Thursday July 29th, 2010
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Parsanlal on Udecott fiasco:
Govt concerned as anger boils over Hart
Published: 12 Mar 2010
Information Minister Neil Parsanlal speaks during yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference. Photo: Jennifer Watson
Information Minister Neil Parsanlal has described the Calder Hart/Udecott issue as an imbroglio. Parsanlal said the Government was very concerned about the amount of anger prevailing among the population because of the issue. Hart, the former executive chairman of the state-owned special purpose company, Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott), resigned last Saturday. Documents produced by the Congress of the People (COP) claimed he had family ties with two directors of Sunway—a firm which was awarded a $368.9 million contract to construct the Ministry of Legal Affairs Towers in Port-of-Spain by Udecott. Responding to questions on the issue during yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, Parsanlal admitted: “There are lots of people out there who have viewed the whole imbroglio with Udecott and Calder Hart and have become very, very angry, have become very upset and concerned about the operations of the Government and we are very much aware of that.”
Parsanlal said the Government and members of the PNM were very concerned about those developments. “Yes, we feel that there has been anger in the population,” Parsanlal said. Noting that both a police and forensic investigation had been initiated into Calder Hart/Udecott, Parsanlal said citizens should not seek to prejudge the situation. He said the process should be allowed to run its full course and when completed, “whoever has to be vindicated will be vindicated, if anyone has to be charged, then that person will be charged.” The news conference was at times heated, as journalists attempted to ask questions on the issue at the same time. In response to questions, Parsanlal said Cabinet did not discuss the holding of a probe into Hart. He said, however, that the general issue over Hart was discussed.
In response to questions about the delayed announcement of a Hart probe, both Parsanlal and Labour Minister Rennie Dumas said it was not the norm to announce such matters. “In no situation at the cabinet table would an Attorney General come and say that we are running an investigation on ‘A’, ‘Y’ or ‘Z’,” Dumas said. “Any other course of action leaves us bare to the charge of presumption.” Asked if the Government had any gratitude for Diego Martin West MP Dr Keith Rowley for his role in raising concerns about Hart and Udecott, Parsanlal said like all MPs who took their oath of office, Rowley was simply carrying out that oath.
so the Ohallaran issue is on
so the Ohallaran issue is on your mind eventhough you weren't born yet, but the Airport affair has long been forgotten? When would allyuh people learn to be honest. Does your 9 handed god have a rule on lying?
Sparrow was right!!! “Yet
Sparrow was right!!!
“Yet these fakes and phonies enjoy a long life of luxury,
While they spread corruption throughout the country.
When they should be arrested, they’re protected and respected in the society.
And in a million different ways they violate the law.
It’s these same no good bastards who oppress the poor.
They working with tax evasion, false declarations, defrauding customs duties.
These ‘good citizens’ are the architects of economic slavery.”
Then he turn around and sang: "We like it so .... we free!!"
Like they asking for Abu Bakr Part(ii) or what? I'm starting to lose my patience here, okay? There is a groundswell of discontent in the society and this government is only now taking notice? Get these fools out, please!! Stand up and be counted, people!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, DAMMITT!!!!!!!
Shame on us if we don't act - fast!
TRINBAGONIANS KNOW THE SCORE
TRINBAGONIANS KNOW THE SCORE -
Is just we deceitful and pretensive. Trinis know who bringing in the drugs, who bribing who and who horning who. The calypsonians have been singing it for years, some that come to mind are
1)Rudder "Whey the thing pass"
2)Sparrow "Economic Slavery"
3)Maestro "Ass in the lions skin"
4)Stalin "Sufferers"
5)Kurt Allen "They too bright"
6)Explainer "In Parliament they kicksing"
7)Valentino “Trinidad Nice”
We have known for a long time the politicians are taking us for a ride.
That story written in the FP
That story written in the FP magazine is so inaccurate not withstanding the photo of mercenaries that they have used on the front. I am amazed that a fellow Trini has included that as credible on this continued blog about our nation.
Whichever and whomever governs us in the future i really hope we embrace positivity and change our views of each other. as i stated earlier all we are doing is working towards same s@"t different day.
BTW I saw a blog by Rachel Price and she was on their calling Mr Panday and a few other public figures dogs etc. That is so irresponsible and we wonder why the international press write about us and talk about us as third world...Our behaviour needs to be checked out.
Ron28, you hit the
Ron28, you hit the proverbial nail very hard on the head. Mud-slinging in parliament, mud-slinging here on this forum- is that is all we Trinis really know?? Nobody seems to be talking about policies that would bring good governance, peace and security to the people of Trinidad. All people seem to keep banging on about is changing the bloody roof- when the whole blasted shack done ready to fall down!!
We seem to want to defy the laws of nature by planting razor-grass and expecting roses. Corruption, incompetence and bobol are embedded within the fabric of our society. What, we think people suddenly become corrupt and incompetent when they get elected to office? Think again and have a long hard look in the mirror. How many of you know somebody in Customs who could clear ah barrel for yuh, have ah pardna in HDC who could get yuh ah place, have a big-boy police friend who could get yuh son off a weed charge, know somebody who could get yuh chile in school, have ah next pardna who could give them ah job??? So, we doing it all the time but expect the politicians, when they become politicians, to suddenly change habits of a lifetime!
The more I think about it, the more I think that we should just pardon Hart yes. Poor man, after coming here and seeing how tings does run, decide he go join in the fun too. Who could blame him for that?
The PNM continues to be
The PNM continues to be plagued by the same affliction which stifled the UNC for so many years - a dearth in leadership. If this deficiency were addressed at the appropriate time years ago, Trinidad and Tobago would not be in the unfortunate position in which we find ourselves today.
On January 24th the UNC took the bull by the horns, so to speak, and will win or lose with the captain they now have. By the calculations of most, they would have definitely lost had they not elected to move in another direction. Similarly, with Patrick Manning at the helm, the People's National Movement has absolutely no chance of being victorious in the next general election - and rightfully so. In fact, it is my hope that their demise would begin with the Local Government elections.
