Friday March 19th, 2010
- Last update:28 min 23 sec ago
Hart absent, but board says:
Udecott ‘nah leaving’
Published: 6 Oct 2009
Members of the Board of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott) are not going to resign, despite calls from various quarters in the society. As far as they are concerned, there is no corruption within Udecott. They declared, however, they were not proud of the $700-million Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba, but if they got the chance to do it again, it would be done differently. A hastily-arranged news conference was called at Udecott’s offices on Sackville Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday afternoon, in wake of mounting criticisms of the state company. However, missing from the line-up was controversial executive chairman, Calder Hart.
Deputy chairman, Dr Krishna Bahadoorsingh, said Hart was called away at the last minute to attend another meeting. Bahadoorsingh hosted the news conference with other board members: Anthony Cherry, Michael Annisette, and Wendell Dottin. The Udecott board did not go into the news conference without back-up. They had their lawyers: Frank Solomon, SC, Brandon Primus, and Richard Freeman. Acknowledging that there had been calls for the board to step down, Bahadoorsingh said there was a distinction to be made between Udecott’s performance of its governmental tasks and mission to manage urban development, on the one hand, and its rights and obligations to defend itself against charges of improper procedures or corruption, on the other. Bahadoorsingh added: “Udecott is totally obedient to the wishes of the Government in its development programme, while at the same time being resolutely independent of its right to defend itself against allegations which go to the integrity and character of the company and of its officials and employees.”
The deputy chairman said the decision to file for judicial review of the Uff Commission was an example of Udecott exercising the right to defend itself. Without expressing opinions on the judicial review matter before the High Court, Bahadoorsingh said those who sat on the Uff Commission of Inquiry must be free of bias and also appear to be free of bias. “They must personally be free of any conflict of interest, and if there is any suggestion of a conflict of interest, it will be their obligation to make full disclosure of this.” Bahadoorsingh pointed out that during the seven months of hearing, one commissioner (Israel Khan) had been removed, and another (Kenneth Sirju) had disclosed a conflict of interest. He pointed out that Udecott had participated in the public hearings, and that Hart had appeared under oath and subjected himself to cross-examination on several occasions.
“It is, therefore, wholly inaccurate and grossly unfair to suggest that Udecott’s attitude to the inquiry has been anything, but co-operative and obliging beyond the call of duty,” the deputy chairman added. Bahadoorsingh said there had been suggestions that the board should resign. “The Board of Udecott is satisfied that it is—and had been—performing its fiduciary duties faithfully and diligently, and no member has any intention of conceding to any such demands.” He said the board had confidence in the leadership, competence and integrity of Calder Hart. Cherry, an attorney, said Udecott never sought a stay of the proceedings of the Uff Commission. He read from a letter from the commission’s English solicitors, Charles Russell and Co, which stated the commission had given an undertaking that it had no intention of proceeding with the inquiry, and that the judicial review matter should not be heard for the next four months.
Although Attorney General John Jeremie said he met with Udecott’s lawyers last week, Bahadoorsingh said board members were not part of that discussion. On the issue of the judicial review case, Bahadoorsingh said the board received no specific directive from either Corporation Sole, or the line minister. Admitting that the board was not proud of the Tarouba project, Bahadoorsingh said no one was talking about the $1.8 billion waterfront project, which was finished within budget and on time. He said he, as a senior developer, decided to give something back by being a Udecott member. “If there is the slightest perception of anything being wrong, we would not be here. As far as I know, there is no corruption.”
There is only one thing left
There is only one thing left to do - the country has reached this crossroad...
According to Mr.
According to Mr. Bahadoorsingh:
“The Board of Udecott is satisfied that it is—and had been—performing its fiduciary duties faithfully and diligently, and no member has any intention of conceding to any such demands.”
I guess no one told this gentleman that the Board cannot render an impartial opinion on itself (at least not publicly) . That is for the Audit Committee (where are they ?) and the shareholders (John Public) to determine.
Also according to Mr. Bahadoorsingh, The Board has performed its fiduciary duties "faithfully" and yet the Tarouba Stadium is a never-ending 'work-in-progress" and so far over budget, it's mind boggling.
The UDECOTT Board is attempting to convince us that they are people of integrity, but if they really were, they would all resign, pending the results of the inquiry. Isn't it convenient that Mr. Hart was 'called away to a meeting'...
I just love this place too
I just love this place too bad.
