Keep Calm Tobago

Orville London, Chief Secretary of the
Tobago House of Assembly

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London has called on the people of Tobago not to panic, in light of the crime situation on the island.

London, speaking at yesterday’s THA media briefing in Scarborough, pleaded for a state of calm.

Last week, Tobago recorded two murders in less than 48 hours and there has also been a number of break-ins in Scarborough and environs, with some establishment’s showcases smashed.

“And I want to urge the people of Tobago this is not the time to panic, nor is it the time for finger pointing and blame laying,” said London. “This is the time for us to really utilise those qualities that make us a unique people.”

The Chief Secretary said citizens should be encouraged to make criminals uncomfortable in Tobago.

When asked to comment on a crime plan revealed to him by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Tobago) Brian Headley, London said some elements of the plan include an increase in manpower; additional CCTV cameras: community policing; and concentration on hot spots.

“We in Tobago have got to understand that we have home-grown criminals and we must not be naive. We must not be hypocritical and conclude that crime in Tobago is imported,” London added.

Source:expresstrinidad

Chief Secretary Meets Prime Minister

The first meeting between the newly installed Chief Secretary, Orville London and the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is to take place on Thursdays 21 February.  This meeting is to be held at the office of the Prime Minister located in St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 

The Chief Secretary in one of his first request after retaining his office called on the Prime Minister for things to be done differently. As a result, the Chief Secretary's office have requested urgent meetings with the Prime Minister to discuss three issues pertinent to Tobago. These issues surrounds 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.

The Prime Minister and Chief Secretary have not met in almost a year. Section 31 of the THA Act states 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. 

Chief Secretary Orville London Meets with Hochoy Charles

THA Chief Secretary Orville London (right)
welcomes former chief secretary Hochoy Charles
 to his Calder Hall office on Thursday.
(January 31 2012) Photo THA Information Dept.

THA Chief Secretary Orville London and former chief secretary Hochoy Charles met for almost an hour yesterday (Thursday 31st January 2013) to discuss Tobago people's business in the wake of the outcome of the January 21 THA election.

The two agreed that priority number one should be the issue of self government for Tobago and that all of Tobago should collaborate and cooperate in dealing with this matter. They further agreed that the Assembly get the power of law-making and executive power without the interference of the Cabinet under Section 75 of the Constitution.

In an interview following their 50-minute historic meeting at the Calder Hall Administrative Complex, Scarborough Charles said: "We are going to ensure that these things happen to us and that these things are delivered to us in the shortest possible time."

Charles who is leader of The Platform of Truth (TPT) said they also agreed on a common effort, a common plan and a common strategy in order to keep these issues on the front burner and to bring them to the table and to the fore so that they can be discussed. He said they would not disclose their strategy at this time.

He added that self government was passed for Tobago more than 35 years ago and didn't think that "we should wait for the 40 years like the people of Israel waited in the wilderness before we can get it".

The meeting followed a similar one between London and Dr Vanus James, of the Movement for Democracy and Development (MDD) last Saturday. London will also meet with the Tobago Chapter of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce next Tuesday to be followed by other organisations during the month.

London admitted that Charles and himself have been on different sides of the political fence for many years but one of the things they had in common was the major priority of the interest of the people of Tobago. He added that basically the results of the election meant that there was no minority presence in the Tobago House of Assembly. He said this doesn't mean that Tobago politics should revolve around one party and contrary to what people might think it presented an insurmountable challenge. He added that it presented an opportunity to introduce into Tobago true democracy between elections. "Democracy is not just about election results, democracy is about what happens between elections and therefore we felt we had to be the catalyst involving as many individuals, organisations and communities in the process," he said.

London disclosed that that he would be taking a motion to the first sitting of the House of Assembly next Thursday to treat with the strategies and vision for treating with Tobago people's business during this very unique period of challenges and opportunities for Tobago.

The Tobago Chief Secretary described the meeting as interesting and productive, adding that Charles was able to bring his experience to the table and will help him to fine tune his proposals and even make them more effective. "I want to thank him for that," London said.

London said Charles has committed to be part of the process which would give Tobagonians the assurance that "we are going to work assiduously to ensure that what Tobago people want and deserve with respect to internal self government is what they are going to get".

He said all the leaders with the exception of one would have said that the views of the people of Tobago must be respected and they must form the basis of any kind of agreement between Tobago and Trinidad, between the Assembly and the Central Government and of course based on what should happen in Parliament.

Reproduced from THA site

London staying out of TOP business

Orville London, Chief Secretary of THA

People's National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council leader Orville London does not want to add his voice to the calls for Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) leader Ashworth Jack to step down following the 12-nil thrashing of his party in last Monday's Tobago House of Assembly election.

"...one of the things that I am trying not to do is to interfere in the business of the TOP and its leader and I really hope I am not tempted or persuaded to do anything otherwise," London said yesterday.

