No new content on JYOTI

JYOTI will not be adding any new content for the next few days. We are considering a change in our focus for the blog, shifting from daily news to regular commentaries.

You can still keep in touch with daily events in Trinidad & Tobago by clicking on any of the links below that will take you to the main T&T national media. 

And for research and other background, you can still browse the thousands of items in our archives. 

GUARDIAN MEDIA

EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS

NEWSDAY

CNMG

Government Information Service Limited (GISL)

Office of the Prime Minister

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar's FB

You can also buy the book FAR FROM THE MOUNTAIN, which is a series of political notes and commentaries covering T&T politics between 2007 and 2012. It is available at local bookstores in Trinidad and Tobago and online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

It is available in Trinidad at the following book sellers:

1. Ishmael Khan Bookshops
2. RIK Bookshops
3. UWI Bookshop
4. Paper Based (Normandie Hotel)
5. Pop In (Ellerslie Plaza)
6. Tales 'n' Treasures (St. James)

You can read about the book on the PARIA PUBLISHING website and blog and for enquires about FAR FROM THE MOUNTAIN please contact either ALICE BESSON at Paria Publishing or jparasram@hotmail.com.

The contact information for ALICE is: 

pariapublishing@gmail.com or 1(868) 624-4187

FAR FROM THE MOUNTAIN was launched in Trinidad earlier this month and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar received a copy of the book on Nov. 10.

www.pariapublishing.ca

FAR FROM THE MOUNTAIN was officially launched in TORONTO on Wednesday Nov. 27, 2013 at the Trinidad & Tobago Consulate, 185 Sheppard Ave West.

Panday looks at return to UNC frontline (GUARDIAN REPORT)

THE REPORT BELOW HAS BEEN REPRODUCED UNEDITED FROM THE TRINIDAD GUARDIAN ... AN ACHIVAL PICTURE HAS BEEN ADDED:

FROM JYOTI'S ARCHIVES

Armed with a mission to “restore the UNC to its pristine glory,” ousted leader and former prime minister Basdeo Panday may contest a post on the executive in the party’s internal elections next January. “Yes I will, if I can be assured the voting process will not be rigged and will be free, fair and open. The elections are usually rigged,” Panday told the T&T Guardian yesterday. “If I decide to contest the elections, it will be to return the party to its pristine glory,” he added.

He made the disclosure on the TBC Radio Network’s Aakash Vani morning talk show, Panchayat, this week and later to the T&T Guardian. Panday was responding to questions about rumours he planned to contest the post of UNC chairman with a slate supported by Vasant Bharath, Trade and Industry Minister. He did not give a direct answer but only confirmed he would contest the elections if he was sure the process was fair.

There have also been unconfirmed rumours about a possible alliance between Panday and the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) led by Jack Warner. Asked about that, Panday skirted the issue, saying it was not a question of an alliance, since he was advocating for change in the political system. Referring to a system of proportional representation under a reformed Constitution, he said: “There will be no need for a coalition. The ILP will put up their candidates and get their seats and the other parties will do the same.”

Panday’s revelations come in the wake of losses by the UNC in four elections this year, the pullout from the coalition government of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), rifts in the Congress of the People (COP) and the resignation of former UNC chairman Warner, who formed his own rival party. Asked if he foresaw any further breakaways from the People’s Partnership Government, Panday said no “because those who are there do not want to lose any benefits.”

Bharath could not be reached and the T&T Guardian was informed he was out of the country. UNC deputy leader Dr Roodal Moonilal, who is reportedly contesting the position again in the upcoming elections, was asked how he felt about Panday returning to the UNC and to politics and if the party would accept him. “He has not left the political arena. He never left the UNC. So it is not a question of accepting him or not,” he said.

Panday, told that lately he has been seen in discussions with politicians he once had public disagreements with, and asked if he was rallying the old guard to make a political comeback to the UNC’s frontline, also said: “I have never left the political arena.” He has begun an advocacy campaign for constitutional reform and has already invited ILP leader Warner to talks.

He said he planned to invite former UNC attorney general Ramesh Maharaj, who broke away from the party and formed Team Unity, and Trevor Sudama, who also resigned. Former UNC minister John Humphrey is also on Panday’s list as well as COP leader Prakash Ramadhar and MSJ leader David Abdulah. “I am interviewing all without favour, malice or ill will. I am really concerned about constitutional reform,” he said.

During their first meeting recently after almost five years, Warner called on Panday to return to active politics. Warner, in 2008, announced he was on a mission to oust Panday as UNC leader and succeeded in 2010 when he was replaced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Panday said as he never left the political arena, there was no question of coming back. He added: “I had given up on electoral politics but I am still involved in politics, in trying to make a better quality of life for the country.

“I invited Warner (to the constitution reform talks) because he and others are people who are involved in the political system.” Asked his thoughts on the future of the ILP, Panday said a third party could not survive under the two-party political system. He dismissed the Government’s introduction of proportional representation in the local government elections process as just a “device for some other purpose. It was a device to nominate aldermen after the elections.”

ILP interim chairman Robin Montano, asked if the party would accept Panday if he decided to return to active politics, said: “The answer is yes, most certainly. His knowledge and experience as a statesman would be most beneficial to anybody.”

Enough evidence to charge Joan Yuille- Williams: Anand Ramlogan (Express report)

Anand Ramlogan: "...the evidence shows that many of the beneficiaries were directly affiliated and
linked to the former PNM administration in a way that is vulgar, scandalous and outrageous."

This report is reproduced from the EXPRESS NEWSPAPER with minor edits

Anand Ramlogan said on Friday a forensic report into the Community Development Scholarship Fund (2003-2007) contains enough evidence to charge former PNM community development and culture minister Joan Yuille- Williams and the administrators of the Scholarship Fund with misconduct and misbehaviour in public office and conspiracy to defraud.