So, because the Board of Udecott feels that they have done no wrong, they are right? So what about taxpayers' right to get a fair deal, or what appears to be a fair deal? If you do a vox pop you'd realise that 99.95% of the population thinks that Udecott, under Mr Hart, has ripped this country off in the tune of unimaginable amounts of money.
And these people have the gall to host a media conference to further upset the people, dragging Hazley Crawford's good name into their bacchanal now. Wasn't the soiling of Brian Lara's name enough?
http://dsaltsman.blogspot.com/
And now the news at 7...
And now the news at 7... Today, convicted (in the most important court - the court of public opinion) serial rapist and murderer on death row: Mudder R Uer told the hang man about to put the noose around his neck - "ah nah leavin", "I not guilty, i not deddin" "I have done nothing wrong, and so have all my board ... friends here on death row" we have no intentions of dying. We the prisoners here on death row are satisfied that we are not guilty. Now thats not to say I an proud of Murdering 10 women. This is not one of my best achievements, but those were only 10 women out of the whole population. We feel that this execution is biased against us folks on death row, so as i said we are going any where today.
The height of boldfacedness
The height of boldfacedness is not the Board of Udecott.
It is a Prime Minister who feels he is God's gift to earth and sits back with his rum and coconut water in the $300 million house built by Udecott for him as a gift with our money.
To here them say that Udecott's performance is like Hasely Crawford winning a gold medal. Pleaseeeeee!!!!
This could be the most self agrandising statement ever made in TnT
If you did nothing wrong then why not leave the enquiry to continue and let the truth out?.....some poeple have cocoa in the sun and fraid rain.
Look at your nose Mr.
Look at your nose Mr. Bahadoorsingh
....we are given to wonder
....we are given to wonder sometimes, how people like Krishna Bahadoorsingh sleep at night...is this some sort of social psychopathy afoot?.....
Calder Hart leading UDeCOTT
Calder Hart leading UDeCOTT has really done no worse that Patrick Manning squandering the national patrimony with self indulgence, excesses, nepotism and patronage.
Hart is the executive clone of his master.
Manning will have to be thrown out to leave.
Similarly Calder hart.
MFRahman
BIG THIEVES "MUGABE and
BIG THIEVES "MUGABE and Friends"
And they still have the "gall" to keep on harping on Panday.
The PNM and its followers are just full of filth and evil.
Let us hope that "Judgement" is not passed on the country, as a lot of innocent people would suffer for the crimes being committed by this "Mr Big Thief" and his gang of thieves.
This man represents the
This man represents the pinnacle of shamelessness. Manning and his bunch of ragamuffins like Bahadoorsingh, Hart and Jeremie have destroyed the integrity of this country. The world reads these articles and the world knows that Trinidad and Tobago is a land descended into chaos, nothing works any more and our leaders are a classic team of failures. 20/20 has arrived earlier that anyone thought and man has lost his shame.
The time has come for every self respecting member of society to stand up and raise their voice vociferously and without fear so that Manning and his cronies will feel the heat. National protest must now begin to happen but that protest must be done peacefully. Trinidadians have to take back their country and bring these people to justice. Whatever issues we had about Basdeo Pandey seems so petty in the light of what is happening today that we almost wish to forgive and forget those, not that we do not learn from them.
We as Trinidadians and Tobagoniians must raise our voices and do so at all levels and through whatever opportunity that presents itself, for the nation is greater that the self and as brothers and sisters, we go forward. My people, fear not for fear is a weakness that Massa Manning is hoping and preying on.
Dr. Krishna Bahadoorsingh,
Dr. Krishna Bahadoorsingh, Sir, I am going to put you in the 'hot seat' here, and I would like you to try and understand the full extent of my message to you. I will make every attempt to use plain and simple english to communicate this message.
This fiasco with UDeCOTT is tearing our country apart. Tempers are flaring, and our people are getting angrier with each passing day; and we cannot vouch for their behaviour. This situation is a very explosive one, one we probably have never seen in our lifetime.
The Commission of Enquiry was put in place to get to the root of what was really going on under the management of UDeCOTT. From the very beginning it was like 'pulling teeth', and games played were in full view for all to see. As the saying goes, 'if you have nothing to hide, you hide nothing'. So why was it necessary to block this Enquiry at every turn, I ask you.
