Tuesday February 9th, 2010
- Last update:2 min 32 sec ago
Surprise move at Chaguanas Corp...
Navas puts PNM on committee chairs
Published: 5 Aug 2009
In a historic move, two PNM councillors were appointed to head subcommittees of the UNC-controlled Chaguanas Borough Corporation yesterday, as Chaguanas Mayor Natasha Navas took charge of the first council meeting. In another development, 54 contract workers were sent home because funds were exhausted. The decision to appoint the PNM councillors as chairmen, brought derision from Deputy Mayor Orlando Nagessar, who said none of the UNC councillors were given the opportunity to head subcommittees. He accused Navas of further splitting the UNC-controlled corporation.
“What I saw this morning totally shocked me, because I thought everything was over when Jack Warner removed Suruj Rambachan as mayor,” Nagessar said. “Now I realise that the Ramjack faction, including Mayor Navas, Narsingh Rambarran, Salisha Isahak and Ramesh Ramdhan have severed themselves from the UNC, even though they claim to be UNC.” He said it was customary for all UNC councillors and the mayor to meet in a caucus before the subcommittee chairmen were appointed.
Nagessar also said that instead of meeting in UNC caucus, Navas, Rambarran, Isahak and Ramdhan went into a caucus with Warner. “After their caucus, they came to the meeting,” he said. “It is usual for the UNC to appoint the subcommittees, but the mayor came with a list and she read out the names of the chairmen of the different subcommittees. “Two PNM councillors—Bernard Bailey and Patricia Baptiste—were appointed. This was done with no consultation or input from us.” There are four standing committees in the corporation—Finance, Health, Personnel and Infrastructure.
Apart from these, Nagessar said, the mayor had the authority to appoint several subcommittees, two of which include Market and Festival. “Four Ramjack councillors and two PNM councillors were put in charge of the subcommittees, while UNC councillors were not put in charge of anything,” he said. Nagessar said he could not remember which subcommittees Bailey and Baptiste were in charge of. The deputy mayor also said that Navas revealed that 54 contract workers would be sent home because funding at the corporation was exhausted.
“At the meeting, she said she has been engaging in talks with Local Government Minister Hazel Manning, requesting $300,000 in funding, but so far she has been unsuccessful,” Nagessar said. He noted that among the 54 workers were the borough’s litter wardens. “We have over a dozen cases in court for littering, and if these workers are sent home, these cases will have to be dropped,” Nagessar said. Navas could not be reached for comment, as she was engaged in a meeting with Chief Executive Officer William Mark up to late yesterday. A source close to the mayor, however, said it was untrue that Navas was unwilling to meet with the UNC councillors.
“She called several meetings and they never showed up...A meeting was called on Saturday and another was called yesterday (Monday), and they never attended,” the source said. He said Navas was being guided by the law. “As mayor, she has the privilege to appoint anyone she chooses and she appointed the PNM councillors as the chairmen of the subcommittees,” he said. “This has never before happened in the history of the corporation...This shows inclusion and change.” He said Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday was intervening in the council’s affairs, even though he was not an elected councillor.
Panday responds
In an immediate response, Panday said UNC supporters should thank Warner “for selling out to the PNM.” He said: “I don’t know what has happened...I will receive a report when the (UNC) executive meets. “I don’t know who she (Navas) appointed, but whatever happens we have to thank Jack Warner for selling out to the PNM.” Asked about the implications of such a move, Panday said: “It should be clear now and it should be beyond question that Warner is selling out to the PNM.”
PNM COUNCILLORS
Bernard Bailey in charge of two subcommittees—Festivals and Culture; Facilities Management.
Patricia Baptiste in charge of two subcommittees—Social Services; Youth Development.
Ronald Heera was put in charge of main committee, Public Health, but has since resigned. (No one has been selected for this committee as yet.)
‘RAMJACK’ COUNCILLORS
Narsingh Rambarran controls main committee—Physical Infrastructure Planning Committee and two subcommittees: Marketing and Vending; Sport and Community Development. Alderman Ramesh Ramdhan controls main committee Personnel and HRM and two sub committees: Security and Safety; City Status Committee (a new committee set up to oversee Chaguanas transition to a city).