He spoke with the media during the PNM's victory motorcade throughout the island. London assisted in the organising of buses, maxi taxis, trucks and cars as the motorcade left the Scarborough Market car park, along the Claude Noel Highway, through Signal Hill, Patience Hill and across Tobago.

On Saturday, the PNM held a thanksgiving evening at the Scarborough Esplanade.

Asked who should be the next President of Trinidad and Tobago, London said the person should be someone of integrity who inspires trust and is not considered or perceived to be partisan.

"But I think the most important criteria has to be that person is an individual who you have confidence in, is going to be non-partisan and sufficiently detached from the politics.

"That the decision which he or she makes, even though you don't agree with them, you will know that they are not motivated by anything political or influenced one way or the other," said London.

On Saturday, London met with economist Dr Vanus James with respect to Tobago and the way forward in terms of governance.

He said talks were frank, interesting and his suggestions were quite productive.

"Some recommendations were made which we are looking at and, of course, over the next couple weeks I will be talking to other leaders and basically hoping to come up with a consensus."

London also sought to dispel any notion of the PNM forming a coalition with other political parties.

"What we are saying is that people maintain their independent identity, but we all work together in the interest of the people of Tobago."

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

Orville Calls for Two Independent Councillors.

Dr. Keith Rowley and his Wife

Newly sworn-in Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London has written to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar calling for the law to be changed to allow an alternative voice on the totally People's National Movement (PNM)-controlled THA.

Speaking to reporters following yesterday's inauguration of the new THA in Scarborough, Tobago, London said he has written to the Prime Minister and copied the letter to the Opposition in which he is recommending Parliament should meet and have the President appoint two independent councillors in his own discretion.

There is now no Minority Leader in the Assembly following the election whereby the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) lost all its seats to the PNM. TOP leader Ashworth Jack previously held the post.

It is customary, according to the THA Act 40 of 1996, that the minority in the Assembly elects one councillor on the advice of the Minority Leader.

"I said two because what that will mean is that you will have the opportunity for those councillors to move motions, have the motions seconded, and guarantee we will have a debate," London said.

London said the matter should be done as a matter of urgency as it augurs well for the well-being and organisation of the Assembly.

In addition, within the next two weeks London said he will be meeting with interest groups, economist Dr Vanus James, Platform of Truth leader Hochoy Charles, the Chamber of Commerce and the Youth League on the way forward for Tobago.

He also wants his secretaries and assistant secretaries to be more in touch with their communities.

"I'll also be advising or maybe instructing that they must hold sessions with their electoral districts at least once a month," London said.

He said the new faces added to his team were a blending of youth and experience.

Commenting on Jack's absence from the ceremony, London said as far as he was aware, all political parties which took part in the election received invitations. The only person observed in the chamber representing the TOP was former assemblyman Steve Jack. Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Secretary, Division of Tourism and Transportation, has replaced Hilton Sandy who had made the controversial statement of the "Calcutta' ship as deputy THA chief secretary.

Members of the new THA: THA Chief Secretary: Orville London Deputy Chief Secretary: Assemblywoman: Tracey Davidson-Celestine Assemblywoman: Claudia Groome- Duke, also appointed Leader of Assembly Business Assemblyman: Hilton Sandy, stripped of his former portfolio of Deputy Chief Secretary. Assemblyman: Huey Cadette Assemblyman: Joel Jack Assemblyman: Handel Beckles Assemblyman: Sheldon Cunningham Assemblyman: Ancil Dennis Assemblyman: Jomo Pitt Assemblyman: Hayden Spencer Presiding Officer: Kelvin Charles Councillor: Denise Tsoi-a-Fatt-Angus Councillor: Dion Isaac, also appointed Deputy Presiding Officer Councillor: Gary Melville.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

22 Thousand Million Dollars A Lie Says London.

Political Leader of  PNM Tobago
Orville London

Ashworth Jacks' infamous description of THA's fiscal allocation over the 12 years of administration has been described as misleading by the Tobago Political Leader of the PNM, Orville London. The political leader is now calling on TOP and the PP members to desist from misleading the public of Tobago on the amount received by the assembly over the 12 years. ." He further noted that all one has to do is add the allocations for every fiscal year for the past twelve years and the amount received would be known."All you got to do is to add all the monies that were given to the THA between fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2012, add it up and you come up with a figure and the figure is not $20b, in fact they gone to $22b He said.  He further stated that the way the TOP is proclaiming this false figure is insulting to every Tobagonians intelligence. 

London said this misleading information has been spoken of by the TOP and PP members on their platform and in advertisements for the January 21 election campaign. He then stated that the figure the Assembly received up to fiscal 2012 was just $16.39 Billion.  and the first quarter receipt for fiscal 2013 brought it up to a little less than 17 billion, which is why they have been speaking of $17 billion on their platform.

