Monday, October 31, 2011
Industrial action by airline delays PM Kamla's departure from Australia
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| Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Kamla Persad-Bissessar |
The labour dispute has affected as many as 70,000 passengers worldwide who depend on the services of Quantas Airlines.
Media reports say the Office of the Prime Minister has cancelled bookings on Quantas.
“We are trying to get out and hopefully we will be getting out soon...But all of the other airlines are already fully booked because of the CHOGM,” Newsday quoted an official source as saying.
The Prime Minister had planned to be back home by November 7. However that is no longer certain. “At this stage we still do not know, we are trying to work around this,” the source said.
Quantas grounded its fleet worldwide on Saturday leaving thousands of passengers stranded in 22 countries. It took the action ahead of threats of strike.
At least leader 17 world leaders have been delayed in Australia because of the problem.
The Trinidad & Tobago delegation includes Minister of Trade and Industry Stephen Cadiz, Minister of Energy Kevin Ramnarine, Minister of the People and Social Development Glenn Ramadharsingh and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Suruj Rambachan.
Australian prime minister, Julia Gillard, said Sunday her government would help Commonwealth leaders fly home.
PM Kamla thanks Australia, says CHOGM 2011 remains effective in dealing with challenges
She was speaking at the news conference at the close of the 2011 Commonwealth heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at which she handed over the chair of the Commonwealth to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Persad-Bissessar said the leaders agreed to strengthen the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), noting that the Group remains the custodian of the Commonwealth's values and principles, without considerable increase in cost to member states.
"Strengthening of CMAG is a positive development and will go a long way to preserving Commonwealth values, as well as act as an effective check on any attacks upon human rights in Members states," she said.
Persad-Bissessar added that her country is grateful for CARICOM support "for allowing us, represented by Dr. Rambachan, to continue as a member of CMAG for a second term. With our Minister of Foreign Affairs as a member we will be able to remain engaged as we strengthen CMAG’s role to deal with serious and persistent violation of Commonwealth values."
She also spoke of a new Commonwealth charter to be approved by leaders following a meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers in September 2012 after a process of consultation to ensure that the principles and aspirations of the 54 member association are fully reflected in the Charter.
"The Charter is expected to draw together elements included in all agreements and declarations made by Commonwealth member states dating back to the Singapore Declaration of Commonwealth Principles of 1971, which forms the association's fundamental values and principles," she said.
Leaders approved the Perth Declaration on Food Security Principles intended to address the volatility of global food markets which have resulted in humanitarian crises around the world affecting vulnerable developing countries. They also agreed to adopt measures for financial support to increase food production in African countries.
She also addressed the issue of the participation of civil society in the affairs of states, noting that the need for greater involvement in the political process in self- determination and in policy formulation.
"Strengthening of CMAG is a positive development and will go a long way to preserving Commonwealth values, as well as act as an effective check on any attacks upon human rights in Members states," she said.
Persad-Bissessar added that her country is grateful for CARICOM support "for allowing us, represented by Dr. Rambachan, to continue as a member of CMAG for a second term. With our Minister of Foreign Affairs as a member we will be able to remain engaged as we strengthen CMAG’s role to deal with serious and persistent violation of Commonwealth values."
She also spoke of a new Commonwealth charter to be approved by leaders following a meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers in September 2012 after a process of consultation to ensure that the principles and aspirations of the 54 member association are fully reflected in the Charter.
"The Charter is expected to draw together elements included in all agreements and declarations made by Commonwealth member states dating back to the Singapore Declaration of Commonwealth Principles of 1971, which forms the association's fundamental values and principles," she said.
Leaders approved the Perth Declaration on Food Security Principles intended to address the volatility of global food markets which have resulted in humanitarian crises around the world affecting vulnerable developing countries. They also agreed to adopt measures for financial support to increase food production in African countries.
She also addressed the issue of the participation of civil society in the affairs of states, noting that the need for greater involvement in the political process in self- determination and in policy formulation.
"We cannot afford to ignore the voice of the people. This is even more important given the youthful population of the Commonwealth and the growing restlessness of youth globally," she said.
"We must try and ensure that perceptions and/or feelings of alienation/marginalization by youth should be managed and that by youths must become involved in national affairs.
CHOGM also deliberated and agreed to collaborate on a range of political, economic, social and environmental challenges of importance to its member states. Persad-Bissessar said these included, inter alia issues such as:
"This CHOGM was also notable for its very successful Business Forum, Peoples Forum and Youth Forum. Of special note was the very productive engagement between civil society and Foreign Ministers."
The meeting also agreed to have the Commonwealth foster a greater relationship with the UN and to seek reform of the Security Council.
It also agreed to seek the assistance of G20 member states within the Commonwealth to push matters affecting Commonwealth states in G20 talks.
With respect to how CHOGM affects Trinidad & Tobago, Persad-Bissessar said this includes stepping up its bilateral conversation with member states towards relaxing the requirements for Commonwealth citizens entering Trinidad and Tobago for business or holiday.
"We must try and ensure that perceptions and/or feelings of alienation/marginalization by youth should be managed and that by youths must become involved in national affairs.
CHOGM also deliberated and agreed to collaborate on a range of political, economic, social and environmental challenges of importance to its member states. Persad-Bissessar said these included, inter alia issues such as:
- Climate Change and sustainable Development
- Effective resource management
- Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals
- Universal access to health care including accelerating the implementation of the Political Declaration of the UN High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable diseases which was spearheaded by CARICOM states
- Migration
- Human Trafficking
- Terrorism
- Gender equality
- Trade related issues, including the Doha Development Round
"This CHOGM was also notable for its very successful Business Forum, Peoples Forum and Youth Forum. Of special note was the very productive engagement between civil society and Foreign Ministers."
The meeting also agreed to have the Commonwealth foster a greater relationship with the UN and to seek reform of the Security Council.
It also agreed to seek the assistance of G20 member states within the Commonwealth to push matters affecting Commonwealth states in G20 talks.
With respect to how CHOGM affects Trinidad & Tobago, Persad-Bissessar said this includes stepping up its bilateral conversation with member states towards relaxing the requirements for Commonwealth citizens entering Trinidad and Tobago for business or holiday.
She said she is also exploring the possibility of direct flights from South Africa and India to Trinidad and Tobago
The Prime Minister thanked the Government of Australia for its excellent logistical and security arrangements. "It has hosted a CHOGM of which it can be justly proud," she said.
Click here to read the full communique
The Prime Minister thanked the Government of Australia for its excellent logistical and security arrangements. "It has hosted a CHOGM of which it can be justly proud," she said.
Click here to read the full communique
Enill says Manning's apology was directed at PNM supporters
The former minister who served in the energy portfolio in the last Manning PNM administration made the comment in an interview with the Guardian newspaper.
He was responding to a public statement from Manning in which he declared that he was "sorry" for and offered an apology to those who may have been “disenfranchised” by the policies of his administration. Manning also promised to retire at the end of his current term as MP for San Fernando East.
Enill said, “When he decided to call an election, he indicated that he called it on his own initiative and that he had been planning it for some time.
“The outcome was, therefore, basically a result of his own deliberate judgement. The party moved from governance to opposition and this created a lot of difficulty for many people.
“I think it may not have dawned on him at the time the impact that losing the election would have on his followers who believed in the values and principles of the PNM.”
Enill aded, “Many believed in calling an election Manning should have known enough work was not done.
Enill aded, “Many believed in calling an election Manning should have known enough work was not done.
“I think Manning is saying, on reflection, that was an error, and to those affected he wished to apologise to them. I don’t read anything else into it.”
Enill said Manning's statement that he is retiring and supporting the present PNM leader "is the beginning of the process of reinforcing the party."
He added, “Supporters who were expecting his return now have a very clear statement from him that he is not returning and that they should now focus on building the party with the current leader.
He added, “Supporters who were expecting his return now have a very clear statement from him that he is not returning and that they should now focus on building the party with the current leader.
“They do not have to worry if he returns or not.”
However Enill still thinks Manning has much to offer the party. “He has experience. He understands the politics of T&T and the Caribbean and the field of energy.
“The party will have to use some of his knowledge and expertise. I expect Manning will continue but he will play a different role...
“Manning had a very good run in his political career but there comes a time when new leadership is required.
“Manning had a very good run in his political career but there comes a time when new leadership is required.
“We are seeing the emergence of a new political landscape which requires a different leadership,” Enill said.
