Central Statistical Office Has Been Shut Down by OSHA

BREAKING NEWS

The Central Statistical Office-Trinidad (CSO) has been shut down by Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency  (OSHA) moments ago. CSO, the agency responsible for National Statistics is under the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, which only yesterday held a consultation at the Works Conference Room on National Spatial Development Strategy and the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for Tobago, a part of a nationwide consultation.  

The building which now houses them  is located at 81 Independence Square P.O.S and was deemed unfit by the its representative Union and also by OSHA. The building is said to have exposed electrical wiring  and is grossly affected by the weather currently experienced and by flooding. Information reaching Tobagodaily is that work has been suspended till further notice and workers have been ordered off the compound. Signs stating that the building is unfit for occupation has been placed all through out the building and a notice of a $20,000 fine for any person who may wish to tamper or remove the signs.  

Tobagodaily  is continuing to monitor the situation. 

National Security Minister agrees to meet

National Security Minister Senator Emmanuel George has agreed to meet with Chief Secretary Orville London to discuss security concerns in Tobago.

In responding to the Chief Secretary's letter dated May 21 George said after relevant discussions with the Commissioner of Police he will be in contact with him to determine a suitable date for the meeting.

London also wrote Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last week reminding her of a commitment to have quarterly non-crisis meetings to discuss issues which can lead to "the promotion of harmony in the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago". Among the issues he wanted discussed was the process for the granting of internal self-governance to Tobago.

However, he has not yet gotten a reply from the Prime Minister. The two last met on February 22.

Source:thanews

London: ‘Govt Falsely Taking Credit for Tobago Projects’

Chief Secretary
Orville London

Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Orville London said yesterday that he was puzzled at some of the claims by the People’s Partnership Government as major achievements in Tobago.

He noted in a statement that the PP Government had not only claimed credit in its Friday publication for the Buccoo Integrated Facility which the Minister of Tobago Development Dr Delmon Baker had described as a “goat pen” but also took credit for the construction of the Buccoo Community Centre, the Pembroke Heritage Park and the Glen Road Community Centre, which were all projects of the THA.

London said he also did not understand its claim of construction of the Scarborough RC School and the Scarborough Methodist School when everyone in Tobago knew that the Scarborough Methodist School was constructed more than ten years ago while construction has not yet started on the Scarborough RC School.

The Chief Secretary said the claim of initiating the construction of a temporary prison in Tobago was also misleading since that project was still in the discussion stage.

Further London said, the PP Government’s claim it had revisited the provisions of the THA Act particularly the fifth schedule with a view to granting the people of Tobago greater autonomy and responsibility over matters that affect Tobago was more than puzzling since it had dropped the issue of self governance for Tobago after it was given a sound trashing in the Assembly elections in January.

London said the validity of some of the claims it made about achievements in Trinidad may also be questionable.

He said he hoped the leadership of the PP Government and its Tobago Organisation of the People  (TOP) colleagues in Tobago would make the necessary corrections so as to prevent further erosion of its credibility.

Source:Trinidadexpress

14 Year Old School Boy Stabbed to Death At School

Fourteen year old Renaldo Dixon,
who was stabbed during at fight at the Waterloo High School,
Carapichaima on Monday. He died at the Freeport Health Facility.

A 14 year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death in a fight at the Waterloo High School, Carapichaima today.

Police said Renaldo Dixon, a Third Form pupil, was involved in an argument with another pupil over a girl, at around 10.20a.m.

Dixon, of Bagna Trace, Chase Village, Chaguanas was stabbed four times. He was pronounced dead at the Freeport Health Facility.

A 16-year-old fifth form pupil, was detained by police.

Officials of the Education Ministry's Student Support Services went to the school to speak with pupils, teacher and parents impacted by the violence, the Express was told.

Secondary school pupils today began writing Caribbean Examination Council's (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). Pupils sat the Biology subject during the morning period and History in the afternoon. Some secondary schools also had examinations for third form pupils today.

Superintendent Johnny Abraham, Sergeant Andy Mohammed and Constable Sampson visited the scene. Sgt Mohammed is investigating the case.

Source:trindadexpress

US Vice President Joe Biden Arrives Tomorrow

 US Vice President Joe Biden

The Caribbean Community countries will sign a trade investment framework agreement with the United States during the visit of US Vice President Joe Biden to Trinidad and Tobago.

Biden is due in Port of Spain tomorrow for a  two-day visit  and will also meet with regional leaders to discuss security and other issues.

A statement issued by the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat yesterday said that during the visit  energy, security, human and social development as well as trade and investment will be among the general themes of the discussions on Tuesday.

The Caricom leaders will also be joined by the Vice President of the Dominican Republic and, according to the Caricom Secretariat, a highlight of the encounter will be the signing of a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between Caricom and the United States.

Caricom chairman, President Michel Martelly of Haiti, will sign on behalf of the 15-member regional grouping, while Vice President Biden will sign on behalf of Washington.

“The meeting will chart the way forward for the TIFA including an initial action agenda intended to galvanise trade and investment activities both between the two sides and within Caricom. To aid in this regard a council will be established, led by a nominee of the Caricom Chair and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). 

The council is expected to meet at least once a year and would among other things monitor trade and investment relations, identify and work to remove barriers to trade and investment.

It  would also facilitate expanded linkages between the private sectors on both sides. 

In 2011, the last year for which finalised figures are available, Caricom had a favourable trade balance with the US amounting to US$1.2 billion with exports totalling US$8.6 billion.