Mr. Manning has single-handedly taken us for fools for far too long. Last election, whether or not we got it right by having the PNM back in power is immaterial at this point. However, the next chance belongs to another group. Just as there are great and dedicated people in the UNC, there likewise are honest hard-workers in the PNM government. Let's give Jack his jacket here, okay?
The leaders of both parties have failed us miserably. It's time to take our country back. But don't completely count out the PNM, though. If a young, gifted, and dynamic leader were to suddenly emerge from the shadows, watch out! But like the West Indies cricket team, the PNM has not planned for succession.
I wish everyone a pleasant afternoon and a fantastic and most enjoyable weekend.
"Mr. Manning has
"Mr. Manning has single-handedly taken us for fools for far too long"...
It gives me pause to consider - if in fact Mr. Manning has taken us for fools, or alternately if the Ministers think the populace are idiots, when REALLY, they do not think about citizens at all..about our well being; about our futures. Our existence in this country has largely been taken for granted.
If they did in fact think of us, they would not be spending on items for 'show'; as a nation we would be spending on necessities - water; social services; crime reduction; drug control etc. the list is endless..
There you go, Lois!! You got
There you go, Lois!! You got it. That's absolutely correct.
But we should not blame Mr. Manning without pointing a finger back at our sorry inept selves at the same time. Because by voting this arrogant SOB into office time after time, we have, in effect self-destructed. We have nobody else to blame.
So why have we not had a viable alternative all this time? Because the other option was Mr. Basdeo Panday. Plain and simple. And he and all went and vote against the thing this week gone, right? I tell you. We taking hand left, right, and center from these people.
I will go even further to say that had the PNM won the last election but Manning lost his San Fernando East seat, we would not be in the amount of trouble we're in today. He is the problem.
Now they have thrown out Minister Parsanlal to deal with the bad dogs and they only biting him. He is left to clean up the load of crap that Manning just put down for us, and they just beating this poor man up because he allowed himself to be led by an idiot. I know Neil, and I believe he thought he was getting into a good government and would make a difference and a positive contribution to society. How wrong was he, eh?
I want to see which minister would dare stand firm, demonstrate true leadership qualities, and resign from this corrupt government in the face of this fiasco and so many others before it. I'm not talking about the line minister. I'm talking about ANY minister with a backbone.
Teacherboy - Thanks for your
Teacherboy - Thanks for your comments today.
While we are having to deal with a corrupt government in office, that has shown the utmost disrespect for the people of this country, we too must shoulder some of the blame. After all we, or many of us, have voted then into office time and time again. Once there as we can see, the administration hand picked persons who did not face the polls. I find that many of these 'hand-picked and annointed ones' are the most aggressive and insulting to my people. Case in point, Conrad Enill, Hazel Manning and Dick-Forde, for starters. It is amazing to see how the Cabinet Ministers have huddles together to guard what they consider to be their territory. They operate as though they are the keepers and gate keepers of all our possessions and our Treasury their personal piggy bank. The meaning of the word 'democracy' has apparently bypassed this cabinet. It appears that the citizens of this country are now the 'enemies' of this gov't in office.
As we are experiencing this chaos we are impatiently waiting to see a change in gov't. We are being promised change and have hope that when it comes we can get some relief and see some real changes in how our gov't operate in serving the needs of our people.
But my word of caution to all - We can no longer remain on-lookers, we have to get involved in the political affairs of our country. Gone are the days when we could say that we are not interested in politics. It is mandatory now for us to get involved if we wish to rescue our country and bring it back to good governance.
"Lois Lane", you too have addressed the issue with such knowledge and honesty.
A brighter tomorrow is what we desire, and what we will have, but our participation is mandatory.
Gardenia
NOT SOME OF US ALL OF US
NOT SOME OF US ALL OF US -
Some voted for PNM, others from UNC and COP who split their vote aided and abetted PNM, those who did not vote indirectly voted for PNM.
Teach boy, you've said it
Teach boy, you've said it again.
Those who voted for the current government got what they wanted, and perhaps some of what they didn't want. Those who supported the UNC had to reckon with Bas and his foolishness.
I do not disagree that many who get into Government do so for the betterment of the country - we all start off with certain ideals. The question now is : is anyone willing to take a stand and give up their generous government salary by resigning from what we see as a corrupt government (until anyone proves otherwise)? And don't get me started with people like Hazel, who were not elected, but receive a handsome salary, and who will receive a more than generous pension when all is said and done (whatever the outcome of the current situation)...
Supporting some positive change for our country !!
The entire Government needs
The entire Government needs to resign ASAP because it is my belief that they all and I mean all knew what was going on and with the exception of Keith Rowley they stayed quiet to avoid the rath of Emperor Patrick. Mr. Parsanlal should be the last MP to be allowed to speak in the public domain he is the same MP who a few months ago spoke piles and piles trash with regard to the capture of murders in a highly broadcast murder case which was brutal and grizzly to say the very, very least he said "these criminals are people too, they have family memebers who loved and cared about them and we should be mindful of how we proceed with them and we must think of how we would want our loved ones to be treated" he said this with total disregard for the victim and the victim's loved ones, he has no respect for the citizens of T&T and obviously no regard for victims of crime be it blue collar or white collar. What a bloddy shame, investigate and arrest all MPs on the government side of the prliamentary chamber at once for corruption none of them are innocent. But then again the Acting CoP himself is afraid to do his job so I think there will probably be no investigation into corruption in the ranks of the government. God help us!
williams>>> important what
williams>>> important what the world thinks of T&T!!!!
Trouble in Paradise - what others are saying about TT
The prestigious international publication, Foreign Policy (FP), has just published an article that suggests that Trinidad annd Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning should look at protecting his own state rather than trying to deploy the country's navy to patrol the Antilles for drug smugglers.
