Thursday July 29th, 2010
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Cricket
Hunt: $2m flag a misstep
...It will never happen again says Sport Minister
Published: 8 Feb 2010
Gary Hunt
Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Gary Hunt says the erection of a $2 million flag last year at the Hasely Crawford Stadium off Wrightson Road in Port of Spain was a misstep. Hunt admitted this in an address to the nation last night. There have been a public outcry against the cost of the project. “Although the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs continues to make great strides and have enjoyed considerable success, we have not always got it right,” he said. “There have been a few missteps along the way and one of these has been the construction of a national flag at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The proposal to erect a national symbol at a facility that bears the name of our only Olympic gold medalist was a noble one, but there were errors in its implementation.” The flag, erected last year, was intended to encourage national pride, Hunt said, during a post-Cabinet news conference when questioned about the project last year.
Last night he said: “We have heard the public’s concerns and have acted appropriately.” He said he had since directed the Sports Company “to adjust its systems and policies to ensure that nothing like this occurs in the future. “A national flag should never become the source of conflict and controversy, and I wish to assure the national community that it will never happen again,” he said. Hunt said the Government’s policies had produced positive results for sports and youth development in T&T. He said, however, that there remained the need for more work to be done and the Government was aware of its responsibility in that regard. “We shall not shirk this responsibility,” he said.
Hunt added that the Government was committed to work with communities, youth groups, schools and national sporting organisations to achieve more in sports and youth development. He said the Government continues to engage the youth population with innovative programmes, such as the Youth development and Apprenticeship Centres, which targets the vulnerable “at risk” youth to foster self-discipline and self-esteem. “As we look to the future, it is clear that we are on the verge of a golden era of sport in T&T. The many successes we have enjoyed in the last two years are just the tip of the iceberg and the best is yet to come,” Hunt said.
che When de mark about to
che
When de mark about to buss yuh come clean. Shame Shame Shame. Tell de public why de accountant running.
Is Trinidad & Tobago
Is Trinidad & Tobago approaching ' Failed State' Status?
Great post from The Rag
http://www.robinmontano.blogspot.com/
Minister Gary Hunt -
Minister Gary Hunt - Apology:-
Minister Hunt, you squandered our resources and disrespected our people.
When your extravagance with the $2M Flag came to light, we raised our concerns only to told to 'mind our own business' so to speak, as the gov't made the right decision.
In your attempts to justify this purchase you attempted to disrespect the people for expressing their dismay at this abuse. Your spin was shameful when you attempted to tell us that we were unpatriotic, etc.
Now the gov't is concerned about the people's lack of confidence in their governance, and are feeling like 'undesirables' in their own country. I am sure that in this 'walk about' being entertained by the Mr. Manning he is getting a 'belly and a mouth full' from the people, many of whom were once ardent supporters of the PNM Party.
Now you, Minister Gary Hunt come before us and attempts to extend an apology. One of our bloggers asked why you did not do so in Parliament. I too would have preferred that this 'act of shame and repentance' should have been presented in the House.
I consider myself a 'civilised' person and would like to accept your apology; but I am having a difficult time believing it to be authentic. To me it is an attempt to hood-wink the people into believing that you made a 'mis-step', rather than an open and firm decision to purchase and install this $2M Flag, 'a flag of patriotism' as you attempted to spin it to be. I find this apology to be somewhat late in coming and questionable, to say the least - kind of like a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'.
You are making a commitment that you will not repeat this 'mis-step' in the future and will put guidelines in place to prevent a repeat. This is good news. But only time will tell if you kept to your word. This is but only one of the many 'mis-steps' made by this Administration.
Now you, Minister Hunt, are standing before us in the public square apologising for your 'indiscretion/error in judgement' - 'mis-step', we would like to see other Ministers coming forward and doing the same, especially those who accused the people of this country of 'living off the fat of the land'. In actuality, Minister Hunt this government has been 'living off the fat of the land', to the detriment of the people of this country. We simply have to look at the 'delusions of grandeur' involved in the Prime Minister's Estate, La Fantasie, for starters.
