The electorate spoke on May 24. The voice of change echoed from every track, trace and street corner. Indeed, it was an overwhelming victory for the coalition People's Partnership (PP) at the general election polls, as they triumphed over the former administration, People's National Movement (PNM), claiming 29 of the 41 electoral seats to form the next Government. It was the dawn of a new era. The jury is still out on whether the new style of governance is what is really needed to build a better T&T. However, one thing is certain, it has been seven of the most unforgettable months. Both the Government and the Opposition, with the exception of a handful of ministers and MPs, have been forced to retract and apologise for several of their comments regarding various issues.
Politicians must be aware that the day they decide to hold public office, their every move would be observed by the media and the public; whether good, bad or indifferent. Nobody knows this better than the Prime Minister who endorsed these sentiments on Thursday during a media luncheon hosted at the Diplomatic Centre, St Anns, when she stated the role of the media was to keep the Government on its toes. The transition in governance has had highlights and downfalls. Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal along with HDC chairman Jearlean John stand out when it comes to getting the job done. However, while the verdict is still out on some ministers and MPs, the time has definitely come for others to pull up their socks.
Oops
There is no doubt the PMs hands-on approach when dealing with issues of disaster has touched many.
Signs of emotion are visibly etched across her face as she dons construction gear to catch a first-hand glance of such situations. Her intentions are good; she wants to help; but she has slipped up along the way. It may have been a slip of the tongue, or inappropriate timing, Persad-Bissessar felt the wrath of Caricom neighbours in November for the statement she made regarding Hurricane Tomas. While surveying the trail of destruction left behind in St Lucia, Persad-Bissessar vowed to assist. However, she caused eyebrows to raise when she stated that any aid given to Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Tomas must in some measure benefit T&T. Her statement sparked outrage leading to a Boycott Trinidad Group created on the Facebook Web site calling for products manufactured in T&T to be boycotted. It fuelled earlier criticisms levelled against the PM in July when she attended her first Regional Heads of Government Conference and stated regional countries should no longer regard T&T as an ATM card.
While Cabinet ministers stood in defence of their leader, Persad-Bissessar did the gracious thing and apologised ensuring her commitment to regional integration. The Prime Minister also found herself in another awkward position regarding the controversial Security Intelligence Agency (SIA). With a communications unit staffed with journalists from the various media houses in T&T, there's an expectation that the public relations thrust of the Office of the Prime Minister is to be efficiently run.
In addition, briefings are held with the Prime Minister before any statement is made or dispatched to avoid any embarrassment to her office. Someone definitely did not do their job on December 9, as the Prime Minister was forced to withdraw previous statements where she claimed Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs had sole control over the SIA. Gibbs publicly denied the statement made by the Prime Minister prompting a press conference to be held to clarify the matter. A statement was issued admitting to the unfortunate mix-up, stating, that the SIA reports to the Ministry of National Security and the National Security Council which is chaired by Persad-Bissessar.
Rowley flounders
On another note, following the PNMs crushing defeat, Rowley was seen as the only hope to revive the longest standing party after former political leader Patrick Manning was blamed for its demise. Months later, this decision is being regarded as a misconception by some supporters who are objecting to his type of leadership. And, his recent statements regarding Hurricane Tomas and his decision to blank Christmas hampers have not helped him in any way. Rowley was criticised in October when he attempted to dismiss a decision by the Prime Minister to shut down businesses, schools and offices as a means of precaution because of a threat by the hurricane. Describing the move as an 'over-reaction' Rowley suggested that it was because of a cloud that the Prime Minister opted to shut down the country. He also accused the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management of doing public relations and wanting to please the Government.
The Opposition leader came under fire for his statement and days later was forced to apologise saying that the term 'cloud' was unfortunate and did give the impression that he was trivialising a serious situation. More recently, just before Christmas, the Diego Martin West MP directed his parliamentary colleagues to refuse hampers that were being distributed by the Government for needy constituents. Instead of putting the needs of constituents first, Rowley opted to accuse the Government of pulling a public relations stunt and instructed Opposition MPs not to accept the hampers, claiming that State funds were used in the distribution drive. The distribution of hampers during the Yuletide season is nothing new to the Government, as similar distributions took place under the PNM administration, where Opposition MPs collected them on behalf of constituents. However, some MPs defied Rowley's orders and sent representatives to collect the hampers. He has maintained his position indicating that the matter would be discussed at the next General Council meeting.
Uhh, job spec mix up?
The office of the Attorney General is one of the most important jobs in T&T, as no Cabinet can be constituted without an Attorney General. The Attorney General serves as the legal advisor to Cabinet. By no means is it the intention of the Constitution that the Attorney General gets involved in all matters engaging the attention of the public. However within recent times, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan continues to grab the headlines with alarming statements. Rarely, has an Attorney General been so vocal. His plain-talk style led the Prime Minister to apologise for his comments in his first week in office.