The Attorney General said his conclusion is based on advice that the government has eceived on the matter. He said Cabinet has agreed to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Commissioner of Police and the Integrity Commission. PriceWaterhouse prepared the report, which Ramlogan laid in the Parliament Friday.

The Fund was established under the Manning PNM government under the management of the Ministry of Community Development.

"Based on the findings of the Forensic Report, counsel has advised that there is sufficient evidence against the minister to warrant charges of misconduct/misbehaviour in public office and for conspiracy to defraud,” Ramlogan said. 

"The People’s Partnership Government must therefore take the necessary steps to ensure that there is some accountability for the wastage of taxpayers funds. The Report will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution for urgent action to be taken against the former minister and the administrators of the CDSP for breaches of the Integrity in Public Life Act and for offences of misbehaviour in public office and conspiracy to defraud,” he added.

The AG added the Cabinet agreed to refer the Report to the Integrity Commission and the Commissioner of Police “for immediate action”. 

The AG said the report found many irregularities in the operation of the Fund and added that it has been recommended that investigations be conducted into what he said were "questionable payments where employees of the ministry collected cheques on behalf of certain recipients”.

Ramlogan added, "Furthermore, there appears to be a breach and/or breaches of the Integrity in Public Life Act with regard to the award of scholarships to relatives of the selections committee. In this regard, a recommendation has been made that a complaint ought to be made to the Integrity Commission,” he said.

The Attorney General outlined certain anomolies which the Forensic Audit found to be contrary to the guidelines set out by the Committee: 

1. 225 persons with no application on file received funding amounting to approximately $11 million ($10.997,552) in aggregate over the review period
2. 1,295 applications on file submitted (68 per cent of the total applications) contained no documentation that provided any evidence of financial need or socio-economic circumstances, such as a Means Test Questionnarie or otherwise
3. 420 of the applicants that provided no evidence of financial need in the applications file received funding amounting to $20.1 million in aggregate over the review period 
4. Here are some of the other findings:
5. The authority for approving awards rested solely with the minister and that no approval for disbursements from Cabinet was required
6. The application process was unstructured, inefficient, did not facilitate timely review and objective and transparent evaluation. Applicant submissions were primarily in the form of typed and handwritten letters to the minister as no standard application form or specific list of required documents existed
7. The processes which led to the award of scholarships were not based on objective, measurable, unambiguous criteria
8. The Community Development Scholarship Programme was not administered in a manner customary for programmes of this nature to ensure that the programme was open to all nationals
9. Ministry employees collected cheques on behalf of recipients/beneficiaries. The Attorney General said ministry employees applied for awards on their own behalf or on behalf of their relatives
10. Although Cabinet by Minute No. 421-2002/03/14 stipulated that recipients be required to enter into agreements with the Government to serve within their respective communities for a designated period of time, this condition for funding was not implemented

Ramlogan said the disbursement of funds had a "distinct political complex and undercurrent. There is clear evidence that taxpayers monies were used in a secretive manner to fund this secret scholarship programme and the evidence shows that many of the beneficiaries were directly affiliated and linked to the former PNM administration in a way that is vulgar, scandalous and outrageous.

“The ulterior political motive was clear. Indeed, some of the recipients of these so-called scholarships are today appointed as aldermen, councillors and some of them even serve in the media," he noted.

• PNM alderman, Laurel Lezama Lee Sing, received some $203,000 during the period 2003 to 2007. She is a former PNM Senator
• Rondell Donawa, Councillor on the San Fernando Corporation, received $111,000 

The Attorney General also said persons received awards who were already in receipt of Government scholarship funds and even non-citizens benefitted from the Fund. He added that there was no monitoring procedure to determine if the recipients completed their course of studies.

"Under this regime any government ministers and public officials who conduct affairs in secret, who attempt to bypass proper procedures, who use their public office for improper personal or political motives and who utilise public funds without any controls or oversight will be held to account,” he said.

Asked for a comment, former prime minister Patrick Manning, who led the government under which the Fund was created and managed, said: “I am in no position to deal with the newspapers at this time”.

PoS South MP, Marlene McDonald, who had succeeded Joan Yuille-Williams as community development minister, dodged the media as they waited to interview her, following Ramlogan’s statement.

Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert also declined comment, saying he was not the subject of the Attorney General’s statement. Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley is out of the country.

In a statement last October, Yuille-Williams denied the Fund was not transparent or discriminatory and stressed it was designed to help the needy.

READ GUARDIAN REPORT:

Integrity to probe PNM’s schol awards AG: Taxpayers $$ used in secretive manner

ALSO READ NEWSDAY REPORT:

PNM’S $60M SLUSH FUND

Special committee on prisons recommends: New remand yard in 18 months (Guardian Report)

The report below has been reprodued unedited from the GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar receives a report on the prisons system from chairman of the special prisons committee Prof Ramesh Deosaran during a news conference at the Tower D, Waterfront, Port-of-Spain, Friday. GUARDIAN PHOTO: MARCUS GONZALES

The Government has been advised to build a new remand facility within 18 months, implement full body scanners at prisons so all who enter would be searched and provide clothing for accused who are on remand. 

These are but some of the recommendations presented to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday at the Noor Hassanali room at Parliament chamber at Tower D of the Waterfront Complex, Port-of-Spain.

The nine-member committee headed by Prof Ramesh Deosaran was mandated by the PM on Monday to look into the conditions at the prisons and submit a report. The special committee was set up after the shooting death of off-duty prisons officer Andy Rogers in Malabar on November 7, which started a chain of events, including a protest from prisons officers and riots amongst the prisoners. The recommendations were part of close to 15 that the T&T Guardian was told had been presented to Persad-Bissessar.