Some of the Ministers we would like to see lining up to apologise to the people for their 'mis-steps' are - Karen T, Mariano Brown, Marlene McDonald, Conrad Enill, Colm Imbert, Martin Joseph, and the list goes on .... But most of all we desire to see Prime Minister Manning stepping forward and extending an honest apology to the nation for his many 'mis-steps' and for 'misbehaving in public office'. Then and only then will we believe that this government has come to their senses, and acknowledge the fact that they are indeed in Office to Serve the people of this country.
By the way, why did it take you so many months to recognise that you indeed made the wrong decision - 'mis-step', when you purchased this $2M Flag, and shamelessly engaged in inappropriate behaviour when you attempted to cover your tracks, Sir?
The people have had enough of your heavy-handedness and will stand up in defence of their rights when the time comes around.
Patriotic Citizen,
Gardenia
But of course! This
But of course! This honorable minister is a member of Trinidad's ruling elite; a non-evasive, public society known in higher circles as the ILLITERATI. But they prefer to be referred to as just our "government".
"GUILTY" Is the word
"GUILTY"
Is the word that comes to mind.
He should have know better!
Those types of extravagance are not allowed
Unless it is YOUR own hard-EARNED sweat.
Micro-manage the government, let them work for the people.
Well said Cartel. What a
Well said Cartel. What a relief to know there are others who don't assume the worst intentions from de government.
Well this is a first.A
Well this is a first.A government minister admitting he was wrong,very interesting.Well boi based on the amount of "missteps" this government has made,the daily news will be full with apologies.
Is this a sign that the brude of Vipers is finally getting the message that, this government does not have a mandate to rule without an expiration date?Mr PM do right by the people or to late ,to late shall be the cry.
Mr. Hunt is sincerely
Mr. Hunt is sincerely acknowledging a mistake and pledging better performance. Such gentlemanly behavior deserves the people's respect and encouragement. In fact Mr. Hunt's words are a reminder that we have a government that by and large listens to our feedback and is willing to adjust policies accordingly...democracy 101
http://cartelwatch.blogspot.com/
Cartel - have you snorted
Cartel - have you snorted the same thing Gary snorts? are you going to the same beauty salon to pluck you eyebrows as well? Seems that you also got something else plucked .....
Cartel, Sir, Ma'am
Cartel, Sir, Ma'am
Such gentlemanly behavior deserves the people's respect and encouragement.
'Tis true that it shows a strength of character to apologise publicly.
However, I personally, would like to guide you towards and ask that you read my earlier post, if you have not already done so. It may give you an indication as to why I personally, am unable to be very generous and accept/encourage his 'gentlemanly behaviour'. What is the saying? "Too little, too late"? If memory serves me correctly, it is since about September/October, that this whole discussion about THAT flag has been going on. I accept that Minister Hunt's attention may have been elsewhere (family matters) and empathise. However, the line he took immediately after the TRUE cost of the flat came out, of being 'wrong and strong' and as someone else highlighted, that he suggested that those who were against THAT flag were being unpatriotic... it is kind of... hmmmm. We/I need a bit more.
Not to mention, the confusion of who got/who didn't receive tickets to a certain football match; the lack of financial support and attempts to justify it, towards our cricket team in India; the fingerprint scanning machines that we gather were bought and subsequently 'mothballed'. This thing with THAT flag is not the first time Minister Hunt has 'misstepped'.
Unless we, the bloggers, blagger, citizens and interested parties of T&T start/continue challenging the mediocracy that we have at various levels of our society, how could we possibly hope for positive change? A 'misstep apology' is... a bit... well... hmmm.
You also wrote that Minister Hunt's 'apology' shows that we have a government who listens. One watermelon seed does not, a watermelon, make. (^_~)
La Diva
The smarter the journalists are, the better off society is. For to a degree, people read the press to inform themselves-and the better the teacher, the better the student body. Warren Buffett
People, let us remember this
People, let us remember this is site is public, so it is used by children, students and person who may be opposed to this use of language. Just as you feel about the use of free speech, others may find what is being said here in very poor taste. Let us all please respect the public domain.
dwers - Civility always
dwers - Civility always Preferred:-
dwers I really do understand the concerns you have expressed. We do try to keep our comments civilised and refrain from using unacceptable language. We are fully aware that this is a family site and aim to respect all.
