Strengthening dictators -The right of recall
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2002
Newsday TT
THE EDITOR: I have appreciated many of the articles of Anand Ramlogan, but would like to question the logic of his recent commentary on "The Right of Recall".
Anand advocates that constituents should have the right to remove a Member of Parliament whom they deem to be unsatisfactory; and he draws reference to "Nizam Mohammed, Bhoe Tewarie, Winston Dookeran, Brinsley Samaroo and the other MPs who were elected on Panday's political strength".
These MPs it will be recalled, remained in the NAR government, and did not follow Panday when he was expelled from the NAR and he defected. Panday branded them all "Nemakarams", and proclaimed that they will never again see the inside of Parliament.
There is no suggestion that any of the above named were not diligently representing their constituents, but rather, that they did not blindly follow Panday. From my personal recollection, Bhoe, Winston and Brinsley were well regarded by their constituents. And I know of one such who was grateful to Winston as her MP and admired him, but who voted for Hulsie "because Winston was still NAR" and not in Panday's camp.
The greater curse in our political culture is that the Party and its leader demand total mindless obeisance from their "elected" MP, and no matter how good or effective he/she serves their constituents, the electorate will mostly support the Party and not the person. Constituencies may nominate candidates, but the Political Leader makes the final choice.
Hulsie Baggan went to her political graveyard because she lacked the puppet instinct to respond to every whim and fancy of Panday and Ramesh Maharaj. Most people at heart admired Hulsie's intellect, her informed and lucid contributions in Parliament, and her courageous support for her Guayamere constituents. We all remember when she stood up, or rather sat down, in the middle of the roadway, to stop highway construction, until her people were justly settled.
Yet Hulsie who replaced Winston, was herself replaced by Ramsaran just because she was not obedient, and in doing so Panday scathingly commented "he replaced Hulsie with an unknown".
In the recent elections Panday shuffled around Assam from St Joseph to Tunapuna, and then to the sidelines.
He put John Humphrey out to pasture, in preparation for President's House, and gave Humphrey's safe seat to Yet Ming.
Then he shuffled Yet Ming from St Augustine to St Joseph, shuffled Carlos John from St Joseph to Tunapuna, and maybe into political oblivion. And the sincere Dookeran, once branded "Nemakaram", parachutes from the sidelines into St Augustine. With a puppeteer on stage manipulating his MPs for all the world to see, I would not get hot under the collar about recalling anybody. A constitutional tool to recall MPs will simply give the puppeteers bigger muscles. The reality is that the MPs belong more to the Political Leader, than to the people, notwithstanding the constitutional intent.
What in my view is more relevant is to reform our political culture so that elected representatives truly represent their constituencies.
And that political leaders can be changed without their consent. When that is done, let's talk about "Recall"!
Michael J Williams
Maracas Valley
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Who will be the cat?
Posted: Tuesday, November 26, 2002
THE EDITOR: Not I, said the Public Servant. Beyond all the sensationalisms of the present Commissions of Enquiry, one undeniable fact has surfaced. The UNC Administration (1995-2001) basically cowed every member of the top echelon of the Public Service and State Enterprises.
As the infamous British production — Yes, Minister — showed, it is the Public Servant who is there to carry out the wishes of the Minister and Cabinet.
However, for some unfathomable reason, the UNC Ministers and Political Appointees were allowed to act without 'fear or favour' in carrying out their agenda. From the placement of a school without proper investigation to exceeding ministry directives on Board Fees to the issuance of contracts without valid supporting documentation.
In this arena, if nowhere else, the PNM and any subsequent administration should learn from the UNC. Unfortunately, the ability of the UNC to act decisively (and seemingly without having to heed any protests/warnings) did not redound to the benefit of the country.
In addition to resulting in what can only be termed excesses in public expenditure (and not performance as Mr. Panday contends), the will of the UNC did not break the strangle hold that the Public Servant has on this country.
A flood occurs and the cry goes up —where is the Minister? More importantly, where are the engineers from the Ministry of Works and Transport? Where are the officers of the Regional Corporation? Surely these public servants, who are responsible for carrying out the programmes for the benefit of the public, should be the first to respond.
Indiscipline in schools goes up and the parents/guardians/TTUTA ask where is the Minister? The questions may be where are the teachers who are away from classes or school instead of providing proper supervision.
The absolute power of Cabinet to decide on a course of action for the nation does not absolve the Public Servant from his/her responsibility.
In carrying out the directives sent to them they must perform their duties conscientiously and inform when the proposed course of action is compromising the good of the nation.
