Constitutional Reform Statement by the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar

Please take the time to really reflect on these damning changes that have been concocted by Anand Ramlogon in the quiet of the night. They have fabricated and manufactured a perfect strategy that is designed only for them to oust the wheel of power by changing the rules to their advantage. It is an unconstitutional move, its an unfair development cloaked in a "power to the people" rhetoric. It is a blueprint that would structure this country into an everlasting polarization between the two major ethnicity, a constitutional breathing ground for Racism. We as citizens should make every effort to abort this travesty that is before us, do not allow them to hoodwink you into their deception or perception of boarding the participation of the electorate. This is a scheme design only for you to lose. 

The Following is PM Persad-Bissessar’s full statement: 

I am pleased to make a statement on the first day of the epoch-making and revolutionary changes we have ushered in through the new Standing Orders.

We take pride in the fact that we have been able to overhaul and comprehensively revise our Standing Orders which operated for over half a century, from 1961.

Likewise I am pleased that we take action and we take pride in later introducing the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2014 which seeks to ensure that we keep more of our promises made in our 2010 Manifesto (in fact we recall this is the first ever Manifesto to be adopted through Parliament as our policy agenda for development and progress).

In that Manifesto, we sought to establish a partnership with the people to build unity and ensure prosperity for all.

Good governance was sought through effective representation, participation, transparency and accountability.

The adoption of the manifesto through Parliament as our development policy agenda was the best way to ensure that citizens had the power to hold us to our commitments, and to demand of us, the development and progress that we promised.

In other words, we immediately put the power where it rightfully belonged – in the hands of the people.

As outlined in our Achievements Booklet, Honourable Speaker, we have delivered on over 90 percent of our promises, contained in our 2010 manifesto. And, today we seek to deliver even more of those promises – by keeping our Constitutional Reform promise to give more Power to the People.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Commission on Constitutional Reform

Mr. Speaker, if I may give a brief background as to how we arrived here, on March 2, 2013 the Cabinet appointed a National Commission on Constitutional Reform (NCCR) to “engage in the widest possible consultation as a pre-requisite to constitutional reform”.

Matters for consideration were to include limitations on terms of service by the Prime Minister, a right of recall in respect of non-performing Parliamentary representatives, respecting the voices of the minorities whilst giving effect to the will of the majority, making every vote count and also for provision for fixed dates for general elections.

These matters, and of course others, were considered by a very distinguished constitutional commission chaired by the Hon Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. Prakash Ramadhar and included Madam Justice AmrikaTiwary-Reddy, Mr. Justice Sebastian Ventour, Dr. Merle Hodge, Dr. Hamid Ghany and Mr. Carlos Dillon.

This commission operated so as to achieve public involvement. There was extensive consultation and a careful report with recommendations was produced. This is a copy Mr. Speaker, of the report by the Constitution Commission and thereafter, we went back to the public for further consultations and an Addendum or Supplementary Report was also produced.

Mr. Speaker, the bill which will be laid is soundly based on the recommendations and amendments to our Constitution, as set forth in the report and the post script report.

I take this opportunity to thank these Commissioners including the honourable Minister of Legal Affairs and indeed all the many citizens across the nation who made their voices heard and contributed to the dialogue.

PROPOSED REFORM

A Constitution Amendment Bill 2014 Mr. Speaker, is to be introduced today, which will propose a term limit for the office of the Prime Minister, a recall provision and a runoff poll in elections for the House of Representatives.

These measures Mr. Speaker, require only a simple majority.

Further, I will in the near future, lay a Bill to fix the dates of Parliaments so the dates for general elections will be known.

Such a Bill will require a special majority.

REFORM DETAILS

The reform details Mr. Speaker:

Firstly, Term Limits for the Prime Minister.

1)Term Limits for the Prime Minister

In our present proposals there is a simple amendment which prevents the President from offering the Prime Ministership to anyone who has served for two full terms or at least ten years and six month, which is the two Constitutional Terms.

Once a Prime Minister has served for a period of 10 years and 6 months (5 years being the normal 5 year life of a Parliament and the subsequent 90 day period by which general elections must be held).

We are of the view Mr. Speaker, that fossilized leadership, which entrenches itself via manipulation and control of party politics, is an anathema to the principles of democracy and growth.

We have had our fair share of leaders who continued to rule and refused to give way even though it was obvious that the time for change had come.

This can suffocate new talent and stifle a democracy.

THE US SYSTEM VS WESTMINSTER

The two term limit provision is a very important feature to give Power to the People and for a powerful democracy. And so Mr. Speaker, the provisions will be contained in the bill so I will not spend time to read the exact wording of those provisions.

But I would want to say that, whilst American Presidents leave office with dignity and grace, Westminster Prime Ministers cling to power to the very end and are often forced out of office in indignity and disgrace. These were the words I read long ago in an article by Professor Selwyn Ryan.

And so, whilst American Presidents leave Mr. Speaker, there is empirical evidence to suggest that this may well be true.

Some 91 countries worldwide Mr. Speaker, have term limits of two terms for their Heads of Government.

We are seeking to become country number 92 with term limits for the Prime Minister.

BENEFITS OF TERM LIMITS

There are many benefits for this Mr. Speaker, and in the debate, we will spend we will spend more time given the restraints of the new Standing Orders.

We will just mention the second provision contained in the bill – The Right of Recall Mr. Speaker.

2)RIGHT OF RECALL

This amendment would create the ability to recall individual Members of the House after the expiration of three years from the date of election.

The right of recall is a term used to describe a process whereby the electorate can petition to trigger a vote between scheduled elections on the suitability of an existing elected representative to continue in office.

This forms part of the systems of government at different levels in several countries including Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Phillipines and Venezuela.

PROCEDURE FOR RECALL

Again, the bill would lay out the procedure for that recall. And, there are several benefits for the recall.

BENEFITS OF RECALL PROVISION

This again Mr. Speaker is to give us a stronger democracy, a stronger connection between elected representatives and the electorate.

And, of course Mr. Speaker, greater representation at the Parliamentary level.