Unfortunately, some on this platform do step out of line from time to time, and we do take them to task, as we will not condone uncivilised practices. We do not wish to violate the privilege given to us by The Guardian of the use of this platform, nor indulge in inappropriate behaviour.
"La Diva" has expressed the viewpoint of many of us, and I am sure that you will understand how we operate on this community of bloggers.
We aim to keep it clean so that children will not be offended by the language we use. Many of us have children and present comments that we would be pleased to have them read, and would request the same of other contributors.
Stay with us and feel free to post your comments when and where appropriate.
With freedom of speech comes responsibility and we take this seriously.
Thanks for speaking up.
Gardenia
Hi dwears
Hi dwears
Just as you feel about the use of free speech, others may find what is being said here in very poor taste. Let us all please respect the public domain.
Not sure how long you have been reading the comments here, although there sadly have been some exceptionally objective comments today. However, I think you may find that there are a number of us (and the number seems to be increasing daily! Yeah!!!) who try to keep the comments to ones of good taste even whilst being disagreeable, and do call out those who disrespect their 'free' education.
Yes, on occasion we digress and 'sweet talk' with each other, but, I guess that is part and parcel of an online community and reading each other's comments over a number of days/weeks.
I believe, inspite of our respective political affiliations or lack of, most of us do respect (and have publicly acknowledged) that we appreciate the ability to comment on articles, 'biting' at BOTH the politicians AND journalists alike. (^_^)
I do hope you will stick around and add your two cents worth from time to time.
La Diva
The smarter the journalists are, the better off society is. For to a degree, people read the press to inform themselves-and the better the teacher, the better the student body. Warren Buffett
First let me say that the
First let me say that the language and tone used by "JohnJames" are appalling and I believe he should be flagged or banned from posting on this blog. You should stick to the issues and stop attacking people personally or their personality. It makes your comments less relevant and it also makes you look ignorant and stupid. Wise up!
Now to the issue at hand. I believe that Minister Hunt's apology is an attempt at damage control (spin), fooling as many as he can, PR, "BS" or whatever else you want to call it. It will be up to the people to decide if his apology for his government's "misstep" is really sincere or more than likely them trying to take in front before in front takes them. I believe they are seeing the writing on the wall with the election of Ms. Persad-Bisessar and they can feel the mood of the people shifting away from them. So they are trying to "acknowledge the wrongs" the have committed and are attempting to fix them.
Again I say, the people must weigh our choices and decide who is best to govern in the future. We know what and who we have tried before and we have seen the results. Maybe it is time to try something new.
It is very insulting for our
It is very insulting for our leaders to treat with our concerns in the manner they do, they are quick to imply that we are obstructionists and having political motives when we raise issues.
The following is an exchange between the Minister and myself via face book - this was before he realised that he mistepped. Yo come now and say the he has mistepped is just insulting.
Marlon RadioPolice 05 November 2009 at 09:23
Sir, could you do us a favour and not insult the citizens of this country please. We deserve better, after all you people depend on us to vote for you so you can have all that you have at our expense. I am trying to be very polite to you, well not you your office, but its difficult, so I would end by asking that you find it in your hart, if you have one, to not insult us.
Gary Hunt 05 November 2009 at 20:56 Report
I think it was honest to lay all the facts on the table.
Marlon RadioPolice 06 November 2009 at 09:03
but Sir, the facts came in trances, listen, no one in this country rases these issues just to make others look bad or that we hate them and want to bring them down, But please sir, you must understand, if you were on the outside of this matter looking in as we are, I am sure that you would understand that from the outset it did not and cannot make sense. You first indicated that you were not too sure of the cost, but also indcated that Cabinet approved it, how could cabinet approve it without a cost. You then stated that it (the flag) cost 18,500, then eventuallly you indicated that the cost was approximately 2 million. How does this look to you sir, honestly? People in this country does have alot of national pride, but we do not need a flag to tell us that we are a proud people, we need water, good roads, safe communities with recreational facilities, to name a few. Again sir we rasie these matters for one purpose, and that is to force a change in the priorities. I do hope you can understand.