The controversy stemmed from the looting surrounding the Guanapo Church which falls directly under the purview of the Minister of National Security which is headed by Brigadier John Sandy. The former prime minister (Manning) and his spiritual advisor Rev Juliana Pena have allegedly been linked to the church. But in an unexpected move during a press briefing, it was Ramlogan, not Sandy, who virtually read the riot act to former acting Commissioner of Police (Cop) James Philbert. Ramlogan warned that if Philbert did not have an explanation as to why the church was not being protected, the matter should be referred to the Police Service Commission (PSC) which appoints and disciplines officers.
Ramlogan went a step further and made threatening statements aimed at Philbert, saying if he did not have a proper explanation for his 'action' or 'inaction' his acting appointment could come to an accelerated and premature end. Those comments sparked a war of words. Philbert hit back stating that he was unaware that Ramlogan had the authority to "appoint, shorten, discontinue or influence the tenure of service of a police officer or COP." He added: "The threat made by the AG seems not to be resting on the issue at hand." The issue of looting, or any other offence, Philbert further said, could not be dealt with as ownership of the property had not been established. Ramlogan stood by his statements, refusing to apologise for his comments, however, the Prime Minister described the war of words as 'unfortunate' urging both parties to move on. In an abrupt move on August 26, the PSC wrote to Philbert requesting that he immediately vacate his office. In another strange development, in November Ramlogan also took a jab at the new COP Dwayne Gibbs for failing to stop Pena from leaving the country during a high- profile criminal investigation. That statement caused eyebrows to raise in several quarters given that it is customary for persons to fly in and out of T&T during an investigation.
Members of the PNM Opposition in on May, 2010.
Firstly, an accused must be charged with an offence and only if deemed to be a flight risk, the court may order the individual to surrender their passport preventing them from leaving T&T. And, the Attorney General did not escape being roped into the controversial CL Financial fiasco either. Speaking with authority in September, Ramlogan announced that the investigations into the matter were concluded and in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard. However, immediately following the statement Gaspard said: "The picture being created is an erroneous picture." The DPP stated that investigations were yet to commence. On another issue, the Attorney General's statements were also called into question involving Rahael Holdings Ltd. In his contribution to the debate in the Senate on September 24, about the state of the country's economy, Ramlogan referred to the Rahael Group of Companies when he said the Government and the economy were reeling because of billions of dollars wasted under the former PNM administration. The group said figures which Ramlogan quoted as cost overruns on various projects were "patently false." The company further explained that the numbers quoted are generally the original contract awards for the various individual projects. In yet another matter, days after it was announced that Sir Garvin Lightman, would head the Commission of Inquiry into the failed CL Financial conglomerate, the British jurist had to be replaced. It was PNM senator Pennelope Beckles that provided evidence showing that Lightman was previously involved in a matter with CL Financial. Ramlogan conceded and Lightman was replaced by Sir Anthony Colman.
Hmmm
With Carnival around the corner Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism Winston 'Gypsy' Peters seems to have many ideas. But are they resting comfortably with all stakeholders involved? While the minister seems to believe he has the interest of the citizens at heart, his views expressed may not be that of all. He took the nation by surprise when he announced that plans are on stream for revellers to parade through the streets of Port-of-Spain this year for free in a band titled The People's Band. The minister stated he was not concerned about the effect this idea would have on commercial mas bands. He said mas bandleaders have been taking away jobs from people by importing ready-made costumes from China and India as well as denying food vendors from earning income through their all-inclusive services. According to the minister, there are no restrictions, so, masqueraders are only required to wear a costume. The minister is hopeful that the move would help to revive traditional mas. But did the minister really give this decision careful thought? There is no doubt, that wherever a music truck is during Carnival a crowd will follow, especially the youths..... but traditional mas? And, if this idea was not enough, the minister stunned the nation when he said he was ready and willing to welcome a proposal to have Carnival in this country every three months. Can T&T sustain such a proposal?
Don't forget COP + UNC = unity
From all indications, tension is definitely brewing in the Congress of People (COP) camp. They have openly vented their disapproval over the treatment they have received since joining forces to form a coalition government. Apart from issuing unsigned press releases revealing the litany of woes they are faced with, members continue to fume over being repeatedly sidelined for jobs. The latest twist was the unexpected opening of a COP office in the Fyzabad constituency of Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma. The party's public relations officer, Mahendranath Dhaniram, raised concerns that PP leaders were not honouring the commitment made to the people at a historic meeting in Fyzabad, where the "Fyzabad Declaration" was signed. The move was seen as a slap in the face, as the Fyzabad constituency is considered a United National Congress stronghold, but COP chairman Joseph Toney said the party is interested in building its support base. Whatever are the intentions behind these moves the COP definitely believes they have earned a spot on the political map. This was evident in the address delivered by COP Leader Winston Dookeran on July 29 leading to the run up to the Local Government Elections. Addressing Local Government Councillors-elect at the COPs Operations Centre in Chaguanas, Dookeran said: "I now feel that I have a party that can run on its own. And I have for the first time real politicians in the COP, for they can win elections too." Dookeran's statement sparked a furore causing him to later reassure all of his commitment to work in solidarity with the PP.