Salisha Isahak proposed for Public Health and Environment, but she was outvoted. She now controls one subcommittee— Public Imaging.
UNC COUNCILLORS
Gopaul Boodan—Not selected for any committee.
Orlando Nagessar—Not selected for any committee.
Joey Samuel—Has been promised that he will chair the OSH Committee.
No Quote No Comment. Think
No Quote No Comment. Think about your children futures and our lives.
“What I saw this morning
“What I saw this morning totally shocked me, because I thought everything was over when Jack Warner removed Suruj Rambachan as mayor,” Nagessar said. “Now I realise that the Ramjack faction, including Mayor Navas, Narsingh Rambarran, Salisha Isahak and Ramesh Ramdhan have severed themselves from the UNC, even though they claim to be UNC.” He said it was customary for all UNC councillors and the mayor to meet in a caucus before the subcommittee chairmen were appointed....QUOTE.
SEEMS LIKE THE UNC SHIP SINKING! AND CAPTAIN PANDAY IS GOING DOWN ON THE "YOU AIN'T SEE" TITANIC.
“It should be clear now
“It should be clear now and it should be beyond question that....
you are becoming more and more inconsequential.
You still want spoon feeding
You still want spoon feeding or you want to make some comments for me to respond, what you looking for a war, fame, what, I don’t care, when I post my quotes, take it any which wAy you want it. Interpret what you feel. But be impartial to me.
Grow up or sprout up, be brought up or dragged up.
ororke not for you general notice!
If by bringing people from
If by bringing people from another parties together it improve the lot of all the people, I say well done Madam Mayor. Trinidad and Tobago must come before party if we are to develop into a first world country, if happens all the time in developed countries and it works. Let see how it works for it is my view that we have to try something new and if it do not work, we review the decision. But if it works for the betterment of the people, then hats of to the new Mayor. Pandey did not have a problem appointing the lady from COP as a senator, so lets look beyond the political horizon for sulotions.
Orlando Negessar , Goupaul
Orlando Negessar , Goupaul Boodan , Joey Samuel , Rambachan , Panday , Wade Mark et al , have no intentions of supporting Mayor Navas , so why should she trust them ?? The PNM government is going to make sure that Chaguanas gets what it needs to develop , socio-economically . Panday is the bane of the UNC , he never even told his minions that Jack Warner stand bail for his wife - $1,000,000 bail bond ; what an ungrateful man !! Within 2 years , Borough Chaguanas will be the City of Chaguanas and Natasha Navas will be the Mayor . RamJackWin is really getting things done in Chaguanas . Atw - Barbados . The deputy mayor , Orlando Nagessar , is lucky to be in that position so if he feels that he is being ignored by Mayor Navas , he should resign .
It's payback time: Ramjack /
It's payback time: Ramjack / PNM backed Her Worship Navas for Mayor and get their rewards in return for that support. Reminds me of when 'Robbie' was elevated from 'Minister Extraordinaire' to President. Clearly, politics is about 'negotiation' and power. Well, negotiation took place and people get a lil piece of the action, it's as fair as love and war.
ajfyzabadbutlertown
Inclusiveness and
Inclusiveness and involvement by key statkeholders is the best way forward to ensure change, sustainability and transparency.
However I hope that this inclusiveness isn't being done for the wrong reasons, i.e. to satisfy egos or to be vindictive - but being done for the overall benefit of the people of Chaguanas.