Commentary: If you think Manning is quitting politics, watch for Santa coming down the chimney
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| File: "Lock me up too. Look me here, lock me up! Not Calder Hart." |
If Manning had any real intention of leaving the political stage he would have done so immediately after his humiliating defeat on 24 May 2010 and his subsequent expulsion by his party to make way for the coronation of Keith Rowley.
If you read between his lines you would also see the hypocrisy. While he is saying he supports his leader, he is also suggesting that by attending meetings of important party institutions he might overshadow Rowley - a sign that his arrogance has not waned.
And then his comment about not being a pot hound barking at every car is a clear reference to the Rotweiler who now occupies the PNM kennel, chasing cars at every turn just to let his bark be heard. Manning on the other hand is presenting himself as the dignified dog of high breeding who would bark when it is appropriate and do so with forceful effect.
So far his barking has been no better than the pot hound chasing cars. The first pronouncement landed him is hot waters and got him expelled from Parliament. And he was full or arrogance and defiance when he shouted in Parliament during the budget debate (to which he made no contribution) "Lock me up too. Look me here, lock me up! Not Calder Hart."
No matter what he says Manning has no love for Keith Rowley today and will never do. Their rivalry began many years ago when he fixed things to become PNM leader and cast Rowley aside. You may recall Manning's laments in the House of Representatives about how he had to endure Rowley's rage for years. He called him a 'wajang" and a "raging bull".
The Rowley PNM has also kept its distance from Manning refusing to support him in Parliament and letting him walk alone on his lonely march to San Fernando. It is noteworthy that a few PNM bigshots chose to walk some part of the way just in the off chance that Manning returns to be top dog.
The other part of Manning's confession is also to be taken with more than a grain of salt.
"I am sorry", he told citizens through the media. He added that people expected him to be perfect and since he is only human, he inevitably failed them.
You don't have to be God to govern fairly.
Manning had all the right conditions to be a good national leader but he squandered it with his corruption, nepotism, arrogance and partisan politics. And he chose to stand behind all the misfits and square pegs he put in round holes, including his friends like Calder Hart and spiritual adviser, Rev. Juliana Pena.
Even when he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar he was still demonstrating his tendency to be a dictator.
He stood with Calder Hart and insisted that the man did nothing wrong. He denied any involvement of the infamous church at Guanapo when he was clearly directing the project. He personally guided the scholarship slush fund, making sure only certain people knew of it and got awards.
And he was not tolerant of any criticism. When two radio announcers knocked his fiscal policies he showed up at the radio station to intimidate the men and demand that the management of the station deal with them. And when those of us in the media told him he was out of line his response was that he would do it again "if the spirit moves me".
If to err is human, then Manning should be magnanimous enough to forgive the PP government for some of its missteps. After all Kamla et al are also human.
But Manning isn't really sorry about anything except that he miscalculated the outcome of the 2010 general election. If he had the slightest idea that he would be in the position he occupies today he would have stood. Today his tabanaca must have reached the peak seeing Kamla shaking hands with the Queen in Australia.
And if he really planned to quit he would have done it a long time ago when his party kicked him downstairs and out of the door. He promised some years ago that he would leave politics and become a preachers. His once close ally Louis Lee Sing advised him recently to do just that.
If I were a betting man I would wager that Pastor Manning is not going to take the pulpit any time soon. And if Manning is really quitting politics, then I would expect Santa Claus to come down the chimney delivering gifts.
Jai Parasram
The Rowley PNM has also kept its distance from Manning refusing to support him in Parliament and letting him walk alone on his lonely march to San Fernando. It is noteworthy that a few PNM bigshots chose to walk some part of the way just in the off chance that Manning returns to be top dog.
The other part of Manning's confession is also to be taken with more than a grain of salt.
"I am sorry", he told citizens through the media. He added that people expected him to be perfect and since he is only human, he inevitably failed them.
You don't have to be God to govern fairly.
Manning had all the right conditions to be a good national leader but he squandered it with his corruption, nepotism, arrogance and partisan politics. And he chose to stand behind all the misfits and square pegs he put in round holes, including his friends like Calder Hart and spiritual adviser, Rev. Juliana Pena.
Even when he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar he was still demonstrating his tendency to be a dictator.
He stood with Calder Hart and insisted that the man did nothing wrong. He denied any involvement of the infamous church at Guanapo when he was clearly directing the project. He personally guided the scholarship slush fund, making sure only certain people knew of it and got awards.
And he was not tolerant of any criticism. When two radio announcers knocked his fiscal policies he showed up at the radio station to intimidate the men and demand that the management of the station deal with them. And when those of us in the media told him he was out of line his response was that he would do it again "if the spirit moves me".
If to err is human, then Manning should be magnanimous enough to forgive the PP government for some of its missteps. After all Kamla et al are also human.
But Manning isn't really sorry about anything except that he miscalculated the outcome of the 2010 general election. If he had the slightest idea that he would be in the position he occupies today he would have stood. Today his tabanaca must have reached the peak seeing Kamla shaking hands with the Queen in Australia.
And if he really planned to quit he would have done it a long time ago when his party kicked him downstairs and out of the door. He promised some years ago that he would leave politics and become a preachers. His once close ally Louis Lee Sing advised him recently to do just that.
If I were a betting man I would wager that Pastor Manning is not going to take the pulpit any time soon. And if Manning is really quitting politics, then I would expect Santa Claus to come down the chimney delivering gifts.
Jai Parasram
Excerpt from Michael Harris: Patrick Manning's judicious intervention
Read the full column in the Trinidad Express
"The significance of what Mr Manning had to say in his press conference should therefore not go unremarked...
"Understand that it does not matter whether one believes that Mr Manning is sincere or not. What matters is that it was said and that it was Mr Manning who said it. The time may come when the question will be asked, "which amongst you had the humility to apologise to the country for what you did to us?" And now only Mr Manning would be able to respond, "I did".
"But that is not all. We should note too Mr Manning's description of his declared intention to intervene in the politics going forward. He reportedly stated in his press conference that, "I am not going to act like a mongrel, that is to say, a pothound. It is not my intention to run after every car that passes, not at all. What I propose to do is to intervene judiciously from time to time as I consider appropriate.''
"If this statement, notwithstanding Mr Manning's declared support for Dr Rowley as political leader of the party, is not a direct attack on Dr Rowley and how he has proceeded as Leader of the Opposition since his appointment, then I find it difficult to imagine what a direct attack would look like.
"Those who have eyes to see and ears to hear would understand that the battle for the PNM is now joined in earnest."
-Michael Harris
Media Association condemns video of sexual assault of minor
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| Crime Watch host Ian Alleyne |
MATT said it was a violation of the child's rights, noting that it has created outrage among citizens.
“This broadcast, the times when it was aired, and the sensational manner in which the material was presented, outraged many members of the community,” MATT said.
It added: “The Media Association shares this outrage and believes that compassion for the victim and basic human decency would deem this material completely inappropriate for broadcast.
It added: “The Media Association shares this outrage and believes that compassion for the victim and basic human decency would deem this material completely inappropriate for broadcast.
"Therefore, we join in condemning this repeated broadcast of what purports to be a very serious criminal assault on a minor.
“While the programme in question highlights and advocates solutions to crime and victims’ rights, in this instance, the broadcasting of this video has further violated the child victim,” MATT officials explained.
However, MATT added that “whether or not the law and the guidelines set by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago have also been broken, is a matter for legal experts.”
MATT said one of its primary responsibilities is to promote and protect the freedom of the press as a vital arm of our democratic society.
MATT said one of its primary responsibilities is to promote and protect the freedom of the press as a vital arm of our democratic society.
“The association believes that the media, in a civilised society, must remain free to publish and broadcast any material they feel to be in the public interest.”
However, it called on media to exercise responsibility. “They should at all times be guided by the international best practices of media ethics, the law, good taste and the public interest.”
The association also said it is concerned about “the lack of training, qualifications and experience among some of those who are currently given access to the airwaves, but who can by no means be described as professional journalists.”
The association also said it is concerned about “the lack of training, qualifications and experience among some of those who are currently given access to the airwaves, but who can by no means be described as professional journalists.”
It added, “Populations at home and around the world now have access to affordable technology that can capture video and photographs. Media owners should provide training for their newsroom staff and, where necessary, freelance presenters, in the ethical and legal use of these images and other material that they are considering for publication or broadcast,” MATT added.