EXPANDING THE RIGHT OF RECALL

Thirdly, we seek to expand the existing right of recall in the constitution – You will recall Section 49 A, which is a right of recall but it is only within the hands of the Leader of a party. It was exercised in the case of St. Joseph.

What we are seeking to do is to expand that right of recall to place the power in the hands of the people and the people of the country will be the ones to trigger recall of an MP.

BOLD STEP

The right of recall Mr. Speaker, does not yet exist at Westminster and so this is a very bold step.

It may well be that Trinidad and Tobago may lead the way for Westminster because we would be the first Westminster-style democracy that will be adopting the right of recall.

Indeed in the Queen’s speech June 4th, 2014 she stated that her government will introduce legislation on the recall of Members of Parliament.

So we shall be the first of the 52 Commonwealth countries.

SECOND BALLOT RUNOFF VOTING

The third provision is for Second Ballot Runoff Voting.

Section 46 (1) of our Constitution states that “the House of Representatives shall consist of members who shall be elected in the manner provided by Parliament”.

This means that Parliament is vested with the authority to provide for the manner by which members are to be elected to this Honourable House.

I wish to change the way we elect our members to strengthen our democracy in a way that makes the power of the people supreme.

Recall and runoff polls are clearly linked.

The runoff is often viewed as a corollary of the right of recall as an MP who is elected with less than 50 % of the votes cast is obviously immediately vulnerable to a recall.

Such polls, it can be noted, are widely used in countries with substantial democratic traditions INCLUDING France, Switzerland, Argentina, Venezuela, The Philippines, Taiwan and South Korea.

A runoff poll is proposed so that each member of the House of Representatives will only become such a member if he obtains more than 50 per cent of the votes cast in a constituency.

This means that where, on a first poll at an election that is not achieved, a second poll will within 15 days be held between the top two candidates.

This will place greater emphasis on the quality of the candidates selected as the question in the runoff will be “which of these two candidates will better serve me and my constituency?”

In such a system, the voices of the minority would be respected even as effect is given to the will of the majority and, every single vote would matter and count as the possibility of voting a second time will breathe new life and meaning into the democratic process.

NO MINORITY MP

This measure reaffirms democracy and ensures that the balance of power is always tipped in favour of the People, not the Government.

Over the years, we have seen so many candidates get elected to this House on the basis of winning less than 50% of the votes cast.

It would be unfair to future candidates who will be elected and who will now come under the revised constitutional provisions for being recalled by their constituents that they should start their term of office as MPs on the basis of being minority winners.

That will only serve to strengthen any persons who may wish to use the revised recall process for ulterior motives.

It is necessary to protect against this by having all MPs elected on a majority basis.

Further, because of its effectiveness in defining democracy and securing the rights of people over the rights of politicians, the United National Congress will also be considering the adoption of this process into its constitution, subject of course to the agreement of the membership.

FIXED DATE FOR ELECTIONS

Mr. Speaker, hitherto, the Prime Minister has been subject to no limit on her term of office and no particular constraints have been put on her ability to advise the President to dissolve Parliament and set a date for general elections.

The Commission has recommended that the date for general elections be fixed.

It is therefore proposed that the life of a Parliament should ordinarily be fixed at five years.

This will effectively fix the date for the holding of general elections.

Long gone would be the days of silly boasts and taunts about leaders ‘having the date in their back pocket’.

This provides clarity for the population at large and enhances the ability to participate in our democratic life, for all will know the electoral timetable.

This will enable all participants in the political life of Trinidad and Tobago to have the certainty needed to take a full and fair part in a participatory democracy.

Furthermore, the role, Mr Speaker, of the House of Representatives and the Senate is enhanced because the influence of the executive over Parliament is lessened.

I am sure, Mr Speaker, that all members of this Honourable House and the Senate welcome anything which strengthens Parliament.

It is my intention to lay a Bill with this reform shortly.

CONCLUSION

I thank you very much Mr. Speaker and I say that these moves, these initiatives are initiatives we promised in our Manifesto in 2010, we placed into government policy on our agenda for development.

We are keeping those promises to place power, and greater power, in the hands of the people.

I thank you.

Barrington Skippy Thomas gives Kamla a Grade 'D'

A Vagrant Sleeps on a Bench in Trinidad

I visited Tobago recently and after kissing my 5 year old niece, I asked her what she came in test and she replied A+. being very confused I turned to her mother who explained to me that kids are no longer graded 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. but are now graded A,B C etc. So I have to keep up with the times and grade sister Kamla. because I cant place her last.

I am a very unhappy person in Trinidad and Tobago. Maybe it is because I am a Marxist / Socialist. The subject of vagrancy had been a sore point from since Mary were calling the cattle home. And lest our memory got lost in a fog of uncaringness I seek to remind you briefly about some horrors of vagrancy that plagued us as a citizenry.

A lady going about her own business on Frederick Street was struck in the face by a street dweller quite unprovoked. The streets have become a facility for defecation and urination by street dwellers. The washroom facility at City gate have been converted literally into a private spa for street dwellers to use as they please. While I have no objection with a street dweller smashing the glass at the Parliament building on Wrightson Road, the horrors of street dwelling stared our nation's leaders directly in the face and this finally prompted some action.

Citizens of the Republic what existed before was a very convoluted process to treat with street dwellers. There was former Mayor of Port of Spain Louis Lee Sing whose attempts to remove street dwellers being met with outcries of human rights abuses. A unit at the Ministry of the People and Social Development named the Social Displacement Unit whose Executive Director Mrs Reyes Borrel receiving a salary of $30,000.00 a month for eight years and had not removed a single vagrant from the street. The police not seeing vagrancy as their problem unless some act of violence had been perpetrated. The Ministry of Health not wanting to act because they viewed the problem as one that belonged to the Ministry of Local Government. But when the "shit" hits the fan the Ministry of the People and Social Development had to own the problem.