Source: Trinidadexpress

PNM Lead Assembly Table a Motion to have Assemblymen salaries/office expenses paid After Dissolution of an Assembly

Leaders of Assembly business, Assemblywoman Claudia Groome-Duke piloted a motion at the last sitting of the Tobago House of Assembly that called for the “payments of salaries, allowances, and other conditions of the service to office holders of the Assembly, namely: the Chief Secretary, the Presiding Officer, the Deputy Presiding Officer, the Deputy Chief Secretary, other Secretaries, and other Assemblymen and Councillors.” The motion was brought forward because of a silence in THA regulation on the payment of Assembly members and their respective staff from the time ‘an Assembly’ is dissolved to the formation of a new Assembly after an election.

According to Groome-Duke, the motion was necessary for the proper “functioning of the Assembly,” and the “continuation of services to the people.” When the 8th Assembly (2009-2013) dissolved on October 25, 2012 and Tobago business laid in the hands of the Executive Council, the only functioning branch of government during the period of dissolution, the members continued their work of Assemblymen. This worked included the operation of their electoral district officers and necessary support staff inclusive of personal assistants, research officers and cleaners.

The 8th Assembly passed a similar motion after the dissolution of the 7th Assembly (2005-2009), when the same problem occurred. The motion presented was aimed to permanently fix this recurring problem where the payments of salaries to Assemblymen and other office holders are terminated at the dissolution the Assembly. The payment also included allowance to “defray the costs of rental of office accommodation in districts, telephone and electricity services.

Assemblyman Hilton Sandy also spoke on the motion; however, he used much of his time to bring the issue of internal self-government into the spotlight because the motion had prior historical precedence and would have faced no opposition even if an opposition was present in the current Assembly.

Source: Tobagonews

Confident Toppin takes on Coker

Vernella Allyne Toppin

Tobago-East Representative Vernella Alleyne Toppin is not yet ready to ride out into the political sunset. In fact, the prominent politician is indicating that she is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the Tobago Organisation of the People continues to be relevant to the people of Tobago. Toppin has mounted a challenge against the incumbent chairman of the party, Lionel Coker. The party holds its internal election on June 1. She is backed by a team of individuals, even though the former university lecturer would not define it as a slate. Toppin’s challenge to Coker comes at a time when some within the party are calling for a total revamp of the party’s executive following the crushing defeat by the party, which was once poised the dominate the political landscape in Tobago.

Asked about her basis for running for the arduous task of the main administrative officer in the party, Toppin said it was the necessary at this time. Speaking with Tobago News in an exclusive interview on her porch at her residence in Plantations, she explained that when the results were announced on January 21, she was shocked at the outcome and immediately went into investigative mode to determine from the electorate, the reasons why the party lost so significantly. 

The research, she said, showed that the loss by the party was linked to a number of reasons, pointing to the fact that their strategies had not covered all of the bases and therefore the party had not presented the best strategy. “There were weaknesses,” she insisted. Toppin said she had suggested after the election, that everyone on the Executive should vacate their position and leave it up to the members to elect a new executive to lead the party.

“I decided that I would throw my lot in by holding a position of influence where I can make a difference; my ideas, my strengths, my abilities can be further utilised by the party in order to support the party in a stronger way,” Toppin said. She maintained that it was the action groups of the party who selected and nomination the members of her team in the election.

Toppin told Tobago News, she found the Executive was not up to the task that we was before it. “I thought that all along, I thought that more than a year now,” she remarked. It was on this premise that she agreed to lead a team to ‘give the party a better chance moving forward’.

Toppin, who presently holds the position of Minister in the Ministry of the People and Social Development, expressed confidence that she can be a productive party chairman. “I think I have the ability to be party chairman and to be very productive and to be very decisive and insightful and able to carry the burden,” Toppin said.

Toppin’s relationship with political leader Ashworth Jack has always been questioned, with some speculating that this turbulent relationship would have been the basis of the prime minister’s decision to move her from the Ministry of Tobago Development. The Member of Parliament however, adamantly disagreed with this perspective. “I have never had a bad relationship with the leader of the TOP.

I have always supported him. I have never disrespected him or purported to prefer that he would not be the leader,” the minister reiterated. “Our leader chooses his alliances, so it’s not that we have an antagonistic relationship, we have a leader/subordinate relationship,” she continued. As for her association with Coker, Toppin described it as ‘a working relationship’.

“We have hard work ahead of us. We just have to bring all our strengths together to come up with winning strategies. There are areas in Tobago that we can concentrate on to make a huge impact. We are poised to dominate,” she stated.

She is optimistic that she is the better individual for the job, touting her experience in parliament, locally and internationally. “I can articulate the policies, programmes and practices of the TOP. I am a Member of Parliament. I have an international experience dealing with people and negotiating. I have national and regional experience, 18 years as a university lecturer and over 40 years as a teacher. I am a politician in the true sense of the word. I can match my counterparts in Trinidad, I know I can match them academically and other wise. This should increase my appeal to the membership,” she articulated.

Source:Tobagonews

Still No Back Pay for Public Workers

The THA has not received sufficient funding to settle all arrears to public officers in Tobago.

"I know that there is still some discomfort in the public domain with respect to the payment of arrears for public officers, daily rated and monthly paid," Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London said.

9,000 employees of the THA are due salary arrears for the period 2008 to 2010. London said the THA had previously identified the officers, their new pay rate and monies owed. Approximately $236,576,904 was due to the daily rated workers, while $ 71,171,752 was due to those who are monthly paid, including teachers. The Ministry had allocated to the THA $84,930,580 at the beginning of the year.