This once wealthy country is degrading before our very eyes. The government is taxing us to our death bed. If this mismanagement continues, we will be heading to low level 3rd world status; and we have already started. The 'delusions of grandeur' that we see our senior government officials indulging in is unconscientionable. May I be presumptious enough to assume that you have children, or grandchildren, or family members: as I do not know you at all, and would not want to destroy their present lives or their futures. You, Dr. Bahadoorsingh are quoted as saying 'as a senior developer, decided to give something back by being an UDeCOTT member." If this indeed is the case, force the hands of Mr. Caulder Hart and the Board of Directors to allow this Commission of Enquiry to proceed as soon as possible, and not interfere with proceedings until it has completed it mission. If they refuse, then do the honourable thing and remove yourself from every aspect of operation of this Crown Corporation: Do not allow yourself to be USED. You do not need to humiliate yourself or destroy your character in full view of all the people of your country, not even for Mr. Caulder Hart or Mr. Patrick Manning.
PRESS CONFERENCE:- This was scheduled and the controversial Executive Chairman Mr. Caulder Hart should have been there. How convenient it was for him to sneak away at the last minute giving the excuse of 'another meeting" (and I am the Queen of Spaub), and leave this responsibility in your hands. Yes, you may be quite qualified and capable of handing the situation, but that's not the point, Sir. We wanted Mr. Hart there front and centre. I have seen many of these instances in my short lifetime, and I was placed in similar positions as you have. It is not a comfortable place to be standing. I was too 'innocent' to understand the full impact of these situations, and did as I was ordered to do; but fortunate for me, persons of integrity understood the games that were being played and did not 'destroy' me.
All attention is centred on Mr. Caulder Hart. He has to answer to the people of this country. If he could not have been there, then he should have delayed the Press Conference or cancel it. The Press was not going to fly out of the country following this scheduled Confrence, were they? They would reschedule their priorities and be there at your beck and call in order to get accurate information to report back to the people.
I am not going to address the performance of UDeCOTT, whether it was excellent or very poor; whether fraudulent or operated above board, etc. as that should be left the Commission of Enquiry and qualified personne.
I stress again to you Dr. Bahadoorsingh, why are you going along with this group and resisting the painful cries and pleas coming from the people of this country? If you are earnest in your desire to "give something back" to your country you will do the honourable thing: Allow the Enquiry to continue, or remove yourself from UDeCOTT, effective immediately. The guiding principle here should be ethical behaviour.
Thank you, Sir.
Gardenia
Gardenia, you have said it.
Gardenia, you have said it. But you know something? I never knew a Dr Khrishna Bahadoorsingh in UDECOTT, only a Hart and Anisette, now we have another name to give stick to. He has by appearing for Hart, blackened his name forever. We will not forget his name. And now do these guys, ever in their right mind, think that the public buys their story. They are rightly an arm of the Govt so spin is spin is spin. TT is regressing. What exactly bad did UDECOTT do? I dont know, but it will come out in the wash? Where is the money going? Where are the systems in place for bids? Who is the internal auditor company? Let take this company with them in the pen. There is something I see systemically wrong with Govt TT companies and how they are run? Despite all the paperwork and bureaucracy that the TT business public go through to get business here they seem to bend the rules and try to get away with it. And as some COEs before someone says we never see the results. Is that true? Time TT Govt wipe clean all the slates and implement control in day-day compliance and until TT gets a culture of going by better business practices, the Govt should not let go of the reins.
Very well said , Gardenia ,
Very well said , Gardenia , high fives !!! The government must now fire the entire UDeCOTT board . 'The voice of the PEOPLE , is the voice of GOD" .
ATW - Barbados .
I am disappointed in Krishna
I am disappointed in Krishna Bahadoorsingh. I don't think his father would have been proud of him. His parents worked hard to build up their business starting as a tailor in Central, opening a store in Prince Street, POS, getting into property development, making sure their children have the education they didn't have, building a beautiful home in St. Clair and then passing on the baton to their children. Krishna built on his father's legacy and made his own fortune after giving up his University teaching post. He does not need to associate his previously good name with these (word deleted).
It is not too late for him to do the honourable thing and step down, unless he has cocoa in the sun like his chairman and any others. In the first place, he should not have given the press conference without Calder Hart. This PR exercise has raised more questions than the answers given.
Bahadoorsingh quoted 2 projects. What about all the other projects managed by UDECOTT, including the contracts UDECOTT has awarded to Far East paper companies without the slightest transparency and without proper reference to correct tendering procedures? It would be helpful to its readership if the Guardian would provide some research into the membership of this Board, a full list, all the projects handled by UDECOTT, all the other Companies these persons have interests in and the positions they hold etc. The Guardian must use their resources to provide us with some investigative journalism so we can get a fuller picture.