So a stakeholder meeting chaired by me with all the parties involved was convened and the solution to the problem was the creation of an Inter Agency Unit. this Unit was launched at the Salvation Army Headquarters at Henry Street one Friday evening and a way forward bearing fruits was achieved. The Manager of the Unit was Mr Andrew Boodoo deputised by Senior Superintendent Sterling Hackshaw. Several removal exercise was employed (all voluntary removal) and over 120 persons was removed from the street. When removed the client was taken to Pastor Awong's Transform Life Ministries at Arouca, where Pastor Awong would scrub, clean and sometimes remove worms from the clients delivered to him. He would nurse them back to health. Some suffering from maladies including substance abuse, mental retardation, stress, Hiv / Aids, Tuberculosis to name a few. The officials at Transform Life Ministries would continue by getting birth papers, national id cards and initiate contact with the clients relatives. From there they would be transferred to the New Horizon facility at Piparo where they would participate in an intense programme teaching life skills, rehabilitation techniques music and skill enhancement.

It is quite unfortunate that when Sis Kamla assumed reigns of the Ministry the first thing she did was to fire the manager and his deputy. Then cried crocodile tears that it wasn't her and she knew nothing about it. Whether this is so or not I cannot tell because Kamla can be as charming as a dove and as dangerous as a serpent. But what I do know is that Mrs Reyes Borrell who has a relationship with the Permanent Secretary Simeon Yearwood that from all appearances is much more than a working relationship was always a thorn in the side of the IAU if only for the fact that it exposed her as uncaring or unprofessional and a dismal failure. So the unit is not functioning and on the brim of shutting down, And what have remained of it is further debilitated by the office slut Ms Sarah Rambaran who after having a lunch time beer is readily available for performing oral sex on any body that wants one. I must hasten to admit I had my fair share.

Therefore I am forced to ask, is sister Kamla and Simeon Yearwood hatred for me so much that they shut down a successful project to hurt my feelings. But I warn them with an old Tobago saying," bat turned its bottom in the air to shit on God and end up shitting on its own self." The following pictures were taken today. Please grade Sis Kamla.

I GRADE YOU D- SISTER KAMLA

By: Barrington Skippy Thomas.

Advisor to the Minister of the People and Social Development.

(Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar).

From Food Card to Health Card: PM promises "Free Health Care".

UNITED FRONT: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, centre
together with party members wave UNC flags during their meeting
on Monday night at Pepper Sauce Junction, Chaguanas.
 —Photo: STEPHEN DOOBAY

Government will not only be providing free medication to people who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart problems but also plans to move further to pick up patients’ bills at the doctor’s office through a new health card programme.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made the announcement on Monday at a UNC public meeting at Pepper Sauce Junction, Chaguanas.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan told the Express yesterday that the first phase of the health card programme will be rolled out in three months and will target 60,000 people who are currently on the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP).

Khan said the ministry has been working on this initiative for a while and has put measures in place to ensure there is no abuse of the health card.

Chief Secretary to meet with Prime Minister

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will meet with THA Chief Secretary Orville London shortly to discuss a number of issues whose resolution could contribute to the promotion of harmony in the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.

Chief Secretary Orville London

Following the January 21st THA election in which the People's National Movement won all 12 seats, London wrote Persad-Bissessar on January 29th requesting an urgent meeting to discuss at least three issues. These were a review of the process for the granting of internal self government to Tobago, a review of the relationship between Ministers of Government and Secretaries in the Tobago House of Assembly and funding for housing programmes in Tobago.

In her response dated January 31st Persad-Bissessar requested that his office liaise with her office to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for the meeting.

This will be the first official meeting between the two in almost a year. Section 31 of the THA Act says that the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary shall hold regular discussions with a view to formulating administrative and legislative mechanisms for the promotion of harmony in the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Reproduced from Tobago House of Assembly Official Site

Documents For the MILSHIRV BOLT Arrangement Made Public by THA

Justice Minister, Christlyn Moore

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London has made good on his word by providing the documents relating to the the controversial multi-million-dollar Milshirv deal for an Administrative Complex. The controversial Build Own Lease Transfer (BOLT) arrangement between the THA and Milshirv can be found in a 224 page document placed on the THA's Website. 

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar previously had called for a halt to the project as she questioned the transparency of the deal. Following the matter was referred to the Attorney General, Integrity Commission and Director of Public Prosecutions, with The Integrity Commission writing to London requesting the documents with respect to the contract. 

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan only last week threatened the Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London to submit documents pertaining to the Milshirv project and the aquatic centre project to  the Minister of Finance Larry Howai. 

Ramlogan stated that his request must be satisfied within a one week period or else London would be taken to court under the Freedom of Information Act, in an effort to compel him to release the documents. In response, Orville stated that his team was vetting the documents and all would be made public by Wednesday November 21 2012.

The BOLT arrangement surrounding the Milshirv deal has been a contentious one raised by the People's Partnership and Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) as the THA elections nears.

Yesterday the Senate debate was lessened to a Political Campaign by the Justice Minister. 

The Justice Minister Christlyn Moore yesterday strongly accused the PNM THA of maladministration and criticized London for not submitting the documents as she said the Finance Minister Larry Howai was not yet in receipt of the documents.

Moore further accused the PNM of finacial improprity and stirring racial contention on the sister isle. She said reports from the auditor general for 2003, 2004 and 2005 show that the THA books were not in order and millions were unaccounted for.

She added, "PNM THA insulted Tobagonians by averring that if you vote for the TOP, Indians will take their land. She then stated that those assertion were shocking and shameful, and were degrading to the person who utters it as well as it is degrading to the person to whom it is uttered. she continued  saying "It is repulsive, it is repugnant to the democratic principles espoused in a global village and the success of that odious infamous message is premised on the assumed idiocy of the listener!".

Her political campaign continued as she then criticised the PNM for hosting a Tobago day last weekend in Trinidad. She said for years people of Tobago had to suffer and come to Trinidad to get a birth certificate and other official documents.

"Now we have come here to get cold food and hot beers, height of contempt. You want Tobagonians to come to a Tobago family day but you hold it in Port of Spain? So high do you hold us in your regard and Tobago people are not blind...we are alive to these ruses and that is why, Mr president, the hot beers and cold food fiesta buss because Tobagonians are not of that," Moore said.

