annual annual Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Conference and Exhibition at the Hyatt Regency, which she launched with the cutting of a ribbon.

Also in picture are Labour Minister Errol McLeod, centre; American ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Beatrce Weltes, second from left; vice president Am Cham of T&T Hugh Howard (partly hidden); and the chamber’s executive director Desiree Gobin-Seecharan. PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

Letter: Different strokes for Manning, Kamla

I have not engaged in partisan politics since our country’s first Prime Minister, the late great Dr Eric Williams (a distinguished son of the soil, an academician, a noted thinker and political stalwart in the Caribbean) made his renowned statement “1 from 10 leaves zero” concerning the West Indian Federation. 

From that juncture, I have been in political exile when it comes to voicing my concerns or perspectives on political issues. I have also noticed that in my 72 years of existence, it is unequivocally better to be on the periphery and unobtrusively observe what is going on from all angles to ensure that whatever opinions or conclusions are drawn are done so based on observation by all.

I say all of this against the backdrop that I have reached a point of complete saturation to the extent that I am currently in a state of political diarrhoea and nausea at what is taking place in the political spectrum.

Every time I turn my radio on to many stations or even flip the daily newspapers or our local tabloids, the Prime Minister of this country, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is being subjected to wanton and vicious attacks that her predecessor was never subjected to. 

I want to remind all that I was born in this beloved twin-island republic of ours in 1938 and I have been an avid reader of our country’s happenings since that age of 15. I read extensively and listen to radio programmes dealing with government/politics.

I would just like to remind my fellow citizens (especially the ones born after 1981), that Williams was noted for being very curt, dismissive and sometimes abusive to the media houses. A veteran/renowned journalist (now head of protocol to the Chief Justice), who is three years younger than me, should be able to attest to this. 

Let us shift now to the current longest serving parliamentarian in T&T and the Caribbean (MP since 1971 and serving consecutively since assumption as MP), the Member of Parliament for San Fernando East, Patrick Manning. Manning is known to have used his power of veto on several occasions under nebulous and questionable circumstances. 

May I remind our nation that the Constitution has vested power in the office holder of PM to exercise this power where they deem fit.

When Manning did so, he provided no explanations to the public and to this day our fiercely independent judicial system (here and in London) have demonstrated that Manning’s actions were questionable. Let us look at cases like Ganga Persad-Kissoon, Feroza Ramjohn, Devant Maharaj, Marlene Coudray, Keith Jackson, Ashwin Creed. 

When Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar exercised her veto power concerning senior attorney/deputy executive court administrator Michelle Austin’s appointment to the Financial Intelligence Unit, she provided an explanation and rationale (whether it was solid or not, I have to be fair and say that she did offer a rationale—an anomaly because her predecessor never did).

Well, PM Persad-Bissessar was crucified under Pontius Pilate for doing something many thought she had to do, which is give your bosses (the electorate who voted her into office and who she is there to serve and be accountable to) a reason for objecting to the Public Service Commission’s selection. 

The former Udecott chairman, Calder Hart, sat on five state boards simultaneously, and was receiving a ridiculous monthly remuneration. Who criticised that situation as extensively and passionately for weeks/months as they did with the appointment of the former head of the Security Intelligence Agency back in January? 

Manning appointed his wife as a Minister of Education and then Minister of Local Government during his tenure in office as Prime Minister. This is blatant nepotism at its highest. I wonder if PM Persad-Bissessar had appointed her qualified and experienced husband, Dr Gregory Bissessar, as Minister of Health, if we would have heard the same deafening silence we heard concerning Hazel Manning’s appointment? 

Why was Mayor Louis Lee-Sing under Manning’s tenure granted a radio licence in mere days while the Maha Sabha had to wait over ten years? Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has demonstrated her keen sense of discernment as well as her fairness and her ability to give anyone a chance (regardless of race, ethnicity, social standing) because we all belong to the human race and the penultimate line of our national anthem reminds us of that.

The new head of the Public Service is Reynald Cooper, who is also Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. Anyone who keeps abreast of Public Service affairs/staffing will know that Cooper is very bright, competent and experienced. They would also know that there is probably one or two more people who could have gotten the job based on a little more seniority but for the Prime Minister it was based on merit/competence/dedication as integral factors.

I further ask people to examine: Who is the current Leader of Government Business in the Upper House? Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives? Which minister has the largest ministry and requires the hugest sets of money from the Ministry of Finance to do colossal projects concerning the nation’s infrastructure? 

In the absence of the Prime Minister from the country, there are four people designated to act as Prime Minister—Jack Warner, Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, Errol Mc Leod and Winston Dookeran. Is this a prejudiced/biased PM? Food for thought.

I can go on and on but I think that we need to:

• Look at the man in the mirror
• Understand that the devil cannot correct sin
• Not throw stones if you live in a glass house
• Either work together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools

THOUGHTS

• Persad-Bissessar being subjected to wanton and vicious attacks that her   predecessor was never subjected to
• PM has demonstrated her keen sense of discernment as well as her fairness
• Manning provided no explanations for vetoes under questionable circumstances

Theopilus Hackett | Barataria

We have gas: Energy Minister Ramnarine

Trinidad & Tobago's energy minister Kevin Ramnarine told a business luncheon on Wednesday the country's natural gas reserves will last more than nine years. And he told industry stakeholders to get ready for another round of deep water bidding.