Dr B. has said nothing to convince me that Calder Hart and his cronies are these lily white persons he claims they are, otherwise they would not have blocked the Enquiry and would have stepped down while the enquiry was in progress.
Bahadoorsingh stated that although Attorney General John Jeremie said he met with Udecott’s lawyers last week, board members were not part of that discussion. But surely the board would have held prior discussions with their lawyers. So, what is the point?
When House Speaker Occah Seapaul defied Manning with her she eh movin which gave rise to the motionless dance move, Manning declared a limited state of emergency in Mary Street and put her under house arrest. She could neither run nor hide. Poor Ralph had to take her coconut water and got fired by public announcement. Now this lot eh moving, will Manning fire them by fax, declare a state of emergency and place them under house arrest, or send jeep loads of heavily armed police to search their homes/arrest them like he did with Panday and Sat Sharma? I think not. And why not? I think you know the answer.
THE PRINCE & DESMOND :
THE PRINCE & DESMOND : -
Good Day to you both.
While you 2 are ready for a new day, I will be disappearing for a few hours, under the covers. Had a nap earlier, I needed it.
NOW you understand why I addressed my commentary to him. He had no business covering for Hart. That's not how big business operates. When this happens be aware that there are some underhand things going on. Seen it all before. The more we read; and the more people who open their mouths; the more intigiguing this mystry becomes. Do you think that there is anyone left in Officialdom who has not opened their mouths, or even put their foot into it, yet to come on board?
Oops .. Everyone seems to have spoken except Manning and Hart. Wonder why? Pobably got the H1N1 strain with added benefits of loosing their voice in public.
Do you have any idea where this thing is going, my boys?
Remember a few weeks ago, I said that if we blink we may see some disappearing acts ... I wonder if - when - and whom ...
Our Canadian born .. had he done this in Canada, he would have already seen the back door ... with full forensic going on ... but sweet T&T w.... m.. is king. We have not really gotten away from our colonial mentality; have we?
A good leader draws out the best in his people. Not tell them what to do.
Do you think that there will ever come a day when we can get such a leader in T&T?
"DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED" ...(Charlie Chaplin)
See you guys later.
Gardenia
Gardenia, I appreciate your
Gardenia, I appreciate your contribution, and although I did not see your post before I wrote, I'm not surprised to see the same wave length.
Decent people seem to have a reluctance to enter politics because you expose yourself and your family to all sorts of mouth washing, even if you are squeaky clean, and mud tends to stick and cake. In the end we have to settle for second best, sad to say. No man is perfect and by extension no politician is. But when faced with a choice, we must choose wisely from what is on offer. Politics has become a type of profession, not too unlikee the oldest one; it's no longer for honour and service. It's about power and riches, family and friends, not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you, do as I say, but make sure you don't do as I do.
Jimmy Carter brought his Christian values to the presidency, but the American people refused to give him a second term. Although the deeply religious original immigrants that came on the Mayflower gave them solid foundations, they preferred gunslingers like cowboys Reagan and Duyba.
In my own time, I have had cause to cross swords with high officials and fortunately, but not accidentally, I didn't have skeletons in any of my cupboards. If you want to point fingers, make sure your hands are always clean, or else you can't pelt any stones or boulders at anyone, unless you are shameless, lest they boomerang on you.
As you quoted Charlie Chaplin, it brought back fond memories I had of seeing some of Charlie Chaplin's silent movies in the 1950s. Even tried walking like Charlie with feet pointing in a V- position!
Hope you recover from that virus soon. Lots of granma's chicken soup, vitamin C & zinc could help. Maybe a lil puncheon and lime thrown in for good measure.
Life is strange, isn't
Life is strange, isn't it?:-
The Prince, before I closed earlier, I though I would have a look to see how people were responding to this 'no, not stepping down'. When I read your commentary I felt it followed from where I left off, so it was not difficult for me to assume that you were perhaps responding to my statement that I did know this gentleman who took centre stage. Your record of history is astonishing .. (think we will secure a seat for you at the Reference Library .. no books just consultation with The Prince, in person). This entire situation is very unsettling.
In the words of red-headed ANNE, of 'Anne of Green Gables', to her aunt Mirella 'we are kindred spirit' - we think and feel alike. Didn't they say that we all have a twin out there, somewhere? What a thought .. now I have gone and upset your apple cart, and made you spill your morning coffee.
