Government strong; no need to panic: Moonilal

UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar at last Saturday's political rally in Chaguanas West

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan told local media on Tuesday the Government remains "united, strong" and is constitutionally secure.

And his parliamentary colleague and Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives Dr Roodal Moonilal corroborated that statement. “There is no need to be nervous and no need to panic,” he told the Express newspaper.

Both men congratulated Warner on his victory as did Local Government Minister Suruj Rambachan, who told the Express politics is about change and the people's decision must be respected. “We will wait to see how all of this unfolds in the future,” he added.

The result of Monday's byelection has changed the government's support, which started with 29 members following the 2010 general election. The breakdown was:

• UNC 21
• COP 06
• TOP 02

That has been reduced by two, with Jack Warner leading his own Independent Liberal Party (ILP) and Herbert Volney resigning from the UNC but retaining his seat. There are now 19 UNC members, including Errol Mc Leod, who fought the election on a UNC ticket although he was representing the Movement For Social Justice (MSJ) when he joined the partnership.

The change means that while the UNC has lost its simple majority and needs the support of at least two members from the partnership to pass legislation the partnership remains strong. The significant difference is that it no longer has a constitutional majority to pass certain bills on its own.

Moonilal is not very concerned about that. He told the paper “we can depend on all colleagues” in the Parliament for support if legislation is in the best interest of the country. 

Moonilal predicted that the UNC would "emerge stronger" from the experience in Chaguanas West. He also thanked Volney for his service to the party and to wish him all the best.

Ramlogan also commented on his cabinet colleague Winston "Gypsy" Peters celebrating with Warner. 

“It is laudable that persons can maintain their personal friendships in the middle of heated political battle. I certainly bear no animosity towards Mr Warner, as he has enjoyed good relations with many of us,” Ramlogan told the Express.

“But we are fortunate to be led by a strong and determined Prime Minister whose principles and political experience will continue to guide us,” he said.

Ramlogan added that the Prime Minister’s leadership remained sound and noted that wherever she went during the campaign she was "warmly embraced and greeted with a tremendous outpouring of love".

He explained why Warner won. "This election turned on an unprecedented personal connection and bond that Jack formed with his constituents based on effective representation...But there is no gainsaying that the Prime Minister’s national appeal and leadership remain unchallenged and unrivalled,” he said. 

Ramlogan suggested that Warner was aware of this, which is why his campaign stayed clear of criticising her directly. The AG described Warner's victory as "incredible", adding that his former cabinet colleague achieved what most people thought to be political unthinkable. 

He said Warner demonstrated the value of representation and added that other MPs would no doubt "redouble their effort to serve their constituents in a more effective and meaningful manner".

Volney resigns from UNC; remains MP for St. Joseph

File: Herbert Volney

Herbert Volney has resigned as and member of the United National Congress (UNC) but remains the MP for St Joseph. In a letter to the General Secretary of the party the former Justice Minister said he felt that he was no longer wanted in the party. 

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar fired Volney from cabinet last year, stating that he misled members of cabinet on the Section 34 matter. However the former judge has always stated that he was not treated fairly.Volney's resignation letter is reproduced below.

July 30, 2013
Mr. Dave Tancoo,
General Secretary,
United National Congress,
Rienzi Complex,
COUVA

Dear General Secretary,

Last night on live national television I heard the Honourable Prime Minister and Leader of the United National Congress state that her government was still assured of the support of twenty six and possibly twenty seven Members of Parliament. I understood that to be a message to me that the Prime Minister and Political Leader has no interest in keeping me in the fold of her government.

Since my unjust dismissal from her government, the Prime Minister has done nothing to re-engage me with any relevance in her administration and has as Political Leader of the United National Congress equally made no attempt to include me in any form or fashion given that I remain a member of the United National Congress and one of its members of Parliament.

In April 2010 I was approached by the leadership of the United National Congress to join it in the struggle to return good government to Trinidad and Tobago and to contribute towards crime interdiction, criminal justice and offender management reform set out in the then draft manifesto of the People’s Partnership. 

I made the personal sacrifice of opting for early retirement as the senior judge of the criminal courts in order to join the struggle for peace, bread and justice in our land. I campaigned on a platform of returning Trinidad and Tobago to a sense of normalcy in public order by interdiction of criminal activity through the Speedier Justice Initiative. 

The electorate in the swing constituency of St. Joseph with no more than five thousand committed United National Congress supporters gave me 10,835 votes and overwhelmingly returned me as their Member of Parliament.As the Minister of Justice I faithfully engineered criminal justice and offender management reform both in policy development and in statutory interventions like never before. I caused to be developed prototype drawings for presentation to, and received Cabinet approval for the construction of judicial centers across Trinidad and Tobago. I successfully sought and obtained the transfer of the Prison Service to the Ministry of Justice. I helped establish Rise Prison Radio. In the circumstances my termination as Minister of Justice and in the cruel way it was done was a clear indication to me that improper political motives engendered my invitation into the UNC and the partnership platform.

