UNC turns 22

On the occasion of the twenty-second anniversary of The United National Congress, I wish to offer our congratulations and thanks to all those whose tireless efforts gave birth to this party.

It was on 16 October, 1988, that 30,000 supporters of CLUB 88, gave it a mandate to form a political party to advance the fight for social justice and change. 

That Party, the United National Congress, was duly launched at the National Stadium on April 30, 1989, before thousands of loyalists.

Today - April 30 - the party is 22 years old. In its history, we can proudly remember that it defeated the PNM just six years after formation and ran the best government this country has ever had.

During its tenure in Government between 1995 and 2001, the people of this country felt a sense of belonging and pride and were witness to good governance under the leadership of Basdeo Panday.

Today, as we mark the anniversary of this party, the party is firmly in government with its coalition partners.

Founders of the UNC wish the party well. However, we wish to pay tribute to Mr Panday who was the founder of the party, as well and those were were part of the founding congress.

Most of all we wish to pay tribute to the thousands of supporters of CLUB 88 and foundation members of the United national Congress, too numerous to mention, who were not only present at the launch but who travelled with us from village to village.

They were setting up mikes and stages and doing all the things necessary for building this party without seeking any financial rewards. All they wanted was to be treated with dignity and as equals.

They wanted an end to the alienation that was practiced by PNM and which unfortunately continued under the NAR. They wanted an end to all forms of discrimination and the creation of a just and fair society.

The founders gave up office and power, among other things, to keep alive the struggle for equality and justice. They pledged never to give up the struggle no matter what, for among it’s founders were men and women who were prepared to lay down their lives for the things in which they believed.
 
I wish the party, and its present leadership under Kamla Persad-Bissessar, well and fervently hope that they will be able to advance the dream for equality and justice.

I urge the UNC to remember the reasons why UNC came into being - and to keep alive the dreams of our founders and supporters for equality and justice.

I salute the United National Congress on its twenty-second anniversary and call upon all the faithful to keep the dream alive no matter what. 

Dr Rampersad Parasram,
Founding chairman, United National Congress
Chairman, Club 88

“Stay strong, you have a just cause," Bharath tells farmers

Vasant Bharath put his political career at risk Friday when he joined farmers in Woodford Square who were protesting the destruction of their crops by bulldozers of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

“Stay strong, you have a just cause," Bharath told the farmer. He expressed solidarity with them and said he didn't care if his action would affect his political career. “This means more to me than the consequences,” he added.

The day before Bharath and his cabinet colleague, Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal, met with the farmers to resolve the problem.

Moonilal promised compensation at market value for the crops and offered to relocate the farms. However he also said he would continue with plans to build homes on the lands that have been farmed for many years. The farmers accepted the compensation but rejected the relocation offer.

They also called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to intervene as she did earlier in the week when she ordered that the bulldozing of the crops to stop. She was in Brazil at the time and is expected to return home over the weekend.

Bharath - who is a UNC Senator - described the farmers as his extended family and explained that he joined the farmers not to criticise his government or his cabinet colleague but to demonstrate his commitment to farmers and the agricultural sector.

He noted that he had that same commitment as an opposition MP for St Augustine when he stood up against bulldozers in Spring Village in 2008 that were sent in to clear farm lands.

“I myself stood up in front of a bulldozer when they were coming to bulldoze crops in Spring Village therefore I stand with all of you in condemning this action of bulldozing crops in Trinidad and Tobago and destroying food," he said.

The PNM administration stopped the bulldozing at the time

Read the story: Villagers win first round; HDC suspends Spring Village project
Read related story: UNC-A going to court over Spring Village farms
 

“It is...sacrilege at a time like this to destroy food. Even though I may be the lone voice," he said.

“I will take back that voice to the Cabinet and Prime Minister when she returns, to plead your case because it is farmers who feed Trinidad and Tobago. I will make it my business to speak with her and do my best to convey your views, and that of right-thinking people, to the Cabinet.”

Another politician - Congress of the People (COP) Vice Chairman Vernon De Lima - also joined the farmers. He noted that the People's Partnership government is committed to agriculture.