The Association said this is essential if the professional, ethical and legal standards of the media are to be upheld.
Guest column. Is Licensing of Journalists necessary? - by Roy Mitchell
It is for this reason, we should welcome the view expressed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, the Hon. Fazal Karim, at the recently launched COSTAATT’s Ken Gordon School of Journalism, that consideration be given to the licensing of journalists in Trinidad and Tobago.
In the absence of any other mechanism, introduction of this measure will certainly go a long way in weeding out imposters and in restoring some respectability to the profession.
No longer can we encourage our children to read the newspapers, listen to the radio or view the television if they wished to learn to speak and write intelligently or if they needed to be enlightened or informed with a high level of confidence and assurance in the integrity of the information to which they are exposed.
Oh how we long for a return to the standards set by radio journalists of the caliber of Sam Ghany, Doug Hatton, Hal Morrow, Ken Gordon (Radio and TV) , Freddie Wharwood, Sir Trevor Mc Donald (Radio and TV), Raoul Pantin (Radio and Press), Bob Gittens, Nazim Muradali, Electra Harris, Hans Hanoomansingh (Radio and TV), Astra Da Costa, Ashton Chambers, Dave Elcock, Kamalludin Mohammed, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Alfred Aguiton, June Gonzales (Radio and TV).
Or newspaper legends the likes of Owen Baptiste, Keith Smith, Stan Mora, Therese Mills, John Babb, Compton Delph, Patrick Chookolingo, Owen Mathurin, Andy Johnson (Press and TV) or our television personalities like Hazel Ward-Redman, Salisha Ali, Raffie Knowles, Neil Guiseppi, Dominic Kalipersad, Carla Foderingham, John Barsoti, Jai Parasram, Dale Kolasingh just to name a few.
That the impeccable legacy which these champions of journalism so painstakingly and proudly left behind is now being wantonly and uncaringly discarded borders on being sacrilegious.
Full credit must still be given to the few among the current generation who are determined at least to follow the legacy or at best to build upon it, in spite of the odds.
Recruitment practices now need to be questioned. It appears that standards have been abandoned and the yardstick is now the lower, the better.
Grammar is being mutilated, village names re-unveiled, street names change with no notice, innocent people are being re-baptised, verbs are turning all colors, obscene and distasteful language fly in the face of God, history is being rewritten, fiction replaces facts, and meaningless talk shows have cast aside intellectual curiosity, enlightened discussion, debate and creative programming.
That the impeccable legacy which these champions of journalism so painstakingly and proudly left behind is now being wantonly and uncaringly discarded borders on being sacrilegious.
Full credit must still be given to the few among the current generation who are determined at least to follow the legacy or at best to build upon it, in spite of the odds.
Recruitment practices now need to be questioned. It appears that standards have been abandoned and the yardstick is now the lower, the better.
Grammar is being mutilated, village names re-unveiled, street names change with no notice, innocent people are being re-baptised, verbs are turning all colors, obscene and distasteful language fly in the face of God, history is being rewritten, fiction replaces facts, and meaningless talk shows have cast aside intellectual curiosity, enlightened discussion, debate and creative programming.
These days, every imaginable thing is expressed “in terms of”. Vocabulary has become limited “in terms of” use, dull “in terms of” style, and boring “in terms of” presentation.
On April 14th, 2005, Andy Johnson, in an article in one of the dailies, asserted categorically that falling standards in journalism should not be taken lightly.
He was referring to demands made by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago for the mass media to observe the highest standards of performance and behavior in their interface with the public.
On April 14th, 2005, Andy Johnson, in an article in one of the dailies, asserted categorically that falling standards in journalism should not be taken lightly.
He was referring to demands made by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago for the mass media to observe the highest standards of performance and behavior in their interface with the public.
His call followed TATT’s threat to close down five radio stations if their journalists continued the use of unsavory remarks which endanger our peaceful coexistence or undermine or compromise values which are cherished very jealously by communities nationwide.
In support of Andy’s concerns I took the opportunity to comment publicly that “For far too long calls have been made for our journalists to establish for themselves a code of ethics and a code of professional conduct which would govern their relationship with the public at large and also dictate the quality of their behavior toward one another within their own professional circles”.
There is now an opportunity for the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago to enlighten us all. Is there a code of ethics? Is there a code of conduct?
In support of Andy’s concerns I took the opportunity to comment publicly that “For far too long calls have been made for our journalists to establish for themselves a code of ethics and a code of professional conduct which would govern their relationship with the public at large and also dictate the quality of their behavior toward one another within their own professional circles”.
There is now an opportunity for the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago to enlighten us all. Is there a code of ethics? Is there a code of conduct?
If not, why not? If these codes exist, what do they demand and how are they being administered? Also, what has been the record of penalties imposed due to violation of the codes?
It has long been a tradition of professional bodies to establish their own standards and to have them policed by their own membership. Nothing less should be expected from our journalists
The hint dropped by Minister Karim is yet another justifiable call for improved journalism standards around which we should all rally.
Whether licensing is the answer or not may be up for debate. The reality is that something has to be done and done expeditiously. To fail to take steps to restore the quality of journalism back to the pride of place which it once enjoyed in our beautiful country is not an option.
Roy Mitchell | October 31, 2011
It has long been a tradition of professional bodies to establish their own standards and to have them policed by their own membership. Nothing less should be expected from our journalists
The hint dropped by Minister Karim is yet another justifiable call for improved journalism standards around which we should all rally.
Whether licensing is the answer or not may be up for debate. The reality is that something has to be done and done expeditiously. To fail to take steps to restore the quality of journalism back to the pride of place which it once enjoyed in our beautiful country is not an option.
Roy Mitchell | October 31, 2011
A Code of Ethics for Journalists
Seek Truth and Report It: Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Journalists should:
- Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible
- Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing
- Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability
- Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises
- Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
- Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.
- Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it.
- Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story
- Never plagiarize.
- Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.
- Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.
- Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
- Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
- Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
- Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context
- Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two
- Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection
Journalists should:
- Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects
- Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief
- Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance
- Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy
- Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity
- Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes
- Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges
- Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed
Journalists should:
- Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived
- Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility
- Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity
- Disclose unavoidable conflicts
- Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable
- Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage
- Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news
Journalists should:
- Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct
- Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media
- Admit mistakes and correct them promptly
- Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media
- Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others
Collapse 'Meltdown: The Men who Crashed the World' - Documentary Series Part 2
Last Monday JYOTI published the link for Part one of a four-part series on the real story behind the global finanical meltdown of 2008. Today we present part 2. We are also providing the link for Part 1, in case the missed it. The videos have been made available to us from the online service Forbidden Knowledge TV
Collapse 'Meltdown: The Men who Crashed the World' - Documentary Series Part 2
And in case you missed Part 1:
http://www.forbiddenknowledgetv.com/page/5374.html
Collapse 'Meltdown: The Men who Crashed the World' - Documentary Series Part 2
And in case you missed Part 1:
http://www.forbiddenknowledgetv.com/page/5374.html
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Commnwealth leaders claim progress at meeting in Australia
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| Commonwealth leaders at the closing CHOGM media conference |
They also agreedagreed to a series of actions to maintain the Commonwealth’s relevance, to ensure its effectiveness in responding to contemporary global challenges and to build resilient societies and economies.
The leaders emphasised the importance of the international community working cooperatively to secure a sustainable global recovery, and highlighted the importance of a strong response to these challenges to provide the necessary confidence to global markets.
Heads welcomed the report of the Eminent Persons Group, ‘A Commonwealth of the People: Time for Urgent Reform’, and thanked members of the Group for their outstanding work.
They agreed that the report provided a strong basis to revitalise the Commonwealth and its institutions and ensure its continued relevance to member states and their people – today and in the future.
To this end, Heads agreed to the following:
1. Reform of the Commonwealth to ensure that it is a more effective institution, responsive to members’ needs, and capable of tackling the significant global challenges of the 21st century.
This includes:
a) the reform of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG);
b) consideration of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) recommendations on reform;
c) strengthening the management and delivery of Commonwealth programmes, including through regular review of their efficiency, effectiveness and results, against measurable indicators;
d) to this end, focusing delivery of practical assistance to members through greater prioritisation and alignment of programmes to members’ priorities on the basis of Commonwealth comparative advantage and, where necessary, retiring programmes that do not meet these criteria; and
e) undertaking associated reform of the Commonwealth Secretariat and ensuring the adequacy of resources and their appropriate use to enable it to deliver on its agreed mandates.