Smile and the world smiles with you.
Gardenia
Gardenia, thanks for the job
Gardenia, thanks for the job offer. I'll think about it. You know the saying: "Great minds think alike...." You do seem to have a great cultured mind. I can almost profile you.
Yes, I've dealt with Krishna a bit and found him a decent chap. But he is a businessman. My mother used to take us to his father Jang's store to buy "washeekongs" (crepsoles). Later in life when I had obtained my drivrer's licence, a car salesman took me to St Clair to see a car Jang was selling. It was an old Pontiac and when I took it for a run, the third gear kept jumping out. When we got back the salesman wanted me to put in an offer, but Jang advised me not to buy the old car; much as he wanted to sell the car, I had the impression that his conscience told him that this young man shouldn't buy trouble and headache. An unscrupulous businessman would not have hesitated to try to push the sale on a young inexperienced driver. He left a good impression on the youth. I'm sure that you must have come across some adult strangers who were parents and wouldn't treat you in a way they wouldn't treat their own son or daughter. That's why I said that Jang would not have been proud of his son.
Sorry if I bored you with my old story. Take care now.
Not complaining. But we
Not complaining. But we have gotten ourselves in a real tizzy today. Scroll down and have a read. By the way our feedback on the Embassy in China was referenced in today's Editorial. Do have a look. Interesting.
Gardenia
Gardenia, I had a look at
Gardenia, I had a look at the Editorial. I am pleased to see that we are not wasting our time and energies and that someone out there in cyberspace actually pays attention to our discussions, the more serious ones, that is. Sorry, got to be brief and focused now. Chao baby.
So they nah leavin' Well we
So they nah leavin'
Well we reach!!!! when people like people like Messrs. Dottin and Annisette with a less than lily white past can be found to be suitable for positions on the Udecott board, you can understand why things are the way they are. I don't understand how Bahadoorsingh could sit there and say that there is no corruption when we all know that Sunway (Hart's brother-in-law company) was granted a contract they could never have qualified for and Hafeez Karamath was paid money upfront to do work on the on the Brian Lara Stadium which he was never entitled to get. I hope the public will continue to put pressure on the Gov't to fire this band of BANDITS IN SUITS now!!!!!!! If not they must be threatened with losing their ivory posts when elections come around.
While I fully agree that the
While I fully agree that the UDECOTT Board should resign (their hands are more than tainted), that alone is too easy. These people are addicted to POWER. Resignation is just a small part of the equation - the rest is accountability and a full foresnic audit.
If the rest of the equation does not happen, the country is no further ahead than say the situation with Clico. Duprey was allowed to 'ride off into the sunset' with no personal accountability. He is likely enjoying martinis in Florida or Dubai, and thumbing his nose at TnT as we speak. The same cannot be allowed to happen to Caulder Hart. Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen unless the PM or AG step in. And what are the chances of that happening ?.
Here is the Gov't talking about 2020, but the behaviour in their organizations is no better than that of the notorious Nigerian warlords. People, when all is said and done, even if the Board resigns, it is the rest of us who will be paying for these cost overruns and untraceable funds, whether we like it or not.... How will we pay for it - through reduced services (can it get any worse), and increased Property Taxes.
Even if there is no immediate proof that a 'crime' has been committed, we won't know unless there is a full investigation. The evidence is right under our collective noses...
Is this the same Dr Krishna
Is this the same Dr Krishna Bahadoorsingh who in the 1970's was responsible for the destruction of several hectares of precious mangrove along our North Western coastline to build the community known as Westmoorings? Maybe Prince from a few posts up can answer.
Dan I can't claim to know
Dan I can't claim to know everything about the gentleman; hopefully you can enlighten us with this particular matter.
What I do know was that he continued the develpoments his father started in Chaguanas, St Joseph & Diego Martin. I believe he also had interests in the West Mall shopping plaza which I read he sold some time ago and this might have been part of the Westmoorings development. I must confess that I don't know much about Westmoorings, but I do believe there were other developers on the Westend peninsula building Towers on re-claimed lands. The Sabga Group might have been one of those involved.
Sorry I can't help you here, but please share your own information with those who might be interested.