“PP manifesto’s page 50 states ‘respect for agriculture, farmers and the land’. Government has breached this first rule. The Prime Minister must say something on this at this point,” De Lima said.

De Lima added, “It’s absolutely unacceptable for these crops to be destroyed when food prices are so high. Any right-thinking person will be offended...How in God’s name can you do that when the food is being grown for the public. It’s a political anomaly.”

De Lima said COP members are not bound by collective Cabinet responsibility and they have a right to speak on issues.

He suggested that the new government was following the PNM's plan for housing and wondered why that cannot change. “If we removed plans for the smelter and rapid rail why didn’t we remove these projects planned by PNM also? Why continue things we voted against?”

The farmers have blamed Moonilal for their problems and have demanded that the Prime Minister fire him as housing minister. They are also angry that the housing minister has not apologised for what happened.

From Woodford Square, they walked to the Prime Minister’s Office and delivered a letter to the PM’s national security adviser, Gary Griffith, asking for an urgent meeting with the PM on her return from Brazil. Griffith assured them that he will deliver their letter as soon as the PM returns home.

Column: Let's grow food and build houses

Flashback to 2008. Vasant Bharath helps replant crops after HDC bulldozers wrecked farms in Spring Village

When Vasant Bharat stood up against bulldozers in Spring Village in 2008 he was representing the cause of farmers in his St Augustine constituency and his actions were consistent with the policies of his party - the United National Congress (UNC).

The People's National Movement (PNM) was in power and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) was under the control of Emily Gaynor Dick-Fode, who responded to the farmers' protest and ordered HDC boss Noel Garcia to halt the project.

When Bharath stood up with farmers Friday he was doing what he did in 2008 as an opposition MP. When he told them, "You have a just cause", he was demonstrating consistency as an individual committed to the farming community as a politician representing a party - the UNC - that has always stood up in defence of agriculture and agricultural workers.

However his action put him in an apparent conflict with his cabinet colleague, Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal, who expressed regret at the bulldozing of farmers' crops and offered compensation and relocation for those affected by the actions of the HDC on Easter Monday.

And it puts Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the spot. Would she penalise Bharath for standing up for government policy? Would she do the same to Moonilal for also following government policy?

Moonilal made it clear on Thursday following the regular cabinet meeting that there never was a question of housing versus agriculture. But he insisted that the lands at D'Abadie were earmarked for housing and that will continue with plans to build houses there.

That is where there appears to be a clear policy conflict. 

While the present government is committed to both housing and agriculture it has identified itself as a humane and caring administration that operates on the basis of consultation with the people.

When Persad-Bissessar intervened from Brazil to stop the bulldozing she said while she appreciated and understood the urgent need for housing, the government must give equal consideration to farmers.

She asked both ministers to find a solution and expressed confidence that the matter could be resolved in the interest and satisfaction of all concerned.

It appeared so on Thursday but the events of Friday demonstrate that the optimism was premature. Farmers are now demanding Moonilal's dismissal. And Bharath's decision to stand with the farmers might be seen as evidence that he shares their views with respect to his cabinet colleague.

Of course Bharath wants no such thing. He made that very clear on Friday - that his presence with his "extended family" was not to criticise his colleague but to show solidarity and consistency, reminding everyone that when the HDC bulldozers showed up in Spring Village in May 2008 he was there to stop them.

Moonilal and Bharath both want to carry on with their agenda and deliver on the housing and agriculture promises of their government. 

In the process, his housing ministry may have erred in the lack of consultation. But Moonilal's insistence on building houses on land earmarked by the previous government for a residential development had offended many people, including supporters of the UNC in its heartland.

The question is whether there are no more suitable lands for housing in the vicinity of the farms that have been bulldozed.

Bharath has been encouraging people to stay on the land and to grow food. Just a couple of weeks ago he told farmers occupying state lands they are welcome to stay while the state regularises their tenure, providing they cultivate the land 

In the case of the D'Abadie and Endeavour lands there is clear evidence that the lands have been used for agriculture for many years. 