Thanks for your reply anyways
Gary Hunt 06 November 2009 at 19:54 Report
There are many notes that come before cabinet. This year so far over 3000 notes have come before cabinet for approval!!! Last year when that was approved it was part of a larger work programme for the HCS and JPC. Difficult to remember numeric details of each note. The flag cost $15,600 + VAT. The structures required to fly the flag is what we clarified. Open and honest. SPORTT even took out and Ad in the paper and gave exact figures. Water, good roads, and safe communities and recreational facilities are constantly being worked on. Remember each dept. of Government is given an budget to operate. This year MSYA operated with very high efficiency. A lot more was done for a lot less. Millions was given back to the Minister of Finance by MSYA. National development is being implemented on many fronts.
Marlon RadioPolice 10 November 2009 at 12:47
For the past few days I have been trying to come up with a reply to this, but I cannot seem to come up with one, except to say, please sir - lets rethink how we spend D people money nah.
Clarification
Clarification
Misstep: A misplaced or awkward step. An instance of wrong or improper conduct; a blunder. Source: dictionary.com
Minister Hunt
- The 'apology' took so long because...
- In 1998, you won 'Entrepreneur of the Year' I believe. Is TT$2 million (and counting) really the sort of 'misstep' an award winning entrepreneur should be making? What if you had done something like this with your own business? Would you really expect your financial backers to accept an 'apology' saying you 'misstepped'?
- If you were me and I were you ie Minster Sport and Youth Affairs, what standards of leadership including decision making skills, financial prudence including accountability, and behaviour would you be holding me to and demanding of me, Sir?
Respectfully
La Diva
The smarter the journalists are, the better off society is. For to a degree, people read the press to inform themselves-and the better the teacher, the better the student body. Warren Buffett
Was Hunt's statement an
Was Hunt's statement an apology or an admission of error and an assurance that "it would never happen again?"
I do not think that it was an apology. He needs now to apologize for not apologizing and to ask Manning to relieve him of his portfolio.
If I recall, before now Hunt said that there were more flags coming!
CHANGE IS COMMING!!! Firstly
CHANGE IS COMMING!!!
Firstly I would like to congratulate the minister on his apology and secondly urge him to do the right thing and offer his resigination.Not that he has much precedent in this 2x4 country regarding matters like this except in the PNM where both Frankie Kahn & Eric Williams resigned because of serious allegations of corruption.NO OTHER MINISTER IN ANY OTHER PARTY HAS EVER DONE THAT.
Kamla did'nt resign for the "education revolution" fiasco which saw our children packed into tiny houses above rumshops and in asbestos filled buildings.Nor did she even offer an apology for the Biche Secondary school fiasco,where an multimillion dollar school [much more than 2 million] was constructed on unstable land,rendering it untenable.As a matter of fact,she openly boasted about it for years,using race in an attempt to cover up for her government's failure.Yes,they built lots of good schools.Gary also did a lot for sporting facilities & youth in his ministry,but 2 million dollars for a flag is unforgivible,moreso a multi-million dollar,state of the art facility,literally crumbling and dis-integrating before one student could say "present miss".....,Kamla should have been history.Jack Warner didnt apologise for this either,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0puFaKUg56I
or this racist remark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW_aJlzN6zM&feature=related
or even this "hoggish" behaviour;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Klpn0Cyjhqw&feature=related
My point is if we really want change we must demand it.We must demand that Gary Hunt resign and stop all this dotishness about "Isaac"
We must demand that Kamla apologise unequivocally for the past waste and corruption of her party,the UNC whilst in government.
We must demand that Jack Warner apologise and change his ways,PAY THE SOCA WARRIORS their damn money!!! But,the more things change..................
To those people who feel an
To those people who feel an rush when posting retarded and obscene comments as fellow Johnjames - please get therapy.
Please, next time to feel the urge to post on an article please do your nation a favor and DON'T. As you have just demonstrated why this country is in the Horrid state it is in.
Thanks!
I AGREE
I AGREE -
We all need to speak out but we can only speak about Manning, Panday, Dookeran, Jack ect. But persons in our blog community are insulting us attacking the women and many make no comment.Outrage against Hunt but no outrage against offensive blogging.T&T is a country of HYPOCRITES and DOUBLE STANDARDS. People get the CORRUPT government they deserve and then complain.
damage control.....as an
damage control.....as an election looms.now karen should also admit to her misstep about insider trading,and manning should admit to his missteps such as calder hart,no water for the ppl,crime abundance,wasteful spending on big buildings,summits,aluninium smelter,deals and contracts with the communiuty/gang leaders,ect. ect. sorry i cann't list everything now as i have to leave to go to work .