Other recommendations include a commission of enquiry into the criminal justice system. The committee said the system had “collapsed and is running on auto-pilot,” and it was thus critical to probe why it had reached to this stage.

The committee also recommend that the delay in adjudicating matters in the courts be addressed so that prisoners who are on remand would receive preferential treatment over accused who are out on bail. A review of the bail regime both from an administrative and judicial level was also recommended to facilitate this process.

A semi-privatisation of the prisons, specifically as it relates to special diets, was also suggested, since some of the contraband items enter through food brought for prisoners who have special dietary needs or refuse to eat what is provided by the prison. The committee also suggested that the state provide clothing for those on remand, as opposed to wear their own clothing as applies now. It was also recommended that officers be allowed firearms outside of prison and safe housing.

The committee admitted that the recommendations, which were not revealed during the official handing over yesterday, would be limited to budgetary constraints. When asked how the Government would balance the issue of overcrowding with legislation that denies accused bail and remands them for specified periods, Persad-Bissessar said the safety of the nation was paramount. She said a balance must be struck, emphasising that the nation’s safety is of utmost importance.

Concerning the issue of overcrowding in the prison system, Commissioner of Prisons Martin Martinez said that should have been dealt with seven years ago, as reports were done and submitted to the relevant authorities.

Asked what would ensure that there would be action on the latest report submitted, since there were countless others submitted in the past, the PM said this time the report would be going to the Finance and General Purposes Committee, which has not happened before. She added that her Government was taking the issue seriously. Persad-Bissessar said the recommendations could not be implemented overnight, but said she would look into some short tem changes in the interim.

In a brief interview with the Guardian after the handing over, Martinez and Minister of Justice Emmanuel George said the closing of the Carrera Island Prison, which was scheduled for the end of this year, would be pushed to the middle of next year. They were commenting on how the problem of overcrowding would be addressed while one prison is being closed. The men also stated that the Santa Rosa Correctional Facility is a possible option to house prisoners.

Martinez said, “It is under consideration for purchase.” The Santa Rosa facility was built during the 2011 state of emergency.

READ RELATED STORY:

Prisons boss’ stunning claim: 5 percent of service corrupt

National Committee on Reparations being established in T&T

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar centre, with stakeholders preparing to establish the National Committee on Reparations. The meeting was held on Friday at the Parliament Building, Port-of-Spain.
PHOTO COURTESY THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

A National Committee on Reparations is being established in Trinidad and Tobago.

Those responsible for setting up such a Committee met with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Parliament Building on Friday.

Persad-Bissessar expressed delight that such a National Committee was being established. She said the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonzalves, was making a case out within Caricom for such a Committee to be established in all islands.

The third and final meeting on the establishment of the National Committee on Reparations took place on November 22, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Two previous meetings were held on October 8 and 22.

The meeting comprised stakeholders from relevant ministries and organisations across the country who informed on proper procedures and practices that should be considered before the establishment of our National Committee.

At the second meeting, the committee was able to make contact with Dr Hilary Brown, Programme Manager, Culture and Community Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, as well as Ambassador Edwin Carrington who were able to give their suggestions.

The final meeting focused on the Draft Terms of Reference for the National Committee on Reparations. Attention was given to:

1. The legal process of the committee - Reference to the UN General Assembly which adopted Resolution 60/147 Basic Principles and Guidelines on the right to a remedy and Reparation for victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law in March 2006 which called on states to promote respect of its contents
2. Context of the Committee - Each nation that does not have a Committee on Reparation agreed to set one up, sending a representative to the Regional Commission on Reparation which would be seen by Heads of Government. Focus would be on Britain on behalf of the English-speaking Caribbean as well as France for the slavery in Haiti and The Netherlands for Suriname, a former Dutch Colony
3. The Scope- The Committee's work programme would include activities such as public consultations, presentations involving educational institutions and non governmental organisations, media interviews, the showing of films, and maintaining an interactive website including various elements of social media.
4. Objectives- a) detailed brief on the cost of the damages and current manifestations of such damages on indigenous people. b) establish the moral, ethical and legal case for the payment of Reparations. c) engage and partner with national civil society organisations involved in the Reparations Movement d) develop and recommend decisive political action at the national level through parliamentary debates
5. Specific Activities(a) receive submissions and hear testimonies (b) recommend diplomatic initiatives, education and public information required.(c) recommend the appointment of eminent spokespersons and champions for the cause of reparations among artists, attorneys, scholars etc. (d) provide a report of its deliberations and recommendations to relevant Ministers and to the Regional Reparations Commission.

Finally, in order to have a successful and effective National Committee, the following must be done:

1. A series of consultations must take place before the committee is formally constituted
2. The public has to be mobilised and must understand the issue
3. The Committee would require a strong research component

PM Kamla gets her Democracy Award

Reproduced from the PM's FB

Today, (Nov.21) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was presented with the IAPC Democracy Medal. Award winning political consultant Mr. Matthew Alvarez McMillan made the presentation during the Media Christmas Luncheon at the Diplomatic Centre.

The International Association of Political Consultants (IAPC) is a global professional association of Political Consultants that was founded in 1968.The IAPC is committed to fostering democracy and the democratic process throughout the world.

The IAPC presents its Democracy Medal to an individual or organization who has worked courageously to foster, promote and sustain the democratic process anywhere in the world. This year, PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is being recognised for her service to democracy in Trinidad and Tobago.

Description of Democracy Medal: A burnished rendering of the Acropolis is etched in relief on the face of the large bronze medal. The back side contains the engraved name of the recipient and the year it was given. Appropriately, the certificate which accompanies the Medal includes this universally recognized definition of democracy.

Previous recipients of the Democracy Medal include Presidents George H.W. Bush & Bill Clinton as well as anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician Nelson Mandela.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar: “This is a deeply profound moment in the history of our nation. It is a day when our combined dedication to defending and strengthening liberties and freedoms is given global prominence, allowing us the chance to showcase how harmony in diversity can become a reality.”