The article, Trouble in Paradise, published in the March 12 edition of the magazine, is required reading for everyone because it outlines what the international community is hearing about Trinidad and Tobago.
FP says the Manning government helps stoke the drug trade and the gangs and suggests that Manning needs international supervision to tackle the problem at home and in the region.
"A coalition of governments - including the United States and Britain, whose navies patrol the region - should step in to help patrol the lane between Trinidad and Venezuela," FP states.
"Training should also be supplied to Trinidad's Coast Guard so it can vigorously pursue smugglers. With its new navy, the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad may be able to fill a real void in detecting cocaine smuggling.
"But it has to secure its own borders first and purge its security forces of corrupt members. Until Trinidad gets serious about this, the United States should disinvite the country from regional security dialogues."
It adds, "With its wealth and strategic location, Trinidad and Tobago is a natural partner. Yet these countries would be wise to make sure that they do not let the fox guard the henhouse."
Commenting on the state of the country, FP noted that the murder rate has risen nearly 400 per cent in the past decade with Port of Spain rivaling Johannesburg and Baghdad in the rate of killings.
"Proliferating gangs, mostly composed of impoverished young men, are behind many of the killings, centered in the dense suburbs of Port of Spain. But shootings are not confined to the slums...
"According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Trinidad and Tobago has become a major transshipment point for illegal substances heading north from South America. Traffickers send cocaine and small arms from Venezuela, just 7 miles off the coast of Trinidad, via fast boat.
"The drugs are then shipped out on container ships, planes, and private yachts. Between June and November, hurricane season in the northern Caribbean but not as far south as Trinidad, the trade increases, with drug runners packing the cocaine into boats, sometimes with extra-wide decoy hulls, and sending it on to the United States and other consumer countries.
"Cocaine mostly passes through Trinidad and Tobago, but marijuana and small arms often stick around. Clandestine fast boats carrying large quantities of marijuana come from nearby islands such as St. Vincent and Grenada.
"Lately, assault rifles decommissioned by Venezuela's military have been turning up in Trinidad. Between 2001 and 2008, the number of guns seized by authorities quadrupled.
"Manning has tackled these problems head-on - claiming he will build "Fortress Trinidad and Tobago," buying helicopters and summoning his security forces.
But, unfortunately, the Port of Spain government helps stoke the drug trade and the gangs.
"The country's annual per capita GDP has risen from about $11,000 to $18,800 in the past decade due to strong exports of natural gas and steel. Still, unemployment remains high, and to create jobs, the government spends about $400 million per year on make-work projects.
"The bulk of this money is ultimately funneled to gang leaders, who administer "grants" and distribute "salaries." Indeed, corruption - always a problem in the country - is reaching new heights.
"According to several security analysts, a damning unofficial study carried out by the government in 2009 suggested that almost 90 percent of police officers were regularly involved in illegal activities.
"Those pursuits ranged from running and selling drugs, to colluding with gangs by renting out weapons to criminals, to performing extralegal killings.
"Plus, despite Manning's saber rattling, Trinidad and Tobago's security teams have not been terribly effective. Trinidad's security forces have never intercepted a cocaine-carrying fast boat or made a significant bust...
"Senior intelligence officials cite the lack of arrests as proof that claims that major cartels operate in their country are mistaken. They claim the allegations are the invention of local muckracking reporters.
"A few years ago, Trinidad purchased a sophisticated new 360-degree radar system. According to one senior official, the government has yet to turn it on. Another analyst disputes this, saying the problem is that too few staff members understand how to use the radar technology.
"Thus, whether or not Manning is effective in protecting Trinidad and Tobago from drugs and guns from overseas, it is clear he needs just as badly to tackle problems at home.
Read the full article in FOREIGN POLICY
Tell the two unemotional and
Tell the two unemotional and rational jokers to read it.
Claxtonbay Trini:
Claxtonbay Trini: CONCERNED.
Really, Mr Parsanlal......the Gov't concerned? What exactly does that mean. Are they also CONCERNED ABOUT THE HOSPITALS, WATER, DRAINAGE, ROADS etc, etc. etc.
williams>>> important what
williams>>> important what the world thinks of T&T!!!!
Trouble in Paradise - what others are saying about TT
The prestigious international publication, Foreign Policy (FP), has just published an article that suggests that Trinidad annd Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning should look at protecting his own state rather than trying to deploy the country's navy to patrol the Antilles for drug smugglers.
The article, Trouble in Paradise, published in the March 12 edition of the magazine, is required reading for everyone because it outlines what the international community is hearing about Trinidad and Tobago.
FP says the Manning government helps stoke the drug trade and the gangs and suggests that Manning needs international supervision to tackle the problem at home and in the region.
"A coalition of governments - including the United States and Britain, whose navies patrol the region - should step in to help patrol the lane between Trinidad and Venezuela," FP states.
"Training should also be supplied to Trinidad's Coast Guard so it can vigorously pursue smugglers. With its new navy, the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad may be able to fill a real void in detecting cocaine smuggling.
"But it has to secure its own borders first and purge its security forces of corrupt members. Until Trinidad gets serious about this, the United States should disinvite the country from regional security dialogues."
It adds, "With its wealth and strategic location, Trinidad and Tobago is a natural partner. Yet these countries would be wise to make sure that they do not let the fox guard the henhouse."
Commenting on the state of the country, FP noted that the murder rate has risen nearly 400 per cent in the past decade with Port of Spain rivaling Johannesburg and Baghdad in the rate of killings.
"Proliferating gangs, mostly composed of impoverished young men, are behind many of the killings, centered in the dense suburbs of Port of Spain. But shootings are not confined to the slums...
"According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Trinidad and Tobago has become a major transshipment point for illegal substances heading north from South America. Traffickers send cocaine and small arms from Venezuela, just 7 miles off the coast of Trinidad, via fast boat.