Bharath and his government have been saying they will ensure that arable land is not used for housing. That is a reasonable position given that Trinidad and Tobago has thousands of acres of land that can be used for housing. 

So why didn't the HDC look for other suitable lands for housing. Why insist on one particular location, especially one that is producing food for the nation?

That really is what has ticked off the farmers who are suggesting that Moonilal is acting contrary to his own government's policies.

The task for the Prime Minister now is to decide on whether any of her ministers erred and to investigate what went wrong. But she must act swiftly to resolve this unnecessary impasse that could escalate into a political nightmare.

The solution could be as easy as finding an alternative location for the housing project. After all, no one needs fertile land for that and there is without a doubt more available land in that constituency.

But there is a bigger and more sensitive issue to be resolved. That is, why did the bulldozers wreck so many acres of crops, necessitating state compensation when the HDC could have waited for the farmers to harvest their crops or look elsewhere to build houses.

The HDC's view is that crops are cyclical, that the farmers were served notices and should have expected the arrival of bulldozers. 

While that may be true, the whole episode demonstrates a kind of arrogance that is inconsistent with government policy and the character of its leader has always put people first and has always acted with compassion and humility in dealing with people.

The challenge that faces Kamla on her return home is to deal decisively with this matter. 

In opposition the UNC put people first; in government the UNC and the People's Partnership put people first.

There's room enough for food production production and thousands of new homes. So let's build homes and let us grow food and feed our nation.

The challenges are enormous, but so are the possibilities!

Jai Parasram - 30 April, 2011

Jack bats for PM Kamla

Jack Warner said on Friday the sudden "politically motivated outcry against the travels of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is coming from "a group of blind loyalists who are bent on securing cheap political mileage to keep their names constantly in the public domain."

The chairman of the United National Congress (UNC) said the folly of their arguments proves that neither they nor their political leader understand what is required to be a national leader in this global age.

He said such travel is necessary in today's world, adding that former Prime Minister Patrick manning "may have understood that". 

He noted that in 2005, Manning made 14 trips. In 2006, he made 13. In 2007, "he left our shores on business 13 times and in 2008 this was increased to 15. In 2009, he left 11 times and due to the collapse of the People’s National Movement, in 2010, he only made two visits."
 

Warner said Persad-Bissessar's critics must be consistent "because these are the persons who valorised the ex-Prime Minister the Honourable Patrick Manning."
 

He added, "These critics ought to be more honest because you cannot conveniently choose to condemn the Honourable Kamla Persad Biessessar when the ex-Prime Minister the Honourable Patrick Manning travelled at a more frequent rate than our current Prime Minister.

"The critics must show some integrity because in 2008, though the ex-Prime Minister the Honourable Patrick Manning travelled only 15 times, he visited a whopping 24 countries during these travels; an average of two countries per month.
 

"What is required is integrity even among our social commentators who must bring the facts to light and provide the type of integrity that will give rise to growth and development in this country."
 

Warner stated that the leasing of an aircraft is not unique to Persad Biessessar, noting that Manning leased aircraft to travel to Jamaica, 

Venezuela, Panama and Barbados.

"Our Prime Minister leases once and leases from our own airline which has not resulted in capital flight and yet the critics seem to forget the antics of their master."
 

The Works and Transport Minister had some questions for the critics. 

"What about the income it generated? What about the reduction in expenditure that has come about from not travelling on a commercial jet? What about the time saved?"
 

He added, "The facts will show that this is nothing more than a distraction on the part of the government’s critics who are clearly both incompetent and unable to offer any kind of analysis that can be trusted to be objective and fair. It also shows a weakness in understanding the current patterns of global behaviour by world leaders."
 

Warner noted that the Prime Minister of Curacao is now wrapping up a 46 day world tour. "President Obama whom we pedestalise and valorize visited 17 countries in his first 175 days in office; 13% of his time was spent travelling abroad," he said.
 

"Mr. Manning for all his faults understood what these critics and the present opposition would never understand and so to those who wish to oppose let me advise that our Honourable Kamla Persad Biessessar is on the right track and no one will derail her drive to take this country where no man has taken it before.
 

"Leave her alone and together we will rise!" Warner said.