London continued to break down the figures stating that of the  $16.39B which the Assembly received up to the end of fiscal 2012, $13.54b was for recurrent expenditure and only $2.58b was in fact development funds.  "In other words the THA would have received an average of $240m per year for development," he added.

London said: "When you take 12 years and accumulate it in that kind of manner the numbers sound big but when you break the numbers down one would understand the circumstances under which we operated and the challenges which we had to face because basically we would have averaged for development, this is, all the major and not so major development projects in Tobago from the princely sum of $240m."

London then choose to educate the people of Tobago that of the $16B or $17b, $8.8b was spent in wages, salaries and benefits to Assembly employees over the years and that was an indication of the contribution the Assembly had made to the quality of life of the people of Tobago. 

London Releases Manifesto

The only manifesto released so far in the build-up to the Tobago House of Assembly election on January 21 is that of the People's National Movement (PNM). The manifesto, which contains 60 pages, is based on the theme 'In Defence of Tobago, Protecting Our Heritage, Securing the Future".

PNM Tobago Council leader and THA Chief Secretary Orville London waved the document on Sunday at Market Square in Scarborough before thousands of PNM supporters at the presentation of candidates.

In the middle pages is the heading, "The Team You Can Trust In Defence of Tobago", led by London and his 11 candidates.

On page 38 is the "Vision of the next frontier" and "The defence of Tobago".

Some of the future prospects include:

1. Greater autonomy and devolution to Tobago and the THA

2. The recognisation of the interests of Tobagonians in the revised constitution

3. The establishment of an anti-corruption strategy for the THA

4. The modernisation of THA Operations and

5. The strengthening of land and property rights among others.

6. The regularisation of land titling in Tobago

7. Establishment of Specialised Institutes (Programmes) in Forestry and Heritage Studies

8. The mobilisation of diasporic funds

9. The reformation of the Tobago Heritage Land Trust

10. The establishment of the Tobago Think Tank

Throughout the booklet there are headings such as Health Care, Tourism, Housing, Infrastructure and Transportation.

In conclusion, the PNM manifesto says to defend Tobago the party is not engaged in reaction, but rather in proactive initiatives to take the people and the island to the next level.

The Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) and Platform For Truth (PFT) are yet to reveal their respective manifestos.

Reproduced from TrinidadExpress

Moore ah Wolf in Sheep's Clothing...In Other words, ah UNC in TOP Clothes

Minister of Justice
Chrislyn Moore

What side of the fence is your Tobago-born Minister of Justice Christlyn Moore? As a self defined "eat ah fooder" of the UNC, (held Briefs from both Anand and Kamla) many persons have questioned her true political allegiance.  It is no wonder that she has been described as a "straw man", a United National Congress (UNC) mouthpiece, timely introduced (for THA elections) and pretending to be a TOP affiliate to lure voters and fulfill the wishes of Kamla by securing Tobago and thus closing the circle.  

Moore, an attorney at law from Lambeau, has been critical of the PNM lead administration of the Tobago House of Assembly, lead the Orville London. Moore much like a raging bull blew steam recently in the Senate, accusing London of maladministration and taking him to task about a statement he made recently about not forgiving Tobagonians if they did not vote for the PNM. 

However, former minister and MP for Tobago East Rennie Dumas indicated that democracy was alive and well on the island, and is evident by the open show of support for the Opposition Tobago Organisation of the People, by its supporters.

"Everybody is everybody... TOP complains about victimisation, but the reality is that if you walk outside you would see taxi-drivers driving with TOP flags, people going into compounds of administrative offices flying flags in cars, on their windows, and its not a problem in any way.

"When Orville said he will 'not forgive', it was merely the old school teacher way about him. There is nothing more to it," he said.

When asked about Moore's attack, the former PNM government minister seemed unperturbed about her stance.

He said: "Moore is in a sense a straw man. She is selected from Trinidad and has taken this stance because of her relationship with the Prime Minister and the Attorney General, as she herself has explained."

He said Moore had no space in the electoral process in Tobago, and did not come to Tobagonians as a member of any political party, and certainly not the Opposition Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP).

Moore responded by saying Dumas was out of place to attempt to define her political identity and maintained that she is part of the executive of TOP. 

But the way Dumas sees it, "(Moore) is attacking from the safety of having no relationship to us. People have to understand that she is their (the Prime Minister and the Attorney General's) champion, and is in fact, a UNC champion."

He said the UNC is "attempting to clothe her and cloak her in TOP clothes", and while he was not questioning Moore's 'Tobagonianess,' Dumas said, "She is not a TOP, she did not come to us as a member of TOP, she was not elected."