"The drugs are then shipped out on container ships, planes, and private yachts. Between June and November, hurricane season in the northern Caribbean but not as far south as Trinidad, the trade increases, with drug runners packing the cocaine into boats, sometimes with extra-wide decoy hulls, and sending it on to the United States and other consumer countries.
"Cocaine mostly passes through Trinidad and Tobago, but marijuana and small arms often stick around. Clandestine fast boats carrying large quantities of marijuana come from nearby islands such as St. Vincent and Grenada.
"Lately, assault rifles decommissioned by Venezuela's military have been turning up in Trinidad. Between 2001 and 2008, the number of guns seized by authorities quadrupled.
"Manning has tackled these problems head-on - claiming he will build "Fortress Trinidad and Tobago," buying helicopters and summoning his security forces.
But, unfortunately, the Port of Spain government helps stoke the drug trade and the gangs.
"The country's annual per capita GDP has risen from about $11,000 to $18,800 in the past decade due to strong exports of natural gas and steel. Still, unemployment remains high, and to create jobs, the government spends about $400 million per year on make-work projects.
"The bulk of this money is ultimately funneled to gang leaders, who administer "grants" and distribute "salaries." Indeed, corruption - always a problem in the country - is reaching new heights.
"According to several security analysts, a damning unofficial study carried out by the government in 2009 suggested that almost 90 percent of police officers were regularly involved in illegal activities.
"Those pursuits ranged from running and selling drugs, to colluding with gangs by renting out weapons to criminals, to performing extralegal killings.
"Plus, despite Manning's saber rattling, Trinidad and Tobago's security teams have not been terribly effective. Trinidad's security forces have never intercepted a cocaine-carrying fast boat or made a significant bust...
"Senior intelligence officials cite the lack of arrests as proof that claims that major cartels operate in their country are mistaken. They claim the allegations are the invention of local muckracking reporters.
"A few years ago, Trinidad purchased a sophisticated new 360-degree radar system. According to one senior official, the government has yet to turn it on. Another analyst disputes this, saying the problem is that too few staff members understand how to use the radar technology.
"Thus, whether or not Manning is effective in protecting Trinidad and Tobago from drugs and guns from overseas, it is clear he needs just as badly to tackle problems at home.
Read the full article in FOREIGN POLICY
Whilst Afro and Indo
Whilst Afro and Indo Trinidadians fighting each other,here was this white man screwing us both.So fight on brothers and sisters,continue calling each other the "N" word and "C" word and there will be more O'hallaran,Harts to come.
Focus on the issues affecting us all,not our ethnic difference.What has happen is not just mismanagement,corruption,squander,but it's our lack of self esteem as a people that if is white and foreign then it's got to be good.Until we can over come this paranoia then sadly we will have failed ourselves and our children,making them servants in their own home.
So will any justice come out of this most recent debuckle,it's left to be seen,given history I have my doubts,however we the people must fight for justice,people has to be held accountable from the top down.
One word to describe
One word to describe Parsanlal "Shameless".
While Government ministers
While Government ministers are coming out in full force to defend Calder Hart, we have not had a single statement from the PM on this matter. One has to wonder why - after all this is his most trusted side-kick and confidante (well, aside from the alleged seer-woman).
Ministers are quick to say that there is no wrong-doing, but by doing so, they are potentially trying to influence the process (and the public), and also not waiting for the 'due process' they speak of to take its course. In fact, they would be best advised to say that they cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. Foot-in-mouth disease is rearing its head.
However, that same muzzzle cannot be put on the public at large. The tax paying public has every right to know whether or not elected officials and others in charge have in fact spent their monies wisely (a la Academy for Performing arts; incomplete stadiums; $2M flagpole etc), and whether or not proper tendering processes were followed with full integrity (no family connections; no kick-backs). Not only that, taxpayers also need to know that the investigation launched (since Sept'09) will in fact be completed swiftly , not only to confirm / disprove allegations made, but to ensure that the situation with UDECOTT will be cleaned up - no more 'greasing of hands'.
We need to remember that monies diverted to largely unneeded projects (Stadium, Academies), are mostly responsible for lack of spending in other areas - no water; inadequate health care; bad roads. That, combined by lack of interest on the part of our elected politicians to meet the needs of the population has us in the current 'pickle' we are in.
Regardless of our political affiliations (some of us have none, by the way), we owe it to the country to not have a repeat of the O'Halloran / Prevatt situations. To achieve this, pressure has to be kept up on the appropriate authorities by both the public at large and the opposition parties.
After all, we live in a supposed democratic country, not a socialist state.
Hart Did Nothing Wrong !!
Hart Did Nothing Wrong !! ....
"I challenge the Attorney General to show the public of Trinidad and Tobago the report by Bob Lindquist on the Ministry of Legal Affairs Tower and I am 100 per cent certain, not 99 per cent you know ... that it will reveal that Calder Hart did nothing wrong "
- Vernon De Lima
" We dare you! Show the public Mr Lindquist’s report of September last concerning Calder Hart! And while you are doing that, show us Mr Lindquist’s report dealing with Mr Rowley’s conduct and Cleaver Heights."
- Vernon De Lima
was lindquist given a "side job" to, in fact, EXONERATE CALDER HART ? ... to tell the population that he has done nothing wrong ! ...... and that the GOVT has the lindquist evidence to prove it !!! ... in an attempt to silence persons in the pouplation who were "hounding" down calder hart .... yes, these "shamelss" people !!! ... with no "soul" and decency !!!! .... eh misses minister , as you so graphically described ...
has the AG suddenly changed his tune now ..... since there is damning evidence to prove calder hart's alleged "corruption" ??? .. is he twisting the facts of the lindquist investigation 360 degrees around .... to deceive the population as part of a damange control measure that has gone so woefully awry ????? ....
mr. AG, we have figured out your failed "plot" ... at least, mr. Vernon de Lima and myself ... and a few other bloggers out there !!!!
ozzy !!!