Ramnarine was speaking at a luncheon arranged by BG Energy at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday.

He was responding to the latest Ryder Scott audit, which said Trinidad & Tobago has 27 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and an exploration resource base of 26 trillion cubic feet.

The minister said that's 53 trillion cubic feet so there's clear evidence that there is no imminent shortage of natural gas.

"There is no need therefore to head for the hills. We do not have 9 years of gas left. We in fact looked at the entire resource base when we contemplate our planning," Ramnarine said.

Despite that, he said there is a serious gas supply problem at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

"This has arisen due to maintenance work being conducted by our upstream suppliers. This problem has impacted negatively on the national economy and it is currently engaging my fullest attention," the minister said.

Ramnarine said the solution to the problem is to increase the rate of exploration activity and work with the current industry players, BG, bp, EOG and BHP Billiton.

He said the Ministry will launch another deep water bidding round in November to be followed by a shallow average bid round in 2012.

"The Ministry estimates that Block 23-a and TTDA-14 which were awarded to bp could potentially lead to the discovery of new reserves estimated to have an unrisked natural gas reserve potential in the range of 4.7 to 8.2 cubic trillion feet of natural gas," Ramnarine pointed out.

PM Kamla thanks business community for support

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was not well enough to attend Wednesday's business luncheon sponsored by BG energy. However she had a message for the business leaders, which was delivered by her energy minister, Kevin Ramnarine.

This is the PM's message:

“We have also had to deal with crime, which is a concern of the business community.

"It is that reason that we are happy for the support that we receive from the business community for the state of emergency. Crime impacts on our competitiveness and, as a country, impairs our way of life.

"The business community in T&T continues to demonstrate their solidarity with the Government and is prepared to make short-term sacrifices for long-term gain...

“We commend the business community for their patience and understanding. We are grateful for the support the business community has given to the Ministry of National Security...

“Corporate T&T also has a role to play in the fight against crime. I am pleased for the support BGTT has given to the Ministry of National security. Earlier this month, I launched the Meeting Life Importance Initiative in the Beetham Gardens.

"This initiative is from the Ministry of National Security that BGTT supported. I encourage other like-minded corporate citizens to do the same,” she said.

“I have been advised that the state of emergency has not generally impacted on the output of the energy sector. Some companies have had to make adjustments in signing off their shifts, while others have written to the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Chamber to get passes for critical purposes.

“We will continue to work with these companies so that there will be a minimum impact on their operations.”

Put away hunting guns; season suspended because of SoE

Trinidad & Tobago has suspended the hunting season indefinitely because of the current State of Emergency.

The 2011 hunting season was scheduled to open on Saturday.

A media release from the Ministry of Housing and the Environment cited the decision as coming from the Chief Game Warden who advised that in light of the ongoing State of Emergency and the the 11pm-4am curfew, the season has been suspended to protect law-abiding citizens.

It stated, "The Chief Game Warden, in exercising his authority under the Wild Life Act, Chapter 67:01, recognises that there may be criminal elements who may wish to exploit the opportunity that the opening of the season may provide.

"The suspension is also to avoid any circumstance which could precipitate a confrontation between hunters and security forces engaged in exercises in the forest environment."

The release since the matter will be reviewed when the State of Emergency is lifted.

No big increase in domestic violence: Sandy

National Security Minister John Sandy told reporters Wednesday the apparent rise in domestic violence is not as alarming as some people seem to suggest.

The minister said, “We must understand that because of the diminishing of homicides it appears there is more domestic violence. That has always been there. It’s not a situation that there is more domestic violence now than before.

“We must be cognisant of the fact our country is in a situation because of the limited incidence of crime, people are going about their business in a better frame of mind," Sandy added.

“Fear of crime is one of the aspects we want to eradicate and if we are successful in doing that I would be happy.”

He said the whole point of the state of emergency is to make keep a sustained assault on crime and to make people feel secure, noting that he would consider the emergency measures successful even if a single firearm were seized.

He said: “There are different views with respect to time factors. The business community has complained and they have reorganised themselves.

“As I have said in the past if we were to seize one firearm, if we were to prevent one murder then there is success.”

He did not make any commitment about changing the curfew hours, saying only that all things are possible. “These things are being considered all the time. With God all things are possible.” he added.

Sandy dismissed suggestions that the emergency has lost its original focus. He made it clear that the focvus remains the same - dealing with crime. “Once people are there and they are committing crimes they will be arrested,” he said.

T&T switches to LENOVO for laptops, save $30M

Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh on Wednesday began distribution of free laptop computers to high school children who entered form one at the start of the academic year.

Gopeesingh expects to hand out 17,300 computers by the middle of October.