London said the THA needed between $220 and $225 million to pay Tobago workers.

"Now we had an option, do we use the $84 million and pay some of the workers, which would be 30% of the workers? Or do we strive for equity and have a situation where we wait until we receive all the funding and pay all the workers?" London said a decision was made by THA leaders to wait until all the funding had been received.

"I think we took what was the only decision that we could have taken," he said during the weekly Post Executive council media briefing on Wednesday.

In the meantime, London indicated a letter had been sent to the Ministry of Finance by the Chief Administrator about the matter on April 11, 2013 treating with the request for daily rated and monthly paid workers.

"The information I got from the Minister is that it is unlikely that this funding will be made available until there is a midterm review," London said. He indicated that the process included the midterm review, a debate and approvals, and that based on the information received from the Ministry of Finance, it was unlikely that monies would be made available in Tobago sooner than late June or early July.

"We can not pay money which we do not have," he said. "The Tobago House of Assembly has taken the responsible position that it is not fair to use those monies to pay some of the workers and not pay others when there is no criteria by which you could say these are more deserving than others."

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.

Vernella Alleyne-Toppin Contribution to No Confidence Motion Shameful and Highly Irrelevant

BE CAREFUL: Tobago East MP Vernella Alleyne-Toppin makes her contribution
in the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister at Tower D,
International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain,
on Tuesday night. —Photo: JERMAINE CRUICKSHANK

Tobago East MP Vernella Alleyne-Toppin on Tuesday night responded to Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley’s e-mail revelations with some “e-mail” disclosures of her own. But her story was of an entirely personal nature.

Speaking in the House of Representatives, Alleyne-Toppin said she wanted to tell a story about a teacher who worked in a village called Charlotteville, in Tobago. 

This teacher and a dean of discipline was in the habit of violating students, she said. She added that one day when a young girl was bringing the teacher’s lunch for him that her aunt had cooked, the teacher, a boarder (with her aunt), “kidnapped her...and kept her hostage for four hours and raped her”. 

Alleyne-Toppin said the rape resulted in a pregnancy. She said when the victim “started to show”, she was thrown out by her father and family. 

The minister said people went to the father to beg him to take back the victim, his daughter, and he relented. “But throughout the pregnancy he (the father) refused to talk to her and she suffered untold psychological damage,” Alleyne-Toppin claimed.

She said when the father and the family and the village realised what went on, they decided that they would kill the man, but he found out, got a pick-up and moved out with his belongings in the middle of the night.

Alleyne-Toppin said the victim was sent to Trinidad and hidden away. She produced a son and eventually was sent further afield.

She said, much, much later, the man acknowledged his son and gave land. But when the child asked him for help to study, the man advised him to work before he studied, just as he did when he was young. 

Several times, PNM MPs Amery Browne and Donna Cox rose on a point of relevance, but Alleyne-Toppin said it was relevant because she got the information in e-mails.

“This is to show how damaging an e-mail can be, a simple e-mail,” she said, adding: “And this is a proven story.”

“Would you have full confidence in the man in this story were he to become a Member of Parliament? How could you now have confidence in him or a person in Parliament who is striving to become the Prime Minister?” she asked.

Alleyne-Toppin said parliamentarians had to be careful how they knocked each other down and had to be more humane. 

She said things said in Parliament go worldwide via the Internet. She had started off her presentation by noting that when she went to a recent conference in Suriname, a representative from St Lucia knew the “whole credit card story” associated with her. 

She said she also knew that a lecturer at Cave Hill teaching a course on credit card fraud was using her situation in his lesson.

It was Rowley who revealed the issue of Alleyne-Toppin’s use of the credit card to withdraw cash locally, which was in breach of the rules governing this facility.

Source: Trinidadexpress

Commentary to Email Trail Release By Dr. Keith Rowley

Commentary to Email Trail Release By Dr. Keith Rowley.

I have absolutely no doubt that the emails are true but know that our police who could not even charge Jack Warner for his doings at the Hyatt seen on tape, cannot investigate emails. In reality all that is needed is assistance from the US, the FBI and Interpol. All that has to be proven is that the email was indeed sent from their email addresses.

It does not matter even if by now they would have deleted the emails for even its deletion can be proven and would itself be evidence of the panic and cover up.

There is so much to be said about the inner working of the government as seen in these emails, that this is shocking, indeed criminal. In any other country they would have been resigning by now. They could not survive this in England from which we adopted the Westminster system to which they often conveniently refer.

1. There is evidence of corruption, known to the PM with talk about wanting a helipad.
2. Evidence of how they use the SSA, contrary to laws which they passed concerning the SSA
3. It proves what we always know - that they distribute offices as gifts to achieve their ends. Hence the plan to promote the DPP to the bench so as to remove the threat he appeared to pose in the office of DPP
4. Their use of Facebook to smear opponents. They definitely have paid bloggers
5. The existence of the CABAL is proven. In fact the exchanges have been among the cabal members with the exception of Gary Griffith who came into the picture to get the SSA work done.
6. But the worse is what is implied by Suruj asking about the movement of the journalist whom Anand seem to want to get rid off by any means necessary. And what is the meaning of using a third party to deal with her.

This government has to go NOW.

Blogger :-  Karlspinner

House to Debate two Motions

Two Motions are listed on the Order Paper for the May plenary sitting of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on Thursday. (23rd May 2013)

The first Motion is asking members to re-establish a Special Select Committee to examine the protocols and financial implications involved in having the debates of the House carried live on the Parliament Channel.

