Tobago own, Embau Moheni appointed as new minister in the Ministry of National Security

Embau Moheni, minister in the Ministry of National Security

Government Senator Embau Moheni has been appointed as the new minister in the Ministry of National Security. The Tobago born Moheni had previously served in the Ministries of Arts and Multiculturalism and National Diversity and Social Integration.

Moheni is the first NJAC member to serve in the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. He was a former principal of his family owned Elizabeth’s College and earned the reputation as an ace Mathematics teacher.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

"Ashworth Jack is a PP Muppet"

Ashworth Jack, Leader of the
Tobago Organisation of the People

"Ashworth Jack will stop at nothing to lead the THA. His ego is much bigger than his house, village and Tobago. He has no track record of achievement. Being anti-THA is not a solution. Mr. London and his team have definitely moved Tobago forward. We need to have Tobago leadership for the THA. Ashworth Jack likes being a muppet. Ashworth is assuming he is going to be leader of THA. Let us keep Ashworth as a muppet. Vote to keep Ashworth as a muppet. PP go through him under the bus when he lose. Then PP looking for another muppet. Ashworth Jack not good for us on Tobago"

This was a response to an article carried by the Tobago News last week, where Tracy Davidson-Celestine put a severe tongue lashing on political leader of the TOP, Ashworth Jack.  In more ways than one, I believe that the person who goes by the name "Vote" may be right in some aspects, and grossly mistaken on the other hand   What do you think? 

THA VINDICATED

The onslaught from the Peoples Partnership (PP) came fast and furious in the MILSHIV project undertaken by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Sport Minister Anil Roberts was the first to launch a scaling attack of words alleging corruption and wrongdoing by Chief Secretary Orville London in the Parliament during the 2012-2013 budget debate two weeks ago. Like if that was not enough, the Prime Minister took her punch in a bid to finish off the THA and ultimately secure a winning spot in the THA election carded for January 2013. The prime Minister threatened to stop the project and advised that she had referred the matter to the Attorney General Anand Ramlogan for swift investigation. Anand last week wasted little time and attempted to finish off what was left of the THA in this matter. He indicated that he had referred the matter to the Commissioner of Police, the Integrity Commission and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), all without getting the full facts of the matter at hand. 

However, the THA looked bullet proof. The Chief Secretary stating emphatically, that they have nothing to hide and that the MILSHIV project was above board. But even as the Government was eager to question the legality of the matter in a hope to score cheap political points ahead of the THA election the acting president Hamel Smith gave his support for its legitimacy. The express stated that in a six-page legal opinion commissioned by AIC Capital Market Brokers Ltd, dated January 3, 2011, Senator Hamel-Smith confirmed the ability of the THA to enter into the arrangement, saying there was no law restraining the THA from entering into a lease/leaseback arrangement to develop the Milshirv Administrative Centre for Education, Sport and Youth purposes. the express further stated that in arriving at the decision, the law firm consulted the THA Act Ch 25:03 extensively and investigated several pertinent international cases, which sought to determine whether entities such as the THA had the authority to enter into similar arrangements without breaching the law. 

However, the PP government continues to witch hunt although given the advice to move forward. They continue to maintain that the THA has broken the Law, all in a hope that something may eventually present itself and give them leverage in the THA elections 2013. 

The express stated that in summarising its "advice", Hamel-Smith told the AIC that since the THA has responsibility for education, sports and State lands in Tobago and is required to formulate and implement policy in relation to such responsibilities, leasing the said land can be considered to be an extension of such powers, or alternatively, incidental to such power.

Further, Hamel-Smith added: "Indeed as there is no express prohibition disallowing the THA from dealing with the land vested in it, and the THA is permitted to enter into such contract as it deems fit for the discharge of its functions, leasing and leasing-back the property with the view of acquiring an administrative centre to be used for education, sport, and youth purposes may well be considered within the powers of the THA and, in any event, incidental to such powers."

Hamel-Smith took special note of the THA's responsibilities as enunciated in Section 25 of the Act, which stated among other thing that the THA may "enter into such contracts as it deems fit for the efficient discharge of its functions".