This is the second year of the free laptop program. Last year the contract was awarded to HP for $63 million. This year the Ministry of Education chose, LENOVO from among eight bidders. LENOVO is a Chinese manufacturer of computers and is part of the IBM family.

“Lenovo had all the mandatory requirements which we requested, and it ultimately cost the Government $30 million less than last year,” Gopeesingh said.

The laptops carry the national colours and come with cases and 14 software packages, including a Spanish language learning program. THast year's computer had only seven software applications.

Gopeesingh also announced that all schools will soon be connected to the Internet. “We are also in the process of installing wireless internet at all schools and have increased the internet speed from five megabits to ten,” Gopeesingh said.

REDjet planning to launch a Jamaican airline in 2012

The CEO of the Barbados-based discount airline REDjet has said the airline is seeking approval for a Jamaican airline.

Ian Burns is quoted in the Jamaica Observer newspaper as saying that the airline hopes to get the green light from the Jamaican government in 2012. 

"We had our difficulty before because of the divestment of Air Jamaica,” Burns told the paper.

“Air Jamaica is no longer around and so we believe those barriers have been taken down and we should be approved, hopefully sometime next year, and we can start operations out of Jamaica. That should bring somewhere in the region of six to seven hundred jobs to Jamaica," he added.

Air Jamaica is now owned by the Trinidad and Tobago national carrier, Caribbean Airlines. Jamaica has retained a 16 per cent stake in Air Jamaica.

Burns said the new airline would trade as REDjet but it will be owned mostly by Jamaicans.

"All our cabin crew, pilots, all our engineers, flight dispatch officers, all our ground handling services, all those services will be provided from Jamaica, by Jamaicans," he said.

"Our plan will be to build our fleet here, specifically in Jamaica, from five to 10 aircraft. That will be built on a solid business foundation and we will grow as the demand is there for our service," he added.

REDjet currently serves selected destinations in the region, inlcuding a service through Trinidad. It hopes to begin serving six destinations in late November.

National Security Council to discuss whether to extend curfew hours: PM

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Tuesday she has heard complaints from citizens that there is a need to extend the curfew hours.

She spoke with the media briefly at the San Fernando General Hospital.

Persad-Bissessar said she would take the matter to the National Security Council meeting Wednesday. She is the chair of the council.

The curfew currently begins at 11 pm and ends at five in the morning. Originally it started at nine in the vening and ended at 4 am.

Many people have complained that the relaxation in the hours has led to an increase in violent crime. 

Last week a mother and her daughter were raped at their home and the attackers stole their jewelry and the family's car.

Persad-Bissessar said "I have heard those concerns...I will raise it with the law enforcement officers. They were the ones who told us where to put the hot spots in the first place, and the timing".

She said she cannot make a judgment call on the curfew until she meets with the security team.

Million-dollar marijuana raid; arrests soon in big Point Lisas drug bust

Police busted a marijuana operation Tuesday and destroyed 18,000 marijuana trees. They also arrested two men and seized a 12-gauge shotgun and six cartridges.

Police Public Affairs Director Sharon Assign gave the details at the daily media briefing. She said tghe marijuana has a street value of about $13 million dollars.

She added that the two arrested men would face a variety of charges in connection with the incident.

Officers from the Northern Division Task Force and the Organised Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB) carried out the raid in the San Rafael area.

Assign also gave an update on the big cocaine seizure at the Point Lisas Port. 

She said Jamaican police are in Trinidad to assit local authorities in the investigations into the discovery of almost one tonne of cocaine that was concealed in a refrigerated container of frozen chicken. The ship bringing the container to Point Lisas from the United States made a stop in Jamaica.

She said Jamaican Customs and Excise personnel are also in Trinidad helping in the investigation. "Things are moving ahead quickly," she said. "We expect that arrests are imminent."

Assign also gave the daily update on arrests:

• Total arrests since 21 August: 3,601
• Total arrests in 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning: 54

Breakdown of all arrests:

• Outstanding warrants: 823
• Serious offences: 671
• Traffic offences: 641
• Drug offences: 618
• Gang-related: 449
• Enquiries: 343
• Breach of curfew: 170
• Firearms recovered: 111
• Other offences: 131
• Homicide Investigations: 56
• Ammunition recovered: 12,328 rounds, 28 magazines

Judge orders CIB to refund NIB $700M plus interest

A judge in Port of Spain on Tuesday ordered Clico Investment Bank (CIB) to repay a TT$700 million to the National Insurance Board (NIB).

NIB had asked the court to make a ruling on whether the deposit in the form of an Investment Note Certificate (INC) is guaranteed under the January 2009 Government bailout of the CL Financial Group, which included CIB.

Justice Peter Rajkumar ruled that the INC was a deposit. Lawyers for CIB had argued that it was a security.

The ruling means that the money will have to be refunded with interest to the National Insurance Board (NIB).

NIB will continue to earn statutory interest on the money, starting from Tuesday, at the rate of 12 per cent on what is due.

Between January 2009 and January 2011, the interest on the deposits would be in the range of $84 million, bringing the total with interest up to January 2011 to around $789 million.