Don't Blame Barbie/ Barbara
Don't Blame Barbie/ Barbara ok!!!!!!!!!!! She is just window dressing, look at the hooligan who pressing all her buttons and pulling her strings. Again people are blinded by what is glaring in their face. You see 45 people get sent home already, one of Mayor Navas first noble act. All them who like to follow Jack around sniffing his money, watch out. All Jack want is revenge against Panday you know, when he done, he riding out with he millions, it’s you all who will clammer back behind that same Panday 1 week after the next general election when the PNM done win. Trinis like to moan and grown each other after the fact, like lixx does make us feel good. This is the role model Jack give, a shack up thing, ent know where she living, and remember I told you all be careful we ent know where the children day yet, well now you see she have 2, and she living with the man, so that the children will get accustom to him before she get married. On public TV, how pathetic, this is what Jack thinks of Chaguanas, this is how he thinks of us and what we deserve. If is bacchanal TT like, continue being amused by the Circus Caravan, Manning coming for you all, 45 done get sent home, more to come! STAND TALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Those 45 were decided long
Those 45 were decided long before our Fabulous Barbie got there just like the raid on the brothel in Chase village, do not put that blame on Chaguanas Barbie just cry your heart out.
Just like the dirty work of Cane was left there for Foot-inMouth to excecute.
Spitefullness has been known to contribute to illnesses like blood pressure, so watch yourself today your type of venom usually set the heart racing.
Change not Exchange,how many old peoples homes must we go to to visit cabinet members? How many wheelchairs and commodes will we have to take to the cabinet meetings?
Bring on the young people especially women that is what this country needs.
You hear what your mind is
You hear what your mind is perceiving, silly, silly. Keep standing by your Barbie, those same wheelchairs will have to give you a ride.
Dinah I admire your support
Dinah I admire your support for "Barbie" and your encouragement to bring young people especially women on board. However don't let emotion overide common sense on this occassion!
No one has ever heard about Navas prior to her being voted in as mayor.
What assessment was done to determine her credibility and ability?
What do we know of her professional history in relation to her knowledge, skills and abilities?
And while you defend the "Barbie" Navas and compare her to the actual doll. Please recognise that in reality the Barbie doll is just a doll, a toy and like any other toy can be manipulated by it's owner for their satisfaction, in other words a puppet. That's exactly the impression we are all getting of Ms Navas in her role as "Mayoral Puppet" within the present context of her "appointment".
Don't get me wrong I support change and admire young ambitious people, however being young is not the only factor, there should also be credibility, integrity, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Dinah, please for God's
Dinah, please for God's sake, start trying (at least) to write some proper "English" for a change. You just go on and on rambling. Try to make sense in your commentaries, structure your sentences for instance. Or better still, stop your writing altogether.. We don't like you!!!!!
I dont care who win
I dont care who win elections. Once I can go out without being mugged, or robbed. It doesnt matter if NJAC runs this country, once they manage the resources equally and fairly. So if she decides to put whoever to rule, it doesnt matter, once the job is done. And who still bickering (Panday and company) no love lost, just stand tall.
Remember, when Panday used to talk about 'parasitic oligarchy? when he was elected, what happened to them? He joined them. When last you heard Panday speaking about them. You know why I would never vote for Panday. He was elected on the basis that the PNM was in corruption. I said I'll vote UNC to voice my disapproval with the corruption. What happened when the UNC was elected? A friend of mine was a contracter on the airport project and I have inside info on what went on. Panday was charged for corruptly receiving moneys that he couldnt explain. So instead of dealing with corruption, it appears he joined the bandwagon. Thats why I will never vote for a convicted man.
Very well said!...I don't
Very well said!...I don't know if Panday himself was involved in corruption whilst in government [ I don't have contractor friends..:) ] but he missed his opportunity to have a full investigation into the matter when Ramesh was calling for one. Notice how well Manning has learned, compare the situation with Calder Hart and perceived UDECOTT corruption. They (Manning and Panday) both scheme in different ways. Looking forward to hearing the results of the UDECOTT probe and looking for its impact on PNM popularity, if any. People need to be honest with themselves. If they voted out the UNC for being corrupt, the current replacement doesn't appear to be much better (Rowley just replace Ramesh in the setup).
I totally agree with
I totally agree with Renniecoolman and Dinah and their comments. I have not lived in TnT for years, but looking in from the outside as an impartial observer, I say hats off to Mayor Navas "Chaguanas Barbie" and what she seems to be doing to start off her administration. She is being inclusive of all the residents of Chaguanas (UNC, PNM etc). To me, that is a good thing and should also be practiced by the other political leaders.