CAL says its wet lease of a 737 cost USD182,000 not USD350,000

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) issued a media release Friday to correct what it said was inaccurate information in a story in the Guardian newspaper.

The paper stated in its edition of 28 April 2011 that “CAL will pay USD350,000 to wet lease a plane to replace a Boeing 737 aircraft which was chartered by the Government for its trip to Brazil.”

The article added, “While that figure covers the cost of the aircraft, the crew, maintenance and insurance, it does not cover the cost of fuel.”

In response the airline said it wet leased a Boeing 737-800 to cover its regularly scheduled operations at a cost of approximately USD182,000. 

In addition it noted that the Guardian article did not take into account the revenue projected by wet leasing, which is estimated to be in excess of USD 250,000.

The article compared a commercial costing versus the charter using the following route: Round trip from Port of Spain to Sao Paolo via Panama. CAL said there was no consideration of the actual route that would be taken - the Prime Minister flew from Port of Spain to Brasilia and from Brasilia to Rio de Janeiro.

"It is important to note that the aircraft returned to Trinidad on Wednesday 27 April 2011 and will be put into commercial service until its return to Rio de Janeiro International Airport on Sunday where it will then return to Piarco International Airport," CAL said.

"The cost of the charter using the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was USD 85,000 inclusive of charges," it added.

CARICOM to conduct independent audit of IMPACS

The Bureau of the Caricom Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) agreed Friday to undertake a comprehensive audit of the Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (Impacs).
 

The council took the decision during a video conference involving National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy; Adriel Braithwaite, Attorney General of Barbados; Clement Rohee, Minister of Home Affairs of Guyana; Dwight Nelson, Minister of National Security of Jamaica; acting Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite; and Astona Browne, chair of the Management Committee.

Dr Errol Cort, National Security Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired the conference.
 

The action follows a report in the Sunday Express newspaper that exposed allegations of corruption against the agency and its executive director, Lynne Anne Williams.

The agency denied the newspaper's allegations. However, top officials decided to investigate.

A statement issued by Caricom Friday stated that the Bureau of Consle has decided an independent firm would audit the agency.
 

The statement added that the Bureau of CONSLE will be meeting again shortly to determine what further action should be taken based on the results of the preliminary investigation. 

 

"The Bureau will continue to ensure that the Caribbean Community's security agenda, which is implemented by Impacs as well as other agencies and institutions within the security architecture of the Community, is in no way compromised," Caricom stated.

Both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan have expressed deep concern about the allegations.

 

Ramlogan's position is that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable should feel the full brunt of the law.

He is particularly disturbed by reports that his office was brought into disrepute by a former employee at the agency who was fired for fraudulent activities and who implicated his office in an attempt to defraud the agency of $440,000.

PM Kamla invites Brazilian business leader to Investment week in T&T

Excerpts of an address by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the trade and investment mission to Brazil delivered at BG headquarters, Rio de Janeiro, on 28 April, 2011

"In a global economy, Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil should expand trade and investment ties so that we create new opportunities for our peoples. Trinidad and Tobago has been working assiduously to break down barriers to doing business and creating an enabling environment for investment, which is crucial for businesses to operate successfully in liberalized markets.

"Trinidad and Tobago can boast of having an open, free market economy; a vibrant democracy; a skilled work force; proper business practices; a strong and growing ICT infrastructure; and respect for property and profit rights. 

"Our country offers investors attractive and competitive incentives. The corporation tax for manufacturing operations is 25% while energy related operations pay 35%. Manufacturers are allowed 90% depreciation allowance on machinery and equipment within their first year of operations.

"Investors, under special circumstances, are also able to benefit from certain tax exemptions such as corporation tax ( for free zone companies); customs duty; value added tax (VAT), withholding tax, work permit fees and container examination fees...

"We are also in the process of implementing a new business service called TTBizLink. TTBizLink is an IT platform known as a Single Electronic Window which will provide a range of Government business services online.

"Patterned after Singapore’s famous TradeNet, TTBizLink is intended to significantly reduce the time and costs of doing business in Trinidad and Tobago...

