Bailout Happy TnT

Its really strange how we apply political standards in Trinidad & Tobago. We knock the minister of Finance Karen Tesheira for stepping up to the plate (when asked for help) in order to save a failing CLICO. What exactly do we want?

Looking at this issue from an objective point of view its clear that if CLICO goes down, so does our economy; largely due to the fact that 30% of our country's GDP involves the group one way or another. Whether its pension plans, mutual funds or compnay health insurance schemes, we cannot avoid it. So at the risk of seeming like interventionists should we jeopardize our economy? I disagree with that lame duck point of view.

And to add fuel to the controversy HCU is now requesting ANOTHER bailout. But really, we can't blame the minister for their comedy of sad errors. The fact of the matter is that HCU is regulated not by the Central Bank but by the commissioner of co-operatives which decided on another course of action. My thins is, if you want to trample on the government one minute and then come cap in hand for money the next I would say no too. Come on Mr. Harrinarine, have some shame man.

At the end of the day, we know that people's money is at stake, but at some point need to realize there is something call personal responsibility. The men and women in the red house are not your parents you have to "stand yuh bounce" when you make bad decisions too.

Lets wait and see who else comes looking for a bailout too...

The Elections Are Over. What's Next?

The Elections are over, but there is still much more work to be done!

With all that has happened over the past few weeks with the election being concluded and the PNM being victorious, what happens now?

The racial political dynamics of Trinidad and Tobago have shifted somewhat. The People's National Movement has seen a significant increase in support from the East Indian community. Therefore, who does Basdeo Panday still represent? It appears to be a dying breed of racially and religiously based support thrown behind a political despot of sorts. I eagerly wait to see what happens when parliament opens. What will be their agenda,what will be their modus operandi, what will be the cause they support. Will they try to be stumbling blocks to development or will they act as responsible representatives put in office to serve the will of the people.
We all wait with bated breath for the parliamentary opening to see how much talk the opposition will really engage in. If they really love this country or if they will seek to do destroy it. Like a petulant child that cannot get their way. Let us not forget the threats of civil disobedience if the UNC could not get into power. Hopefully, their sound licking at the polls should bring them back to their senses. But who knows, with enough rum the lion might actually make a comeback. It was reported in the press recently that he told someone about their "mudda" again.

So what do we have to look forward to? I new term of the People's National Movement. A party committed to good governance, youth empowerment and taking Trinidad & Tobago towards Vision 2020. As a young person, it feels good to not only to hear that you are important but to also feel it as well. Like the thousands of young people and their parents that feel the ease in their pockets because of free tertiary education. Like when we can travel from Trinidad to Tobago and Vice Versa in two hours. Most of all we can feel proud to know that there is real leadership at the helm, that can take this country to the Next Level.

We should all step up, put our best foot forward and Journey to the Next Level.

We Came, We campaigned and We Won!

A special THANK YOU to everyone who supported the People's National Movement in the just concluded Election. An election in which the PNM Prevailed.

The kind words of support and those who volunteered were greatly appreciated. Thank you for journeying with us to the Next Level.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the Election results click here:

Wikipedia

Jus' Kicks

This is a funny story on the Manicou report. Mustapha Abdul Hamid is now my favourite minister, after uncle Patrick of course.

http://themanicoureport.com/ Sept 17th

Voter Registration, Don't be Complacent

In this political season we know that the rum and roti is about to flow, no matter who you support please remember to vote.

Some people say that even though they do not vote they should still have a say in how the country is run. We can fully agree with this. But if someone actually takes the time to exercise their civic duty, this means that they are more passionate about their country. May of us claim to be "trini 2 d bone", but come election day many may be asleep or not care altogether.

Expressing your right to vote affects you. It may mean, more affordable education for your children, lower taxes, more money in the hands of pensioners, or a better transport situation.
It affects you in meaningful ways they we all may take for granted from time to time.

The foundation of many great nations is based on a sound belief that democracy and the expression of democracy is paramount to prosperity. We can also see things moving in the right direction. But let's be real, in life we never get everything we want. We also have a responsibility for work for what we want. This also holds true to getting what we want for our society as well. But this time, all you have to do is go down to your local EBC office before September 28th and make sure you are registered.

Send me a comment or message if you need more information on voter registration.