Senior counsel for CIB Reginald Armour had urged the judge not to rule on the issue of rates of interest, since Parliament amended the Central Bank Bill two weeks ago.

The amendment means that policyholders cannot engage in legal action against Government to access their money in CL Financial subsidiaries like CLICO and CIB.

However, the judge disagreed. He said, "I do not accept there is any breach between the legislative and judiciary...The legislation does not say delivering of judgments shall be stayed."

In 2009, the the Manning People's National Movement (PNM) government bailed out insurance giant CLICO—a subsidiary of CL Financial and control of CIB to the Central Bank.

The legal wrangling began when the Central Bank determined that the INC is not an approved financial instrument. It said the INC was not eligible for payment of full principal amount of all third-party deposits as guaranteed by the Government following CIB's collapse.

Duprey wanted to sell assets after making bailout deal with government: Carballo

Former Clico Financial Director Michael Carballo said on Tuesday former CL Financial (CLF) Executive Chairman Lawrence Duprey wanted to sell Clico Energy shares even after CL had signed a memorandum of agreement for a billion-dollar rescue package in 2009.

Carballo made the statement during cross examination by Justin Phelps, the attorney for CLF former Corporate Secretary Gita Sakal.

Carballo said Duprey was ready to sell after cutting the deal with government although there were no urgent discussions to sell off assets when the company's liquidity problems began to worsen.

He said no sale agreement was brought before the Board and appeared to blame Sakal for not bringing the matter before the board.

"I would say that the function of the Corporate Secretary is to encourage the Chairman to ensure that all material matters affecting the company are placed on the agenda for discussion and ratification because this is a mater that involves all Directors - and exposes Directors also."

Phelps asked Carballo about a letter he helped draft in January of 2009 to the Central Bank Governor concerning Clico's liquidity problems. Carballo insisted that the letter was only to inform the Governor about the mismatch in the group's long term assets and shorter term liabilities.

Phelps wanted to know from Carballo whether it was a fair to say that CLF was embarking on the immediate sale of assets. 

Carballo said that is not his interpretation of things. "We were looking at options. As far as I was aware, when this letter was being drafted, we were not in any final negotiations with any party for the disposal of any assets."

Leid's lawyer wants Clico/HCU probe to strike out allegations made again Leid

Sir Anthony Coleman: "I direct that Mr Leid comes and gives evidence to the Enquiry if he pleases.  

The Clico/HCU eqnuiry ended its second session Tuesday on a contentious note over the testimony of former CL Financial Finance Director Michael Carballo with particular reference to statements he made about former Clico Director Geoffrey Leid. Hearings will resume on November 7.

Leid's attorney, Alvin Fitzpatrick, told the commission that his client should have "certain opportunities" to have his case ventilated.

He noted that Carballo made serious allegations against his client during his  testimony and suggested that what Carballo stated could potentially hard Leid's reputation.

"It must have been absolutely evident to anyone with a modicum of common sense that serious allegations were made against Mr Leid," Fitzpatrick said.

He asked the commission to provide a copy of Carballo's statement and well as Carballo's cross-examination. He also wants Leid to get an opportunity to respond.

Fitzpatrick told the sole commissioner Sir Anthony Colman if he fails to create such an opportunity Sir Anthony runs the risk that "the value and the validity of any report that you may publish at the end of the day is seriously diminished". He made a veiled threat to take legal action. "I raise the possibility of any court challenge to the continuation of these proceedings."

The lead counsel for the commission assured Fitzpatrick that there is no need to worry about that. Peter Carter said even though allegations might have been made against Leid, it does not necessarily mean that he has been implicated in the Enquiry.

And he said the appropriate course is for Leid to give evidence if he so desires.

Fitzpatrick disagreed, telling Carter, "The proper course would be to strike out any evidence in relation to Mr Leid because, on Counsel's admission, they neither implicate or make him a subject of the Enquiry."

Sir Anthony gave a ruling on the matter. He stated, "I direct that Mr Leid comes and gives evidence to the Enquiry if he pleases. If he doesn't, then there will be no cross-examination on his behalf."

Moonilal promises land for 9,000 CEPEP workers

Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal gave details of the government's "land for the Landless" programme on Tuesday noting that the aim of the strategy is to ensure that the underprivileged in the society get a chance to own some land and start a new life.

Moonilal said CEPEP workers, who fall under his jurisdiction, will be the main beneficiaries of the programme announced in April.

The CEO for the Land Settlement Agency, Dr Allen Sammy, told local media the agency plans to relocate illegal squatters by giving them land in designated areas.

Moonilal said each person who benefits from the programme will get a lot of land on which the foundation for a home would already be laid, complete with plumbing facilities.

"It is our hope that the 9,000 CEPEP workers who are, by definition, lower income workers, can become part of our initiative and our Programme so they may benefit from land or housing through a special window at the Housing Development Corporation and the Land Settlement Agency," Moonilal stated.

He added that the plan is an alternative to handing people "ready-made" homes. Moonilal said the government also consider subsidies for the beneficiaries of the programme to allow them to build their homes.