"It is my hope that together, T&T and Brazil, can work to promote energy security and the use of our natural resources to benefit our citizens. 

"As two nations that are committed to greener economies, we know that the ultimate solution to our energy challenges lies in clean and renewable power. I am fully aware that half the vehicles in your country run on biofuels, and most of your electricity comes from hydropower.

"That is why, Trinidad and Tobago, is actively pursuing a new clean energy industry, built on renewable energy.

"We are determined not to be left behind and as such, my Government has developed a Framework for the Development of a Renewable Energy Policy for Trinidad and Tobago but we still have a long way to go to strengthen our renewable energy sector.

"While Trinidad and Tobago is in the fledgling stage of developing our renewable energy sector; our petroleum industry is one of the oldest in the world and we can boast of 100 years of expertise in this industry.

"Even as we seek to become a key player in the arena of clean, green energy, we know that for some time our economy will remain oil and gas based. To date Trinidad and Tobago remains the largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas to the United States of America.

"Indeed we have been used as a model by other countries which are now developing their gas industry. This is particularly so for the African countries and our National Gas Company has been recently selected to partner with Ghana to develop and implement a project to transport, process and distribute natural gas to their existing downstream facilities.

"Our energy service companies are making their presence felt in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Canada, the USA, Venezuela, the CARICOM region and very soon, I trust we will bring this expertise to Brazil.

"I trust that the alliances forged here today will enable us to share technologies, create new jobs, and further develop our economies.

"We are both diverse, multi-ethnic democracies with rich vibrant cultures. We value freedom, equality and independence of peoples and nations. We have high regard for our national sovereignty.

"With respect to our bilateral trade, it is of mutual interest to promote more balanced flows. The capacity and dynamism of the private sector in our countries is the basis on which we can reach this objective...

"Over the last decade, the progress made by Brazil has inspired the world...Millions have been lifted from poverty. With each passing day, Brazil is a country continuing to find solutions to its challenges. You play an important role in the global institutions that protect our common security and promote our common prosperity.

"What has been accomplished in Brazil is nothing short of remarkable. You did not arrive at this point by simply chance or good fortune. Your success came because of hard work and perseverance and the entrepreneurial spirit of many in this room.

"As Trinidad and Tobago looks to Brazil, we see the chance to not only trade more goods and services with a rapidly growing market of around 200 million consumers, but also to learn from your model of development.

"The true potential of our partnership will only be realized by forging relationships between our people, between the business leaders, the entrepreneurs, the scientists, the engineers, the teachers, the doctors, the students, and over one million citizens who travel to the Caribbean and Brazil every year...

"We invite you for Trinidad and Tobago Investment Week which runs from June 13th -18th, 2011 in Port of Spain. The T&T Investment week will comprise two major events - the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) from June 13th -14th and the Trade and Investment Convention from June 15th -18th.

"The theme of the CIF is “Partnering with Trinidad and Tobago to Create a Gateway Between the Commonwealth and the Americas”. This event is designed as a critical platform for strengthening trade and investment between the Caribbean, the Americas and our Commonwealth partners, and to improve South-South trade overall.

"Our annual Trade and Investment Convention (TIC)...provides buyers, exhibitors, investors, manufacturers, service providers and business facilitation agencies with a perfect venue to meet, forge new business opportunities and to increase the trade potential of the region. 

"TIC is the perfect vehicle to focus on business within the Caribbean region and I look forward to your participation in the Trinidad and Tobago Investment week."

Photo Story: Glimpses of the Royal Wedding

For full coverage please visit CBC.ca

Farmers accept government's offer of compensation for crops destroyed by HDC

Famers who suffered losses when government bulldozers wrecked their crops will get compensation based on the market value for the crops.

They agreed to that at a meeting Thursday with Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath and Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal.

Moonilal was in London when bulldozers from the Housing Development Coproationn (HDC) began mowing down crops at Mausica and Endeavour on Easter Monday.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had to intervene from Brazil, where she is attending the World Economic Summit, to stop the bulldozing. She said while she appreciates and understands the urgent need for housing, the government must give equal consideration to farmers.