Barrytone Well my emotions
Barrytone Well my emotions are not normal,and I am way past ANGER.
But if the GOV'T of this country had fix health care,unemployment,
creat political stability and security so people could have
enjoyable, normal family and community life,we certaily would not
be having seismic activity.Maybe we will register more on the
richter scale when the stuff hits the fan.I wonder how much
"PANYARDS" we could have fixed? and how much churches we could
have built and repaired (with local contractors of course)with the
money that was stolen.
NEW BLOOD NEEDED !! WE HAVE THE TALENT AND SKILLS LETS USE IT.
The AG stated that he had
The AG stated that he had started the investigation into CH since September 09 it will amaze the nation as to what were the terms of reference to start this investigation, would it have been that there seems to be something wrong with the award of a contract to the NOT LOWEST bidder and there is speculation that the contract was awarded to the family of a member of the board of director for U get THE CUT (UDECOTT), so lets start the investigation, firstly was the contract awarded to CH, The answer is YES, In there any proof the CH owners is related to any board of directors in U get THE CUT,
OPS we going to fast, is now only March 2010, the learned AG now reach this question.
I say Pee Na but the PM want to SH@T
The trouble with all these
The trouble with all these ministers is that when there is a 'smell of corruption in the air" none of them know the people, know of the corruption, know about an investigation. They seem to know nothing. And they have proved many times that they do nothing but line their pockets. They seem to suffer from symstoms of alzeimers all of a sudden - because besides not knowing what's going on they also seem to forget their past history. Our reporters are wonderful, I only wish the public was allowed more face to face input in the running of this country. Imagine out of a nation of over 1 million people, they cannot find six people with integrity!! Are you all for real!!!!! All yuh don't want to find them. There are many of us out there that have integrity and broughtupsy. So.........
They have also forgotten who put them there, who voted them into office (I didn't). They don't seem to realize that being voted into office means working for the public - seeking our interest. Emily Dick (great name) and Hazel - who put you all there? No one voted you in - Hazel is there because she need to keep a check on Patrick. But Emily Dick, what are you doing there? And you not even doing the job - so don't talk about we should be ashamed - we have nothing to be ashamed about. Because we are angry and had enough of your corrupt ways and decided that we have had enough - we should be ashamed.
Gardenia, hats off to you my
Gardenia, hats off to you my dear, We are all saying things in short paragraphs out of emotion, but you got the gift of staying cool and writing and putting it all together in one contribution, You said it the right way, I really want to know who is running this country? as Patrick Manning should have returned for the
C Hart resignation, what is he doing hiding up here?
Come on Patrick, get back and face the people.
Cork - Thanks for the
Cork - Thanks for the feedback my friend. Much appreciated.
Don't you worry, I can be just as emotional as the next T&T person. But I check my emotions before I get to the computer, as I know that there would be things waiting for me on the news that could set my brains on fire, like what we are experiencing over the past weeks. I try to put in print things that would not come back to haunt me. It's called being a woman.
You have seen me lose my cool when pushed to the limits by some. But I try to resist temptations! I do try.
Don't know if Mr. Manning will be returning for today's session in the House as Mrs. Persad-Bissessar will be addressing her vote of "No Confidence" in the Prime Minister. We'll have to see how the proceedings go today.
In Mr. Manning's absence he usually leaves Mr. Lenny Saith as Acting P.M. But with the goings-on with Mrs. Dick-Forde insulting the people, one would come to the conclusion that perhaps she is in charge.
Mr. Manning could not miss the opportunity to mix and mingle with the upper crust in London; no need for him to bother about the 'little people' in T&T, he never really cared about those, unless you belonged to the 'inner-circle and well-connected' or it's election time and he needs their voted.
This thing with Mr. Hart is cause for real concern. Will have to wait and see how it gets untangled. But it sure angers the people, the employers of those sitting in The House of Parliamnt.
Enjoy your weekend. Soon it will be spring.
Gardenia
Gardenia, yes thank you, you
Gardenia, yes thank you, you explained it that you have to write such that there are no recriminations, like a woman ? you said? good stuff. I look forward to the debate in the House today but will read about it in the papers, up here on the web online.
Gardenia, I have so many fears for Trindad and Tobago as to where are we going? you see same rubbish up here in London: where the Labour Govt sent the soldiers to war without the right equipment, 60+ people got killed out of not having the right equipment,
yet politics are at play, shameless politics that the Prime Minister is saying that he never refused any Military equipment or money request, and these ministers and prime ministers went to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, have their PhDs and here we are managing a country that are losing its soldiers everyday, yet they come up and say no problems we will give them equipment and money, but do they? hell no.
Politicians are a special ignorant breed of people, spineless, parasitics, they think that they are born to lead us, were we put into this world to be led by idiots in the UK or Trinidad? who gives them the right to, as in TT's case spend like crazy Billions of $$, but NO WATER and in UK no funds for the military but he is saying he gave money. Who is foolish to believe either.
Why do we the citizens of the world on a grander scale have to put up with Mugabe, Gordon Brown, Chavez, Manning etc. Why do they go to top universities to turn around, heartless do things like this to their fellow citizens?, no conscience, why do we put up with this crap, why dont we revolt?
Throughout history citizens have suffered by the workings of the chosen political ones, Who chose them but us. Why? are they really the chosen ones? we vote them in then into cushy jobs, then they shaft us. Is there something wrong with democratic so called principles? I dont know the altruistic answers. How do you get an amenable govt like we have to be proud of? What are the answers to this chaos of politicians versus the people? its like a constant war, they think they know whats good for us, why?
It's been put together
It's been put together before, many times before. What you are seeing here in short paragraphs is the anger, the disgust, the dismay that these clowns would hold a news conference to B.S. people. I don't know where you have been but this sweetman Minister of Information has been at the forefront of the B.S.