Documents to the MILSHIRV project can be found at this link

Racial Division Evident in Trinidad and Tobago

Its has become a recurring and common phenomenon for politicians to use Religious functions as a political firing range. Recently, our Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar made serious verbal attack on Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley at the closing of the Divali Nagar festivities which occupied the public conversation as having racial connotations. It was only days prior to that Minister of National Security Jack Warner found it apt to stay away from the opening of the said festival given that the Opposition Leader was present. 

This abusive behavioral and misuse of sacred functions is beyond abhorrent and abominable in its entirety.  Politicians must at length be condemned without fail for engaging in what can be seen as distasteful and unexemplary behavior. Politicians must be cognizant of their verbalizations, as such can bear fruits of hatred, segregation, and exclusion by color or race. 

Given the frequency of these occurances, one must ask the question whether this is a deliberate and calculated activity employed by  those of our leaders. Old politics employed the art of 'divide and rule' and what was seen on the platform of the Divali Nagar was nothing short of having racial overtones and remnants of the art "et impera and divide ut regnes which was utilized by the Roman ruler Caesar and the French emperor Napoleon".

"The Opposition Leader expressed shock, contempt and poured scorn on this sacred exercise in devotion.
"Today, a few short months later, that same person came kurta-clad to share in your festivities and admire your art forms.
"The same individual who rejected your values. Kamla said.

What was the message here?, Was it inclusion? What was the underlying motive/s of such statements?  Clearly it cannot be that light transcends darkness or that light draws all darkness away from its path. Clearly she must have known that her utterances were anti Hindu as Hinduism embraces at its  core  humility, tolerance, love and forgiveness even towards your enemy.

The Prime Minister must therefore refrain from making such colored statements, which at any time could insight racial antagonism. The Prime Minister must remain level minded in her attempt to score political points at all times. She must impress on the Nation that she is of sound character and as such represents the entire whole and not only a fraction of the whole. Thus, it is imperative that this foolish re-occurrence of Race and Racial overtones be discontinued by members within the PP Government and by extension all politicians.

Having therefore been condemned for lighting deyas with a "dark" and vindictive heart, and having been ridicule for seemingly asserting that Rowley should not wear traditional Indian garments and for implying that he should not be forgiven for statements about "kissing Foot" let her be reminded that her actions and statements must at all times foster and encourage our Anthem's line "Here every creed and race finds an equal place".

  

VOLNEY FIRED: Was He the Scapegoat?

FIRED: Former Minister of Justice
Herbert Volney

The fiasco of Section 34 sparked widespread calls for the heads of the Attorney General and the Justice Minister. Last night in a 26 minute address to the nation, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar offered up one, that of Justice Minister Herbert Volney.

In her address immediately following an extended Cabinet regular meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister informed the nation that she had advised Acting President Timothy Hamel-Smith to revoke Volney's appointment. The Prime Minister announced the appointment Attorney Christlyn Moore, a lawyer in the Office of the Attorney General as the new Justice Minister and Senator. 

Her live address to the nation definitively cleared the Attorney General Anand Ramlogan of any culpability or involvement in the scandal of the (Administration of Justice) Indictable Offences Act) and she placed the blame for the Section 34 debacle squarely at Volney's feet, stating that he misled the Cabinet. Persad-Bissessar further said that during her investigation, she learnt that neither Archie nor Gaspard had consented to the proclamation, which has allowed more than 20 criminal defendants, including UNC financiers Ishwar Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson to petition the High Court to be freed based on Section 34, which allows a judge to dismiss a case against a person and find the person not guilty if ten years or more has elapsed since the commission of the offence and the trial had not begun.

It was Volney who piloted the final version of Section 34 in the Senate ("which, the Prime Minister noted, was not the version approved by the Legislative Review Committee (LRC) and thereafter by the Cabinet"). She also pointed that it was his Cabinet note which called for early proclamation, citing consultations with Chief Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

She recalled that when Volney brought the note on August 9 to the Cabinet to proclaim Section 34 she specifically asked him whether the Chief Justice and the DPP had been consulted. She said Volney drew her attention to paragraph five of the Note which started that the Chief Justice had been consulted on the proclamation. "He then confirmed to the Cabinet that he had the support and approval of both the Chief Justice and the DPP on this matter," the Prime Minister stated.

"Early proclamation should never have occurred," the Prime Minister concluded.

"The approval of the Cabinet for this piecemeal proclamation was therefore predicated and based on the assurance and understanding that the Judiciary and the DPP were adequately consulted and fully supported the early implementation of this measure (Section 34) as a precursor to the rest of the act that would come into force in January 2013," the Prime Minister said.

But the Prime Minister said during her investigations that she spoke with the Chief Justice and "humbly requested" a report. The Chief Justice who provided a written report as well as the notes taken at a July 24 meeting with a specially appointed inter-ministerial committee, she said. She added that she also met with the Chief Justice and the DPP on Wednesday on the issue. "I am now satisfied that there was no prior adequate or proper consultation with either office-holder on the early proclamation of Section 34," she said.

She added that she was also satisfied that there was a "legitimate expectation" on the part of both officeholders that there would be no partial proclamation of this Act as this assurance had been given by Volney at the July 24 meeting.

The Prime Minister said all ministers had a "sacred duty and responsibility to the Cabinet in seeking to persuade the Cabinet to approve his or her note, present his case objectively, accurately in the knowledge that the Cabinet would act on his or her assurances and representations," she said.

"The Minister of Justice had a duty to faithfully and accurately represent the position and views of the Honourable Chief Justice and the DPP. He failed so to do and the Cabinet relied and acted on his assurances in good faith," the Prime Minister said.

"His failure to do so is a serious misrepresentation and amounts to material non-disclosure of relevant facts to the Cabinet which effectively prevented the Cabinet from making an informed decision," the Prime Minister said.

Persad-Bissessar noted that even after the concerns were first raised by the DPP, Volney told the Cabinet that both the CJ and DPP had agreed to the early proclamation.