“I thank the IAPC for this tremendous honour and will use this moment to reinforce my own commitment. As I accept on behalf of all citizens of our nation, I also dedicate this award to the lives and works of our nation’s iconic men and women who, each in their own significant ways, gave us proud democratic traditions and paved the way to true freedom for all of us.”

For more information on the IAPC and recipients of the Democracy Medal visithttp://iapc.org/about/democracy-award

— atDiplomatic Centre, St Ann's.

Prison Hit List (Guardian report)

A variety of cellphones, drugs and weapons which were confiscated by prisons officers during a lockdown at the Maximum Security Prison, Arouca, Monday. Officers also found a hit list, which they believe was compiled by prisoners targeting officers on the outside. (Guardian caption and photo)

Read the GUARDIAN story:

Prison Hit List

Related (from our archives):

Jammers coming to cut off illegal phones in prisons

Prison officers support phone jammers to cut off phone calls from prisoners

1,184 cell phones smuggled into T&T prison cells

Prisons Committee: Solutions by Friday (Express report)

The Special Prisons Committee set up by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar expects to have solutions to the current issues facing the nation’s prisons by Friday...

Read the story in the TRINIDAD EXPRESS

Prisons Committee: Solutions by Friday

ALSO READ:

Action on prison woes by Friday—Deosaran

Griffith: 2,000 drunk drivers charged this year (Newsday reportt)

From NEWSDAY:

TWO-THOUSAND drunk drivers have been charged so far this year. A total of 125 people have died in road traffic accidents and 289 persons have been murdered, the latter statistic being for the first nine months of this year.

Griffith: 2,000 drunk drivers charged this year

By JULIEN NEAVES Wednesday, November 20 2013

ALSO READ EXPRESS REPORT:

Gary touts high-tech solutions to crime

National Security Minister Gary Griffith (Express photo)

ALSO READ GUARDIAN REPORT:

Govt looking to get online crime info

PM Kamla's message for Universal Children's Day

Fellow citizens, I am pleased to join national and international communities in commemorating Universal Children’s Day, celebrated on November 20, 2013. 

The purpose of this most significant day in the United Nations’ Calendar is to make children happy, promote togetherness, acknowledge an understanding of young people’s rights, and show respect for all children. Most importantly, this day was established to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children.

On November 20, 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and, thirty years later, on the same day, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was signed. 

These two very important documents – founded on respect for the dignity and worth of every individual – consist of basic rights such as the right of every child to be nurtured; to be given a requisite for normal development; and to be helped and protected against exploitation. They also detail that fact that all children are entitled to protection and care, regardless of race, colour, gender, language or religion.

Universal Children’s Day is not simply a day to celebrate children for who they are, but to bring awareness of children around the globe who are victims of violence, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. Sadly, we are all aware of the fact that children, in some countries, are used as labourers and are immersed in armed conflicts, child prostitution and pornography.

It is startling and heart-wrenching to know that currently there are about 153 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are forced into child labour. As an international community we must not allow this to continue. 

It is unconscionable that the world’s most vulnerable and innocent citizens can be subjected to these inhumane acts. We must put an end to these evils perpetrated on our children and do our part in making this world a place where children are truly welcomed, loved, and protected; a place in which they can thrive and realize their fullest potential in an environment conducive to creativity, security, and well-being.

I wish to echo the words of former President of South Africa, and living legend, Nelson Mandela, in saying that “Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.”

Therefore, Universal Children’s Day should be used as a day to acknowledge that all our children are important members of society who need security, opportunities to grow to their full potential, and to help make a better and safer world for them.

I wish to state that my government is uncompromising in its quest to provide the requisite care and protection for all our nation’s children. Work on the Children’s Hospital in Couva has started and we expect to complete construction in March 2015. Additionally, more schools are being built and/or refurbished to assist in the quality education of our children and to provide a safe learning environment for them.

I also wish to state that, to date, a total of eighty six (86) children have benefitted from the Children’s Life Fund at a cost of TT$23.3m. Through this fund, children who are in need of overseas specialist medical treatment for any life-threatening illness, and, who meet the established criteria, will be given the chance at life.

These are but some of the things that the government is doing to for the children of our nation and we are committed to doing much more. These important on-going concerns must be critical parts of our National Conversation as we, together, strive to enhance our overall national development.

Let us always keep in mind that children are a source of life, creativity, love, and warmth us and to the world. Every one of us, parents especially, must take the opportunity to spend time with [our] children and to make them feel happy and special.

On this occasion of Universal Children’s Day, as Prime Minister, and as a mother, I encourage you to hold your children close, hug them, tell them how much they are loved, and assure them of your love and protection. Together we can make this world a better place for all of them and assure them of a future filled with hope and positive infinite possibilities.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Ajodha told after $26,000 fine: Walk on the legal road

Guardian report:

Ajodha told after $26,000 fine: Walk on the legal road

Prime Minister appoints Special Prisons Committee

File: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday appointed a special 9-member committee to investigate and address issues raised by prison officers and prisoners. The group, which falls under the Ministry of Justice, holds its first meeting Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair.

She took the action in response to a series of incidents and protests by prisoners at the Golden Grove State Prison.

In a media release the PM stated that she had been personally monitoring the on-going situation at the Prison and expressed her deep concern over recent and continuing developments related to the prison and to the situation in general.

The situation escalated with the murder of off-duty prisons officer, Andy Rogers, on November 6 at Malabar.

