She always said I had a problem finishing what I started.

I ran out of time - not reasons - and as a consequence, the Election Primer was left incomplete. Fortunately and in spite of my predicament, reason won (on this rare occassion) and the People's Partnership won the election on May 24 (or Patrick Manning lost - depending on how you wish to look at it). Still here are the remaining reasons as to why you should have voted this General Election and why you should have cast your ballot for anyone but the PNM:

S is for SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS & CHOGM

$1.5B spent and no real benefit to speak of - except perhaps the pleasure of putting 'I met the Queen and President Obama' on your resume. *sigh* Even the international news coverage that was promised was less than enthusiastic. While many of us stayed indoors rather than to have to deal with ridiculous traffic restrictions, the rest of the world virtually ignored the fact that we were playing hosts to one of the underwhelming actvities on the press calendar. While Manning et al hobnobbed, the press ventured into Beetham Gardens and commented on the blatant show of banana republic excess. At least we had our five minutes of fame courtesy of the Daily Show and the Colbert Report - even if it painted us as a spanish speaking banana republic - at least they got it half right.

T is for TAROUBA STADIUM

No one can tell you what has been spent on this white elephant to date. And they certainly have made little attempt to say just what it will cost at its completion. In any event, four years is far too much time to have been spent on this project and anything over $400M is nothing but gravy. At its completion we will no doubt have the most expensive Tsunami shelter in this hemisphere.

U is for University of Trinidad & Tobago

Only the PNM would spend copious amounts of money to start up a fledgling tertiary institution while starving the regional, recognised university of much needed funds. This while all the while preaching the gospel of regional integration. yet another one of those pesky mixed messages that was conveniently ignored so that certain people could walk around with honorary titles and unchecked entertainment allowances. Sweet!

V is for Victimization

Like it or not, the PNM systematically ignored the needs of the East Indian population. Be it scholarships through the Ministry of Culture, use of national facilities, disbursements for cultural events, National Awards, positions at State-run companies, or just the delievry of basi necessities such as water and paved roads, the PNM did a piss-poor job by indians. At least the PM was a self-proclaimed roti fanatic. A fact that is more than enough to disprove any accusation of racism that could be levelled against him or his Government.

W is for WASA

WASA has been one of those perpetual problems, not unlike Herpes, that has been the bane of all Governments for the past fifty years. This time around, there were more jobs for the boys, more leaks and more reason for worry and bother than ever. In the end was this Government done in by the worst drought in a century? And the almost laughable attempts to conserve water (and expense) that has resulted in WASA becoming one of the most indebted enterprises in T&T.

X is for XENOPHILIA

For years, the people of this country have had an uncertain relationship with foreigners. They both loved them and despised them. Distrusted and relied solely upon them. Alternately Married them and raped and murdered them. Thanks to the Manning Administration however, ny sentiments of Xenophobia have been replaced by a LOVE for all things foreign - particularly if it came from China via Canada. We've had hallmark projects paid for with your tax dollars but designed, managed and constructed by foreigners. We've had foreign culture given preference over the local ones. Jobs to foreigners. Aid to foreigners. Etc. I am certain that once an audit is completed the Government would have export more dollars and opportunities for sustainable development than any other government in this country's history - including under colonial rule. Naturally, aAs the holder of a canadian passport I feel as though I missed out on the rush while it was happening. Damn you morals and ethics!

Y is for YES MEN

There has been no shortage of 'yes men' in this Government. We've had sycophants of all kinds in the past eight years as the PM has systematically purged the dissent out of his party and surrounded himself with outstrectched hands. They would probably agree to any suggestion that the PM might bring to the table. Like lemmings - they will all follow their leader to certain death.

Z is for ZZZZZZZZZZ

I have no doubt that the sound of the PM'svoice was for many a source of comfort and joy. For many more more however, it was a signal to switch channels. Yes, his voice may have bored and frustrated you to tears in the last eight years - but to me, it worked better than that white noise between radio stations. Thanks for the many nights of sound sleep Mr PM. I now understand how Hazel has remained married to you for so long.

Election Primer A - Z: 'R' is for Rapid Rail Project

Reported at times to require an investment in excess of $30B, the Rapid Rail is one of those hall-mark projects that Governments love because of a) their high visibility and b) all the opportunities to milk the public purse. The Government appeared to be hell bent on pursuing this project as being pivotal to this country's modernization thrust, and commitmnets appear to have been made without even so much as the benefit of a cost-benefit analysis.

The recently held public consultations (after the fact) appear to be farcical at best - just one more motion to have checked off on some list in some office somewhere on the road to getting the job done. In Trinidad & Tobago we are introduced routinely to new nouns and verbs but two new ones (both verbs) stand head and shoulders above the rest.

The first is 'MANNING' as in 'TO PULL A MANNING', the definition of which is simply "to cut corners to get the job done and in the process disregard the intelligence of the many".

The second is related to the first and it is 'HART' as in 'TO BUST A HART'. Simply put, this refers to the same thing as 'pulling a Manning' but which is to do so with impugnity and for massive financial gain only to 'ups and disappear' only when the truth is found out or in local parlance: 'when de mark buss'.

On the issue of the Rapid Rail (or 'Raquet Rail' as refered to in some circles), there has been as little regard for the environment impact as for the economic impact. The project promises jobs for many, but also promises to displace a great deal more. Goodness knows what has spent to date. But one finds the timing of the latest PR blitz (via the national Newspapers) to be somewhat uncomfortable. The week of the General ELections alone, I counted no fewer than five full page adverts in support.