If it bothered him that much, why didn't he do something about it before or simply resign. No mercy for these clowns. We're angry and we won't let up until we bring this government down.
It is infortunate that there
It is infortunate that there are those of us who still think that there is something sinful about disagreeing with our chosen political party and/or its representatives. Some adopt an almost cult-like rigidity in support of them despite glaring anomilies.
We live in a period where almost everyone is, in some way, affected by the worldwide recession. It is, therefore, the business of the people....all the people....., not just UNC PNM or COP, to ensure that those elected into office, excercise good judgment and decision making.
As citizens we have a major role to play in that we must be able to distinguish between our WANTS and our NEEDS. For it is only when we can do this would we able to identify WASTE masquerading as NECESSITY.
Much has been said and will continue to be said about the Calder Hart debacle. But we must ask ourselves, who requested or petitioned for the Performing Arts Center and The Stadium in Torouba? Did we as a nation ask for it or were we TOLD that they would be erected? in some circles silence is mistakenly viewed as consent and weakness. This is a classic case of needs versus wants. Whilst we would WANT a grand stadium we NEED a constant supply of water throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
As the government and others scramble to put forward an excuse that rival the tales of Anansi and the poems dreamt up by Cutteridge, they do so as a result of the collective voices of a people that have grown tired of being ignored by this, and previous administrations, who have failed to meet their NEEDS. Let this scenario be a lesson in reminding us that our responsibilty does not end at the voting booth or on election night. It is our duty to question and challenge our leaders when they want to implement something that THEY WANT when it may not be something that WE NEED. Of course there is going to be a difference of opinion when it comes to things that can be viewed both as a need and a want. But those can be easily and logically debated in tems of their benefit potential. FOOD, WATER and a functioning MEDICAL SYSTEM are all basic NEEDS and ought to be taken care of first.
The issue therefore goes beyond allegations of mismanagement of taxpayers money and nepotism. It has more to do with how gullable we are as a nation and take for granted that every idea dreamt up by a politician is good for the country. So we sit back and only when things go awry we attempt to complain.
Do not let you life and the lives of others be defined by a party symbol or affiliation. You have a choice in what should happen regardless of party. It's ok to agree with a good idea and disagree with a bad one on the FACTS and findings as opposed to race and religon or political party. So I caution you in the next coming days to objectively listen to the explainations excuses and alibis and if you are satisfied with them, do not utter another peep when someone dies as a result of poor health care....... Not a word when murders continue to rise....... Hold your head high and walk proud in the knowledge that you had an opportunity to fix it but chose primitive tribal loyalty over rational independent thought.
MAY EVERY RACE FIND A
MAY EVERY RACE FIND A CORRUPT PLACE -
In our multi-racial cosmopolitan country all races are well represented in our most popular past time CORRUPTION,
INDIANS - UNC and all its MP’s, Panday, Ganga Singh, and Sadiq
AFRICANS/BLACKS – PNM and all its MP’s. Manning, Prevatt,
CAUSICANS/WHITE – O’Halloran, Hart, Hillman
CHINESE – Kwei Tung
The local whites are a bit under represented though. Why is it?
Its a real shame that people
Its a real shame that people are not willing to wait for the outcome of all the various investigations before condemming everyone and their dog as if they know better. It shows us up as a very cyncal nation.
On the comment about needs and wants. Parliment are their for that same purpose. The opposition members have and continue to have the opportunity to objectively challenge the budgets and direction of the country etc. However they spend that time making cynical allegations focused at individuals without thinking country and improvement. Unless they all(In fact WE) start focusing on solutions and give people objective solutions NO matter who is in power it will be same s@"t different day.
Today in parliment all they will do is waste valuable time with more cynical criticism as opposed to presenting validated facts and objective solutions to move us forward.
While I could agree that the
While I could agree that the performance of the Opposition often left much to be desired, at the end of the day, it's the Government who was elected to govern, have the controlling numbers in Parliament, take the Prime Ministerial and Cabinet executive decisions and implement them, have unbridled access to the Treasury and have been governing by vaps. The Government are the ones to be held responsible for squandermania, corruption, unchecked crime etc, not the Opposition. Why should they be made the scapegoat for the ineptitude, corruption and malgovernance of this hopeless regime?
POLITICAL VOMIT
POLITICAL VOMIT -
While the elephants fight the ants get trampled. While the PNM elephants and their financiers fight the UNC elephants and their financiers for the prize of the treasury the john public ants get trampled.
Ron28. I respect your views
Ron28. I respect your views Sir. With all due respect, Do you really believe that without public pressure and the opportunity for the people to express their views and their thoughts, do you believe that this type of corruption would ever get investigated thoroughly? I mean lets face it...the entire government is behind Hart...I saw a picture in the Newsday where he is sitting between the Prime Minister and The President of Trinidad and Tobago. The people who has to investigate and judge this issue are under the guns of the government. What type of fairmess would be the outcome? You see, we have an opposition to keep an eye on the Government but how effective are they?..With all that is facing the nation currently Kelvin Ramnath biggest issue is about how they traeating Panday. So please understand the cry of the people. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue and I hope i did not disrespect you in any way because this is not my intent.
The Supert Dude
You speak of the
You speak of the "investigation" as though the existing process being utilized is one of objectivity and without bias. You again place blind trust in a process that you are told is taking place but does not adhere to the obvious fundamental requirements and widely utilized strategies to unearth evidence necessary to determine truth with regard to this fraud typology.
Tangled web of deception,
Tangled web of deception, Ministers Parsanlal & Dumas.
"Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive." (Sir Walter Scott)
Minister Parsanlal, Sir, when this Government took their Oath of Office we were naive enough to believe, and gave them the benefit of a doubt that they would work in the interest of people and country. That's a fair expectation. Don't you think?