It saddens me to see Calder
It saddens me to see Calder Hart hide behind Krishna Bahadoorsingh and the Udecott Board of Directors, while they lie to the population. It also saddens me to hear our National Hero, Hazley Crawford's name called by Mr Bahadoorsingh, in reference to the waterfront project. In any business, you're only as good as your last job. So the Vice Chairman concedes defeat in the Brian Lara Stadium, but does not agree with the population or an ex Government Minister who has intimate details about Udecott's operations. The people of Trinidad & Tobago are not stupid. We might be slow in reacting, but certainly not stupid. (Remember this: "Don't shoot till you see the whites in their eyes." The person who said this knew what is afoot.)
Gardenia, well said ! You
Gardenia, well said ! You have my vote to be the next PM..
Carl
Toronto
I'veen trying hard to
I'veen trying hard to convince her; you may have better luck.
To: Carl & The Prince:- You
To: Carl & The Prince:-
You are oh so kind.
But contrary to popular belief, I do love life, my life, too much!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I will refrain.
"Failure is unimportant.
It takes courage to make a fool of youself." (Charlie Chaplin)
Gardenia
"They were not proud of the
"They were not proud of the $700m Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba but if they got a chance to do it again it would be done differently", are these people for real or is it that they have no shame???
The part of this that I like most doh is how JJ call Hart to a private meeting at the same time.
THEY NAH LEAVING
THEY NAH LEAVING -
What they own. If we say they have to leave, they have to leave.Who the hell they think they are. They take money out of their own pocket and build company. They serve at our pleasure.
And you see the conspiracy
And you see the conspiracy and collusions going on? Obeahwoman spotted it: a meeting with Hart & JJ at the same time Dr B is giving the all important press conference. Imagine that? see the Non gazetting from time zero? its was going to be illegal this COE if someone did not ask this all important Q (re the gazetting)that even Proffy Uff and his paper chasers eagles did not check out before they took the seat, to hear evidence, Is it surprising? People of TT thay you are being Bazoodeed as Dr Bratt wrote in his column? today. It annoys the public that a Govt thinks we are foolish,ignorant one Minister said, TT citizen knowledge is a product of its education system. How does TT Govt feel if someone like Barbados says: you were voted in by an ignorant public? wont you rather be voted in by an educated public? How do we stop this Govt stampede, not listening to the wishes of the people? All spinners and not telling the truth but I would like to know where all the millions/billions? went to? which bank as its difficult to have accounts now. What Panday did with his 20£ is a joke to this going on now, Wait for 2010 calypsoes.
I have been quietly reading
I have been quietly reading some of the postings on this blog and wonder why frequent contributors feel that they must include these long, irrelevant "dissertations" as though they are having face to face conversations with each other and no other readers are involved.
Why also must other readers be subjected to your personal exchanges?
Can we not keep these discussions pointed and relevant?
If you need to have personal exchanges surely you can do so by private email!
You are obviously a noob - I
You are obviously a noob - I suggest you quietly continue to read the paper copy of the guardian - this is a great forum for discussing news items - that attracts readers who are a bit more sophisticated than the radio callers. The express has a forum but they sensor it. The only problem here is that the threads are hard to find after a day - the guardian should rearrange their online paper so that topics discussed stays on the front page showing the number of replies etc - similar to digg.
Kram "anyone can call anyone
Kram "anyone can call anyone a noob, but normally they are noobs themselves." Urban Dictionary.
You must be more CIVIL if you cannot be gracious!
"Metal", oh such power in
"Metal", oh such power in that name:-
You already scared me.
Thanks for putting forward your concern about our 'indulgence'.
Sorry, but we aim to offend no one; if you have been offended, we apologise profusely.
We address the content of the article, and from time to time, do indulge in personal exchanges. If you are offended with this, then perhaps you may wish to simply move on to the next commentary.
But need I remind you that out of some of these 'personal' exchanges, we learn valuable lessons about the history of our country, its politics and people, and even that of the personalities in cyber space we communicate with, the majority of bloggers identity you will never be able to determine.
This anonymity allows us to speak freely when we present our comments and I am certain that The Guardian desires nothing more, nothing less from its readers. This blog platform is not a joke and we will not abuse it. If we should step out of line one of our regular bloggers will certainly step in and take us to task. We operate as a community, exchanging vital information.
If you wish to add intelligent comments, I am certain that no one will object.
I do hope that I have adequately addressed your concerns, and that you understand what we do and why we do it.
Have a lovely day, Metal
Gardenia
Cutting one's nose to suit
Cutting one's nose to suit another's face is neither a good idea nor an enhancing experience, with supreme deference to you, Metal.
Your right to write is sacredly respected here on the Guardian's wonderfully interactive blog. Mr / Ms Metal.