Put bluntly, I was used for my integrity on the campaign platform to help in its electoral success and when it became a problem to the corruption, cronyism, nepotism and oligarchic autocratic rule that was to follow, I was terminated from the government. I was used and abused for the political purposes of the political leadership of the United National Congress. 

The final insult of the Political Leader insinuating that I was not in her twenty six or twenty seven members underscores the need to sever ties where I am no longer recognized for my contribution and where I have become unwelcome.

I accordingly resign with immediate effect from membership of the United National Congress and request that you alter your membership roll to reflect my termination with the party.

I thank the Political Leader and the National Executive for the opportunity to carry the banner of the United National Congress. I did my best for the party and for the government. I will continue to serve my constituents from the Parliament, and I will continue to serve the nation.

As for you, General Secretary, I have always been touched by your sincerity and thank you for it.

Please be guided accordingly,

HERBERT VOLNEY
Member of Parliament for St. Josephcc Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Political Leader, United National Congress
Ms. Khadijah Ameen, Acting Chairman United National Congress

Jack is back; former MP re-elected in Chaguanas West

Jack Warner has won the byelection in Chaguanas West and will be returning to Parliament as the sole representative of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP).

The unofficial count gave Warner 12,163 votes. The UNC candidate, Khadijah Ameen, received 5,126 votes and the PNM's Avinash Singh won 422 votes. Two other candidates in the race got 11 votes each.

In a brief off the cuff address to supporters Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told supporters not to lose faith. "We still have a majority in Parliament," she said.

She promised to continue to deliver to Chaguanas West and said there must be no ill will and malace to anyone. The Prime Minister also congratulated Warner on his victory.

In his victory speech delivered before Persad-Bissessar spoke, Warner told supporters of his party while there is cause for celebration they must never become arrogant.

Jack Warner and cabinet minister Winston Gypsy Peters
(Express Photo)

He said his re-election under the banner of the new Independent Liberal Party (ILP) is the dawn of a new era in Trinidad and Tobago politics and pledged to continue to work for the benefit of Chaguanas West and the entire country. 

He said, "If there is one lesson to be learned tonight, that is that the government must listen and respond."

The former cabinet minister said he was proud of the people of Chaguanas West for fighting a "David and Goliath" battle in which "we came up against the might of an entire government and we won."

He added, "Let our victory be the cause of celebration but not the cause for arrogance. We shall be grateful and be humbled by God’s mercy."

He said he is just a messenger who will represent not just the people who voted for him but every every child, woman and man who live in the constituency of Chaguanas West.

Khadijah Ameen thanked all her "UNC soldiers", cabinet ministers and the prime minister for their support in the campaign. She said it is clear that the UNC remains strong.

She noted that the UNC conducted a clean campaign and pledged to continue to work for the people. She said the campaign office will become a permanent office to look after the needs of the people of the constituency because there is a lot of work to be done.

Chagunas West voting in crucial byelection

The people of Chagunas West are voting today, July 29, in a byelection that is really a contest between their former MP, Jack Warner and the candidate for the United National Congress, Khadijah Ameen. 

The other candidates are Avinash Singh - People’s National Movement; Kirk Meighoo - Democratic National Assembly (DNA) and Oliver Norman - National Coalition for Transformation (NCT). Ishmael Samad of the Party for Integrity and Morality in Politics (PIMP), is also on the ballot but he has dropped out.

Warner has been the MP since 2007 when he first won the seat for the UNC. He was re-elected in 2010 with more than 18,000 votes but resigned in April days after he quit as a senior cabinet minister and chairman of the UNC.

He is contesting the seat as the candidate for his newly formed Independent Liberal Party (ILP).

Ameen was an elected councillor and chair of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation. It is the first time she is entering a race for a parliamentary seat.

The official list shows that 27,045 people are eligible to vote at 14 polling stations. The polls will close at 6 in the evening.

1. Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College, Light Pole No 139, Southern Main Road, Caroni - Polling stations: 1596-1, 1596-2, 1791-1, 1791-2
2. Munroe Road Government Primary School School Lane, Munroe Road,Cunupia - Polling stations: 2730-1, 2730-2, 2765-1, 2765-2, 2765-3
3. Munroe Road Hindu School, Light Pole No 18, Ajodha Road, Bejucal, Cunupia - Polling stations: 2735-1, 2735-2, 2736-1, 2740-1
4. Charlieville Presbyterian School, Caroni Savannah Road, Charlieville - Polling stations: 2741-1, 2755-1, 2755-2, 2755-3, 2760-1, 2761-1, 2762-1
5. Caroni Presbyterian School, Knaggs Street, Frederick Settlement, Caroni - Polling stations: 2745-1, 2745-2
6. Felicity (SDMS) Primary School, Cacandee Road - Polling stations: 2750-1, 2750-2, 2750-3, 2930-1, 2930-2, 2935-1, 2935-2
7. Endeavour Hindu School, Rodney Road, Endeavour, Chaguanas - Polling stations: 2860-1
8. Charlieville ASJA Primary School, ASJA Avenue, Caroni Savannah Road, St Charles Village - Polling stations: 2865-1, 2865-2, 2870-1
9. ASJA Boys’ College ASJA Avenue, Caroni Savannah Road, St Charles Village - Polling stations: 2866-1, 2871-1 
10. Saraswati Girls’ Hindu College, New Settlement Road, Chaguanas - Polling stations: 2867-1
11. Chaguanas RC School, Henderson Street, Chaguanas - Polling stations: 2875-1, 2875-2, 2875-3, 2915-1, 2915-2
12. Chaguanas Government, Primary School 10th Avenue, Orchard Gardens, Chaguanas - Polling stations: 2880-1, 2880-2, 2885-1
13. Presentation College, St Yves Street, Chaguanas - Polling stations: 2890-1, 2890-2
14. Felicity Presbyterian School, Cacandee Road, Felicity - Polling stations: 2920-1, 2925-1, 2925-2, 2926-1, 2926-2

Sweet deals for CWC - Story reproduced from the Sunday Express

Large crowd at UNC rally - Express photo

Today's top political story:

SWEET DEALS

Kamla promises by-election goodies for Chaguanas West

By By Irene Medina Associate Editor

...and from The SUNDAY GUARDIAN:

Election goodies• $50 million for ex-Caroni workers
• Land for rice cultivation
• 700 lots for distribution in Felicity and surrounding areas
• Health centre
• Completion of the Munroe Road Primary School

Read the full story:

Election Goodies

Published: 

Sunday, July 28, 2013

RHONDA KRYSTAL RAMBALLY & SHALIZA HASSANALI

JYOTI urges Chaguanas West to elect Khadijah

A vote for Khadijah is a vote to secure your future and your children's future

The campaign for the Chaguanas West byelection began the day in April that Jack Warner announced that he was resigning the seat and promptly announced that he would run again to get, as he put it, "validation".

At the time he was very clear that he would seek the nomination for the United National Congress (UNC) from which he had also just resigned following his sudden departure from cabinet. 

He told everyone that he remained loyal to the UNC and its leader and that his vision never changed. He added that no one could take the UNC out of him because he was "UNC to the bone".

But this diehard UNC turned green the moment the UNC announced that it preferred Khadijah Ameen as its candidate. In less that a week, Jack had a new party - the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) - and he declared that as its interim leader he would contest the seat.

It is clear that Jack anticipated the UNC decision and had put everything in place for the ILP announcement long before any decision was announced. In other words, while he was telling everyone he was UNC to the bone he was forming a party to undermine the very party that he had helped to build and take to government.

That was a betrayal because he knew that he was forming a party even before he faced the screening committee. And his pledge to support the UNC and its leader went out the door with the change from yellow to green.

All of a sudden he was hurling insults at his former leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, finding all manner of unpleasant things to reveal. As the campaign progressed the woman whom he dubbed the best PM and the best leader in the forseable future had become a target in his campaign to win back Chaguanas West.

His actions leave many questions unanswered.

• How can you be supportive of a leader and then insult her by saying she is unable to lead and is under the influence of people who work with her? There is a clear contradiction. 
• How can you say you support the government and attack members of that government at every turn without providing the evidence to support the claims of improper conduct?
• And how could you have the same vision when you are attacking the leader and cabinet ministers every day?
• How can you be seeking membership in the People's Partnership while fighting an election against a member of that partnership?
• And can you genuinely expect people to believe that this is just about Chaguanas West? 

The very statement that Chaguanas West is the place from where you would effect political change is a clear statement that the intention of the ILP is to change the government.

Then there is the question about the vision and philosophy of this new party. If Jack's vision has not changed are we to assume that the ILP's vision is the same as the UNC? Then what is the point of a new party?

It leads one to believe that Jack's aim all along was to take over the UNC and replace its leader. Once it was clear that this was not going to happen he cut all ties with the party and started working against the UNC.

And how can anyone explain the racism coming from Jack's Guyanese guest, Jailal Kissoon? Like the infamous Calcutta Ship incident, the apology seemed insincere and too late.

The UNC's candidate, Khadijah Ameen, stayed away from attacking Jack and even asked Jack to join her if he truly believed in the things he said constituted his vision. Kamla too called on Jack and those who had joined the ILP to "come home and bring the family". 