2. To actively promote, uphold, preserve and defend the fundamental values, principles and aspirations of the Commonwealth. Heads agreed to do this by:
a) agreeing to the recommendations of CMAG to strengthen the role of CMAG, in order to enable the Group to deal with the full range of serious or persistent violations of Commonwealth values;
b) resolving that the composition of CMAG for the next biennium should be as follows: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Jamaica, Maldives, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago and Vanuatu.
c) agreeing that there should be a "Charter of the Commonwealth", as proposed by the Eminent Persons Group, embodying the principles contained in previous declarations, drawn together in a single, consolidated document that is not legally binding.
d) Heads will agree to a text for the Charter in 2012, following a process of national consultations, consideration by a Task Force of Ministers drawn from all geographical groupings of the Commonwealth, and a full meeting of Foreign Ministers in New York in September;
e) tasking the Secretary-General and CMAG to further evaluate relevant options relating to the EPG's proposal for a Commissioner for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights and to report back to Foreign Ministers at their September meeting in New York.
CHOGM makes progress, but fails to appoint HR commission
Reproduced from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (cbc.ca)
Commonwealth nation leaders insisted Sunday that they had made sweeping progress at their biennial summit, despite failing to agree on a key human rights reform recommended by a group that questioned the forum's very relevance.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who had pushed for the appointment of a human rights watchdog during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting — or CHOGM — said the forum had still made progress by strengthening the role the Commonwealth can play when dealing with nations accused of human rights abuses.
"This will provide for an earlier and more constructive engagement by the Commonwealth and the Secretary General where countries are veering from the path of democracy," Gillard told reporters in the western Australia city of Perth, where the three-day meeting of 53 Commonwealth nation leaders came to a close on Sunday.
A report by the forum's Eminent Persons Group, which was set up during the last summit to help raise the Commonwealth's profile, had recommended the leaders appoint a human rights commissioner. The forum has been hit with repeated questions of its effectiveness in preventing human rights abuses, particularly in Sri Lanka, which is slated to host the next summit.
Sri Lanka has been under intense pressure from human rights groups and countries including the U.S. to investigate allegations of possible war crimes during the final months of its 26-year war with Tamil Tiger separatists, which ended in 2009.
Gillard said Australia supported appointing a human rights watchdog, but several other countries had raised concerns.
The prime minister said a group of Commonwealth foreign ministers would examine the proposal further and report their findings to the leaders at a later date.
The forum did give one of its internal groups more power to intervene earlier when Commonwealth nations are accused of human rights abuses or undemocratic behavior. Previously, the forum was restricted to either suspending or expelling such countries from the bloc.
The Eminent Persons Group was also highly critical of the effectiveness of the forum itself, saying it risked sliding into irrelevancy.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma insisted the summit had been productive, citing among the forum's successes the adoption of a measure that will coordinate global emergency relief efforts to deal with food supply crises.
"I had stated that this will be a landmark CHOGM, and it is indeed proven to be one," Sharma said. "This CHOGM will be remembered as a CHOGM of reform, renewal and resilience."
Leaders did make several noteworthy decisions during the summit, including agreeing to lift a ban on monarchs marrying Roman Catholics. The forum also changed royal succession rules to allow the British monarch's first-born child — whether a girl or a boy — to ascend the throne, reversing centuries of tradition.
Leaders also agreed to increase efforts to eradicate polio. Leaders of Britain, Canada, Australia and Nigeria, along with billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, pledged tens of millions of dollars in extra funding toward the World Health Organization's campaign to wipe out the disabling disease from the four countries where it remains endemic — India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.
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| PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and some members of the official T&T delegation to CHOGM 2011 |
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who had pushed for the appointment of a human rights watchdog during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting — or CHOGM — said the forum had still made progress by strengthening the role the Commonwealth can play when dealing with nations accused of human rights abuses.
"This will provide for an earlier and more constructive engagement by the Commonwealth and the Secretary General where countries are veering from the path of democracy," Gillard told reporters in the western Australia city of Perth, where the three-day meeting of 53 Commonwealth nation leaders came to a close on Sunday.
A report by the forum's Eminent Persons Group, which was set up during the last summit to help raise the Commonwealth's profile, had recommended the leaders appoint a human rights commissioner. The forum has been hit with repeated questions of its effectiveness in preventing human rights abuses, particularly in Sri Lanka, which is slated to host the next summit.
Sri Lanka has been under intense pressure from human rights groups and countries including the U.S. to investigate allegations of possible war crimes during the final months of its 26-year war with Tamil Tiger separatists, which ended in 2009.
Gillard said Australia supported appointing a human rights watchdog, but several other countries had raised concerns.
The prime minister said a group of Commonwealth foreign ministers would examine the proposal further and report their findings to the leaders at a later date.
The forum did give one of its internal groups more power to intervene earlier when Commonwealth nations are accused of human rights abuses or undemocratic behavior. Previously, the forum was restricted to either suspending or expelling such countries from the bloc.
The Eminent Persons Group was also highly critical of the effectiveness of the forum itself, saying it risked sliding into irrelevancy.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma insisted the summit had been productive, citing among the forum's successes the adoption of a measure that will coordinate global emergency relief efforts to deal with food supply crises.
"I had stated that this will be a landmark CHOGM, and it is indeed proven to be one," Sharma said. "This CHOGM will be remembered as a CHOGM of reform, renewal and resilience."
Leaders did make several noteworthy decisions during the summit, including agreeing to lift a ban on monarchs marrying Roman Catholics. The forum also changed royal succession rules to allow the British monarch's first-born child — whether a girl or a boy — to ascend the throne, reversing centuries of tradition.
Leaders also agreed to increase efforts to eradicate polio. Leaders of Britain, Canada, Australia and Nigeria, along with billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, pledged tens of millions of dollars in extra funding toward the World Health Organization's campaign to wipe out the disabling disease from the four countries where it remains endemic — India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Commonwealth leaders fail to adopt charter of rights
Reproduced from the Canada Broadcasting Corporation (cbc.ca)
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| CHOGM 2011 official photo |
Commonwealth leaders meeting in Perth, Australia, have wrapped up their discussions for the day without being able to settle the most contentious issues dealing with human rights.
They did not adopt a charter of rights nor appoint a human rights commissioner despite Australia, Britain and Canada's backing for the proposals, which were floated in a report aimed at making the Commonwealth more relevant in the modern age.
Commonwealth leaders remained undecided Saturday over what to do with the report, even though they commissioned the 11-member Eminent Persons Group, or EPG, two years ago to study human rights in member countries.
The group recommended leaders become more aggressive in monitoring and policing human rights violations among the 54 member states, but smaller countries balked at those proposals, saying it's a matter once again of rich nations telling poorer ones how to behave.
So the summit's final communiqué to be issued Sunday will likely pledge to examine the issue further, rather than actually move on it.
Zimbabwe, Pakistan and South Africa have all run afoul of other Commonwealth leaders in the past and have been booted out of the organization at various times until issues were addressed.
Former British foreign secretary Malcolm Rifkind of the EPG called it a "disgrace" that the Commonwealth failed to even publish the report, which is aimed at making the Commonwealth more relevant in the modern age. That's not a surprise to many, considering Commonwealth countries operate by consensus.
Sri Lanka — which stands accused of war crimes for its 2009 military offensive to end a civil war — has been invited to host the next Commonwealth summit, a meeting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he'll boycott unless that country's human rights record is addressed.
Harper scrubbed plans for an early departure from Perth because key details remained on the table for Sunday's closing session.
Rifkind condemned the Commonwealth for being silent on Sri Lankan human rights abuses and said a permanent commissioner would have avoided that silence.
Earlier in their meetings, the leaders of the Commonwealth's 16 realms — the countries that have Queen Elizabeth as their head of state — agreed on a succession change that will see first-born daughters ascend to the throne over a younger brother.
They did not adopt a charter of rights nor appoint a human rights commissioner despite Australia, Britain and Canada's backing for the proposals, which were floated in a report aimed at making the Commonwealth more relevant in the modern age.
Commonwealth leaders remained undecided Saturday over what to do with the report, even though they commissioned the 11-member Eminent Persons Group, or EPG, two years ago to study human rights in member countries.