He further noted, Moore had no political cost to pay for her utterances. "She is like a guerilla taking free shots from behind the protected borders of a state; in this case, Trinidad," Dumas said. He charged that she was really nothing more than the mouthpiece of the UNC, "just like Anil (Roberts) and the others, always on the attack for the PP government".

Her status, according to him, was unlike Vernella Alleyne-Toppin and Dr Delmon Baker, who are TOP MPs. "In their case, they must pay because they were elected by the people of Tobago and whatever they say, will have a cost," Dumas added.

He said Moore's political stance is move to positioned herself for prime ministerial role. "Maybe she sees it as 'she is coming', after all, if Kamla could become PM then what's stopping Moore? When Vernella was acting PM, she thought she would be Prime Minister too. "Where is she now?" he asked with a half-laugh.

Chief Secretary Calls for Clean Campaign.

Chief Secretary, Orville London 

THA Chief Secretary Orville London is appealing to contenders in the January 21 Assembly Election for a decent campaign.

Saying he was speaking as Chief Secretary, London told reporters at the weekly post Executive Council media briefing that he has been "very disappointed to date at the level to which some of the campaign rhetoric has been generated".

He said he was really hoping that all leaders and persons having conversation with the public of Tobago will focus on the issues and not allow the conversation to degenerate into character assignation and vicious personal attacks.

"I really want to urge all of us as leaders to ensure that we keep the campaign at a level where we can be comfortable that after the election is over that the healing process will not be too difficult," he said.

London added: "We have to bear in mind that above everything else we are Tobagonians and regardless of the outcome of the election we have to live here as Tobagonians and we all have a responsibility to understand that the way in which we campaign could influence the way in which we govern.

"I want to give the assurance that as long as I am associated with any campaign it will be conducted according to the acceptable standard and I really hope that this policy will be followed by those concerned."

reproduced from THA official site

Ramlogan Threatens London with Legal Action

Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan

In a story carried by the express, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has threaten 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. The Attorney General further tries to bully his way as usual by stating if he is "forced" to issue legal proceedings against London, he (Ramlogan) would also be forced to invite the Court to order London to pay the Legal costs personally out of his pockets as opposed to it coming out of the THA coffers. 

Ramlogan said he was giving London one more week because he did not want it to be said that "we are hounding Mr London or acting in an aggressive manner against him". "I am repeating the call to him through you (the media) to behave in a responsible and mature manner and disclose the documents or else face the consequences," the Attorney General stated. 

Last month Howai wrote London giving him seven days to submit the documents pertaining to the two projects. London in a press briefing stated that Howai, has to wait a little longer than his seven days stipulation. London further stated that under the laws and the T&T Constitution the Finance Minister has no authority to instruct him to provide information to him within any timeframe.

Further, London indicated that in the interest of public disclosure and due to the considerable discussion that surrounded the transaction he has a responsibility to make the information available to the Minister as well as the general public.

However, even with these assurances, the Attorney General seeks to take draconian measure  against the Chief Secretary and more so Tobago House of Assembly. 

This boldface, daring, audacious and irresponsible use of power against the Highest institution of the people of Tobago must be condemned.  If the Minister does not have the "Powers" to instruct the Chief Secretary, that Minister, be him Howai or any other must wait for the provision of documents, given that explanations are forthcoming and it is done in a reasonable time.  There must be no support for the PP Government carrying the Tobago House of Assembly to Court, given that the documents are already submitted to Integrity Commission and as such an investigation can be pending or might be ongoing. 

As a result of Ramlogan's action, we must conclude therefore, that the Attorney General is NOT interested in transparency and accountability as he is purporting, rather he is interested in Politicking and his urgent quest for information is only to actively assist and satisfy the PP in their witch-hunt for political reasons or ends to damage the PNM as heavy campaigning for votes is soon to begin before the THA election.

Let the Attorney General be reminded that we the citizens of Tobago are watching their (PP) every move as it relates to Autonomy  of the office of the Chief Secretary,(note not the person) and any attack on the Office would be met with great displeasure, discomfort, resistance and aggression from the people of Tobago. 

In a previous post, London said he wanted to make it very clear that the decision not to submit the documents within seven days to Howai was by no means meant to prevent the information from being made public; "Quite the contrary, we want to ensure that at the same time the Minister has the information, the public has the information," London added.

Howai Has to Wait.

Chief Secretary, Orville London

Chief Secretary, Orville London yesterday indicated that Finance Minister Larry Howai has to wait a little longer than the seven days for documents on the $143M MILSHIRV office complex at Shirvan, in southwest Tobago.

Howai wrote the THA Chief Secretary last week requesting that all documents relating to the office complex being built for the Assembly under a BOLT (Build Own Lease Transfer) arrangement be made available to him by seven (7) days. 

In a media conference yesterday, London indicated that under the laws and the T&T Constitution the Finance Minister has no authority to instruct him to provide information to him within any timeframe.