The Minister added, "At the Ministry of Housing we are very optimistic that the Minister of Finance will provide ample resources for our housing projects, environmental projects, our land settlement projects in particular.

"Today, I am going to be doing some begging on behalf of the Land Settlement Agency to get increased resources because the 'Land for the Landless Programme' is something we are committed to."

PM Kamla's grandson released from hospital

The grandson of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is out of danger and back home where is resting and being administered IV fluids.

Kristiano Bissessar, 5, was released from the San Fernando General Hospital Tuesday. He was admitted on Sunday with symptoms of Dengue fever.

Chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority, Dr Lakram Bodoe, said Kristiano's condition has improved significantly so his doctors decided to send the child home.

Health personnel did blood tests on Monday and Tuesday and further tests are scheduled for Wednesday.

Nothing illegal in sale of $110M in HMB shares to Monteil's firm: Daly

Andre Monteil's lawyer presented a document Monday to the Clico/HCU enquiry stating that the Central Bank had concluded that Clico's sale of 7 million shares in the Home Mortgage Bank to Monteil's firm, Stone Street Capital, in 2007 was legal.

Martin Daly said the Bank's opinion was that there was no basis under the Home Mortgage Bank Act to demand a reversal of the transaction.

Daly said the opinion was that the transaction was in accordance with the Home Mortgage Bank Act. The shares represented a 44 per cent shareholding in the Bank.

On August 29, 2007, then Prime Minister Patrick Manning condemned Stone Street Capital's purchase of $110 million in HMB, saying that was his view even though Monteil may not have broken any laws.

Manning pledged that he would ensure that the shares are transferred back to the HMB at the same price. Manning told Parliament the transaction occurred under "questionable circumstances".

What made the whole transaction "questionable" and controversial was that Monteil was also chairman of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Clico Investment Bank (CIB).

The HDC made a $100,000 short-term deposit into the Clico bank. Then Clico sold its HMB shares to Montei's company, Stone Street Capital. Monteil was involved in all three institutions, which led to allegations of a conflict of interest.

Manning told legislators, "I wish to make it...clear to all members of this House and to members of the national community that whether it is legal or not, it is contrary to Government policy and Government frowns on the whole way the whole transaction was conducted."

Manning had earlier (on August 17, 2007) told Parliament that Monteil had been cleared by the Central Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission of any wrongdoing.

Monteil was at the treasurer of the governing People's National Movement (PNM) and was also the chairman of the HMB.

Daly produced an internal valuation done by staff of Clico, which valued the block of shares at $104.6 million dollars. However, former Financial Director of CL Financial, Michael Caballo, insisted that the sale price of $110 million was undervalued.

"I maintain that because I can see very quickly here that in this analysis used one is looking at the average after profit tax for 2002 to 2006," Carballo said.

"It is in my professional view that in looking at any valuation two things need to be brought into consideration. One: the forward earning potential and not the backward earning potential.

"Secondly, the important factor that needs to be brought in is the premium, inherent premium, for the major block of close to 44%, which is really the largest block of shares." He said those two important elements are missing from this analysis.

Read related story: Former PNM treasurer facing $100M lawsuit

Commission chairman Sir Anthony Colman confirmed that he will suspend sittings this week and resume on November 7 for two weeks. The commission will sit again for 10 days in the new year, starting on January 3, he said.

Monteil's overlapping directorships flagged in 2009 TI report on perception of corruption

Andre Monteil featured prominently in the 2009 annual report of Transparency International (TI), which put Trinidad & Tobago at 72 out of 180 nations in its perception of corruption index.

One of the issues raised in that report was the problem of overlapping directorships. 

"When not properly regulated, overlapping directorships leave state resources and private shareholder equity vulnerable to allegations of manipulation and insider dealings," the report stated.

It pointed to the March 2007 case of Stone Street Capital, which paid TT$110 million (US$17.8 million) for over 40 per cent of the shares of Home Mortgage Bank (HMB), which is partly owned by the state.

At the time of the purchase, Stone Street Capital co-owner André Monteil was chairman of both HMB and the privately owned Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) Investment Bank, which sold the HMB shares to Stone Street Capital.

That became a national scandal when the matter was raised in Parliament in April 2007 by a member of the opposition who pointed out that Monteil’s leadership positions with all three companies involved created a conflict of interest or led to insider trading.

Monteil’s role as treasurer of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) also raised ethical issues about the purchase. The case was further complicated by suggestions that financing for the private purchase of HMB shares was supported by public funds.

"In 2007 a member of the opposition alleged that, in February of that year, CLICO Investment Bank accepted a deposit of TT$100 million (US$16.5 million) from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC)," the report said.

"Monteil was chairman of both institutions and because the deposit occurred a matter of weeks before CLICO sold HMB shares to Monteil’s Stone Street Capital, some speculated that the HDC deposit to CLICO Investment Bank gave the bank sufficient liquidity to be able to lend Monteil’s Stone Street Capital the money to pay for the HMB shares," the report stated.