And They Rise from the Political Dustbin

Well much to my surprise, the UNC is no begging for the support of the COP to form and alliance. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And it's clear that the UNC and the gang is willing to sleep with the devil again, to get into power. Seems as though the Unholy alliance is back together again. But the success of the ONR in 1981 will certainly not repeat itself. The dynamics of the society are different and the groundswell of support is really inflated or more like flatulent. Time and again, those greedy blood-suckers come out to see who they can bite. But their victims are usually the citizens of this country. Any serious person that looks at either at the COP or UNC can clearly see that neither party is cut out for government. One is too weak, the other is corrupt. But then again they are one and the same, same UNC spawn, bleeting the same venom, the same empty rhetoric. And we the masses wait in vain for the change that they promise. The New politics, they promise to pull out of a hat.

It's said that it is wicked to mock the afflicted. That is what seems to be happening now. As thousands of poor and indigent persons in the society attempt to uplift themselves, gutteral politics seeks to pull the masses back from whence they came.

The point view may seem harsh, but often it takes a critical eye to spot a problem. What is the alternative. People should put their trust in what they know. Often times it doesn't come in the best package or the one that you want, but oftentimes, one merely needs to look for it right in front of you.

We have seen many eras in our nation's history, colonialism to independence. Then on the republic status. What is the next milestone, the grand vision coming from either the COP or UNC. Their focus seems only to be short term. This also means that their priorities are not focus on the youth, the environment of the expansion of the economy. The benchmark of leadership should be foresight and planning, sound judgement and character. Between them both, many mistakes have been made than erode my confidence. Fortunately, our faith in the nation's democracy can be imaged to government benchmarks, long term vision, and policy of development. I know some may disagree, but in making things happen human beings may stumble along the way, this we can be sure.

I can have a positive outlook on the future, knowing what is to come. Continued stength, sound leadership, courage under figure, and morality of the highest regard.

Your conscience should help you decide how to vote, hopefully this is for the PNM.

Well Done Christine Kangaloo

Coming to the defense of one's beliefs is always an honourable thing. Whether we have 3 or 20 seats in parliament the underlying philosophy of one's party doesn't change, so why should we waver?

She fully exposed the opposition's sad attempt to discredit a fair and balanced budget. What often happens is that they used their allotted speaking to time to "ole talk". I think Christine Kangaloo should go up for elections, she is smart, savvy, she gained government experience, and it seems as though she is not afraid of a good fight (verbally that is), with the opposition.

Her wind-up was very appropriate and she deserved a round of applause.

Senate Round-up

All of a sudden the UNC knows about God. I thought politics had a "morality of it's own". These were my thoughts when Tim Goopeesingh in the senate yesterday said that everything has a season. He also said that the PNM will be going to the political grave. It's strange that a party known for a lack morality and moral fibre now seeks to solicit the support of conservatives in this country.

Another point to note in the Senate was the commitment made the Conrad Enil that no-one will be put on the bread line as the government moves forward with it's gamin industry policy. A commitment was given to consult further before anything is done that may affect the industry.

In spite of any hard evidence Wade Mark continues with his relentless sleuth of allegations. How would he feel if someone made statements about him without proof? Do you recall the allegation that Mrs. Joan Yuille Williams receive fund fraudulently in an FCB bank account? Nothing came of it. Like many other allegations, they seem to disappear after he grabs the news headline, with high-pitched shrill voice and all.

It is clear that the opposition is grasping at straws in a futile effort to garner support before the election is called. When they bring the evidence, the people will start to listen. Until then, have nothing to say.

Election Time Again

Is it just me or is anybody else a bit disgusted by Wade Mark?

When will Senator Mark learn that credibility is far more important than grabbing a headline. He has certainly spent his in his loathesome time in the Senate.

In all my time of being a political observer, no-one has never been a more vexing caricature in the political landscape. After making allegation after false allegation I think it's time to quote uncle Colm, for him to be ignored permanently.

Another one of the political crypt keepers is Basdeo Panday. The society does not need to relive the agony of the Panday era. An age of Ali Babba and his merry bunch. He serves as a very poor example for the youth and the UNC (if they want to win) should take a page out the PNM book and sideline him, he doesn't help their chances at all.

