Prime Minister Present at Swearing in Ceremony

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar congratulates
Sheldon Cunningham at the THA Inauguration Ceremony yesterday

After two and a half years, the Prime Minister has finally accepted an invitation by the Tobago House of Assembly. The Prime Minister for the past two and a half years has failed to meet the Chief Secretary even after repeated attempts from him to do so. Under the THA act the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary is suppose to meet as often as possible in order to discuss matters that affects the daily lives and governance of Tobagonians. 

In the lead up to the THA elections, the Prime Minister's popularity would have fell considerably, which was evident by a clean sweep land slide victory by the PNM. The election became a wake up call the Prime Minister and by extension the PP Government which saw her accept for an invitation to the Inauguration  ceremony of the 9th THA. This is a move to improve and repair her damage image which has been marred by disrespect and outright disregard to the Office of the Chief Secretary within the THA. The Prime Minister has never officially met with the chief Secretary since her installation in 2010, more than 2 1/2 years. However, you can be guaranteed that within the near future for her to meet with the re installed chief Secretary, all in an effort to bring about some change in how she is been seen and regarded by the general public. 

Rowley: Tobago Bill an Election ploy and a Trojan Horse.

Dr. Rowley contributes in Tobago bill debate
 at Lower House at Tower D of the International Waterfront Centre
in Port of Spain. —Photo: MICHEAL BRUCE

AN "election ploy" and a "Trojan horse" that will make Tobagonians worse off was how Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley yesterday described legislation to give the sister isle more autonomy.

"If what is before us is enacted into law, Tobago will be worse off than we are now," he said.

He noted that while Tobago would have power to pass laws, there was a provision that if the law was inconsistent with a law made by Parliament, before or after, the Tobago law would be made void.

"That is not self-government," he stressed.

He was contributing to debate in the Lower House on the Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago) Bill 2013 at Tower D of the International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain.

Rowley said the concurrent list in the legislation would give Central Government an opening to claim rights and responsibilities "which it does not have", and Tobago has more power under existing laws.

He added that the bill would expose to Tobago more of the "high handedness" of Central Government.

He pointed out the Government's failed attempt to set up a forestry programme, saying it was currently acquiring State lands, under the responsibility of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), for a university that was "bought by a friend of a friend of a friend".

He noted that on February 16, 2011, he received correspondence from the Prime Minister about the reform of the Constitution, and he wrote back to her in a letter dated September 19, 2011, requesting clarifications.

He said the Prime Minister never gave him the courtesy of a reply.

"No similar letter exists on this country's record from any Opposition Leader to any Prime Minister in this country because I said to her we can do things differently, and not just differently but we can do things better. She spoiled that," he said.

He noted that Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine has said Tobago would receive equity in distribution of energy wealth, but this was an attempt to "fool people" and the bill was drafted by people who do not understand the law of the sea.

He said the Prime Minister denigrated the People's National Movement (PNM) and threw accusations at him, "calling my 'Tobagoness' into question, as if she could".

He claimed the bill was for her to fulfill a promise to Tobago Organisation of the People leader Ashworth Jack. He also said the Prime Minister was seeking to revise history by saying the THA had not looked at self-government when it has engaged in island-wide consultation before the People's Partnership was formed.

"I have been telling the people of Tobago what the Government is doing is wrong, what they doing to the Parliament is bad and election or no election the PNM will not support it. As a matter of fact... Tobago's protection right now is the PNM," he said.

He also called the bill a "Swiss cheese of staleness and stinkness", but House Speaker Wade Mark chided him for making an "inelegant" remark.

Rowley said the problem with the legislation was the process, and gave the analogy that if the egg is rotten the omelet will "never be good".

Rowley said there should be national public involvement—the Opposition, Government and THA should work together—and the public should know what is being done on their behalf.

"When the bill has passed through all of that, public comment and all, we will come to the Parliament with a bill that has been so rigorously reviewed and... then we can debate a bill that we supporting and then we can go to committee, finalise it and give Tobago once and for all the self-government that it needs," Rowley said.

Reproduced by Trinidadexpress

BREAKING NEWS: Protest Action at the Opening of Roxborough Gas Station

Protest Action at the opening of the Roxborough Gas Station

Tobagodaily has been reliably informed that there is currently a silent protest action being staged at the opening ceremony of the Roxborough Gas Station. 

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar along with TOP officials would officially open the nine million dollar Gas Station ahead of the THA Elections.

Protestors, some dressed in PNM apparel can be seen gathered on the pavement of the road armed with placards in total disapproval of the opening, as many believe that the opening was to garner political mileage as the election draws closer. Although reports have been circulating that the Prime Minister have been rushed out of Roxborough, Tobagodaily has confirmed that the PM is still currently at the opening ceremony.

Stay tuned more in a subsequent report. 

PNM Forced to Support Internal Self Government Bill.