Worse yet, why isnt anyone concerned over the fact that two of the consortiums partners (Alstom and Buoygues Batiment) are under serious investigation in their home countries for bribery and corruption?

http://exyuaviation.blogspot.com/2010/05/pristina-to-get-new-terminal.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/mar/24/alstom-directors-bribery-dawn-raids
http://www.supplymanagement.com/news/2010/alstom-directors-arrested-over-bribery-allegations/ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/business/worldbusiness/06iht-alstom.4.12606394.html?_r=1

There are difficult questions that still need to be asked with respect to this project. And many more issues that need to be addressed. The most significant of which are:

1. What will be the total cost of the project?
2. What will be the annual cost of operating this system once completed?
3. Will receipts be enough to cover the cost of 1., 2., or both?
4. On what basis were the preferred contractors selected?
5. Will the completed project revert immediately to the ownership of the People of Trinidad & Tobago, or will the contractors retain some portion of ownership in perpetuity?
6. How many people will be displaced as a result of the proposed route(s)?
7. What is the overall cost of relocating the same?
8. Have necessary provisions been made for ample 'Park and Ride' facilities as well as to ramp up the satellite services that will bring would be commuters to and from the rail stations?

By my own estimation, it would be impossible for the Government to hope to ever recoup any significant portion of a $30B investment in this regard. Based on a proposed annual cost of $300M, and a daily carriage of 10,000 persons either way, the ticket price would have to be almost $60 just to ensure that this cost is met annually!

As I have said (and written) time and time again, traffic congestion could be immediately and economically dealt with through the introduction of 'flexed' hours (for schools, private sector employees and public sector employees with days that start at 7.30, 8.30 and 9.30 respectively each day), decentralization of government, an increased police presence (vigilance against indiscriminate stopping and overtaking) on the roads, and the creation of specific lay-bys for the safe pick up and drop-off of commuters.

Once again, basic common sense trumps a big project. Unfortunate for some, intelligent solutions have little room for graft.

Election Primer A - Z: 'Q' is for Queen Street Fire 2005 - Promises Made and Promises Broken

On April 9, 2005, the People's Mall located on Queen & Frederick Streets in Port of Spain was completely destroyed by a fire that started as a result of a car battery explosion. The fire was said to have caused $30M in losses as 140 booths and many more dreams went up in smoke.

Within hours, the government of the day, led by Patrick Manning had made visits to the affected area and promised to rebuild (on the same site) a new modern facility, with promises for the construction to start almost immediately.

The promises made never materialised.

Five years later - the tenants of the People's (Drag) Mall have returned and a complex reminiscent of shanties from Port-au-Prince to Johannesburg has risen up from the rubble. The tenants - who ironically are traditional supporters of the ruling party drawn from the depressed neighbourhoods surrounding Port of Spain - appear to have conveniently forgotten about the promises that have been made and accordingly their needs have been leapfrogged by more important issues such as Prime Ministerial Palaces, international summits, and million dollar flags - more important in the eyes of the Government.

Election Primer A - Z: 'P' is for Petrotrin

Here's a perfect example of incompetence and ineptitude as it relates to the management of state resources. The state petroleum company has been long described as a loss-making enterprise in spite of its enviable position in the oil & gas equation of Trinidad & Tobago. It doesnt matter if oil prices are at record highs or lows, Petrotrin will show a loss. In recent years, I can only recall one instance where a profit was recorded (and this was under the previous UNC administration). The event was so momentous and historic that Petrotrin promptly spent much of its surplus advertising the fact and soon returned to loss making a year later.

Now, the more skeptical among us might be tempted to view the procession of annual losses in the light of the company's on-going problems with its workers and its union, the OWTU. Would it be too far a stretch to suggest that the company has deliberately declared loss after loss as means of keeping the demands of its workforce within reason? Or is this a sinister attempt on the part of the Executive (the Prime Minister and his Cabinet) to squirrel away funds for more nefarious means? As I am not a conspiracy theorist, I would prefer totake the performance on face value and place the blame as it were squarely at the feet of the management of that state-run firm.

If the annual loss making was not nearly enough to ask for four aspirin and a stiff drink, we are now faced with two other issues which individually amplify the unsutability of that company's management, and together scream for the removal of the Minister of Energy, the Cabinet and the Prime Minister.

The first is the neverending saga of a refinery upgrade that was initially budgeted to cost US$350M has now, like the stadium obliquely opposite it, suffered from the most untenable and yet to be explained cost overruns that have pushed it to US$1.3B - an increase of 271% AND COUNTING!

(See Here: http://guardian.co.tt/news/business/2010/02/02/petrotrin-s-us13-billion-upgrade-back-schedule-lead-business )

It amazes me that a management team could be responsible for such mismanagement and not be held 'responsible'. I have no doubt that since no one has been fired and in light of the fact that there have been few reported defections and resignations, that bonuses have been paid every year to the management team as well. My outrage bubbles over!

Now added to the pot are the recent reports that Petrotrin is being sued for US$12B - That's right, BILLIONS. Or Approximately, TT$75B. Or in terms that the common man can more easily grasp: 37,500 two-million flags!

(Read Here: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/03/02/petrotrin-sued-12b )

Starting to get the picture? And as if enough money hasnt already been 'wasted', now there is talk of a US$12B industrial estate project INCLUDING a spanking new state of the art refinery. What? you say? Didnt they just spend $1.3B on an upgrade of an existing refinery at Pointe-a-Pierre? More wastage and more graft to come.

(Read here: http://www.newsday.co.tt/politics/0,120486.html )

Breathe deeply. Now focus your outrage and your anger. And on May 24, be sure to vote out the people who reward such stupidity and incompetence. And who continue to waste your tax dollars every day.

