PP Attempts to Boost their Changes at Local Government Elections With 'Proportional Representation'

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley yesterday criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s hurried decision to reform the Municipal Corporations Act 1990 be­fore the October 21 polls. 

He said, “Proportion­al representation is not to be sprung upon the population like a thief in the night, on the eve of an election, which the Government is guaranteed to lose.” 

Rowley said he also notes the action by the Peoples’ Partnership Go­vernment to announce this decision on their way to Parliament, without even the courtesy of informing the Opposition or allowing even cursory public discourse on this fundamental matter.

Chief Secretary on Emails shown by Dr. Keith Rowley

Orville London, Chief Secretary of the THA

Chief Secretary Orville London has described the expose of e-mails by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in the House of Representatives on Monday as "the big one" and it would not end in a draw.

He said an independent inquiry into the matter which alleges wrong doing by senior government official was necessary.

"There are game changers and there are game deciders, and personally I think this is a game decider and at the end of the exercise there is going to be one man or one woman left standing," he told Wednesday's weekly post Executive Council media briefing.

London added: "This is a very serious situation. I take no sides because I do not know all the facts. What I can say is if in one case it is 100 per cent wrong then that is going to present problems for one party. On the other hand if it is ten or 25 per cent right it would present problems for the other party and therefore it is an issue in which we the people of Tobago must take an interest."

He said too many times Tobagonians look on at goings on at the national level and tell themselves that was dem people business. "This is our business and therefore we have got to look on with more than interest and concern and draw the relevant conclusions and to make appropriate decisions," he said

London said an independent inquiry should definitely be done because there was a situation where there were two vastly diverse stories, commentaries and all of that and therefore this was so earth shattering that it has to be resolved. He added that somewhere in the future the public of Trinidad and Tobago must have the comfort that they knew exactly what has happened and then they can draw their conclusions.

"This is not some of those issues that have come to the fore over the past few years and even before that where you are not sure but it doesn't make too much of a difference. This is the big one. This one is not going to be a draw."

London said as Deputy Political Leader of the PNM he really didn't have a problem in not being consulted on the e-mail issue.

Ramlogan Seeks To Have Rowley Declared Bankrupt over 12000 $

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan is seeking to have Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley be declared bankrupt by the courts for not paying him sums owed from a court order.

Last week, Ramlogan initiated court proceedings against Rowley to recover the $12,000 owed to him from a court order made by Justice Andre des Vignes on January 14.  

Ramlogan’s lawyer, Rachael Jaggernauth, had written to Rowley’s attorney, Senator Faris Al-Rawi on four occasions in a bid to have the sum settled since the order.

In March 2012, Ramlogan had issued a pre-action protocol letter to Rowley objecting to a statement he made that the AG had given over 50 per cent of the State’s legal briefs to his former law firm.  

Ramlogan denied the allegation and countered that he had not given a single State brief to his law firm. 

  

Ramlogan contends that Rowley has failed to pay the judgment debt for approximately five months. 

 The AG noted the Constitution disqualifies any citizen from serving in Parliament if he is bankrupt and if Rowley is declared bankrupt he would be barred by the Constitution from serving as an MP and consequently as Leader of the Opposition.  

The AG’s legal move, which was filed last Friday, comes two days before the House of Representatives debates a Rowley-initiated motion of no confidence against the Government.

The AG has had three defamation lawsuits against the Opposition Leader. 

Ramlogan challenged statements made by Rowley, which allegedly implied that there was some collusion between the AG and the High Court on the judicial review case based on statements filed by businessmen Steve Ferguson and Ish Galbaransingh seeking to quash Ramlogan’s decision to extradite them to face trial in the United States. 

In April Justice Harris ordered Rowley to pay Ramlogan legal costs but Rowley successfully appealed this Order and was given a reprieve on two-thirds of those costs which are yet to be assessed.

The Opposition Leader also has to defend a third set of defamation proceedings brought by the Attorney General based on his statements that Ramlogan had abused his powers as the Attorney General to seek private banking information details about citizens.  That claim was filed on February 18 but no defence has been filed to date. 

A three-month extension was granted to Rowley to file his defence.  