Such a committee was appointed on October 28 2010 but was unable to prepare and table a report of its deliberations including recommendations to the previous session of the House.

Current sittings of the Assembly are carried live on Tobago Channel 5.

The Motion will be presented by deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation Tracy Davidson-Celestine.

In the second Motion Leader of Assembly Business and Secretary of Health and Social Services Claudia Groome-Duke will ask the House to endorse the decision conveyed via Executive Council Minute No. 1177 of December 06, 2012 and grant covering approval for the continued payment of salaries, allowances and other conditions of service to the Chief Secretary, Deputy Chief Secretary, Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries and Minority Leader, for the period from dissolution of the House with effect from October 25, 2012 until the inaugural meeting of the subsequent Assembly.

In addition the Motion will seek approval of members for Assemblymen to continue to receive payment during the period following the dissolution of the House, of all monthly allowances to defray the cost of rental of office accommodation in districts, telephone and electricity services, as well as continued payment of salaries to all employees in district offices from the day of dissolution of the House or October 25, 2012 to Polling day or 21st January 2013.

Finally the Motion is asking that the Executive Council take the necessary action to ensure that all payments are made in accordance with provisions as outlined.

Source: THAsite

Section 34 Dirty Email Trail

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Keith Rowley yesterday released  an e-mail trail alleging a conspiracy meant to silence the media and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in connection with the early proclamation of Section 34.

The e-mails, which were released by Rowley during debate on his no-confidence motion against the Government, detailed a plan to tap the phone of DPP Roger Gaspard, remove him from office, and silence a Guardian reporter pursuing the Section 34 story.

Following is the e-mail trail:

EMAIL EXPOSE

[1] From: anan@gmail.com 

Date: Sat 2 Sep 2012 22:11:00 – 0400

To: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Subject: RE: Update

My lady, please relax, everything is in place, nothing to worry about. We will soon chat.

[2] Subject: Re: What’s up

To: anan@gmail.com

From: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 02:07:36 +0000

I am worried AG. I do not want this to blow up in our faces. This has to be done seamlessly.

[3] Subject: Re: Update

To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

From: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 02:15:14 +0000

How are things going with this, do you need to brief me on anything. Did you make contact yet? Will he be on board. I don’t want surprises.

[4] From: anan@gmail.com

Date: 9/06/12 22:02:45

To: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Subject: Worry not

Nothing will be traced back to you. We are always united.

[5] Subj: Monies owed

Date: 9/06/12 11:38:04 AM SA Western Standard Time

From: kamlapb1@gmail.com

To: anan@gmail.com

CC:

Are you sure everything is in place. Did you chat with the DPP and ask him about it? Try and find out. 

Btw, she says you are asking for much money.

[6] Subject: Re: Monies owed

TO: kamlapb1@gmail.com

From: anan@gmail.com

Date: 9/06/12 12:15:01

I scoff that it’s too much. We are the ones taking the risk. At the end of this I want a helipad on my roof top.

There is no price for freedom they know this. I do not know why you engage her.

I am yet to approach him, but will do soon.

[7] Subject: Re: Monies owed

To: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt

From: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Date: 9/06/12 12:35:45

It’s not a matter of engaging, she has done so much for us and I appreciate her. Tone down your requests and focus elsewhere for now.

[8] Subject: Re: Monies owed

To: kamlapb1@gmail.com

From: anan@gmail.com

Date:9/06/12 12:45:11

As you wish my lady, Take care and we shall chat later.

[9] From anan@gmail.com

Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2012 22:15:40-0500

To: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com;Roodal@tstt.net.tt;surujrambacan@hotmail.com

Subject: Help needed

There’s an article a reporter from Guardian called me about involving our boys. I need you to get your feelers out there and nip the story. Call the Sunday Guardian Editor and threaten her with ads if you have too just make sure the article does not come out. Will call you later.

[10] Subject: Meeting

On Sat. Sep 8, 2012 at 10:06:05 PM, <anan@gmail.com> wrote

Call a meeting, we need to talk urgently

[11]From: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2012 14:51:18-0500

To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net

Subject: Guardian article

AR:

What is going? Did you see the article. I thought you had friends in the Guardian. How could this happen? Fix it.

[12] On Sun, Sep 9, 2012 at 2:51 PM, anan@gmail.com wrote:

I saw the article. Not to worry, remember Opposition supported this. That will be our defence

[13] FROM: kamlapb1@gmail.com

TO: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt

Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:27 PM

Deal with this mess.

Did she speak with James? You said he could be trusted. Does she have a copy?

[14] Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:30PM

James knows he cannot say anything. I doubt she has a copy. She is bluffing. I will retain him to write a letter refuting what she said. I sent out a release already. Remember everyone supported this. The PNM will loose out for allowing this to happen. Do not worry.

[15] FROM: anan@gmail.com

TO: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com

Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 1:33 AM

We have a problem. Things are getting heated. Need access to taps in DPP office. I want to know what his next move is. How soon can you arrange?

[16] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com

TO: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt

Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 1:40 AM

I will call SSA and get B. Ganpat is out of the country, he would be against this move. You know he leaks

[17]On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 6:51 AM, anan@gmail.com wrote:

I gave instructions to B to sent him Germany for two weeks. I want someone to monitor DPP for this week. He made some statements. The normal protocol applies.