VOTE DEM OUT!

Pro-People / Pro-Life

There have been alot of questions asked and innuendoes thrown the way of Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the People's Partnership in recent weeks regarding its stand on the Abortion issue. The Abortion Issue has never before factored in a General election here in Trinidad & Tobago and the mere fact that it has suddenly risen up on thelandscape could well be a reflection of just how 'americanized' our politicking has become in the past few years.

Abortion is and remains an illegal act under the legal code in Trinidad & Tobago. The punishment for a woman who has an abortion is 4 years in prison and the punishment for a doctor or other person who performs the procedure is the same. Aiding in the process of finding someone to perform an abortion or other preliminary steps is also illegal and subject to a 2 year prison sentence.

Access to this procedure is not a national issue as we have been spared the challenges of Roe v Wade, the emergence of a Feminist Movement, and the rise and fall of the accursed 'Abortion Clinic' in our sleepy twin republic. One 2007 survey did however indicate that about half of the Trinidadian population were in favor of increased legal access to abortion - and this perhaps is the genesis of this suden interest.

Similarly perhaps is the news that the Draft Constitution calls for a total outlawing of abortion spearheaded it would appear by religious interest groups and vehemently opposed by a group known as ASPIRE (see website here: http://www.aspire.org.tt/new/web/about.php ) ASPIRE seeks to expand the current exceptions in the legislation which among other things allow for abortion in cases where the mother's life is endangered. http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,43838.html

Statistics on abortions in T&T are incomplete at best. And are estimated to be between 10 and 20,000 per year. ASPIRE estimate that of this number some 4,000 are 'botched' procedures that end up in secondary medical care. So this is most likely where interest in this issue is being driven from in 2010.

ASPIRE, the Draft Constitution, and the question of access to safe, hygenic medical care aside, the PNM has repeatedly raised the issue on the platform this Election, and although the People's Partnership has repeated refuted that they have any intention to change the law as it pertains to this delicate subject, I watched the Works Minister, Colm Imbert raise it once again just last night (May 18) at a political meeting in DIego Martin.

Just in case you are not aware, the People's Partnership has declared publicly that it is decidedly PRO-LIFE. The following Q&A between a supporter and one of the PP's leading legal minds Timothy Hamel-Smith best illustrates:

From: "Alan Harford"

Date: Sat, 15 May 2010 17:25:11 -0400

To: Timothy Hamel-Smith

Subject: UNC/Cop Partnership

Dear Timmy,

There are a lot of people asking what is the partnerships position on abortion. The parties need to make an unequivocal statement as this is loosing some support as we don't know what they are going to do.Please get them to say something definite.

God Bless

Alan


From: timothy hamel-smith

Date: 5/15/2010 7:44:48 PM
Cc: Winston Dookeran; Prakash Ramadhar
Subject: Re: UNC/Cop Partnership

The People's Partnership has no intention of changing the present law of T+T which prohibits abortions.

The People's Partnership in its Manifesto have categorically stated that in Taking Health Care to the People it will take care of them "From Conception to Exit" . We consider that it is our sacred duty to protect life.

The attempt by Colm Imbert to bring up the issue is merely a distraction to try and steer away from the real issues of crime. We believe that it is the sacred duty of every Government to protect the lives of our People. The PNM have failed miserably in that regard- in our view the lives of the unborn have equal importance as those as each of us. The PNM, whatever they may say, and remember by their fruits you shall know them, have no real respect for human life treating victims of murder as mere statistics and collateral damage.

The People's Partnership will not be sucked into this PNM ruse to escape the real issue of crime which impacts on the life of everyone.

There probably are women in all the parties, the PNM included, who favour abortion and because we have a female Leader the PNM believe they can run an underground smear campaign on this non-issue. This attempt to introduce the abortion question is a PNM inspired fear tactic that has no truth in it whatsoever.

Making this into a national issue will play right into the hands of ASPIRE who would like to make this non-issue a debating point on the hustings.

I am one of the leaders of the Public Policy Program who developed our Manifesto and I assure you that there has been absolutely no attempt to introduce support for abortion. Indeed I have let it be known that I would resign if abortion was a policy to be promoted.
I hope that Christians and members of other religions will not fall for these disingenuous dirty tricks of the PNM. You can expect that desperation will drive them to pursue many fear tactics. Do not believe any of them least of all any on the abortion issue.

The dictatorial tendencies of Mr Manning are coming to the fore as he has commandeered all TV stations to broadcast free of charge interviews and addresses which he proposes to make for 3 hours over 3 separate occasions. Do not be fooled by PNM propaganda which they will try to pursue by underground rumours of lies and half-truths.

We believe we have a sacred duty to protect all life from conception to exit - that is our promise and covenant with the People

Blessings........

Tim

So spread the word: the People's Partnership is Pro-People and Pro-Life!

PS In a ironic twist, it would appear that PNM Candidate for Port of Spain North / St Anns West, Patricia McIntosh was recently awarded as ASPIRE's educator of the year - a development that no doubt aligns her with the issue on the side of the PRO-ABORTION movement in T&T. One wonders how long it will be before Colm Inbert publicly calls on Mrs McIntosh to publicly state her position on this most volatile and divisive issue.