However, London indicated that in the interest of public disclosure and due to the considerable discussion that surrounded the transaction he has a responsibility to make the information available to the Minister as well as the general public.

London further indicated that he has would send a letter to Minister Howai on Thursday (1st November 2012) explaining that the various documents are being vetted by Senior Council and the THA Senior State Council following which the information will be made available to the public and to him.

London also disclosed at the weekly Post Executive Council media briefing on Wednesday (31st October 2012) that the Integrity Commission had written him requesting that the documents on the MILSHIRV office complex be produced within seven days.

The Tobago Chief Secretary said the Integrity Commission has the legal authority to so instruct and therefore that information will be made available to it within the seven days. He added that more or less the same information that was going to be made available in the public domain will be made available to the commission for it to continue its investigation.

London said he wanted to make it very clear that the decision not to submit the documents within seven days to Howai was by no means meant to prevent the information from being made public; "Quite the contrary, we want to ensure that at the same time the Minister has the information, the public has the information," London added.

Government Bolts to Court over THA contract

'LAW BREACHED': Attorney General Anand Ramlogan
Photo by: MICHEAL BRUCE

Government is bolting for the courts.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan yesterday announced that Government is to go to court seeking a declaration that Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Orville London and the Assembly violated Section 51 of the THA Act when it entered into a $143 million BOLT (Build, Own, Lease, Transfer) contract for the Milshirv Administrative Office.

Ramlogan told the Senate the matter had been referred to the Commissioner of Police for immediate investigation, to the Integrity Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions by the office of the Attorney General.

Ramlogan said he had spent the last two days looking at the matter, which had been referred to him by the Prime Minister.

"When you deconstruct the BOLT arrangement, it is clear that Orville London and the THA breached the law.

"It appears that the THA negotiated an arrangement which was designed to by-pass and circumvent the provisions of the THA Act," he said.

"There are things about it from the start, however you turn it, however you dissect it, it reeks of corruption and misfeasance," the AG declared, to loud tablethumping support.

Ramlogan said Section 51 of the Act states that the THA Secretary may with the approval of the Minister (of Finance) borrow sums by way of term loans for the purposes of capital development.

Stating the Minister knew the country's balance sheet, he said the THA could not use a "disingenuous device" to get around the provision.

"Depending on what the court says, it may well be that the people of Tobago would be saved from this pernicious and oppressive agreement...and that transaction may be voided," he said to more deskthumping.

Ramlogan said there were too many questions to ask, such as: "How did these people (Dankett Limited) know that Orville London wanted an office complex in the first place to come and approach him with the proposal? This man had a piece of land and suddenly he had a vision...a dream, and he run down in his pyjamas and say 'hey Orville, I dream last night yuh wanted a complex and I will build it for yuh'. This is a strange case of political telepathy. Something has to be wrong."

He said he also wanted to ask London whether he paid 18 months' rent in advance in the sum of $21.64 million through a FCB account, "before even a post hole was dug", as soon as the lease was executed.

"Because if that company fold up, that money gone. That is what happened at e TecK and the WGTL (Petrotrin) matter, which are both before the court," the Attorney General said.

"Was this transaction put before the THA? Was there any public disclosure about it at all?" he asked, getting a response of "no" from his colleagues on the Government bench.

Ramlogan said two questions asked by Reginald Dumas, former head of the Public Service, remain unanswered--whether it was necessary to rent 83,000 feet of office space to house the Agricultural Division of the THA, and how come the cost per square foot of land in Milshirv was double the price of land in the capital city, Scarborough.

Reproduced from express Trinidad 

Kelly Ann Baptiste Visits Chief Secretary

Trinidad and Tobago athlete Kelly Ann Baptiste
paid a courtesy call on THA Chief Secretary Orville London
at his Calder Hall office on Monday (October 15, 2012).

She hasn't yet reached her peak and still has many years ahead of her.

This was an assurance given by Olympian Kelly-Ann Baptiste when she made a courtesy call on THA Chief Secretary Orville London on Monday at his Calder Hall office.

Baptiste thanked the Chief Secretary and Tobago for the support she has received. She said that though she had high expectations, the support of others "helped pick me up from the slump."

But Mr London reassured her. "We do not equate success only with medals," he said.

The Chief Secretary described Kelly-Ann as "an exemplar to Tobagonians." He said Tobago appreciated the effort Baptiste made in London, despite her disappointment. Baptiste had started the season at a near personal best, but injury forced her out of this year's Olympics, though she had made the final of the women's 100 meter.

The Flordia-based athlete took a 3 hour flight to Tobago last Thursday, celebrating her 26th birthday on the island on Sunday. Graduating from Louisiana State University in 2011, Baptiste has a BA in Psychology and would like to continue her education in two years.