Internal Self-Government Bill- which was tabled in Parliament earlier today by Kamla Persad Bissessar might not help the cause of TOP in the THA elections 2013. The timing of the Bill has come under serious condemnation by Opposition leader Keith Rowley, Chief Secretary Orville London and Leader for the TPT Hochoy Charles. 

In their estimation it is another attempt by the PP Government to rush a Bill through the parliament. The timing of it being laid in the parliament can only be viewed as an insult to the people of Tobago and speaks to how trivial the PP Government views the process and the issue of Internal Self Governance for Tobago. 

There is no doubt that the issue of Internal Self Governance has become politicized and is being used by the Prime Minister as political armor for her alliance with the TOP. This move should be condemn and rejected. There is no doubt that the bill would expand the Autonomy of the THA and redound in benefits for Tobagonians, however the issue of Internal Self Government must not be lessened to a political promise or gimmick in a bid to ascertain electoral votes. 

The Government would need the assistance of the PNM to have the bill passed.  It is left to be seen whether Opposition members would support the bill or would they heed London's advised and not support. I Would advise the PNM although the timing is questionable and motive may seem improper, no effort should be spared in improving the lives of all Tobagonians. 

Poll places Keith Rowley ahead of the Prime Minister

Winner of CCN tv6 Mid-Term Poll
Dr. Keith Rowley

If there is any reason for the present government to take stock of how their popularity has deteriorated, it should be the results of the recently concluded midterm poll. Though many reserve their trust and confidence for other statistically sound surveys and polls, it must be noted that a massive gap between winner and loser can only crystallize how accelerated the current popularity of the People's Partnership has been diminishing or increasing. 

Recently, one of the latest opinion polls conducted by a leading local station, confirms a clear electoral trend: the Prime Minister (PP) is losing her popularity hold, while Dr. Keith Rowley of the PNM is  gaining. The poll which ran for two weeks beginning from the 10th of Novermber to the 24th asked, If an election were called now, who would you vote for? Kamla Persad-Bissessar or Dr. Keith Rowley? The results of which were presented to the public at an evening news broadcast. 

Though the Prime Minister lead the polls for some time, the voting pattern seemed to change as every day her percentage seemed to be falling. It eventually dipped below that of Rowley's  who began slowly but would have picked up momentum in the second week of polling. Rowley was eventually declared the winner of the Poll winning by a landslide margin of 70 percent to 30 percent. 

Though the methodologies of these opinion polls may be questionable, one must not trivialize them to the extent by saying there is no significance, or "truth" in them neither can they be generalized. By all means, one should accept these results guardedly, however one should not disregard them, as they may possess elements of electoral implications embedded in these kinds of findings. 

Jack: Kublalsingh Killing Himself, and he Should Do it Quickly!!

Minister of National Security,
Jack Warner addressing supporters last night
at a meeting at Debe High School.

In a meeting for supporters at the United National Congress (UNC) last night, National Security Minister Jack Warner defended Government's decision to build the Mon Desir segment of the Point Fortin Highway, describing hunger striker Dr Wayne Kublalsingh as a conman who was attempting to blackmail the country.

Warner said Kublalsingh, now in his 13th day without food or water, was eating at night He told party supporters that Kublalsingh was staying at homes in Maraval and Marabella and "eating more hearty than you".

He indicated that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will not be held responsible if Kublalsingh dies. 

What was surprisingly said by Warner was, "They say the Prime Minister is killing Wayne Kublalsingh, but he is killing himself and he better do it quickly! Don’t feel sorry for him. Kublalsingh is trying to blackmail the country and blackmail the Prime Minister."

Kublalsingh's father, Ray Kublalsingh, refused to respond to Warner's statements. Ray said that Warner was "a non-entity.  indicating that his family is respectable, and that they have worked hard to achieve what they have and they are supporting his son. "I heard everything he said about my son and my family and I don't even want to entertain that. I will not respond," he said.

Warner then attacked his supporters and visitors, "Look at the people who are trying to ride the Kublalsingh bandwagon! What is their motivation? Is it that they are against the highway? Or are they there because they have some grudge against the Prime Minister? Every one of them has a political wound and they are looking for revenge. Every single one of them has an axe to grind against Kamla. Their presence, kissing Kublalsingh’s hand and patting his forehead, Verna spitting up, has nothing to do with the highway. They see him as a stepping stone for their own political agendas and aspirations."

Persad-Bissessar at the same meeting did not address Kublalsingh's hunger strike in her speech. Instead she told supporters about the benefits of the highway to Point Fortin. She indicated that a meeting was held with the Highway Re Route Movement in March and a technical report was produced. 

Indians Against Indians: A Three Way Battle in Trinidad.