One would get the wrong impression that you're advocating some sort of censorship? One would hope you're not suggesting that bloggers cut their nose to suit other people's face? People should be free to read, not read, or even totally ignore if they so choose, what other people have written. The choice is ultimately the reader's.
As for me, I love the 'personal' exchanges between and among bloggers. I love to read the 'cussing' and 'kissing' here. Frankly, it adds some spice to what may otherwise be a bland menu. Better yet, if it have 'Epsom salts' in it, it certainly won't stay too long to digest!!
So Gardenia and Prince, bring on those spicy and witty exchanges. I love them and I choose to read them all the time. I am tempted to say to you, Gardenia, that if you 'kiss' the Prince, he may even turn into a handsome frog one day!!! (But don't mind me, you write your write)
You have a great day, Metal. Rest assured I read every word on this blog, including yours, even if I don't agree with them, I respect 'your write' to write.
Your right to read is sacredly yours, and that is respected too.
You have a great day and catch you soon on this blog.
ajfyzabadbutlertown
Metal, despite Manning
Metal, despite Manning trying very hard to turn T&T into a dictatorship, we are not, so people have the right to say and do as they please and if you or anyone else is unhappy then you have the right to move on or stop reading. This is the first time I have noticed you so I guess you don't know that most of us have been here for a while and have become friends( that should explain the personal exchanges)who exchange ideas, differences of opinions and an occasional "personal exchange" and the regulars have no problem with this and if you or anyone else has a problem then I don't mean to be rude but you can feel free to move on please don't let us keep you.
Trinity Metal so you were
Trinity
Metal so you were quietly reading and something pushed you into joining in? This a cool site for comments and invariably changes every day unless you go looking for the subject. Gardenia, Prince and myself have been at this blog for some weeks now or more. Its a free world out there, and the Guardian sets the rules for its site, you cannot set the rules, just bide with the comments, skip these you dont like or as we say, just click away.
Trinity eh? O father, son
Trinity eh?
O father, son and mary magdalene, you are all one and the same person.
I'm glad that you know that this is still a democracy regardless of who sets the rules.
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Only if your navel string
Only if your navel string bury here or you eat cascadu(ra) [hoplosternum littorale](a local tropical scavenging species of sweet water catfish which survives deep in the mud in dry season, and which has its backbone covering its whole body as an outer armour or shell) that one can't leave Trinidad and Tobago. Or, even if one leaves, one has to come back. The feeding real nice in TT for some people, eh? Like the whole bunch ah them eat cascadu or what?
ajfyzabadbutlertown
Clearly, Metal has not
Clearly, Metal has not understood what is going on here.
I don't think that hoped for understanding will come anytime soon.
Fyzabadtown, my boy, what
Fyzabadtown, my boy, what have we gotten ourselves into today. Soon you, we, will be hauled out into the public square for a flogging. This is a democracy so I guess someone should tell this to The Guardian. Who is volunteering?
Gardenia
Gardenia, you eloquent
Gardenia, you eloquent flower, between being eaten as curry cascadu or buried like a navel string, I'd take my chances with being flogged in the Square. You have a great day and keep pounding those keyboards. Like the Gardenia getting sweeter and sweeter with every press of that computer keyboard!!! And Prince and Epsom and Desmond not far behind. I don't know what to say about uffgate, or hartgate, or water(front)gate anymore, so I'll just be trivial today. You all 'please forgive me...'(Bryan Adams).
ajfyzabadbutlertown
As someone who is involved
As someone who is involved in Ecommerce, I have read the above comments with keen interest. Firstly I must make note that the discussions/comments surrounding the topics published in the online Guardian have raised substantive and relevant issues in the public domain - and this is the overiding objective of corporate blogs (as opposed to private blogs or what is known as personal diairies).
Blogs carry very broad guidelines and this by design is meant to foster open discussions. However what sometimes occur is that the discussions tend to become a. "burdened" by private interactions that may be more appropriate to social networks and/or personal diairies and b. dominated by a few.
Blogs/social networks/3G/4G communication media and virtual meeting places are increasing assuming greater influence over all our lives and whilst online etiquette (it is not so much an issue of democratic rights) may vary, let us use them responsibly taking into consideration those with whom we may come into contact, just as we would in other realms.