As citizens we need to remind the Public Service that they are there to help us conduct our affairs — not to hold down a post (like a ten days). Ever called the BIR about your refund cheque — it is being processed. Want to find out about payment for goods and services provided — we do not have releases. Need to be attended to quickly at a health care facility — the Doctor is not in.
The PNM and UNC have both stated a vision for Trinidad and Tobago of reaching developed nation status soon (2020 or 2010). Achievement of this goal will not only be recognised by our buildings (airport terminal), our roads (with or without arches), nor our youth (educated or not). Indeed it will be best captured by the desire for all citizens to work harmoniously toward the benefit of all who reside here — present and future.
Who will Bell the Cat? Surely not the Public Servant who seeks his/her interest first. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the UNC was able to conduct its affairs without open dissent from the Public Service as they sought to live within their own glass houses.
As President AN R Robinson said two years ago, the appointment of the Public Servant is based on the investiture of trust in the officer — not simply the holding of a job.
It is the responsibility of each Officer in the Public Service to respond appropriately to issues where the national good is compromised.
As citizens it is our role to speak out against the others who sit by and watch the demise of our country and say nothing.
Together we can ensure that our nation achieves its maximum potential.
Louis R Hernandez
Diego Martin
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West Indies re-ignite spirit of WI fans
Posted: Tuesday, November 26, 2002
THE EDITOR: ON May 31 1984 at Manchester, England, Viv Richards, 32, played one of the greatest innings in the history of one day cricket.
The 'Master Blaster' reduced England's attack to ashes as he smashed 189 in 170 balls (21 fours and 5 sixes).
More than 18 years later at Vijayawada, India, Marlon Samuels decimation of the Indian attack (108 off 75 balls) was described by ICC match referee and former ace South African all-rounder Mike Proctor as 'one of the great one day innings'.
Viv Richards, as Chairman of the West Indies selectors, was present to witness the carnage. One could see the unbridled glee on the Antiguan's face.
The young Jamaican's hawk like hand to eye co-ordination is reminiscent of Richards in his heyday.
The convincing victory of course ended the tour on a very high note as we won the one-day series by the margin of 4-3. West Indian fans could also revel at the imposing prospect of young fast bowler, Jermaine Lawson. The Jamaican was 'hitting the deck' at 145 kilometres per hour (90 mph) and his 4-57 sealed a West Indian victory.
Are we witnessing a change of fortunes? Perhaps, but as I said earlier in the press, we have to get the bowling attack right.
Moreso, our out-cricket requires serious improvement.
No doubt, however, the teams' one day success in India has reignited the spirit of West Indian cricket fans.
REZA ABASALI
Barataria
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Trinis accept too much
Posted: Wednesday, November 20, 2002
THE EDITOR: Sometimes when youths or to a lesser account adolescent adults do or say something that is not considered the "norm" who do Trinis blame? Americans or Jamaicans.
In most cases is either MTV or dancehall music associated with America and Jamaica respectively for the derelicts of the nation. This maybe so or not, but a line from the song "Ebony and Ivory", there is good and bad in everyone and bad habits are easy to pick-up while the good ones are hardest things to do. One thing I could say about Jamaicans and Americans, "they don’t accept bullcrap from nobody", which we Trinis seem to accept in great and huge abundances, especially with the cable company.
Ever since the former government allowed the monopoly of cable, there seem to be gross disenchantment with the quality and efficiency of the cable system express by many in the nation. Well, what does one expect when a monopoly occur? Rates increase, services are inefficient and unwelcoming attitudes from public relations which is the least to be desired, with rhetoric comments like, "Yuh ent bound to take it yuh know."
This is what makes America and Jamaica great, firstly in America the government would not have allowed a monopoly, if so it would be regulated. Secondly, America believes in the customer, he or she could make or break the business. Thirdly, in Jamaica, citizens would vehemently demand why the monopoly, why the increase in rates and if the response is not to their liking, the cable company would end up like the "Jurassic Age" a thing of the past.
Americans and Jamaicans stand up for their rights, to be seen and to be heard and they are prepared to do so at any cost, that’s why if they ask for a "nine" they will get it and not us (Trinis) ask for nine, we accept "six" and then complain, complain and more complain. I am now watching TV6 and TTT and frequenting the video club, I have returned to this "norm" and given up cable and eventually most Trinis would also, if they take the good from the Jamaicans and Americans.
