Jyoti Communication

Work begins on Debe campus of UWI; PM Kamla pledges to continue to deliver on promises

2012-01-30T15:51:00.001-05:00

(Click on link to watch a video presentation of the proposed Debe campus of UWI)

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said on Monday the South campus of the University of the West Indies in Debe will boost the government’s thrust in education and create new opportunities for people in the vicinity of the 200 acre campus.

She noted that since her Government took office 20 months ago the focus has been on reaching 60 per cent tertiary enrolment. It now stands at 42 per cent.

“We have continued on the path of transformation of our education sector – from nursery to tertiary - recognizing the need for expanding access to meet the growing demand for sound education not only here at home but all over the world,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar was speaking at an event to mark the formal start of construction of the South campus in Debe.

She said over 53,000 students are currently enrolled in both public and private tertiary level institutions, with many of them getting financial assistance from the expanded GATE Programme. There are another 75,000 in vocational and skills training system and the over 200,000 students in primary and secondary schools, she said.

“The steps we build here today and the foundations we lay are just an example of the increasingly crucial role that we see education can play in improving the lives of people everywhere…

“This University Campus will also continue to play a vital role in defining new boundaries. It must seek to offer a vast research base to develop a fresh new workforce, promote goodwill among its alumni and the ability to objectively look at disparate views, and ensure a deep commitment to local communities,” she said.

The Prime Minister stressed that education is the single best tool to grow out of poverty and noted that the campus is just one component of the expanding infrastructure to which her government is committed.

She said the highway from Golconda to Point Fortin is expected to significantly increase opportunities for creating new market spaces in the south-western peninsula.

“With infrastructure such as port facilities, the close proximity to low cost power, and a cluster development with great opportunities for expansion, the possibilities are limitless, this University Campus must respond to the needs of the community,” she said.

“Improving our infrastructure, such as this campus and the highway project are linked and are intended to not only support investment but cohesively stimulate economic growth, build human capacity and continue to develop opportunities for non-energy sector growth.

“It is also our duty to furnish our students with an attractive and diverse range of programmes that meet local demands and international standards. The time has come for us to orchestrate a paradigm shift that will reduce our nation’s dependency at this time of our Independence,” Persad-Bissessar added.

She also spoke about a Technical Cooperation Agreement for Education with the Government of India, which will promote academic activity in Higher Education in the fields of science and technology, information and communication technologies, technical and vocational education and training and “very importantly – research and innovation.”

She said student and faculty exchanges and the development of new programmes will begin as early as September 2012.

Indian public sector officials are soon expected to visit Trinidad & Tobago to work with ministries and institutions in developing and reviewing policies and implementing areas of strategic need.

“Support will also be given to developing links to over 1500 institutional nodes through the Indian National Knowledge Network. Such connectivity will link us to India’s largest educational databases which will strengthen our intellectual base and knowledge capacity, and support the building of our own a local National Knowledge Network.

“I am also advised that some 250 programmes have been made available to the UTT for use freely by the public through the India’s National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NP-TEL).

“Other areas of strategic linkages have been in the areas of renewable energy, petroleum, science, engineering, faculty development, business incubators, laboratory facilities, film and the arts,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She also took note of her critics. “We were chastised when we went to India, to Brazil, when we dedicated this land for the campus, and as it has become the norm of my colleagues in the opposition, they will continue to chastise us in unthinkable ways,” she said.

“Little do they realize the challenges we face today such as in completing projects like our Universities and other Infrastructural works are due to the wanton waste of public funds, from the still unoccupied estates to the extravagant executive offices.

“This Government continues to make do with little - developing infrastructure, building highways, schools and universities, and converting our vision into reality, one project at a time, so that the people of Trinidad and Tobago can have a more prosperous life.

“I say again, this has been our commitment to you and we will continue to deliver on our promise.”

She said in the coming months she plans to unveil the Integrated Campus in Tobago where a number of higher education institutions will co-exist.

Guest column: Reassemble fragments of society - by Ira Mathur

2012-01-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

“Break a vase, and the love that reassembles the fragments is stronger than that love which took its symmetry for granted when it was whole.”
—Derek Walcott

After last week’s column in which I supported the gesture of the PM touching the feet of the Indian president as a symbol of humility and service—values we need to grow every sector in this country, from tourism to finance—I was told in one of the online responses to “go home”, and in another, to “go back to India.”

After more than 17 years of writing a column, it’s easy to read signs of distress. When people lash out, almost 90 per cent of the time it’s because they feel bad about themselves.

I supported the gesture since I felt secure that the Indian President didn’t threaten our sovereignty, and because our society is forgetting what it meant to be human. This is not a subtle point. The daily murder rate, and the shocking number of road fatalities point to this.

The most chilling thought is that the average murderer, whether he bashes a six-year-old child to death, or shoots an 18-year-old dead, or kills innocent people on the road with reckless driving, is sadly, and indelibly a part of the psyche of what makes you and me.

The colonisers stripped us down to our skin. When we were stripped of family, language and country we grew a tough skin. Emptied of empathy we turned brute.

I saw this in Israel/Palestine, during an intifada. I asked soldiers how, after going through the holocaust, could they justify occupying the homeland of the Palistinians. They hugged their gun and said: “Nobody was going to do that to them again.” They kill in the name of the past hurt, unable to get past the memory of the wound.

Our music reflects this rawness and we see it at Carnival. Our soca, chutney is copycat, stunted, devoid of lyricism, simplistic, (often with a “tune” from a nursery rhyme) with poor language and literacy skills.

The aggression is not limited to men toting guns. It’s everyday fare in neglected rural Trinidad, with the highest rates of illiteracy in the country.

I saw this, as I have repeatedly over the years, at a “function” last weekend.

The point of the whole celebratory event is not participatory but a spectator show where the host invites many people to make speeches praising him, and ends up by praising himself.

There were a sprinkling of ministers, glittery religious symbols, and much talk about God, the waiting food and the hungry guests. One minister gave a good speech towards the end.

It’s a pity because by then many people, hungry and bored, had nodded off. He said that God is the same for everyone, but the religion and ritual we use, our world view depends on history, where we were born and how we grew up.

This applies to everything. Our circumstances dictate our behaviour. Before the meal was served the host asked if guests could help assemble the tables “and put the flower arrangements on them.”

(If this doesn’t show lack of socialisation I don’t know what does. You invite people, you make them listen to your greatness for three hours, then you get them to assemble your tables, put on your tablecloths, add a flower arrangement and then sit down. Even a beggar girl, in some remote mountain hilltop in any old country, knows that she needs to serve her guest, to make him or her sit and eat).

As I was leaving I went to thank the host whom I have known for many years—formal and distant relationship—and he said to me: “Gyul, I readin all your articles and tinkin, that bitch real like to travel yes!”

You call a guest who thanks you a bitch. My first reaction was shock. My second was to wish VS Naipaul could have written about this because he would have done it so much better. My third was, I wonder if he was aware, despite all the God talk, of his ancestral culture of India where guests are welcomed, treated like God, where people would rather starve than see someone go away hungry and where one wouldn’t ever dream of insulting someone in your own house.

And finally, I saw for myself just how unsocialised he was. He literally didn’t know better. He was someone his village looked up to. Now the stories of illiteracy, incest, alcoholism made sense. The murders and road deaths throughout the country made sense. The neglect of books, manners, literacy, art, music, a civic sense, curiosity, became a monster with whom we haven’t grappled.

A friend explained with the proverb that “a fish rots from the head down,” meaning when a State fails it is the leadership that is the root cause. We need to start the socialising process, reassemble the fragments in schools, at home, in offices, to create a second skin that is more human, less brute.

Khan promises "harsh action" after ambulance personnel refuse to help woman and dying child

2012-01-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

File

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan is "disgusted" about what he described as "inhumane behaviour" of emergency medical personnel who refused to help a mother and her 21-month-old baby, citing corporate policy.

In a media statement, the minister promised "harsh decisions".

He was reacting to a report that Stacy Simon tried without success to get the technicians to take her and her dying baby to the San Fernando General Hospital. Baby Akeel Simon, who had Down's Syndrome, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

According to reports on the matter Simon's child, who had three holes in his heart and an enlarged liver, contracted high fever last Friday, the day of her scheduled clinic visit at the hospital.

The car in which the Erin woman and her child were travelling broke down and she managed to get another vehicle that became stuck in heavy traffic. She saw an ambulance approaching and asked for help to get her and the child to the hospital.

However the woman said two persons in the ambulance told her it was against policy to help persons like her on the road.

An angry Khan told the Express newspaper: "What foolish policy are they talking about? It is obvious that no human feelings existed in these EMT's. An ambulance is an ambulance, they are supposed to help," he declared.

Dr Anil Gosine, chief executive officer of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), agreed with the minister.

However he stated there is an unwritten policy that restricts what the ambulance personnel can do. he said RHA ambulances could only transport patients from one medical facility to another since they are not equipped to treat emergency cases or provide medical treatment on the side of the road.

"Whenever we have to transport someone, then we equip the ambulance. In this case with the mother and her child it could be that the ambulance did not have a medical person on board and did not have the equipment to deal with the case," he said.

"And if something happens to someone during transport it opens us to litigation. But if we need to now handle those situations then there needs to be a policy change," he said.

Media reports on another incident suggest negligence on the part of ambulance personnel.

The reports, which the Express said were corroborated by people at the San fernando General Hospital, stated that when former Prime Minister Patrick Manning suffered a stroke one week ago it was a Fire Service ambulance that took him to the hospital because the driver of the Emergency Health Service (EHS) ambulance belonging to the Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago (GMRTT) could not find Manning's residence at Sumadh Gardens, Vistabella.

The paper said officers from the Mon Repos Fire Station confirmed that an ambulance arrived at Manning's residence at approximately 9.10 p.m. on Monday, and took him to hospital.

It was not us, ambulance company says

2012-01-30T10:36:00.003-05:00

Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (GMRTT) issued a media release Sunday it which it denied "the recently reported and erroneous reports that its ambulance service address failed and/or refused to render assistance to a young mother whose critically-ill son needed assistance."

The release stated: "GMRTT first learned of this incident through reports in the media and it wishes to express its regret for such an incident having taken place."

The company said of learning of the report it conducted "a complete and aggressive investigation" to determine if GMRTT personnel were involved in any manner whatsoever.

"The investigation included a search of our sophisticated Computer Aided Dispatch system that creates a traceable archive of all activities of all resources in our service. It was conclusively determined that no such incident occurred involving GMRTT," the release said.

It continued, "Based on the gravity of this incident and our determination to comprehensively deal with the allegations, we further researched all activities of all ambulances, as recorded by our Global Position Satellite (GPS) vehicle tracking system; this system allows our investigators to 'play back' all vehicle movements and to retrace vehicle motions on a digital map.

"Additionally, we queried all staff members who may have been in the proximity of this incident while managing other citizen emergencies. Our investigation firmly concludes that the ambulance seen by Miss Simon was not one operated by GMRTT. The ambulance personnel with whom she spoke were not GMRTT Emergency Medical Technicians," the release said.

"GMRTT assures the national community that we have no policy that would inhibit or prevent GMRTT personnel from rendering assistance to any citizen experiencing any medical emergency.

"Such a notion goes against our core organisational mission and the very purpose of our company and our care providers.

"We wish to state that the reports which have alleged that GMRTT was at fault for this incident is totally untrue and we categorically deny any wrongdoing or involvement in the incident. It is quite possible that Miss Simon dealt with another ambulance service provider and not GMRTT.

"We express sincere condolences to Miss Simon and the family of Akeel Simon and wish to assure the national community of the continued commitment of GMRTT to server each and every member of the national community."

Indian diplomat says T&T must revive Hindi

2012-01-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad & Tobago, Malay Mishra, said on Sunday now is the time to revive the Hindi language in the country.

He was speaking at a function to mark World Hindi Day, which is normally observed on January 10. It was postponed because Misra was out of the country, accompanying Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her state visit to India.

Hindi was brought to Trinidad by the ancestors of nearly half of the population of the country. However over the years a lack of interest and a western culture caused it to lose appeal.

The Indian High Commission has been helping re-establish Hindi and offers classes for anyone who wants to learn it.

Noting that India is the ancestral home of many citizens of Trinidad & Tobago, the diplomat noted that it is the language of "your ancestors who came from that land where your grandparents or great grandparents over three or four generations were speaking in Hindi."

He asked, "Why should that not be revived here again ? Why should we not make an effort?"

Mishra said Hindi is not a difficult language to learn. He said if people can learn and understand foreign languages such as Spanish and French, there is no reason why Hindi which, he said, is the language of their culture could not be learnt.

"Please understand that Hindi is not a foreign language for any of you. Hindi is your language. It was an integral part of your culture then and it is an integral part of your culture now.

"Trinidad and Tobago is primarily a diaspora country and the recent State visit of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to India has marked a new chapter in our bilateral relations."

Mishra said people in India connected with PM Persad-Bissessar in a way that they may not have were she the head of state of a country like France, the United Kingdom or the United States.

"It is because of the roots of the Prime Minister that found an instant connect with the Indian media. She just swept the Indian media unlike anybody else has ever done before.

"Wherever she went she has been the darling of the media. Today Trinidad and Tobago and Kamla Persad-Bissessar are household names in India and the simple reason was because of this connect," Misra said.

He said the connection would have been even stronger, especially in Persad-Bissessar's ancestral village, if she had been able to speak to the people in Hindi.

Commentary: So what's wrong with a welfare state?

2012-01-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Some critics of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar are slamming her for "creating a welfare state" with her announcement of water, electricity and transportation subsidies for pensioners and other qualified citizens.

Before we create the impression that "welfare state" is a bad word or something retrograde, let's understand the system.

By definition it is:
"A social system whereby the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, as in matters of health care, education, employment, and social security."

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar hands out keys for state housing

In that context Trinidad & Tobago has always been a welfare state and there is nothing fundamentally wrong with it. Canada is also a welfare state.

What is wrong is when we have a citizenry that becomes so dependent on the state that people refuse to be productive.

Trinidad & Tobago has not gone the route of Canada in developing a full welfare state, although in areas such as education it has surpassed Canada. Successive governments going back to Eric Williams have been making efforts to improve the welfare of citizens.

Kamla and the People's Partnership are moving the process ahead and doing it quicker that their predecessor administrations because of their approach to fiscal management. In other words they are finding ways to make their dollars work harder for more people.

So giving free electricity and water to certain people might ostensibly put an additional financial burden on the state and its taxpayers. But that is not necessarily so.

Kamla operates on the premise that managing the state must be done with the same care and accountability as running a home. You look after everybody and spread the resources to ensure that no one is left out.

By the very definition above Trinidad & Tobago is a well developed welfare state, looking after the healthcare, education, employment and social security of its people.

I would argue that it needs to develop the system even further to provide state-managed employment insurance, state pensions and a financial support system for people who need the help. It must go beyond what NIS now offers. And it needs to fine tune some of what it does to make it more effective.

In health for example, Trinidad & Tobago offers free services, but only at the hospitals and health centres. It means a mother with a sick child might have to wait hours to see a doctor at a public institution or pay a hefty fee at a private clinic to see a doctor. Compare that with Canada where the state regulates the fees that doctors charge and pays doctors directly for service provided to anyone.

If you need a doctor you go the clinic and he or she bills the government for it. Doctors are taxed at source and that generates revenue to help pay for the system. In Trinidad & Tobago you have to pay for every visit and I would wager that there are very few doctors who are honest about their revenues in paying taxes.

Further, Canada has a single tiered system, which means that the state pays for doctors' visits, hospital care, and a host of other health services. It is illegal to have a private hospital unless that hospital operates within the rules of the Canada Health Act and the state pays the bills.

In Trinidad & Tobago many doctors undermine the health care system because they encourage patients to use private facilities - and pay thousands - when the public system is just as good. I have had angioplasty in Toronto without paying one penny; my brother in Trinidad paid TT$100,000 for the same service. In principle it should be free in T&T too, but the two-tiered system allows the double standards and exploitation where doctors malign the public system for their own benefit.

Every system is the world will be exploited by some. However, with proper planning and management the welfare state is affordable and creates a better society in which people are treated fairly and equitably.

It works well within a capitalist system too, so the private sector and the corporations need not fear the term "welfare state". In fact, such a system provides welcome support to everyone, even the rich and famous.

There's no need for anyone to apologise for creating support systems for those who need them. That's what Kamla promised and that's what she is doing. God speed to her and her team!

Jai Parasram - 30 January 2012

Rambachan congratulates UNC Youth Arm for vision, hard work

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Everyday, our great party, the United National Congress continues to grow stronger and stronger.

This is due to the hard work that individuals like Nicholas Morris and members of the Youth Arm of the Party continue to carry out. It is my view that all members of the party should continue to support and encourage the youths as by their hard work they are demonstrating that change comes about through vision and action.

UNC National Youth Arm President Nicholas Morris presents a computer to a family in keeping with its Computer Policy to bridge the digital divide and encourage Human Development.

It is clear that they are complementing the work of the government. The work of the youth group deserves high commendation and gives a lie to the belief that youths are not interested in politics and in service to the nation.

I have noted with admiration that the youths of the UNC are walking districts meeting other youths and inspiring them to join in creating the change.

In the words of Nicholas Morris “My vision for the Youth Arm and all who may seek to join is very simple, the Youth Arm must be the body which brings youth of this nation together despite race, religion and backgrounds to use their respective talents to benefit our nation and the beautiful diverse people who call Trinidad and Tobago home.” With such a lofty and focussed vision Mr Morris and the Youth Arm are bound to succeed.

The Youth Arm as well as seeking to build our nation is also demonstrating that they are committed to building the youths themselves as they prepare to be future leaders within our country and even global community.

For the Year 2012 The UNC YOUTH ARM have hit the ground running and have already launched three major projects:

1. Feeding the homeless - On January 7th members of the National Youth Arm launched a program to feed the Homeless individuals of Chaguanas. They plan to make this a monthly project where they will feed the various homeless people throughout our nation and extend it to geriatric homes and orphanages.

2. They launched in collaboration with the Women ‘s Arm a Walkabout which has seen them in the past month walk areas of Chaguanus, San Fernando, Princes Town , Siparia, Oropuche West and Sangre Grande.

3. In January they launched their Councillor’s Appreciation Project, where the National Youth Arm awarded all UNC Local Government Councillors with tokens of appreciation for their hard work. From this they hope to build a working relationship so they can have a closer link with all communities.

4. Membership Drive – They have recorded over 120 new members for 2012 into the National Youth Arm and Party.

In February they will be starting a Youth Talk show on Radio Jagriti to promote the party's leadership, governance and defend as well as promote their hard work entitled "Voice of the Youth". This will be followed by a Magazine Launch in March also entitled "Voice of the Youth"

In February they will also launch their Legal Clinic at Rienzi where the young lawyers of the youth arm will be offering pro bono work to members of the public.

Their projects launched in the past year of 2011 included:

A Student Outreach Program which saw 60 less fortunate children receive school bags and textbooks for the reopening of school 2011
A Computer Program which was aimed at providing poor families with computers. Since it began on October 11th 2011, they have provided 5 families with computers
Creation of a Culture Policy so as to reach out to the diverse groups which exist in our society, such as for Eid when they visited over 15 Mosques and presented gifts to the Imams while the same was done for Divali
Carried out Constituency Tours which served as Youth Consultations including visits to Laventille and Diego Martin
Distributed over 320 toys to poor children for Christmas

This is indeed an impressive set of achievements worthy of congratulations and commendations. The leadership of Mr Morris and the work of the Youth Arm of the UNC make us the members of the UNC proud of them.

Surujrattan Rambachan | Deputy Political Leader, United National Congress

Guest column: Water For All by Steve Alvarez

2012-01-30T06:50:00.000-05:00

I was pleasantly surprised today (Sunday) to read about the possible light rail system above the Priority Bus Route.

Last week I also read that the Prime Minister was contemplating making the pan yards social centres where youth can showcase their talent and much more.

These are ideas that form part of my overall vision for Trinidad & Tobago and I am pleased to see that the Government of Trinidad & Tobago is addresssing the concerns of our citizens. This is wonderful and it gives me hope that many aspects of the crime plan I forwarded will one day be a reality.

Already the computerization of criminal data and motor vehicle information is on the way and should be accessible in police mobile units. Specially forged number plates, taser guns and electronic speed measuring devices may soon follow.

If the trend continues we can look forward to cable cars instead of expensive and environmentally hazardous tunnels. Soon we may very likely see an evacuation plan for the major cities and an economic plan where a number of different innovation initiatives will replace our dependence on oil and gas.

Steel pan factories, large scale farms with livestock, Tilapia and ground provisions, marketing of Carnival and the development of Chacachacare are all possibilities that will ignite the imagination of our citizens and propel Trinidad & Tobago towards developed nation status. It is with this excitement in mind that I add to my many suggestions the solution to our water distribution system.

Trinidad & Tobago has more than enough water to supply all our industries and citizens with water on a daily basis. The problem is we have not done much to increase the storage facilities at the major reservoirs.

I dealt with that aspect in past articles and I maintain that if we were to increase our storage facilities there will be no need for desalination plants. Our major challenge is distribution. The solution is gravity feed.

Trinidad & Tobago is exceedingly lucky as all or our major cities, towns and villages are surrounded by hills and mountains. On a recent hike to the mountains overlooking the Mount St Benedict Monastery, I realised that a strategically placed water storage facility on that mountain can supply water to the entire communities along the east west corridor.