The issue in this election is really about loyalty. On the one hand it is loyalty to a party whose vision of equality, justice, freedom and democracy has never changed. It is part of a progressive government focused on people and development. On the other, it is loyalty to an MP who has been a benefactor to many.

The dilemma that faces members of the UNC who put Jack in office in 2007 and 2010 is whether to stay in government and support their party or switch loyalty to a man who now appears to be contradicting all he he stood for as a UNC MP and chairman of the UNC. Jack, it seems, is no longer a builder and a believer.

But it goes beyond that. Loyalty to the former MP means opposition to the UNC and the government. It means creating a political space for a third party that would serve to divide the votes in future elections. It is an electoral formula aimed at toppling the PP government. And Jack know that because he had always stated that T&T has no room for a third party and that the UNC was the ideal party for the country.

Now he and the ILP have become agents of change that threaten the foundations of the state and the elected government.

Jack's pronouncements that he plans a vigorous campaign in certain constituencies, notably Tabaquite, sends a signal that he is using his party to settle personal vendettas. How does that solve national problems? How is that fair to people?

There is too much at stake and there are too many unanswered questions from the ILP team; the ones raised are merely the tip of the iceberg. Taking all these into consideration I would support Khadijah Ameen. 

She has experience, is young and enthusiastic, has always been loyal to the UNC and has pledged to serve the people of Chaguanas West faithfully. With a strong and unity government and partnership supporting her, the people of Chaguanas West would be well served.

I do not have a vote in Chaguanas West. But as someone who voted to put the People's Partnership in government, I stand with my leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and I urge everyone in Chaguanas West to do the same and VOTE FOR KHADIJAH AMEEN on Monday.

Now is not the time to gamble with Trinidad and Tobago's political future. JYOTI fully endorses Khadijah as the only candidate who can ensure continuity in the two remaining years of the mandate of the People's Partnership.

CAUTION: The YouTube video below has offensive comment. It contains comments from JAILAL KISSSOON who spoke on a political platform of the ILP this week:

UNC closes CWC campaign with Kumar Sanu as special guest

Kumar Sanu rehearses for Saturday's concert with UNC deputy political leader Roodal Moonilal

The United National Congress (UNC) on Saturday closes its election campaign for the Chaguanas West byelection with a rally at Pierre Road, Felicity featuring Indian playback singer Kumar Sanu.

Kumar Sanu

Sanu is considered one of the leading playback singers in the Indian Film Industry. He was awarded the Filmfare Best Male Playback Singer Award for five consecutive years. In 2009, the Government of India awarded him Padma Shri to honour his achievements.

The rally is in support of Khadijah Ameen. The political leader of the UNC, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar would deliver the feature address. 

Ameen is facing several opponents, most notably the former MP for the constituency, Jack Warner, who is the candidate for his new Independent Liberal Party.

JYOTI endorses Khadijah Ameen

Lest we forget - in memory of the victims of the 1990 failed Muslimeen coup

Say a prayer for T&T

On July 27, 1990 Muslimeen insurgents stormed the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and took several persons hostage, including the Prime Minister at the time, Arthur N.R. Robinson.

Another rebel group took control of the state television station and announced that the radical group under its leader Imam Yasin Abu Bakr had taken control of the country.

In the violence that followed before the uprising ended 40 people lost their lives and large sections of the city of Port of Spain were devastated.

Today, 23 years later, let us pause for a moment to remember that dark day in our history and to praise God for our deliverance so we could continue to live in a free and democratic state.

And let us resolve to continuously be on guard to ensure that no one ever has an opportunity to seize power by undemocratic means.

From the archives: The 1990 Muslimeen coup


ALSO READ THE TRINIDAD EXPRESS STORY:

OUTRAGE

1990 ‘coup’ victims denounce Bakr march approved by top cop

By Ria Taitt Political Editor

Former sugar workers to get $6.5M payout: Report

A scene from the past - labourers harvesting sugar canes by hand

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is expected to announce on Saturday that an agreement has been reached for former workers of Caroni (1975) Limited to receive millions of dollars they invested in the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) when the Manning administration closed the sugar company.

Local media reports say the announcement would come at a political rally to close the UNC election campaign for the Chaguanas West byelection.

The Express newspaper quoted co-ordinator for the ex-Caroni Workers Association and president of the Sugar Boilers Association, Rakeeb Mohammed as saying that Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal told him about the matter.

About 3,000 former sugar workers had made an investment in the ADB through an arrangement called the ADB/UTC Sweetener plan, which was designed by bank and the Unit Trust Corporation. 

The arrangement was to leave the money invested with the ADB in return for an ADB loan. The business arrangement was that the capital would grow and that the investors would benefit from a high interest yield. However, that didn't happen and the plan went into default, resulting in the non payment of the anticipated profit. 

The Express quoted Mohammed as saying that he held discussions with several government ministers about the issue and that he was assured that two weeks ago cabinet approved the payment of more than $6.5 million to the affected former sugar workers.