FORMER CABLE SUBSCRIBER
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UNC is Panday and Panday is UNC
Posted: Wednesday, November 20, 2002
THE EDITOR: In response to MPs Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Sadiq Baksh and Dr Hamza Rafeek who are now quoting the UNC’s constitution re-Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj vying for the leadership of the party.
They are very vociferous in stating that Ramesh was expelled from the party and that if he wishes to come back according to the constitution, he would have to wait for a lapse of five years before he could rejoin the party.
I would like to know where those same MPs were when Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj handsomely won the deputy leadership of the party.
Did they lack the fortitude, determination and enthusiasm to quote the constitution then to their leader?
As a matter of fact the hierarchy of the party created a mob rule (frightening) situation that compelled Mr Maharaj to call off his scheduled executive meeting at Rienzi Complex.
Finally, let me emphatically say that UNC operates its constitution when it suits them best. As a caller on Radio 106 said, the UNC is Panday and Panday is UNC.
One-man rule "eh"?
HARRY PT CHARLIE
Princes Town
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Go Panday before it's too late
Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2002
THE EDITOR: With the defeat of the UNC in the last General Elections, it is important for the party and the country to understand the reasons for the collapse of the UNC Government with the 2001 elections.
Everyone should recall that just before the NAR election victory Mr Panday stated in Couva that he would not be part of the government if the party does not carry out its promises to fight corruption and ensure that there is no dictatorial rule in the party.
Throughout the period of time Mr Panday has led crusades before forming the government, calling on members of the party and the country to fight against the parasitic oligarchy taking over the party and controlling the government.
He fought stridently against corruption. In the new society which Mr Panday promised, the UNC Government would have been one of true national unity, honesty, decency, morality and with true and genuine equality.
History will record that Mr Panday refused to accede to public demands, and the demands of his own Cabinet, to preserve the honesty, the integrity and the credibility of the UNC and the Government. In fact, he gave support to members of his Cabinet who committed wrongs and he publicly attacked and alienated members of the Cabinet who stood up for what was right and decent.
It is Mr Panday who betrayed the party and the people.
If by standing up against corruption and to keep the party to its moorings are acts of betrayal, then it follows that the Constitution and the objectives of the UNC can be seen as a betrayal to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr Panday, it is quite obvious that you have taken the UNC as far froward as it is possible for you to do. Your continued presence can only take the party on a downward spiral, which has already begun.
All you will succeed in doing is to take the party back to the 60’s when the predecessors only won eight to 10 seats, condemning the party to opposition.
Mr Panday, in the interest of the party, its loyal members and the country as a whole, it is time to quit before it is too late.
ROHAN SEECHARAN
Hopeful UNC Supporter
Newsday TT
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TT: A nation of strangers
Posted: Friday, November 15, 2002
THE EDITOR: Our bad race relations in Trinidad and Tobago is a phenomenon, that exists all over the world at times under the guise of ethnic cleansing, civil wars and tribal wars.
Fortunately, for us in Trinidad and Tobago, all we have to deal with here is: Marginal cultural differences, intensified by subliminal political pressures, with selfish self-interests as the common denominator. Just pretending that a racial problem does not exist in TT, will not make it go away. We must come to terms with it once and for all. It must be addressed and consequently eradicated. One does not have to visit the Public Library or surf the Internet for information and facts of this dilemma.
It is out there for all to see. The once peaceful-coexistence that once existed here has since eroded much to our detriment.
The million-dollar question is: What has brought "Afro" and "Indo" Trinidadians to this predicament? The answer is simple. Our "dirty politics" not our social endeavours.
The "divide and conquer" idiom is what is at work here. Depending on one's point-of-view, our problems racial and otherwise, are for the most part "of our own making" which will require serious introspection in order to be resolved.
We have been spared up until now the plights of the citizens of Guyana, the US and South Africa which are for the most part racial in nature and that of Nigeria which is tribal. Our cultural differences are more peripheral than dominant and our pigmentation (generally speaking) because of its homogeneity, highlights our similarity, our tolerance level is extremely high, so say the least and our fore bearing is matchless. Therein lies our salvation from civil unrest and racial strife.
We are setting the clock back, by continuously going at each other's throat day in, day out, which can eventually lead to the complete annihilation of our beautiful-island/society. We have been known, in the not too distant past to live together as "one." From the days of TUB Butler, one of our foremost leaders, whose closest confidantes were for the most part Indo Trinidadians which brings to mind an election slogan in that era, which was: "a vote for Roodal is a vote for Butler." Timothy Roodal, an extremely wealthy Indo Trinidadian, who at the time was unknown to the masses, decided to become involved in politics as a "dark horse" candidate, and the Protégé of TUB Butler. A similar parallel to that of TUB Butler, can be drawn in the political career of Dr Eric Williams, if even to a lesser extent.