The Prime Minister apologised to the President, the Chief Justice, the Parliament, the DPP and the country.

This was the seventh minister which Persad-Bissessar has axed in her relatively short two-and-a-half-year tenure as PM. She said, "tough decisions on integrity and performance were being made all the time". The Prime Minister said she had spoken with Volney yesterday and he admitted he made an error.

The Prime Minister however stressed that it was Parliament in its collective wisdom which "gave birth to Section 34".

She emphasised too there was no "nefarious intent" and that the amendment "targeted no particular persons, nor was it designed to protect any sectoral interests". The outcry was created because the bill would have provided an avenue for UNC financiers Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson and others in the Piarco fraud cases to escape prosecution. Section 34 was repealed last week,

The Prime Minister noted that "it was on the floor of the Senate without oversight by the LRC or the Cabinet," that the final version of Section 34, which changed the statutory limitation from ten years from the start of criminal proceedings to ten years from the date of the offence, was created.

The Prime Minister appeared to praise the public protest over Section 34, saying that she "embraced the debate and demonstration and welcomed those who feel so passionately about the nation".

Volney's termination is the eighth to be ordered by Persad-Bissessar since the People’s Partnership assumed power in May 2010.

She also revoked the ministerial appointments of Minister in the National Security Minister Collin Partap, Minister of Planning, Restructuring and Gender Affairs Mary King, Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis, Public Administration Minister Rudrawatee Nan Gosine-Ramgoolam, Minister in the National Security Ministry Subhas Panday, National Security Minister John Sandy, and Gender Affairs Minister Verna St Rose-Greaves.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's Independence Day Message

Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Kamla Persad-Bissessar

My dear fellow citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,

I am grateful to God that we can all be here today sharing in the pride and joy of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of our Independence.

On this day, 50 years ago, we became an independent nation and for the very first time the Red, White and Black flag of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was unfurled and the pride had only just begun.

From that moment to now the flag has inspired hundreds of thousands of us, it has brought us to tears, it has filled us with immense pride, it has made us feel at home in foreign places, it has given us a sense of identity and belonging to that special place, it defines us.

Across the nation today these very colours are proudly displayed in an outpouring of nationalism and patriotic pride.

Today, more than ever, we know what it means to be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.

For fifty years we have charted our own course as an independent nation proudly flying high the red white and black, ever steadfast in our commitment to our democracy and the rule of law and to the belief that all men and women are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights.

For fifty years as a nation, forged from the love of liberty in the fires of hope and prayer, with boundless faith in our destiny, we have proven our ability to determine the direction best suited to the needs of our citizens.

Our self-determination has brought success, recognition and respect to our great nation, here at home and on the world stage.

As our history shows, there were a few instances in the past five decades when we nearly let the fires fade to our near peril, but in the many times when we allowed the fires of hope and prayer to burn even more brightly, we stunned the world with our innovations, our achievements , our beauty and our humanity.

In areas such as academia, labour, sport, culture, literature, business, energy, entertainment, fashion, indeed in every sphere of human endeavour, we have produced global heroes, men and women who have excelled bringing us gold, silver and bronze, record breaking scores, titles in beauty and the fashion industry, Nobel Prizes, all sons and daughters of our soil who have ensured we will always be remembered as a people of great achievement, as a great nation.

And for every luminary in our past and present, there are also thousands of unsung heroes some of whose names we may never know, but whose courage, dedication and commitment to our country have helped to make us the great nation that we are.

It is a time for each of us to stand proud together as Trinidadians and Tobagonians as we celebrate this important milestone in our nation’s history.

And, even as we reflect on all we have achieved and as we take stock of our accomplishments over the last fifty years, I am of the firm view that we are about to embark on a promising new era in the history of our young Nation as we stand together, not as a nation built on sand, but as a nation built on the solid rock of the foundations laid by so many of our citizens who preceded us and citizens who continue to fortify those foundations.

Today, we stand proudly on the shoulders of the giants who came before us and those who continue to fortify us, both sung and unsung heroes of our nation.

I pay my deepest tributes to those great men and women who positioned us as an independent nation.

In particular, I pay tribute to the Honourable Dr Eric Eustace Williams, our country’s first Prime Minister and founding Father of our Nation, Dr Rudranath Capildeo, the first Leader of the Opposition of an independent Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Ellis Clarke, the principal architect of our 1962 Constitution and first President of Trinidad and Tobago.

They stand beside many equally talented citizens, who demonstrated the vision and courage to recognize that in order to survive as a small, independent nation of such remarkable diversity, we needed to embody and epitomize the spirit and character of democracy in its truest form – respect, tolerance and a determination to protect and safeguard our democracy and our sacred human rights and to have the willpower to let this forever be our hallmark as a nation.

Our founding leaders thus engineered the direction of our new nation under God with a self-reliant, ambitious people living in liberty and harmony and, today, I pay homage to them as we express our gratitude and thank God for the significant contributions they made to Trinidad and Tobago.

And after fifty years of peaceful, democratic governance, we pay homage to those leaders and to all who supported the pursuit of our independence.

Their faith in the capacity of our country and our people was crucial to the growth of Trinidad and Tobago as we know it today.

And as we reflect on the vision of our early leaders, there is no doubt that we are standing also on the shoulders of other giants, including Butler, Cipriani, Rienzi, Gomes and CLR James to name a few.

And over the fifty years there are many more giants to acknowledge for placing us where we are today.

And so, I pay tribute to those great men and women who sacrificed and worked hard to shape and sustain the three organs of our constitutional government: the parliament, the judiciary and the executive.

I pay tribute to the working class and in particular, the thousands of public officers and the protective services and the business class, whose dedication to duty developed our economy and social institutions.

I pay tribute to our religious leaders and organizations which through all the years kept us and, continue to keep us firmly grounded in our faith and belief in God.

With boundless faith in our destiny, we made tremendous strides as a nation, as one people over the past fifty years.

Trinidad and Tobago, our small island nation, has changed the sound of the world in music by gifting it with - the steelpan, the only acoustical musical instrument invented in the 20th Century, tassa, calypso, soca, chutney and parang which reflect the rich tapestry of diversity in our nation.