Election Primer A - Z: 'O' is for O'Halloran

Truth be told the PNM were never afforded a chance to deal with the issue of corruption nor perform the necessary penance to obtain national attrition when they were voted out in 1986. Almost 25 years later, we have seen an unending progression of smart men and con-artists. Questionable business deals and policy shifts. From LABIDCO to UdeCott to the write off of Mr Manning's Personal debt - No one has ever had to pay the price.

http://guardian.co.tt/news/politics/2010/03/14/o-halloran-s-ghost-haunts-pnm

Election Primer A - Z: 'N' is for No-Confidence

With the recent aborted no-confidence motion and his subsequent decision to put his mandate to a national vote, Prime Minister Manning has created more questions than answers. Why would anyone with an eleven vote advantage in the lower house seek to pre-empt any such attempt by risking that advantage still has political pundits scratching their heads. But then again there is little that PM Manning does that can be considered conventional, rational or intentional. Perhaps it is that Mr Manning has a better view of the 'end-game' than anyone else - and if so it would be testimony to his near four decade career in the lower house. Or is Mr Manning the beneficiary of some divine ordination or advice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCF1DiqJaj8&feature=PlayList&p=16F564287B9E50B4&playnext_from=PL&index=4

Is it that Patos got wind of a possible palace coup that would have led to his removal as PM? This assertion is not as far fetched as it may seem. From where I sit, the PMs chess game failed when he decided to start the screening process before the motion had had its day in Parliament. And in so doing, had telegraphed his intention to remove as many as six MPs from his roster in an upcoming election. (a swing of six would have resulted in the motion being passed). A defeat in parliament in April would have hypothetically saved the nation the expense and hassle of an election, and his party the ignominy of a mid-term loss at the polls. (Question: Would the PNM be facing such a serious threat were Dr Rowley in charge at this time?)

And of course there are the questions of the timing of his decision to call an election. The PM maintains that he had a date in mind since last October and wished to benefit from the element of surprise. Coincidentally, news of a probe into the Hart Issue has a similar date of origin. As for the element of surprise - why wait for ten days after the dissolution of parliament? And more importantly, will the gift those additional ten days prove to be the difference in the end for the People's Partnership should they hold on to win come May 24?

Election Primer A - Z: 'M' is for Manning

Truth be told this issue is quite possibly the biggest reason as to why the PNM loses this election should they in fact lose come May 24.

The Prime Minister has gone from poster-boy to greatest liability in eight years and is the subject of the hate and derision of more than half of the population due in large part to his perceived arrogance, but more pointedly due to his almost blind support for the blunders of his government and of individuals such as Messrs Rao and Hart - who have enjoyed the confidence of the PM in amounts greater than many of the members of his own party.

Mr Manning has surrounded himself with ineffectual yes-men who have helped him to dig himself into an even deeper hole. It amazes me that his political advisors have not themselves seen this - and should they have, how is it that they continue to make Mr Manning the central figure of their campaign?

Battle cries such as 'Patrick goin back' may appeal to the 150,000 or so dyed-in-the-wool PNM supporters who will chant PNM until I die until they quite literally live up to that promise. But it does nothing to help court the large pool of swing and undecided voters who will readily agree that the Prime Minister's cocky air of superiority - his arrogance - is their biggest turn off in this election. Without a command of the majority of these voters, the PNM cannot and will not win.

It is therefore against the best advice, that they continue to erect larger than life billboards featuring full-length images of the PM. They continue to write jingles that make him out to be some sort of Orwellian demi-god. And they continue to push Mr Manning to the forefront in this campaign.

Even long standing supporters of the ruling party such as Selwyn Ryan has gone as far as to endorse the People's Partnership in next week's election. And perhaps his article in today's Express best sums up the national sentiment on Mr Manning and the creeping desire for change:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/nart?id=161664125&weba=NWSOpinion

Were it not for Manning the PNM would not be in the mess that they currently find themselves. There would be no need for a 'mid-term' election. And they would not be facing down another defeat at the polls. This could well be the third time (1995, 2000 and now) that Mr Manning leads his party to a loss. Lets hope that in the post-election period that the PNM will follow the UNC and jettison Mr Manning from the party and begins the process of rebuilding sans the baggage of arrogance and allegations of corruption that has plagued it over the past 8 years.

Election Primer A - Z: 'L' is for Legislative Agenda

If one positive could be spared for the PNM's legislative agenda this past decade, it would be that if they exhibited the legislative zeal that they did for the things that mattered to them (the TTRA Bill, Property Tax Ammendment, legislation to allow the PM to fly the coat of arms on his official vehicle) on the issues that truly mattered to the public at large, then this country would be well on its way to being a First World Nation.

Unfortunately, the old adage applies: show me your legislative agenda and I can tell who your friends are. This government has been notoriously weak both in terms of enactment and enforcement. I mean, can they really lay claim to having a legislative agenda?

When we look back at the pieces of legislation that have been laid in parliament, their almost ad-hoc introduction and the lack of entusiasm shown to the OHSA bill, the Child Rights Act and even the delay on the Breathalyser Bill isnt it patently obvious that they dont give a f#$% about the average man on the street.

Do they even really have a plan if they can point to no draft legislation that backs it up? Case in point: the IFC. We've been hearing about the IFC for five years now and the legislation that would facilitate its creation as well as provide for the organizations that are supposedly being targeted by it still does not exist. WTF, You say? Well get in line.

Election Primer A - Z: 'K' is for Kamla

As has become common-place in democracies around the world, election contests have become less about finding Mr or Ms Right and more about finding Mr or Ms Right Now. I would not say that Kamla is the best possible choice for leader of this country but given the crop of individuals given to a public life, she is by far the best choice.

Many of the criticisms leveled against Kamla so far, are similar to the ones made of a certain one term senator from Illinois who opted to take that first step on his personal journey to world change. What she does have going for her is the fact that she is a bright, accomplished woman, who is not the present incumbent, and of course that the people simply want change.