We have now traversed to the "Let's get them, before they get us," era in our politics. Unmindful of the fact that no side wins, in a war; one side may declare victory and pack up and walk away as was the case in the not too distant past in the protracted US Vietnam War, which ended with no decisive winner only casualties.
The "non-sense" is steering us in the face yet we continue to ignore it. Just to digress a bit: the Indos and Afro Trinidadians, were able to coexist peacefully, (relatively speaking) all these years, despite our disagreements during the "dark-ages" of slavery (Afros) and Indentureship (Indos) under colonialism: with the yoke of oppression, dehumanisation and prejudice/racism and now on the threshold of an imminent Oil/Gas boom, the two predominant groups who built this country with their blood, sweat and tears from comparative obscurity to what it is today — the most prosperous island in the region and arguably, one of the richest countries in the world, barring none are now foolishly engaging in a slug-fest of great proportion, much to the consternation of the foreign businessmen who visit our country. The latter hell-bent on taking over some of our best companies, as in the case of TCL with others orchestrating the absolute control of ALNG, the procurer of unheard of revenue in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ironically, our Indo counterparts who seem to be more vocal, have benefited the most from the largesse, emanating from our oil/gas boom. They are predominant in the professions and entrepreneurships which is not the case with Afro Trinidadians. The Indo Trinidadian's "pluck" derives from jingoism, which the Afro Trinidadian unfortunately lacks at this point in time.
This he must inculcate. On the matter of what I view to be derogatory name-calling is not only obnoxious, but is also unacceptably prevalent. We either learn to swim together, or we will inevitably sink together. It is for us to embellish our unique identity of "same-ness," as Trinidadians and endeavour to obliterate our "petty differences" — all in the name of peace, harmony and prosperity.
ULRIC GUY
Point Fortin
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TTEC, have a heart!
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2002
THE EDITOR: Today was my first visit to the Military Museum in Chaguaramas. Unfortunately, when I arrived there I was regretfully informed by the Tour guide that the museum did not have electricity.
Upon further inquiries, I was astonished to learn that TTEC had heartlessly cut the power supply because the museum could not afford to pay their bill.
How could such a large organisation like TTEC do this? It makes me bitter to think that this museum struggles along every day with no support from anyone and then TTEC comes along to do this and causes this non-profit business to lose its source of income.
TTEC should have some consideration for these non-profit organisations. The Military Museum, I was made to understand, is the largest in the Caribbean. They are trying to preserve the history of this nation for our generation and the next to see. Shame on TTEC.
I arrived there all the way from Arima to visit a place of our history and will have to wait yet another day because of TTEC. What about all the foreign visitors who will have to be turned away?
This is nonsense. I am appealing to the Executives of TTEC to lower the rate of the museums power bill.
Better yet, TTEC should give the museum a free supply because for years to come this treasure (the museum) will be the only place that a true Trinidadian can go to, to know where they came from.
TRICIA DUNCAN
Arima
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Firearm going off a big joke
Posted: Monday, November 11, 2002
THE EDITOR: In a recent report in the newspaper, it was stated that a security guard shot himself in the leg while in the process of unloading the last cartridge from his service revolver. This would make a fantastic story if only there was one ounce of truth in it but anyone with even a basic knowledge of how a revolver is constructed and operates, would certainly have a hearty laugh after reading the report.
For a revolver of the type currently used in security work to be loaded or unloaded, the cylinder retaining latch must first be released and the cylinder swung out from its normal position within the frame in order to eject the cartridges from the cylinder. With the cylinder outside of its normal position in the frame and completely away from the firing pin/hammer, the revolver is rendered incapable of being discharged either intentionally or otherwise since it would be physically and mechanically impossible to do so.
Being a certified firearm instructor with over 70 years experience in the use of all sorts of firearms including some of the military variety, the only conclusion that I can come to when reading of so called accidental shootings is that, the individual concerned has received very little if any basic training in the use of firearms before being allowed to carry or use one.
I was under the impression that within recent years it had become mandatory for anyone applying for a firearm users licence or an employee firearm users licence, to first undergo a firearm training programme by a competent certified firearm instructor and to produce a certificate of competence before being granted a FUL or FUEC.