Water distribution via gravity will necessitate building large tanks and or storage facilities on the higher elevations, pumping water to them and allowing gravity to distribute the water. This is not new to Trinidad as the Laventille tanks, the reservoirs at St Paul Street, the tanks at Mount Hope and Picton were all made to facilitate this process. The problem is that we have not aggressively continued with this type of distribution system.

There are many advantages to this type of distribution when compared to pumps. The disadvantages of pumps distribution are many; among them is unequal pressure with higher pressure closer to the pump, cost of mechanical repairs and maintenance, electricity costs and inappropriate location.

With gravity the pressure is equally distributed and it eliminates the need for monitoring of pumps and the manpower associated with water shedding to ensure that areas further away from the pump and on higher elevation access water.

Gravity water distribution is an efficient ancient way of ensuring water is distributed. The Romans built a number of aqueducts and channels to supply water to Rome.

New York City today, gets ninety five (95%) of its water via gravity. Wikipedia (an online encyclopaedia) states the NYC water system has storage capacity of 550 billion US gallons (2.1×109 m3) and provides over 1.2 billion US gallons (4,500,000 m3) per day of drinking water to more than eight million city residents.

Three separate sub-systems, each consisting of reservoirs and aqueducts, bring water from Upstate New York to the city. Water flows by gravity through three tunnels under the city, where water rises again to the surface under natural pressure through a number of shafts.

Over the next three years WASA should embark on a number of strategically places storage systems on the hills and mountains overlooking our communities and use gravity to distribute our water throughout Trinidad & Tobago.

The Vision I have for Trinidad & Tobago is not mine for political gain it is an inspiration from God to share with all of Trinidad & Tobago. It is my humble prayer that together we can all contribute towards building a better Nation for our citizens and the generations that will one day benefit from our endeavors. May God Bless Our Nation.

Steve Alvarez

Letter: Many more pleasant surprises in store for us

2012-01-30T06:35:00.000-05:00

If we can contain our expectations and be patient and supportive, there will be many more pleasant surprises in store for us as each of us contributes his vision and encouragement to a government that has the best interests of the people at heart.

We must accept that the needs of the society cannot all be fulfilled simultaneously and instantly. It takes time and priorities must be properly established. And even after planning takes place, from concept to realization may take years for accomplishment.

One must congratulate this government for the patience it displays in the teeth of unrelenting criticism born of impatience and determined opposition. Its every measure is condemned in an orchestrated manner and even its supporters are beginning to join in the propaganda against it.

At the recent justified celebrations, the PM took time to list the many accomplishments of her PPG and fortunately the masses are appreciative of her work even though the literati and cognoscenti appear to disapprove staunchly.

Few take the time to offer encouragement, far less intelligent solutions to our problems.

I join with Mr. Alvarez in his supportive stance coupled with his positive solutions wisely offered. The government pays attention but cannot respond magically to every proffering.

Many demand that the PPG abandon blaming the former regime even as the critics ascribe inherited failures to the present government. In the main malice inspires the opposition while impatience informs many supporters. History will judge the PPG with a less prejudiced eye.

MFRahman.

Letter: UNC stronger that ever

2012-01-30T05:55:00.000-05:00

The recent celebrations by the United National Congress at Rienzi Complex demonstrate that the UNC as a political party enjoys the favour of its membership, despite what appears at times to be disenchantment from the very members as to the pace of change and the delivery of goods and services to them.

Further, it is abundantly clear that the Political Leader of the UNC enjoys even greater support than the party.

This is due in large measure to the fact that she challenged and defeated Panday and Ramesh and then within four months won the general elections. In addition, her popularity is also due to the manner in which she has kept the partnership together, despite rumblings from the partners from time to time.

When people voted for the Partnership in 2010, they did so clearly with the expectation that they will not be betrayed and that every effort and sacrifice will be made by the leaders and Members of Parliament to ensure that the experience of 1986 did not happen again.

As such, from now to elections in 2015, the people will deal harshly with any member of Parliament or any one of the constituent organizations in the Partnership who attempts to divide the partnership or affect the unity of the government.

In this sense Mrs Bissessar enjoys very wide public support despite the pockets of disenchantment which currently exists, and which in reality is a function of very high expectations.

It almost seems an anomaly that supporters are prepared to support the partnership even as they complain about delivery and change. This makes the Partnership supporters a very empowered group, since that can also choose at any time to switch allegiance if they can find a competitive alternative party.

Incidentally, it is clear that they do not see this alternative in the PNM. In any event the experience they have had with the PNM sets their minds apart from even thinking of the PNM as an alternative.

The leaders of the partnership, particularly the COP and the MSJ will do well to remember that as far as the population is concerned “Kamla” represents their hopes and aspirations and that they are willing to go the distance with her.

The reasons are many but it includes the feeling that they have that “Kamla” is a caring and compassionate leader as well as one who identifies with their pains, cries with them and laughs with them.

As much as it might be maligned, her toy distribution project at XMAS gives her an affinity to the people that no other leader has had. She is a Prime Minister who has touched more hands than any other PM of TT.

Apart from these attributes her popularity continues to thrive due to projects such as the Children’s Life Fund, the provision of cheques to mosques, temples and churches at Eid, Divali and XMAS as well as the hosting of functions at the Diplomatic Center to celebrate all festivals, including the Chinese New Year.

This has caused the people to see her as one who transcends race and religion and strives for equality , fairness and social equity. In reality she has been able to close the gap between what she promises and what she lives. This has also helped to symbolize her leadership as one with integrity.

Finally, it is obvious that she operates from a platform of trust in that she has been sharing the leadership of the Government and has been using consensus for decision making. While this has seemingly slowed the pace of government, it has also brought about deeper conversations between the parties about governance which will always be for the benefit of the country.

At the last celebrations at Rienzi she made an important point, which is that no government has been put under scrutiny as this one and that the moral expectations and standards of performance for this government is the highest for any government ever.

The people are fully aware of these standards they have set and the moral demands they are making. They are doing so because that want success in all dimensions for the party they put into office and transparency in all that it does.

In pressing for and getting these, they feel part of the governance process and are prepared to defend and protect the Partnership. This is why Rienzi was overflowing on January 24th.

Arjun M. Persad | Lengua Road, Barrackpore.

Private sector to fund $1B light rail POS-Arima project, no public funds needed

2012-01-29T10:13:00.003-05:00

Light rail transport in popular in major cities

Transport Minister Devant Maharaj has told local media the government of Trinidad & Tobago is seeking an investment of $1 billion to build and operate a light transit system from Port of Spain to Arima.

The minister told the Express newspaper state funds will not be used for the proposed project. "Government's only obligation to the enterprise is that of a facilitator," he said.

Diego Martin North-East MP Colm Imbert raised the issue on Friday in the House of Representatives, noting the details of the transit proposal were in a print advertisement in which the Transport Ministry invited expressions of interest for "the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of a light transit system from Port of Spain to Arima to be constructed approximately 4.2 metres above the Bus Route".

Imbert stated that the one month given for submission of proposals is too short for such a complex project and suggested that the ministry might have breached the Central Tenders Board ordinance.

However in an interview with the Express on Saturday Maharaj said Imbert was "fundamentally wrong". He added that the former Works Minister is "accustomed to PNMsquandermania and assumes that all others (would) follow the same level of reckless spending that is the watermark of the PNM".

The paper said Maharaj explained that the expression of interest was for the first phase for securing the particular project and will be followed up by detailed requests for proposals that will carry the entire process "well beyond two months".

"The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is not purchasing any article of work or any service," Maharaj stressed. He also said this is not a tendering process.

"Imbert's reckless, uninformed statement is fundamentally flawed in the interpretation of the nature, extent and purport of the Central Tenders Board Act," he added.

Maharaj said the public, private, partnership model does not put public funds at risk. If the venture fails, it is the commercial entity that fails, he explained.

In addition, he said government would review the fees charged for use the system to prevent exploitation.

The previous government spent US$75 million for a pre-feasibility study done while Imbert was in charge of the ministry of works and transport.

Everything above board on aircraft contract: Report

2012-01-29T09:55:00.002-05:00

The Managing Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Air Support Company Ltd, told the Express newspaper Saturday his arrangement to supply a light surveillance aircraft for three months to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is above board.

Dirk Barnes is a former major in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The Express said Barnes also dismissed suggestions that he, or any of his former associates, had a personal friendship with Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs or Deputy Police Commissioner Jack Ewatski.
"I never limed with (Ewatski). I don't call him like that. I know the man and we met when the project was proposed. We have no personal relationship," the paper quoted barnes as saying.

"I would welcome anyone to audit the process as my actions were above board," he added.

Opposition MP Donna Cox said in Parliament Friday that his contract may be as a result of a personal relationship with Ewatski.

She was speaking on a motion calling on Government to cease its "systematic dismantling" of the national security systems and structures and to implement an effective national security system to secure the country's borders to reduce crime.

Cox spoke of a contract using a Zenith CH 750 Air Scout Aircraft for a three-month evaluation period at a cost of TT$902,772 (US$140,400). Cox said anyone could buy the plane on the Internet and assemble it for just under $US20,000.

The Express said Barnes laughed at Cox's claims.

"It is US$21,000 for the kit or the box of parts containing the plane's fuselage, its tail, its wings and landing gear. There is no engine, no seats no avionics, no nothing, just a box of parts. I would love to see someone fly a box of parts," he said.

"Then there is the engine—$20,000 and then there is the avionics which is $17,000 and this is in US dollars. Now we have to paint the aircraft and that's between US$2,500 and US$4,000."

The paper said Barnes also said that it would take a builder about 1,000 hours to assemble the aircraft at a labour rate of between US$55 and US$90 an hour. "So that's $55,000 total to get the thing built," he said.

The Express said it watched the plane builder make routine checks of the aircraft, including a takeoff using about 80 feet of runway.

It said Barnes explained that the Air Scout Aircraft could fly at a slower speed than small aircraft such as a Cessna, which gives it an advantage in surveillance over a small geographical area.

Ewatski issued a release Friday on the matter. "The light aircraft will be equipped with similar technology as in the helicopters and due to its ability to fly at a very slow speed even compared to traditional fixed wing aircraft may be an alternative to helicopters which are much more costly to maintain," he said.

Kublalsingh explains Point highway situation

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Map shows route of new highway. Click on map to see details in new, larger window

Prime Minister Kamla Persad and her Works Minister, Jack Warner, promised last week to deal with problems that have arisen with respect to the $7.2 billion-dollar from Golconda to Point Fortin.

One of the issues is a lobby led by university lecturer Dr Wayne Kublalsingh. The Highway Reroute Movement held a rally earlier this month to lobby the government to change the route of one section of the highway.

While Persad-Bissessar insisted that the highway project will go on, she also said that she would continue discussions with Kublalsingh to see if there is a way to resolve the problem.

In an Internet posting, Kublalsingh has provided some details of the project.

"The Point Fortin to San Fernando Highway system was broken up by planners into different phase:

Pt Fortin to Mon Desir

Mon Desir to St Mary's Junction

St Mary's Junction through Mosquito Creek to La Romain

La Romain to San Fernando

"There is also a segment from Golconda, end of current highway, to Debe.

"The population in the South West Peninsula do not seem to have strong objections to any of these links. The objection is to a link from Debe swinging back to Mon Desir which runs across the Oropuche Basin across a number of rural communities.

"This proposed section will rest atop a 6-8 foot embankment and run for 9.1 miles.

"The Ministry of Works applied for separate CEC's for each of these links. The Mon Desir to Debe link was granted a certificate in April 2010. This certificate was never challenged, although in many respects it is deeply flawed.

"The statutory time for challenge has elapsed.

"We have been mapping an alternative to the Mon Desir to Debe route, a re-route."

Jack launches campaign to get public support for hanging bill

2012-01-29T08:40:00.002-05:00

Jack Warner is launching a nationwide mass campaign Wednesday to lobby citizens to support a bill to hang convicted killers.

The Chaguanas West MP announced his plans Saturday at his constituency office on Caroni Savannah Road constituency where he celebrated his 69th birthday with constituents. Warner turned 69 on Thursday.

Warner has been consistent in his support for hanging killers. The issue returned to his agenda earlier this month when three fishermen from his constituency were murdered at sea.

He said he will devote the campaign to the memory of the men and call it "A Fisherman’s Cry".

Warner said volunteers would go house-to-house to collect signatures in support of the hanging bill.

He promised that the campaign would be bigger than the movement for change, which he used to effect change in the leadership of the United National Congress (UNC) that led to the defeat of the Manning PNM in the 2010 general election.

He said now is the time for MPs to represent the people and not themselves.

Last week Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that she will bring back a hanging bill to Parliament and seek public support for it.

The bill, which needed a special majority, was defeated last year when the opposition refused to vote for it.

“It is part of the law of Trinidad and Tobago, and therefore the lack of support from the Opposition on the last occasion prevented it from going through and so we will try again because we have to find ways to reduce the crime rate,” she said earlier this month.

And last Tuesday at a rally to celebrate her second anniversary as leader of the UNC she challenged Opposition Leader Keith Rowley to explain why he and his MPs refused to support the legislation while they continue to claim that they support the execution of convicted killers.

She publicly called on Rowley for support. "Let us have your proposals, because we are willing to consider them in the public’s interest. We are committed to implementing the death penalty because it is the law,” she told supporters.

Read ANDRE BAGOO's column in NEWSDAY, which provides an excellent background to the debate

Cabinet returns 4 units to national security: Report

2012-01-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

The Trinidad & Tobago cabinet has reversed its decision to remove four units from the jurisdiction of National Security Minister John Sandy, a report in the Guardian newspaper said on Sunday.

The report also said that Rear Admiral Richard Kelshall has been removed as head of the National Security Operations Centre.

It said cabinet made the changes last Thursday in relation to its earlier decision to place the four units under the direct control of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The units are:

The helicopter Unit
The terrorism squad
The Canine Section
The radar equipment used to monitor drug smuggling along

The Guardian cited unnamed Cabinet sources as saying that Kelshall hade made the recommendation to take away the control of the units from national security.

Kelshall was named head of the National Security Operations Centre replacing Lt Col Ricardo Garcia, who was sent to the National Security Training Academy.

Kelshall gave a media interview earlier this month in which he stated that the National Security Minister was told of the decision to remove the units and it “was made with his concurrence.”

Sandy was out of the country at the time the change was announced and on his return he denied knowledge about the decision to remove the units from his direct control, the Guardian said.

It added that Sandy insisted that he is the only person in a position to speak on issues of National Security.

The Guardian quoted the Prime Minister’s National Security adviser Capt Gary Griffith as confirming the reversal of the earlier decision.

“I have been told that the Cabinet rescinded its decision and returned the four units to National Security. As you would remember, this is in keeping with what I had suggested that the day-to-day running of the National Security Operations Centre should remain with the Minister of National Security.

"But this should not be seen in any way as Rear Admiral Kelshall being fired or anything like it. The fact is that these things are in the embryonic stage and we are trying to put the National Security infrastructure in place and so the only substantive position that Rear Admiral Kelshall was appointed was as the Regional Security director and that position remains."

Guest column: One fit to bow, one unfit to lead

2012-01-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar bows to Indian President Pratibha Patil in Jaipur, India

Reproduced from the SUNDAY GUARDIAN
by Denzil Mohammed

Dr Keith Rowley’s tirade about the Prime Minister’s bowing to Indian President Pratibha Patil was disgraceful, unbecoming and disrespectful—not just to Kamla Persad-Bissessar but to the entire nation.

If his aim is to lead this multicultural country, then all credibility for such a position has just been lost.

The Opposition leader and political leader of the People’s National Movement appeared to disparage an entire ethnic group and an entire religious group to score political mileage and rouse his lacklustre support base.

At a political meeting in an Open Bible church, he is quoted in a newspaper as saying the PM’s bowing to the Indian President was “the ultimate subservient of superiority and inferiority being demonstrated.”

Error number one, and I don’t mean the wrong word choice. It takes not a genius to know bowing in the Hindu context is an act of deference, not a massa vs slave act.

It has been done since the beginning of time the world over. I imagine at the end of a scintillating musical performance, the political leader might twirl, or perhaps wine, since bowing may mean he’s subservient to the audience.

In T&T, in Hindu homes and at Hindu prayers, it is done copiously. In India, it is less of a religious act as a cultural act. The PM was in that country, so she chose, as PM, to follow that tradition.

Rowley said: “I take umbrage at my Prime Minister going to anybody’s country and kissing any office holder’s foot.” Error number two. Until her scandalous biography is published, it has yet to be revealed whether the PM has a foot fetish. Somehow, Rowley felt comfortable enough to change “bowing” to “kissing” feet. He said it more than once.

What would Obama do?

He said: “Nobody sent the Prime Minister abroad to represent her religion or her race. She went abroad to represent all the people of T&T and...she must stand there proud representing the people of T&T.

“...we are a proud nation. When India votes at the United Nations, if we vote differently, we cancel out India’s vote. One billion people against one million people. We are equal in the eyes of the world. Size and power are no longer your station.”

Error number three. As I’ve learned time and time again, to my utter surprise, T&T is not the centre of the world. The world knows us less for one million strong and more for Nicki Minaj. Should our international behaviour be based on a self-righteous, nationalistic stance of one’s arrogance and self-importance?

Rowley goes on: “...now we expect, according to her logic, if (US President Barack) Obama ever goes to Kenya he will bend down and kiss the foot of somebody in Kenya because his grandfather came from Kenya.”

Error number four. No, Obama shouldn’t. He is the single most powerful man, the leader of the free world, the man who just opened his mouth and out popped a Nobel Prize.

Yet the greatest man on the planet bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia at the G-20 meeting in 2009. He also bowed to the Emperor of Japan at his palace. It is not a matter of asserting one’s authority, of declaring one’s importance, of belittling the other. It is a matter of respect in this global village in which we live.

Perhaps, in the cramped Open Bible church, such a vista was not visible.

Them vs other

Rowley claimed that a Times of India newspaper story said Persad-Bissessar “went too far to demonstrate her Indian-ness.” I am still searching for that story.

One imagines that, perhaps, Rowley would give a vigorous handshake to Queen Elizabeth if he were to meet her. Or perhaps his wife would not wear a head scarf on a visit to the Middle East. Hillary Clinton did it. Barbara Walters did it when she interviewed the Syrian president last year. Hell, even a princess did it, the late Princess Diana. But Trinis? One million strong!

Finally, and most damningly, Rowley said: “I am not concerned about her religious persuasion... We are very tolerant.”

Error number five. It is a pointed reference of “them vs the other.” It is a suggestion that one is in the middle and the other is on the outskirts “in this country”.

It is a concession that the ones in the middle, well, endure the others. Rowley apparently played upon a well-entrenched scorn for all things Hindu, with which some people grow up and capitalised on a racist and discriminatory predisposition buttressed by political affiliation that some people have towards Hindus and Indo-Trinidadians.

There are more Indo-Trinidadians than Afro-Trinidadians in this country. There are more Hindus than Anglicans, Pentecostals and Muslims combined.

In other words, there are almost more people who would bow than there are who won’t.

And with all the talk about how far we’ve come and how important we are, apparently we still resort to the basest attacks to assert ourselves. In our “rainbow country,” it makes plain that while one was humble enough to bow, the other is clearly unfit to lead.

The above column by Denzil Mohammed was reproduced, unedited, from the SUNDAY GUARDIAN

Related: Commentary: Rowley should not be offended by Kamla's act of humility and respect

Related: No apology for showing respect for elders: PM Kamla

Letter: Why can't we have fair and objective commentaries on PP performance?

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

(TnT Mirror photo)

As I continue to read the various commentators in all of the newspapers it is becoming abundantly clear that while they may have valid points to make about the performance of the PP Government, they are very short on suggestions for correcting what they criticize, and further seem to be on a path of discrediting all that the government is doing without objective evidence.

For example, the many references to corruption have not been backed by evidence. As well, the references to mismanagement have not been backed by evidence.

It might be true that the PP Government has been slow in some areas of delivery. However, the commentators have not taken into consideration what the PP Government inherited and as such from where it started to govern. This is no excuse of course for the performance of the PP.

However, in the eyes and words of the commentators little appears to have been done by the government which of course is a far cry from the truth.

It is interesting that once the government changes and it is not a PNM government the cries of corruption, discrimination, unfair treatment, lack of transparency rear their heads.

Is it that the commentators feel more secure under a PNM administration and if so why?

Is it that the commentators most of whom are Afro-Trinidadians are of the firm belief that the East Indians should not have a leading role to play in the politics.

In other words they should be Ministers but not Prime Minister. It happened to Kamaluddin Mohammed and Errol Mahabir. They should not have control over the government.

The Afro-Trini commentators must examine with honesty their feelings about this matter. It would appear to me that the East Indian is far more nationalistic that the Afro in that whether in opposition or government they work in the interest of Trinidad and Tobago.

Then there are East Indian commentators like Indira Sagewan Ali whom it seems feels that she must criticize the current government in order to gain credibility amongst the Afro population.

Ms Sagewan Ali over the last two years has not said one good thing about the government and one may be led to conclude that she has some deep resentment that is playing off against her need to be objective as a commentator and as well as an academic.

It is well known that she was screened for a seat and did not get it and in addition refused the position on the Prices Council.

The only objective commentary is coming from Dr Dhanyeshwar Mahabir who has been living the values of his profession in his comments. Michael Harris continues to place himself on some kind of pedestal and adopts a know it all attitude that smacks of condescension towards the government.

It is of course part of the ‘attitudinal culture” of Tapia wherein they believe that they are superior intellectual beings and scoffs with indignity at whom they perceive to be lesser mortals. No doubt they have never found political space. When last has Michael Harris said something that is nationally uplifting. It is easy to find matters to criticize in this country. How about providing viable solutions?