The committee consists of the following persons:

1. Professor Ramesh Deosaran - Chairman
2. The Commissioner of Prisons - Mr. Martin Martinez
3. Inspector of Prisons - Mr. Daniel Khan
4. Minister of National Security - Senator the Honourable Gary Griffith
5. Minister of Justice - Senator the Honourable Emmanuel George
6. Ag. Commissioner of Police - Mr. Stephen Williams
7. Attorney at law, Mr. Wayne Sturge
8. A representative of the Prison Population
9. General Secretary of the Prisons Officers' Association - Mr. Gerard Gordon

Persad-Bissessar said she hopes this Committee would bring the crisis at Golden Grove to a speedy resolution.

Persad-Bissessar also noted that she met two months ago with representatives of the Prisons Officers Association to hear their concerns, which included a call for the authorities to give prisons officers firearms while off-duty, and for them to be afforded houses.

The Prime Minister has also been advised that some of the urgent issues presented included concerns about overcrowding in prisons, a lack of available transportation to court, no airing or recreation time for prisoners, and the cancellation of visitation rights of families and friends.

PM Kamla recognises outstanding contributions of journalists to T&T

File: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar in a media scrum

In today’s world, journalists play a pivotal social role, more so than ever before. Their work keeps the world informed at all times. We respect their freedom to ply their trade unhindered.

In today’s world, in many places, journalists are not free to operate. In Trinidad and Tobago, journalists have a right to operate freely. At the same time, they must also be balanced and present both sides of the story.

As the world recognises International Journalists’ Remembrance Day, I take this opportunity to honour a few of Trinidad and Tobago’s distinguished journalists who have made significant contributions to the field.

Each has dedicated himself to preserving and uplifting local culture and history, while simultaneously cultivating a healthy media environment for our burgeoning democracy.

As we celebrate the lives and contributions of outstanding journalists, I would like to highlight the remarkable work of Mr. Keith Smith. After more than four decades of zealous service, Smith passed away in February of 2011. His column in the Trinidad Express Newspaper, ‘The Keith Smith Column’, resulted in Smith being catapulted into a household name.

Smith also served as Editor-at-Large at the Express. So remarkable was the work of this local son, his colleagues compared him to the exemplary British/American journalist Alistair Cooke. Smith was a lifetime resident of Success Village, Laventille and spoke immensely on behalf of the residents, a voice which could not be ignored.

His genuine warmth and wit linger in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate to have read or heard his words.

Another influential figure was that of Clyde “Jimmy” Maynard. Astonishingly, the veteran newsman served in local and regional media for fifty years before he was laid to rest last year.

Among his many successes was the popular current-affairs programme ‘The News Makers’ which ran for numerous years on Radio Guardian, currently known as Inspirational Radio 730. Not only was he the news producer at Radio Guardian, he also worked as director at Radio Antilles in Montserrat. Maynard was also a culture enthusiast who was particularly excited but calypso and steelpan.

He never hesitated to share his knowledge, skills or words of advice with those around him. Most importantly however, his children, Colin and Gillian, remember Maynard as a loving father.

“Cultural Colossus” Louis B. Homer also left an indelible mark in the journalism world. This year, he was recommended for the Hummingbird Medal Gold. Sadly, he passed away days before he could be honoured at the Independence Day National Awards function in August. In many ways, it is impossible to apply one label to Homer.

He was a journalist and historian, a cultural activist and advocate. He played a major role in the struggle to preserve, restore and retain the Naparima Bowl as a heritage site and a home for the arts in southern Trinidad.

He was also involved in the establishment of the San Fernando Museum. He was a prominent member of San Fernando society and, most importantly, a dedicated and affectionate family man.

Today, we also remember the dedicated service of Anthony Milne. Described as one of the best “wordsmiths in local newspaper” by his colleagues, Milne’s passion in writing led him away from the family tradition of studying law and into literature.

He began writing for the Daily Express and was adored for his sense of humor by those who worked with him despite his reserved personality. He is also remembered for his deep appreciation of literature and local arts which is evident in his short stories.

Most recently, the media fraternity said a heartfelt goodbye to Kenny Rudd, a former photographer for the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Rudd began working with the newspaper in 1964 before migrating to the United States in 1985.

As a member of the St. James community, Rudd was deeply involved in cultural celebrations and community development and his passion easily found its way into his photojournalism. Even after migrating, Rudd remained dedicated to Trinidad and Tobago’s culture.

He was instrumental in the development of Miami and Fort Lauderdale Carnivals. Rudd was hailed as innovative and never one to be afraid of challenging the status quo.

These distinguished public figures surpassed the basic journalistic mandate of information dissemination. As such, they are more than deserving of heartfelt recognition from both the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

I would like to acknowledge their exceptional contribution to the development of this country as a democracy and l look forward to the works of our future budding journalists as they follow in the footsteps of these media giants.

Feature: Nov 19 - Celebrating 150th anniversary of the Gettysberg Address

Nov. 19 is the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, one the most famous speeches in American history. In his new book How to Write Short: Word Craft for Fast Times, Roy Peter Clark devotes the chapter “Surprise with brevity” to an examination of Lincoln’s speech.

Of the five known copies of the "Gettysburg Address" in Abraham Lincoln's handwriting (all a little different), this version named after Col. Alexander Bliss has been the most often produced in the 150 years since Lincoln signed and dated it, according to abrahamlincolnonline.org.

Here is the full text:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. 

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

- Abraham Lincoln | Nov. 19, 1863

New security unit from December 1 (Guardian story)

From the TRINIDAD GUARDIAN

The Government’s Rapid Response crime-fighting initiative will be implemented from December 1...51 vehicles will patrol designated areas on a 24-hour basis. The vehicles will be equipped with GPS systems and will be monitored through the ministry’s operation centre to ensure they are where they are supposed to be at any given time. When fully operational, the Rapid Response unit will operate in 15 regions in T&T.