Baptiste said she viewed upcoming track and field events as "markers to indicate what I need to change" in preparation for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Baptiste is scheduled to leave Tobago on Wednesday and officially resumes training on November 6th.

Reproduced from THA official site

London: THA Projects Above Board

Chief Secretary of Tobago House of Assembly
Orville London

Chief Secretary Orville London said last night he was not "overly concerned" with Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar's indication to have projects in Tobago probed. London said, the THA has "always operated within the law".

According to the express paper, London stated in a telephone interview that "The Prime Minister may interpret the law in a particular way. I operate based on legal advice and based on the law," London said. "I don't know which law we have broken, but we never operate in a reckless manner," he said.

London maintained that everything was above board, and indicated his concern of the Prime Minister's intention to have the Attorney General probe the Bacolet Indoor and Aquatic Centre and the THA Administration Complex in Tobago.

"It is quite obvious that this is an attempt to politicise the THA election. The fact that the projects have engaged the Prime Minister's attention is evidence that it is about the elections. This is their style," London maintained.

He was quick to note that people in Tobago know him and know he would always "steer clear of corruption".

"But again, it is no issue if the Prime Minister's interpretation of the law is different. It is not a criminal act, it is just a different interpretation of the law and we need to treat with it. The law needs to be clarified in this type of situation," he said.

In addition, London indicated that the THA was being systematically starved of funding and was forced to entertain Build, Own, Lease, Transfer (BOLT) arrangements in order to facilitate necessary projects.

Giving examples he said, the THA requested $10 million for a scholarship programme and got $200,000. He requested $285 million for Housing and Settlement of over 500 houses, and got $28 million.

"The THA asked for $49 million to complete the Scarborough Library and got $8 million.

"With the Shore Park Cultural Complex, we asked for $20 million, we got $5 million," he said.

"It is in that context that the BOLT arrangements found favour," he said.

Joseph Rahael, director at Milshirv Properties Ltd, the company at the centre of the BOLT arrangements with the THA, yesterday said he "welcomed" the probe."We welcome any call for transparency and good governance," he said in a telephone interview last night.

Rahael earlier this week accused the Minister of Sport,  Anil Roberts of  "false allegations" made against him and his family, and he saw this as an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings. "This is a great opportunity for the name to be cleared. We believe in good governance and the due process," he said.

Rahael said he was not concerned by the Prime Minister's intention, but saw the probe as a chance to prove the BOLT arrangements in Tobago were "above board and transparent".

Ashworth Jack says: THA Incompetence Keeping Back Tobago.

Leader of Tobago Organisation of the People
Ashworth Jack

Tobago is being left behind, not because of insufficient budgetary allocations but because of the incompetence of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to utilise the already allocated funds, were the sentiment of Ashworth Jack, leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP).

Following the national budget presentation, Jack indicated that he does not understand how year after year THA Chief Secretary Orville London could say repeatedly that he was not satisfied with Tobago's budgetary allocation when the money is not being spent towards the development of the island.

"As of the end of August 2011, the revised allocation on the development programme for the Tobago House of Assembly has been $473,498,000, of that the actual expenditure being $294,684,985 and committed just about $34 million," said Jack.

"In terms of the revised, the recurrent has $1,706,540,000, that's at the end of August, and the actual expenditure $1,288,944,678 with a committed of just over $33 million. It means that Tobago's development is not at the place it should be," Jack added.

"If there is the competence to spend that money, you will be able to spend the money to effect the kind of development that Tobago requires and then you have an argument that can be faced for additional funding.You can't be asking for additional funding in the way we have been doing it when even the allocation that you are saying is insufficient is not being used," said Jack.

Tobago, he said, is too far behind and has to play catch up in using its allocation and requesting more. He noted that Tobago received just over $3 billion in the 2012/2013 national budget.

Jack said there is something wrong when the price of projects in Tobago is increased from $150 million to $250 million.

"We are saying that there must be transparency in how the money is being spent and this does not only apply to Tobago, but I believe we are going to spend $58 billion this year and the public must be kept on board as to how this $58 billion will be expended and people must feel that they get value for money," he said.

On the issue of self-governance for Tobago, Jack said the TOP joined forces with the People's Partnership based on this and the issue of land reform.

He indicated that he felt "heartened and I hope that the leader of the Opposition doesn't carry through on his veiled threat of not supporting any legislation that needs a special majority, because I don't know how he's going to come home and not only are we from the same island but we're from the same village and I would love to see how he would come home and tell people that he didn't support something that Tobago has been clamouring for maybe as long as 130 years," said Jack.

$320M DEAL

Minister of Sports Anil Roberts has accused the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) of corruption in a $320 million deal involving the sale, lease and rental of three acres of lands and an office building, all linked to the family of former PNM government minister John Rahael.

According to Roberts, the THA bought the parcel of land for $12 million from a company owned by members of the Rahael family. 