It said a review conducted by The Ministry of Finance "discovered no evidence of wrongdoing in the sale of the HMB shares...Additionally, the central bank concluded that the trade met the conditions established by the revised Home Mortgage Bank Act."

It said, "The prime minister brushed off suggestions of impropriety surrounding the HDC deposit to CLICO Investment Bank, stating that it was a short-term deposit of TT$60 million (US$9.8 million) made only to earn interest."

Transparency International noted that in June 2008 police confirmed that the case remained under investigation by the Anti-corruption Investigations Bureau, "though no findings have been forthcoming".

It said, "Such treatment gives credibility to the suggestions of one parliamentarian that Monteil’s ranking among the ruling party effectively exempted him from government scrutiny."

The organization said, "The government’s failure to address the implications of highly overlapping directorships undermines public trust and threatens the integrity of the state."

It added, "If overlapping directorships continue to be a facet of Trinidad and Tobago’s public and private enterprises, the door remains open for conflicts of interest to tempt those in positions of power to abuse their status for personal gain."

It acknowledged that closing that door to overlapping directorships could put to rest some public suspicions of executive misconduct, but at the same time admitted that such a move may not be possible in the small Trinidad and Tobago market.

"What is possible, however, is for the regulatory framework to be reformed to require enterprises with overlapping directorships to exercise much higher standards of transparency and accountability," it concluded.

Flashback: CL Financial gave PNM $5Million for election war chest in 2007

The cheque published by the EXPRESS newspaper in June 2009

In June 2009, the Sunday Express published a report stating that that stated that while CL Financial (CLF) was experiencing financial problems it was also bankrolling the PNM's 2007 general election campaign.

The paper published a copy of a cheque for TT$5 million from CLF to the PNM signed by Duprey and other CLF officials and cited sources as saying that the PNM received TT$20 million from CLF for the campaign.

With respect to the $5 million cheque, the paper reported that it was drawn from an account held at Republic Bank, Independence Square in Port of Spain and was endorsed less than a month before the November 5, 2007 election by Rose Janierre, assistant party secretary, and Linus Rogers, PNM elections officer.

The newspaper report stated: "The $5 million Clico payout to the PNM's war chest was made at a time when the country's No 1 insurance company had already been red-flagged with solvency issues, a statutory fund deficit of close to a billion dollars and what financial observers warned were dangerously excessive levels of inter-party transactions within the group."

It added, "If the Manning government had any concerns about the holding company using the country's largest insurer as a lucrative little money machine, it not only kept its own counsel but it lined up at the feeding trough.

"In the middle of this interplay of politics and business stood Andre Monteil, the then group financial director of Duprey's $100 billion business behemoth, his No 1 lieutenant, party treasurer of the incumbent PNM government and the PNM face of the corporate animal known as CL Financial," the Express reported.

Dookeran's Clico plan faces court challenge

The plan by Finance Minister Winston Dookeran to settle the Clico matter is facing a court challenge.

On Monday the court-appointed representative for Executive Flexible Premium Annuity (EFPA) policyholders, Percy Farrell, initiated legal proceedings against Dookeran.

Farrell, along with Marina Inalsingh, Gordon Rohlehr, David Dayal and Michael Alexander are challenging the provisions on two pieces of legislation passed earlier this month: the Purchase of Certain Rights and Validation Act of 2011(PCRVA) and the Central Bank Amendment Act 2011(CBAA).

The court papers name Dookeran, Clico, the Central Bank and Republic Bank. The focus of the action is in relation to the CBAA, which seeks to prohibit court proceedings against Clico and the Central Bank.

The claimants want the court to interpret the relevant provisions of the two Acts on two questions:

1. The Acts are being challenged because the terms of the Acts claim to prohibit the claimants from continuing these proceedings against Clico and the Central Bank
2. The PCRVA purports to reclassify the EFPA policies as Short Term Investment Products (STIPs) in a manner calculated to deny the EFPA policyholders their status as holders of insurance policies issued by Clico as part of its long-term insurance business as defined by the Insurance Act

The claimants are arguing that the two pieces of legislation constitute a plan by the State to deprive EFPA policyholders of their right to the benefit of having their policies honoured in full or in part.

They are seeking a declaration that they and all EFPA policyholders belong to the same class of beneficiaries as the life policyholders of Clico. They argue further that they are entitled to share equally in the Trust Fund with the life policyholders of Clico.

Jack pledges to investigate traffic gridlock, work on finding solution

Works and Infrastructure Minister Jack Warner pledged on Monday to fully investigate the cause of a traffic accident early Monday that caused traffic on the Uriah Butler Highway to back up for several kilometres.

Warner also promised to look into the issue of contingency traffic plans not just for the north-south highway but other high traffic routes, including Port of Spain, which is a traffic and transportation nightmare whenever there is flooding.

With respect to the accident, the minister said he intends to find out whether it is human error, a mechanical issue or other factor, and to find out what more can be done by the government and his ministry to reduce such accidents.

The traffic gridlock occurred along the Northbound Lane of the Uriah Butler and Solomon Hochoy Highways. Warner called the horrendous traffic jam "nothing short of a disaster."