The negativism of the commentators in the newspapers is also encouraged by the media since it sells their papers.

In addition, under the PP, the ability to make deals and benefit without working has been drastically cut. The PP government’s drive for transparency is not going to be easily accepted by the Opposition and those who are accustomed to freeness, cost overruns and having go giver value for money.

They are not going to be happy with new entrants into the construction industry in what was a cartel under the PNM. The emphasis on fairness and wider geographical distribution of goods and services especially to rural communities is not going to find favour with the old elite. The culture change is challenging the old patterns of behaviour.

This PP Government has been under scrutiny from its first day in office. Like the PM said it is being held to higher standards than any other government in the past.

The reason may have to do with much more than issues of governance and may really have to do more with prejudice and which group is perceived as entitled to political power.

Thankfully the PM has governed with a vision that has at its center equality of treatment and equality of opportunity for all no matter the colour of your skin, your ethnicity nor religious persuasion.

Arjun M Persad | Lengua, Barrackpore.

Time to get back to work - the Peter O'Connor column

2012-01-29T07:50:00.002-05:00

Last week I wrote about the poor work ethic from which we all suffer, although we “suffer” this by choice.

I harbour a hope that some of you might have accepted what I had suggested (many thanks to those who wrote or called to say they agreed with me), but I know you will defer until “after carnival”.

Today, I want to stay on this theme, but to direct my comments to the top: to our government.

Prime Minister, Members of Cabinet, it is time to stop flying, stop feteing, and to get back to work. And it is time to stop dwelling on the sins of the PNM, and get moving with your own agendas.

I know the difficulty you face with Rowley barking at every shadow and demanding corrections to the ills he and his cohorts created and exploited and left for you. But you, as Prime Minister and cabinet ministers have work to do, and you cannot waste your time and ours by taking on the likes of Rowley, Hinds and Al Rawi. I told you, Prime Minister, back in September 2010 that “I have your back” in this regard.

I, and others like me, who care for the country and the truth, will not allow that barking to go “unpelted”.

Rowley, Imbert, Manning (yes Manning too- his unfortunate stroke has not cleansed him of his sins against this country) and company must not be allowed to distract you by shouting, condemning and abusing you for every decision you try to implement. Hopefully, the Attorney General’s suit against Rowley will soon put him back in his kennel, muzzled.

But you have work to do, and you are not doing it. Indeed, for all the wrong reasons you are trying to prevent needed work from being done. On the issues of crime, infrastructure, health, public utilities and basic transparency, you are faltering badly. And no amount of overseas trips or anniversary parties are going to stop crime, fix roads or deliver water.

There are too many areas of critical importance which require more attention than your current celebration—to which you are well entitled, by the way!

But the truly important celebration was when you won—nay swept—the national election. And back then, you did not pause to celebrate and posture! You donned rubber boots and headed out into a bleak and flooded countryside, and you won our admiration and respect for that.

But now you seem to have forgotten that mode of governing, becoming absorbed in the trappings of the office. I know that the role of PR people is to wrap their “subjects” in frills and finery, rather than present them as effective achievers. The reason for this is simple: The frills and finery reflect favourably upon the spin doctors, while the true achievers shine in their own light. And that, I might remind you, is the story of the Emperor’s Clothes.

With so much needing correction and direction, I have to pick one topic at a time, and today I am going to deal with the landslips and collapsing bridges, especially in the Blanchisseuse and the Toco- Matelot regions. This therefore brings Jack Warner into the picture, and of course he is a friend of mine—so let me declare that “conflict of interest” from the start.

Prime Minister, you have the right and the authority to remove Jack Warner as Minister, and you are not required to give any reason for this.

You do not have the right however, to put thousands of citizens lives in jeopardy and gross inconvenience while you have someone (an unknown entity or person to date) chase shadows which you and no one else will define.

The condition of the roads “behind God’s back” in Blanchisseuse and Matelot are a threat to life and limb, as well as being a tremendous and hostile inconvenience to already disadvantaged citizens of the country you govern.

Should a bus or maxi carrying school children slip off one of these roads, what will your advisers tell you to say to us about halting the programme meant to conduct the needed repairs?

Stopping the urgently required maintenance projects to investigate alleged prior irregularities is tantamount to preventing people from bailing a sinking boat because there is a question on the purchase of the calabash (for the “sophisticated”—calabash was what we used to bail our pirogues)

It is time to get back to work, Prime Minister, and there is no one, regardless of other issues, more qualified to lead you back to the people’s issues than Jack.

You really do not need that bunch of sycophant advisors sweeping the floor ahead of your footsteps in India, Australia or China. That is for their egos, not for you, nor for our country’s needs.

Photo story: Happy Birthday, Jack

2012-01-29T06:46:00.000-05:00

Jack Warner gets a helping of birthday cake during a celebration Saturday at his constituency office. The Chaguanas West MP turned 69 on January 26, 2012.

"UMBI" celebrates 100th birthday

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Story and photo reproduced from the GUARDIAN:

Maraval centenarian Umbelina De Silva celebrated her milestone with a special communion mass at her Fairways home, yesterday (saturday).

The matriarch of the de Silva clan was showered with love and affection on her 100th birthday. The mass was conducted by retired priest Tom Willemsen. Joining in the celebration were her eight grandchildren, 17 great grand children and three great great grandchildren.

Her son Randolph De Silva (Jr) painted a portrait of his mother, who was always a housewife. She was born to Joaquim and Isabella De Nobriga, in Georgetown, Guyana.

He said ‘Umbi’s’ longevity was due to her hard work, love, dedication to her family and friends. But most of all it was her complete trust in Almighty God. She never smoked but drank alcohol in moderation.

De Silva played the piano beautifully. In her youth, she displayed her First Class certificates for music. She was married to the late Randolph and had four children Harry and Gerald (deceased) and her only daughter Doreen, now lives in Canada.

Ronnie’s job in the film industry took them to Barbados in 1958. He died there in 1994 at the age of 87. They were married for 66 years.

Sandy says crime down; PNM accuses government of buying 'dolly house plane'

2012-01-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

John Sandy assured legislators on Friday that contrary to what the Opposition wants the country to believe, there has been a reduction in serious crime in Trinidad & Tobago.

The National Security Minister was speaking in an Opposition on the "Dismantling of National Security Systems".

Sandy said made the point that many of the previous government's crime initiatives and strategies had failed, adding that the People's National Movement (PNM) does not have the moral authority to debate crime, given their track record in dealing with issue.

He used statistics to back up his claim. He said with respect to homicides, the number of murders so far this year, although high at 34, is still lower than it was in 2011 when 39 people were killed in the same period. He pointed out in 2010 it was even higher at 41, when the Manning PNM administration was in office.

"At the end of that fiscal year 2002, serious crimes stood at 16,610 with a detection rate of 23.5%. By fiscal year 2009, serious crimes had risen to 20,621, with a detection rate of 14.9%. That represents a 24% increase in serious crimes or an 8 percentage point or 36% decrease in the rate of detection," the minister stated.

Sandy said the country never had any benefit from the $50 million blimp.

"There were some guide ropes alongside the blimp and I am watching men running with that. Men running with those guide ropes to get that blimp airborne. About 20 men required to get that blimp airborne. It cannot become airborne in an emergency, and if the weather is bad, well waste of time," he said.

The Minister said between 2004 and 2006, it cost taxpayers $33 million to maintain and repair the airships, and $1.4 million to operate the blimp monthly. At the same time, he said, serious crime continued to escalate from 16,000 in 2004, to 22,000 in 2009.

"Saddled with this piece of equipment and having regard to the cost factor and its limited success, it was felt that we ought to get rid of it. Nobody wanted it. Nobody wanted to buy the blimp. As a consequence, it had to be sold to its original owner. They were the only people who wanted it," he said.

Former Minister in the National Security Ministry Donna Cox, disputed that. And she said having 'gioven away' the blimp for $50,000 the government is now getting a 'dolly house plane' to replace the airship.

Cox told Parliament the government is leasing a Zenith CH 750 Air-Scout for a 12-week period for US140,000 although the cost of the plane is only US$19,480.

"They talk about the blimp being expensive, yet they chose an inappropriate dolly house aeroplane...Just imagine, this plane could have been bought seven times over. Anybody could buy this on the internet. I could buy it and assemble," Cox said.

She also claimed that there was no tendering for the plane and stated that Deputy Police Commissioner Jack Ewatski was involved in the deal, backing up her charges with what she said was private emails.

Cox produces air services deal letter from CoP Gibbs

2012-01-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

The Express newspaper has published a letter referred to in Parliament by MP Donna Cox with respect to an air services pilot project for the police service.

JYOTI has published the letter below, which is reproduced from the Express:

September 27, 2011

Mr Dirk Barnes
Managing Director
Trinidad and Tobago Air Support Company Limited
73 Valle Drive
Orange Grove
TACARIGUA

Dear Mr Barnes,

Re: Letter of Intent

I wish to express my thanks to your company for your interest to supply your unique services to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service as a law enforcement aviation pilot project,

As you are aware, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is in the process of introducing new policing initiatives that will increase interaction and cooperation with the national community with the aim of reducing crime. As part of our 21st Century Policing Initiative we see possible integration of your Sky View Surveillance Support Proposal into our future operations.

The aviation support pilot project by your company appears to be well organized with a high potential of success. In as much, we wish to evaluate the capabilities of this type of aircraft in order to measure the effectives and efficiency of this form of air support. With this in mind I have approved the twelve week pilot project proposal.

I propose that the terms set out below should be incorporated into a contract agreement (the "Contract') namely as follows:

1. Client: The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service "hereafter termed the Police Service", Ministry of National Security of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago "hereafter termed the Ministry'.

2. Contractor: Trinidad and Tobago Air Support Company Ltd.

3. Deliverables: 720 hours use of Zenith CH 750 Air Scout Aircraft over a twelve week evaluation project period. The Contractor will provide check flights with four selected members of the Police Service for a period not exceeding two weeks.

4. Contract Cost: TT$902,772.00 (US$140,400.00)

5. Contract Period: twelve weeks, start date to be defined in the Contract.

6. Contract Engagement: Upon acceptance of this letter of intent, the Contractor agrees to start the delivery process and facilitate availability of aircraft to the Police Service, upon which a Contract would be signed and a purchase order would be issued. The date of the Contract represents the start date of the Project.

7. Conditions Precedent: The client should pay in full the Contract cost (see Sub-Para 4) immediately on the successful completion of the Contract and expiration of the contract period.

8. Contract Evaluation: The Police Service shall evaluate the pilot project and use this evaluation to determine if a further contractual agreement with the Contractor should be negotiated.

9. Additional Points: This letter of intent sets out the major terms of the agreement that the Client is prepared to formally engage. The letter of intent is in no way a legally binding agreement between the Client and the Contractor but serves to formally express the Police Commissioner's approval to engage the Pilot Project with the Contractor.

You are requested to reply in writing indicating your acceptance of the terms in this letter and I thank you for collaborating with us.

Regards

Dr Dwayne Gibbs
Commissioner of Police(the letter published in the Express did not have a signature)

EWATSKI'S RESPONSE VIA NEWS RELEASE

“The TTPS has entered into an agreement to lease a light aircraft to evaluate the capability of this unique type of fixed-wing aircraft in support of our law enforcement aviation programme which has been in place since April 2011.

“Our air-support unit has been using helicopters from the former SAUTT to support our ground operations. This unit has been instrumental in assisting in the arrest of numerous people.

“The light aircraft will be equipped with similar technology as in the helicopters and due to its ability to fly at a very slow speed even compared to traditional fixed wing aircraft may be an alternative to helicopters which are much more costly to maintain.”

Manning's condition continues to improve; best wishes pouring in from international sources

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

An online PNM site reported Friday that former Prime Minister Patrick Manning is continuing to improve daily. "Mr. Manning sat up, spoke, read the newspapers and is in good spirits," the online posting said.

The chairman of the South West Regional Health Suthority (SWRHA) Dr. Lackram Bodoe confirmed that Manning is in stable condition and is recovering well.

"His condition remains stable and he has improved from the time of his admission. I had the benefit of seeing him at admission three days ago and I can say from my visit today (Friday) that he has shown considerable improvement," Bodoe told reporters.

Bodoe spoke with the media after Manning's friend, Dr Ralph Gonzalves, visited Manning at the San Fernando General Hospital.

The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines arrived in Trinidad Friday morning and went directly to the hospital to see his friend an 'brother'. Bodoe, PNM stalwart, Ms. Joan Yuille Williams, and former Sports Minister, Mr. Gary Hunte met Gonzalves at the hospital.

PM Gonzalves shed a tear for his friend, Patrick Manning

Commenting on his visit, Gonzalves said: "Oh his eyes lit up and he smiled. I wouldn't tell you what we spoke about briefly but the bond is there and there's a lot of joy and he will get better."

He added, "You know I love him. He's my friend since university. We played pan together, did a lot of things together. We worked well in Government, I've remained his friend through all the ups and downs of politics. He's my brother."

The PNM reported Friday that best wishes have been pouring in from other regional Prime Ministers.

The online posting added, "Internationally, we have received well wishes from many countries including the Office of the President of the United States and Foreign Missions for China and Cuba.

"Mr. Manning and his family would like to thank everyone for their words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers."

Guyana launches 'Festival of Colours' to boost tourism

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

The government of Guyana has launched a new initiative to boost tourism by about 20 per cent.

Click this link to read more about the Holi Festival in Guyana

It's sponsoring a special package themed "Festival of Colours" from March 2 - 9, 2012 to coincide with the annual Holi/Phagwah festival, which was brought to the country in the 19th century by Indian indentured labourers.

The aim of the project is to get Guyanese living abroad to come home for the week and rediscover 'home'. It's the first of a series of tourism packages aimed at the Guyanese Diaspora.

Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali told local media, “We are targeting overseas based Guyanese directly, to come home to rediscover and enjoy the cultural activities in their home." He added that "there will be a package available for the week-long activities."

The partners in the project include the government, Trinidad & Tobago's national airline, Caribbean Airlines and local hotels. Toegther they will offer a package that includes airfare and hotel accommodation.

Ali said the packaging of activities around the rich Guyanese culture would help boost the country’s tourism industry.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh, said they targeted March because of the lull in visitors during that period, which coincides with the week-long Indian festivity.

“An activity of this nature will aid the tourism sector’s objective or surpassing the tourist arrival figure for 2011,” he suggested.

Panday renews call for constitutional reform, elected executive president

2012-01-28T07:25:00.000-05:00

Basdeo Panday told an audience at the the University of West Indies Thursday there is an urgent need for constitutional reform in Trinidad & Toabgo. And he also said there is a need for officers of the United National Congress (UNC) to be removed from the governing process.

Panday spoke at the second in the four-part series; "Conversations with Prime Ministers" at the Daaga Hall auditorium of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.

"The process by which we approach to reform the constitution is the key to successful constitutional reform," the former Prime Minister said.

"We cannot begin by engaging a group of lawyers to sit down around a table to produce a draft in legal language which is then put before the ordinary people for comment.

"The constitution must be so designed to solve the problems of the society and promote its growth and the happiness of our people, then the exercise in constitutional reform must begin with identifying the problems that the people face from day to day," Panday explained.

Panday also reiterated his preference for an executive president to be elected on the basis of one person, one vote and suggested that there be a single elected chamber in the national Parliament.

Such a system, he said would give representation to a wider cross section of the population, which in turn would deepen and expand democracy.

"Such an expanded Parliament will also enable the establishment of several powerful house committees that can monitor more closely the activities of the government as in the United States where they act as checks and balances on the actions of the government. The present system does not permit this, that is and has been, a serious failing in the present constitution," said Panday.

He also said the present government should speak less and act more.

Panday also spoke about the internal election of the UNC, which he led until he was defeated two years ago by Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Panday is supporting a team called Generation next in the party's internal election on march 24.

He said the UNC needs to be "extricated from the Government" to allow for greater accountability.

"What they (Generation next) want to do is separate the Government from the party so that the party will be in a position to tell the Government what is right and what is wrong." Panday stated.

"How can you do that now when the general secretary of the party is employed in the office of the Prime Minister? Panday asked. He said no government ministers except the prime minister should be an officer of the party.

"At the present moment most of the ministers are also members of the executive of the party...(so) the party cannot have an independent view and be at arms width so they could speak to the government.The party cannot speak for the government because the government is the party," said Panday.

Commentary: Rowley must start leading instead of just being a rabble rouser

2012-01-28T07:19:00.000-05:00

"rural |ˈroŏrəl| adjective - in, relating to, or characteristic of the countryside rather than the town: remote rural areas."

Keith Rowley in friendly territory at a PNM convention

Keith Rowley continues to amaze me. For a politician who has been around as long as Rowley you would expect that he would put his experience in government and opposition to good use and come up with creative, winning plans to get his party back in government some day.

However, it seems every time the Opposition Leader makes an "important pronouncement" he either confuses the issue further or makes no sense.

His latest idea of dismantling the Ministry of the People and Social Development, which Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar created on assuming office, is a good example of going in the wrong direction.

Rowley promised supporters this week that if the People’s National Movement (PNM) forms the next government of Trinidad and Tobago he would establish a Ministry of Rural Development. (He also said he is confident the party will win the next election. I have to disappoint Dr Rowley, but under his leadership and with his style that is not going to happen!)

The Opposition Leader told a rural gathering of PNM supporters this week that "logistically" rural communities are always left behind.

“In order to ensure that rural communities are not left behind as we progress as a nation there will be in the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago a Minister of Rural Development whose responsibility will be to co-ordinate what the nation has to offer to ensure that rural communities get their fair share and they get it in a timely manner,” he told the gathering. “We will have no Ministry of the People,” he declared.

Well first of all, under the present government the Cabinet makes sure that it coordinates what the nation has and it makes sure through all its ministries and agencies that rural communities get their fair share and they get it in a timely manner. Tell us something that we don't know, Dr. Rowley.

And also ask yourself first why rural communities are "logistically" left behind, as you claim. That is PNM logic and PNM policy.

Times have changed since the PNM left office. The philosophical thrust of the current People's Partnership government is to focus on rural neglect and other areas of underdevelopment. In fact Kamla and her team have been making every effort to reach into rural Trinidad & Tobago to deliver services with the same urgency as in the towns and cities. It's called NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

Development is taking place at a pace that Rowley and the PNM cannot comprehend. And all of it within or below cost. The Kamla government is exploring new areas and going where no government has ever gone before.

For the PNM, rural Trinidad & Tobago has always been the place to go to mamaguy people for votes every five years and then disappear until the next election.

If I understand Rowley right he is suggesting that the poor, dispossessed and destitute only live in rural area so he would create a Rural Development Ministry just to look after their needs. Every ministry in the government is responsible for the welfare of the entire nation - for schools, utilities, roads, amenities.

But in the PNM playbook, rural equals non-traditional PNM constituencies so rural always equalled "neglect". This government - that is the Kamla led government - has dismantled that idea and its whole development thrust includes the rural communities. No one is left behind!

I have heard the PNM complain that the government is only developing UNC and COP areas, which adds credence to the point I am making.

A new road with proper box drains in Papourie Road, Barrackpore became an issue of "biased development" for the PNM. When PM 1 went there, it was the first time a prime minister of T&T had gone so far south. The truth is that the PNM had shamefully neglected ALL the rural areas, which is why Rowley can say unashamedly that "logistically rural communities are always left behind".

Works and Infrastructure, Local Government, Public Utilities, Finance, Trade and Investment, National Security, Education, Tertiary Education, Agriculture, People Ministry, Gender and Youth affairs and the others are all focusing on DEVELOPMENT across the country, regardless of rural or urban classification; for the curent government of Trinidad & Tobago development means a holistic approach to nation building.

It has discarded the PNM style of building white elephants to show off to the world in favour of educating itself on the needs of the people and then developing programmes and projects to help where help is most needed.

You see, for Kamla, hunger and poverty are not reserved for rural communities. Which community in Trinidad & Tobago has been more neglected (by the PNM) than Laventille and its environs? And they certainly don't fit the definition of rural.

The structure of government, even under the PNM, was designed for developing the whole country. However under Patrick Manning and Keith Rowley development meant doing favours for friends and supporters.

Patrick Manning created whole communities of unemployed when in one spiteful political decision he closed an industry that had sustained the nation and kept a community of nearly a quarter million alive and vibrant. And to compound the spite he refused to give the former sugar workers their entitlements and allowed the billion-dollar assets of the company to be plundered.

He had hoped to destroy the base of the opposition but underestimated the resilience of the people. And Rowley is making the same mistake, based on his personal bias and the discriminatory behaviour of his party.

Unless the PNM remakes itself as a truly national party that recognises and accepts the diversity of Trinidad & Tobago and develops a genuine development plan for the entire nation regardless of where people live, it will remain in the political wilderness for the next 40 years. The party is a relic of rum and roti politics of the past and Rowley is not making it any better.

It is time for Rowley to start leading instead of being just a rabble rouser. (Rabble-rouser - noun : a person who speaks with the intention of inflaming the emotions of a crowd of people, typically for political reasons.)

Jai Parasram | 27 January 2012

Kamla thanks UNC for making party 'stronger than ever"

2012-01-28T07:15:00.000-05:00

"To the tens of thousands of people who gathered to celebrate the 2nd anniversary in the important change of leadership in the party and nation, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

"The theme, "Stronger than Ever", was well demonstrated through the high level of organisation and outpouring of support as we once again united across all boundaries for the good of the country.