Apologies coming for the
Apologies coming for the drapery at the mansion too? the summit SUVS which are all parked up at VMCOTT? The PNM Valentine's day party which I am paying for!!! How much is that costing???
SLimy tongued PNM people! watch out Kamla coming !!!!
If I remember correctly,
If I remember correctly, Hunt called all those who were against the flag unpatriotic. Does Hunts apology mean that he too have become unpatriotic?
Hunt, how are those thumb scanners working for you? Will we be getting an apology for those also?
< And Mr. Manning, add THAT
< And Mr. Manning, add THAT to the long sad list of "missteps" that will ensure your defeat at LG and general elections. Keep on playing with people's hard-earned money, you will find your party tossed out of that other "misstep" in St. Ann's faster than you can say "Karen Nunez-Taxsharer", the biggest "misstep" of your administration. This is the kind of nonsense you fostering on people? We were apparently better off with the previous setta missteps, Ken Valley et al.
Good first step Gary, now
Good first step Gary, now get a refund from your suppliers for the excess (surplus) and between the both of you, pay back the state for that error.
Only then we might consider accepting your apology, or even see it as being sincere.
http://dsaltsman.blogspot.com/
WITH INTEREST
WITH INTEREST -
If I didn't know better, I
If I didn't know better, I would say that Gary Hunt has quoted US President Obama almost exactly..He should be careful about the words he uses (original thoughts ??), as this may be construed to be plagiarism.
In addition, he is throwing the blame squarely on the 'Sports Company'. I would only ask - who is in charge here - the good Minister or the Sports Company ?
A clear case of attempted
A clear case of attempted disaster control by the PNM following public outcry against this initiative.
They however owe us much more apologies for all the other foolish things they have done!
A "misstep"? Nonsense! Too
A "misstep"? Nonsense! Too little too late. This is a crime and no apology should do, nothing short of the full re-mimbursement of the two million with interest should be the penalty. And the same should apply to the others for their wanton wastage of the people's money.
While confession is good for the soul, it's not good enough for politics. The public must not be fooled by this kind of cheap puerile political gimmickry. People must recognise that is some kind of strategy to fool them as Manning and his gang set about to ensnare the population as they try to white-wash themselves for an election.
They must think that because carnival is in the air, they could sneak in this kind of rubbish to test the waters thinking the people won't notice. Did captain Manning send in Hunt as his night watchman or as the best he has to open the batting? Clean bowled in the first ball he faced.
Agreed utter rubbish! I
Agreed utter rubbish! I hope he paid for the time slot out of his personal funds, this would have made the so-called apology more effective! Why couldn't he have apologized in the Parliament where he would have gotten free air time?
What he has to do now is RESIGN!
Prince - Have you noticed
Prince - Have you noticed that all the critical comments from us before, John and Jane Public concerning this flag, only brought out more stupid statements of defense by Gary c Hunt and his minions? Then up come Bassies' big fall and Mugabe Manning start to walk to find out the ills of the country and he get some cuss about the flag among other things, which is not reported in the media. Then bam, just like that, the openly PNM calypsonians started hitting PNM and the flag for carnival and just so, C Hunt decided to waste taxpayers money again and apoligise. I think he should also do the honorable thing and resign immediately!!!
Dicksonrp , Gary Hunt should
Dicksonrp , Gary Hunt should resign as the Minister of Sport and as MP for Port of Spain North/St.Anns West , with immediate effect !!!!
For months people across the social spectrum of T&T were critical of the wastage of the taxpayers money and Gary Hunt "justified" the purchase of the 2 million $ flag saying that it was for national pride . Now he is saying that it is a misstep (sic) . How could Manning forced out Ken Valley from being a PNM candidate in the 2007 general election and accept Gary Hunt . He is a public embarrassment to the PNM govt and the constituents who voted for him . A similar flag could have been purchase for a lot less money . This is not his only boo boo , he collected tickets for parliamentarians for an International football game in T&T and some MPs are still waiting for the tickets . Gary Hunt should walk out of politics and don't miss a step . He should also change his surname to a more appropriate name , one that describes him adequately .