He noted that while accidents will occur, "it is how we manage the fallout that will determine the level of disruption, chaos and inconvenience exacted upon our citizens."

In a media release Warner said he empathised and sympathised with the thousands of commuters who were "victims" of the gridlock.

And he also commended the police, fire services, T&TEC employees and all other responders to the accident on the Uriah Butler Highway. "I am advised they responded promptly and set to work restoring the traffic flow," he said.

"I am advised that traffic on the Northbound Lane of the highway stretched past Couva. Every flyover, intersection and back road heading to Grand Bazaar was congested and in some cases choked," he said.

He added, "At one time an ambulance got stuck in the traffic near the Bird Sanctuary Flyover as even the shoulders of the highway were occupied by some insensitive drivers."

Warner said such a state of affairs should not have been allowed to happen and was also critical of motorists who occupied the shoulders of the highways.

"Their actions threatened the safety of others and placed lives at risk. Further, while the police performed admirably this morning, there is a feeling that some more attention could have been placed on certain aspects of traffic management," the minister stated.

Warner said there is need to develop and implement contingency plans ro deal with such situations, noting that it was not the first such accident on a highway nor will it be the last.

"The entire country cannot be allowed to grind to a halt because one vehicle is obstructing the road...

"The impact of this morning’s gridlock extends far beyond the inconvenience to the thousands of commuters until the road was reopened at 8 am.

"Sitting in that traffic were public servants, store workers, administrative personnel...and productivity would have been hampered. Work that could have been taking place in Port of Spain was not being done because the persons to do those jobs were caught in the traffic. This is unacceptable and cannot continue," Warner declared.

Photo story: What caused the gridlock

The driver of a truck proceeding north lost control and slammed into an electricity pole which fell across the roadway pulling down live high-tension wires. The driver sustained minor injuries.

State of emergency tally: 3,207 arrested

• Total arrests since 21 August - 3,207 
• Total arrests for 24-hour period ending 26 Sept - 96 arrests

Breakdown for entire period:

• Outstanding warrants: 796
• Serious offences: 663
• Traffic offences: 641
• Drug offences: 611
• Gang-related: 449
• Enquiries: 337
• Breach of curfew: 167
• Other offences: 128
• Homicide Investigations: 56
• Firearms recovered: 110
• Ammunition recovered: 12,325 rounds of ammunition, 28 magazines 

PM Kamla's grandson stable, will stay in hospital for observation and tests

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar with her grandson in a Christmas 2010 photo

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's grandson, Kristiano Bissessar, 5, is responding well to treatment at the San Fernando General Hospital. However doctors decided Monday to keep him at the Pediatric Ward overnight for observation.

Kristiano was taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon with Dengue symptoms.

The Chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority, Dr Lakram Bodoe, said Kristiano's condition is stable.

Initial tests done on Monday show that the child does not have Dengue. However since he is showing clinical signs of the fever doctors will continue to monitor his condition for at least another 24 hours and administer IV fluids.

Dr Bodoe told reporters health personnel will do further blood tests on Tuesday.

In a related development, Dr Bodoe dismissed a charge made by the chairman of the PNM's San Fernando East constituency, Tina Gronlund-Nunez. She claimed that the hospital displaced a child with a heart condition to make room for the Prime Minister's grandchild.

Bodoe told reporters he checked and did not find any eveidence to support that claim. "To the best of my knowledge that never happened. There is no evidence to suggest this. When the Prime Minister's grandson was admitted yesterday (Sunday) there was a vacant bed so no other child was displaced," Bodoe said .

He also said there is no overcrowding at the Paediatric Unit, noting that 75 children under the age of 12 were admitted at the hospital for dengue this year.

Mayor Lee Sing says WASA trying to 'steal' city lands

The Mayor of Port of Spain told reporters Monday the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is trying to take ownership of lands that rightfully belong to the city.

Louis Lee Singh made the comments at a news conference. He said land ast Foreshore Invaders Bay and Cocorite do not belong to WASA.

He claimed that WASA is trying to develop the water resources in the disputed areas without without consultation and approval of the Port-of-Spain City Corporation.

WASA issued a statement on Saturday claiming ownership and sole responsibility of the lands under the WASA Act of 1965.

The WASA statement said: “The 23 acre parcel of land in question was vested in the Authority by statutory conveyance pursuant to Section 11 of the Water and Sewerage Authority Act of 1965.

"The site is a lucrative wellfield with 35 artesian wells, which was first brought into operation in 1922; and which the Authority is seeking to gradually return to active production in an effort to improve the water supply to communities in the Port of Spain and Diego Martin areas.

"Operation of the well field was temporarily discontinued in 1992 due to the intrusion of salt water in the aquifer. Only recently in 2010, the Authority sought to reactivate the Cocorite Farrell Well Field. The Water Resources Agency is also currently undertaking ground water monitoring to identify salt or freshwater interface and aquifer water levels.”

Lee Sing said “having a few wells” on the land did not give WASA ownership of the entire property.