Read the story:

New security unit from December 1

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Crackdown on prison cells coming—Griffith

AG responds to Fixin TnT call for his resignation

From Attorney General Anand Ramlogan

File: AG Anand Ramlogan

The call by 'Fixin TnT' for my resignation is somewhat amusing. The issues raised are currently engaging the attention of the Integrity Commission and the allegations are all malicious and false. I will cooperate fully with this investigation to clear my name.

The Transport Commissioner, Mr Ruben Cato, has already confirmed in writing that the necessary legal requirements were met and that my vehicles were properly and lawfully registered. The fact that the same engine number was recorded on the certified copy for both vehicles was an error on the part of the Licensing Authority.

Both vehicles have since been presented to the licensing authority for inspection and the error (for which I am not responsible), has been rectified. This can be verified by the Transport Commissioner.

Mr Mark Navarro of Navarro's brokerage has also clarified the other issues which were caused by the different instructions which were apparently given by the customs officer regarding the completion of the customs documents by the broker.

In both cases, these are not matters in which I would have been involved and I expect that the facts presented to the Integrity Commission will clear my name. These facts will of course, be verified by the independent records and officers from the office of the Licensing Authority, Customs and Excise Department and Navarro's Brokerage.

I have nothing to fear and view Fixin TnT's call as of a wider political smear campaign and strategy. Fixin TnT is a party group or branch of the PNM. Their full page newspaper advertisements are financed by the PNM. No one knows how or when Mr Waithe was appointed leader of this obscure group that is masquerading as a legitimate voice.

In the interest of transparency I therefore repeat my unanswered questions to Mr Kirk Waithe:
1. Who are the members of Fixin TnT?
2. Who are the members of the Executive of Fixin TnT?
3.Who are the financiers of Fixin TnT?
4.Where is the Constitution for Fixin TnT?
5. Is it really a one-man organisation and you are hiding behind it's name to provide tactical support for the PNM?

Until Mr Waithe provides answers to these questions, I am afraid he'll just have to "wait" for my resignation.

Sunday 17th November, 2013.

PM postpones China visit; Dookeran at CHOGM

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has postponed her visit to China at which she was supposed to formally open the Trinidad and Tobago embassy in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Persad-Bissessar to China when he was in Trinidad on a state visit in June.

The T&T Government is also considering the establishment of a Trinidad and Tobago cultural institute as part of its diplomatic mission in Beijing.

The PM was also scheduled to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka last week. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran and permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Reynold Cooper represented Trinidad and Tobago at that conference.

EXPRESS EDITORIAL: Giving credit to PM where due

Reproduced unedited from the Sunday Express

Heads turned in T&T and the Caribbean when it was announced that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had received the 2013 Democracy Award from the International Association of Political Consultants.

Since the organisation is hardly well known here, and the T&T Prime Minister was not known to be in the running for such international recognition, it has not been clear what to make of it.

It turns out, however, that the 45-year-old association comprises political consulting professionals across the world whose work is directed toward helping in the election campaigns. On this basis, the body upholds democratic practice and the running of free elections. Annually since 1982, it has made awards to a diverse list of leaders found to have “worked courageously to foster, promote and sustain the democratic process”.

Even without the recognition signified in the award, however, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had this year earned T&T credit for exemplary democratic practice. In any fair assessment, she must be seen to have met the international consultants’ criteria by upholding the principle of holding a series of elections as and when legally due.

The Prime Minister and leader of the People’s Partnership and of the United National Congress must have received politically shrewd advice from colleagues and sympathetic observers. Such counsel could have persuaded her that, in the fraught political climate of 2013, two by-elections and the local government elections would be at best only doubtfully winnable.

It often appears to be the natural inclination of those in politics, while bowing to high principle, to take the low road, if necessary, to reach the positions of power and influence they and their supporters crave. Mrs Persad-Bissessar could thus have chosen to find a pretext for postponing the local government elections.

Her doing so would have stirred furious reactions among the wound-up opposition parties. The Prime Minister would have been left to assess as the lesser of two evils: opposition forces animated by the election-denial issue; or the likely consequences of painful losses at the ballot box.

Of course, in delaying local government elections, Mrs Persad-Bissessar could have cited the ample precedent of PNM bad example. Since tiresome resort to “the PNM did it too” has the effect of promoting among the population even more leaden cynicism toward politicians, it is just as well that the Prime Minister declined to walk that road.

That she declined to postpone going to the polls to a more promising time must redound to her standing as one willing to bear the cost of preferring the legitimate option over the politically expedient. Previous T&T prime ministers have not always been so scrupulous about doing the right thing. Mrs Persad-Bissessar’s performance in this regard should not be overlooked, nor left to be acknowledged only abroad.

Commentary: We have the land; Let's build communities

HDC houses in Trinidad

I am no expert on housing but I find it hard to believe that there are no state lands in Trinidad and Tobago for building homes for people.

I trust that the media reported HDC boss Jearlean John accurately when they quoted her as saying that there is little or no state lands available to build homes. 

If that statement is accurate then Jearlean must truly out of touch with reality. All she has to do is take a helicopter ride over the country and she would see thousands of acres waiting to be developed into new communities.

But if she and the HDC are only interested in fighting with Pineapple Smith and continue to have a narrow vision of where to build houses then I would agree we are running out of land.

One of the problems with the HDC - and this is not new or unique to the present administration - is that it has never seen housing development for citizens as building communities. SO it built ghettos instead of developing communities with all the necessary amenities.

If for example, the HDC officials were to leave their offices and go out into the countryside and identify some land for housing and think outside of the box for a change and develop the land you would find that we could get entire new communities all over the country.

Trinidad and Tobago are small islands. People live in Cedros and go to work in San Fernando and Port of Spain. So distance is not a big problem. But what we have to do is stop building ghettos that breed frustration.