Source: trinidadexpress

Ramesh to fight case for Rowley

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, Former Attorney
General, United National Congress.

FORMER attorney general in the United National Congress (UNC) government Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC has been retained by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to defend him in a defamation lawsuit.

Rowley, political leader of the People's National Movement (PNM), made the disclosure at a political meeting in Point Fortin on Tuesday night.

Rowley was served legal letters on behalf of Senior Superintendent Surajdeen Persad, claiming damages for defamation, following statements Rowley allegedly made at a meeting in Tunapuna last week.

Maharaj confirmed yesterday that he was retained by Rowley in the matter. "Yes, he has retained me. It is a matter where Senior Superintendent Surajdeen Persad wants to commence on legal proceedings against (Rowley), in response to statements he made at a meeting. I have decided to represent him," he said.

Rowley said he was served pre-action protocol letters less than 24 hours after the meeting, giving him 21 days to respond.

He said, "In the Opposition, having seen what happened in the last two and a half years where the Prime Minister has led the charge to dismantle the National Security system, I received a letter and I shared it with you in Tunapuna last week."

Rowley was accused of being "callous, reckless, irresponsible and malicious to expose in Tunapuna confidential National Security information".

"Tonight, I have no money to pay costs. I know you going to pay it because I am defending you, the people of T&T, and I want this lawsuit to go to court because when it goes to court, I am looking forward to the witnesses, and today, I consulted my lawyer," he said on Tuesday night.

Rowley said that People's Partnership politicians could not be trusted to tell the public the truth on any issue and said the quality of the lives of citizens was being affected by the inability of ministers to properly manage the economy and get a handle on crime.

Rowley told supporters that his political party was ready for any election and called on Point Fortin residents to select suitable candidates to represent them.

PNM Closes Public Meetings on a High for THA Elections 2013

Dr. Keith Rowley Addressing Supporters at
Bon Accord Last night in their final Public Meeting.

Last night a carnival like atmosphere could have been seen at the Bon Accord Junction where supporters of  the main parties in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections clashed. Supporters of the TOP and the PNM brought traffic to a halt as they literally took over the roads, with the protective services having to funnel traffic through auxiliary roads. 

This was all in the lead up to what would be the closing of the PNM's public Meetings, the finale being  held at Bon Accord. 

A seemingly somber London spoke before stating that this election was the most challenging yet still the most gratifying in his life of politics. After endorsing Huey Cadette the candidate for Canaan Bon Accord, along with Handel Beckles Bethel/Mt.Irvine and Ancil Dennis of Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant he weighed in heavily on the PP style of politics.

Orville London, Speaking at Bon Accord Last night 

Quoting from a text message he received last night he read the contents which he described as a "cry of a mother". Reading to the crowd without calling names, he mentioned a child which witnessed a corrupt act done by members of the opposite side paying a person 500 dollars for his vote on Monday.  He said, this is the style of the PP Government and Tobagonians must ensure that this type of political culture does not come to Tobago. 

London concluded on a strong note reiterating their theme and mantra for the THA elections "In defense of Tobago". He stated that Tobago is poised to continue moving forward with the combination of youth and experience that the PNM has put forward.

Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the PNM Dr. Keith Rowley was present to address the large crowd gathered. In his speech, he accused the PP of attempting to use the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago to aide in their political campaign for the TOP. He noted that the Bill laid in parliament yesterday was only an attempt to make it seem that she would have delivered on her promise. Noting that the PNM could never support such a rushed bill he told the crowd gathered that when he got the parliament the Bill was still not ready, when i got the bill in my hand it was still warm as we say " hot off the press" He condemned the Prime minister for laying such a crucial bill at this election time saying that it was "Reckless and dangerous". 

He continued his onslaught aiming at the TOP, criticizing them for their use of children in their political campaign in such a way that they disrespect the Chief Secretary. How can you have children calling the Chief Secretary by his first name "Orville" I know in Tobago you might have gotten ah lash across your face for that Said Rowley. In closing he told supporters that he was proud of them, and that he is proud to be one of them urging all to come out in their numbers and vote resoundingly for the Peoples National Movement on January 21. 