Montano turns green

File Robin Montano

Jack Warner has another lawyer at his side - Robin Montano. The interim leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) announced on Friday that Montano has joined the party as its interim Chairman.

Montano has been out of active politics since Basdeo Panday fired him as a UNC Senator in 2007. He is a former PNM Senator (1991-1995). He fell out with his leader, Patrick Manning, and fought Manning as a UNC candidate in the 2001 general election. 

Montano's father, Gerard Montano, was a founding member of the PNM and his brother, Danny Montano, is a high profile PNM member who served as Senate President in the 9th Parliament.

Montano also served as a member of the Congress of the People.

TODAY's top political stories from the T&T newspapers

From the Trinidad Express:

Now Suruj suing Warner

By Ria Taitt Political Editor 

PRAYERS VS PARTY

UNC brings in Bollywood’s Kumar Sanu while Jack opts for Ramayan yagna for by-election finale

Sanu: Moonilal a good man

By Anna Ramdass 

JACK SEES RED

Stages sit-in at Green Park, Felicity, to protest laying of water pipes

By Renuka Singh

From the TRINIDAD GUARDIAN

PP MPs not lining up to cross over

ANSA McAL survey shows: Majority casting vote for individual

From NEWSDAY

DEEPLY OFFENSIVE

By Andre Bagoo Friday, July 26 2013

From GISL: $7M for Emancipation and Eid; each Masjid gets $5,000

July 25, 2013:

PM Kamla celebrates Emancipation Day

Government has funded approximately $7 million to various cultural and religious groups for celebrations of Emancipation Day and Eid ul Fitr, which would be observed within the next two weeks.

Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Dr. Lincoln Douglas made the announcement as he addressed the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing which was held at the Office of the Prime Minister earlier today.

Douglas said Cabinet had approved $3.38 million for Emancipation Day celebrations. Emancipation Day will be celebrated on August 01st, 2013. The Minister said Emancipation Day celebrations will begin tomorrow, with the opening of the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Grand Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain.

“The Emancipation Support Committee will get $2 million, as well as $2 million from the Sport and Culture Fund of the Office of the Prime Minister. Forty-eight other groups will receive over $300,000 in support,” Douglas said.

The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the development of culture in Trinidad and Tobago, saying that religious and cultural festivals were critical to the development of the nation.

“Government will continue to support all the festivals which aid in the development of Trinidad and Tobago,” Douglas said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communications, Jamal Mohammed announced that approximately $3 million has been approved for the observance of Eid ul Fitr, which he announced would be celebrated on August 09, 2013.

“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is in support of all religious organisations and would ensure they get support to celebrate in a proper manner,” Mohammed said.

The Minister announced that all masjid will receive $5,000 in cash, while major groups such as the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jammat Association (ASJA), the Trinidad Muslim League, the Tackveeyatul Islamic Association (T.I.A.) among others.

(Reporduced unedited from GISL - Government Information Services Limited)

PM Kamla sends congratulations Queen on birth of her great grandson

The royal couple with their new baby

July 25, 2013:


Her Majesty,
Queen Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace
London
United Kingdom

Your Majesty,

It is with profound pleasure and great excitement that I convey, on behalf of my government and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, since congratulations on the birth of your great grandson, who by God’s grace, is destined to be third in line to the British throne. 

We, in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as many other citizens in the Caribbean region are delighted at the news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been safely delivered of a healthy, beautiful heir to the Royal family.

Your Majesty, please accept our best wishes and extend to the Royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge our congratulations and kindest wishes for continued health and prosperity as they nurture and direct a new addition into the promising era of progress.

This remarkable event is indeed an auspicious and timely blessing as we continue to celebrate your Majesty’s Jubilee. May God Bless and keep safe, the new Prince of Cambridge and grant him health, happiness and a long life of service to his subjects.

Please be assured of our best regards and support at this historic time.

God Save the Queen!

Yours Sincerely,
Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Political commentary - Jack Warner's Calcutta Ship? - by Ashvani Mahabir

Ashvani Mahabir

Several months ago, immediately following the Tobago House of Assembly elections, Mr. Jack Warner in his capacity as Chairman of the UNC proffered a Statement on the outcome of the poll which had leaned towards one political party. 

Warner articulated then, that Tobagonians had voted on the basis of "tribal instincts" and the fear of the "Calcutta ship" described by PNM candidate Hilton Sandy. Warner was recorded as saying that the PNM resorted to the “tactic of instilling fear that some other group will take away the little they had and the tribal instincts did the rest.”