The group recommended leaders become more aggressive in monitoring and policing human rights violations among the 54 member states, but smaller countries balked at those proposals, saying it's a matter once again of rich nations telling poorer ones how to behave.
So the summit's final communiqué to be issued Sunday will likely pledge to examine the issue further, rather than actually move on it.
Zimbabwe, Pakistan and South Africa have all run afoul of other Commonwealth leaders in the past and have been booted out of the organization at various times until issues were addressed.
Former British foreign secretary Malcolm Rifkind of the EPG called it a "disgrace" that the Commonwealth failed to even publish the report, which is aimed at making the Commonwealth more relevant in the modern age. That's not a surprise to many, considering Commonwealth countries operate by consensus.
Sri Lanka — which stands accused of war crimes for its 2009 military offensive to end a civil war — has been invited to host the next Commonwealth summit, a meeting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he'll boycott unless that country's human rights record is addressed.
Harper scrubbed plans for an early departure from Perth because key details remained on the table for Sunday's closing session.
Rifkind condemned the Commonwealth for being silent on Sri Lankan human rights abuses and said a permanent commissioner would have avoided that silence.
Earlier in their meetings, the leaders of the Commonwealth's 16 realms — the countries that have Queen Elizabeth as their head of state — agreed on a succession change that will see first-born daughters ascend to the throne over a younger brother.
7th officer surrenders in connection with Moruga killings
As police continue interrogating six police officers in connection with the shooting deaths of three young people from Moruga in July, a seventh officer has surrendered.
Media reports say the officer, who is a sergeant, gave himself up late Friday afternoon at the Homicide Bureau of Investigations office at Coffee Street, San Fernando. He was accompanied by his lawyer.
Police are continuing to question him and the six others arrested last week. So far the director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has not determined if the officers should be charged with murder.
All of the officers are implicated in the killing of Abigail Johnson, Allana Duncan and Kerron "Fingers" Eccles.
Media reports say the officer, who is a sergeant, gave himself up late Friday afternoon at the Homicide Bureau of Investigations office at Coffee Street, San Fernando. He was accompanied by his lawyer.
Police are continuing to question him and the six others arrested last week. So far the director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has not determined if the officers should be charged with murder.
All of the officers are implicated in the killing of Abigail Johnson, Allana Duncan and Kerron "Fingers" Eccles.
At the time of the killing police claimed that they fired on the trio after they opened fire on the police officers. However eyewitnesses contradicted that, stating no one fire on the police.
The killings sparked several days of fiery protests in the Moruga area, causing Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs to visit the area to meet with relatives of the victims.
The police officers claimed the three opened fire on them as they attempted to intercept the car they were travelling in at the corner of Poui Trace and Rochard Road, Barrackpore.
The police officers claimed the three opened fire on them as they attempted to intercept the car they were travelling in at the corner of Poui Trace and Rochard Road, Barrackpore.
Manning's apology too late: PNM source
Manning made the apology on Friday.
The paper quoted an unnamed source from Manning's own party, the People's National Movement (PNM).
"Besides the fact that (the apology) came late, he never says what he is sorry for. He should have been specific. The public has no clue exactly what he is apologising for. It just seemed like the MP for San Fernando East was aiming to get back in the spotlight," the paper quoted the source as saying.
"I have a feeling that he still thinks he can come back into the leadership of national politics; back in spotlight."
On Friday, Manning publicly acknowledged his administration may have "disenfranchised" certain sections of the national population by its policies.
"The people of Trinidad and Tobago may very well have thought that in me they would have found perfection. If that were the case, I could have said from quite early on you had the wrong man," Manning said, adding, "I am not perfect."
"I have a feeling that he still thinks he can come back into the leadership of national politics; back in spotlight."
On Friday, Manning publicly acknowledged his administration may have "disenfranchised" certain sections of the national population by its policies.
"The people of Trinidad and Tobago may very well have thought that in me they would have found perfection. If that were the case, I could have said from quite early on you had the wrong man," Manning said, adding, "I am not perfect."
Injustices: Racial or Political? - the Peter O'Connor column
When governments change following elections in those countries, there is, as there is here, a great shuffling of plum government jobs and perquisites, as the incoming victors move to place their people, their supporters, and yes, their friends, in the positions previously held by the supporters of the outgoing government—the party which lost the election.
But, because of how we are politically and ethnically, we pretend that we do not understand this reshuffling.
In Jamaica, following a change of government, heads of State Boards, Agencies and the like, if they do not resign, are dismissed. Previously favoured lawyers lose their briefs, as do advertising agencies, and previously favoured consultants and contractors become sidelined. And they all accept this as part of the political environment in which they live. Their turns will come again.
We live in an essentially similar political environment, but we have one basic difference. When a new government is elected in our country, the departures of directors, attorneys, commissioners, friends and hangers-on are not seen as the basic norm in a society where free elections bring changes of government, and changes of government bring changes in the personnel which governments appoint.
We claim that these changes are “racially motivated”, and we call them “ethnic cleansing” (can you believe that statement?), and make comments like “another black man bites the dust” and “they trying to ‘Indianize’ the country”.
But, because of how we are politically and ethnically, we pretend that we do not understand this reshuffling.
In Jamaica, following a change of government, heads of State Boards, Agencies and the like, if they do not resign, are dismissed. Previously favoured lawyers lose their briefs, as do advertising agencies, and previously favoured consultants and contractors become sidelined. And they all accept this as part of the political environment in which they live. Their turns will come again.
We live in an essentially similar political environment, but we have one basic difference. When a new government is elected in our country, the departures of directors, attorneys, commissioners, friends and hangers-on are not seen as the basic norm in a society where free elections bring changes of government, and changes of government bring changes in the personnel which governments appoint.
We claim that these changes are “racially motivated”, and we call them “ethnic cleansing” (can you believe that statement?), and make comments like “another black man bites the dust” and “they trying to ‘Indianize’ the country”.
We all know that these statements are inflammatory and divisive, and indeed banned in countries which we seek to emulate. We also know that while the physical changing of the guard, down through the ranks, gives an impression of the other “race” taking over, the truth is that that the change represents a political, rather than a racial reality—a reality which occurs in all democratic countries.
I have addressed this issue in the past, and I was pleased to see that someone of the stature of Dana Seetahal wrote about it recently, as have others. Because our political parties depend largely upon specific ethnic groups for support, every action, or lack of action is now interpreted as “racial”, when it is in fact more likely to be “political”.
Listen, any committed supporter of the PNM, who may be of Indian descent, will have access to the PNM’s largesse when the PNM is in power. And of course, to special favours.
I have addressed this issue in the past, and I was pleased to see that someone of the stature of Dana Seetahal wrote about it recently, as have others. Because our political parties depend largely upon specific ethnic groups for support, every action, or lack of action is now interpreted as “racial”, when it is in fact more likely to be “political”.
Listen, any committed supporter of the PNM, who may be of Indian descent, will have access to the PNM’s largesse when the PNM is in power. And of course, to special favours.
If Sat Maharaj had ever declared support for the PNM, he would have had his radio license long ago. And maybe a TV license as well! How can we claim that the PNM was objecting to an “Indian radio station” in Sat’s case?
We have Indian and specifically, Hindu radio stations operating with licenses and without interference, so how was Sat’s denial racist? Come on, Sat was being punished—and that is the word to use—because he speaks against the PNM.
I would never get a radio license, not from the PNM, nor from Panday’s UNC. And this has nothing to do with my being white. They would never give me a voice beyond what I write! And for what I write they go beyond me. When this country celebrated one hundred years of our Petroleum Industry, the Ministry of Energy published a list of 100 pioneers, and sought nominees. Among those submitted by the Energy Chamber was one P.E.T. O’Connor, my father.
Now, it would be difficult to name ten “pioneers” and not include “P.E.T.”. But the Minister at the time vetoed my father’s nomination! And not that the PNM had anything against him: he had served under Errol Mahabir as Chairman of the Port Authority, and as a Commissioner of T&TEC.
I would never get a radio license, not from the PNM, nor from Panday’s UNC. And this has nothing to do with my being white. They would never give me a voice beyond what I write! And for what I write they go beyond me. When this country celebrated one hundred years of our Petroleum Industry, the Ministry of Energy published a list of 100 pioneers, and sought nominees. Among those submitted by the Energy Chamber was one P.E.T. O’Connor, my father.