"The event rekindled hope and belief in the vision which so many overwhelmingly voted for just a few years ago. It was also an opportunity for all of us to reflect and recommit to the enduring values that will lead this beloved nation of ours towards the realisation of a better quality of life for everyone. Thank You!"

The Honourable Mrs Kamla Persad Bissessar

Political Leader, United National Congress;
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Regional governments must address LIAT's problems - Guest column by Sir Ronald Sanders

2012-01-28T06:55:00.000-05:00

The column below by Sir Ronald Sanders has been reproduced from the online site, CARIBBEAN 360:

The three main shareholder governments in LIAT – the airline that is vital to movement of tourists and local alike in the Caribbean – are scheduled to meet on January 31 to consider options for the airline which lost US$14.8 million last year.

If LIAT collapses, travel within the region will be severely affected. This will result in a loss of revenues to governments in myriad ways including the hefty landing fees LIAT pays. It will also affect hotels, taxis, retail outlets and restaurants. Business people and persons travelling for social purposes will also be affected.

Those who argue that the Trinidad and Tobago government owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and the low-fare airline, REDjet, will be able to take up the slack, underestimate just how much of a workhorse LIAT is, and the extent of the service that it provides including to uneconomic routes, even though it has now shed some of them.

While George Nicholas, the Chairman of CAL, announced late last year that CAL “would gradually cover the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries with several flights a day”, that is yet to happen and indeed may never happen with the scheduled frequency of LIAT’s present flights.

The principal reason for LIAT’s poor financial performance is the age of its fleet of planes, many of which it is leasing; the high cost of their maintenance because of their age; and the down-time and delays the airline endures because of break-downs.

If new airplanes can be brought into the operation, there could be considerable cost reduction, decreasing significantly, if not eliminating, the airline’s operational losses, and allowing LIAT to continue providing a crucial service to the region.

While the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Vincent & the Grenadines are LIAT’s main shareholders, with Barbados being the largest of them, eight other governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are also shareholders owning 1.11 % of the shares.

As shareholders, however small, and as members of CARICOM to which regional transportation is highly important both for the movement of goods and people, and the strengthening of the spirit of “community”, these governments too should be concerned about LIAT’s prospects.

In these circumstances it is difficult to understand why CARICOM governments have not together addressed the difficulties of LIAT, in the context of regional transportation in an attempt to resolve them.

Regional airline experts have long suggested that a structured co-operative relationship between LIAT and CAL would be beneficial to both airlines which could share the costs of a number of common activities, and with LIAT acting as a feeder for CAL’s long-haul flights from several Caribbean ports. This still appears to be a sensible option.

As far as is publicly known, there has not been an attempt by the Boards of CAL and LIAT to try to forge a working relationship in the last 2 years largely because of an indifferent posture by CAL, nor has there been an effort by CARICOM governments to talk through the issue based on technical studies of which there are many.

Instead, the region is witnessing an increasing expansion of CAL’s flights into territories traditionally serviced by LIAT. CAL is doing so with the significant unfair advantage of fuel subsidised by the Trinidad and Tobago government and new aircraft with far less maintenance costs.

While CAL’s subsidised flights will hurt LIAT if the latter airline cannot reduce its operational costs, CAL will not be able to service LIAT’s present routes fully in the future and may even, for financial reasons, abandon some of them especially if, as the CAL Chairman has said, CAL decides to give up the huge fuel subsidy it now receives from the Trinidad and Tobago government that makes up much, if not almost all, of CAL’s declared profits.

Recently, there has been a suggestion that two of LIAT’s existing small shareholder governments – St Lucia and Dominica – might again become larger shareholder in the airline.

Were they to do so, they would each have to find US$1.8 million, difficult to do in the present circumstances of their economies. Even if they were to do so, it would not overcome the difficulties that confront LIAT and would not contribute to its longer-term stability, though it would demonstrate both commitment to, and confidence in, the airline.

One possibility, which LIAT might consider, is the formation of a new company by interested Caribbean governments to purchase appropriate new aircraft from Brazil, Canada or France and leasing these new planes to LIAT.

The new government-owned company would be able to acquire aircraft at concessionary prices, and, in turn, lease the aircraft to LIAT. LIAT would then retire its leases on its oldest aircraft.

Overall these measures would reduce LIAT’s maintenance costs significantly and shorten the down time of its aircraft and its flight delays. It would be beneficial if other governments join the St Lucia and Dominica governments in establishing the new Caribbean company to negotiate and purchase the new planes that LIAT would lease.

Caribbean governments have collectively spent US$45 million subsidising flights by carriers into the region. None of it was spent on LIAT. Additionally Caribbean governments have collectively expended a great deal of time and money trying to get the British government to reduce the Air Passenger Duty applied to flights into the Caribbean. Yet none of this money and effort is spent on solving a distinct Caribbean transportation problem.

The ideal approach to addressing the LIAT issue would be a full CARICOM Heads of Government meeting that includes the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Importantly, it should not be a meeting in which the government of Trinidad and Tobago would be expected to shell-out money for LIAT.

It should be aimed at requiring a co-operative and structured relationship between CAL and LIAT, and an end to CAL’s fuel subsidy on the routes with which it competes unfairly with LIAT.

The prospect of a collapsed LIAT is not good for tourism, business or community of the Caribbean people. It is time for regional action

Feature: T&T Consul General in Florida offers support for ailing national

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

L to R Seeta Boochoon, Dr Anil Ramnanan, Consul General , Meera Ramsook and Rajesh Ramsook

Dr. Anil Ramnanan & patient Seenath Polo Ramdeen

Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Anil Ramnanan, is keeping a check on Seenath Polo Ramdeen of San Fernando, Trinidad, who is a patient at the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Ramdeen sustained a fractured neck in November 2011, which resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. Ramdeen was injured in an air boating accident on the Oropouche River.

Doctors in Trinidad were able to keep Ramdeen stabilized. However, his condition was too severe so they advised that the he would receive better care in Miami, at the Ryder Trauma Center

Ramdeen arrived in Miami on 3 January, 2012 and was in immediate contact with Ramnanan.

Ramnanan has visited Ramdeen in hospital and offered continuous support to to both the patients and his family, who have accompanied Ramdeen to Miami.

Ramnanan has said that his responsibility is to continually seek the interest of nationals. He extends his charity to non-nationals as well.

Last Christmas Ramnanan travelled to Palm Beach County to distribute Christmas presents to sick children at the Palms West Hospital as part of his efforts in connecting with the wider community.

The day Rowley Bowed - (from NEWSDAY)

2012-01-27T21:42:00.000-05:00

The day Rowley bowed
By NALINEE SEELAL Friday, January 27 2012 (reproduced from NEWSDAY)

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s gesture of bowing and touching the feet of India’s President Pratibha Devisingh during a recent 14-day State visit to India, has generated much discussion in local society.

Leading the loudest howl of condemnation for the act, which is a common gesture of respect and humility in the Hindu religion, of which Persad-Bissessar is a follower, is Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Dr Keith Rowley.

At a PNM public meeting days after the Prime Minister returned home, Rowley castigated Persad-Bissessar by saying, “I am a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and I take umbrage at my Prime Minister going to anybody’s country and ‘kissing’ any office-holder’s foot! Nobody sent the Prime Minister abroad to represent her religion or her race.”

Persad-Bissessar countered by saying she had nothing to apologise for as her gesture was one of showing respect to her elder as is the norm in the Hindu religion and that if Rowley is serious in his aspiration to become Prime Minister, he ought to show respect to all races and religions.

However, this photo, taken at a mosque at Victoria Village in San Fernando during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations last year, Dr Rowley himself is seen bowing during prayers as is the norm in Islam. No one, not the Prime Minister nor any other person, castigated Rowley — who is not a Muslim follower — for bowing during that Eid celebration.

Manning doing well; family praises dedication of medical team

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

Patrick Manning is sitting up, eating solids and speaking.

That's the latest update on the condition of the former Prime Minister and MP for San Fernando East, who is recovering at the San Fernando General Hospital from a stoke he suffered on Monday evening.

Doctors moved Manning out of the Intensive care Unit Wednesday.

Manning's wife, Hazel, and his sister, Dr Petronella Manning-Alleyne, gave reporters at update.

Dr Manning-Alleyne said, "He sat up on his own, he spoke, he asked to go home. The doctors had to convince him he should not go home and he asked them to give him a sense of what was happening to him and his development."

She added that his doctors explain that his condition is improving and that if he continues to recover along that line "he should be up and ready to walk, talk and do what he normally does" in three to six months.

She also said he advised her brother to take care of himself before worrying about national issues.

Mrs Manning told the media it has a difficult time for the family. And she thanked everyone who have called and expressed concern and support, including President Max Richards, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, other government leaders and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.

The former Education Minister also praised Dr Kanta Ramcharan and the medical team that has been looking after Manning. She said the doctors had been visiting him almost every hour. She singled out one nurse who stayed on the job for 16 hours to ensure her husband was okay.

In a related development, Manning long time friend Ralph Gonzalves arrives in Trinidad Friday to visit Manning.

The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines has been friends with Manning since their university days in Jamaica.

"All I want him to do is see my eyes and I see his," Gonzalves told the Guardian newspaper. He added, “We keep in touch all the time. He is my real brother. We go way back. I want him to come up and spend some time with me.”

Gonzalves said he wants to give some moral support to Manning’s wife, Hazel, and his sons.

Grenada's Prime Minister Tillman Thomas told the paper the people of Grenada are praying for Manning.

PM, ministers to meet to fix problems with Point highway project

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar with Works Minister Jack Warner and Oropouche East MP Roodal Moonilal

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has summoned a meeting of the members of parliament whose constituencies are in the route of the $7.2 billion highway from Golconda to Point Fortin.

The meeting is to discuss controversies that have developed since the highway construction began in the last quarter of last year.

“The meeting is to discuss the concerns that have been raised and to surmount the challenges that we have,” Persad-Bissessar said. “We need to give consideration to the people’s concerns.

“Of course there will be challenges every time we have a major construction project. If we don’t push it and micro-manage it, it will take forever and we really have no intention (of stalling) because we will not be here forever.”

The Prime Minister said the government must address all the challenges. “We need to get the planning and implementation done with respect to the highway,” she said. “There are some challenges so we need to strategise how best to get the job done.”

Works and Infrastructure Warner promised to look into some of the complaints. One issue is the demand from people in a residential area known as Siberian Drive who want $2 million each for their homes.

There is also an anti-highway mobilisation movement led by University of the West Indies lecturer, Dr Wayne Kublalsingh. And sub-contractors have said they are not being paid by the main contractor.

Both the Prime Minister and Warner have promised to resolve all the problems. Persad-Bissessar said the highway must continue because of the immense benefits it will bring.

She promised to continue discussions with Kublalsingh. In the meantime, she said, construction would continue in areas where there are no issues with the route of the highway.

Persad-Bissessar also announced that on Monday contractors will begin clearing the 200 acre site for the Debe campus of the University of the West Indies. She said the project will have great benefits and convert Debe into a bustling town.

Fast ferry T&T/Eastern caribbean service coming in 2012

2012-01-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

A private Barbados-based company is interested in investing US$20 million to develop a fast ferry service linking Trinidad & Tobago with the Eastern Caribbean.

Transport Devant Maharaj said Thursday cabinet has selected Fast Caribbean Limited for the service, which has been endorsed buy Caricom governments.

Maharaj told reporters at the post cabinet news conference five companies first indicated their interest in providing the service.

However only two of them, Ostal and Fast Caribbean Limited, responded to the Request for Proposals in December 2011.

He said Fast Caribbean Limited was recommended following an evaluation of the proposals for the service, which is expected to begin will begin this year.

"Cabinet has approved that a negotiation team begin discussions with Fast Caribbean Limited with a view of implementing this fast ferry service throughout the Eastern Caribbean from Trinidad and Tobago," he said.

"The team is to comprised of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, the CEO of TITT, Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Nyree Alfonso, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and a representative of the Ministry of the Attorney General," he added.

The fast ferry will first serve Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Barbados and operate from its base in Port of Spain.

"Fast Caribbean Limited will charter from owners Montrose Global and INCAT a 112 metre wave-piercing catamaran similar to those operating the Trinidad and Tobago route.

"Their strategic partner will be Bay Ferries which also operates in Trinidad with the inter-island ferry. The service will cater for both foot passengers, vehicles of all types, and cargo," the minister said. He added that the company plans to allow Trinidad & Tobago citizens buy shares in the company.

Communication Minister Suruj Rambachan said the service will encourage intra island travel and open up opportunities for domestic and intra regional tourism, including student exchanges. He said the service may include a new type of tourism with families travelling on the ferry and taking their vehicles along.

Trade Minister Stephen Cadiz told reporters it would also provide trade opportunities between Trinidad & Tobago and the region. He noted that many shipping lines do not serve the smaller islands so the service could provide an opportunity for transhipment of cargo from the islands through T&T.

T&T respects media freedom, has never boycotted media: Rambachan

2012-01-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

File: Excerpt from a speech on Jan. 25, 2010 at the inauguration of Kamla Persad-Bissessar as Political Leader of the United National Congress (UNC)

Communications Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan on Thursday defended the Trinidad & Tobago government on the issue of media freedom, noting that the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration respects the right to freedom of the media and has always made that clear.

As recently as Tuesday at the celebration of the United National Congress (UNC) marking the second anniversary of Perasd-Bissessar's election as leader of the party, the Prime Minister mentioned press freedom as part of her overall vision for Trinidad & Tobago.

She said: "And remember always that we in the UNC have a clear vision of what our country must be …

"It is a vision where the media must be free to report and probe as a fourth estate of governance, to be the guardians of democracy to generate debate and discussion on matters of national interest on which citizens can act…".

Rambachan told reporters at the post cabinet media briefing that the People's Partnership government is under more intense media scrutiny than any past administration. He said the government has never interfered with the rights of reporters.

He was responding to a question from a reporter concerning the 2011-12 report of the journalism watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, which downgraded Trinidad & Tobago on the press freedom index.

The summary of its report stated: "There was a surprise of a different kind in Trinidad and Tobago (50th, down 20 places) as a result of a scandal involving spying on journalists, as well as moves to boycott radio and television stations and procedural abuses."

It did not provide any specific details on the allegations of boycott of radio and TV stations or explain what it meant by procedural abuses.

Rambachan said he would prefer to read the full report before commenting on the conclusions. However he stated that it is important for objectivity in this matter. He stated that the government has never boycotted any radio or television station, so he was at a loss to understand why the report arrived at that conclusion.

The issue of the "trinidadgate", which was not raised at the media briefing, had to do with the spying scandal on journalists by the previous administration, which the Prime Minister exposed in Parliament.

Reporters Without Borders acknowledged that the current government has taken action in the matter.

It's trinidadgate report stated:

"Journalists whose communications have been illegally monitored include Dale Enoch of Radio I 95 FM,Sasha Mohammed of TV6, Shelly Dass of CNC TV, Francis Joseph and Ken Ali of Newsday,Camini Marajh of the Trinidad Express daily and Inshan Ishmael of IBN TV.

“The present government has taken real measures to strictly curtail the use of such practices and put them under judicial supervision,” Reporters Without Borders said.

It suggested that "an investigation – if necessary, by a special parliamentary commission – must be carried out in order to shed light on this incredible misuse of the intelligence services and, in particular, to determine the degree to which the information gathered may have hurt journalists and their sources.”

The Trinidad & Tobago government has already taken action to deal with the problem and the Prime Minister has restated her pledge to protect the rights of journalists and media in the country.

In December 2010 one news executive suggested that the government's hiring of journalists to work in the state information services was a form of attack on media freedom.

Dominic Kalipersad stated: "I note the State agencies that are luring staff from TV6. If this is an attempt to weaken TV6 because of our strength, I want to say TV6 will always remain strong. Is this the type of press freedom that the Prime Minister is talking about?"

Persad-Bissessar responded by stating that must not be seen as a press freedom issue.

"Indeed it's the exercise of rights, constitutional rights to seek a job where you feel you can perform and where you have obtained a job. It's freedom of movement and freedom to be employed, I don't see it as an attack on press freedom if one person leaves a job to take up another, I really don't see it that way," she told the Trinidad Express.

T&T cabinet approves development of Corporate Social Responsibility plan

2012-01-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

Trinidad & Tobago is developing a National Corporate Social Responsibility Policy.

Trade Minister Stephen Cadiz made the announcement to reporters Thursday at the post cabinet news briefing. Cadiz said the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is putting $2 million into the project; Government will contribute $140,000.

Cadiz said internationally-based companies have sought to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their business models to boost competitiveness and incorporate sustainability into their core operations.

He said CSR is premised on the idea of businesses committing to give back to society and utilising CSR to attract foreign investment. He said development of such a project will cause international businesses to look at Trinidad and Tobago in a different light.

"For international businesses, when they see that you have an established CSR policy, they look at you in a different light,"Cadiz said.

"So we are actually raising the profile of Trinidad and Tobago business to meet international standards. When we were in India recently, many of the companies we spoke to, which are the large corporations in India, they asked about this, what is your position on Corporate Social Responsibility."

The minister said UNDP will provide consultants and also be responsible for managing the project. The CSR office will be at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Kamla's vision for T&T

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Verbatim - Tuesday 24 Jan. 2012 - Rienzi Complex, Couva:

Our party is bigger than any individual; YOU demonstrated two years ago that you understood that and you made the correct judgment in changing your leadership.

Two months from today you will face the same challenge – to choose wisely so that OUR PARTY WILL REMAIN STRONG, UNITED AND IN GOVERNMENT … TO CONTINUE TO SERVE YOU.

Ask questions and demand answers.

And remember always that we in the UNC have a clear vision of what our country must be … it must be that proverbial village that nurtures and raises every child…

It is a vision that extends beyond the home and into the community…

It is a vision where we give more than we receive.

The greatest charity is to be each other’s keeper, to stand together to help one another.

My vision is one that sees our people celebrating that which brings us together, not what sets us apart … a vision of a new society that we fashion with discipline and where we open our doors to one another and welcome the best human values.

It is a vision of a new society with respect for each other and the preservation of human dignity…

It is a vision of a country where the poorest have the same opportunity as the most affluent, where we treat the differently abled with respect, where we care for the elderly with dignity for their contribution through their toil be it in field and factory or anywhere else …

It is the vision of a society where every family has a home, where no one goes hungry, where the entire community raises every child as its own, where every woman and every child and every elderly person is respected, where everyone who wants a job can acquire one, where people are rewarded and acknowledged in accordance with their respective contributions…

My vision for our nation is one where our government is guided by the highest moral values and ethics, where government is accountable to the people …

It is a vision where the media must be free to report and probe as a fourth estate of governance, to be the guardians of democracy to generate debate and discussion on matters of national interest on which citizens can act…

It is a vision of continuing service to you the people …

As a mother and grandmother I know the value of love and compassion … and as I leave you tonight, I pledge to embrace everyone in unity, so that we will live as one family, under God, enjoying and sharing the bounty of our land.

We must never again engage in divisiveness …we must always celebrate our diversity and our rich heritage.

Let us live together, dream dreams together and build a nation of equals where each of us would be free and free from fear.

This is my vision for you in the UNC and our country. And I promise you I will not fail you.

And so I ask you once more to put God in front and let us walk behind … and let us live the way the Almighty meant it to be – one family, dedicated to our mother Trinidad and Tobago.

Activist in PM's constituency dies in traffic accident

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Community activist Khairoon Rahamut was crushed to death Thursday by a water truck.

Media reports said Rahamut, who was a close friend of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, died when the truck rolled over her head as she was returning home from the Prime Minister's constituency office in Siparia.

Rahamut was one of the founders of the Siparia Women’s Arm. The Prime Minister is deeply saddened by Rahamut's death and is in deep mourning.

“I have lost a dear friend and a sister. I will miss her dearly. She was my friend for over 25 years...when I was nobody,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“This is so sad, I was just talking to my son about her. She was my friend, my sister for over 25 years. Her entire family has been a source of strength to me and not just at the political level but a real friend to me,” she added.

Investigators say Rahamut, who suffered from Cardiac disease, collapsed while crossing the road in front of the truck at Penal Junction. The reports say she was unable to get up before the truck rolled over her.

Staff at Persad-Bissessar's office closed shop for the day on learning of Rahamut's death.

Senator Danny Maharaj described the deceased woman as one of the longest-standing members of the constituency office, who was devoted to community work.

Maternity leave to be extended to 14 weeks: McLeod

2012-01-27T05:55:00.000-05:00

Government will soon increase maternity leave by one week, giving news 14 weeks of paid leave.

Labour Minister Errol McLeod told reporters the legislation on that will go before Parliament in a week. He also said the government is looking into five days of paternity leave.

“It’s all a work in progress. I look forward to bringing to Parliament one of these days, provisions that would encourage the males in our society,” McLeod added.

The extension of the maternity leave is a promise made in the election manifesto. it requires an amendment to the National Insurance legislation.

The minister said the cost of the additional week will depend on the wage or salary of the respective person accessing the benefit. He said Government held consultations with all stakeholder partners, who have agreed with the measure.

No glass bottles for Carnival in POS

2012-01-27T00:12:00.000-05:00

Leave glass bottles at home or in the trunk of your car: Lee Sing

The mayor of Port of Spain is warning that people who carry drinks in glass bottles during the Carnival celebrations would face a fine of $1,000 and risk being thrown in jail for three months.

Louis Lee Sing said he has held discussions with key stakeholders in the glass bottle beverage industry and they have decided that they will not sell beverages in glass containers in Port of Spain on both Carnival days.

"What we are doing is a worldwide approach to crowd control," Lee Sing told the Express newspaper.