The lawyers pointed out as well that Section 54 states, inter alia that all lands and other property of every kind located in Tobago vested in the State except the residence of the President and Prime Minister, are to be vested in the Assembly in right of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The opinion signed by the acting President made it clear that "there is no express prohibition on the THA restricting its ability to deal with its land", and that the "THA is given wide powers to enter into such contracts as it sees fit for the discharge of its functions"

Delmon Baker to Rowley: Call THA Elections Now

Tobago West MP,  & Minister of Tobago Development
Dr. Delmon Baker

“We’re ready. The PP is ready and the TOP (Tobago Organisation of the People) is ready. Tell (THA leader Orville) London to call the elections,” these were the words of Tobago West MP Delmon Baker to the Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in Parliament yesterday. A fiery Barker regurgitated the call of his coalition leader (Kamla Persad Bissessar) to Rowley asking him to instruct the PNM-controlled Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to call the Tobago elections now. 

TOP is hosting a rally at Tobago’s Market Square on Saturday where the 2013 budget is expected to be discussed and PP members are expected to attend. Baker yesterday devoted his budget contribution to attacking the THA and Rowley and shoring up the PP’s stocks where allocations and other concessions for Tobago were concerned.

Quoting from previous addresses by Rowley, he said he had flip-flopped on his statements about Tobago now that elections were in the air and was pretending to be Tobago’s hero in the issue due to his political ambitions.

Baker further said, the PNM was afraid of a forensic audit in Tobago and of calling elections. He also refuted claims made by Dr. Rowley, saying that the THA did received the requisite amount under relevant regulations.  Adding, that Tobagonians need to know what the THA is doing with the money especially as major projects are still unfinished. 

Baker again brought up queries by the Auditor General about sums of money and unspent balances, claiming that the THA is not being truthful about the actually amount on the unspent sums in a a bid to accumulate a large amount to spend for THA elections. Baker said the end of 2012 must mean the end of the PNM in Tobago.

He said Tobagonians loved the TOP and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. He added while Tobagonians loved and referred to former president ANR Robinson as “ah we boy,” they also loved Persad Bissessar who was regarded as “ah we Prime Minister.” 

PNM MP Paula Gopee-Scoon said Baker was practising for Saturday’s PP rally.

CALL THA ELECTIONS NOW!

Prime Minister
Kamla Persad-Bissesar

CALL the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections now.

This was the challenge thrown out to Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday.

Last Thursday, Rowley, during a news conference at his Port of Spain office, said, "They (Government) do not deserve to be in office, they have betrayed the trust of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. They are stained and they are shamed, and they must leave office and we are calling for elections now," Rowley said.

Persad-Bissessar, addressing a gathering at her private residence in Phillipine, South Trinidad, said, "We challenge you (Rowley) call the THA elections now. That is the only one that is due and we will not sacrifice the votes and the trust and the mandate of the electorate of Trinidad and Tobago to do the thing that Mister Manning did twice, early elections."

Former prime minister Patrick Manning and former leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) called early general elections twice—once in 1995, which he lost to the United National Congress (UNC) and its then leader Basdeo Panday, and then in 2010, which he lost to the People's Partnership government led by Persad-Bissessar.

Persad-Bissessar said, "So Mister Rowley be a Tobago-born soldier, call the THA elections now. Dissolve the THA. Let us go forth. We are rising to the top with the TOP (Tobago Organisation of the People) because, for the first time in the history of this country, people of Tobago are given due respect side by side. Mister Rowley tell Mister (Orville) London to dissolve the THA and I will make the date for the election."

London is the THA's Chief Secretary. The election must take place by January 2013.

Yesterday, Persad-Bissessar hosted a pre-budget function at her home, where all ministers, Members of Parliament, regional corporations, non-governmental organisations and other groups were invited to attend.

The Prime Minister also told her guests she will continue to listen to the people and her government is "alive and strong".

She said, "I am fortified in my view that the Partnership is alive strong and we have demonstrated as a team that even if we should misstep or falter, that the collective good is greater than the individual good. There have been times when you have asked questions, as I have, and as ministers have and MPs ask. There have been questions that we have asked, and it is right and fitting that we ask those questions because when we ask those questions it makes us better."