Now, it would be difficult to name ten “pioneers” and not include “P.E.T.”. But the Minister at the time vetoed my father’s nomination! And not that the PNM had anything against him: he had served under Errol Mahabir as Chairman of the Port Authority, and as a Commissioner of T&TEC.
But that was before I started to write. So, for my “sins”, one of T&T’s true petroleum pioneers was excised from the history of the industry! That was not racist, as some have suggested. That was straight political petulance and spite. Williams did not excise Gomes from T&T’s history because of Gomes’ race, but again, simply out of spite.
So, please everyone, get off this false racial bogeyman. We do have racial prejudices in T&T and they fly in all directions, but mostly they stem from personal ignorance and fear. The spitefulness of our politicians, again flying in all directions, is not necessarily racist.
Let us catch ourselves, T&T! We are a wonderful mix of peoples, faiths and cultures, who live among ourselves better than peoples anywhere else in the world. We are brilliant, creative and joyous. But we suffer an element of indolence and self-loathing, which our leaders exploit to keep us from fulfillment. Free yourselves from your leaders and embrace your neighbours!
So, please everyone, get off this false racial bogeyman. We do have racial prejudices in T&T and they fly in all directions, but mostly they stem from personal ignorance and fear. The spitefulness of our politicians, again flying in all directions, is not necessarily racist.
Let us catch ourselves, T&T! We are a wonderful mix of peoples, faiths and cultures, who live among ourselves better than peoples anywhere else in the world. We are brilliant, creative and joyous. But we suffer an element of indolence and self-loathing, which our leaders exploit to keep us from fulfillment. Free yourselves from your leaders and embrace your neighbours!
Letter: Self serving statements of Mr. Manning
It did not cross my mind then that he was speaking very carefully in his now exposed power run for returned leadership.
Mr. Manning has used sarcasm with deftness, speaking piously of fealty to his leader while simultaneously denigrating his penchant for barking at phantoms.
Mr. Manning has used sarcasm with deftness, speaking piously of fealty to his leader while simultaneously denigrating his penchant for barking at phantoms.
It is well established that the once famed Rottweiler was considered by Mr. Manning to be a raging bull who brooked no dissent to his views. Having spayed the Rott effectively in the august Parliament, the revived Mr. Manning now sees him as a pot hound and a mongrel and hopes that these epithets are transferred in the public mind to the current leader.
Not that Dr. Rowley has done anything to burnish his leadership image by his frequent cause célèbre forays against the PPG on the most frivolous matters, trying to run around parked cars barking frenziedly. On that ground one must say “Touché” to Mr. Manning. But by this remark Mr. Manning winkingly gives the lie to his assurance of loyalty.
The gravitas Mr. Manning hopes to bestow on his grand re-entry to take up selective issues as a high breed bloodhound is patently false as he never missed an opportunity to add yeast to molehills against the PM hoping for mountains.
Not that Dr. Rowley has done anything to burnish his leadership image by his frequent cause célèbre forays against the PPG on the most frivolous matters, trying to run around parked cars barking frenziedly. On that ground one must say “Touché” to Mr. Manning. But by this remark Mr. Manning winkingly gives the lie to his assurance of loyalty.
The gravitas Mr. Manning hopes to bestow on his grand re-entry to take up selective issues as a high breed bloodhound is patently false as he never missed an opportunity to add yeast to molehills against the PM hoping for mountains.
Were it not for the marked firmness of Speaker Wade, Mr. Manning would have capitalized on his former self-exaltation and abused Parliamentary privilege at every opportunity. Bluntly, he has been held in check by a tight rein.
By his new public utterances in the style of His Grace soon retiring who withheld frequent comment for that reason, Mr. Manning hopes to infuse weightiness into his future pronouncements effectively mounting his challenge for a chance at another 100 days without a Waterloo in sight.
By his new public utterances in the style of His Grace soon retiring who withheld frequent comment for that reason, Mr. Manning hopes to infuse weightiness into his future pronouncements effectively mounting his challenge for a chance at another 100 days without a Waterloo in sight.
His Elba has become intolerable, and his ambition fuelled by malcontents agitating against the rowdy leader of diminished regard. Without doubt he has received some assurance of schismatic support.
Another of the remarkable self serving statements of Mr. Manning at the watershed press conference was the plea of his humanity which is imperfect and subject to err. Firstly, this sudden epiphany contradicts his autocratic record that functioned under imagined divine instructions far removed from fallibility. Even his infamous church project was commissioned with unerring certainty and prophetic license.
But if Mr. Manning now pleads human fallibility and by it exculpation, why is this mitigating attribute not extended to present office holders who are doing their best by bare unaided human efforts?
Mr. Manning has carefully garbed his wolverine characteristics in sheep’s clothing in an effort to rebrand himself as a humble servant without ambition. Our nation must shout “Wolf! Wolf!”, and take out the cudgels to defend the sheepfold as the present PNM flock’s shepherd is somewhere chasing phantom cars.
There are many who would willingly return this country to PNM rule out of sheer frenzied hatred of the present administration for reasons beyond admission. We live in an age when social networks can operate with disastrous effect beyond media capability and mischief has no inhibition.
The first overt step of Mr. Manning has to be recognized for its grand purpose. His opposition to the SoE is dangerously significant – he is hoping to neutralize the gains in national security only to discredit the administration, and to reestablish criminal hegemony, and his driving imperative is to escape prosecution and jail as so resoundingly promised.
Sando East should demand his immediate resignation and call for a bye election. Why tolerate his presence for the rest of the term and thereby facilitate his personal ambition against the national good? His supporting PNM cadre is clearly working against the majority rank and file membership which has no interest in Mr. Manning’s return.
And lastly, the ambivalent media should recall its loyalty and at the very least permit public commentary on this clear and present danger now manifest, if it cannot itself expose Mr. Manning’s secret agenda highlighted by his rejuvenated hair.
MFRahman.
Another of the remarkable self serving statements of Mr. Manning at the watershed press conference was the plea of his humanity which is imperfect and subject to err. Firstly, this sudden epiphany contradicts his autocratic record that functioned under imagined divine instructions far removed from fallibility. Even his infamous church project was commissioned with unerring certainty and prophetic license.
But if Mr. Manning now pleads human fallibility and by it exculpation, why is this mitigating attribute not extended to present office holders who are doing their best by bare unaided human efforts?
Mr. Manning has carefully garbed his wolverine characteristics in sheep’s clothing in an effort to rebrand himself as a humble servant without ambition. Our nation must shout “Wolf! Wolf!”, and take out the cudgels to defend the sheepfold as the present PNM flock’s shepherd is somewhere chasing phantom cars.
There are many who would willingly return this country to PNM rule out of sheer frenzied hatred of the present administration for reasons beyond admission. We live in an age when social networks can operate with disastrous effect beyond media capability and mischief has no inhibition.
The first overt step of Mr. Manning has to be recognized for its grand purpose. His opposition to the SoE is dangerously significant – he is hoping to neutralize the gains in national security only to discredit the administration, and to reestablish criminal hegemony, and his driving imperative is to escape prosecution and jail as so resoundingly promised.
Sando East should demand his immediate resignation and call for a bye election. Why tolerate his presence for the rest of the term and thereby facilitate his personal ambition against the national good? His supporting PNM cadre is clearly working against the majority rank and file membership which has no interest in Mr. Manning’s return.
And lastly, the ambivalent media should recall its loyalty and at the very least permit public commentary on this clear and present danger now manifest, if it cannot itself expose Mr. Manning’s secret agenda highlighted by his rejuvenated hair.
MFRahman.
Photo story: Nan celebrates Divali at NY consulate
Her guests included Consul Generals from the Caribbean Community based in New York, Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora, US government officials and friends of the Consulate.
Photo story: Dr "Charch" - UWI gives Kamal an honorary doctorate
Other prominent T&T nationals to get a similar honour at this year's convocation at St Augustine include cricket superstart Brian Lara, former head of the Civil Service Reginal Dumas and Professor Anant Rambachan. Dr Rambachan is a professor of religion at Saint Olaf College, Minnesota, USA, where he has been teaching since 1985.
Today's health tip. Try WATERMELON to fight prostate cancer
As far back as 1995 researchers discovered that eating tomatoes helped defeat cancer because tomato contains a potent antioxidant called lycopene that's been proven to reduce the risk prostate cancer.