“WASA has wells in the Queen’s Park Savannah and King George V Park, why do they not claim ownership of those lands?” asked Lee Sing.

The mayor said the land in question belongs to the city of Port-of-Spain and as such could not just be given to WASA.

“This is still a democratic society and the courts still hold supremacy to Parliament,” Lee Sing.

“Invaders Bay belongs to the city of Port-of-Spain and yet here is development being proposed without any discussion with the corporation, these lands cannot be developed without the assent of the city corporation,” he said.

Minister of Planning Bhoe Tewarie told the Guardian newspaper as far as he is aware Invaders Bay was not vested in the city of Port-of-Spain. He said he plans to speak to the mayor about the Invaders Bay development and the development of the city of Port-of-Spain.

Dookeran chairs small states forum in Washington

Story by: Beverly Foster | Communications Manager, Ministry of Finance

Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran, in chairing the 2011 session of the 48-member Small States Forum, urged Small States representatives to deepen their policy dialogue on the issues of job creation; sovereign debt crisis; financial bank stress; and currency tremors.

These sentiments were endorsed by several Ministers of Finance who formed part of the overflowing audience of Small States representatives.

Participants confirmed a need to deepen the policy dialogue on debt and World Bank graduation issues and on funding requirements to deal with environment and energy security for Small States Development. The Small States Forum was als0 addressed by World Bank President, Robert Zoellick who commended the Small States representatives for elevating the voice and visibility of the Small State agenda in the Multi-Lateral Institutions.

At the last Meeting, Dookeran had raised the issue of creating permanent buffers for Small States, this position was endorsed by Guido Mantega, Minister of Finance of Brazil; who in his statement to the International Monetary Financial Committee (IMFC) on Saturday, indicated that consideration will be given to the establishment of an informal committee at the level of the IMF Executive Board, where chairs that include Small States would be represented and will discuss the specific needs and concerns of these states; elaborate proposals and present them to the full Board, Management and Staff of the IMF.

The establishment of this committee is viewed as a reflection of the new diplomacy advocated by Dookeran during the meetings. 

 The policy dialogue must now be further enhanced with action programmes, a view that was also supported by the World Bank President. 

 On Saturday Dookeran also signed a Fee-Based Service Contract with the World Bank for technical assistance geared toward major transformation in key areas to improve governance and competitiveness in the areas of Debt Management, Performance Informed Budgeting, Pension Reform and the Doing Business Agenda.

Following the signing ceremony, Dookeran indicated that the World Bank’s role would be a catalytic one intended to supplement the technical work of the Ministry of Finance. 

In so doing, the Bank would bring to bear their wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to catalyze and accelerate institutional change in the Ministry of Finance. Minister Dookeran expressed confidence that positive results will become apparent within the next year or two and will have positive, tangible externalities for the country within the wider region.

Golding to step down as PM of Jamaica; links to drug kingpin blamed

Jamaica's governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) announced on Sunday that Prime Minister Bruce Golding will step down as leader in the coming weeks, to prevent a party rebellion that oust him and hurt the chances of winning the next general election, which is due in December 2012.

The party said Golding would resign once the JLP chooses a new leader. who will become the new Prime Minister of Jamaica.

The announcement from the party said Golding informed the central executive committee of his decision at a quarterly meeting in the capital of Kingston.

The announcement said Golding advised the party that "the challenges of the last four years have taken their toll and it was appropriate now to make way for new leadership to continue the programmes of economic recovery and transformation while mobilizing the party for victory in the next general elections."

It's not clear if the move by Golding is a popular one within the rank and file of the party. Senator Dennis Meadows, who is on the JLP's executive committee, told local media there has been an "overwhelming response" for Golding to stay on as party leader.

"He feels the chances of the party winning the next elections are at a disadvantage with him at the head, but there's no questioning of his competence," Meadows said Sunday.

And party chairman Mike Henry said the central executive voted to reject Golding's decision to resign as party leader.

However, Information Minister Daryl Vaz said on local radio that the decision about the prime minister's upcoming resignation was final.

Golding popularity and credibility hit a law after he defended drug kingpin Christopher "Dudus" Coke and refused an American request for the dug dealer's extradition. 

It took nine months for Golding to give in. In the extreme violence that followed in 2010 at least 73 civilians were killed as security forces hunted down Dudus.

Last month, Dudus pleaded guilty to racketeering and assault charges, admitting his leadership of the brutal Shower Posse gang. He is due to be sentenced in December.

Peter Phillips, a spokesman for the main opposition People's National Party (PNP), said it was that incident that precipitated Golding's fall.

"I think it is reflective of the low standing the prime minister has amongst the Jamaican people. His credibility was destroyed in the Christopher Coke fiasco," Phillips said in an interview with the Associated Press (AP).

The party also called on Golding to immediately call general elections "to resolve the crisis of governance in the country."

Golding has denied links to the gang lord. However political observers say Golding could not have been elected without the support of Dudus, who controlled a large bank of votes for the Jamaica Labor Party.

Dudus played both sides of the political fence, also supporting the PNP.