Persad-Bissessar said, "The answers make us improve and do better than we did yesterday.

She said, "If any one of us falters and fails, I will have no compunction but to remove them out of the very government office because, at the end of the day, it is not about one of us, it is about all of us. I will always listen to the people, I will continue to listen and then lead. I will stay very strong and very focused. You gave us a mandate here and we will continue to carry out that mandate to serve the people."

She also announced that on Saturday there will be a rally at Mid Centre Mall in Chaguanas at 2 p.m. The purpose of the rally will be to discuss the upcoming budget.

Reproduced from Trinidad Express

The Belief of CityLimer and Many Other Tobagonians

This is the cry of citylimer as well as many Tobagonians who are at this time already frustrated with the state of affairs of this Country. I wonder if his last statement would be the reality of the Tobago House of Assembly Elections.

Toppin and Baker have sold their soul and conscience for a mess of potage/political-personal agrandizement. I believe that they have no intention of continuing to live in Tobago among the people after all this fiasco of BASHING TOBAGONIANS.PEOPLE NOW IS THE TIME TO DUMP THIS UNC TOP REGIME BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.Trinidad cannot wait for 3 years - which is too long for many. Lets start the destruction of this ABOMINABLE REGIME NOW. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Tobago/THA must govern Tobago. The time is now if we miss this opportunity to Govern ourselves within the Constitution and we allow outsiders/UNC TOP to undermine/violate the Constitution we will forever regret it. Do not be fooled by propaganda and temporary gratification of gifts/money/cell phones rob you of your rational thinking and you end up being confused into doing STUPIDNESS. VOTE PNM THE ONLY PARTY WHO CAN DEVELOP THIS COUNTRY INCLUDING TOBAGO. PNM WILL WIN THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION YES PNM WILL WIN BECAUSE THE COUNTRY IS FED UP OF PP.

London Delivers Petition to PM

Tobago House of Assembly, Chief Secretary
Orville London

The message to the People's Partnership from Tobagonians is stop being "Dismissive" to their expressed sentiments on the issue of internal self government, according to chief Secretary of Tobago House of Assembly, Orville London. 

This message was conveyed to the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday after the Chief Secretary delivered a petition  to the PM's office for the Government to consider the THA's draft legislation on Constitutional reform and amendments to the THA Act. 

London indicated, at a press conference at the Hyatt Regency, that a number of 5,791 Tobagonians had affixed their signatures to the petition, and that the "people of Tobago are not attempting to force anything down the throats of the country, they are not saying that what they want should be the final thing. They are just saying these are our views and let us have a conversation."

Further, he indicated that a copy was also submitted to political scientist Dr Hamid Ghany, who is the appointee by the Prime Minister to head the Committee in ascertaining feeding back on the Green Paper on Tobago self Governance. 

Earlier this year (June 4) the PM accused London of trying to bully the Government into accepting two draft Bills on Tobago self-government, which she said was created without consulting the people of Tobago. London responded by stating that her statement was "erroneous, misleading and mischievous". Thus this move was done in an effort to preserve four years of effort by thousands of Tobagonians which was dumped or replaced with a document emanating from the Office of the Attorney General, The Green Paper. 

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Tobago Begs For Money.

THA Chief Secretary, Orville London

Release the 100 million that was allocated for the Health Sector, is the cry of THA Chief Secretary Orville London. In what can be a last attempt, the Chief Secretary has called on the new Minister of Finance Larry Howai to indicate when and if the funds would be release to Tobago.

The THA indicated that the allocation was approved to fund the completion of the new Scarborough General Hospital which was scheduled to be fully commissioned in September.

This has been another attempt amid futile attempts by London as well Finance and Enterprise Development Secretary Dr Anselm London and Secretary of Health and Social Services Claudia Groome-Duke in an effort to get the money released.

During the first phase of the commissioning of the hospital, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had indicated that her People's Partnership Government would provide the resources needed to have the it (Hospital) fully commissioned by September. However, with just mere few months to the end of the fiscal year, the possibility of THA receiving this fund looks as an every increasing impossibility. 