"Where you have large crowds gathered, you never sell drinks in glass bottles. When you go to international football games, and what have you, you could drink as much as you want but you are getting it in a plastic cup," he added.

Lee Sing said individuals entering the city for Carnival should treat it as a big cooler fete and refrain from bringing any glass bottles.

"If the person comes into the city with a trunk-full of drinks and they keep it in their trunk we have no quarrel with that. But if they open the trunk and distribute the bottles in a band, that is what we have a problem with because those very bottles could end up being instruments of death and destruction and injury.

"A lot of people use the Savannah as a picnic ground during the Carnival. They come with their drinks in their trunk. If they have glass bottles in their trunk and they open it in their trunk and pour the drink into a plastic cup and distribute it to a friend in a passing band, I have absolutely no problem with that. But you cannot serve drinks on the road in glass bottles."

Lee Sing it was a broken bottle which was used during the only killing during last year's carnival.

Volunteer program for youth in the works

2012-01-27T00:03:00.002-05:00

Government is collaborating with groups in civil society to establish a National Youth Volunteerism Program to encourage young people to be more caring and less individualistic.

Gender Affairs, Youth and Child Development Minister Verna St Rose-Greaves disclosed this at Thursday's post cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.

The minister said the program would have a significant and positive impact on young people, while encouraging them to participate in national development and national decision-making.

There will be no financial benefit for participants, she noted. St Rose-Greaves explained that the program would involve students from primary, secondary, tertiary institutions and youth camps.

Photo gallery: India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

India celebrated its 63rd Republic Day Thursday with a grand parade in the capital, New Delhi, displaying the country's military might and rich cultural diversity amid unity.

Republic Day commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of the country.

This year’s parade highlighted the nation’s achievements in various fields, the military prowess, scintillating display of air power as also country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Click for a specially arranged rendition of India's National Anthem

Story and pictures from Bellevision.com

Manning out of intensive care; recovery will be slow

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan consults with Manning's medical team

Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning is out of the intensive care unit and is in stable condition.

Family members and healthcare officials say they are confident Manning will leave hospital soon. However Health Minister Dr. Fuad Khan is not so sure. He told reporters Wednesday the recovery may take some time.

Manning has been moved to a High Dependency Ward at the San Fernando General Hospital.

Khan, who visited Manning briefly, said he had advised the Chairman of the SWRHA, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, to restrict visitors to ensure that Manning got the critical care he needed in the first 24 hours of suffering a stroke.

“He has gone through a lot. What is happening is he is able to at least smile,” Khan said.

Khan said Manning’s brain suffered an assault because of the stroke. However he confirmed that the CT scan showed no major areas of concern for doctors. “It is now resolving, based on the medication he is getting, so the swelling is decreasing and the pressure is under control,” the minister told reporters.

“You will find the neurons will start to function at this time, so you will get success as we go on slowly,” he explained.

Manning's medical team includes Dr Kanta Ramcharan, neurologist and specialist consultant in internal medicine; Dr Neil Bhagwandass, specialist in internal medicine who was on call when Manning went to the emergency department; and Dr Parvind Ramoutar, a cardiologist and internal medicine consultant.

Khan said strict visitors’ access remains in effect, with only close relatives being allowed at his bedside. This is to “allow the patient to recover, rest and allow the injections and treatment to kick in,” he explained.

Khan said he expects about 80 per cent recovery in the next three to four months. “He has started to swallow, which is an extremely good sign," he said.

The minister gave the assurance that Manning will be getting the best possible care at the hospital. “Whatever Mr Manning wants, Dr Bodoe and the SWRHA will be giving to him,” he said.

The hospital has put strict security measures in place to ensure protection of the former prime minister. An official at Manning's San Fernando East constituency office appealed to visitors to respect the wishes of the doctors.

Don't visit my father to score cheap political points: Brian Manning

2012-01-26T08:55:00.000-05:00

Brian Manning said Wednesday some politicians are trying to see his ailining father to score "cheap political points".

The son of former prime minister Patrick Manning made the comments at a media briefing at his father’s office on Coffee Street, San Fernando.

Manning was highly critical of politicans who “maligned” his father during his political career yet come to see his “demise” to run to the media to make statements. “Some politicans playing games,” he said.

One of Manning's arch-rivals, former prime minister Basdeo Panday visited Manning at the San Fernando General Hospital Tuesday with his politicians daughter, Mickela, who wished "uncle Manning" a speedy recovery. Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma has also visited Manning.

Manning said former minister of Commmunity Development Joan Yuille-Williams is the only authorised person to speak on the family’s behalf. He promised daily updates on his father’s condition.

The younger Manning also praised Health Minister Dr Faud Khan who visited the former PM at the High Dependency Ward.

“I would like to publicly thank him for everything he has done to make my father’s stay there as comfortable as possible and the family’s stay as comfortable as possible,” he said. “Dr Faud Khan, you are doing an excellent job.”

Manning stated that his father is doing “extremely well,” excplaining that he has regained some mobility on his right side and is speaking some words.

He condemned the "media circus" that has been created since his father fell ill and was taken to hospital Monday night. “It becomes extremely challenging and I think we can all understand that everyone has a right to privacy, even our public figures and not just privacy, a right to some peace and quiet," he said.

PM Kamla keeping in touch with Hazel Manning; asks nation to pray for former PM

2012-01-26T08:50:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will not visit Patrick Manning at the San Fernando General Hospital because he respects the instructions given by doctors attending to San Fernando East MP Patrick Manning, where Manning is recovering from a stroke. Visits are restricted to Manning's immediate family.

Persad-Bissessar said she will keep in contact with Manning's wife, Hazel. "I spoke with Mrs Manning and she has been advised by his doctors that visitors are restricted to immediate family. He needs to rest to ensure a speedy recovery," she said.

Persad-Bissessar called on the nation to continue praying for Manning's recovery and promised her Government would assist in any way possible. "I have instructed my Health Minister to visit Mr Manning and assist in whatever way possible. But we will be guided by his family," she told reporters.

A bulletin issued by Manning's San Fernando East Constituency office at 7.18 p.m. yesterday stated that Manning's condition had improved. "Mr Manning's medical team has reported that he is doing well, recuperating nicely, receiving physiotherapy and is in a stable condition. Visitation is still restricted to his immediate family and security has been heightened.

"Mr Manning and his family would like to thank everyone for their words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers. We believe in a true and living God who is never changing and by his stripes we are healed. We claim immaculate healing and divine protection over the Honourable Patrick Manning at this time," the release added.

PM and ministers meet to discuss challenges affecting south highway project

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met in Debe Wednesday night key ministers involved in the construction of the highway from Golconda to Point Fortin to discuss out several challenges facing the $7.5 billion project.

The meeting at the Oropouche East constituency office of Dr Roodal Moonilal involved Moonilal, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jack Warner, Minister in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Stacy Roopnarine, Minister of Local Government Chandresh Sharma and Minister of Food Production Vasant Bharath.

"We need to get on with the planning and implementation of this project, but we also have to respect the residents' opinions. We are meeting with the key ministers involved to plan a way forward," she told reporters.

Warner said among residents have complained about the level of vibration from the construction work being done on the site.

"Some residents complained about the vibration and asked to be relocated. They are giving the price and value of their home, so we have to discuss this and ensure that everyone is happy," he said.

Warner met residents earlier this month to address their concerns. He assured them that money is available to complete the project and promised them that they would get land and money, including compensation for their inconvenience of being relocated.

PM renews pledge of service, says recall legislation coming

2012-01-26T06:51:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar renewed her pledge of service to her party and the country Tuesday night at a rally at the Rienzi Complex to mark the second anniversary of her leadership of the Ubnited National Congress (UNC).

JYOTI has published an excerpt from Persad-Bissessar's speech in which she also promised greater democracy within her party and said legislation to recall MPs and to establish term limited that she promised in the election campaign will soon be a reality.

The speech is taken from the PM's Facebook.

Edited exceprts:

The all embracing philosophy of our party, the United National Congress, has facilitated a living, breathing inclusive movement that has redefined politics that now governs this country," she said.

My heart is filled with pride and gratitude. As Prime Minister it is You who have led me to this point. It is You who continue to inspire me. It is You who tell me when we go wrong or cheer me on when we do what is right. And I will never, never lose touch with You. Vox Populii Vox Dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God," she added.

Our party is an open and democratic one; we can talk and argue and solve problems; no one man or woman dictates to us. The days of maximum leadership are over. You made that change happen in one swoop in 2010.

You removed a dictatorial government which had no regard for anyone but themselves and their close friends … and, you changed the leadership of our party so that we became electable and could begin the campaign of redeeming Trinidad and Tobago.

So let not your hearts be troubled. OUR PARTY IS IN GOOD HANDS. And so is our government!

We are making progress because we listen before we act. And we create programs to help everyone, particularly those at the bottom of the economic and social ladder.

None of this would have been possible without you, our dedicated and loyal members of the UNC.

You gave me a mandate and I have been keeping my promises to you. Building unity and healing deep wounds is a daily and a continuous process that doesn’t happen with the speed that some of us want to see.

It is sometimes a tedious process; it requires dedication and commitment.

But more than all, it requires a determination to listen, and to compromise so that we gradually change opinions, slowly erode old barriers and quietly build new structures.

That’s what we set out to do two years ago when you handed me the mandate to lead our party.

That is the pledge we made to you. That is our promise to you.

When I asked you two years ago to give me an opportunity to serve you as the leader of our great party I told you that I would give you a government that would be people centred, that I would have as a principal plank of our development, POVERTY ERADICATION, and that I would make our country safer.

One hungry child is too many; one homeless family is one too many; one unemployed person is unacceptable and one murder will always be one too many.

So, my sisters and brothers, trust me when I tell you it is a work in progress…

We know there is still much work to be done and we will not be deterred, we will not shirk our responsibility to you; we will continue to put our shoulder to the wheel for there is always room for improvement.

Yes we have made quantum leaps.

We are moving forward and with your continued support and your continued faith and help, we shall overcome all the hurdles.

We shall overcome; We will continue to RISE and become the great nation we can be.

Our party will remain one that will stand up for the poor and dispossessed; we will never let anyone trample your rights.

We are an all inclusive party.

The BIG TENT OF THE UNC has room for all of us; for in our father’s house there are many mansions.

So I urge you to open your arms and embrace ALL who want to be a part of our political family.

There are no outsiders in the UNC; there are no Johnny-come-lately’s; there are no “THEM” and “US” in our party.

And hear me clearly, my sisters and brothers.. THIS IS OUR PARTY; WE CHOOSE OUR LEADERS THROUGH DEMOCRACTIC MEANS. WE DID THAT TWO YEARS AGO AND WE WILL DO IT AGAIN ON MARCH 24.

The United National Congress belongs to YOU; no leader owns this party … and under my watch I assure you that YOU will remain in charge of our party.

YOU own this party, not the leader or any member of NATEX – our national executive.

And our membership includes everyone who shares our values of justice, equality and freedom.

There is no need for anyone to feel left out.

We represent the diversity of country as no other party does...We are building a better party and a better nation...

Today I represent not only those of us who are members of our party; I represent every citizen of Trinidad & Tobago – including those who live outside of our shores.

And the nation we are building is for all of us and for generations to come.

That is the commitment I made to you when I asked you to support me and give me the honour to lead our party.

I want you to recall what I told you then …

"I am your servant. I accept the assignment you now place in my hands. And I pledge that I will never let you down."

That’s what I told you on January 24, 2010. And tonight I renew that pledge to you.

And I call on everyone again to unite as one family – because that is what we are, one family – and let us continue the crucial task of making our party the strongest that it can be.

It’s a long road ahead but with your trust and your belief in our party we will rise and overcome all the obstacles.

The flame that you kindled two years ago has provided light and guidance to our nation when it was at its darkest hour.

Today the Rising sun is shining brightly again...and you must take credit for that because you were determined to dispense with the past and work together to build a fairer, more prosperous Trinidad and Tobago where all of us can live in harmony.

No matter what our backgrounds, this is our home. We are one nation with one destiny.

Not one member of our party, not one citizen will be left behind. Together we will continue to rise – every man, woman and child. But we will do it the right way.

The colour of your skin, the texture of your hair and the ways in which you worship will not matter; what will matter is the content of your character and your determination to live and work together, to celebrate our diversity and be equal participants in our free and democratic society.

So tonight I make a pledge to you that will bring you even closer to the party leadership.

We are doing all we can to serve every member of our party equally and fairly and we are prepared to do more.

So here is my pledge to you.

As your leader, I promise that I will ask our National Executive to set up as part of the party’s governance an office of an OMBUSDSMAN.

That office would be staffed to receive your complaints about any matter relating to the party, its officers or its representatives.

And the office will investigate those complaints and report back to the executive.

I PROMISE YOU THAT WE WILL ACT TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CORRECT WHATEVER IS WRONG.

At the national level we will go one step further.

We promised you in the election campaign two years ago that we would introduce legislation in the Parliament to give you the right to recall your representative.

I want to report to you tonight that that legislation is coming to Parliament in this session.

If your representative is not working you would have the right to demand that she or he is called to account.

YOU CAN FIRE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE.

That is how far we are going to protect democracy and YOUR rights as a citizen and as a member of our party.

We will also have legislation on term limits and on a fixed date for elections as promised; we keep our promises.

Before I leave office you can be assured that no Prime Minister will ever be allowed to serve more than two terms. No more here for life leadership!

I want you to carry home the message I bring you tonight … Tell it to everyone. When you changed your leader two years ago a new day dawned … a new day and a new way forward for everyone.

Tell everyone that there is a change that is sweeping across this land that will benefit each and every citizen.

NO ONE WILL DIVIDE US WITH LIES AND FALSE PROPAGANDA!

YOUR LEADER will never let you down … the people’s partnership will not let you down … the UNC will never desert you and the UNC will remain YOUR PARTY.

NEWSDAY congratulates Kamla on 2nd anniverary as UNC leader

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

WE congratulate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her second anniversary as UNC political leader, even as next May her People’s Partnership (PP) Government will also mark its second year in office, or its midterm.

While the Opposition has a role to constantly question the Government’s performance and to stand ready to provide an alternative government, nonetheless we must caution about how easy it is to throw around “mauvais langue” in a small society such as TT, when one is not in the hot seat of having to make things happen.

However, one must never forget the huge debt that the nation owes Mrs Persad-Bissessar and her team in having the courage to halt the runaway train that was the former PNM administration.

Crime, profligacy in mega-projects and threats to constitutional rights (such as the attempted subsuming of the powers of Head of State by the Head of Government, plus subsequent revelations about the phone- tapping of prominent citizens) were all the order of the day under the former regime.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar had the strength and the personal courage to take on and beat the very founder of the UNC, Basdeo Panday, to become UNC leader and then Opposition Leader, and then beat the then-ruling PNM under Patrick Manning.

It is an epic story, of the courage of a woman. In the last general election, not only was the PP able to attract traditional floating voters but also a large swathe of the population that never votes, much to the credit of Persad-Bissessar.

She is also to be congratulated for her role in quickly getting together the leaders of the five entities making up the PP — the UNC, COP, NJAC, TOP and MSJ — and just as importantly, in keeping the whole team together.

This is no mean feat. In fact whether the PP Government survives and whether it wins a second term in office will likely depend just as much on the dynamics between the five PP parties, as upon the issues of the day that the Government is trying to tackle, such as the perennial crime issue or the near-global fears of stalled economic growth.

From day one, the PP’s cohesion has been monitored by the PNM and correctly so, as without accountability a government becomes a runaway train.

It was said of the former ONR (and to an extent the former NAR) that if the PNM could not beat them on “the issues”, then the PNM would try to turn their political opponents into an issue, as done in George Chambers’ dubbing the ONR to be “a wicked and nefarious group of men”. This may be why Mrs Persad-Bissessar has spent so much time on crafting the image of the PP Government and herself.

While some may say a woman is weak and docile, and while others may subscribe to a gender neutrality view of the workplace and political arena, we think much of Persad-Bissessar’s success is actually due to her having brought her attributes of womanhood to bear to her job.

When dealing with people as Prime Minister, she shows a remarkable degree of compassion, immediacy and adaptability to the other person’s plight. We expect that Persad-Bissessar will live long in the minds of those who have met her as being a role model — both for those persons aspiring to leadership roles, and for young women and girls in TT and the world.

She is a woman who has become a leader without losing her femininity — as wife, mother and grandmother — but on the contrary has unabashedly allowed herself to be guided in her job by her very “womanness”.

We think that behind all the razzmatazz of her hectic schedule, she genuinely has a heart for the disadvantaged.

We recall that she left her own inauguration ceremony to don boots to visit flood-hit communities and to pledge relief. She showed how easy and relatively cheap it was to set up a “Life Fund” to help sick children and relieve the minds of their parents facing million-dollar medical bills.

Her provision of laptops for SEA pupils is to be highly lauded as a measure of her enlightenment. Persad-Bissessar has personified kindness and gentleness towards individuals while a respected leader, and has certainly stopped the slide of TT into areas of abuse of constitutional rights under the former regime.

But the story of Kamla Persad-Bissessar continues and we have to wait to see how it will end. Will she be able to withstand the non-stop onslaught from Opposition in and out of her Government?

Only time will tell, but so far she has shown strength in the face of vicious attacks that we predict will only gain momentum in the days and months ahead.

(REPRODUCED from NEWSDAY)

Photo gallery: UNC anniversary celebration - 24 Jan. 2012

2012-01-25T16:40:00.003-05:00

PM Kamla announces free water, electricity for pensioners and underprivileged

2012-01-25T11:09:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on Tuesday night that her government plans to provide free water and electricity to the less privileged and poor in Trinidad & Tobago.

She was speaking in her capacity as Political Leader of the United National Congress (UNC) at a rally at the Rienzi Complex to mark her second anniversary as leader of the party.

"We are in discussions with the Minister of Public Utilities on giving further support to our less fortunate and elderly population and persons who are disabled and those in receipt of public assistance," Persad-Bissessar said.

"I propose to increase our current subsidy on water and electricity to 100% for old age pensioners and the poor and low income persons on social assistance who currently fall under the utilities assistance program (UAP)."

The plan means all the people who fall within those groups will no longer have to pay for the two utilities.

Persad-Bissessar also listed her government's principal achievements during the past 20 months in office and promised to continue to deliver what the people want and need.

AGRICULTURE

Construction of over 350 water ponds
More than 300 kilometers of access roads
Developed and staffed a praedial larceny squad
Provided leases for thousands of acres of agricultural land to farmers
Provided initiatives for greenhouse projects
Refurbishing fishing depots throughout this country

EDUCATION

29 Early Childcare centres completed, 24 under construction and another 85 to begin construction
Repaired and refurbished more than 586 schools
Completed the construction of more than 11 primary schools
Refurbish and open the Biche High School
39,000 laptop computers for first form secondary school students
GATE program widened, national scholarships increased
Transparency in the award of scholarships
Launched seven Workforce Assessment Centres to certify workers who previously did not have had any qualifications
Open COSTAATT campus in Sangre Grande to serve 800 students
Sod turning for a new University Campus in Penal/Debe. (Work on construction to begin within the next month
Staged the Sci-TechKnoFest where some 35,000 visitors participated
Will host India’s largest Travelling Science Exhibit at the Divali Nagar Site in Chaguanas, May 2012

EDUCATION IN TOBAGO

Opened the Tobago Technology Center in Canaan Bon Accord, the largest skills training centre in Tobago
Launched through the University of Trinidad and Tobago the Bachelors of Education in Tobago at the Technology Centre
Opened the Bethel Empowerment Centre in Bethel Tobago providing computer training to the community for the first time
Launched the YTEPP Mobile Computer Training Unit dedicated to servicing communities in Tobago with the support of a USAID grant in the sum of US$90,000
Will train Nigerian Students in areas such as Welding and Industrial Maintenance

PEOPLE

Increased food cards, housing grant, housing articles grant, domestic help grant, funeral grant, pharmaceutical grant, house rent grant, school supplies grant, housing assistance grant, special child grant, medical equipment grant

Direct Impact 50,000 persons interacted with througout TT

URP 200 Mothers of Children employed in URP Social

$11,5 million centre for the differently abled this year

Social intervention in the east west corridor and in at risk communities

Introduction of the first of its kind in the world ''Temporary Food Card"

Subsidies through the Utilities Assistance Programme for lower income persons

Increased old age pensions

Public Transport to every corner of Trinidad and Tobago from Cedros to Biche, from Moruga to Carenage

Free transport for anyone over 60

HOUSING

4,100 housing starts last year, 6,000 expected in 2012
6,900 houses to be delivered by the end of 2012, hundreds more already delivered and handed over to deserving citizens
Transparency in the allocation of homes
Provision of homes to victims of difficult circumstances
More than 600 Certificates of Comfort giving security of tenure for the first time
Infrastructural upgrades on existing HDC housing sites

HEALTH

Expanding the range of medical treatment available in Trinidad and Tobago
Glaucoma filtration surgery using the latest Ex-Press Glaucoma Filtration Device
Conducted the first joint replacement surgery
Enhancing health centres to widen the reach of medical services
Opened a Cardiology Unit at the San Fernando General Hospital.
Revised standard operating procedures for obstetric and midwifery
Commenced XRay and Ultrasound services at the Siparia District Health facility
Commissioned eye theatres at San Fernando General
Upgraded dental labs at the Dental Hospital
Varying stages of the development of the construction of five hospitals300 bed hospital facility at Chancery Lane in San Fernando to open in 2012.
District Health offices medicines packaged for chronic deseases for elderly
Special Programs in 2012 at health centres to help the elderly to end waiting for medicines
Pilot project “Medicine at your door step” coming for sick and infirm out-patients

ECONOMY/FINANCE

Developed repayment opportunities for depositors and investors of CLICO and HCU: CLICO - $1 billion paid out to depositors $75,000 and under, some depositors over $75,000, to trade union and credit union depositors representing more than 10,000 persons.
With respect to the HCU notifications sent to 16,000 depositors, more to go out on a daily basis for full payment to all with deposits of under $75,000
Low inflation, low food prices
Restore international confidence in the economy
Positive responses to business opportunities in T&T from international investors.
Economic recovery starts in 2012, all the financial statistics in the right direction

ENERGY ACHIEVEMENTS

Started work on the Galeota Port which had been delayed for three (3) years under the PNM
Cabinet considering a US$5.7 billion investment in a Petrochemical complex which will represent the largest investment in the history of Trinidad & Tobago
15 exploration wells for Oil & Gas drilled in Trinidad & Tobago in 2012 (PNM did 1 in 2009 and 2 in 2010)
Cabinet approved conversion of PTSC fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Major inroads in dismantling the illegal bunkering of diesel, savings of $94M in subsidy
The National Gas Company (NGC) signed a MOU for development natural gas industry in Tanzania
Opportunities for T&Tobago companies coming out of mission to India

CHILDREN

Children’s Life Fund ensures no child will suffer because could not afford the cost of medical treatment

Construction of a Children’s Hospital in Central Trinidad

NIPDEC to complete Project management and construction at several Children’s Homes and Institutions

Plans for Healing Institute to support the mental and spiritually welfare of citizens

Development of Respite Centres for persons who work as caregivers

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Hired international marketing companies to market this country to investors and visitors
Trade facilitation offices worldwide offering information about services and opportunities in T&T
Completed major refurbishment of the Vanguard Hotel now called the Magdelena Hotel in Tobago to inject new lifeblood into the Tobago economy
TTBizLink to revolutionalise business by bring information, linkages, legislation, procedures etc all within the touch of a finger

Kamla calls a Rowley a hypocrite, says PNM leader not serious about hanging killers

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bisssessar said on Tuesday the election of the People’s Partnership has changed forever what everyone demands and expects from any government henceforth.