The THA then leased the land back to another Rahael family company for a 199-year period at $10 a year. The Rahaels then offered to rent to the THA the property with office space at a cost of $1.2 million a month for 20 years. 

Roberts yesterday flung a barrage of accusations of corruption and mismanagement under the former PNM government during his contribution to the 2013 Budget debate in the House of Representatives, Tower D, Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre. 

His salvoes— including a denial of funding to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation senior team for a current overseas tour (see page 8, 42A), and the linking of the current budget deficit to wastage, overruns and corruption under the PNM administration— were directed at Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, who opened the debate with claims that the People’s Partnership Government had demonstrated over the past two and a half years that it was corrupt. 

“They gonna learn something right now,” Roberts said as he disclosed the details of transactions involving the THA and the Rahael family companies. 

The THA, Roberts said, bought three acres of land from Dankett Limited for $12 million. Dankett’s two directors were Joseph Rahael, son of former PNM government minister John Rahael, and Anthony Rahael, brother of the former minister. 

John Rahael, Roberts noted, was a former ministerial colleague of Rowley, and the candidate whom Rowley backed as chairman for the PNM at the party’s last elections for its executive. Six days after buying the land from Dankett Ltd, Roberts said the THA leased the land to Milshirv Properties Limited for 199 years at $10 a year. Milshirv Properties, Roberts claimed, is owned by Joseph Rahael. 

According to Roberts, “The story gets worse.” 

While the THA did not say to Milshirv Properties that it needed office space, according to Roberts, “Joseph Rahael, son of John Rahael, said to the THA, you all need office space. Buy my land. Lease it to my next company, Amera. I will give you the design (for a building of 82,654 square feet) and you pay me over the next 20 years, $1.2 million a month.” 

That would amount to, Roberts said, over $320 million. 

On September 7, Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) leader Ashworth Jack told the media at a press conference in Port-of-Spain, that the building was built at a cost of $143 million with taxpayers contributing funds under a BOLT (build-own-lease-transfer) arrangement. 

Jack said the Bolt arrangement was not necessary as the THA also owned the land next door to the new three-storey building at the corner of Claude Noel Highway and Shirvam Road in West Tobago. 

The new building is to house the THA’s Division of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment. 

According to a THA release issued in response to the TOP press conference, taxpayers stood to gain “significant benefits” from the way the project was financed. 

The THA admitted to having to pay $322 million over a 20-year period. 

However, the release said the THA would not be responsible “for the external maintenance of the building constructed under the arrangement, the developer would take all the risks in the investment; at the end of every three-year period the (THA) would capitalise the rent to the end of the lease period and pay off for the building; and at the end of the 20-year period, the property would be automatically owned by the (THA).” 

According to Roberts, after the lease agreement was effected, the THA agreed to pay up front $21.64 million to cover an 18-month period through a First Citizens Bank account of which the THA and the Milshirv Ltd were signatories. 

Linking the PNM to the THA and the businesses, Roberts said, Tobago “is the last little piece” that the PNM has a hold on. 

“This is what they doing in Tobago. This is why we call on Orville London (THA Chief Secretary) to call elections in Tobago, because Ashworth Jack and TOP are waiting to save the last piece.” 

Referring to the PNM, he said, “and they have the audacity to talk to us about dishonesty and corruption.” 

On the issue of deficit financing which Rowley criticised, Roberts said no matter how much Finance Minister Larry Howai explained that the economy has to get moving, the PNM does not understand that extravagant spending, wastage and cost overruns were mainly responsible for the $17 billion budget deficits of the People’s Partnership Government over the past two and a half years. 

“Because of the PNM budget arithmetic,” he said, the sums of cost overruns of projects undertaken by the PNM government over its last term in office amounted to $17.3 billion in Trinidad, and $1.12 billion in Tobago. The PNM government overruns in Trinidad, he said, included the International Waterfront project, $2 billion; Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Summit of the Americas, $2.2 billion; Tarouba Stadium, $1.2 billion; E-teck, $1.2 billion; and Rapid Rail. 

“Understand what you did with the people’s money,” he said. “That was just Trinidad.” 

The overruns in Tobago, he said, included Scarborough Hospital, $620 million; Financial Complex, $80 million; Goat Racing Track, $110 million; NALIS Library, $52 million, “and it only have a foundation”

reproduced from Newsday

2.356 Billion for Tobago in Budget 2012-2013

Chief Secretary of the THA, Orville London

In a budget presentation under the theme "Stimulating Growth, Generating Prosperity", Finance Minister indicated that the Tobago House of Assembly would receive 2.356 billion dollars for fiscal 2012-2013. 

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in their presentation of their budget in June would have requested $1.7 billion for development in Tobago. However, they were given $350 million for development when Finance Minister Larry Howai presented the 2013 budget yesterday.