She asked Housing Minister to consult with Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath to find a solution, adding that she is confident that the matter could be resolved in the interest and satisfaction of all concerned.

Read the story: PM Kamla halts bulldozing of farmers crops

Moonilal has distanced himself from the bulldozing, which he called "regrettable". And he made it clear that there is no question about choosing between housing and food production.

Moonilal noted that both are important for the People's partnership government.

The government also offered to relocate the farmers to make way for housing developments on the site. But the farmers have rejected that and want the Prime Minister to intervene on their behalf when she returns home from Brazil.

Moonilal told reporters when he left Trinidad to go on vacation last week, he did not know the HDC was going to clear the land so quickly. 

However he defended HDC CEO Jearlean John, saying she acted according to the HDC’s mandate.
 
Moonilal was apologetic. “We’ve always said we regret what happened. I wish it didn’t. Not wanting to be presumptuous or too full of myself, I’d say that had I been in T&T, it would not have happened that way—I don’t know.

“But the outcome may well have been the same, as those lands were earmarked for several years and farmers received eviction notices,” he added.

He noted that once served with notices, action was imminent and once served, bulldozing was a “logical final step.” He added: “There was no set date." He said he hopes Monday’s incident would never recur.
 
The Housing Ministry will pay the compensation for the crops.

Dookeran wants CAL board fired, recommends Conrad Aleong to be new chairman

A report in the Guardian newspaper says Finance Minister Winston Dookeran has told Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that the board of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) should be dissolved and “reconstituted with persons with knowledge and competence in the field.”

The paper said Dookeran made his views known in a letter to the Prime Minister. It quoted from the letter:

“In summary, my views are as follows: 

• The board does not have knowledge or competence in the issues pertaining to airline business
• The board does not have any appreciation for the issues of good corporate governance

“The commercial stakes are high and the cost of political inaction will be high as well.”

He suggested Conrad Aleong be appointed chairman and that Ian Betrand and Michael Dolsingh also serve on the board. Aleong is a former chief executive of BWIA and is currenty one of Dookeran's advisers.

The current board, headed by businessman George Nicholas III, includes Mohan Jaikaran (vice Chairman), Allan Clovis, Gizelle Russell, Avedanand Persad, Susan Smith and Venosh Sageewan Maraj.

The board has had problems since it was appointed last November. It's first public controversy was its decision to fire CEO Captain Ian Brunton. That brought the board in direct conflict with its line minister Jack Warner. However those problems were later resolved.

But the problems did not go away. Warner had to intervene recently after board members complained that they find it difficult to work with the chairman.

Warner already has presented a note to Cabinet advising that the board be dissolved. That has been referred to cabinet's Finance and General Purposes Committee, which is yet to report to the Prime Minister.

The Guardian said it has seen Dookeran's letter with a handwritten comment from the Prime Minister dated April 15 asking: "Mr Dookeran, do these views represent those of the committee?”

The Guardian also revealed Dookeran's recommendations for a new CAL board, stating that the minister advised the Prime Minister that the persons named "may have an interest in serving on the board".

Selby's "gut feeling": Manning and Panday knew about 1990 coup

Selby Wilson on Thursday told the Commission of Enquiry into the failed 1990 Muslimeen coup it was his "gut feeling" that both Basdeo Panday and Patrick Manning knew about the uprising ahead of time.

However the former finance minister in the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) administration did not offer any clear evidence to support what he stated.

“I think Mr Panday and Mr Manning knew what was going to happen on that day,” Wilson said. “Neither of them seemed in doubt after."

Both men have always denied any prior knowledge of what happened. None of them was in Parliament when the Muslimeen stormed the building and took several MPs hostage including the prime minister, A.N.R. Robinson, and most of his cabinet members. Opposition MPs were also taken hostage.

Panday was at home in South Trinidad and Manning was at his office in Port of Spain.

Wilson said many national personalities directly or indirectly condoned actions of the Jamaat al Muslimeen before the attempted coup. He spoke at a function at Hilton Trinidad attended by many prominent people.