There are no guarantees that Kamla's brand of change will be sustainable or will in the long term prove to be to our benefit. In the end, her participation in our Government will be determined by FAITH.

We really arent ever 100% sure what it is we are getting when we walk out of that polling station on election day. Conservatives who voted for Bush in 2000 had no idea that the world would have changed so dramatically inside of 18 months. Similarly, many of us feel betrayed by the Manning administration not only because its been soft on crime and long winded in execution but because we invested a certain degree of faith in confirming his selection in 2001 in the GE of 2002.

We believed thenthat a change was required to put an end to the spectre of corruption that haunted the then administration and unfortunately he was not the best knight for the job of slaying the dragon - he was the only choice available to us.

And now again in 2010, the tables have turned. Corruption has once again become the rallying cry of the day and we must place our faith in the only option that is available to us at this time. Its the democratic way.

Why reward for non-performance, empty-promises and lies? And should the tides once again shift in the future, then my advice to everyone would be to exercise your franchise once again in the HOPE and in FAITH that all things wrong could be set right.

Election Primer A - Z: 'J' is for Judiciary

http://library2.nalis.gov.tt/infofiles/collect/news3/index/assoc/HASH016c/e5765c7b.dir/6005.jpg

The copy of the op-ed piece above provides a perspective into just one of the ways that the PM and the President may or may not have acted wrongly in the handling of the entire Justice Sharma matter. No matter how you look at it, the PM successfully outfoxed, stone-walled and hounded the Chief Justice out of office over (his) allegations of bias.

Allegations which involved some level of collusion (?) with the Chief Magistrate who himself should at some point be made to respond to accusations of using undue influence in one matter in exchange for political suasion in a financial matter involving him and a land deal valued at $2M.

Even beyond this, the dispensation of justice has been severely hamstrung under a PNM government: court dates are still being made years in advance and the Judiciary as an institution is being routinely starved of funding for the items that it requires to improve and evolve. So convinced is the PM of the inability of the Judiciary to remain independent and unbiased (against the PNM of course) that he has taken to advocating for a Ministry of Justice as part of his Manning Constitution that will all but surely eliminate any semblance of the separation of powers that we have at our disposal or rather to best protect us against the effects of an unchecked executive. Volney matter aside the storm has been long brewing.

So frustrating is the matter in fact that the Chief Justice himself has been given cause to complain about the interference of the Executive:

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,107527.html

Wake up people, an independent Judiciary is an important pillar of the rights and freedoms that you enjoy. And this Government is trying its hardest to debase its value and importance on the first part and to rob you of it in the next. BEWARE. Vote DEM out!

Election Primer A - Z: 'I' is for International Financial Centre

Perhaps you recall all the grand plans that would have made T&T the Gateway to the Americas? Almost a decade on and we still have neither the capacity (airport, hotel rooms, legislative) nor the demand (are people really knocking down our doors to come here let alone layover on their way to the US or South America?) to make this dream a reality.

What about the desires of our sitting PM that Port of Spain become the home of the Secretariat of the Organization of American States? Remember how the PM stood up publicly and explained that regional suport for this venture was a 'lock' - only for our self same neighbours to turn their backs on us to vote in support of Miami instead?

And then of course for the last five years, Mr Manning has been nuturing a new dream - that of an International Financial Centre in Port of Spain. And to facilitate this his, government has invested Billions of dollars on the Waterfront Centre with a view to situating the IFC there.

A Government owned, Hyatt managed hotel, two towers and a fountain later, this dream has confirmed itself to be just that. To date, there have been no international financial companies that have signalled any intent to expand into T&T let alone become tenants of these buildings. The legislation that has been passed to date has been hodge-podge and inadequate at best. And the towers are with the exception of the Ministry of Energy, empty.

If anything, the IFC presents us with one very important as it relates to the PNM led Government: that although the PM and his advisors are filled to the brim with 'visions' of a developed nation, their ability to execute (especially execute in a timely, economical and beneficial manner) has repeatedly been called in to question.

And other questions to. Why wait until after a decision has been made by the executive to solicit the views of a wider population as has been the case with the smelter, the rapid rail and the new constitution? Why can this Government never account for every dollar that is spent in every one of its projects? Why the routine cost-overruns? Why do project time-lines get thrown out the window? Why all the unused office space in the IFC and the Government Campus yet the Government is not only the largest tenant in Trinidad & Tobago - but the actual sqare footage being let has increased exponentially in spite of this building thrust.

In the end, it would appear that we, the taxayers of this country, have been led down a path and we have been introduced to the briar path. All that remains is for those who govern us to throw us in. It is in our power and in our best interest to voice the above questions and more importantly to demand accountability. And failing a satisfactory response - to make a wontonly wasteful government pay the ultimate price for their failure to execute and execute well.

Election Primer A - Z: 'H' is for Home Mortgage Bank

What do you call it when the sitting Chairman of a state-owned company takes the decision to sell $110M worth of shares in that company to himself? And what do you call it when that individual is also the Treasurer of the ruling party?

And even though it has been reported that neither the Government nor the Central Bank has read much wrong in what Mr Monteil has done, to any impartial bystander this is a clear case of the immoral, self-serving actions that has characterized the present administration.

To recap, while he was the Chairman of HM, the Financial Controller of CL Financial and Onwer of Stonestreet Holdings, he convinced the other board members of the HMB to allow him via Stonestreet to purchase CL's 43.8% shareholding of the HMB for the sum of $110M. Though deemed a legal transfer, Mr Monteil was ultimately made to reverse the transaction.