We have listened over the past years to this gov't snobbing their noses at us. When we attempted to get their attention to answer on the issues of importance that were being neglected, including basic necessities, you ignored and shut us out. You continued your rage of squander in favour of glitz, glamour, luxury, illusions and 'delusions of grandeur' and went on your merry way. The message continually being sent to us, in not too subtle a manner, was that we were 'ignorant' and even that it was 'none of our business' and therefore You, The Government, were going to make the decisions you believed to be in the interest of 'progress', and ignore our presence and our cries in our very own country.
Minister Parsanlal, you say that the Gov't is concerned at the turn of events with the citizens of this country stepping forward and demanding honest answers - accountability and transparency, from our employees in Paliament. You are quite right, Sir, but it has gone way beyond anger. We have allowed this gov't to cross the line of good governance into the downright unacceptable. No More! No More!
I find it curious/amusing/diversionary/titilating to read of The A.G. John Jeremie tell that he started an 'investigation' into the UDeCOTT Affair in September 2009 and did not report this to Cabinet. The A.G. reports directly to the Prime Minister; the P.M. certainly knew of his assignment, if indeed one had begun. But, what is even more baffling is that we continued to hear the praises from Mr. Manning up to a few week ago 'proclaiming' the glory of Mr. Calder Hart, a man beyond reproach. Minister Dick-Ford, and Colm Imbert joined in giving their full support alongside the P.M.; even though there were serious doubts about Mr. Hart's 'professionalism' and the possibilities of a 'Conflict of Interest' re. family involvement.
Minister Dumas your spin will not sway us, Sir. We have seen the writing on the wall, and we do hope that you have seen it too; as it is in 'flashing neon lights'. You, Sir, are the same person who attempted in 2009 to deny that the Chinese workers were being housed in sub-standard livingk conditions violating international workers' rights; even though your fellow Minister left their 'living quarters' being sick to her stomach. Your 'white-wash' did not work then and it will not work now. So forget about it!
Interesting to hear you tell that Dr. Keith Rowley was fulfilling his Oath of Office when he raised his concerns over the operation of Mr. Calder Hart and UDeCOTT. But is this not 'funny farm' as he got fired from his ministerial portfolio by none other than the P.M. Patrick Manning himself. Dr. Rowley now looks like the 'poster child' for transparency/accountability in this "PNM Administration".
Yes, we are a civilised people and desire that all receive a fair hearing and let the chips fall where they must, and the guilty ones when found, should face the music. But our civility has now weaved its way into our other characteristics, one of which is being true patriots of T&T. We love our people and county and we are standing up now and will not back down this time. If you are afraid of our 'anger' boiling over, then that's a good thing.
You do know what you must do, and do it by the books; checks and balances all the way, no facades, no slight of hand will do this time. So don't even think about going that route.
Minister Parsanlal, the line of demarcation has been drawn. This government in office has two (2) options available to them.
1) FIX everything, starting now; or 2) Take your exit.
The decision is yours to make. It's that simple; don't you think?
Gardenia
EACH POINTING AT EACH OTHER
EACH POINTING AT EACH OTHER -
Kamla your question is legitimate, but don't be too sanctimonious because the same could be asked about you "Did you know about the corruption in UNC and what did you do about it? Let the politicians without sins cast the first stones. All I see is a corrupt political system where corrupt politicians are pointing fingers at each other. When are we going to have CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS to deal with the root of the corruption Party Financing? It is only charge and counter charge but no real attempt to solve the problem. Neither PNM or UNC or UNC-B also known as COP has the moral authority to talk about corruption. You have all failed the country as you did little about the corruption in your OWN party. Take the moat out of your own eyes first. The answer to corruption seems to be rebranding the party with a new leader or new faces and come back and steal again. We need CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS now. The cycle of CORRUPTION has to be broken.
PARTIES-----------FINANCIERS----------------CONTRACTS--------------------BRIBES
I eagerly await general
I eagerly await general elections. Who say single digits for the PNM?
The tragedy is that the succeeding administration will be in the same situation as the NAR. Only worse because all the money pass through like the proverbial salts and none of the problems fix. Worse days are coming.
Its hard to believe.No way
Its hard to believe.No way Reaching On; With all what is going on the people will still vote PNM. Corruption, property tax, high crime rate, no jobs, no beds in Hospital...Vote PNM. That is Trinidadian Mentalality..and could you blame them; with all of this problems facing the country Kelvin Ranmnath's biggest concern is how they treating Panday bad. Super Dude
The Minister of
The Minister of Disinformation is quite right. What he meant was that the Government is really concerned that the voting public will be waiting for them to kick them out for their gross mismanagement, corruption, larceny, squandermania, arrogance and all the other grave sins of which the public finds them guilty.
The PNM government has every
The PNM government has every right to be “concerned about the amount of anger prevailing among the population because of the issue”. And I am wondering whether this concern centers around how people really feel or rather, it is a selfish PNM motive of self preservation and damage control within the current climate.
Abraham Lincoln commented that “If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem. It is true that you may fool all of the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all of the time; but you can't fool all of the people all of the time”. This statement is very representative of the PNM government at this present time, where the masses have reached their limit of tolerance towards their countless lies, deceits, mis-management of the economy and general disregard for the people of T&T.
At this dire stage in our history the PNM government is FEARFUL and THREATENED about their own survival not concerned about the people.
Edward R Morrow once pointed out that “a nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves”, in other words a PNM government. We the people of T&T are no longer sheep, we are informed, we are wiser and we are empowered and we are determined to rid this nation of this corrupt and ineffective PNM government.
“The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can” (John Gardner). That’s T&T people power.
If the PNM government were a product, selling it would be illegal…
Prince: dont forget "steups"
Prince: dont forget "steups" skullduggery=doing a skull on yr fellow citizen, "so what!!", " allyuh still here?!", lots of lil things like these that this govt treats its citizens like crap,
Prince I personally think, contrary to opinion, that Manning is NOT incharge, someone else is or no-one is, as we cant have these misjudgments going on every day, THere is a catalogue of errors, but PM says "do it and be damned" maybe thats the message to the Cabinet just do it like the prostitute would say.