"Chief Secretary London and Dr London have both insisted that if the $100 million was not received within the fiscal year, the Central Government will be in breach of the THA Act and the Dispute Resolution Commission's DRC) ruling that the THA must receive between 4.03 per cent and 6.9 per cent of the national budget. The parliamentary allocation for the THA in fiscal 2012 was $3.1 billion," the release added. 

The questions to be answered are what is the London administration going to do with the monies given that they only have few months to spend it?  Is the PP Government starving the THA from legitimate funds as they did to the Hochoy led Administration in a bid to have an advantage in the January Election? Thus, the motive for the release or a stay in the release must be interrogated and the answers must be forthcoming. Moreover, the claim of a breach of the THA act and the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC) sounds plausibly, and as such the PP government should avoid this at all cost, as this action could set a dangerous precedence.  

CEPEP Economics Won't Work.

Finance and Economy Minister,
Larry Howai

The newly installed Finance Minister, Larry Howai, indicated to a media house that a more efficient and equitable property tax has to be reintroduced in the country. "We have to bring back that property tax. It is costing the Treasury money (in lost revenue) that could be used to develop the country" he stated as he indicates his first major move, given his responsibility of moving the economy forward.

The "Axe the Tax" campaign which was mounted by the People's Partnership (PP) seemingly now impractical for T&T's stagnant economy. Howai, coming to his new job with a rich background in finance and economics, should be the first to know that "CEPEP" money cannot foster sustainable change in this ecomomic drought. 

Property tax has not been collected since January 2010, and figures shows the collection of such for 2007 as 82 million.  I am therefore forced to look at this move through a pragmatic approach. What can 82 Million do for the Economy of Trinidad and Tobago? A figure considered to be highly insignificant in a 50 billion budget, and can only be seen as a mere drop in the barrel. Given that the last budget allocation for CEPEP was 320 million, this 'property tax' would only be able to fund one third of CEPEP workers, and might I remind you that a further 240 million was sought to supplement the depleted 320 million, further decresing the significance of this "vital" intervention of property tax  to a simple 15 percent. 

So who are you trying to fool Mr. Howai? The general population is no expert in finance, and may not have lead any banks,.but we are not fools. 

Make no excuse for your the PP government. They are a group that lacks respect for self, integrity or rectitude and have displayed poor forms of political ethics. They have deceived this country without remorse and as such have tread on a slippery slope of no return. You are another instrument of deception within their arsenals, and  as such you must carry out their biddings, as yet another time they must reneged on promises made to the Masses. 

The people of Trinidad and Tobago would not be beguiled by your government. We are quite cognizant that property tax must exist. As you quite eloquently stated, "Property taxes exist virtually all over the world because if you own a property, there is a cost attached to it at the micro and macro level: garbage, sewage disposal and everything that goes with maintenance." However, do not suggest to the population that it must be reintroduced so as a 'Savior' which would offer T&T's economy salvation. Trinidad and Tobago continues to run on deficit financing therefore, offer to us some ingenius way  on getting us back to economic solid ground. 

So, what are we to do, given that even with a retroactive payment of the old property tax (for the last 3 years), not even CEPEP projects could be funded or maintained. It is therefore only logical and imperative that one must examine other means of stimulating economic growth. There has to be more innovative ways of stimulating the treasury Mr. Howai. One cannot merely concentrate on property tax (although it may be a start) to be the genesis of T&T's economic good fortunes. The country as it is, has been burden with a heafty Gas subsidy, enormous Education bill and our Social "handouts" are in the tune of billions. Thus, one must employ prudent policy making (in diversification, reducing financial risks, and containing the fiscal deficits), if the country's economy is to be re-ignited. 

So as you consider increasing the Taxes on the populace, as proven by this statement "To that end, the country should expect a cut-back on the prolific Government spending on transfers and subsidies—including the $4 billion fuel subsidy", please consider the ramifications of your first move. As Trinidad and Tobago awaits your announcements within your first presentation in the up coming budget, be reminded that 'CEPEP' economics wont boost this Economy. Much more than this superficial intervention would need to be employed to generate revenues and  improved economic performance. Think of ways to reverse this deficit spending, think of ways to become less reliant on dwindling oil and gas reserves. Think beyond this 'CEPEP' economics.