The Chief Secretary of the THA Orville London, described this a "major concern" arising out of the budget. He was speaking outside Parliament, Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

Howai yesterday announced that the budgetary allocation for the THA for fiscal 2013 was $2.356 billion of which $2.006 billion would be for recurrent expenditure and $350 million for capital expenditure. London indicated that he was not surprised by this budget's presentation. 

"There are some areas of concern but over the years we know despite the fact that we might be hoping for better treatment, we know that we are going to get what is the minimum requirement mandated by the law which is 4.03 per cent of the national budget and that is about what Tobago was allocated," London said.

Last year the THA received 2.2 billion with an extra 510 million to be spent by other Ministries. 

"My major concern is really in the development area where our request was somewhere in the vicinity of $1.7 billion. What we got was, I think 350 million and it is going to create some serious problems for us. What has been happening over the years is that you do not have the funding to do a lot of the major projects. What you have to do is to pool the funding and do maybe two or three of the major projects and over the years there is obviously a lag," London said.

London said this problem has adversely affected the housing sector in Tobago. "I think this is most evident in the housing sector. Over the years we have been appealing to various ministers that some of the funding made available to the central government, through loans and bonds and so on for the housing sector. That some of that funding be available to us too, because we have actually been building all our houses in Tobago for cash and basically that creates its own kind of challenges for us," London said.

London said it is time for Tobago to be treated with a "certain degree of autonomy" and be allowed to access lending.

London Left Out of Motorcade for Olympians In Tobago

Chief Secretary of
Tobago House of Assembly
Orville London

AS at 4 p.m. yesterday, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Orville London, had not yet received an invitation to join in today's motorcade organised by several Government ministries to celebrate the achievements of local athletes who competed in the 2012 London Olympics.

However, London does not see this as an issue.

In a telephone interview yesterday, London told the Express what he did receive was correspondence from Minister of National Security Jack Warner about a courtesy call to the Chief Secretary before the start of the motorcade which is scheduled to begin at the ANR Robinson International Airport at 10 a.m.

London said he was in discussions with Minister of Tobago Development Dr Delmon Baker and the courtesy call by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, was being finalised.

"I am willing to participate in the courtesy call," London said.

"I don't think we should do anything to sour the celebrations. However, the Tobago House of Assembly will be represented on the motorcade. We are going to ensure that. Maybe at the courtesy call that invitation will be extended (to me personally).

The athletes listed to be part of the motorcade are gold medallist Keshorn Walcott who topped the field in the javelin event, cyclist Njisane Phillip, quarter-miler Lalonde Gordon, men's 50 metres finalist Roger Daniel, quarter-miler Machel Cedenio, sprint hurdler Mikel Thomas and sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye.

London said the THA has also planned a function to honour the athletes scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. today at Coco Cafe, Crown Point, Tobago.

"Our intention is to do everything possible to ensure that there are no hitches and that we can synchronise the activities so that the motorcade can happen and at least Lalonde (Gordon) would be available at the function," he said.

Gordon, who was born in Tobago 23 years ago, secured two bronze medals having participated in the men's 400 metres race and the men's 4x400 metres relay. He left Tobago at the age of two, and resides in Queens, New York, United States where he is pursuing an athletic scholarship. Gordon arrived in Trinidad and Tobago last Saturday.

London said the THA wants to pay special honour to every Tobago-born athlete who was selected to be part of the 2012 Olympic team, not just those who participated. He said these included Gordon, Rennie Quow, Josanne Lucas, Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Semoy Hackett.

"A lot of them are not going to be here but their parents are being invited to participate and to accept, on behalf of the athletes, whatever is being offered to them."

Reproduced verbatim from 

Trinidad Express

New Ride For London

New Car: Said to be the Official Ride of the Chief Secretary
Orville London.

Sources have indicated that the Chief Secretary would be driving in a brand new Lexus. The New luxury Toyota car PCW 99 would  replace the PBX Toyota. 

THA Received 75 Million; Unawares.

Trinidad and Tobago Currency

It was last week that the Chief Secretary, Orville London called on the Minister of Finance, Larry Howai to release the $100 million fund that was approved to complete the new Scarborough General Hospital. 

A news release also indicated that London London as well as Finance and Enterprise Development Secretary Dr Anselm London and Secretary of Health and Social Services Claudia Groome-Duke made futile attempts to get the money released.

However, the Minister of Finance have indicated that a  $75 million payment was made on July 5, with the remaining $25 million to be paid  today.

When contacted yesterday, The Minister of Health remained critical of the THA's lack of knowledge of the payments, indicating that this is a cause for concern. He further stated, that London needs to go back and look at the THA books in light that the Minister of Finance have confirmed payments. 

Tobagojustice awaits a response from the Chief Secretary-Orville London in light of the new information brought to the public on this issue  of non payment.