Ha ha ha ha .. yes Wiggins I
Ha ha ha ha .. yes Wiggins I hear his middle name is really "I-is-a" -Gary I-is-a you know what. Boy I playing him for ole Mas in Sando in de band "de blue boys". Ah sending you a picture after .....
Dicksonrp, when we
Dicksonrp, when we criticised this misplaced outlandish extravagance, the PNM defenders were coming out in full force to defend Hunt and his madness. I have to wonder where they are now with egg on their face. They should hang Hunt out to dry for leaving them in the lurch. I agree with you that he should resign forthwith but he should also refund the money to the Treasury. They are now fighting a rear guard action to save face and elicit sympathy, but it will only backfire. They must be made to pay for their sins against the people.
Elections are comming. This
Elections are comming.
This is the new caring PNM. Money and apologies will flow untill election day. Then the day after the election its back to waste and fraud.
Mr. Hunt seems to be taking
Mr. Hunt seems to be taking a page from President Obama.
An apology, a promise and some insight into the thinking that led to this becoming an issue. The man should be acknolowedged for making such a public statement albeit a little late in the game, but still, he has spoken.
Now if we could only his colleague could take a hint and give a proper apology about that 'Fat of the Land' statement that still has everyone angry.
James (observing from Poland)
One of the first rules of
One of the first rules of good "Public Relations" is to take on an issue Head on and come clean early. (Check out the flack that Toyota is getting for their "slow response" to the recall of over 9 million vehicles in the USA). None of these principles seemed to have been applied by Sports Minister Hunt in his dealing with the "flag" issue. He first talked down to the people by questioning their patriotism for not supporting his and his government's wasting of their money with the erection of a $2M flag in the "name of patriotism" while so many other urgent issues (water for one) are left on the back burner. He even had the nerve to tell us that more flags were coming. He never mentioned anything about these "other flags" in his apology on "missteps."
Now all of a sudden, in his attempt at an apology, he is blaming the Sports Company (who is the minister in charge of this "company?") for this wasteful spending. Even his apology about his and his govt's "misstep" is another misstep.
Do these people think that we are all idiots? As Mr. Hunt tried to dismiss the fears and apprehension of the public over this waste of their tax dollars, Mr. Hunt sort to shift the blame for this total mismanagement to someone else. How pitiful!
HUNT IS AN ARROGANT MEMBER
HUNT IS AN ARROGANT MEMBER OF THE EMPLOYER CLASS -
He and JACKO are cut from the same cloth and actually are very much alike in ideology.
Fairplay , Jack Warner
Fairplay , Jack Warner spends his own money but Gary Hunt is spending the taxpayers money . The constituents of Chaguanas West said that Jack is the best MP they have ever had , while on the other hand , Hunt is an embarrassment to the constituents of Port Of Spain North/St.Anns West . Jack Warner is an asset to the UNC but Gary Hunt is a liability to the PNM . The issue is dealing with a minister of govt wasting the taxpayers money and now coming with a feeble apology which is not being accepted .
THEY ARE BOTH BUSINESS MEN
THEY ARE BOTH BUSINESS MEN -
Same ideology profits first. JACKO wasted money with the five stadia T&T could have gotten loans at a cheaper rate but JACKO would not have been able to doctor the contract so it would go to FIFA(Jack &Sons) and not the real FIFA. The taxpayers are still paying the higher interest rates. The extra money could have gone to buy badly needed drugs for the hospitals.
Wiggins - boy you are
Wiggins - boy you are wasting your breath as Foul can't understand logic except PNM till ah dead. He an Mike Samuel the PNM transexual are brothers .......
....quite correct Gary, a
....quite correct Gary, a very expensive construction indeed, the next time you feel such an urge, you'd be better off taking things in hand.
...those who flagged this comment...we humbly apologise for offending your very delicate sense of public decency...you and ilk are strongly urged to head to beach for the 2 days of Carnival, or what you may wittness may stop your hearts....thanks Mr. Editor for the cleanup....