Alliance of Convenience

Symbolic of the Tobago Organisation of the People
and the People's Partnership

With the Movement of Justice (MSJ) withdrawing from the People's Partnership (PP), it is clear that the party's strength and support have begun to dwindle. However, in a most obvious manner, acting Prime Minister Errol Mc load have distance himself of any affiliation to the MSJ. Now more than ever, we need to know who does he pledge allegiance to within this partnership. Certainly, he isn't independent and as such must align himself to one the remaining four. Further, the same can be asked of the Tobago represented party within this partnership. Why do they maintain this "unprofitable" union. Clearly, the PP hasn't done any thing major for the advancement of the people of Tobago in its two (2) years of existence. Their proposal of duty free Tobago is economically unsustainable, their proposed reduced maritime boundary of 2 miles is unfair, unjustified and without doubt economically motivated. Tobago, having therefore only to settle for an introduction of a Trinidad based CEPEP program, where "Tobago Country Bookies" must fight for the crumbs of it all. Even in the face of gross impiety to the THA by the PP, TOP have been silent and uncritical to say the least. The question therefore resurfaces as to why do they maintain ties to this partnership. Can it be to secure financing and extra support for the THA elections? Is it merely to "eat ah food" and bask in the perks and privileges that comes to party affiliates? What is becoming clear is that these parties do not maintain alliances for the advancement of Trinidad and Tobago, nor do they  for the advancement of Country or the benefit of Citizens. Rather, they maintain 'alliances of convenience' for personal political gains and for the furtherance of their concealed agendas.  It remains to be seen how long would the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) continue to hold on to this union. The peoples' eyes are on you, we are looking at your every move, remember the people of Tobago would be the Judge and Jurors on January 2013. 

Written by O.J.Noel

05 July 2012

Kamla In Front God Behind, "The Reason"

Kamla in front and God Behind PP 2010 election

Over two years have passed, and what seems to be an everlasting tale of Corruption, Self gratification, unhappiness by many citizens, Disaster, Injustices, Crime,  Mistakes and Mis-steps  have been plaguing this beloved country with no sight as to when it would ever end. But why this sudden change? Why, are we being punished? Why have we sunken into this grave abyss, struggling against this dark body of water amass with currents of confusion, hysteria and in-coherency? The answer lies in the subliminal pre-electoral campaigned  messages that have been branded so many times in front our very own eyes. "Pride goes before a fall", were the words of the wise man Solomon. Indeed, I have strong faith in those words. I believed them pre election 2010 and continue to assert that those words still hold, with strong affirmation. This Government came into power on the premise of "Change", however, the Nation received an Exchange. Referred by many as aunty Kamla, and credited with motherly characteristics, senses and care, you might be swayed into believing that running a country is as easy as managing a four (4) member household. Truth be told, motherhood would never prepare you for Prime-ministerial role. The picture attached to this disquisition, sums up the governance and the state of this country in its entirety. The reason for this apparent chaos, for the many mistakes and mis-steps, the constant reshuffling (trying to get it right) and the many atrocities we've had to endure in only two years of an infant government is simply because "God is not First". The bible makes it very definitive "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain". Psalm 127:1 KJV

And that my friends is  The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing but The Truth. 