Let us be imaginative and take one hundred acres of virgin state lands. We then develop it with a fixed number of housing lots, reserve space for a health centre, a community centre, a small shopping mall, a fire station a police station, a multi-purpose government services centre and other facilities for sport and recreation. 

Forested state lands in Trinidad

After we do that we put a cost to it all and make all this available at cost to anyone who wants to settle in this community. So instead of the inflated land prices people get a chance to buy a plot of land at a reasonable cost. Then provide HDC soft loans and a choice of pre-approved building plans.

If you do this in 10 or 20 parts of the country all of a sudden you would generate employment, create communities and drastically cut the list of people waiting for state handouts. Instead of handing fish to the people, we would teach them how to fish. And we would build real communities with people taking responsibility for the communities.

And thousands of people would be happier because they would see a home within reach.

It's a radical kind of approach but it is not new. When Caroni limited existed it had a similar program and people were able to build homes and communities. Jearlean should take a drive into some of these communities and compare them with what the HDC has done in the past and is doing today. 

She could ask her minister, Roodal Moonilal, who knows about that Caroni program because he was a part of the sugar union that fought for it and made it a reality.

The HDC can continue some of what it is doing. The Land Settlement Agency can also do what it is doing but why can't the HDC consider another approach? 

If people have a chance to build their own homes on land they could afford tens of thousands of them would do it instead of waiting for a house from the HDC. And I would say with certainty that the homes they would get would cost a fraction of the cost of an HDC home. 

Let us start discarding some of the old ways of state thinking and work with innovative people solutions and we would have a better country. All we need is the political will to make some changes.

We have the land. Let's build some communities and stop finding excuses.

Jai Parasram - 16 November 2013

Freedom & Responsibility of the Press... by Phillip Edward Alexander

This commentary below has been reproduced unedited from the blog PLAIN TALK by Phillip Edward Alexander:

In her column this week entitled 'Holding the Line' Sunity Maharaj took to task those whom she saw as having launched an undeserving 'political' attack against Express journalist Asha Javeed and recommended to the soon to be young mother that she retreats into the cocoon of birthing for respite, even as she and the father of her unborn child squares off on opposite sides of mounting allegations of what may well turn out to be one of the most shocking abuses of journalistic power ever to rear its head in T&T. 

It seems in her zeal to close ranks as journalist, woman and mother, Sunity might have overlooked the real drivers or motives behind the described attack and it this I want to address.

According to information already within the public domain, the journalist in question is rumored to have or is suspected to have a material interest in a Company (through her unborn child's father) that is attempting to or has attempted to obtain a multi- million dollar contract from State owned National Quarries, and that she may have used her position as journalist to attempt to force the contract into being signed. 

That she wrote eight hard hitting articles against the same organization over the course of two months while being a party to a Company seeking to do business with the same organization should raise eyebrows if not flags, and, as it would be hard for Sunity to not be aware of these allegations, I find it surprising that not once in her article did she call for any enquiry of any kind (internal or otherwise) at the very least, yet in the same article without so much as a charge much less an investigation she labels public officials as being 'Unfit For public Office' or 'UFO's' (her abbreviation).

What was that, professional bias? Ingrained prejudice?

When you add to this the fact that Express Consulting Editor Lennox Grant had recommended earlier that an enquiry be conducted into the matter when it first broke into the public domain, or that complaints were also made against the same journalist (by a former Mayor no less) for “attempting to use her position as a reporter for personal business,” we find ourselves at a place where the smoke can no longer be ignored. Whatever comes out of this will be determined by others, but we are bound at this point to insist on an enquiry into these allegations if for no other reason than to clear the air.

Where is the Media Association of Trinidad & Tobago in all of this?

Where is the much promised journalistic code of ethics that would prescribe the necessary actions in circumstances such as these?

The Ethics Committee?

And what of the Publishers and Broadcasters Association? Are they not even a little bit concerned?

Halfway through the article takes a sharp turn to the politics and seems to want to link all that is wrong with what passes for politics in this country and it is here that Sunity and I part ways. I have been told so many times that 'the people get the government they deserve' that I understand it to mean that government is a reflection of the electorate that put them into Office. 

We can no more distance ourselves from their actions or behavior as we can from our own and blaming the government of the day excuses us of our responsibility as citizens in a democracy and I will have no part in that. As Aristotle, Benjamin Franklin and Eric Williams all told us, democracy only works when the people do their part, and it is this lack of social responsibility that has allowed every abuse since independence to take place.

Back to the opening point. Sunity, clearly nothing here was political or politically motivated and this smokescreen should not be allowed to wash. What is alleged to have taken place here, if proven true was at the very least a criminal act.

We are beyond the idea of sacred cows now and if I were to give you any advice it would be to not waste your moment in time or squander the respect the people have developed for you sweating for other people's fever. Surely you must be aware that assaults from within do more to harm the media than any external attack could simply because they undermine the integrity of the media and the people's trust.

Trying to spin right out of wrong here could never be an option.

PM's message for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Today, let us all take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury on the roads as we join the international community in observing World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

My heart goes out to those families and friends who have lost loved ones in road fatalities. Coping with such losses is never an easy task and you continue to do so with such quiet strength. Most recently, I was very disheartened to learn of last weekend’s tragedy, the lives of six bright lights were extinguished in less than four hours. May God comfort you as you go through this very difficult period.

I applaud the efforts of persons who have managed to help others cope with their grief despite their own losses. A shining example of such courage is Ms. Desiree Waddel. Ms. Waddel, founder of ‘God’s Chosen Children’, has become an integral source of strength and support to many even as she copes with the tragic loss of her twin girls, Khertima and Khadijah Taylor.