Prime Minister
Kamla Persad Bissessar

Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh
Environmentalist

In what has now become a three way battle between our Indian brothers and sister, the high way re route struggle has now seen a third contestant appearing on the battle front today in opposition to the position taken by Dr. Kublalsingh. A copycat hunger striker from Penal/Debe burst on the scene today in support of the very issue that  Dr. Kublalsingh now fights against for a 7th day.

Mystery Hunger Striker

This hunger striker showed up among scores of supporters demonstrating their support for the highway being built in the controversal proposed manner. this hunger striker's camp was erected in Penal near Kamla Persad Bissessar's Constituency office. He has now calling for an audience with the Prime Minister as he would not eat until the PM meets with him.  The interesting aspect of this entire "war" is that the High Way Re-route movement's proposal removes the highway from  passing within three communities inclusive of the Prime Minister's village of Siparia. It leaves much to be consider as to why Dr. Kublalsingh is now feeling the full length of the State's Might even from a former comrade in the person of Kamla Persad Bissessar in fighting against the Aluminum Smelter proposed by the former PNM regime.  Is it the a matter of State against Kublalsingh or is it a matter of Personalities/Persons against Kublalsingh. 

It is unfortunate that even while Kublalsingh begins to show signs of extreme frailness and dehydration the powers that be continues to display signs of politicking even at the expense of a life. Clearly, the PP government must be aware that a "Death" on their watch can never resound into becoming a positive for their cause. Had this been the response of an Afro Trinidadian to an East Indian protester surely it would have been painted with race303 by some political painters. However, the reverse is perpetrated only to the support of scores of unconscionable PP defenders. 

Today an Indian struggle rages on a midst an Indian resistance. One which has ambushed our beloved Country and  arrested the minds and infused venom and divisiveness among our people. Persons who would not have been directly affected by this minuscule situation has now become surrounded and affected by the current state of affairs, even as the international community watches on. There must an amicable end to this hostile situation. We do not need to see someone hospitalized or near death's door for him or her to have an audience with our Prime Minister. Even if persons may believe that his actions can set a dangerous precedence  Kublalsingh should not be left to his self imposed fate of death as he is not asking for change, he is not asking for money, he is not asking a signature to aide in his cause, all he seeks is an audience with the PM even if that might be two minutes. 

Today, I urge the Government and all parties involved to allow Good Sense to Prevail. As Panday rightfully said "where there is a human problem, there is a human answer". 

Documents For the MILSHIRV BOLT Arrangement Made Public by THA

Justice Minister, Christlyn Moore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documents to the MILSHIRV project can be found at this link

Tobago House of Assembly Dissolved: No Date Set for Election.

Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly
 Orville London

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has been dissolved today paving the way for the election due in the island. However,  Orville London  the Chief Secretary  has not given the date of the election, as the election is not constitutionally due until January 2013. 

The London led administration has been at the seat of power for the THA since 2001 after unseating the Hochoy Charles led administration. In that election the PNM won eight of the 12 seats in the THA. The party repeated its success in 2005 with 11 seats. In 2009, it lost some ground to the new Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), winning eight seats. 

TOP have made several calls to the PNM led administration to call the THA election. Ashworth Jack the Minority leader and leader of the TOP has joined the coalition government led by UNC leader Kamla Persad-Beissessar.  The Prime Minister has openly called for the election as her government attempts to win the Tobago elections securing both the central and THA seats of power. 

The PNM and TOP are the major parties within Tobago, and have both indicated their confidence in winning ahead of the elections. 

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.

Jack: PNM must Account for Neglecting Tobago

Ashworth Jack: Minority Leader of the THA

Ashworth Jack said on Saturday the days are numbered for Orville London, the Chief secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), as he supported a call for the THA election that is due early next year.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made the call one week ago after the leader of the People's National Movement demanded fresh general elections. The Prime Minister responded by telling Rowley if he is so interested in an election he could have one by just telling London to make the call.

That caused Rowley to strike back at Persad-Bissessar stating that she has no right or jurisdiction to make such a demand. On Saturday the leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) asked why.

Speaking at a People's Partnership Pre-Budget rally in Changuanas Jack asked why it was OK everyone to demand an election but the moment the PM did the same "they vex". He said an election is due in Tobago soon and whether they call it now or later the result would be the same - the end of the PNM rule in Tobago.

Jack said London has a lot to answer for including a multi million dollar land transaction in which the THA bought lands for $12 million and within days leased it back to the same people who sold it. The lease, he said, is for 199 years at a rate of ten dollars a year. He also wondered how a project in Bacelot climbed from $199 million to $250 million.

The THA minority leader said the PNM has a dismal record of achievement in Tobago despite spending billions of dollars in the 12 years since it has been in office. 

He also said the PNM has been blocking progress on constitutional reform. He said he is looking forward to a bill for self government going before Parliament to see whether PNM leader Keith Rowley would block it. Rowley has threatened to withhold support for bills that require special majorities, which includes any bill on constitutional amendment.

reproduce from Jyoti Communication.