[18] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com

TO: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

Mon Sep 10, 2012 at …AM

Everything is already in place in DPP office. Nothing out of the ordinary yet, Spoke with PM and she is furious

about the article. What about the reporter, tag her as well? My person..Guardian said she has a copy

of Lewis advice and is just toying with you. She does have someone in the US Embassy and is asking questions.

Last time we checked she contact Counselor to the Attorney General Channing Phillips.

Do you think someone there is feeding her?

[19] On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 10:51 AM, anand@tstt.co.tt wrote:

That f….. whore don’t have sh… on me. More than likely she called Thomas at the Embassy.

Do a trace on her, every reporter has skeletons in their closet and post it to our FB people

Find out how the f… she quoted from something she has no access too. I want this by this evening and I want to know who is her source.

[20] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com

TO: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

Mon. Sep 10, 2012 at 11:15AM

Yes boss.

That will take the heat off a while when other things pop up. Deal with this matter AG

[21]From: kamlapb1@gmail.com>

Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2012 23:51:31 -0400

To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

Subject: RE: Urgent

The US contacted me and are f…… angry, I thought you had a hold on this

This will cause major backlash. They even threatened to black-list us. Come up with a plan AG.

[22] Subject: Re: Urgent

To: kamlapb1@gmail.com

From: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt

Date:Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:21:44 +0000

Right now our best bet will be giving Gaspard a position on the bench and bring in a replacement. We could also feed our media people that Gaspard was part of the consultation at the Hall of Justice this year and he did not have a problem at the meeting. Let’s try the judge position first. 

[23] From: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:54:39

To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

Subject: RE: Urgent

Have a chat with Archie, let them offer him the position. Archie is normally co-operative.

[24]Subject: Re: Urgent

To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

From: kamlapb1@gmail.com

Have you dealt with the mess yet? We are getting bad press. Deal with this AG

Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:59:44

[25] Subject: Re: Urgent

To: anan@gmailcom;anand@tstt.net.tt

From: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com

Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 13:00:42 -0000

How things looking? The media are having a field day, PM is angry. The US also on the case.

[26] Subject: Re: Urgent

To: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com

From: anan@gmail.com

Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 14:00:22 +0000

Something is not right with that b..ch she knows too much. Did you find out her source? I was the only one who had this and she does not know Lewis. She does not know any QC, that I found out from her court colleague. She quoted things and asking questions to lawyers that no one knows.. did you find out anything on her..how are things at DPP.

[27] Subject: Re: Urgent

To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

From: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com

Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 15:00

Will check with DPP status and give you a report later. The reporter does have a history. She has a file..it’s really touch and go. She was in Florida at an institution in late 2003. attempted suicide. Her family are PNM, dad was in jail and recently released. Also added some stuff and sent it to FB. They will take it from there.

[28] From: anan@gmail.com

Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:47:08

To: surujrambachan@hotmail.com

Subject: Deal with the problem

This b…ch is becoming a problem to me. I’m told she has copies of documents and possibly cheques I don’t want

to leave anything to chance. I want this dealt with. find a way. I passed info to FB and they would f… her up but that’s not enough. Do something to slow her, PM is angry I assured her things will be good. I feel like I failed.. just deal with that b…ch soon if she has what I think, then we will all be implicated.

[29] Subject: Re: Deal with problem

To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt

From: surujrambachan@hotmail.com

Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:58:-2

What did you have in mind: Does she drive, walk, do you know her movements. We should meet and discuss. How soon. 

[30] Re: Deal with problem

Hide Details

From: anan@gmail.com

To: surujrambachan@hotmail.com

Message flagged

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10.00PM

I don’t care what you do, just deal with the problem soon. Gary has the file on her . Whatever is one, let it be done through a third party. This is getting out of hand now. PM is frantic and is begging me for a distraction. I don’t think anything on Hart will provide that. I gave her the assurance that things will be ok. I also advised her to get rid of Volney, but she is weighing her options.

[31] Subject: Re: deal with problem

To: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt

From: surujrambachan@hotmail.com

Date: Wed 19 Sep 2012 10:08:32

She will face opposition if she even contemplates getting rid of you. But don’t worry, we will chat tomorrow and finalize plans for that girl . 

UN Blowing Their Trumpets for LGBT: Homosexuality No Disease

Picture From Facebook Profile Aimed At
Decriminalize Homosexuality

The United Nations (UN) and UNAIDS on Friday showed support to the international lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

In a message, UN Resident Coordinator, Richard Blewitt, praised the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for its willingness to address the issue from a “public policy perspective” when it participated in the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR) — a process through which states hold one another accountable on their human rights records. 

“On October 7, 2011, the Government accepted a recommendation to undertake proactive policies to promote the rights of individuals regarding sexual orientation and their HIV/AIDS status,” said Blewit, noting that education and engagement were essential for building a more just and equitable society. 

“The United Nations system applauds this vision. We extend to the Government and population of Trinidad and Tobago our technical expertise to support the progress of national dialogue, policy development, social protection and accountability that are central to securing the human rights of all people, regardless of difference. As the Secretary General reiterates, we must continue working for a world of “true freedom and equality for all,” he continued. 

Blewitt noted that, in his official statement on the Day, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, stressed that LGBT persons had been subjected to violence, treated with contempt, derision and discrimination based on their sexual orientation. “They have been made to feel anything but free and equal. For far too long, their suffering was met with silence in the halls of power,” Ki-moon said. 

IDAHO, explained Blewitt, commemorated World Health Organisation’s decision to stop classifying homosexuality as a disease or mental disorder, but a “normal variation of human sexuality.” 

UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, said it was because of the courage of LGBT persons, the would has seen extraordinary progress against AIDS. However, the continued, stigma and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity still drive new HIV infections and are an obstacle to treatment efforts. 

“We call on political and community leaders to cast aside discriminatory laws and social practices. The right to health belongs to everyone. Everyone should have access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support,” said Sidibé.

Source:newsday

F Grade For PP Gov't: Three Years With Nothing to Show

“Woefully inadequate” is how political analyst Dr Winford James describes the People’s Partnership Government’s performance over the past three years. 

The Partnership Government celebrates its third year in government later this week.

“One is hard-pressed to find any areas in which they have excelled,” he said of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s three-year-old Government, which came into power promising a new kind of governance of trans­pa-ren­cy and equity for all.

“This Government offered hope on the hustings that they would do things differently, but it is either they are not able or willing to change the core; they talked about strengthening civil society but nothing was ever done,” he said. 

“The Government has been boasting of infrastructure gains such as roads and bridges, which to every government are the most visible, but I have not seen nor has the country seen any major infrastructure gains.”

The most high-profile project has been the controversial $8 billion Solomon Hochoy Highway extension to Point Fortin, but James said “there have been a lot of issues around this and one can’t speak about its completion”.

“Also, there has not been any infrastructure works in the other parts of the country, and we must now wait for the Government to say what it has achieved, but one is hard-pressed to find any areas in which they have excelled.

On the vexing issue of procurement legislation, which James said “is a matter which strikes at the heart of corruption, there has been no legislation in relation to procurement, no legislation to limit the term in office of the prime minister nor any legislation in reference to referendum”.

As part of its promise to ensure transparent and accountable governance, the Partnership’s 2010 manifesto promised to “prioritise the passing of procurement legislation and appropriate rules and regulations”.

It also promised to “establish equitable arrangements for an efficient procurement system, ensuring transparency and accoun­tability by all Government departments and State enterprises”, but Dr James pointed to the inaction of the Government on such a critical issue. 

As to the pervasive crime situation, the Tobago-born University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer believes the Government is struggling to bring crime down, even as it uses its most draconian measures. 

“We have seen the Government’s tendency to use methods that are very draconian, for example, the State of Emergency (SoE) and now, legislation brought to the Parliament to deal with the precepting of soldiers...it has reached the stage of a reliance on using force. 

“We all agree that crime is caused by a variety of factors and force is not enough, but the question is whether they have done any kind of psychological and sociological research which speaks to the causes of crime and their solutions. I am not saying that the use of force should not be used in violent areas, but there are other root causes to crime.”

James said the Fyzabad Accord, which is the negotiated agreement between the partners that formed the Government, “was merely to steal people’s vote”.

“What have they really accomplished? As far as I can tell, their main accomplishment has been holding the Government together;  they have gone into Government maintenance. They also have a policy of favouring their own people in the offerings of contracts and employment of certain high positions, in board appointments and dis-employing people.

“The question is: where is the innovative Government? Where are the projects they have comple­ted? One is hard to find those things and, therefore, I believe the Government is woefully inade­quate. They have displayed poor decision-making and blatant support for their financiers, beyond the people’s interest.”

With regard to Tobago, James said the relationship with central government is “more of the same”, pointing out the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has had its challenges, even under the Manning-led People’s National Move­ment (PNM) administration.

Of the burning issue of self-government for Tobago, Dr James said that London had made it clear he did not want to embroil the issue with constitutional reform. 

“He has signalled his lack of co-operation with that exercise since Tobago has had its own consultations on the issue, and even a group by the central government came up with its own bill, so it is not surprising that the Chief Secretary was not co-operative with (Cong­ress of the People political leader) Pra­kash Ramadhar.

He said given the fact the THA is controlled by the PNM, “it takes a lot of political maturity to make the relationship work”.

The quiet between the two administrations, he said, should not be taken lightly. 

“There is a certain level of quietness, but things are still seething underneath the surface, waiting to be activated. Don’t let the calm fool you,” James said.

The rest of the country takes its signals from the politicians, but lately, there has been silence, he added.

“I know before (Jack) Warner (former minister of National Security) resigned from his office, there was talk of him going to the THA to discuss security issues; I imagine his succes­sor will still do so.”

James suggested the current state of affairs showed the electorate was not behind the Partnership.

“Labour is against them, the THA is not happy, there is disaffection within their camp, civic groups are not happy and the electorate is cut off from the procedures of government,” he cited as evidence that after three years, the Government was not on a strong footing. 

Source:trinidadexpress

Jack Launches His Own Newspaper

‘Raising the bar’: Journalist Azad Ali and Jack Warner cut the ribbon
 to officially launch Warner’s Sunshine Newspaper
at Kantac Plaza, Eastern Main Road, Arouca
 on Friday night. —Photo: Ayanna Kinsale

Former minister of national security Jack Warner launched his weekly tabloid— the Trinidad and Tobago Sunshine Newspaper, in a low key ceremony, outside the newspaper’s office at Kantac Plaza, Arouca, on Friday afternoon.

Speaking with reporters on his decision to launch his own news publication Warner said it was his attempt to improve the standard of journalism by raising the bar while giving a voice to the marginalised of the country.

In his speech he said: “The Sunshine is designed with a conscience to recognise that while circulation statistics and healthy sales are critical to the life of any newspaper more important to us is the protection of people’s lives and character and the pursuit to ensure that lives are not unfairly destroyed and ruined.”

“Of course we do not propose to compromise the integrity of journalism which is founded on the publication of truth,” he added.