A survey of 48,000 men done by Harvard found that those who ate 10 or more servings of tomatoes a week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by more than one-third.
A survey of 48,000 men done by Harvard found that those who ate 10 or more servings of tomatoes a week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by more than one-third.
Well now there's better news.
Try WATERMELON. Researchers have found that its even better for your prostate than tomatoes because ounce for ounce, watermelon is even richer in lycopene than tomatoes.
And since you probably eat more watermelon in one sitting than you do tomatoes, you don't have to gorge on it 10 times a week in order to slash your cancer risk! Just a few times a week should do it. Give it a try!
Video feature: Neuroscience 'The Secret You' - Full Length Documentary
In JYOTI's continuing series of video features made available to us through Forbidden Knowledge TV we present a probing documentary about ourselves.
How do we know who we are?
You could find the answer in this amazing full length documentary. Just click on the link.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
"I'm sorry!" Manning tells citizens; says it's time for constructive criticism
"I am sorry", the former prime minister said in a prepared statement that he read at a news conference in San Fernando.
"I think it is time for me to apologise for those who feel or who would have felt disenfranchised by any action I would have taken over the years as prime minister or in any other capacity. I wish to humbly apologise to all of them and to say to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, I am sorry."
Manning won applause from those present, including some of his political allies, Gary Hunt, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Ralph Maraj, and several local government councillors and constituents.
"There would have been some people who would have been hurt or otherwise disenfranchised by the action that he may have been taken or actions taken by the government which he headed. In my case, this is certainly so," Manning said.
However Manning did not go into details about his shortcomings and imperfections, saying: "I am not a psychologist."
He declared, "It is not for me to decide what those imperfections are. I am careful not to go into any details.
"If one person sees something as an imperfection, someone else might see it different. So we need not get in that argument this morning. Whatever imperfections people perceive I apologise for that. Let's move on."
He thanked the PNM for the opporrtunity to serve the party for 40 years.
"When I was elected prime minister, my dear friends, the people may very well have thought they would have found perfection," he said.
"If that were the case, I could have said from quite early that you had the wrong man. I am not perfect. No human being is perfect, ladies and gentlemen.
"And to expect perfection in the conduct of public affairs is perhaps expecting a little too much.
"I was not perfect in the governance and I am sure that along the way it is not possible for any leader to conduct the affairs of any country and for such a long time without by the decisions he makes, initiates, or for which he holds responsibility, to not adversely affect some people."
Manning spoke about his defeat on May 24 last year, noting that it took him "four months to recover". He was subsequently hounded out of office and had to resign. Keith Rowley later took charge of the party in an uncontested leadership election.
Manning said Rowley can count on his full support, explaining that he has been staying away from party events such as the General Council meetings and conventions to allow Dr Rowley "time and space to earn his place" in the new leadership role.
Manning also explained his silence in Parliament, stating that it is to give the Government time to settle in the new role of managing the country's affairs.
He commented that the new government has made a "disproportionate amount of mistakes" over the last year and five months in governance.
"If I told you it was a direction that I was in agreement I would be less than honest. I disagree, almost totally, with the direction that the government is taking Trinidad and Tobago...
"I thought that the time had now come for me to intervene in the affairs of the nation. I am a Member of Parliament and I have a responsibility to my constituents and the national community that I am determined to discharge," he said.
Manning said he plans to be more vocal in the Parliament. He also said he plans to hold more media conferences.
"I am not going to act like a mongrel, that is to say, a pothound. It is not my intention to run after every car that passes, not at all. What I propose to do is to intervene judiciously from time to time as I consider appropriate."
Manning was also critical of the State of Emergency and remarked that despite two major drug busts at Point Lisas no one has been arrested. He demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.
Click on image for video of Manning's statement:
Manning bows out of politics but remains MP for Sando East
The former Prime Minister spoke at a news conference at his constituency office in Coffee Street, San Fernando.
Manning said he has already advised his constituents of his decision and told them to look for his successor.
Manning has served the area for all of his political life. He was first elected unopposed in the 1971 general election when the opposition parties mounted a no-vote campaign. Manning was the only candidate in San Fernando East and he was elected without a vote being cast.
Manning took charge of the PNM following the humiliating defeat of the Chambers PNM in the 1986 general election that caused the PNM to lose office for the first time since 1956.
Manning was one of three PNM MPs to survive the political tsunami and was later elected leader of the party.
He led the PNM to victory in the 1991 election but soon fell out with key players, including Speaker Occah Seepaul, whom he put under House arrest during a limited state of emergency. He also had his political fights with Seepaul's brother, Ralph Maraj, who walked away and joined the opposition UNC led by Basdeo Panday.
Manning called an early election in 1995 and ended up in a 17-17 tie with the UNC with A.N.R. Robinson's NAR winning the two Tobago seats. Manning declared that he would stand alone, even if it meant losing office.
That provided an opportunity for Panday and Robinson to work out their differences and the two former arch rivals formed a coalition government that put Panday in charge of government. Among the people in that government was Ralph Maraj, who held the post of Foreign Minister, the same portfolio he had in the Manning cabinet. Today Maraj has switched sides again and is a loyal Manning supporters.
When Panday's UNC won re-election in 2010 it was Maraj and two others - Ramesh Maharaj and Trevor Sudama - who fought Panday and tried to cut a deal for Manning to usurp the Prime Ministership from Panday.
Panday became aware of the plot and called an election, which ended up in an 18-18 tie. Panday invited Manning to form a national unity government, which Manning rejected. Both sides held several meetings and signed what has been recorded as the Crowne Plaza Accord in which they agreed that Robinson would decide who would lead the country.
On Christmas Eve 2001 Robinson appointed Manning as Prime Minister, not on constitutional grounds, but on the basis of wanting a leader with "Morality and spirituality".
Manning was unable to convene Parliament and governed for 9 months with the legislature prorogued. In 2002 he won a majority; five years later he won again, taking 26 of the 41 seats in the expanded House of Representatives.
As he entered the new term Manning adopted a dictatorial style of leadership and presided over what his former cabinet colleague Keith Rowley described as the most corrupt government ever.
Rowley had been kicked out of the Manning cabinet for questioning the lack of cabinet oversight in projects undertaken by UDeCOTT under the leadership of Canadian Calder Hart; Manning said Rowley behaved like a "wajang" and had no place in Parliament. He also described him as "a raging bull".
The open warfare and a rejuvenated opposition under the leadership of Kamla Persad-Bissessar caused Manning to buckle under presssure and call an election more than two years ahead of time.
The opposition formed an alliance with other parties opposed to the government, including the Congress of the People (COP). With Rowley openly campaigning against Manning and Kamlamania at its height, the PNM and Manning were swept out of office.
The People's Partnership won 29 of the 41 seats and Kamla became Prime Minister. Manning met his political Waterloo days later when he was chased out of Balisier House by members of his own party who wanted Rowley to take charge.
In the days that followed the party made sure no one opposed Rowley and the former "wajang" and "raging bull" became the leader of the PNM.
Manning spoke about his fall. He admitted that he left the general council prematurely on that fateful day to avoid being asked to leave, but when he went downstairs of Balisier House, he was confronted by a barrage of red shirt supporters who had turned their fury on him for the party’s loss.
“There were those who felt I should not have left in peace and I should have effectively been run out. I effectively left Balisier House in circumstances that were far less than honourable.” Manning said he wanted to cast no aspersions admitting: “such are the vicissitudes of political life.”
The People's Partnership won 29 of the 41 seats and Kamla became Prime Minister. Manning met his political Waterloo days later when he was chased out of Balisier House by members of his own party who wanted Rowley to take charge.
In the days that followed the party made sure no one opposed Rowley and the former "wajang" and "raging bull" became the leader of the PNM.
Manning spoke about his fall. He admitted that he left the general council prematurely on that fateful day to avoid being asked to leave, but when he went downstairs of Balisier House, he was confronted by a barrage of red shirt supporters who had turned their fury on him for the party’s loss.
“There were those who felt I should not have left in peace and I should have effectively been run out. I effectively left Balisier House in circumstances that were far less than honourable.” Manning said he wanted to cast no aspersions admitting: “such are the vicissitudes of political life.”
PM Kamla congratulates Anya
In a media release from Australia where she is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) she praised Anya's "bold and unique style and her courage and composure under intense pressure and scrutiny during this season of Project Runway.