Below Are Pictures of Supporters and Speakers at the Meeting.

Huey Cadette Candidate for Canaan/Bon Accord

Ancil Dennis Candidate for Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant

Handel Beckles Candidate for Bethel/Mt. Irvine

PNM's Red Army Moved Into TOP's Territory.

Sheldon Cunningham, Speaking at Moriah Last Night

The People's National Movement rolled in the heart of enemy territory last night, when they held their political campaign meetings at Mason Hall and Moriah. The villages of Moriah and Mason Hall falls in the Constituency of Providence/Mason Hall, Moriah which is currently held by their main rival in the up coming THA elections Ashworth Jack political leader of the TOP.

At both locations a large, lively, energized crowd of supporters could have been seen as Tobagodaily moved in to capture the atmosphere of  the PNM's Red Brigade and PNM's Red Army. Supporters armed with drums, flags and bells danced and waved as speeches were given by the various speakers for the night.

Among the speakers was the main challenger to Ashworth Jack, Mr. Sheldon Cunningham. He was described as a brave, service oriented, service driven man who would put the interest of the people first. Opting to speak without the use of a prepared script Cunningham weighed in on some of the successes of the PNM within the constituency. He said after the 21st of January that this constituency after sixteen (16) years would be a PNM constituency. His speech was done with passion and conviction and speaking from his heart he asked for the support of all.

Orville London Speaking at Moriah 

The leader of the PNM Tobago, Orville London, was also among the speakers. Taking the stage he called for more music as the large truck blasted out PNM hits while supporters danced and waved their PNM flags. He began by stating that when the PNM looks for representatives they began by looking for persons who have served.  "Sheldon is a man of service, the people of this constituency have been short changed" London stated. He continued by saying Sheldon has more visibility than the current representative and that the people has confidence in Sheldon as they already have in the PNM.

Further he highlighted the progress in the two areas. Speaking about the North-side Regional Centre that they have developed in Moriah, the Repairs of Schools, and Road Infrastructure. At Mason he made reference to the 100 leases that they have given out to the people of Cocoa Watty Trace, the Mason Hard Court, and the Field which is being lit in addition to Road Infrastructure. He then gave Ashworth Jack some advise stating that the people of Tobago does not want a Chief Secretary who when every-time they hear the word 'Pumpkin' people begins to laugh. London continued saying, that once people starts to laugh you, it is time to leave and Sheldon Cunningham would help him to do that.

Dr. Keith Rowley speaking at Moriah last night

Dr. Keith Rowley was also part of the presenters for the night. His presentation began on the premise that  the TOP is part of the Coalition Government, the Peoples Partnership. He then noted that the choice in this election is easy, as the PP is the worst Government in history which is full of lies and deceit.  He also attempted to distant himself and the party from statements made by Hilton Sandy at a political meeting in Dalaford. Stating that Sandy's statement was not the position of the PNM and that he was proud that their is no major Scandal of the PNM's Track record over the past twelve (12) years.

He also talked about a Letter which he received from the office of the Prime Minister on Constitutional Reform through then Minister Colin Partap. The letter spoke of a Constitution Commission whose mandate would be to establish a new Constitution for Trinidad and Tobago. Noting that the effects of Constitutional Reform is far reaching, Rowley stated that the PNM would not cooperate with the Government on the issue of Internal self Government for Tobago unless they establish a "Tripartite Agreement". This tripartite agreement must involve the Upper House, the Lower House and the Tobago House of Assembly.  He further noted that they would only support reform under the condition that appropriate consultation is held, a committee formed comprising members from Government, Opposition, and the THA with the inclusion of an appropriate chairman. This committee must present a report which would then be taken to the THA for debate/discussion, then to the Cabinet before coming to the Parliament.

Rowley stated that the way the current Government is going about the issue of Tobago Self Governance is wrong. They (the Government) would not receive any cooperation from the PNM in this manner. He noted that the issue of Self Governance has now become hostage to the TOP's Campaign and PNM would not support it.

Other notable speakers were Tasha Frank-Youth Speaker and Wendell Berkeley-Chairman of the PNM-Tobago East .