That was the Jack Warner who had sought to vociferously object to election tactics founded on ethnicity, race and xenophobia. Enter the new Jack Warner, self appointed leader of a political organization that thrives upon “bombshells”, “tsunamis” and “mother of all meetings” and which seemingly ushers new definition to the ILP as the “I Love Propaganda movement”. By a twist of fate, it now appears that Warner himself has resorted to appealing to the emotional instincts of Chaguanas West by subliminal marketing of the race card.

In the first instance Warner seeks the embrace of the largely indo-Trinidadian Constituency by portraying himself as the wounded UNC soldier scarred by an Indian “cabal” within the People’s Partnership. 

His campaign begs for pity for the “outsider” who did so much to build the UNC and now to receive the political dagger. Warner is deafeningly silent though in articulating at what point in time he made discovery of the existence of the cabal. He shuns any enunciation as to why he had embraced the “cabal” for two and a half years. He fails to educate his listener as to whether he too was once perceived as being part of a “cabal”.
The composition of Warner’s platform too, leaves no doubt as to the subliminal appeal to ethnicity and race. His panel of speakers, all of Indian decent are all glorifying the ‘wounded soldier from outside’ and all calling for compassion on his behalf. 

In fact one speaker on his platform constantly refers to “tribal politics of the UNC”. How Warner and his admirers remained conspicuously silent over the years on this “tribalism” remains a mystery that may have stood even beyond the grasp of Sherlock Holmes. 

This is the very Jack Warner who in November of 2012 had defended the integrity of the Prime Minister and her Cabinet by insisting that only Trinidadians of African descent had participated in an anti-government (section 34) demonstration. Was there any UNC tribalism when Warner was a senior member of the Cabinet? 

It is also a political paradox to vilify the “cabal and the tribalism” with one breath and then with the other to ask to rejoin the Partnership after the election. Would the cabalism and tribalism disappear after the poll Mr. Warner? The proclivity towards “out of time” and “after the fact” insinuations has become a hallmark of Warner’s campaign effort.

Warner has issued an apology for a Guyanese speaker on his platform who on Tuesday night made all viewers and listeners to his public meeting turn green with shock and horror. Never before had a political audience had the misfortune to digest the most abhorrent and repugnant racist diatribe and invective against our people and nation. Like the PNM’s “Calcutta Ship”, the apology comes after the damage has been done.

In football, players who display a penchant towards indiscipline are shown the red card which signifies expulsion from the game. The I Love Propaganda campaign is deserving of political expulsion. It would not be surprising that on July 29th Jack Warner receives the Red Card from Chaguanas West.

Ashvani Mahabir | Cunupia

Jack lands in hot waters during CWC election campaign

Jack Warner's election campaign hit some rough waters in the last few days with voters starting to question the man they had considered a hero and Warner himself having to apologise for statements made on his platform.

JYOTI is still trying to resolve some issues before getting back to its regular work. But we thought that these issues are too important to ignore so we have decided to highlight what is going by adding direct links to the T&T media.

The front page of the NEWSDAY newspaper

From the GUARDIAN:

Jack apologises, bans foreign pal from platform

Racist rants taint ILP

Glenn to sue Jack over $m houses claim

Ramadharsinghs: We’ll never forgive him for these lies

From the EXPRESS

Warner apologises for statements at ILP meeting

SAY SORRY, JACK

…Minister sends pre-action protocol letter to Warner demanding apology, damages following ‘6 palatial homes’ claim

Warner obscene, out of control, says ex-Cabinet colleague

From NEWSDAY

SHOCKING RACE TALK

By SEAN DOUGLAS Thursday, July 25 2013

Glenn: I do not own 6 homes

By Clint Chan Tack Thursday, July 25 2013

An apology - JYOTI taking a break

JYOTI is taking a break for a while. It's due to certain unavoidable personal issues. We wish to thank you for your support over the years.

Jai Parasram

UNC plans big cultural show Sunday

Please click on poster to read details in a new, larger window

Gordon must not sit on any matters relating to government of opposition: PM Kamla

New NP station - PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Khadijah Ameen and Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine
(Express photo)

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar stated on Friday that the chairman of the Integrity Commission (IC) cannot preside over any investigations relating to members of her government or the opposition.

She spoke with the media following the official opening of a new NP gas station and Quick Shoppe in Charlieville, Chaguanas West.

Persad-Bissesssar's lawyer, Israel Khan, wrote to Gordon on July 12 asking him to recuse himself from any IC probe into the email matter, citing apparent bias. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, made the same request through his attorney, Dana Seetahal, on July 15 in a letter to the Registrar of the commission.

The Prime Minister stated that the secret meeting between Gordon and Opposition Leader Keith Rowley compromised the commission. Both men met at Gordon's home on May 15, five days before Rowley went to Parliament and accused the government of a serious conspiracy involving the PM, AG, senior cabinet minister Suruj Rambachan and National Security Adviser to the PM, Gary Griffith.