As with everything else, change is hard to accept, especially when one must make tough decisions, such as having to terminate 45 people from the Borough's payroll. A lot of people in TnT depend on a "Govt wuk" that does not really produce anything. They are just "collecting a paycheck" for doing nothing. How shameful and we see nothing wrong with all of that, especially when we and our families are benefiting from the largesse. This applies from CEPEP, URP and all the other "make work" programs and systems we encourage. It is only when we are on the outside (not getting the freebies) that we are against them. It is time to make people earn their pay, from the top on down.
TnT will never progress if we continue to do business in the same old ways. Horrah to the new mayor and may she accomplish something for the Borough/City of Chaguanas during her tenure.
houston!!! please, if you
houston!!! please, if you have not lived in Trinidad for years please stay out of our blogs. You really do not deserve to get a say in our Trini business. Thanks
....ah yes, Jack's thinking
....ah yes, Jack's thinking outside of the box....the making of a political omnivore disguised as a reputedly pretty face....clever!!!
Chaguanas must endure until
Chaguanas must endure until the next elections.
Patience is an ally in adversity.
Jack is no longer covertly PNM.
There is a benefit in that revelation.
MFRahman
All is well that ends well.
All is well that ends well.
Partisan has ruled us with
Partisan has ruled us with divisions for too long. Bi-partisan is now being given a chance. Say what you must who ever is pulling the strings is workin well. Show them our fabulous "Chaguanas Barbie" let all those impotent old men (who call you nice young red ting)with theri devisive politics see how the people should be taken care of. Work together for the common good.
The young and fresh faces are what change is all about they will change the politics and the perceptions of Trinbago. They are the future.
Barbie is a useful and a very successful toy that embraces the world, and represent each nation, she is a perfect baby sitter and produced in all colours.
Go Barbie Go Chaguanas Barbie.
Mr Nagassar was one of the best mayor's if not the best that Chaguanas has had, I hope that he does not make himself too unhappy but it is no longer all about him and the UNC, it is about US all.
Dinah , how are you love ? I
Dinah , how are you love ? I agree with your opinions on the changes which are taking place in the Borough of Chaguanas . Panday and his minions are busy trying to stop Chaguanas from developing , socio-economically . Mayor Navas and her committees are going to transform and improve the Borough of Chaguanas . SILLY2dbone , continues to speak ill of Jack Warner and Mayor Navas but his hate blogs cannot stop Chaguanas from becoming a City in 2 years . The coporate community and the residents of Chaguanas are contributing to the national coffers and Jack Warner and Mayor Navas are going to make sure that Chaguanas gets it's share of the national cake .
"Where there is no vision , the people perish" . Atw - Barbados .
DIANA, time for you to shut
DIANA, time for you to shut up now. You never make any sense, and , has it not occurred to you that constantly referring to the new Mayor of Chaguanas as Barbie makes the girl seem frivilous and good for, well not too much. Retire now girl
Dinah do you know what is a
Dinah do you know what is a Barbie, it doesn't seem as though you do so let me enlighten you...Barbie is a doll made of plastic, has no brains and is either played with or put on display. Yuh know what, on second thought, that name suits Navas.
A Borough chair for Panday,
A Borough chair for Panday, cheers for the cherubic Mayoress, and her Deputy Worship. But like a chairplane, power keeps shifting in Chaguanas like a game of musical chairs. The only people not cheerful are probably the chairless constituents who voted for the renegade Ramjackers. They are now without chair, flat on their seats. So, next time they vote they may 'chear up' these two. The two PNM chairmen can only be happy for their unexpected good fortune, but they gotta watch out for the former FIFA World Cup referee who may blow the whistle on them anytime his FIFA Boss decides to pull their chairs from beneath them. No cheerful matter either for the 54 laid off litterwardens and their children and wife, just before school reopens. Never Navas, they may eschew. And I ain't telling no lie, since I din't cut down no cherry tree.
ajfyzabadbutlertown