The contributions of pioneers such as Ras Shorty I, Sundar Popo, Lord Kitchener and Sparrow will never be forgotten.

They will continue to inspire the coming musical generations both locally and around the world.

We have become known for the greatest show on earth, our Carnival.

In 1962 we established our own Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the military organisation responsible for defence of our nation.

We can feel duly proud that the TTDF, comprising the Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard and Defence Force Reserves, as one of the largest and best equipped military forces in the English speaking Caribbean,has played major roles both locally and internationally,and has rendered assistance to our Caribbean brothers and sisters in times of need.

We have shown our prowess in the world of sport, as is evident by the outstanding performances of our cricketers, such as,Brian Charles Lara: World Record Holder for the most runs scored both in a Test and in a First Class Innings and three times claimed the highest individual batting records.

Brian Lara, a son of our country, has brought us honour and pride as one of the most globally celebrated cricketers in the world.

In 2006, our Soca warriors qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Germany, for the first time making us the smallest country ever to qualify.

We have witnessed excellence in the outstanding performances of our Olympic athletes, in particular our gold medallists, Hasley Crawford and recently, Keshorn Walcott, our silver medallists and our bronze medallists, Rodney Wilkes, Lennox Kilgour, mc Donald bailey, AtoBoldon, Wendell Mottley, Lalonde Gordon, Richard Thomson, George Bovell and others.

We have made our mark in the creative industries, fashion, music and literature.

We have produced a Nobel Prize winner - Sir V.S. Naipaul. We have a tradition for doing well at international beauty pageants winning several with names such as Janelle Penny Commisiong, Giselle La Rondeand Wendy Fitzwilliam recognised as women of intelligence, beauty, charm and poise.

Peter Minshall, Carnival designer, is known for his role in the opening ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics, the 1994 Football World Cup, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics for which he even won an Emmy Award.

Heather Headley who has won both a Tony Award for theatre and a Grammy Award.

In the world of trade and investment, we have developed Trinidad and Tobago into being a gateway to Latin America, CARICOM and the wider Caribbean.

Our entrepreneurs have earned our country respect through their success both at home and abroad.

We remain a leading world exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas, methanol and ammonia and can feel proud that our small island nation is amongst the world’ soldest and most experienced in the energy sector.

Our local education system provides universal education to all citizens from primary education straight through to secondary school, and our universities are recognized as learning institutions which produce graduates of the highest caliber.

We have surpassed the United Nations MDG in our education sector.

Trinidad and Tobago has indeed made a name for itself on the global stage.

Unlike other nations, we can be proud of our history of a strong democracy and a peaceful elections process.

Democratic change has come time and again without the violence and chaos that characterizes the electoral process in so many countries in the world.

Our political maturity in this regard is a beacon in a world where so many countries today are struggling to achieve peaceful democratic change.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we live in harmony; we celebrate our multi-ethnic, multi-religious society; we enjoy peace and democracy.

And this is a credit to the nature of our people and the way we live among each other, sharing and enjoying our music, food and culture and religious observances.

We do have so much to celebrate in Trinidad and Tobago in this, our 50th year of independence.

Yet now, on the occasion of our Golden Jubilee, let us not only acknowledge and take pride in our accomplishments, but let us take this opportunity to look ahead and envision the future that we want for Trinidad and Tobago.

Where do we want to see our nation forging ahead?

What do we want for our country and our citizens?

Where do we want to see Trinidad and Tobago in the next fifty years?

These are questions that each and every one of us must ask ourselves, because it is only when we work together hand in hand side by side can we lay the groundwork for a prosperous nation.

My fellow citizens, we must continue to build our sense of patriotism and nationhood. Each of us has our own expectations for the future of Trinidad and Tobago.

But above all, we want to see our country flourish.The responsibility lies within each of us as Trinbagonians, to take the future into our hands and play our own part in taking Trinidad and Tobago forward.

Vision

EQUITABLE WEALTH DISTRIBUTION

I not only envision but also plan for a nation in which the wealth of our nation is more equitably distributed.

For far too long some of our citizens have sat on the sidelines watching so called development take place while their lives remain relatively unchanged.

As we observe and celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years we have every right to be proud but we also have every reason to do some soul searching on where we might have done better and what kind of nation we must create.

VALUES

What is the purpose of a society in which the landscape appears to be more modern but there is an absence of values? What is the purpose of children attending more schools, being better educated but are more prone to violent behaviour and the erosion of family values?

What is the purpose of a good school feeding programme when children go home to bad parenting? What is the purpose of producing great local artistes with their unique genres of music, even inventing rhythms and instruments unique to the world, when we have not learnt to appreciate their value and would even celebrate our own 50th Anniversary by heralding musical celebrations from other countries?

I intend to pursue specific ways to begin a transformation of our society.

Our character education programme launched by the Ministry of Education is one way we begin instilling values at an early age. And I wish to formally announce that Cabinet will be examining a formal parenting programme based on those which have achieved remarkable success in other parts of the world.

We cannot change what kind of adults our children become unless we change the kind of parents we are and so many of us do not know how to cope with the stresses of our lives and the responsibilities of parenthood.

Family life has changed from what it was 50 years ago but there has been no comprehensive, effective system or programme put in place to buffer the negative effects of single parent homes and stressful professional life.

I intend to examine ways and incentives through which more local arts, music and culture and sport can receive greater exposure and appreciation in Trinidad and Tobago.

ARTS AND CULTURE

The erosion of what belongs to us must stop. Let us begin the conversation with the artistic community with all their abundant talent our nation is blessed with on the ways and means of changing things and together with government let us begin implementing the measures necessary.

Again, what is the purpose of creating a better business environment, one that produces more value generating ideas and investment ventures when the value of life itself appears to amount for less by criminal elements?

I believe the creation of a value based society is one long term way of beginning the changes necessary to do so. But I also believe that the short term tough imposition of law and order upon those who today are bent on creating mayhem must be enacted now.

The Ministry of National Security has been sharing with me a two pronged approach to dealing with this issue.