I urge you, like Ms. Waddel urged her daughters, to remain vigilant while travelling along the nation’s roads. Over the last decade, Trinidad and Tobago has recorded over 30 thousand road collisions of varying degrees of severity which translates to one accident every 17 minutes. Over the past ten years, approximately 200 lives have been lost to road fatalities and our young people are becoming increasingly at risk. We must not allow this to continue.

I wish to remind you today of the fragility of human life and our duty to protect it. We must all, drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians alike, practise greater care and awareness. We must eliminate dangerous behaviours which place the lives of many at risk. These include excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while physically exhausted or emotionally distracted. Additionally, avoid activities such as eating, sending text messages and engaging in telephone conversations while driving.

We must always strive to adhere to the nation’s traffic laws and be considerate to others who are also in transit. As motorists, we can all easily employ responsible strategies such as designating a driver and pulling aside into the shoulder lane to make or receive telephone calls. Pedestrians, I implore you to make good use of zebra crossings and walk­overs and to take particular care in places where there are none, particularly at night.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to reducing the number of vehicular accidents on our roads. Along with increased highway patrols and the implementation of random breathalyser tests, our many initiatives include the appointment of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC). The primary mandate of the NRSC is the development of the Road Injury and Prevention Policy for Trinidad and Tobago. It is also the overarching body for coordination with inter­agency and multi­sector stakeholders with a shared goal for reducing traffic related incidents.

However, we cannot do it alone, we need your cooperation.Therefore, I am pleading to each and every one of you to be more cautious on the nation’s roads and comply with the laws of this country. Together we can put an end to these tragedies and protect the lives of our own..

Let us all strive towards making our roads a safer place; they are routes, not final destinations.

The Honourable Kamla Persad­Bissessar,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

AG calls for Gordon to resign as IC chairman (newsday report)

Attoney General Anand Ramlogan yesterday called for Ken Gordon to resign as chairman of the Integrity Commission as he condemed what he said was the attempt by Gordon to “pass the buck” regarding notifying the AG that an investigation has been launched into the registration and licensing of the two Range Rovers.

Read the story:

AG calls for Gordon to resign

Top political story: Anand files lawsuit against Jack

From the SUNDAY EXPRESS

Anand files latest lawsuit against Jack

Attorney General seeks apology for claims by ILP interim leader on campaign trail

By Ria Taitt Political Editor

Eminent domain: rights and responsibilities - the Peter O'Connor commentary

“Eminent Domain” is the “right” of the State to acquire private property for some public purpose. The law of eminent domain is not as harsh as it appears on first glance, because the State must pay the private owners a fair value for the property they are taking.

There are two issues of eminent domain ongoing in public discussion right now. Indeed there are probably dozens of negotiations and acquisitions ongoing all the time, but two have grabbed our attention and have become issues of protest and conflict. 

Most people who are involved in such issues tend to be set in their ways—either pro the projects and the “progress” for which the land is being acquired, or against projects generally, for environmental or emotional reasons. And these two camps tend to be pretty consistent in their behaviour over a range of such projects.

I find myself in the position of supporting one of these projects, and condemning the other. And indeed maybe it should be so, none of us should really hold to positions so steadfastly that the wider good cannot be achieved, or the wider wrong must prevail.

The two projects are the proposed Highway to Point Fortin and the proposed Sporting Complex in Macoya. While the Macoya issue may not really be one of “eminent domain”, in that government already owns the playing field and green space upon which they plan to build the complex and car parks, and therefore do not have to pay or remove the protestors or owners. But the issues of loss of enjoyment, lack of consultation and the like remain.

I support the construction of the Highway, along the planned route, because I believe that it will bring major benefits to the wider communities of Penal, Siparia, Fyzabad, La Brea and Point Fortin and beyond. 

When this highway was announced by Eric Williams in his final Budget Speech in January 1981, I supported its construction, but doubted it would ever begin. Well, some thirty years later it began, and in those thirty years the lives of people in the Southwest Peninsula became progressively worse in terms of traffic and transport issues. 

While several successive governments failed to find the will to begin this important artery to our petroleum communities, they built highways elsewhere, without dispute, acquiring lands in Diego Martin, along the Uriah Butler Highway, the Churchill Roosevelt Highway and in the vicinity of “the Interchange”.

I support the route of the highway because I see no other practical route, and no real options like upgrading the network of rural roads in the Debe area. The other possible routes, as opposed to small road networks, could only be across the Oropouche Swamp or in the sea at Mosquito Creek. 

And I am appalled at the destruction of mangrove along the Creek—this being the preferred route of the HRM. I believe that upon completion the highway would have removed sufficient traffic from the “Creek” to allow it to remain as it is-- a scenic drive along a strip of coast. But it was decided to destroy the mangroves, deprive subsistence crab catchers of income, and apparently aggravate the tidal flooding of the road.

While I sympathize with the people who are objecting, especially those whose homes and farms will be relocated, I maintain that not building the highway will continue to cause more inconvenience to a greater number of persons than building the highway.

So if I feel this way about the highway, how can I speak against the construction of a sports complex in Macoya? How similar are the issues?

The Highway passes through relatively sparsely populated rural areas and communities. It will serve these communities as well as the whole southwest peninsula. Yes it will cause dislocation and inconvenience to some, just as the Diego Martin Highway caused to several, but they will be compensated for their inconvenience. But thousands of people will find their lives improved and I believe that the presence of the highway will open new commercial opportunities to several communities.

The Macoya Complex, while it displaces no homes, is being planned in the only green open space in a relatively high density suburban community. It is a “local” sports complex, not a national one, and the residents do not want it. These is ample space just next door, south of the CR Highway (it should take the place of that National Embarrassment of a proposed Steel Band Centre!) which can and should accommodate development in the area.

We are a stubborn people, who are divided into groups who are either “for everything” regardless of the consequences, or “against everything” regardless of real needs. We have a right and a duty to express these opinions, and I divide mine on these two controversial projects.