Written by O.J.Noel

28th June 2012

Cabinet Reshuffle a move to Entrench Power

In an unprecedented move by the Prime minister, Trinidad and Tobago now has more ministries per capita compared to any country in the world. The proliferation of splitting Ministries down the half has been the order of the day for this PP Government, a move that have gone unquestioned for yet another time. The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago need to examine this apparent random act with a critical eye. We need to question the relevance of these ministries and demand proper justifications as to why we are called to bare the financial burden so that party affiliates can "Eat ah Food". Why does this PM disturb the status quo within various ministries? Is it that the persons selected as Ministers are incapable, incompetent and unqualified, insofar that their jobs are done poorly to the many which have done the same job before? One must question why it is she (PM) feels compelled to lesson the workload of Ministers and create some many "waste of time" ministries. Is it that she wants to create an environment of "dependency" within her cabinet? an atmosphere of reliance and need so as to further solidify and maintain the arms of control? The idea of different Ministries having similar portfolios is a worrying reality. How can you have a Ministry of Public Utilities and a Ministry of Environment and Water. There has to be some overlapping and redundancy within these two portfolios. I am of the view that these ministries are not created out of a national interest. They are not created to better serve you or me, nor are they created to enhance the delivery of goods and services. They are created to entrench power, to maintain her acquired authority by securing her influence from/by her 'generosity' to persons directly dependent on her. These "Yes Men" as it were, are mere puppets controlled by the puppeteer the PM.  These are the "pull string" ministers that cannot object to her expressed desires for fear of being demoted or sidelined. Within this self built safety net, she garners support from them without question or thought and further anchor herself as 'Optimus' Prime leader of the autobots. It has been the second cabinet reshuffle within two years of Governance, and we the people of Trinidad and Tobago have been the losers on both sides. We've lost from the side of efficiency and delivery and we've lost financially. The people must not suffer under this Piece together Government. The people Trinidad and Tobago must not be losers to a selected few who continue to enjoy the spoils of this Nation.  Trinidad and Tobago lets cumulatively harvest our strength and collectively resist these atrocities that are being extended us. Lets put a stop to this quest game that the PM has going on.

NEW CABINET LINE-UP 

Minister of National Security: 
Jack Warner, MP 

Minister in the Ministry of National Security:
Collin Partap, MP

Minister of Legal Affairs: Prakash Ramadhar, MP

Attorney General: Senator Anand Ramlogan

Minister of Finance & The Economy
(with responsibility for Caribbean Airlines): Larry Howai

Minister of the People and Social Development:
Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, MP

Minister in the Ministry of the People
and Social Development: Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, MP

Minister of Education:Dr Tim Gopeesingh, MP

Minister of Housing: Dr Roodal Moonilal, MP

Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development:
Marlene Coudray

Minister of Justice: Herbert Volney, MP

Minister of Public Administration:
Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, MP

Minister of Energy: Senator Kevin Ramnarine

Minister of Labour & Small & Micro
Enterprise Development: Errol Mc Leod, MP

Minister of Transport: Chandresh Sharma, MP

Minister of Sport: Anil Roberts, MP

Minister of Planning: Senator Dr Bhoendradatt Tiwarie

Minister of Public Utilities: Nizam Baksh, MP

Minister of Tobago Development: Dr Delmon Baker, MP

Minister of Local Government:
Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, MP

Minister in the Ministry of Local Government:
Rudranath Indarsingh, MP

Minister of Works and Infrastructure:
Senator Emmanuel George

Minister in the Ministry of
Works and Infrastructure: Stacy Roopnarine, MP

Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism:
Dr Lincoln Douglas, MP

Minister of Health: Dr Fuad Khan MP

Minister of State in the Office of the
Prime Minister: Rodger Samuel, MP

Minister of Tertiary Education: Senator Fazal Karim

Minister of Tourism: Stephen Cadiz, MP

Minister of Community Development:
Winston Peters, MP

Minister of Food Production: Senator Devant Maharaj

Minister of State in the Ministry
of Food Production: Jairam Seemungal, MP

Minister of Science & Technology: Dr Rupert Griffith

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Winston Dookeran, MP

Minister of Trade, Industry & Investment:
Senator Vasant Bharath

Minister of the Environment & Water Resources:
Ganga Singh

Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment &
Water Resources: Ramona Ramdial, MP

Minister of National Diversity & Social Integration:
Clifton De Coteau

Minster in the Ministry of National
Diversity & Social Integration: Senator Embau Moheni

Minister of Communication: Jamal Mohammed

Deputy Speaker: Nela Khan, MP

Written by O.J.Noel25 June 2012

New Regulations, welcomed?

Dr. Tewarie, Minister of Planning and the Economy, announced that most of the country's construction approvals would go to that of Local Government. Is there any impact for the Tobago House of Assembly? Indeed, this is by no means a lamentable plan and as such a much welcomed move in the right direction. I await to witnessed how this all unfolds.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Tewarie__Local_Govt_to_handle_approval_of_house_plans-159143755.html