One is a strong social programme that includes an intensifying of sports activity, mentorship, education, skills training and employment while the other arm is about an aggressive zero tolerance intervention in all hot spot areas.

Special units, new resources, surveillance technology and interception methods combine to make the strategies different and more effective.

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, crime is one of the critical areas which remains an unfortunate reminder of how much needs to be done to transform our society.

This did not happen overnight.

But we must see this as the dawn of a new day in changing it and I recommit my pledge here on the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago that every resource possible will be engaged and invested in turning the situation around.

I take this opportunity to announce that a major new phase of development that has been engaging our attention over the past few months will be revealed within the coming weeks.

It will cover the most ambitious infrastructural and financial investment programme ever launched in Trinidad and Tobago, one that will become a beacon for the region.

As you know the nation’s new Minister of Finance has been diligently planning the way forward for Trinidad and Tobago that will be worthy of the celebrations we mark today across the nation. This is indeed a new era, a new opportunity, a shift in consciousness and conscience.

I am fortunate to lead a government that marks our beloved nation’s 50th Anniversary but I am keenly aware of the huge expectations of a population that has waited far too long over the past few decades to see the kind of changes needed.

This celebration and the well timed recent inspiring accomplishments of our Olympic athletes allow us to recognise the value of what it means to be identified with the Red, White and Black, what it means to be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and to know we have the ability to conquer all odds, to be the best in the world, to recognise in ourselves that amazing feeling that comes from truly acknowledging ourselves.

And in this acknowledgement all differences disappear, the power of who we are as One People emerges.

Trinidadian, Tobagonian, Proud, Passionate, Patriotic.

If it were possible to package the spirit that flows across the nation at this time, all that we ever wish to become would be readily realised for there is nothing more powerful than a people united by a celebration and recognition of themselves.

We were all so moved upon hearing our anthem play and our flag displayed when Keshorn Walcott stood on the podium at the just concluded Olympics; those emotions, that overwhelming sense of pride define us.

Let it be a timely reminder now of what we truly celebrate today. A small but great nation comprised of different ethnic groups woven together through our arts, culture and cuisine and religion.And I am confident that moments such as these help us to be reminded that through creativity, innovation and collaboration, we shall reach new heights together.

At 50, this is our coming of age. It is not the time for complacency.It is the time for progressively redoubling our efforts to ensure no one is left behind.

It is time for a new approach to politics – a more mature politics which is no longer defined by religion, race or geographical place or partisan interest but by policy that is not only even-handed and all inclusive, but also speaks to where we, as a nation must be when we celebrate our centennial fifty years from now.

Just as society was ready to embrace progress in 1962, now fifty years on, we the people of Trinidad and Tobago are ready to advance our democracy and inclusiveness.

We are ready to welcome a new era- An era which sees Trinidad and Tobago moving forward as a dynamic, trail-blazing nation in our region and around the world.

In his speech on our first Independence day, August 31st, 1962, Dr. Williams told us that democracy means the protection of citizens from the exercise of arbitrary power and the violation of human freedoms and individual rights.

He called on us to dedicate ourselves to these principles of democracy.

Now, fifty years later, in 2012, as we remain committed to fulfilling his mandate, we acknowledge that we are on the threshold of unparalleled social change and national development which embraces the politics of inclusion.

Over the past 50 years we have risen up against systems of oppression based on racial and social inequality. We have protested against unfairness, injustice and exploitation. Just as we relegate the remnants of colonialism to the past, so too we must now cast off the shackles of discrimination, inequity and inequality which persist in our beloved land.

Our iconic national anthem affirms that our nation was “forged from the love of liberty” and pledges that “every creed and race find an equal place”.

We must become a nation more committed to upholding human rights. Through a number of state mechanisms, we will ensure that the Trinidad and Tobago of the future is one where no one is the victim of stigmatisation or prejudice, and where everyone is afforded equal rights and opportunities and where the playing field is levelled to enable everyone an equal opportunity to pursue and achieve their legitimate goals and aspirations.

This is the legacy I wish to leave as we begin this new period in our history.

This is part of the foundation my government will build. But this vision cannot be achieved alone. We must all work together,the public and private sectors, labour, civil society, communities, and individuals, to fulfill the collective aspirations of our people.

We have all seen – the spirit of determination and unity embodied in Trinbagonians.

In times of hardship, we have come together and strengthened our sense of community.

Recently, in the aftermath of the floods which affected so many across our country, I saw solidarity and brotherhood in the midst of tragedy.

I saw neighbours, friends, family and strangers helping those in need, offering comfort and support wherever they could. This is how I know that we will continue to stand strong as a nation and as a people. Our morale, our togetherness, our unity – these will carry us through any adversities we may face.

Fellow citizens, we are at a critical juncture in the history of our Nation.

Fifty years of Independence have gone. I ask you what will be our legacy over the next fifty years? How will we be judged by our children’s children?

Will we be found lacking? Or will we be heralded as the visionaries who did what was necessary for the future of the next generation?

We have to continuously work for the changes we seek. This is how we will bring about positive growth in our nation. We must be determined and unflagging in our efforts to uphold the legacy left to us by Dr. Eric Williams and Dr. Rudranat hCapildeo in 1962. And that legacy was to keep moving forward, to be tenacious and brave, and to take the necessary steps to secure the best possible future for Trinidad and Tobago.

Not one of us can or should ever deny our ancestral past. Our culture and our traditions tell the stories of the many lands from which we came, of the many hardships our foreparents endured and of the successes they achieved.

For the health of our nation, if there is any void in the recounting, it must be filled in the coming years. But today, all of us here are citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and because of our many roots, we are perhaps one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world. It is our widely varied heritage that has made us unique. Our speech defines us. Our cuisine defines us. Our rhythm defines us. Our passion defines us. Be proud of this. Be proud of what it means to be Trinbagonian.

We are now the co-creators of the present, paving the way for those who come after us. I urge you, fellow citizens, seize this opportunity for progress.

You are living in an exciting new chapter and it’s in your power to carry our twin-island nation forward as a pioneer in our region. Our best days are yet to come and together we will usher them in.