A partial chronology of the unsavory issue is available here:

http://www.newsday.co.tt/politics/0,63460.html

As a follow up, it was reported a month ago that Mr Monteil was being sued by CLICO Investment Bank (an organization he was also connected to as Financial Director) for several breaches of company law and common-law and fiduciary duties, including:

…breach of his duty under the Companies Act to, as CIB director and chairman, “act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the company” and “to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances”;

…breach of fiduciary duties to avoid conflicts of interest, to act honestly and in good faith and in the CIB’s best interests and to have loyalty to the company;

…breach of a duty not to self-deal.

In brief, he 'borrowed' $78M from CIB to finance the failed deal and this apparently has not been yet repaid.

Should you be unconvinced by the above, there is also the case of the state purchase of land that belonged to Mr Monteil for TT$4M:

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,103384.html

Today, Mr Monteil is the former Financial Controller of CL Financial and former Treasurer of the People's National Movement. But he remains deeply rooted to the party and to its leader, as he is the man who is also responsible for first introducing the PM to the most important Canadian to ever visit our shores: Mr Calder Hart.

Election Primer A - Z: 'G' is for Guanapo Church Project

The above image of a church is harmless enough. White walls. Bell Tower. Pristine. Clean. Serene. The blue skies not for a moment betraying the dark clouds beneath. Dark clouds heavy with sinister motives, allegations of fraud, and questions - oh so many questions! - that would set this holy project far from the God it purports to honour and worship.

Is the Lighthouse of the Lord Jesus Christ Church under construction in Guanapo Heights a testament to God or an abomination in his sight?

An examination of the few details that have been disclosed to date, will only unearth even more questions. But to date, here are eleven things that we do know:

1. The Church is being built by the admitted spiritual advisor to the Prime Minister, one Juliana Pena.
2. Ms Pena is the same woman who caused none other than Benny Hinn to (get on the bandwagon and ) refer to the PM as a 'foolish man' (See Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCF1DiqJaj8&feature=PlayList&p=16F564287B9E50B4&playnext_from=PL&index=4 )
3. The Church congregation numbers no more than 20 -30 persons.
4. Neither Ms Pena nor any members of her church appear to have the means to finance such a project.
5. It is a known fact that none other than the PM has visited the site on more than one occassion to date.
6. The project cost is reported to be in the region of TT$30M.
7. The parcel of land that the Church is being constructed on is in fact state lands that were realesed by Cabinet Note shortly before the 2007 General Elections.
8. Calder Hart - the former Chairman of UdeCoTT / NIPDEC - engaged the services of a local design firm and if reports are true, insisted that it be done at no cost as it was for the Prime Minister.
9. The project is being undertaken by Shanghai Construction and by chinese labourers. The same Shanghai Construction for the NAPA among other Government Projects. And the same Shanghai Construction who are in Trindad on a Government-to-Government arrangement.
10. It is being alleged that the project is being undertaken at no cost as 'payback' for the Billions of Dollars in contracts that Shanghai Construction has been awarded previously.
11. That Great Stranger to the Truth, the Prime Minister indicated in Parliament that he was aware that the reporters from the Trinidad Guardian who visited the Guanapo Congregation had had an epiphany and had given them one week to publicly proclaim this or that he would expose it to the nation. Neither an admission nor a proclamation has since been forthcoming.

The above aside, may other startling allegations have since come to light about the so called prophetess, her realtionship with people in power and her personal finances.

There is also the curious disavowing of Ms Pena acting in a diplomatic capacity after news of her visit to Zimbabwe were made public. (Click here: http://allafrica.com/stories/200507220508.html , and here: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161601285.

Whatever good that may have once informed the decision to construct the Lighthouse of the Lord Jesus Christ has now been overshadowed by a web of kickbacks, fraud, deceit and misuse of power. Added to which, the myth of the separation of Church and State has been further eroded. And once again, we the taxpayer are left with many questions, few answers and zero accountability.

Are the many, excessive cost overruns on public projects for instance symptomatic of an informal machinery that has been put in place to routinely and systematically milk the public purse dry? Given the absence of political will and testicular fortitude, we may never truly know.

Election Primer A - Z: 'F' is for Flag

Before we begin, click here: http://guardian.co.tt/news/politics/2009/11/05/it-s-official-2m-flag for a bit of background on this story.

How can any right thinking individual approve $2M for the erection of a 60 x 36 national flag? How does one justify that kind of expenditure? Does logic call on a 'comparitive shopping' approach to this sort of project? Or does one close one's eyes and spend someone else's money?

A symbol of national pride? Or a grave mistake? You decide.

The fact remains that the Ministry of Sport (we assume with the blessing of the PM and Cabinet) approved $2M for this project. That sum has been further explained as follows:

• The flag cost $18,112.15, VAT inclusive;


• Foundation and installation works— $940,000;


• Design and supply of monster flag pole— $932,400


• Three additional flags— $54, 336.

Ironically, the flag in itself cost less than 1% of the total contract sum.

But here are some of the glaring questions:

• What has similar flags (including the one erected at FireOne's compound in Macoya) cost elsewhere in the world?


• Is it fair to place a price-tag on National Pride?


• How is it that a company with no history of civil engeineering or construction works could have been awarded such a contract?


• Why is it that on closer examination, the two other companies to tender appear to be nothing more than 'paper companies'?


• Were proper tendering practices adhered to on this project?