"And that in itself is a victory of the people," she said.

She was speaking at the Rienzi Complex at a mass rally to celebrate the second anniversary of her election as political leader of the United National Congress.

The UNC leader said she is proud to lead a government that is held to such high standards, adding that it "the right of every citizen to expect more of us."

She declared, "It is the duty of each member of our Cabinet and every member of all state boards to achieve levels of success unheard of before. It is our historic responsibility to deliver at every level."

She spoke specifically about crime, which was the cornerstone of the People's Partnership election campaign and said Keith Rowley and the opposition People's National Movement (PNM) have no moral authority to criticise her government's record in dealing with crime.

"Can you imagine Dr Rowley and the PNM has the audacity to criticize my Government on the issue of crime?

"They were the ones that feted the gang leaders and formed a sinister political partnership with them via the URP in exchange for political support.

"The murder rate skyrocketed as they unsuccessfully tried to dismount the back of the very tiger that they once fed and comfortably rode.

"They can say what they want about the State of Emergency; I know that we saved real lives. I know that you slept more peacefully at night.

"And I know that the 25% drop in the murder rate for 2011 could never have been achieved under the PNM."

She also slammed the PNM leader for telling reporters that he won't support a bill to hang convicted killers.

"In the worse form of political hypocrisy, Dr Rowley yesterday (Monday) tried to dance his way out of the corner that he has painted himself into over their refusal to support the Death Penalty.

"Early last year we brought the Constitution (Amendment) ( Capital Offences) Bill 2011 which would have allowed the state to implement the Death Penalty no matter how long a convicted murderer took to exhaust his rights of appeal.

"This Bill sort to categorize murder and reserve the Death Penalty for most heinous and appalling of murders, while still allowing for some measure of flexibility in appropriate cases.

"They objected to that and we removed it from the Bill expecting their support, yet still they withheld it.

"They unashamedly voted against the implementation of the Death Penalty whilst hypocritically proclaiming they were not against it.

"The Death Penalty is the law of the land and this Government is committed to implementing it.

"After that debate in Parliament, I instructed the Attorney General, to write the Leader of the Opposition, to get their proposals so that we could return to the Parliament with a new Bill that can attract unanimous support.

"I have in possession a letter dated April 12th 2011 from the Attorney General to Dr Rowley inviting them to submit legislative proposals that can facilitate the implementation of the Death Penalty.

"There was no response to that letter so I instructed the Attorney General to write another letter.

"Knowing how they think, I asked the AG to ensure that some signed to acknowledge receipt of the letter at the office of the Leader of the Opposition.

"I have a copy of the page of the messenger book which shows that the second letter dated June 1 2011 was received by Office of the Leader of the Opposition and yet still to date we have not had the courtesy of a response.

"Does that honestly sound like someone who is interested in supporting the implementation of the Death Penalty?

"Today I publicly call upon Dr Rowley explain why he did not respond to those letters, and today I ask him once again: Let us have your proposals, because we are willing to consider them in the public interest.

"We are committed to implementing the Death Penalty because it is the law."

CRIME STATISTICS

Persad Bissessar also provided statistics to show a significant decrease ion crime since her government assumed office.

"When they ask you what has the government done for crime ask them if a 25% reduction in serious crime, the largest drop in over six years isn’t a good start," she said.

She noted that in 2009 under the PNM Government, the number of murders was 507. In 2010, the number went down to 473 with the new government in place for just over half of the year. In 2011, the number of reported murders was 352.

"That is a drop of 30 per cent under the PNM compared to under the People’s partnership," she said.

She gave other figures:

Woundings and shootings from 689 in 2009, fell to 616 in 2010, and then again to 535 in 2011, a drop of 22% over the period
Burglaries and Break-ins fell from 5765 in 2009 to 5256 in 2010, and then to 4221 last year an overall drop of 26 percent
Narcotic offences fell by 12 percent between 2009 and 2011

"Crime IS falling, year by year! Crystal clear evidence enough that the political will to do something is producing results," Persad-Bissessar said.

PM Kamla will consider invitation for official visit to China

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar greets Chinese Ambassador Yang Youming

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will “give very favourable consideration” to an invitation to pay a state visit to China.

Chinese Ambassador Yang Youming extended the invitation on Monday during a reception at the Diplomatic Centre hosted by Persad-Bissessar to mark the start of the Chinese new year of the Dragon.

The leaders of the seven Chinese associations attended the reception.

In a brief address the Chinese diplomat noted the increasing trade between China and T&T totalling TT $2.5 billion in 2011. Yang said there is growing interest in building closer ties.

He added that the Chinese vice premier, who visited T&T recently, was very satisfied with his visit. he said further that the business communities of each state are exploring opportunities in tourism, oil and gas and asphalt.

The year of the Dragon represents good luck and strength. Yang said his country hopes the year will see growing relations with Trinidad & Tobago

“It is our sincere hope the Prime Minister will be able to lead a delegation on an official visit to China,” he said.

The Prime Minister responded by saying she would consider the invitation favourably. “We have visited Brazil, we have visited India and yes we see China is next, so we will favourably consider your kind invitation,” she told the ambassador.

Persad-Bissessar said her government cannot take T&T forward “if we continue to sit at home and wait for people to come to us. We need to go out there and market and brand T&T."

Yang said the Chinese Government would provide a preferential loan for the construction of a children’s hospital in T&T. And he added that a $40 million Chinese grant to T&T would also be used to promote bilateral trade.

Trinidad & Tobago's plan to open an embassy in Beijing would promote cultural exchanges, Yang said, adding that China is examining the possibility of opening a Confucius centre in T&T.

The Prime Minister said her government would use part of the $40 million grant would be used to assist every community.

No Cuban doctors for Manning

2012-01-25T04:26:00.001-05:00

Patrick Manning is getting the best possible care at the San Fernando General Hospital and there is no need to call in his Cuban doctors.

That's the word from Brian Manning, the son of former Prime Minister Patrick Manning. The elder Manning suffered a stroke Monday night and was admitted to the hospital, where he remains in intensive care.

“We have not contacted any Cuban doctors at all. My father is being well taken care of by the good doctors of the San Fernando General Hospital,” Manning told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

Dr Neil Bhagwandass, Dr Kanta Ramcharan and a team of specialist doctors are taking care of Manning. Manning had once said he had to go to Cuba for medical treatment because he didn't trust local doctors, whom he described as being affiliated with the then opposition United National Congress (UNC).

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Tuesday instructed Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan to provide "every available resource" to ensure Manning was well taken care of.

Chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), Dr Lackram Bodoe, told reporters everything is available at the hospital to treat Manning.

Bodoe told reporters he is confident the hospital has all the facilities, staff and expertise to treat Manning.

The Express newspaper quoted one doctor who saw Manning as saying that the stroke is "significant", and Manning would have to be closely observed over the next three weeks.

Manning's sons, Brian and David, and their mother, Hazel, have been taking turns staying at Manning’s bedside.

The family has restricted visitors, allowing only a few friends and political figures. The leader of the People's National Movement (PNM), Keith Rowley, was unable to see Manning. However at around midday Tuesday former prime minister Basdeo Panday, and his daughter, Mikela visted.

Other visitors included Dr Amery Brown, Jerry Narace, Alicia Hospedales, Gary Hunt, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Howard Chin Lee, Arnold Piggott, Faris Al Rawi and Barry Sinanan. Government Minister Chandresh Sharma also visited Manning and Works Minister Jack Warner plans to visit the former PNM leader Wednesday.

Brian told reporters, “There are a lot of ridiculous rumours out there and there are a lot of people who want to come and visit right now but my father is not taking any visitors.

“I know that people mean well but his doctors have asked that he not take any visitors and we are going to adhere to that.

“He is resting comfortably and he’s not in a critical situation right now but we are taking every precaution. It’s a wait-and-see situation and we thank the country for their prayers.”

Brian said his father suffered a mild stroke and is in a stable condition. He added: “Our family is a strong one and we are prepared for whatever happens but we are optimistic and he is in fantastic health. For the first time in a long time, he is in a good place. He is comfortable here.”

He added his father was aware of his surroundings and he hoped to make a speedy recovery.

Panday visits Manning, Rowley turned away

2012-01-25T04:15:00.003-05:00

Keith Rowley was unable to see his former leader in hospital Tuesday. However Patrick Manning's former political arch rival visited the former prime minister, hours after Manning was admitted.

Manning remains in Intensive Care at the San Fernando General hospital. He suffered a stroke Monday and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Rowley went to the hospital shortly before 4 p.m., and was told that he could not see Manning at that time. He said he was told that doctors were working on Manning and that "he had fallen asleep".

Rowley dropped in on his way to a walkabout in Moruga. He told reporters he spoke with hospital officials before leaving.

"I think the country is keeping our fingers crossed that everything will go well and he will be back to a satisfactory condition," he told reporetrs.

"We are certainly calling for God's guidance and intervention. There's not much more that we can do. I can tell you that the report I am getting on his care is excellent. All the reports I am receiving is that he is getting the best care and that's the best that we can do and hope for the best," he added.

Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma and former Sports Minister Gary Hunt visted Manning Tuesday night. Works Minister Jack Warner is scheduled to visit Wednesday.

Former prime minister Basdeo Panday and his daughter, Mickela, visted around midday Tuesday. Panday told reporters, "I think he was a bit surprised to see me there. I am very sorry that he is ill and I do hope that he will recover rather quickly and I told him that."

Panday explained tha despite their political differences, he and Manning remained friends.

"I think we were the longest serving members of Parliament at one time. But the fact that we were political opponents did not affect us as human beings," Panday said.

"We remained on friendly terms as human beings. We carried out political battles all the time. When I heard he was ill I thought I would come and visit him. I spoke to the family to find out if it was permissible that I do so, and they agreed."

Mickela said she hoped "Uncle Patrick" gets better soon.

PNM Member of Parliament Dr Amery Browne and PNM Senator Faris Al-Rawi also visited Manning Tuesday.

"I can tell you his mood is confident, he is strong, he is a fighter as usual. He had indicated that he is okay. He is feeling okay and he is confident," Browne said.

"Of course he is under medication, so a little bit sedated but fully aware of what is going on. But with a stroke, the next few days are crucial. And prayers and support are vital at this time," said Browne.

Manning suffers stroke, in ICU at San F'do General hospital. PM Kamla expresses 'heartfelt concern'

2012-01-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

File: Patrick Manning at a recent news conference in San Fernando

Patrick Manning suffered a stroke Monday night and has been admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital. An update from his office late Tuesday said Manning remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However he is stable and resting comnfortably.

A media release from the office of the former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for San Fernando East said:

"Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Member of Parliament for San Fernando East, Honourable Patrick Manning last evening suffered a mild stroke.

"Mr. Manning is presently undergoing tests and being warded at the San Fernando General Hospital under tight security. Visitation is restricted to his immediate family. The public will be reliably informed as updates arise.

"Mr. Manning and his family would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support."

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed concern over Manning's health issue.

In an official statement she said:

"I extend heartfelt concern for former Prime Minister Patrick Manning and join with the nation in prayer for his speedy and full recovery.

"I have advised the Minister of Heath to make available to our former Prime Minister every resource necessary that may be required to ensure Mr. Manning is well looked after.

"I know he is possessed of the strength of character and indomitable spirit that will help him through this health challenge and feel confident that he will resume his duty of national service."

Rowley wishes Manning a speedy recovery

2012-01-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

The leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) said in an Internet posting he is "saddened at the news that former Political Leader of the PNM and Prime Minister Mr. Patrick Manning Member of Parliament for San Fernando East has been hospitalised."

The Facebook post from Keith Rowley added, "The news came as a complete surprise since only as recentlyy as Friday last we were discussing matters of health and Mr. Manning was in good spirits and spoke positively of his fitness, diet and exercise regime.

"At this time of great stress and serious concern we stand with the Manning family and call upon the party and the entire national community to pray for a speedy and complete recovery for a man who has given forty unbroken years of sterling service to our nation and the region.

"On my own behalf and that of my family, the PNM particularly the constituency of Diego Martin West we join the rest of the nation in expressing our deep concern and positive expectations that all would be well, that Mr Manning will soon return to the active life he knew and loved."

JYOTI wishes Manning a speedy recovery

2012-01-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

JYOTI is shocked to learn that former Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister and MP for San Fernando East, Patrick Manning, has suffered a stroke and is in hospital. Our prayers are with Mr Manning, his wife, Hazel and their immediate family at this time. We wish Mr Manning a full and speedy recovery.

Chaguanas mayor OK after heart operation

2012-01-24T10:23:00.000-05:00

The Mayor of Chaguanas, Orlando Nagassar, has successfully undergone cardiac bypass surgery at the Mount Hope Hospital, where he is resting comfortably.

During his absence, Deputy Mayor Gopaul Boodhan will be acting in his place. Nagassar is expected to be away from office for at least two months.

JYOTI wishes the mayor a full and speedy recovery.

UNC celebrates Kamla's 2nd anniversary as leader with big rally at Rienzi

2012-01-24T09:45:00.000-05:00

Click on poster to read details in new, larger window

Thousands of supporters and members of the United National Congress (UNC) will converge on the party's headquarters at Rienzi Complex Tuesday evening to celebrate the second anniversary of the election of Kamla Persad Bissessar as the party's Political Leader.

It was exactly two years ago that the Siparia MP made history by defeating Basdeo Panday 10 to 1 to take over the leadership of the UNC. It was historic also because no one had ever challenged and Panday and won and also because she became the first woman to head a major national political party.

Four months later Persad-Bissessar led a united opposition - the five-member People's Partnership - in a stunning election victory over the Manning People's National Movement.

Manning had called an election more than two years ahead of schedule hoping to win a fresh mandate. However the electorate rallied to the new partnership led by Persad-Bissessar, giving the partnership 29 of the 41 seats in the House of Representatives, with the UNC getting a clear majority of 21.

Communications Minister Suruj Rambachan has issued a statement noting that one year ago more than 30,000 gathered to celebrate the election of Persad-Bissessar as leader, making a clear statement that the party membership endorsed the leader.

Rambachan reiterated that the membership of the party "strongly supports the leadership of Persad Bissessar, as she seeks to correct the ills of the past, to bring stability to the financial system, and to create the conditions for a sustainable future, one that will be marked by prosperity for all".

He stated that the Prime Minister's bold initiatives, whether in terms of the management of crime, or in the aggressive marketing of Trinidad and Tobago internationally, has defined her leadership style.

In spite of all of this, he said, she has maintained a common touch, and has been directing resources towards the alleviation of poverty, and the satisfaction of the basic needs of people.

"This has been marked within the last few days with the distribution of certificates of comfort, houses, farmlands and the opening of new water projects.

"For the Government, quality of life issues remain a primary concern," Rambachan said.

He noted that the UNC Leader has also demonstrated tremendous political acumen in maintaining the partnership by consensus building, sharing the leadership role, and adherence to the collectively agreed Fyzabad declaration.

"In this regard, she has stunned the critics who thought that the coalition would not have held as firmly as it has currently holds. This has occurred because she has been able to get the leaders to coalesce around a shared vision for the nation - which is, prosperity, social equity, justice for all, and equality of opportunity," Rambachan said.

He declared that Tuesday promises to be "a most exciting evening, as it would be a reaffirmation of the party, that the United National Congress is not only stronger than ever, but together, with its coalition partners will remain intent on fulfilling the mandate given to them on May 24th.

At a personal level, Rambachan stated that he is strong in his admiration for the Political Leader's ability to take tough decisions where the National Interest is concerned and to do so with a level of courage and determination to succeed which overrides partisan political interest.

PM says leadership change in MSJ is good for democracy

2012-01-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said on Monday the change of leadership in the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) is good for the People's Partnership.

It was her first public reaction to the announcement on Sunday by Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod that he was stepping down as leader of the MSJ and handing over the responsibility to Government Senator David Abdullah.

Persad-Bissessar said the change shows that democracy is alive in the People's Partnership coalition.

"Winston Dookeran was the leader of the COP, he's no longer the leader, there's a new leader. It has not impacted to the detriment of the Partnership and in the same way, there's succession from Mr. Mc Leod to another person, Mr. Abdullah."

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said she knew that Mc Leod was stepping down. She said he will give the Pointe a Pierre MP her fullest support.

"I respect his decision and I do look forward to his continuing hard work. Now he says he will pay more focus on the legislative agenda, that he has in furthering labour issues as under his portfolio, and of course in service to his constituency."

PM KAMLA's official statement:

"When the leaders of five political organisations became part of the government of Trinidad and Tobago in various capacities, a huge burden of responsibility was immediately shouldered at several levels to meet the needs of the people.

"For the Leader of the MSJ and Minister of Labour, Errol McLeod it was a huge demand and he sought to measure his ministerial responsibilities with those equally demanding and important of his constituents in Pointe-a-Pierre and that of the leadership of his political party, the MSJ.

"I commend Errol for his unselfish dedication and commitment to national service in arriving at a decision as to where his energies would be best spent.

"He has advised me that the current demands of his Ministerial portfolio and that of addressing the needs of his constituents do not allow him to dedicate all that is necessary to build his party, and that a decision to surrender the leadership of the MSJ was communicated two months ago and agreed to by the National Executive last week.

"Comrade Errol's integrity and lifetime dedication to the cause of workers will allow no compromise of the work he has dedicated himself towards now as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister. I admire his forthright decision and broader perspective of the urgent needs of the nation he serves so faithfully today.

"The MSJ meanwhile will continue to benefit from its participation in the government of the People's Partnership through the shared values each of our parties signed on to in our Declaration some two years ago.

"May the MSJ move from strength to strength on behalf of its supporters and the national community."

Photo Gallery: Celebrating Chinese New year

2012-01-24T09:15:00.000-05:00

PM Kamla dressed for Monday's dinner in honour Chinese New Year. She held talks with coalition leaders prior to the dinner at the Diplomatic centre

AG Anand Ramlogan dressed in a dragon shirt to celebrate the year of the dragon

2012 is year to build MSJ: Abdullah

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

David Abdullah made it clear on Monday that the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) remains firmly committed to the People's Partnership. However he said his mission as the MSJ's new leader is to continue to build the party, which changed its status last year from an activist group to a political party.

Abdullah became the new leader Sunday after Labour Minister and MP for Pointe a Pierre stepped down.

Speaking on national television, Abdullah, said 2012 will be the year to build the party while it continues to remain a member of the governing coalition.

He said this is necessary so that the party could stand on its own.

The coalition that won the election in 2010 is made of five political groups, including the MSJ. They shared a common platform with each group maintaing its individuality. This allows free debate on critical national issues.

Abdullah said that's why the chairmen of the five organisations met last year and made recommendations to move forward.

"The key therefore is to move beyond that discussion at that level. That is why Prakash Ramadhar of the COP made a call for the leaders to meet because obviously if the decision does not come from the very top of all the parties, in terms of all the leaders agreeing this is the way forward, then the lower levels really cannot function, given the party politics in the country," Abdullah said.

The new MSJ leader said building a strong party does not necessarily mean the party will fight an election independently.

He said such a situation will emerge only if the process of dialogue and consensus building does not exist in the way it ought to exist. He added that it could also happen if "conflict over key policy questions becomes so sharp that it is difficult for a party to abide by what the others wish to do so."

Related: Commentary: McLeod's departure from MSJ won't damage coalition

PM Kamla outlines vision for T&T

2012-01-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday outlined her vision for Trinidad & Tobago over the next few years in a speech at a HDC key distribution ceremony in South Trinidad.