In fact although I am a certified firearm instructor with 70 years experience in the use of various types of firearms, I am required to produce a new certificate of training every third year when renewing my firearm licences.
I can only conclude that either the requirements for obtaining FUL's and FUEC's has been greatly relaxed or that the quality of firearm training by certified instructors is grossly inadequate. Perhaps some of the instructors are in dire need of training in the safe and competent use of firearms themselves.
MARTIN
La Romaine
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Let's reduce accidents
Posted: Friday, November 8, 2002
THE EDITOR: I am taking this opportunity as a resident of Barataria, to kindly ask for your assistance in helping to alleviate a dangerous situation for pedestrians at the crossing of the Bus Route and at the corner of Jogie Road and Fifth Street, Barataria.
Fifth Street and the Bus Route are both dual carriageways without any traffic lights or pedestrian crossing.
At night especially it is always a risk crossing both streets, which I consider a high-risk area.
Therefore I am asking you to please help in bringing a quick solution to this problem. I do hope for a favourable response. Thanking you in advance.
CARL FOUCHÉ
Barataria
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Solutions to flooding problems
Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2002
THE EDITOR: Kindly print my letter, which seeks to offer solutions to the perennial problem of flooding in Trinidad and Tobago.
Sir, over the past 20 years there has been an increase in the severity of flooding in TT. Just recently (5.11.02) the problem has attracted new areas in the East-West Corridor.
This does not augur well for the economy of TT. Millions of dollars of agricultural produce, livestock, household appliances and manufacturers' goods and services were lost. Most, if not all, of the latter will be compensated by insurance firms, another loss. This cannot be tolerated. Repeatedly, all the blame is heaped on the poor attitude of the people, housing, clogged drains etc. No one is casting the blame on its rightful owner, the Government. All the above reasons can be traced directly to the Government (all) for not doing what they have been mandated to do by the people.
Say what you want, women, who are the heads of all households, are by nature clean and hygienic people. When a household is cleaned, all manner of garbage is collected. When this is bagged and placed at the roadside, the collectors discriminate between different types of garbage, which they refuse to pick up because of union regulations. So the nearest drain or empty lot is the answer, late at night.
At UWI, the same compactors clear everything, I repeat everything, because foreigners frequently visit this institution, and the hypocrisy continues. Do you remember the clean-up of the Beetham estate for a visiting President? Do you also remember the National Clean-up campaign by the NAR in 1986? Did you see what came out of the bowels of TT? Since 1986, where has all the accumulated hard household garbage gone? It has simply gone into the waterways, and the blame must rest squarely on the laps of the Government. House taxes are paid for this purpose.
A national clean-up is a must, at least every six months. This will get rid of discarded mattresses, stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, appliances, tyres, car parts, furniture, abandoned vehicles, galvanise, you name it. Kitchen refuse is a minuscule part of garbage. By law, burning needs a permit and is illegal.
The average law abiding citizen will stock up these pieces of heavy items and they will encourage the breeding of mosquitoes and other vermin and eventually cause an added burden on the Ministry of Health, and a potential health hazard to the nation. TT needs a benevolent dictator. A person who will not suck up to lunch, drinks, mamaguy, material gifts, exposure to status etc. Be right, do right, that is your only right as a leader.
Next is the question of the Litter Act. Why is it, that when the population protests an issue, the Government passes a Bill and never enforces it? Do you again remember the petty match stick issue?
Businessmen in the urban areas have reverted to their old nasty habit of dumping their garbage on the roadside. Treat with them in like manner with the general population. This is our country. Most (not all) rich people live on the hills or on high ground. Flooding is not a problem to them.
The Litter Act must, of necessity be enforced as a priority. Another Government failure. Unions and workers must understand that a respectable salary is most important, but responsibilities are even more important to the welfare of the country. A clean country is the hallmark of a people. New York is stigmatised as being a dirty city. How do we categorise TT? In this day and age, flooding should be a thing of the past. Our sheer brilliance as a people should accommodate this fact of life.
Finally, during our colonial experience, contour drainage was the order of the day — a total success. Today the American way of straightening watercourses is in vogue as an engineering feat. Just look at the recent American flooding pattern, all because they are attempting to defy Mother Nature. Watercourses and river patterns are naturally designed by gravity and the rotation of the Earth and no amount of science and engineering could counter this fabulous and fantastic sculpturing. The present and future Governments of TT must give priority to the basics, rather than visible infrastructure solely intended to attract votes. The most valuable resource is the human element.
D. MAHARAJ
Arima
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