From that juncture, I have been in political exile when it comes to voicing my concerns or perspectives on political issues. I have also noticed that in my 72 years of existence, it is unequivocally better to be on the periphery and unobtrusively observe what is going on from all angles to ensure that whatever opinions or conclusions are drawn are done so based on observation by all.
I say all of this against the backdrop that I have reached a point of complete saturation to the extent that I am currently in a state of political diarrhoea and nausea at what is taking place in the political spectrum.
I say all of this against the backdrop that I have reached a point of complete saturation to the extent that I am currently in a state of political diarrhoea and nausea at what is taking place in the political spectrum.
Every time I turn my radio on to many stations or even flip the daily newspapers or our local tabloids, the Prime Minister of this country, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is being subjected to wanton and vicious attacks that her predecessor was never subjected to.
I want to remind all that I was born in this beloved twin-island republic of ours in 1938 and I have been an avid reader of our country’s happenings since that age of 15. I read extensively and listen to radio programmes dealing with government/politics.
I would just like to remind my fellow citizens (especially the ones born after 1981), that Williams was noted for being very curt, dismissive and sometimes abusive to the media houses. A veteran/renowned journalist (now head of protocol to the Chief Justice), who is three years younger than me, should be able to attest to this.
I would just like to remind my fellow citizens (especially the ones born after 1981), that Williams was noted for being very curt, dismissive and sometimes abusive to the media houses. A veteran/renowned journalist (now head of protocol to the Chief Justice), who is three years younger than me, should be able to attest to this.
Let us shift now to the current longest serving parliamentarian in T&T and the Caribbean (MP since 1971 and serving consecutively since assumption as MP), the Member of Parliament for San Fernando East, Patrick Manning. Manning is known to have used his power of veto on several occasions under nebulous and questionable circumstances.
May I remind our nation that the Constitution has vested power in the office holder of PM to exercise this power where they deem fit.
When Manning did so, he provided no explanations to the public and to this day our fiercely independent judicial system (here and in London) have demonstrated that Manning’s actions were questionable. Let us look at cases like Ganga Persad-Kissoon, Feroza Ramjohn, Devant Maharaj, Marlene Coudray, Keith Jackson, Ashwin Creed.
When Manning did so, he provided no explanations to the public and to this day our fiercely independent judicial system (here and in London) have demonstrated that Manning’s actions were questionable. Let us look at cases like Ganga Persad-Kissoon, Feroza Ramjohn, Devant Maharaj, Marlene Coudray, Keith Jackson, Ashwin Creed.
When Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar exercised her veto power concerning senior attorney/deputy executive court administrator Michelle Austin’s appointment to the Financial Intelligence Unit, she provided an explanation and rationale (whether it was solid or not, I have to be fair and say that she did offer a rationale—an anomaly because her predecessor never did).
Well, PM Persad-Bissessar was crucified under Pontius Pilate for doing something many thought she had to do, which is give your bosses (the electorate who voted her into office and who she is there to serve and be accountable to) a reason for objecting to the Public Service Commission’s selection.
Well, PM Persad-Bissessar was crucified under Pontius Pilate for doing something many thought she had to do, which is give your bosses (the electorate who voted her into office and who she is there to serve and be accountable to) a reason for objecting to the Public Service Commission’s selection.
The former Udecott chairman, Calder Hart, sat on five state boards simultaneously, and was receiving a ridiculous monthly remuneration. Who criticised that situation as extensively and passionately for weeks/months as they did with the appointment of the former head of the Security Intelligence Agency back in January?
Manning appointed his wife as a Minister of Education and then Minister of Local Government during his tenure in office as Prime Minister. This is blatant nepotism at its highest. I wonder if PM Persad-Bissessar had appointed her qualified and experienced husband, Dr Gregory Bissessar, as Minister of Health, if we would have heard the same deafening silence we heard concerning Hazel Manning’s appointment?
Why was Mayor Louis Lee-Sing under Manning’s tenure granted a radio licence in mere days while the Maha Sabha had to wait over ten years? Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has demonstrated her keen sense of discernment as well as her fairness and her ability to give anyone a chance (regardless of race, ethnicity, social standing) because we all belong to the human race and the penultimate line of our national anthem reminds us of that.
The new head of the Public Service is Reynald Cooper, who is also Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. Anyone who keeps abreast of Public Service affairs/staffing will know that Cooper is very bright, competent and experienced. They would also know that there is probably one or two more people who could have gotten the job based on a little more seniority but for the Prime Minister it was based on merit/competence/dedication as integral factors.
I further ask people to examine: Who is the current Leader of Government Business in the Upper House? Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives? Which minister has the largest ministry and requires the hugest sets of money from the Ministry of Finance to do colossal projects concerning the nation’s infrastructure?
The new head of the Public Service is Reynald Cooper, who is also Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. Anyone who keeps abreast of Public Service affairs/staffing will know that Cooper is very bright, competent and experienced. They would also know that there is probably one or two more people who could have gotten the job based on a little more seniority but for the Prime Minister it was based on merit/competence/dedication as integral factors.
I further ask people to examine: Who is the current Leader of Government Business in the Upper House? Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives? Which minister has the largest ministry and requires the hugest sets of money from the Ministry of Finance to do colossal projects concerning the nation’s infrastructure?
In the absence of the Prime Minister from the country, there are four people designated to act as Prime Minister—Jack Warner, Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, Errol Mc Leod and Winston Dookeran. Is this a prejudiced/biased PM? Food for thought.
I can go on and on but I think that we need to:
Theopilus Hackett | Barataria
I can go on and on but I think that we need to:
- Look at the man in the mirror
- Understand that the devil cannot correct sin
- Not throw stones if you live in a glass house
- Either work together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools
- Persad-Bissessar being subjected to wanton and vicious attacks that her predecessor was never subjected to
- PM has demonstrated her keen sense of discernment as well as her fairness
- Manning provided no explanations for vetoes under questionable circumstances
Theopilus Hackett | Barataria
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