Religious attacks are a no, no
The sacking of TV host Fazeer Mohammed definitely created a stir. The situation caused many to believe that each time the Prime Minister was out of the country a development occurs sparking controversy. The emotions of Foreign Affairs Minister Suruj Rambachan ran high during a live interview when asked if he felt the PMs statements regarding T&T not being an ATM card for the region or no aid unless it redounded in benefits to this country were said in a diplomatic way. Apparently, Rambachan who for a moment turned the host of the programme, forgot he was being interviewed and instead began to pose personal questions to Mohammed. So heated was the interview, that Rambachan may have also forgotten that T&T is a multi-religious society, leading to him questioning whether Mohammed was against female leaders. Following the interview, Mohammed was dismissed in what was said to be a cost-cutting exercise. Ironically, despite Rambachan's attempt to evade the question, the Prime Minister later apologised for her statements, while Mohammed was swooped up by another media house.
Procurement procedures must be followed
There is not a doubt in anyone's mind that Minister of Works and Transport Jack Warner is about getting the job done. However, in the wake of the damning Uff Inquiry, it is clear that procurement procedures must be followed. So, while the airport lighting projects at the Piarco International and Crown Point Airports were a priority, it was an error on the minister's part to grant the $83 million contracts without a board in place. And, the Prime Minister's statement that a performance unit would be set up to ensure transparency on State projects seems to be in contrast with a minister who holds the view that T&T likes too much files and papers.
Get the facts
His voice tone commands attention from miles. So, one would expect that when Sports Minister Anil Roberts, opens his mouth to make a contribution he would at all times ensure that his facts are accurate before speaking. Especially, given that he has demanded focus on his 'big, dougla lips'. Yet, when many thought Diego Martin Central MP Dr Amery Browne was grabbing at straws regarding expletives used at the Nicki Minaj concert, it turned out he had the last laugh. Notably, the high-strung Roberts was quite the opposite, when he was made to eat 'humble pie' and apologise to the House of Representatives for misleading statements. This after Browne referred Roberts to the Privileges Committee after evidence showed expletives were used at the concert at which minors were present.
Rowley calls the shots
Opposition Chief Whip Marlene Mc Donald seems to be a bit confused with her post. After repeatedly stating that she no longer does interviews with the media, one week Mc Donald acts as leader and she is ready to reprimand MPs via the media. Publicly demanding answers from her colleagues who staged a walkout in support of Browne, who was silenced by a motion to end his contribution in a debate, an upset Mc Donald questioned what authority they had to storm out of Parliament leaving behind a few of their colleagues. She was forced to change her tune though, as Opposition Leader Rowley dismissed her threat saying he saw nothing wrong with the walkout.
Lead by example
Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis must always remember she is a public figure. No matter what the situation, an outburst is definitely unacceptable on all counts. It was during the run up to the Local Government Elections selection process that Baptiste-Cornelis stunned many with her remarks at a PP meeting. Supporters were objecting to councillor Felisha Isahack's re-selection as a candidate and began hurling insults towards her. Instead of attempting to quell the rowdy supporters, Baptiste-Cornelis added fuel to the fire and blurted out: "Shut up". Even some of the minister's colleagues seemed visibly stunned by her outburst. She attempted to justify her actions by saying: "There was a selection process. We have to stand by what the party has selected. I do believe that as a woman, to allow men to insult and denigrate a fellow woman would be incorrect. I let them say their piece but it was coming to a point where it was becoming embarrassing and disrespectful. I thought it was time to tell them to 'shut up'.
State responsible for CJs hefty rental
The shocking revelation of the State being saddled with a monthly rental of $64,000 for the Goodwood Park mansion Chief Justice (CJ) Ivor Archie resides in left the nation stunned. It was Justice Minister Herbert Volney who revealed this during the 2010/2011 budget presentation when he claimed Archie benefited from a 'sweetheart deal" granted by former AG John Jeremie. Certainly, questions arose as to why the CJ did not have an official residence instead of taxpayers being burdened with such a high debt.
Different quarters added their two cents, virtually unaware that the hefty rental could have been avoided if the United National Congress did not take a decision to sell all Government houses.
Located at the corner of Prada and Maxwell Phillip Street, St Clair, the sprawling property was auctioned for a bid of $7,001,000 just three days before Christmas in 1997. It was snatched off the market within minutes by the former chairman of the Telecommunications Services of T&T, Richard Azar who topped the $7 million bid from Albrosco Meats Packaging businessman- Christopher Aleong. At the time House Speaker Wade Mark, was the then Minister of Public Administration who was responsible for the sale. The CJ did not take lightly to the allegations, vehemently denying them and rebuking the attack on his office. Volney later made a statement in Parliament claiming that his speech was misconstrued and interpreted as an attack at the CJ.