An edited version of the speech is reproduced below:

Friends, I have believed all of my life in the power of hard work, in the importance of work, in defining a life in the importance of work, in earning your keep, in making sure you do your best every day.

All of my life I have believed in the transformative power of education and that every child should get a great education. All of my life I have believed that we should show simple courtesy and respect to each other by caring for each other in times of need and all of my life I have believed that we can move forward with confidence, celebrating who we are as a people; that our best days lie in front of us not behind us.

These are the values that I have taken with me all of my life, these are the values that will guide me as Prime Minister. This is my personal blueprint for progress.

Since our assuming duties as a government we have created many opportunities in employment, infrastructural development, education, commerce, health, housing; all achieved through careful and decisive management.

Your government has developed a National Policy built on the premise of ‘Prosperity for All’. Within this context, the seven interconnected pillars outline the sustainable framework that will propel Trinidad and Tobago’s economic development.

Building a new and diversified economy driven by knowledge and innovation; building human capital and addressing basic needs of citizens are areas of pressing national concern; and so too is security; health & hospitals and housing; along with economic transformation and human capital development. These remain this administration’s priorities in the short, medium and long term. And we have developed several strategies to directly address these critical issues.

And on the basis of what we have achieved together – increased employment, strengthened and robust economy – I do want to continue to build for the future. In order to build for the future, you need to have comprehensive plans, executed by competent ministries and their agencies.

The Ministry of Housing and the Environment has articulated and followed through on its blueprint for national progress in a very direct and meaningful way through its agencies, by bringing crucial services to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago via Trinidad and Tobago Housing Development Corporation, in the area of housing and also UdeCOTT, through police, fire stations and hospital programme of construction.

Friends, our future should be about shared prosperity. It should be about work. It should be about skills. It should be about what’s happening in schools today.

But it should also be our way of showing to each other care and concern. And there’s never a more important moment to show care and concern for each other than when someone faces an illness.

A key part of our strategy is to develop new services and industries – starting in the area of HEALTH.

The healthcare sector in Trinidad and Tobago will become an increasingly attractive place for international healthcare investors, providers, services, facilities and healthcare professionals. We want to harness this potential.

By learning from the experience of others like Dubai, Singapore and Thailand and by building strategic relationships with local, regional and international partners, health will continue to play its part in the exciting development of Trinidad and Tobago.

Health tourism or medical tourism will become a burgeoning industry where people will seek medical help from Trinidad and Tobago because the services will be provided more readily, cheaply and to a more specialized standard and quality, not to mention the protection of privacy.

We will partner with several universities around the world to ensure the curriculum we present to students and to our citizens is right and relevant; ensuring we train our human resources who can then return to serve our citizenry.

By 2015, the Trinidad and Tobago Healthcare City, as it will be known, will become a globally acknowledged location of choice for health care; a centre of excellence for specialist medical services, medical education, life science research and technology leveraged health care services.

Friends, all of my life I have believed in the importance of work but I’ve also believed that education transforms lives. It transformed mine.

The single most important factor towards achieving our goals is enhancing our most important resource, our people. We will ensure our citizens are equipped with a high standard of competence; a high level of basic education; a high degree of industry relevant training programs which are not only geared towards hard skills development but that speaks to important human resource qualities such as work ethic and creativity.

All of my life I’ve believed in work, I’ve believed in the power of education, I’ve believed that we show decency and respect by turning to each other with care and concern. But I’ve also believed in something else. I’ve believed in something else, and that is that we should not be afraid of the future.

The best days of this country are in front of us, not behind us. I am an optimist. I am so hopeful about this country’s future. We’ve emerged from profound challenges strong and now we can continue building together.

In shaping Trinidad and Tobago’s economic future and finding our niche, we propose a growth strategy that encompasses medical tourism, leisure tourism, retail, fashion development and IFC business conventions…a Global City.

This administration will seek to expand our markets, seek out new business opportunities, develop a globalised plan and encourage a global mind set; all while tapping into the world’s best talents and technology.

We want Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago to be recognised as the new financial frontier. Our strategic location gives us a time zone advantage; we are the gateway to the world; our intellectual capital and our established and successful financial services sector positions Trinidad and Tobago as an appropriate alternative.

Every decision we take, every strategy we implement has four aims in mind. First, to create substantial GDP growth for Trinidad and Tobago with good jobs and business opportunities for our people. Second, to create a compelling global hub for business, investment and talent. Third, we want to make sure we attract foreign investment and grow industry verticals; and forth, we wish to enhance the business environment.

Trinidad and Tobago’s future economies can be defined as service and leisure (medical, event, destination and conventions tourism); creative (fashion and movie industries); innovation and manufacturing (local manufacturing, business parks) and energy and energy-based industries.

I can only say to you that the People’s Partnership is here for you, full of vision and vigour; and we hold you in our hearts, in our minds and in our policy decisions and strategies.

PP government has big plans for pan and tourism

2012-01-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessasr on Monday outlined an ambitious plan for converting pan yards to pan theatres as part of the development of tourism infrastructure.

She revealed the details in a speech in south Trinidad.

File: Silver Stars panyard

"Now is an opportune moment to say what my broader vision for carnival and pan and our culture entails.

"We wish to upgrade our pan yards to pan theatres with built-in state-of-the-art infrastructures for example: seating for visitors, museums detailing past accomplishments in carnival, music, awards; scheduled performances available all year round; and even kitchens where visitors can sample the delights and local cuisine.

"In this way, steel bands and their administration will be consistently engaged throughout the year. We expect this approach to not only attract but sustain thousands of tourists.

"These Pan theatres will house our steel bands who are deeply rooted and steeped in their community, who have contributed significantly to our cultural history example Desperados, Renegades, All Stars, Fonclare.

"So for example as you touch down in Trinidad or Tobago, on a Caribbean Airlines flight, you are welcomed by a Customer Service ambassador with literature advertising all you can do in Trinidad and Tobago, of which booking a pan theatre tour and concert will be featured.

"This approach will present and generate community-based employment opportunities where we expect at least 400 citizens to be engaged directly and 1200 to be engaged indirectly per community, or downstream as we develop our capital city to the Carnival Square.

"And as we speak of our Carnival Square, this also feeds into a larger vision for Port of Spain and the modernising of Port of Spain.

"For example, we all know that Ariapita Avenue is seen as a virtual entertainment strip that has been raising the culinary bar almost by the minute with culinary offerings that are both pleasing to the eye and palate.

"It is our intention to invite Zagat, of global renown, to survey and rank Trinidad and Tobago’s restaurants to ensure the aesthetics and cuisine of our restaurants become known to the international market. Because the reality is that the Trinidad and Tobago dining experience is not unlike the most renowned in the world. I am convinced that the Trinidad and Tobago dining experience is can compete with the most renowned in the world.

"In addition, partnering closely alongside Ministry of Local Government, we will work assiduously towards pedestrianizing specific areas in our cities, with lamps and landscaping and signage, creating aesthetically pleasing foot paths; which will bring and encourage more businesses and subsequently visitors into the city.

"Where do we see Port of Spain? We see Port of Spain as a self- sustained international residential and commercial hub with an exciting array of retail and culinary amenities combined to make a city that is integrated seamlessly into the 21st century.

"The prosperity of each of us, the prosperity of all of us – it’s about a strong economy and it’s about having jobs. A job is essential for a family’s future. A strong economy is essential for a nation’s future. I will build that strong economy, investing in skills, investing in infrastructure, focusing on jobs, and families within the nation will be able to build their future with the benefits of work."

Tewarie eulogises dad as a caring, dedicated parent

2012-01-24T08:52:00.000-05:00

Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie delivered the eulogy Monday at his father's funeral, describing Dabiedatt Tewarie as the person responsible for his successes in life.

“He cared about what I did, how I was, what was happening to me, and how I felt for everyday of my life until he died," Dr Tewarie said. "On the days I didn’t see him face to face at his home, he would call me in the night to see if I was alright, and to ask me to talk to my mother as well,” he said.

Dabiedatt died at the St Augustine Private Hospital on Wednesday. He was 85.

Tewarie said his father was a thinker, a person who could do no evil. Tewarie said his father was a highly religious and spiritual man who dedicated his life to his family.

“He taught us many things. He taught us never to be motivated by greed, or be driven by the consideration for money. He taught us to believe in God and have unshakeable faith. My daddy was also a dreamer, and he taught us to dream.

"He did not know how to fail. He taught us these things not by words, but by deeds and the way he lived. We celebrate his simplicity, his sense of honour and duty and his charitable spirit. He lived a life of dignity and carried himself to earn this,” Tewarie said.

PM congratulates T&T team on winning T-20 tournament

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

Kieron Pollard - Man of the match with 153 runs

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday sent congratulations to the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Team on their dramatic and convincing victory against Jamaica, in the 3rd WIBC Caribbean T-20 Tournament, at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

In a media release, the Prime Minister said this second consecutive win in the Tournament puts Trinidad and Tobago at the top of Regional cricket in this format of the game.

“The Trinidad and Tobago team continues to maintain its popularity and create excitement for the fans throughout the region through its performance on the field," she said.

"The team structure and good all round collaboration has produced tangible results and will auger well...as they move on to compete in India," she added.

West Indies all rounder Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were starts of the game, which ended with a 63 run victory over Jamaica.

Persad-Bissessar said the performance of the Trinidad and Tobago Team led by new Captain Denesh Ramdin was superb, noting that the team played "a superbly professional game" enabling them a well-deserved victory. “We look forward to a repeat of this inspired performance when the Team moves on to the Champions League T20 in India”, stated the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate Pollard on capturing the Man of the Tournament award for his 153 runs, which included 16 sixes. And praised the team’s performance as a total unit with one mission.

PM insists on hanging killers; Rowley can oppose it at own peril

2012-01-24T07:25:00.000-05:00

The Prime Minister said Monday she is determined to fight crime and expects a responsible opposition to support the administration.

However she said should the Opposition reject the measures, including the implementation of the death penalty, they do so at their own peril.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar said her Government will do all it can to ensure the death penalty is implemented. "Our duty is to place crime fighting high up on the agenda. Should the Opposition not support it, they do so at their own peril."

Opposition Leader Keith Rowley said on Monday his party won't support the legislation to hang killers, suggesting that it is not necessary since hanging is already the law of the land.

"That will not stop us. We continue to try in every area that we can, through the legislative framework, through the administrative, and of course, through enforcement," she told reporters in San Fernando.

Last year the government tried to pass a bill on the capital punishment issue but the opposition rejected it and voted it down. Justice Minister Herbert Volney said over the weekend the Government would enlist the help of the people in getting support for the Bill.

Persad-Bissessar confirmed that the government will seek public discussion on the matter.

"We will continue to try to do the best that we can. If he (Rowley) is not inclined to support it, we will do what we can. We will hold consultations and discussions and continue to try."Rowley wants a revised Bill and an acceptance of the Caribbean Court of Justice as the country's final court of appeal.

Rowley says PNM will continue to vote down hanging bill, says death penalty is still the law

2012-01-24T07:09:00.000-05:00

Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley has defended the PNM's decision last year not to support the bill to hang convicted killers. And he said his party will cotninue to vote down the bill if the government brings it back.

On Saturday Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said her government is determined to reintroduce the bill, which the PNM refused to support when it was presented to Parliament.

"We are committed to the vigorous pursuit of those who are prepared to violate the rights of innocent citizens within the context of internationally recognized and accepted fundamental human rights for all," Persad-Bissessar said.

"My Government is committed to the implementation of the Death Penalty, which remains part of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago," she added.

Rowley told reporters Monday the Prime Minister is trying to "demonise" the PNM.

He said the death sentence is still the law and explained that the bill as drafted by the Government would have allowed the Privy Council to remove the death sentence entirely.

"We will not be shamed or bullied into doing foolishness," the PNM leader said. He added that "they can bring the Bill as often as they like...We will speak the truth to the people of Trinidad and Tobago...telling you what the facts are.

He said his party would continue to vote down the hanging bill "because we support the maintenance and preservation of the mandatory death sentence on the books of Trinidad and Tobago."

Rowley also said he would support a revised Bill which improves the judicial system or makes the Caribbean Court of Justice the final court of appeal, replacing the Privy Council.

Commentary: McLeod's departure from MSJ won't damage coalition

2012-01-23T10:29:00.002-05:00

People's Partnership leaders at the signing of the Fyzabad Declaration - April 2010

Don't press the panic button! The sky is not falling down and the People's Partnerhip is not about to crash because Errol McLeod is no longer heading the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), one of the five groups that comprise the governing coalition.

What has happened was inevitable since McLeod's colleagues declared war on the government and threatened to bring down the government over their demands for a better deal for workers.

David Abdullah, who now heads the MSJ, will no doubt make an attempt to formally keep the MSJ in the partnership. He was one of the leaders of the Axe the Tax movement with the current Congress of the People (COP) Leader Prakash Ramadhar and helped bring the MSJ into the partnership.

The labour minister has given himself some flexibility since as leader of a belligerent labour body he found himself in a straight jacket having to carry out his ministerial functions and also fulfill his leadership role in the MSJ. It was obvious he could not do both, given the nature of the issues involved.

So he did the wise thing. By keeping his job in the cabinet the MSJ maintains a voice there and can help influence policy. With respect to his constituency, nothing changes.

The coalition is not a unitary party and that is what makes it workable in spite of the developments on Sunday. The five groups that signed on to work together have their individual identities and philosophies, which allow for dissent without the risk of coming apart as the NAR did following the historic 1986 general election.

The People's Partnership experiment will continue to work simply because unlike most coalitions that come together after a general election, this was a political group that worked out its agenda ahead of the election and presented a common platform for governance, which the electorate endorsed.

While the UNC received a majority of 21 seats on its own in 2010, to Kamla's credit, she kept the coalition together and gave its individual members a generous helping of the political pie.

What is important now is how the next act in this political drama plays out.

It is obvious that the key people in the MSJ want to get out of the partnership. But they cannot have their cake and eat it at the same time.

For now they are content with leaving Mc Leod where he is. However they will have to draw the line and Mc Leod would have to either stay in cabinet as an independent (or join the UNC) or leave.

Leaving would rob the MSJ or any influence it might have in governance and Abdullah would lose his comfortable Senate job. He cannot lead a movement that is bent on overthrowing the government while sitting in Parliament as a representative of the government.

The question that commentators will be tossing around in the next few days is whether the MSJ can morph into a strong Labour party and expect to have any significant impact in the next general election.

That's unlikely given the history of such movements in Trinidad & Tobago. When Basdeo Panday created a labour party, the United Labour Front (ULF), in 1976 it had an even stronger emotional following than the MSJ has today. And all the labour heavyweights were included, among them the OWTU's George Weeks.

However, the ULF split along ethnic lines. Panday's sugar workers and Raffique Shah's cane farmers migrated from the DLP giving the ULF the 'opposition' traditional constituencies that remain today safely in UNC hands. The rest of labour remained loyal to the PNM.

The political landscape has changed but the nature of labour has not. Businesses and many of the primary definers in society would always be wary of a Labour Party in Trinidad & Tobago because of the kind of leadership such a party would have. Without their endorsement, no party will win government.

So for now the Partnership stands and the MSJ as a political institution presents no great threat to the governing coalition, especially the UNC. McLeod occupies what is traditionally a safe UNC seat so if he really wants to stand with his labour colleagues Kamla could show him the door.

The other political question that will become part of the national conversation is whether COP will remain in the group.

There are two significant reasons why it will: if it leaves, it won't be able to influence policy and secondly, the UNC can govern with its 21 seats. COP has six and TOP has two of the 29 seats. And COP's leader is sitting in what is probably one of the safest UNC seats in the country.

COP's establishment outside of Parliament might want out but those inside, including the political leader and the president of the Senate, would see value in trying to effect change from inside.

COP's dilemma is that it wants to present itself as the conscience of the society and those clamouring for a divorce feel that the present government is already tainted. If that is so, COP must take responsibility for some of it and cannot expect to walk away unscathed.

Its difficulty in resolving this issue is whether it cab be a strong independent movement outside of the partnership. COP was born out of the UNC and many of its members were UNC, including the former and present leaders.

COP's strength in 2007 was because of the disenchantment with Basdeo Panday; Kamla's leadership changed that and weakened COP since many who had left returned home to the UNC, including the present Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan, and Transport Minister Devant Maharaj.

COP would have to rebuild without the traditional UNC constituency and that is going to be an uphill struggle. COP's boast that it caused the electoral victory in 2010 is without merit, but that discussion is for another time.

Trinidad & Tobago's experience with multi-party politics has shown that it doesn't work. The risk for COP then would be that it would face demise if it were to leave.

No matter what we think and what we say, there have been two parties that have mattered since 1956 - the Afrocentric PNM and the various incarnations of the original People's Democratic Party (PDP) that drew its support from the Indian community.

For COP (or the MSJ) to be a threat to the UNC, it would have to demolish the party the way Panday did with the DLP in 1976. That is unlikely, given the strength of the UNC today with a new popular leader in Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her strong supporting team.

No election is imminent and Kamla has three years to maintain control and strengthen her hand. Anyone who wants to stay in the game would be wise to remain on Kamla's side.

Jai Parasram - 23 January 2012

Mcleod quits as leader of MSJ, remains MP and cabinet minister

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Errol McLeod resigned on Sunday as leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ).

However the Member of Parliament for Pointe-a-Pierre and Labour Minister in the People's partnership government is not resigning as MP or minister.

McLeod contested the May 2010 general election as a candidate for the United National Congress (UNC) although he represented the MSJ in the five-member coalition that formed the government.

McLeod announced that he is giving up the MSJ leadership as party activists called for the MSJ to leave the partnership. The organisation is made up of mainly labour representatives, with Mc Leod himself being one of Trinidad & Tobago's most identifiable labour leaders.

MSJ members are angry with the government, claiming that the administration has betrayed the working class with its insistence of putting a five per cent wage cap on unions on public sector negotiations.

Government Senator David Abdullah will now head the MSJ. Abdulah is also the leader of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (FITUN).

McLeod made the announcement at the Communications Workers Union Hall on Henry Street, Port of Spain.

Local media reports say he was surrounded by key players in the MSJ, including president general of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union Ancel Roget, president of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union Vincent Cabrera and president of the Communications Workers Union Joseph Remy and other MSJ executives.

Mc Leod's labour colleagues have openly called for action against the government and have said they will bring down the government since labour controls the majority of the floating votes in the country. They have also called for the formation of a Labour Party to contest the next general election.

The UNC, which has the majority of seats in the Parliament, has come out of the labour movement, with its first incarnation being the United Labour Front (ULF) led by Basdeo Panday. The ULF contested the 1976 general election and formed the opposition.

Panday later merged the party with other opposition political groups to form the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), which created history by defeating the People's National Movement (PNM) in a landslide 33-3 result. However NAR did not last and Panday later and his colleagues created the UNC, which formed the government in a coalition with NAR in 1995.

The People's Partnership was a different attempt at coalition, with each of the five component parts keeping its identify and presenting a common platform to voters. The experiment resulted in the partnership's resounding victory over the Manning PNM on May 24, 2010.

"We have been considering this for some time now, a brief couple of months but it was decided and accepted by the central executive of the MSJ and the Activist Council that I would step down from the office of political leader and reside in the plenipotentiary position as a member of the national executive as we concentrate our efforts on the labour agenda and building the party," McLeod told party supporters.

He said he did not want the MSJ to be inhibited in any way "by one who might be considered to be an absentee leader of this developing political movement."

The labour minister added that his absence from the leadership of the MSJ would allow him to deal better with his responsibilities as an MP and cabinet minister.

Abdulah said McLeod remains a part of the MSJ and when "Comrade McLeod speaks in Parliament he is speaking as member of national executive and has the support of the executive of the MSJ."

Abdulah also stated that Sunday's development will not have any negative impact on the People's Partnership. "Our party is independent as are all the other political parties. It has its own structure, its own constitution," he said.

Mcleod's move no threat to PP government: Warner

2012-01-23T09:55:00.000-05:00

The Chairman of the United National Congress (UNC), Jack Warner, said on Sunday the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) would not be a threat to his party in an election race.

Warner made the statement to the Express newspaper after the paper told him that his cabinet colleague had resigned as leader of the MSJ.

"The MSJ is no threat the People's Partnership. They are a fledgling party and remember they don't even have a seat in Parliament. McLeod was given that seat by the PM, they do not have a political base," he said.

The Works and Infrastructure Minister and MP for Chaguanas West said McLeod had been under pressure by the labour movement, which was becoming aggressive and demanding. :I think he resigned based on that conflict," Warner told the paper.

The Express said Congress of the People (COP) leader Prakash Ramadhar referred media queries party chairman, Joseph Toney, who had "noting" to say about McLeod's resignation.

A statement from Toney said: "McLeod has been a reliable partner in the People's Partnership and has consistently maintained that we live up to the principles of the Fyzabad Declaration.

"We wish the MSJ continued success, and we look forward to continue working with them as an important member of the People's Partnership."

Tobago Oganisation of the People (TOP) leader Ashworth Jack was unaware of the developments in Port of Spain and did not offer any comments to local media.

Photo story: We don't want highway in our community

2012-01-23T08:55:00.000-05:00

Dozens of people staged a rally in Debe on Sunday to demand that the government change the route of the new billion-dollar highway to Point Fortin, which passes through their community.

They gathered at the Gandhi Village Recreation Ground, where they heard speeches from activists including Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, archaeologist Peter Harris, Kishore Boodram, president of the Claxton Bay Fishermen Association, and head of the Lopinot Environmental Action Foundation Marcia Guerrero.