Rowley charged that thee conspiracy was outlined in a thread of 31 emails exchanged among the officials in September. Persad-Bissessar and the others immediately stated that the emails were fabricated and referred the matter to the police for investigations. Experts have declared the emails as fakes. 

Perad-Bissessar said her attorney will be writing to Gordon to express concerns about his capability to chair the Commission with respect to any other matter relating to the government or opposition.

She told local media, "My lawyer has advised me that based on our letter he has recused himself from this particular matter but my lawyer is now advising that Mr Gordon may well have to recuse himself from any matter which concern members of my Government because of that meeting." 

She reiterated the point that it is not clear what Rowley and Gordon discussed at their meeting on May 15 because there was no official rec ord of the meeting and also because no one else was present.

“We don’t know what else was discussed and I believe my lawyer is about to write to Mr Gordon that he should recuse himself and not sit on any matters relating to members of the Government and secondly that he should not sit on any matters relating to members of the opposition and the former government,” she said.

"In other words I have been advised that he has so severely compromised that office with this secret meeting that he will be unable in law in the perception of that meeting, that it would be unwise and inappropriate and unfair for him to sit on any matters related to my government and or to the opposition and to the former Government."

In effect, she has stated that Gordon is unfit to sit on any matters and puts the IC in a very untenable position with a "lame duck" chairman.

"(He) would...in effect be hamstrung in carrying out his duties as you well know the law relates to government officials and former government officials, the persons who the Integrity Commission is charged to investigate,” she said.

Gordon says he won't be "stampeded" out of office

The Express newspaper reported on Saturday that Ken Gordon has acknowledged that he would have done things differently if the same circumstances existed with respect to the urgent meeting with him that Keith Rowley requested.

It was the meeting with Rowley on May 15 that has caused a major controversy especially since it happened five days before the leader of the opposition presented his no confidence motion in the government claiming a serious conspiracy. 

Only Gordon and Rowley were at the meeting and there was no official record except Gordon's own notes, which he released to the meeting only after government minister Roodal Moonilal raised the matter in Parliament last month.

The Express said Gordon issued a statement done in a question and answer format and released to the media Friday by the Integrity Commission.

It quoted Gordon: “What I would do differently is to ensure that I had a fuller understanding of the nature of the “urgency” which existed before arranging the meeting that afternoon. Equally in the light of what has transpired I would do everything possible to ensure that I had a clearly spelt-out remit for the office of sole Commissioner”.

However he stated that he did not think he should quit as chairman of the Integrity Commission (IC). 

"It has the power to do what it considers necessary or expedient...It must also be understood that whether or not a “constituted” Constitution existed on May 15, the day of the meeting, the identical circumstances could have occurred.

“My response would almost certainly have been the same except that I might have immediately called one or other of the Commissioners on the phone on Dr Rowley’s departure. Without the full Commission in place I did the next best thing and immediately wrote an aide memoire which was typed the following day.”

Gordon said he has no fear about leaving the post because he has left four previous national appointments under three different Governments. "In each instance it was a principled position against what I considered to be wrong. What I will not do is to be stampeded into taking such action for the wrong reasons," he stated.

The chairman was adamant that he was not a victim of a trap set by the Opposition Leader.

“He was brief and to the point and so was I. In fact my response to him that the matter was not before the Commission because the Commission was not as yet constituted was not news. That was public knowledge and I had made similar public references earlier when explaining the status quo. The meeting lasted no more than 15 minutes from beginning to end”, Gordon stated.

Rowley says he'll reveal all to IC

Keith Rowley told the Express newspaper he has written a letter to the Integrity Commission (IC) stating that he is prepared to "immediately disclose all and/or any relevant material information, docu­mentation and/or devices" that may be of assistance to it in its investigation of the matter of the "emails" he presented in Parliament.

The paper said Rowley’s letter is date July 17 and added that Rowley sent it to “specifically grant permission to the Integrity Commission to access and investigate all his e-mail accounts whatsoever and wheresoever situated”.

The Express said Rowley had sent a similar letter to the IC June 6 before a new IC was appointed.

Rowley is insisting that the IC must conduct any investigation into the matter.

Judge orders Express to pay Nizam $250,000 for defamation

File: Justice Gobin

Justice Carol Gobin on Friday ordered the Express newspaper to pay $325,000 to former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Nizam Mohammed for defamation Mohammed’s character in an article published on July 23, 2010.

Mohammed claimed the newspaper defamed him based on certain statements made about him in the article.

His attorney, Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein made the point that the Express article seriously injured Mohammed brought him into public scandal, ridicule, odium and contempt and that Mohammed "suffered considerable distress and embarrassment”.

The newspaper story was based on statements made at a People’s National Movement public meeting by former Public Services Association (PSA) president Jennifer Baptiste-Primus.

Hosein acknowledged that the Express had printed a correction stating that Mohammed’s name was never mentioned in the statements made by Baptiste-Primus.