What a mess Trinidad has become? I hope wish that when they get kicked out that they dont find a job on civvy street as who will employ these guys? shame shame, oh thrice shame.
I saw the pain in Minister
I saw the pain in Minister Parsanal's face yesterday .These ministers would have to get the courage to tell the EMPEROR he has no clothes.He will boil down like bhagi if they come together and tell him like it is .Don't let The EMPEROR terrorize and manipulate you with his polls on your performance .You had a life before being in Government and you would have one after if you don't let the EMPEROR destroy you.Look at Mr Panday today he can't say anymore you 'goeth' and "cometh".Look at the young reporters in the Post Cabinet Press conference yesterday.They were unafraid and were asking very hard questions because you are losing your moral authority.They would not be intimidated.Soon people will start to boo you in the streets because they are angry.Don't let the EMPEROR carry you down with him .Don't feel that he owns you because he gave you a Minister's job.Don't let him in the end treat you like how he did Hinds,Rowley ,Valley,Beckles et al.You would be surprised how he would put his tail between his legs if there is a united stand.There is now a growing youthful population who won't tolerate nonsense .They are not hangers on like the old stagers Annisette, Lee Sing CPEP contractors etc who are fighting to maintain the status quo i.e Patronage and Nepotism
Juanguerra: well said.
Juanguerra: well said.
Shut up. What pain? What
Shut up. What pain? What you saw in Parsanlal was probably him having a bowel movement after a night on the town.
He is now seeing anger only because he finally took his head out from his ...... People have been angry for a long time and they were ignored while they sent sweetness out to treat us to condescension. What they are seeing now is the memory of ghosts past. UNC 33, PNM 3.
keiram1965@hotmail.com this
keiram1965@hotmail.com
this reply seems very harsh on the minister of information. yes there must have been pain as an emotional expression on his face at the time of the post cabinet meeting. it appears that mr parsanlal is doing the best he can in the present scenario. it is a most challenging situation that is developing. many like me, await more information.
"It appears that Mr
"It appears that Mr Parsanlal is doing the best he can in the present scenario", Lying again and again is the best that Parsanlal can do.
I as well am waiting to see
I as well am waiting to see how they can weave their way out of this one. Honestly i am waiting to see how the story unravels. Dick-Forde really talked prematurely to the demise of her party. "soul of the nation" and other such emotive language. Are we all fools ?
Unfortunately Calder Hart will be replaced by John Doe. Calder Hart is not really the heart of the matter. If he was allowed to get through with what is being alleged he can't be the only one held to fault. They are so willing to crucify him...
Sadly after the dust settles we will still have dry taps and a dwindling treasury. I fear most for the next government (even if it is the same one) that has to pick up the pieces.
Some of us still remember
Some of us still remember how the PNM government dealt with allegations against CJ Sat Sharma, so Parsanlal and Dumas could talk all they want about allowing the process to run its full course and that it is not the norm to publicly announce probes, the only people they will fool with that are the die hard PNM fanatics out there who want to be fooled.
The main problem I see with
The main problem I see with all of this is the lack of objectivity by most PNM pschophants on here. The other problem, that most of us don't want to admit is our prejudice against the East Indians of our country. Even though most of us (Blacks) see the corruption being perpetrated by the PNM government, we are willing to close our eyes to it and accept it as par for the course, especially if we getting a lil piece of the caccada.
When will color, race, ethicity and religion ever be non-voting factors, so we can have competency in the running of our country? Probably never!
In the meanwhile, be prepared for another PNM victory, although non-deservedly (because of the above-mentioned reasons) and the griping and complaining about every sort of matter, even as we vote these corrupt idiots back into office. And they know it too, That is why they are not seriously bothered by all the hoop and hollahing we are doing now about the Calder Hart affair. They know in time, it will all subside and things will go back to "normal." Heaven help us!
It is only if we plan to change our attitudes and behavior will we ever get the type of government that will respect the people and do what is right.
P.S. This is coming from a Black Trinidadian who has never voted for any party in TT nor do I have any horse in this race and is not routing for one side or the other; just observing from afar and not liking what I am seeing.
By the way, here in the USA, the Democrats are just as corrupt as the Republicans and because of that and after campaigning in 2006 and 2008 about cleaning up the corruption of the Bush Administration and the Republicans, they are about to get their clocks cleaned in the upcoming elections in November 2010. Maybe we should do the same thing in TT and show Mr. Manning and the PNM (again) that we can be independent thinkers and voters and vote the bums out of office again (repeat of the NAR in 1986).
For honesty sake: I am a registered Independent and not affiliated with either party. They are all crooks, and for those of you who are citizens here in the USA, I recommend that you vote and vote out all the incumbents from office. It is time for a change.
...when a Government fails
...when a Government fails to act on information presented to it in the highest court of the land...in Parliament, then it is complicit in the activities taking place within the subject of the complaint...Calder Hart and UdeCOTT...?
...if a private citizen could get the information from Malaysia in three weeks, just think how quickly anyone of the Government Cabinet Ministers including Patrick, could have got the same information/documents, if they really wanted to...in fact Colmus Imbertus, one of the rare species there who like to "squeak regularly", wrote the Directors of Sunway Head Office in Malaysia way back in 2008 just after the Parliamentary disclosure of family ties with Hart, and said he would get a reply from them in about six weeks...to date Imbertus mouth stuck with glue...not a word on it yet...he still waiting for the reply...just to recall, he said that "it will take time because they had to get it right, as "they were trading on the stock exchange", and now he too "don't know these people"...?...yeah right eh...???
...cat out the bag on this whole bunch of misfits...Trinis better off without them all...!...good riddance...!