Wilson also said in the 1994 his party shared a platform with the United National Congress (UNC) to fight two by-elections. At the time he said he told Panday that if the UNC was involved with the Jamaat, he would not share a joint platform with them.

“So I was concerned that I was not going get into a relationship to find myself immersed in the Jamaat, giving political assistance to any party in power,” Wilson said. 

“I sought to clarify that with Mr Panday and his response was that it is a figment of my imagination so I told him if I join the party and there is any evidence of the Jamaat supporting your candidate then I will not stay on the platform. 

“That was my position before joining him.”

Wilson was also critical of the the response of the security services during the coup. “I think what happened on that day really points to the fact that our security forces were not on top of the situation,” he said. "I would concede that there was a breakdown in the security arrangement,” he added.

Wilson told the commissioners that there were many rumours about whether the armed forces knew there would have been an insurrection.

“I understand that there was a roadblock coming from the East and vehicles were being intercepted,” he said. “I understand that one of the vehicles was a WASA truck which they waved through and I understand that was the truck that carried the arms," Wilson said.

“I don’t know if it is true but I have heard those stories," he said.

Wilson was one of the men singled out when the Muslimeen stormed the Red House. They blamed him for the country's economic problems and referred to him as the "IMF man".

Jack writes to government supporters: PP government alive and well

The letter below is from the chairman of the United National Congress, Jack Warner, in response to questions from constituents:

"You have asked me the question: “What is the status of the PP Government? To that I must reply that the PP Government is alive and doing well.

"Amid all the misrepresentations and negative publicity which at times are levelled unfairly against this Government, the PP Government remains to date the hardest working government ever for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

"The rumblings which are evident among our supporters are evidence of our hard work for given the quantum of objectives we have met, to most it seems as though we have been in office for a life time.

"But let me take this opportunity to remind us all that it is not even one year since the PP Government was elected into office.

"I understand the shades of meaning coming out from your email. I really do appreciate your concern for the many supporters whom we claim are disgruntled and who feel cheated.

"But to the many who share these concerns I wish to remind them all of the PP Government’s promise that as a nation we all will rise.

"What we are doing currently is working assiduously to ensure that our promises are kept; that the quality of life for all is improved and that our party, your party, remains the sole option for leadership in this country.

"Let me encourage you to help us in our drive by speaking positively about the PP Government and encouraging those who seem to be losing faith.

"If we will rise it won’t be without a struggle but my dear Shodan let us empower each other to be a part of the solution that will allow us all to taste victory over and over as we continue to build a strong nation for our children."

Rowley almost certain to face censure over comments about AG Ramlogan

Roodal Moonilal told reporters on Thursday opposition leader Keith Rowley still has an opportunity to apologise for remarks he made in Parliament last week about Attorney General Anand Ramlogan.
 
Rowley told legislators staff at the Trinidad and Tobago consulate in New York told him that Ramlogan visited the office last November and expressed concern about what he called an ethinc imbalance at the consulate.

Both Moonilal and his cabinet colleague Jack Warner pointed out to the House of Representatives that Rowley was wrong and provided evidence to show that Ramlogan has not visited New York for at least two years. They also demanded an apology from Rowley, accusing him of deliberately misleading the House.

Rowley has refused to back down on his claim and he has said he is standing by what he said because employees at the diplomatic mission reported the matter to him.

Reporters asked Moonilal about the matter at the media briefing following the regular cabinet session. 

The Government House Leader said the matter is under active review, adding that Rowley still has time to withdraw the remarks and apologise for what he said at Friday's sitting of the Lower House.

"The process requires the Member to have opportunity to apologise and I think quite deliberately we called on him to do so on that day, which he did not. So it clears the way for further action if the aggrieved Member so decides," Moonilal said.

"If the Leader of the Opposition, in his wisdom, decides that the time has come for him to clarify and apologise, that may offset any action to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee, even though he has had that opportunity before, and declined," he added.

Moonilal said there is more to the issue than the need to apologise. He said Rowley has brought into disrepute members of the staff at the consulate of Trinidad and Tobago in New York.

"Dr Rowley has also brought into disrepute officials and public officers in the employ of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. It is matter we will also have to look at," Moonilal said.