However, he stated that the correction was not given the same prominence as the offending article. "The corrections were not published in a size or location or given a place of prominence similar to that afforded to the defamatory words. The defendants published the corrections in a manner that would not be likely to attract the attention and interest of readers of the newspapers,” Hosein told the court.

Jack on the attack while stating he doesn't want to harm PP government

Jack Warner: "I am no rogue, Prime Minister..."

Jack Warner on Friday night called for investigations into the PM’s Christmas Fund and the Children’s Life Fund and raised questions about a minister's spending without naming anyone. 

"What is the difference Madam Prime Minister between Jack Warner soliciting funds from the business community for a Christmas Party for his staff and others soliciting funds from the business community for toys for children?" he asked.

He also charged that a cabinet minister granted favours to his brother who had been unemployed in Canada, handing him lucrative contracts in trinidad. He did not provide any evidence to support his claims. He also claimed that the same minister bought an expensive home in Canada and a luxury vehicle for his daughter to attend university there.

With respect to his UNC opponent in the July 29 byelection, Warner demanded to know where Khadijah Ameen is getting the money to finance her campaign.

Warner told his supporters he knows where the money is coming from but did not provide the evidence. 

He also had comments about two members of the Congress of the People - Rodger Samuel and Lincoln Douglas. Samuel is a minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Douglas is Arts and Multiculturalism minister.

Warner said the Prime Minister is not treating Samuel fairly although the COP member is an elected MP. He said Samuel fought a won a "bruising election" and won the Arima seat in 2010 but the PM preferred to appoint others to cabinet although they were unelected. He named Dr Bhoe Tewari and Marlene Coudray, who are both senators.

“This smacks of inequity of bias and is wrong...It is actions like these...that are tearing the COP membership apart,” Warner stated, adding that all paarties in the partnership deserve to be treated equally.

Warner took aim at Douglas who stated earlier in the week, "Who want to go could go,” in reference to statements that some COP members might want to leave the partnership. Warner called the statement "foolish" and said Douglas would pay a price for it "sooner rather than later."

The former cabinet minister also called for an audit on the expenditure for the August 31, 2012 independence anniversary concert to celebrate the country's 50th anniversary. 

Despite his clear attacks on the government and the PM, Warner insisted that his motive is not to bring down thee government. 

"It is not that Jack Warner cannot fight back. It is just that I will not do so because I must never be accused of bringing down a government I carried into power on my shoulders and replace them with a dysfunctional PNM Government under the incompetent watch of Dr Keith Rowley," he said.

"So I will say nothing more my dear Prime Minister, because I must not ever do anything to cause the PNM to get back into power. That is why, my dear Prime Minister, after my victory on July 29, notwithstanding your public rejection, once again, I will make a formal application for the Independent Liberal Party and its thousands of members to become a partner in the People's Partnership government." 

He had a message for his former leader: "I am no rogue Prime Minister, but you and I know where the rogues are."

Jack says another byelection coming soon; says ILP membership has crossed 41,000

41,000 members in 14 days: Jack Warner

Jack Warner said Friday night there is going to be another byelection soon and predicted it would have to be held around the same time as the Local Government Elections.

The life of the municipal corporations end on July 26. All corporations would be automatically dissolved on that date and the election must be held not later than October 26.

A seat in Parliament become vacant on the resignation of the MP and must be declared vacant by the Speaker during a sitting of Parliament. At the present time Parliament is prorogued and no date has been set for the start of the fourth session of the 10th Parliament. It is only after the Speaker declares the seat vacant that the 90-day countdown to the byelection begins.
Speaking at a political meeting in Chaguanas Warner said, "I am advised that after this Chaguanas West byelection when the Parliament is re-convened there will be another resignation for which another bye election must also be held within 90 days of the member of Parliament's resignation." 

He did not say which of the MPs would resign. There is speculation that it would be Herbert Volney who was fired for misleading his cabinet colleagues about the Section 34 matter. Since then he has been sitting as a government backbencher and does not take instructions from the House Leader. His most recent vote in Parliament was against the government in the Dangerous Dogs bill, which the PNM supported.

 

Volney has been a vocal critics of his former cabinet colleagues and has chided Warner for wanting to make his new party a member of the People's Partnership.

Warner also announced that in the two weeks since he launched his Before doing so, however, I wish to advise you that our present Party membership has crossed 41,000. 

He said people from all across the country want to join. The interim leader of the ILP said he plans to open offices in Pointe a Pierre, San Fernando, St Joseph, Dabadie, Rio Claro, Diego Martin, St Anns, Fyzabad, Tabaquite and at a later date in Tobago.

He also announced that three elected officials have joined his party - Clinton Jennings from the Arima Borough, Winston Ramsaroop from the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation and Danan Singh from the Chaguanas Borough.