About 200 families would have to be relocated to make way for the highway which runs from Golconda to Point Fortin. The government has made arrangements for adequate compensation to everyone affected.

Kublalsingh said people don't want their communities destroyed and said those affected are prepared to take their concerns directly to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Sookoo is back as head of Agricultural Society

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Members of the Agricultural society of Trinidad & TObago on Sunday re-elected Dhanoo Sookoo as their president at the society's election held at the Centre Pointe Mall in Chaguanas.

Local media reports say the election was marred by many irregularities. However the society announced late in the evening that Sookoo had emerged as the winner.

Sookoo welcomed the vote of confidence in her leadership and said she is looking forward to strengthening of the sector in 2012.

Early in the day Sookoo had asked police to intervene to blcok certain members from attending the event, which coincided with the society's annual general meeting. She claimed that the registration had stopped and a specific agenda for the meeting had been determined.

The move prevented about 100 farmers from voting. Local media reported that just over 1,400 farmers were registered.

The secretary's report to the meeting was highly critical of the leadership. Gaynell Seenath said the society had no strategic plan, no businesses plan, no work plan, no plan how to spend the $4.7 million that was allocated to it in the 2012 budget.

Sookoo said in her report that some members have tried to malign her good name with false accusations. She explained that the $4 million that was in the society's account when she became president was used for several programmes.

She also invited financial members to peruse the books.

2012-01-23T07:45:00.000-05:00

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan suggested on Sunday that Trinidad & Tobago should develop a culture of organ donation similar to what exists in many developing countries.

He made the point at Nabbie’s Training Centre, Curepe, during the 24th annual thanksgiving service for kidney transplant survivor, Nabbie Khan. Nabbie received the first renal transplant in the country and is the longest living national who has undergone the surgery.
Trinidad & Tobago has an established National Organ Transplant Unit. The minister said organ transplantation has come a long way. However he said there is still an urgent need for further development.

Khan said he would seek the assistance of Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar in drafting legislation to help move organ transplantation forward. “We signed an agreement with the Barcelona Transplantation Institute to have young doctors trained in harvesting organ donation and organ transplant,” he said.

Nabbie received his organ from his sister Zabida Hosein, who is still alive. That donation saved his life. She has no regrets. “I am very glad I did because we could celebrate 24 years of good health and strength after his operation on January 28, 1988. It was an easy decision to make,” she told reporters.

In Canada everyone with a driver's permit receives an invitation to sign an organ donation form, which is voluntary.

Letters support PM Kamla's gesture of respect in India

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

From SELWYN BHAJAN:

Thank you Sister Kamla for your example to the nation. You have shown the world that there are leaders who cherish the morality of humility, reverence and respect.

As a young man I too travelled to India. I had felt deep within me the need to rediscover my ancestral heritable in order to better understand my internal instincts, nature and self.

I had been brought up with strong roots in the Christian faith, but lived in a village with a Hindu temple and Mosque next door to my home.

I was told as a child that a great, great grand parent who had come to Trinidad, was a quiet swami and meditation guru.

In India, I understood that 'part' of my being and heritage and discovered in that amazing civilisation my deep roots in yoga and yogic wisdom. I studied for many years with a Maharishi and then travelled around the world teaching thousands of individuals the healing, liberating and precious yogic disciplines of India.

I bowed then, and bow every day, before the feet of the Maharishi and other saintly teachers of India, to my ancestors, my parents, my wife and children and my country, which I love dearly. I bow before the Christ, the Buddha, Blessed Mary and Maha Lakshmi.

I thank you for reminding our country and our world of the joy and blessings from bowing in humility.

_________________________________

From CHRIS ARSHAD HOSEIN, Naparima:

As a youth of this land, I strongly condemn the misconstrued statement made by the Opposition Leader, Dr. Keith Rowley, about Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar touching the feet of Indian president Pratibha Patil during a state visit earlier this month.

The touching of an elder's feet in Indian tradition is a sign of utmost respect and perhaps the Opposition Leader should have been better informed before commenting on the gesture.

It is most unfortunate that this statement has come at a time when the Prime Minister is working assiduously to re-establish investor confidence in our economy, something that was left in shambles by the former PNM administration.

A reckless statement such as this by the Opposition Leader serves only to tarnish the international image of Trinidad and Tobago, the very image that the Prime Minister is working to rebuild.

I see Dr Rowley's claim that the Prime Minister's gesture was a display of subservience as an irresponsible statement and one that offends the East Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.

The political immaturity of Dr Rowley has also set the wrong example for the youth of the nation who have been following the national politics.

I am humbly calling on Dr Rowley to do the honourable thing and apologise to the nation forthwith.

______________________________

From SHIVAM RAMPERSAD, San Juan

It is disgraceful to hear the honourable Leader of the Opposition saying that it is “unacceptable” for the Prime Minister to bow at the foot of the Indian president Pratibha Patil.

Furthermore, Dr Rowley’s words, “TT doesn’t bow to anyone” echoes the same arrogance that could have, perhaps, contributed to the PNM’s defeat in the last elections.

I always thought that I lived in a multi cosmopolitan country where every creed and race finds an equal place.

Many of us may have different opinions about the government’s trip to India, one of such reasons was to woo Indian investors to our shores.

A basic lesson that one could learn in marketing is that when there are trade negotiations between countries it works in the advantage of the “selling” country to find some common factor with the investors.

That is what the Prime Minister showed the people of India, that their culture contributes to our diversity and is accepted in our multi-cultural shores.

In East Indian culture, bowing at one’s foot is a sign of reverence and not necessarily religion.

It represents the fundamental aspects of humility rather than humiliating any citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.

Perhaps Dr Rowley should reconsider during an election campaign when someone comes to garland him or any one of his colleagues since this is a common East Indian practice that is “acceptable” in our cosmopolitan land during election time to show hospitality.

_________

A JYOTI reader sent us this photo.

Planning minister's father dies; funeral on Monday

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

The funeral of Dabiedatt Twearie, father of Planning Minister Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie, takes place on Monday.

The elder Tewarie died on Wednesday. he was 86.

The funeral service begins at the Tewarie residence at Knowles Street, Curepe at 10 am followed by cremation at the Caroni river cremation site.

122,000 customers don't pay their WASA bills; universal metering coming

2012-01-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

More water for Talparo as PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar turns on the tap

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is running a deficit of more than one billion dollars a year, partly because 122,000 customers don't pay their bills. WASA has more than 381,000 customers.

The current arrears owed by residential customers is $356 million.

This information was revealed Saturday by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in an address at the commissioning of the Talparo Portable Water Treatment Plant. About 2200 people benefit directly from the new plant, which has been in opertion for several monts.

Persad-Bissessar said WASA has committed to supplying the population on a 24 hour, five days per week basis with water by the end of fiscal year 2012-2013.

This, she said, would far outstrip the present average of 24 hours for two days per week which would be a 150 per cent improvement in the water supply.

The Prime Minister said taxpayers fund WASA's operations to the tune of $1.2 billion annually, which makes up the deficit between the revenue earned by WASA and its expenditure.

"If you work out the arithmetic you will find that WASA earns approximately $561 million per year but its expenditure reaches over $1.7 billion. There are also high account receivables/non paying customers at $506million - of which $356million is owed by residential customers," she said.

persad-Bissessar served notice that her government will not continue with that level of subvention, noting that WASA has taken the responsibility to become a viable entity over a relatively short period of time.

"The projection by the Authority is to turn the present billion dollar deficit into a 5 per cent surplus on its operations by 2016.

"That is a serious target that the Commissioners, the CEO, the senior management and the entire staff of the Authority have taken the responsibility for. You can be sure that the Minister of Public Utilities and the Government will demand that they achieve it by the stipulated time frame," she said.

She explained some oif the strategies that the authority will use.

"One method is the plan for universal metering of the water supplied by the utility to customers. Among other things, metering will make customers sharply aware of the need to conserve water.

"Consumers connected to the meters will know that there will be a direct connection between the quantity of water consumed, and that wasted, and the size of their bills," she said.

Click here to READ THE PM's FULL SPEECH

PM Kamla says government committed to hanging killers

2012-01-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

PM Kamla gets a bouquet at the opening of the Security conference Saturday

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Saturday told participants at a national security workshop in Port of Spain her government's highest priority is the immediate reduction of the present level of criminal activity in Trinidad & Tobago.

And she pledged to hang killers "so that we might both punish the guilty and deter the would-be offenders".

In an address to the two-day National Security Policy Workshop she said crime may have their genesis in the international arena, noting that the government is aware of the global threats and trends (that) pose an increasing security challenge for contemporary societies.

She noted that the Caribean basin region remains a major centre for transnational organized crime.

"The scourge of the trafficking of arms, narcotics and even people has long and unhappy history in our region. Now, we have the added risks of cyber-attacks, the ever present potential for pirate attacks on the high seas and the use of the area as a staging ground for terrorist attacks against our Nation’s people and our infrastructure," she said.

She spoke about the effects on crime on the national population, which she said is generating a climate of fear for all citizens and diminishing economic growth.

"If we are to continue to promote Trinidad and Tobago as an attractive destination for investors, we must remain vigilant and aggressively combat all activity which may negatively influence the reputation of our young Nation," she said.

Persad-Bissessar urged delegates to review of the Draft National Security Policy which currently addresses the scourge of crime and criminal activity and the strategic guiding principles for dealing with these challenges.

"I trust that out of these talks, we will be well on our way to initiating change, which with commitment, collaboration and co-ordination will be sustained and institutionalized," she said.

The Strategic Plan has been developed from the T&T Government’s Seven Interconnected Pillars for Sustainable Development and in particular, Pillar 3: National and Personal Security – Human Security for Peace and Prosperity.

The Prime Minister said T&T's current National Security Plan for 2012-2017 aims at transforming the national security ministry, taking into consideration the current and emerging security challenges and opportunities within the environment.

"The Plan focuses our strategies and resources on achieving the country’s international, hemispheric and national obligations, especially Government’s mandated deliverable of providing National and Personal Security." she said.

"One of the constants of my Government is our commitment to collaborate bilaterally and multilaterally, in an effort to address the security issues being faced nationally, and by the region as a whole.

"We have recognized the need to invest in these relationships and to share our perspectives on issues of OUR common interests and concerns."

Persad-Bissesar said her government is committed to continuous review and evaluation of the progress and relevance of the policy bearing in mind the dynamic nature of the security environment, at both the national and international level.

The Prime Minister addressed the issue of the escalating homicide rate, especially the murder earlier this month of three fishermen. "Ruthless gangs are now carrying out their nefarious criminal activities on the high seas."

Persad-Bissesssar reminded her audience of her government's commitment to dealing with what she described as "this tsunami of crime" that has hit Trinidad and Tobago and provided details of a dozen crime legislation introduced since taking office.

She pledged that the Government will use all its resources and bringing the full weight of the law down on those involved in criminal activity.

"We are committed to the vigorous pursuit of those who are prepared to violate the rights of innocent citizens within the context of internationally recognized and accepted fundamental human rights for all," she said.

"My Government is committed to the implementation of the Death Penalty, which remains part of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago."

The matter was presented to Parliament last year but was not successful because the opposition refused to support the bill, which required a special majority.

She pledged to continue efforts for the re-implementation of the death penalty "so that we might both punish the guilty and deter the would-be offenders".

Persad-Bissessar made it clear that she plans to stand by her pledges to the people. "This Government made specific promises to the people of this country; promises that we intend on fulfilling. We are determined not to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors," she said.

Tough times ahead, Dookeran warns

2012-01-22T10:07:00.001-05:00

Finance Minister Winston Dookeran told legislators Saturday morning 2012 will not be “a walk in the park”.

He made the comment in winding up debate on a bill to increase government spending by $2.7 billion, which the House of Representatives approved early Saturday.

“We know that 2012 will not be a walk in the park...We have built a platform which we have to walk through but we know there will be issues to be dealt with.

He stated, “We had to make provisions and we made provisions and the fact is that we have to carry on that commitment in 2012.”

He said there was a shortfall in the State’s capital expenditure programme in terms of how money was spent.

“The size of the programme was not fundamentally changed but there was a shortfall of expenditure,” he said. The minister said the government spent $6.6 billion out of an allocated $7.5 billion.

he noted major areas of expenditure included dealing with the Clico/HCU collapse and highway construction.

He said there the opposition claims that the government was denying people basic was not valid. "What we did was manage the expenditure in such a way that we could have gained in efficiency,” Dookeran said.

“Not only were we able to put the balance sheet in order, we were able to meet a lot of the commitments made in the past. What I have to do is correct what was wrong in the past and make it right for tomorrow.”

The minister said the deficit has been decreased and there are clear signs of economic stability. "The doubts that are being created are not based on any evidence before us,” he said.

Kamla rises, PNM down: NACTA poll

2012-01-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

A new survey suggests that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s popularity is at 57 per cent among respondents in a poll of 350 people.

The NACTA poll by Vishnu Bisram sought the opinion of people on the government's performance after 20 months in office.

Its findings suggest that while Persad-Bissessar's popularity remains high people are losing confidence in the government with only 37 per cent of those polled saying that they are satisfied with the government's performance so far.

NACTA said the Prime Minister’s rating got a boost following her recent trips to India and Australia. It said government supporters strongly supported her on the India trip, in particular with receiving the honour of Chief Guest at the Pravasi event in Jaipur and connection with her roots.

"Almost every Government supporter was pleased with Persad-Bissessar visiting her ancestral roots while PNM supporters felt she should also visit Africa to expand relations," the poll revealed.

It noted that a majority of respondents - 56 per cent - felt that the PM’s trip to India would bring benefits to Trinidad & Tobago; 32 per cent disagreed.

NACTA's findings also suggest that citizens do not see the People’s National Movement (PNM) as a viable alternative for governance.

However the PNM's leader, Keith Rowley, is rising in popularity according to the poll. It suggests that his rating is now up to 42 per cent. At the same time it said party supporters are concerned about what they see as a division in the PNM and its leadership.

On other issues covered in the poll:

The government has been criticised over the SILK controversy

Citizens are concerned over the recent spike in crime

Respondents expressed concern over the high cost of living, the economy and infrastructure problems

It suggested that the three top performing ministers are:

Jack Warner

Roodal Moonilal

Glenn Ramadharsingh

Media report claims PNM operatives provided misinformation about assassination plot

2012-01-22T08:34:00.000-05:00

The Guardian newspaper reported on Sunday that new information has revealed that the Trinidad & Tobago Government was misled by "PNM operatives" within the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) and Trinidad & Tobago Police Service (TTPS) with respect to the alleged plot to assassinate the Prime Minister and senior cabinet ministers.

The paper said its sources have revealed that national security adviser Gary Griffith expressed concerns over the credibility of the information about the plot to kill Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Housing Minister Dr Roodlal Moonilal.

"The information stated that Griffith raised issue with respect to Government being 'set up' by the SSA, formerly the Security Intelligence Agency (SIA), as several operatives were hired under the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration," the Guardian report said.

It quoted an unnamed government official as stating that the assassination plot has embarrassed the government since up to now the SSA cannot show what evidence or intelligence it had that this plot was credible.

The paper said, "The official noted that he was advised that the Government was indeed set up by operatives in SSA and TTPS".

The report said the official has also warned that any move to shift the National Security Operatives Centre (NSOC) back to the Ministry of National Security "would result in the Government losing an opportunity to purge the agency of PNM operatives."

The Sunday Guardian reported that the official's view is that the reason for the SSA's hostility to the People's Partnership government is "because it was hoped that the hundreds of PNM operatives who were in SAUTT would simply be rolled over to NSOC, such as what happened with SIA to SSA."

The Guardian said it contacted Griffith on the matter, who denied that he had information indicating that SSA operatives allegedly “set up” the plot.

"No, no, I have absolutely no such information. What I did was to bring the accusations that were brought to me to some people pertaining to the issue. It was all hear say, so to speak," the paper quoted Griffith as saying.

"I have not seen any credible information to verify that this was true. I would have brought to the attention of people that these claims were made but there is no information to verify the claims.

"People claimed that the assassination plot was set up to make the Government look bad but there is no credible evidence,” Griffith stated.

Gopee-Scooon claims victimisation in Petrotrin's request for her to vacate Point Fortin property

2012-01-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

File 2009: Paula Gopee-Scoon hugs President Obama. The president attended the Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain; Gopee-Scoon was Foreign Minister at the time

The MP for Point Fortin, Paula Goppe Scoon, has refused a request from State-owned Petrotrin for her to vacate a house owned by the company, which she occupies rent-free.

Petrotrin wrote the PNM member about the matter in September last year asking her to vacate the premises at Clifton Hill by December 2011. However she has not done so, claiming that Petrotrin is victimising her.

"I intend to continue living there. What they would be doing is breaking a contract," she said.

Sport Minister Anil Roberts raised the matter in parliament Friday during debate on a finance bill. In responding, Gopee-Scoon accused the government of having no regard for "the sanctity" of an agreement.

She said the company claimed that it wants her to leave because it is expanding and needs to use all its properties. However she said she does not believe that is the real motive.

She said Petrotrin has six properties on the same street. "The first one you meet is in a dilapidated condition and they have done nothing about it...So why are they picking on me? In another property, a vagrant resides. He sleeps there every night...And Petrotrin has not sought to remove that vagrant.."

The MP told the Express newspaper, "I am not going to put up a nasty battle over this. Neither would it deter me from serving my constituency."

Goppe-Scoon lives in Westmoorings, a posh residential community on the West Coast just outside Port of Spain. She said she sometimes spends four days a week in Point Fortin.

She expressed surprise that Roberts chose to raise the issue in Parliament, "forcing me to respond publicly".

The former Foreign Minister in the Manning PNM administration asked whether the decision to take back the home is part of the Government's move to "disable the opposition PNM" in Point Fortin and put itself in a stronger position.

Previous MPs for the constituency have lived in the same house. They include Selby Wilson, Vincent Lasse and Larry Achong.

None of them lived in the constituency. Wilson was a member of the NAR, which was in office from 1886 to 1991. Achang was a PNM member and Lasse was elected as the PNM MP but crossed the floor and joined the Panday UNC government. During his tenure in that administration he continued to reside in the house.

Rowley wins: PNM drops the Balisier Tie

2012-01-22T08:29:00.000-05:00

Rowley's new look - no Balisier tie

The People’s National Movement (PNM) has decided that it will no longer be mandatory for party members and officials to wear the Balisier tie.

Party chairman Franklyn Khan presented the motion to change the long-standing rule, at a meeting of the PNM General Council at the party’s headquarters at Balisier House.

Only nine members voted to keep the tie mandatory; 60 delegates supported wearing the tie as optional.

Khan called the development "a resounding victory" for party leader Dr Keith Rowley, who put his reputation on the line by insisting that the tie be removed as a mandatory symbol.

The PNM has been criticised over the years for its insistence on the use of the tie outside of party events. MPs and ministers have worn the tie in Parliament and in their official capacity.

However shortly after taking over the leadership Rowley and members of the PNM parliamentary caucus stopped wearing the tie to the legislature.

According to Khan, "The general population is indicating to him (Rowley) that the tie should not be worn when you are representing the national community in, for example, the Parliament. But however, we did not rule that people who want to continue wearing it are free to do so. It is an optional issue.”

Magistrate accused of bail fixing still sitting on the bench: Report

2012-01-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

An investigation by the Sunday Expressed has raised questions about Magistrate Avason Quinlan, who continues to sit on the Bench while she is before a disciplinary tribunal on four charges of judicial misconduct in a bail-fixing incident involving two men accused of drug trafficking.

Quinlan is married to Deputy Police Commissioner Stephen Williams.

The Express report said the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) charged Quinlan early last year, following a formal complaint that she tampered with another magistrate's order that the men be remanded in custody.

"She is accused of fixing bail with a surety in the sum of $10,000 for each of the two men, four hours after they were denied bail and remanded in custody by her colleague sitting in the Port of Spain drug court, Magistrate Brian Dabideen," the Express reported.

The paper said Quinlan has denied all charges of wrongdoing. It said when it contacted the magistrate about the matter she said: "I have absolutely no idea what you are speaking about."

The Express reported that Dabideen filed a formal complaint against his colleague in July 2009 with Senior Magistrate Lucina Cardenas Ragoonanan.

His report stated that when Robert Spencer and Anthony Wilson appeared before him they were not represented by counsel. He added that they refused to be fingerprinted and admitted to having criminal records. He ordered that they be remanded into custody until the next day, pending a background check.

The report also stated that Dabideen said when the men appeared before him the following day, he learned that they had lawyers and had been released on bail. It stated further that Dabideen said he checked the paperwork and discovered that his previous order had been "crossed off" and bail granted with a surety in the sum of $10,000 for each of the two accused.

The Express said both men had previous drug convictions and that Spencer had two previous cocaine trafficking charges within the last 15 years. That disqualified him from bail under Section Five of the amended 2008 Bail Act, the paper stated.

The report said Dabideen revoked Quinlan's bail order for both men, which he said were improperly granted. And in his affidavit to the JLSC-appointed investigator, Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, he claimed he was told that Quinlan called the two drug trafficking cases later that same day and "tampered with my endorsements and fixed bail in circumstances where there was no tracing report and prior prosecution's objection to bail".

The report said Dabideen claimed that personnel in the Office of the Clerk of the Peace told him that the prisoners' case information was taken to the courtroom at the request of Magistrate Quinlan and that the transcript of the proceedings clearly showed "she knew that the two drug cases were earlier that day adjudicated upon."

The Express quoted from the court records showing that both men told Quinlan they had appeared before a magistrate earlier that day.

Read the complete report in the SUNDAY EXPRESS