I just came online and have
I just came online and have read what you and Metal have had to say and the responses of several other regular bloggers who seem interested in some of our longer exchanges at times. Maybe some of the blogs are not at all times straight to the point, but invariably have some indirect relevance and interactive exchanges of information and experiences often help put things in perspective and often some much needed distraction from the serious issues under discussion.
May I humbly suggest to the couple of new entrants who are not happy with some of our exchanges that they exercise their freedom to not read any contribution or exchange that they find not to their liking or interest, since I don't think we are cluttering up the website unduly. I'm sure that if there was abuse, the Guardian would have already drawn it to our attention.
Meanwhile, I'm sure that fellow bloggers look forward to your own contributions on the various news items.
Really Prince, you may have
Really Prince, you may have missed the previous blogger's point, which is that this is a corporate blog in which relevant and important contributions are made. The issue that is being raised is not a question of democracy, who should contribute, excuse themselves,who should be confined to reading the print Guardian, who are noobs or who "doh like it could get to hell out of here" or who "getting sweeter and sweeter with every press of that computer keyboard".
It is simply a question of etiquette within the realm of this medium.
ASIA, I had the privilege
ASIA, I had the privilege and honour of reading your commentary a few minutes after you presented it.
I had already responded to "METAL" above, and since I am a busy person, I felt that the information I provided therein would suffice.
However, on second thought I believe that it is my responsibility as a contributor to this platform, and one that is of the opinion that I am being included in the persons being 'singled out', I feel that I have a duty to respond to your commentary.
You may be an expert in your field, and I may be just a regular person. You may have high standards and educated opinions, and I lacking in same.
However, I take responsibility for my actions, and if at any time I have indulged in unbecoming behaviour, and it is brought to my attention, and I recognise my error, I own up to it. I am not a 'superperson' nor am I above the the fray. I am authentically human.
I find your comments to be exceedingly manipulative and narcistic.
I do not recall reading comments coming from you prior to today's presentaion. So I wonder why today? And why this type of browbeating?
In the same vein I do not recall any from "Metal" either. So why both of you, today. Both pushing the subject of "democratic rights". Very suspect, I should say.
That's my contribution to your 'lecture' on "online etiquette".
As stated in my previous commentary, if you are offended by our communication, you do have the democratic right to scroll down to the next blog and read away. You do have the freedom to do so you know.
Having said all the above, I look forward to reading comments coming from you, and yes, "Metal" on the articles presented in The Guardian. You do not necessarily have to exchange ideas with us individual bloggers.
Thank you for indulging me in my freedom of expression. And yes, I recognise that with freedom of expression comes responsibility.
Gardenia
Deference and respect, but
Deference and respect, but who sets those blogging rules of etiquette, Asia, and who decides which are appropriate and which are not?
As I see it, this is democracy at work here, democracy in the Trinidad and Tobago context, where people who won't normally raise and issue, raise it in a forum which is, up to this point, not regulated like it is in China, Iran, Cuba, and some other parts of the 'unfree' world.
Blessings and good night to you.
ajfyzabadbutlertown
Statements are a farce.
Statements are a farce.
The UDeCOTT board should resign, it should have resigned from the time allegations began to be raised about the organisation, the corruption surrounding its Chairman, and the fiduciary irregularities in the organisation regarding various contracts.
I challenge this Board to name one other similar Organisation, Private or Public where the Board retained their seats during such an investigation and in the face of such allegations.
It is ABSOLUTELY UNHEARD OF.
Regardless of whether or not these accusations are true or false, the right and proper thing to do would be to resign.
The fact that there is such a preponderance of allegations and the evidence put forward at the very least is a sign of a lack of Competence of the board and the organisation. If proper procedure had been followed there would be none of this 'evidence' of impropriety and defence would be simple.
YOu cannot have an investigation of an organisation with those who could be responsible for committing the crimes present and in control of the organisation. That is common sense.
The People of Trinidad and Tobago should know it, and certainly the current Board of UDeCOTT knows it.
For any one of these board members to say they should not tender their resignation in the face of Public Outcry against an organisation that operates almost 100% with Public Funds is outrageous. If they are innocent they will be vindicated when the report is published.
If they are Innocent then it is foolish to prevent a report mandated by Cabinet and the people of this country from being produced.It is utterly incredible to suggest that Uff, a foreigner and one with his reputation and caliber of work , would be naturally Biased against UDeCOTT because of newspaper reports.Incredible and totally ridiculous.
I hope the people of TnT see this for what it is, and do not fall victim to the lies and innuendo that is being paraded before them by UDeCOTT and its allies.