Warner, who holds the position of chairman at Sunshine, said to ensure that the highest standard of journalism is maintained by his publication, every article that goes into the paper will first have to get his stamp of approval.

The current staff at the publication is ten and includes editor Anthony “Lexo” Alexis and news editor Azad Ali. 

 Warner said he also has plans to get a radio and television licence at some point in the future.

Asked about start-up costs Warner declined to comment but boasted that his staff members were being fantastically paid with profit sharing packages.

 The first issue of the publication, expected on Friday, will be printed by the Guardian newspaper. Eventually the company wants to get its own printing press, Warner said.  

Source:trinidadexpress

The ‘betrayal’ of Tobago: People’s Partnership three years later

Side by side and together, not one behind the other,” was the promise of hope held out by the People’s Partnership Government to Tobago when it rolled into office on May 24, 2010, signalling the intent of a more equal relationship between both islands, built on mutual respect. 

Page 63 of its Prosperity for All Manifesto 2010 was clear in its mandate about the kind of relationship it wanted to forge with Tobago, one in which “the people of Tobago would have a major role in determining their present and future development”.

The manifesto, which would have got the blessings of alliance member the Tobago Organisation of the People’s (TOP) Ashworth Jack, a frontline advocate for greater autonomy for Tobago, went a step further and promised to “revisit the provisions of the Tobago House of Assembly Act, and in particular, the Fifth Schedule with a view to granting greater autonomy and responsibility to the people of Tobago over matters that directly impact on Tobago”.

From May 2010 onward, Jack, whose party won the two Tobago seats, quickly became the Partnership’s bridge for unity between the central government and Tobago —a position, it could be argued, that seemed to assume more political importance to the Government, than the Assembly or its Chief Secretary Orville London. 

In fact, London constantly complained about a lack of respect shown to his administration, which he felt was being sidelined by the current Government. 

That was until January this year, when the TOP was obliterated by the People’s National Movement (PNM) at the polls 12-nil, with Jack also losing his own Mason Hall/Providence/Moriah seat and his prominence in the alliance.

Now, five months later, little is heard from Jack, whose own integrity had come under scrutiny in the lead-up to the elections, after questions were raised about who funded his multi-million-dollar house in Tobago, on lands which, at the time, he did not fully own.

Jack has vehemently denied his mansion was built by United National Congress (UNC) party financiers, but to this day, has failed to silence his critics

In the aftermath of Jack’s demise and, by extension, the People’s Partnership’s inability to win the THA elections, the relationship between the THA and the Partnership cooled even further.

Chief Secretary London told the Sunday Express recently, “It has deteriorated and from almost every aspect has regressed.” 

“Disappointment and frustration” are the two words he used to describe it. 

London said he had hoped even though the PNM had lost the gene­ral election in 2010, the Partnership would have nurtured a kind relationship that was in sync with its election promises and manifesto. 

“More so because the People’s Partnership Government won both Tobago seats and the two MPs had actually campaigned on the basis of championing the Tobago cause, but over the last three years, I think that most Tobagonians would agree the situation from almost every aspect has regressed. 

“What is most alarming is that some of the fundamental tenets that should underpin the authority of THA have been threatened and eroded in a manner unparalleled between two institutions,” he said, admitting there has always been tension between central government and the THA. But for the most part, he said the THA was maintained and respected.

London pointed to systematic attempts by the Partnership to undermine the authority of the THA and frustrate works of the institutions and those charged with the responsibilities for Tobago

“In the early years, there was almost a contempt for the Assembly and its officials, evidenced in a number of ways, including the moves by some ministers to introduce policies and programmes in Tobago without meaningful interaction with the THA.

“As well there were a number of things which Tobagonians fought hard for, including representation on boards, etc, which have been eroded, and I don’t think that central government was sensitive to these things.

“The people’s frustration grew and the results were shown in the election. Even the campaign itself was an obscene, blatant attempt to buy support in Tobago. 

“Tobago people rejected this, of course. I would have thought that after this a greater effort would have been made for collaboration and a greater degree of synergy, but this is not the case.”

London said while some ministers were making an effort, for the most part, the fundamentals have not changed. 

“The most obvious is the way in which they would have dealt with question of internal self-government,” he said.

“Tobagonians have made their intent known to the Cabinet. They are aware that central government came up with their own bill for Cabinet for debate and that the Opposition and the THA and Tobagonians have voiced their concerns over this and against certain clauses in the bill.

The issue of internal government was the most important issue in the entire campaign, which even the Prime Minister referred to as a referendum on her leadership and that of the Government.”

London said he found it quite “disturbing” that the Prime Minister was now saying internal self-government was now being taken up by the constitutional reform exercise, spearheaded by Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar. 

“We see this as a betrayal. After all the work done, not just by the THA but by a team set up by the Prime Minister, after there has been so much agreement on most of the issues of greater autonomy for Tobago, and after so much pre-election hype, we are now going to get involved in a very unpredictable process of constitutional reform.

“I have asked for the two teams to meet and for there to be some kind of consensus, so that when the matter reaches the Parliament, the debate would be amenable to a resolution,” he said, adding that he is yet to receive a response. 

London is fearful that the issue would collapse into a process that has no predictable end to it.

Adding he is no “pessimist”, London reiterated there are some ministers and Government officials who are relating to the THA in a manner that is allowing the objectives to be achieved.