As we celebrate our 50th year as an independent nation, let us with confidence and courage, stand side by side, with a renewed sense of hope for the future.Let us recommit ourselves to the service of our country.Let us endeavour to live our lives by the inspiring words of our national motto “Together we aspire, Together we achieve”. And let us continue to solemnly pledge our lives to this our native land Trinidad and Tobago.

I wish you all a very Happy Golden Jubilee of Independence. May God continue to bless each of you and may God continue to bless our great nation Trinidad and Tobago.

reproduce verbatim from express Trinidad

Strange Appearance" Prime Minister and Ashworth Jack featured in "50 Meets 50"

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar
and Minority Leader, Ashworth Jack
in  50 meets 50 last night.

In a surprise to patrons last night, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and Minority Leader of the THA, Ashworth Jack appeared at the 50 meet 50 concert held at Canoe Bay-Tobago. In true political style, and public relation gimmick they both walked out from backstage holding raised hands to the crowd.

The  surprised crowd showed mixed emotion to the their appearance. Some cheered while they both waved with smiles to the crowds, while others grunt and murmured with disapproval. Their appearance came at the end of Taurus Riley's performance. 

"50 Meets 50"  was promoted as a mega show in which the two countries celebrating their 50th anniversary were featured. Artists represented from Jamaica were: Sizzla, Baby Cham, and Taurus Riley, while Artists from Trinidad were: Machael Montano and the HD family, shal Marshal, Tc, Ravi B and Karma, Roy Cape featuring Denise Belfond and Blacks.

Call for Tassa Drums to be Second National Instrument: Ridiculous !

Tropical Power Country Boys Tassa Group

Something which would have surfaced with a mephitis attached from the la basse of thoughts, is the description for the plea made by Tassa Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), to incorporate Tassa drums as the second National instrument. Information reaching the public domain indicates that the TATT have made calls to the Prime Minister  Kamla Persad Bissessar to make Tassa drums the second National instrument. Wendell Eversley, vice-president of the Association, indicated that the call for tassa to be made the second national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago came from a historical perspective.

Wendell Eversley arguments are based on false premises. Citing that the pan we use are imported, and that the drum was here from the beginning (which was cited as slavery) was nothing short of man who seemingly missed the mark. There is little doubt that Mr Eversley failed to comprehend that the 'SteelPan' is not a barrel filled with oil. Rather, it is an instrument created by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago chromatically pitched and tuned in such a way that it provides harmonic notes on a musical scale. On the contrary,  research have indicated that the tassa drum dates back to 4000 years ago, to the Persian region of Karbala which is now known as present day Iraq. Over the years the drum was associated with present day Afghanistan, Pakistan and finally India where many of the rhythms of tassa originated.

Try as I may to disassociate this from a subtle ethnic overtone, research has unearth data which supports that the Tassa Drum was brought here by indentured workers to the Caribbean in the 19th century somehow flourishing in Trinidad within the Muslim Hosay festivals. And although Pan may be viewed primarily as an 'African' instrument, the fact remains unequivocally,  that steel pan is not an African instrument neither is it an East Indian instrument, it is a Trinidad and Tobago instrument, made, claimed and appreciated by all of its people. 

By all means, tassa drums and its rhythms are part of our culture, it is part of our heritage and as such must be preserved. However, to ask to be placed as equal to that of an instrument invented by its people is too ask to much and a slap in the face of the people who've worked hard and tirelessly to have it recognized as it is today, and a slap in the face of the people it represents. 

This idea of a second national instrument, (which was taken by Mohammed back to India after the wars with the Persians), is outright preposterous, and frivolous. It bears no National significance other than it was brought here by indentured immigrants, and quite frankly should not be esteemed higher than a grand piano. Is it an 'Indian time' request that seemingly would augur well with our Indian Prime Minister and Administration? Why wasn't this brought to the table over the ten (10) years reign of the other regime? Is it another way to glorify race pride? The answers to these questions I cannot give, as such I must leave them to the court of public opinion. 

Our golden jubilee anniversary is almost here, let us suggest ways that can stem the current trends. Let us suggest intelligible ideas which can serve as a catalyst to enhance integration of all sections and ethnic groups. Let our ideas indicate to the world that our nation have matured, that our nation is  ready to seen as stronger, more integrated, more united and a more cohesive unit.  

And may God bless our Nation.

Keshorn Walcott Welcome Home:- Receives Trini Goodies

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar have Officially welcome home Keshorn Walcott, Gold Medalist in the Men's Javelin London 2012. A jubilant young man was all smiled as the massive crowd gathered at the Piarco Airport to welcome him. 

The Prime Minister presented him with a replica  plane of Caribbean Airlines and then announced that he would receive among other things:

1. Renaming of the Toco Light house to Keshorn Walcott light house

2. Twenty thousand (20000) sq ft of land in his hometown

3. 1 Million in cash

4. A House in Federation Park
5. An open scholarship to the University of Trinidad and Tobago

No Race Game:Emancipation Support Committee receives $4 Million

ESC chairman Khafra Kambon received a 2 million dollar cheque
 from the Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Sorrow has tuned to joy, as the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) received $4 million from the government. ESC chairman Khafra Kambon was presented with a 2 million dollar cheque from the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The committee would receive another $2 million from the  Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism. 

Earlier this week, the committee in a press conference indicated that they would returned a 1 million dollar cheque to the government as it would grossly insufficient. Kambon had charged that the Government had reneged on a promise to include funding for the Emancipation Day celebrations in the annual budget and that the committee was disappointed and angered by the lack of financial support for the Emancipation celebrations. However, speaking after the presentation of the cheque, a jubilant Kambon stated he was pleased as the $4 million was what they had asked for."We have gotten what we requested and we didn't expect more than what we requested".  

This action however, have not gone unseen by other groups within the country vying to get an increase share of a depleted treasury. Speaking yesterday, the general secretary of the Maha Sabha, Sat Maharaj, said he was happy for this group, but hoped that the same would be done for Indian Arrival Day next year.