In the end, this is as clear an example of 'spending gone mad' and a government unchecked as you will find anywhere. When one considers that there are so many priorities that could have taken precedent - including within the Ministry of Sports. There is no pride for instance in having hospitals without beds, police stations without vehicles and an education system that is failing its wards. To put it into perspective, two million dollars could have provided the following:

10 Police patrol vehicles
7 low income houses
20 teachers for a year
Food for 100 families for one year
2 life saving surgeries
1 dialysis machine

For an epilogue it should be noted that something has come as a result of the public outcry that this issue created and to date, the CEO of SportTT and his deputy have, in spite of their attempts to defend their decision, stepped down. Similarly, the line minister, Gary Hunt, has decided NOT to offer himself for re-election on May 24. Hopefully, his decision will also mean that he will no longer be the Minister of Sport should his party win the election. In spite of these moral victories however, calls for investigations have been largely ignored. And we will never know with exact certainty just how badly we've been hoodwinked.

Election Primer A - Z: 'E' is for Estate Management Business Development Corporation of T&T (EMBD)

I should perhaps start at the end of the last (known) Chapter and remind everyone that in the midst of allegations of mismanagement, financial inpropriety and sexual harrasment, the former CEO of the EMBD, Uthara Rao reisgned effective December 31, 2008.

As reported by the Trinidad Guardian on January 18, 2009 - the Chairman of the EMBD, Noel Garcia was reported as stating that Mr Rao's decision had come just weeks after the Board had sent him on leave 'pending investigation'. To date, nothing further has been communicated on the matter and Mr Rao remains 'free'.

Who exactly is Mr Rao?

Uthara Rao, a national of India, had controversial skirmishes while at EMBD. He faced allegations of sexual harassment of certain employees; the matters were settled out of court through the payment of some $200,000.

He also damned some nationals, especially Indo-Trinidadians, saying they could not speak proper English.

He also was involved in a public spat with his then line minister Christine Sahadeo.

Rao had faced criticisms from then Joint Select Committee members Mary King and Wade Mark.

With billions of dollars spent (apparently without oversight and accountability) between 2002 and 2009 on infrastructural development in the former Caroni Lands, it would appear that Mr Rao has been something of a 'khaki' Calder Hart (Khaki Hart?), who was allowed to do everything and anything as long as it resulted in the achievement of the ruling party's developmental goals. Similarly, he enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the PM.

And in spite of it being common knowledge that much of the reported works were exaggerated and with allegations of favouritism, inadequate roads, poor water and sewerage connections, sexual harrasment and even the existence of a $2M+ bank account / slush fund, Mr Rao has escaped all recourse.

Makes one wonder just how many similar cases exist under the present Government.

Its time to end the nonsense - on May 24, Stain yuh finger and take back yuh nation!

Election Primer A - Z: 'D' is for 'd Issues, duh!

Parliament may have been dissolved three weeks ago, but to date and as they have done for the past two and half years, the ruling party has chosen to ignore the issues that really matter at this time. Instead of trying to validate the faith and trust placed in the likes of Calder Hart - the PNM has chosen instead to focus on faulty lessons on the history of coalition governments.

Instead of trying to explain why it is that it appears unable to provide basic services for anyone beyond the rank and file of the party's inner circle (now did you think that Colm has to worry about water? Hazel about traffic? Martin about his personal security? Or Marlene about her health issues?) the party chooses to attempt to invoke fear in the minds of the electorate by falsely advising that any other party would do away with its social programmes.

Instead of apologizing for the runaway horse that is crime, we have Marlene critquing Kamla's fashion choices and Christine, Amery et al talking of bad marriages, frankenstein monsters, and disasters in waiting.

And instead of communicating its vision and its plans for the next parliamentary term, the PNM has chosen instead to devolve to desparate and unfounded personal attacks.

In spite of its own internal issues (the Rowley factor, the diminishing support of the Arab community, the disatisfaction of several contituency groups and the fact that Patrick Manning remains their biggest liability) the PNM has chosen to stray from a line rooted in accomplishment and forward planning and instead has chosen to go on the 'offensive' and has been quite offensive in what can only be termed baseless and deperate personal attacks on the leading members of the coalition.

Whereas the picong may be to the satisfaction of its own support base, the lack of issues and ideas being voiced on the campaign trail, will not result in the winning over of the hearts and minds of the swing voters and of the COP voters as Colm Imbert has asserted. And the truth remains that without such voters, the PNM stands little chance of winning any of the marginals on May 24.

What is equally offensive is the fact that the party continues to routinely skirt such issues as Rowley, Hart, Crime, Economic sustainability, Property Tax and Over-spending. And instead had relied heavily on baseless fears. "Take away what the PNM has given you"? What a crock of sh$#! Free healthcare and education were still here in 2001. Social programmes such as URP as well. Dollar for Dollar provided education opportunities for thousands between 1995 and 2001.

And as for the question marks being thrown up against the value of our currency and the gas subsidy consider this: The majority of the value of our currency has been lost during PNM adminsitrations, and the last Government to interfere with gas prices was the PNM two budgets ago.

I for one am curious as to how is it that Rowley could be deemed inapporpriate for Mr Manning's Cabinet and has endured allegations of his wajang behaviour as well as of financial inpropriety from Cleaver Woods to Cayman Islands, but has been found to appropriate and good enough for the people of Diego Martin West. Arent voters there the least bit concerned that they are in effect voting for a parliamentary back-bencher should the party be returned to power? Why hasnt the party moved to dispel / retract / spin all the allegations that have been made against Dr Rowley?

I have two things to say to Dr Rowley on this issue: Firstly, the Party needs you more than you need it at this time. Secondly, from where I sit, it is obvious that they are attmpting to ride you like the town jacka$$ only to cut you loose once the journey is over.