“I want to suggest that there is still time to do necessary introspection and take action to review the present relationship. I am heartened by the Prime Minister’s acceptance of my recommendation for quarterly meetings. I intend to write to her within the week, requesting a date for the next meeting and setting out those issues which I consider critical.

“The Minister of Finance has spoken to me about a meeting to discuss issues about tourism; and there have been meetings between some of the secretaries and ministers of Housing and Tourism, so I believe that there is the opportunity for improved relations over the next couple of years,” he said.

London pointed out that consecutive administrations have discriminated against the THA in the past, but feels “we have an opportunity now to go down in history as the administration that has brought to the people, the type of relationship for which they have been striving for years. 

“I want to have a relationship that is not adversarial. We will always be political rivals, but there is a lot of room for meaningful collaboration.”

He added, “After three years, we are nowhere close to that because there is still the perception that the THA must be kept in its place, and once that is the perception on the part of so many decision makers at national level, this promise of ‘side by side’ is just another platitude.”

 The term so far...

• The first “misstep” was the Prime Minister’s appointment of Reshmi Ramnarine to head the Security Intelligence Agency.

• Ill-conceived state of emergency.

• Two Cabinet reshuffles in three years.

• Firing of six ministers—May King, Minister of Planning; Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis; Colin Partap, Minister in the Ministry of National Security; Herbert Volney, Minister of Justice; Nan Ramgoolam, Minister of Public Administration; John Sandy, Minister of National Security; Verna St Rose Greaves, Minis­ter of Gender, Youth and Child Development; Minister in the Minister of National Security Subhas Panday.

• Minister of National Security and Chairman of the UNC Jack Warner resigns from the party and his Chaguanas West seat.

• PM faces vote of no confidence.

• AG faces vote of no confidence.

• ...Now the People’s Partnership Government to face vote of no confidence.

• MSJ breaks with the party.

• COP continues to grumble.

• Crime continues to rock T&T.

• Section 34 fiasco caused a Round Table arrangement between opposing forces: PNM, labour, NGOs.

• Government faced crushing defeat at the polls in the THA elections.

• Tobago and PP Government still on shaky ground over self-government.

• By-election in Chaguanas West seat

• Local Government elections due before or by October 2013

• At times, rocky media relations.

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

THA Wants Share of Housing Loan From Central Government

Secretary of Settlements and Labour,
Assemblyman Huey Cadette.

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) wants a share of any housing loan acquired by government and to have the opportunity to finance off budget funding for housing projects in Tobago. These are some of the issues raised at a recent meeting between Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and THA Secretary of Settlements and Labour Assemblyman Huey Cadette.

Cadette told Wednesday's post Executive Council media briefing that the issues will be part of a memorandum of understanding now being drafted by technocrats of the ministry and his division.

The THA is currently on a $140 million housing thrust using funds from its savings and part of its parliamentary allocation and was hoping to share in the US$50 million housing loan the central government recently obtained from the Inter American Development Bank (IDB).

He said the loan was for squatter regularisation, improvement of the housing stock, capacity building and institutional strengthening. However, he added, the Assembly wanted part of the loan for capacity building, support for its housing grants programme and for equipment and technical support for the implementation of the housing programme.

Cadette said funding for a Tobago housing programme should come from off budget sources and the Ministry of Finance had committed itself to develop a position paper with recommendations on this and also identify sources of funding available to the Assembly when approval was granted to it to obtain loans.

The housing programme was being project managed by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) whose CEO Jearlean John was present at the meeting and MTS.

He said the meeting also discussed the need to have a level of stringent oversight on its housing projects to ensure the timely delivery of units with the quality required. He said a joint team will be appointed to address long outstanding issues dating back to the former national housing authority including leases and mortgage payments.

The THA's $140 million housing thrust includes the construction of 239 units at Adventure Phase II that will have Town Houses, Duplexes, Apartment Buildings and some single units; the development of 200 service lots at the THA-acquired Courland Estate, 50 service lots at Belle Garden Phase II and 60 service lots at Adelphi Estate.

Source:THAnews

20.4 Million $ Lotto Winner From South Trinidad

Long lines as people in Trinidad line up to play the largest jack
pot for the lotto plus. 20.4 Million

One lucky person in South last night won the whopping $20.4 million Lotto jackpot.

The winning ticket—3, 15, 19, 25, 32 Powerball: 9—was bought from agent Kamla Bhookal at 20 Circular Road, Ste Madeleine at 10.23 a.m. yesterday.

Three winners who picked five numbers without the powerball each won $36,590.48.

The lines were long and the faces hopeful yesterday, as citizens in downtown Port of Spain took time to make a play for the roll-over Lotto jackpot that was up to last night estimated at over $20 million.

It was one of the busiest days in recent memories for Lotto vendors, with some saying that most of their regulars chose to spend all their money on Lotto, while neglecting their usual gambles on such daily games as Play Whe and Cash Pot.

“There were plenty, plenty new people,” said one Frederick Street vendor.

“All kind of people, bank workers, teachers, business people. That is a lot of money, who wouldn’t want to carry that home?

“But a lot of the regulars who would spend a $20 on Play Whe didn’t bother with that and spend their money on Lotto instead.”

And the good intentions among the players were all very similar. Most said they would immediately secure the future of their families through the purchase of land or the building of homes and the setting up of various businesses.

There were also lots of pledges to charity, a few promises to build homes for disenfranchised persons, children, the elderly and the disabled.

“The most important thing is to thank God and to give back,” said one player, who professed to having bought a ticket every day since last week Thursday, when the monster jackpot began to roll over.

Source: trinidadexpress