I'm waiting to see how this political season goes as now the PNM has to contend with two "oppositions". As citzens we need to beware of wolves dressed in sheep's clothing or in COP clothing in this case. I can't see any single minded individual taking a look at the battle-worn UNC, ONR and NAR has-beens and thinking that this is "New Politics". I'm sorry for Mr. Dookeran, but his "Team" just seems to deplete his political stocks as far as many people are concerned.

PNM MP Shuffle

It amazes me that people would be suprized by a change in the candidate line up for the next general election. People have been claiming that they need better representation and they need a change. Isn’t this what people need? I new batch of representatives that may prove more capable of servicing the needs of the population. In light on today’s Express and Newsday reports about the PNM MP shake up, it’s strange that people are not more happy about this.

RAHAEL RIDES OUT courtesy Trinidad Express (Juhel Browne jbrowne@trinidadexpress.com)

Health Minister John Rahael is now the ninth Government MP who has decided to bow out of the race for the upcoming General Election.

His decision also means that the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) will have to field two new candidates in the two Port of Spain constituencies that have traditionally been strongholds for the ruling party.

“I have spanned a generation in the public political ring and it is now time for me to move over and make room for others. I do so willing and sadly,” Rahael, the Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP, wrote in a letter to his constituents yesterday.

Port of Spain South MP Eric Williams has also decided to bow out of the 2007 General Election race.

Rahael, the very popular Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP announced his decision in a four-page letter to his constituents after having served as their Parliamentary representative for the past seven years.

Rahael has been voted the most popular MP in the PNM in a controversial poll commissioned by Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

Rahael, an accomplished businessman who has won the constituency in the 2000, 2001 and 2002 General Elections, wrote:

“I am aware that my action may engender some speculation as to the impetus behind my decision. I ask that as a party we in the PNM focus on winning the next election and not be distracted by conjecture.”

He began his letter to his constituents by expressing his gratitude for the endorsement of all 18 PNM party groups in the Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West constituency.

“I am humbled by the unanimous nomination and I appreciate your confidence in putting my name forward for the fourth consecutive general election as your candidate. I do not take your support for granted and view it as a stamp of approval of the work I have undertaken on your behalf for the last seven years,” Rahael wrote.

By the fifth paragraph of the letter, however, Rahael made it clear that he would no longer be their MP.

“I have decided to decline your kind and generous offer of parliamentary representation. I will not be standing for the general election,” he wrote.

On more than one occasion in the last two months, the Express had asked Rahael if he planned to contest the upcoming General Election but he had refused to answer the question.

He is the only person of Syrian descent in the Cabinet and makes note of this in his letter:

“I am the son of immigrants and marvel that in one short generation I was so warmly welcomed on the national stage. It speaks volumes for the cosmopolitan nature of our country that a member of a small minority could aspire to high office. I pray God that as a nation we continue to display tolerance and welcome towards each other,” Rahael wrote.

Rahael now joins what appears to be a growing list of Government MPs not contesting the 2007 General Election for various reasons.

The other eight are Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, Agriculture Minister Jarrette Narine, Sports Minister Roger Boynes, Deputy Speaker Hedwige Bereaux, Laventille West MP Eulalie James, Point Fortin MP Larry Achong, Ortoire/Mayaro MP Franklin Khan and Port of Spain South MP Eric Williams.

In his letter, Rahael chronicled his life in politics and specifically highlighted his 1996-2001 tenure as the Mayor of Port of Spain which he described and “a glorious five years” overseeing the running of the capital city where he had worked for over 25 years.

“I have the fondest memories of my time in local government,” he wrote.

Rahael also wrote about his tenures as Agriculture Minister and Health Minister in the existing PNM administration.

He particularly described his ongoing tenure as Health Minister as “a gratifying experience”.

“The hours are long and involved arduous tasks. However, I never considered it burdensome as my eyes were always on the ultimate goal-the health and well-being of our people. I hope that the healthcare system will continue to make strides in that direction,” Rahael wrote.

He said that he will continue to serve the PNM and stands ready to lend the party his support in the coming general election campaign.

“I thank Prime Minister Manning for affording me the opportunity to serve in two separate Cabinet terms. I thank the constituents of Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West for their constant and faithful backing. I thank the multitudes of people who have over the years approached me with words of appreciation and encouragement. It made my load lighter,” Rahael wrote.