But I get ahead of myself. Even on the list of priorities this remains a small issue - dwarfed by wha people really want to hear about at this time: the Economy, Crime, Employment, Quality of living, Property Tax, Accountabilty in Public life, Education, Public Transport and the list goes on. Take note Mr PM, nobody gives rat's a$$ about your opinion on coalition governments or all your specualtive hearsay as to what is happening in the Opposition camp. And certainly even less about the history of crude prices and coalitions, and about the sweaters that Kamla is wearing. Get this in your head: this election is about D issues, duh!

Election Primer A to Z: 'C' is for Calder Hart, Chinese Contractors and CEPEP.

Let me begin by making it perfectly clear - I have no objection with what CEPEP was first initially started in order to accomplish ie Provide an opportunity for skills-based learning that can in turn be parlayed into sustainable employment opportunities. Great idea! Except for the fact that it has now devolved into a re-packaged URP. Care to dispute this fact? Then please tell me would-be ministers what the 'graduation' rate from the programme has been over the past seven years? And just how many sustainable jobs have been created? CEPEP is nothing but another teat for the underemployed to suckle from in T&T.

As for Mr Hart - Not only was this man provided with wide access to the public purse without the opportunity for Accountability and Oversight, he also enjoyed the confidence and support of the PM himself. And in spite of the Question Marks and in spite of the failed performances in a number of projects that fell under his purview (from the Lara Stadium to the Scarborough Hopital) the PM continued to support him blindly. In spite of the Commission Report there is probably little possibility of a Prosecution in this matter because of the huge expanses of time and opportunity that were provided to the parties to hide, destroy and / or correct their wrongs. But voters can still have the last word in this matter and get rid of the people who allowed this gross mishandling of the public purse to occur.

Lastly, the Chinese Contractors - and any other foreign contractors that may come to these shores. I would like to see that any future Government put in place the following 'VALUE ADDED' provisoes in all their contracts:

1) That foreign contractors must incorporate a susidiary in T&T. This will allow for contract disputes, OSHA claims and criminal legal proceedings to take place in this country should it ever come to that.

2) That foreign contractors be made to partner with local firms. This will provide the much-maligned industry access to improve the manner in which they operate and manage future projects.

3) Similarly, that there is a minimum proportion of skilled employment opportunities allocated to local labourers. As with 2) this will provide an opportunity to benefit from first world training and direction.

4) That we finally pay Architects the respect that they deserve in T&T. Local architects have been excluded from the lion's share of Public Contracts in the past decade. And why? Our architects are internationally trained and have proven themselves to be more than competent. Laird, Bynoe, Herrera, Chen, Franchesci, and Lewis are unsung giants of the industry. And only a trini architect can design a building that sufficiently reflects who we are and what we stand for as a people.

Election Primer A - Z: 'B' is for BWIA.

Like a corporate raider in the night the PNM came back into power with its sights firmly locked on the national carrier and the old adage about the sum of the parts being worth more than the whole buzzing in their ears louder than an old refrigerator.

In his previous incarnation as Prime Minister, Patrick Manning attempted to privatize BWIA and a minority stake in the national airline was offered up for sale to the public and much of its assets went on sale as a result of 'restructuring'. (In fact one bright idea was to sell its fleet of planes and to LEASE THEM BACK at above market rates!).

Now in his second coming, the Manning Adminstration not only betrayed the TRUST of its minority shareholders but of a proud nation on the whole by disbanding BWIA altogether and reforming it as Caribbean Airlines.

Not only did they 'dispose' of the airline's assets, the PNM practically gave away the highly prized slots at Heathrow in England (This one hurts whenever I think of it). To add further insult - former BWIA employees are still awaiting word on their pensions. Some even on their VSEP. And minority shareholders to date have found little recourse from the GORTT or the courts.

And while the new airline has struggled (we assume - given the state of the industry internationally) to register legitimate (we assume - given the penchant for the Government to put subsidies through as unusual income whenever Financial Statements are prepared and laid in Parliament) profits, its ex-employees, shareholders, and pensioners are still waiting. And the airline faces a fresh new challenge in that its Code-Sharing agreement with British Airways will soon expire and in the challenge of an arrogant Government for it to 'purchase' Air Jamaica.

But in Sweet T&T its so easy to forget when we are not the ones affected.

Time to grow a pair everyone and VOTE DEM OUT!

Postscript: It would appear that CAL / GORTT will now sink $300M into the operations of Air Jamaica. In exchange for which we will gain access to routes that we already have and also have the distinct pleasure of the Jamaican government owning one-sixth of OUR national airline. Great negotiating guys!

http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2010/04/29/govt-pump-us50m-calair-jamaica-deal

Election Primer A to Z: 'A' is for Airport

'A' is for Airport, & more specifically the Airport Enquiry on which millions of dollars were spent and no report to date. One has to assume that the Commision of Enquiry found little or else the PM would have used any adverse findings to nail his own mother to a cross. After three years of waiting, a copy was finally leaked to media and contained no smoking guns. Another waste of tax-payer dollars on hyperbole & speculation? And another reminder that we have incompetent blowhards in charge of the Treasury.

Airport should also remind us about the recently constructed Private Hangar at Piarco (It cost you, the taxpayer, $200M and was constructed in six weeks with no parliamentary approval or oversight), the Project Pride fiasco (yeah Mrs Manning you really thought that 'Breakfasses' would make us forget that), and of course, the paving fiasco where $130M was spent to lay a new tarmac at Piarco and it was subsequently found to be sub-standard. In spite of Minister Imbert's promises the contractor was never made to pay- in fact he 'won' the contract to correct the works a few weeks later and at a considerably higher sum than he was paid the first time. Must be great being a contractor in T&T - provided the PM approves of you of course!

Its time to wake up and TAKE BACK the Government!