The Prime Minister said, “Anya is a fine example of the talent of the young people of Trinidad and Tobago. She has much to offer to the Region and the World through her artistic abilities”.
Persad-Bissessar noted that although on many occasions Anya seemed to be the underdog in the highly competitive series, she remained a favourite with the fans.
Persad-Bissessar noted that although on many occasions Anya seemed to be the underdog in the highly competitive series, she remained a favourite with the fans.
“I understand that Anya has been declared the ‘fan favourite designer’ based on votes cast on social media site, Twitter – a testimony to vivacious personality and her determination to succeed despite several setbacks”, she added.
She said Anya victory this year assumes a greater significance as 2011 is the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day and also the year in which the Commonwealth’s theme is “Women as Agents of Change”.
She said she hopes the young people of Trinidad and Tobago use Anya’s international success as their motivation to keep pursuing their dreams and to never let anything or anyone distract them for their goals.
She said Anya victory this year assumes a greater significance as 2011 is the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day and also the year in which the Commonwealth’s theme is “Women as Agents of Change”.
She said she hopes the young people of Trinidad and Tobago use Anya’s international success as their motivation to keep pursuing their dreams and to never let anything or anyone distract them for their goals.
Ken Gordon takes charge of Integrity Commission
President George Maxwell Richards administered the oath of office Friday. He expressed confidence that Gordon will respect the provisions of the Integrity of Public Life Act and serve with excellence as the new chairman.
Richards said he made the appointment after consultation with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.
"It is my view that Mr Gordon is uniquely qualified for the task that lies ahead. He has impeccable credentials as you know, he's completely independent minded, he's a strong leader who understand the concept of integrity in public life and who will respect the provisions of that Act," Richards said.
"I want to express my appreciation to him for his willingness to serve in this capacity in what is obviously going to be a very challenging assignment but we have every confidence that he will be up to the task," he added.
Gordon did not say much. "Let me just say to the media that I have no comment of any substance this morning, it is my view that before making any comment I would like to become much more familiar with the operation of the Commission," he told reporters.
He said he looks forward to getting advice from the Commission's deputy chairman Gladys Gafoor and other members.
"So for the moment I would not be saying anything more than thank you very much and I look forward to working," said Gordon.
Gordon served as a cabinet minister in the Robinson NAR government. He was also chairman of Caribbean Communications Network, parent company of the Express newspapers and TV6.
AG, Jack meet on FIFA 'bribery" matter; Warner commends Camps for quitting
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has met with his cabinet colleague Jack Warner to discuss allegations against Warner arising from a meeting held in Port of Spain in May.
On Friday Ramlogan confirmed to reporters that he and Warner have met to discuss Warner's alleged participation in the delivery of "gifts" from former FIFA presidential hopeful Mohammed bin Hammam to Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officials.
However he said his investigation into the matter was ongoing and therefore he did not wish to further comment on the matter until he submits a report to the Prime Minister.
Warner has resogned as FIFA vice-president and president of both the caribbean Football Union (CFU) and the Caribbean North & Central American (CONCACAF) regions. FIFA has closed all investigations of him, stating that his spresumption of innocence remains.
Warner also confirmed to reporters that he and the AG have met. "The Attorney General and I have spoken but I do not think it is prudent for me to say what we discussed."
He added, "I have to laugh at this country for true you know...in FIFA there is a thing that says if government interferes in football business in any country the country is suspended but here in Trinidad and Tobago the opposition here wants to interfere in FIFA business."
He said, "You cannot interfere with FIFA business in your country, people are laughing at us. I could understand some guys have a political agenda, I could understand that but do not make a fool of yourself and this is what is happening here at this moment."
Warner also commended Oliver Camps "very highly" for his decision to resign as TTFF president on Thursday, one day after he was named among 10 Caribbean football officials facing an investigation into bribery allegations.
The minister said Camps did the correct thing.
"I think that Camps did the correct thing and he has to be commended and Camps did what this country has failed to do. Camps understood where the real culprit in this whole thing is, at the level of FIFA in Zurich.
"And while there are guys here who want to play politics Mr Camps was more dignified in his approach and I commend him very highly for that and in the fullness of time everything shall of course be revealed. Mr Camps has to be commended," Warner said.
In his resignation letter Camps described Warner as a "true leader, a true champion, a Caribbean man who was prepared to do whatever was required to keep the Caribbean flag flying with dignity and pride".
"In no way am I disappointed that I was a part of the Caribbean Football Union meeting which met to determine the path to choose a leader for the FIFA. The current situation facing the CFU now has made it very clear to me that our choice in meeting to discuss whether (FIFA President) Sepp Blatter would be the preferred option was the right one," Camps stated in his resignation letter.
However he said his investigation into the matter was ongoing and therefore he did not wish to further comment on the matter until he submits a report to the Prime Minister.
Warner has resogned as FIFA vice-president and president of both the caribbean Football Union (CFU) and the Caribbean North & Central American (CONCACAF) regions. FIFA has closed all investigations of him, stating that his spresumption of innocence remains.
Warner also confirmed to reporters that he and the AG have met. "The Attorney General and I have spoken but I do not think it is prudent for me to say what we discussed."
He added, "I have to laugh at this country for true you know...in FIFA there is a thing that says if government interferes in football business in any country the country is suspended but here in Trinidad and Tobago the opposition here wants to interfere in FIFA business."
He said, "You cannot interfere with FIFA business in your country, people are laughing at us. I could understand some guys have a political agenda, I could understand that but do not make a fool of yourself and this is what is happening here at this moment."
Warner also commended Oliver Camps "very highly" for his decision to resign as TTFF president on Thursday, one day after he was named among 10 Caribbean football officials facing an investigation into bribery allegations.
The minister said Camps did the correct thing.
"I think that Camps did the correct thing and he has to be commended and Camps did what this country has failed to do. Camps understood where the real culprit in this whole thing is, at the level of FIFA in Zurich.
"And while there are guys here who want to play politics Mr Camps was more dignified in his approach and I commend him very highly for that and in the fullness of time everything shall of course be revealed. Mr Camps has to be commended," Warner said.
In his resignation letter Camps described Warner as a "true leader, a true champion, a Caribbean man who was prepared to do whatever was required to keep the Caribbean flag flying with dignity and pride".
"In no way am I disappointed that I was a part of the Caribbean Football Union meeting which met to determine the path to choose a leader for the FIFA. The current situation facing the CFU now has made it very clear to me that our choice in meeting to discuss whether (FIFA President) Sepp Blatter would be the preferred option was the right one," Camps stated in his resignation letter.
Moonilal launches $M project to help poor families get homes
Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal on Friday launched a $300-million Neighbourhood Upgrading Programme (NUP) at the San Fernando Hill, saying the project is for the benefit of thousands of poor families.
The Inter American Development Bank (IDB) is contributing some of the funds for the program, which Moonilal said is designed to assist low-income earners upgrade homes as well as build new ones.
The minister expressed the hope that the investment in the project would stimulate the economy and generate employment, particularly through small and medium enterprises.
The Land Settlement Agency (LSA) would be responsible for the infrastuctural upgrade of several squatter communities and it will also grant land titles to eligible families.
Moonilal expects the LSA to grant at least 8,477 title, which will benefit about 5,360 families
The Inter American Development Bank (IDB) is contributing some of the funds for the program, which Moonilal said is designed to assist low-income earners upgrade homes as well as build new ones.
The minister expressed the hope that the investment in the project would stimulate the economy and generate employment, particularly through small and medium enterprises.
The Land Settlement Agency (LSA) would be responsible for the infrastuctural upgrade of several squatter communities and it will also grant land titles to eligible families.
Moonilal expects the LSA to grant at least 8,477 title, which will benefit about 5,360 families
Moonilal said for the 2011/2012 fiscal year the ministry is hoping to complete several projects.
Among the programs is one through which 600 home improvement grants valued at $20,000 each will be given. He said six model homes costing $200,000 in Trinidad will be built; the ones in Tobago will cost $220,000.
He said there will 61 grants valued at $35,000 or $50,000 will be given to citizens to build new homes and 835 persons should also receive land titles.
Among the programs is one through which 600 home improvement grants valued at $20,000 each will be given. He said six model homes costing $200,000 in Trinidad will be built; the ones in Tobago will cost $220,000.
He said there will 61 grants valued at $35,000 or $50,000 will be given to citizens to build new homes and 835 persons should also receive land titles.
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Jai & Sero
Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai
