Naaaah, they werent so greeeeeaat after all!

In a true testimony of how the human brain works, my mind wandered by the cage housing that pre-Crack, crack-addict Tony the Tiger this morning.

Tony the Tiger - just in case you have been under a rock for sixty years - is the grand-daddy of cereal mascots and more specifically he has been 'pushing' these sugar bombs on an unsuspecting public for the past three generations. Millions of cavities and cases of juvenile diabetes later, Tony the Tiger stepped out of his cage and onto this page today, and in so doing reminded me: You can't always get what you want.

Perhaps it was the Rolling Stones (or George Michael) who sung it best, but it was a photo posted by a friend on Facebook today of IHOP's infamous Strawberry Banana pancakes that reminded me of a more innocent time and the assertion that I should be able to eat Kellogs Frosted Flakes for all my main meals and as a snack in between.

Thankfully, the monotony that accompanies repetition kicked in long before a sugar induced coma or infantile obesity and I was spared from the Tiger's claws - then! And the adjunct to the main lesson was then made clear: You should never always get what you want.

And so it is that I suppose that fate has once again saved me the ignomious distinction of being the fattest man alive by placing the nearest IHOP at least 1,628 miles away. But I get ahead of myself. This blog was really meant as a reminder that sometimes 'sugar' can make you do the most fucked up things. And here we can readily replace 'sugar' with anything else that is self serving, self-indulgent and utterly addictive.

In my life, I have eaten my way to the bottom of a large box of cereal, collected the baseball cards that were to be found there, snuck out of the house, cheated, lied, willfully inflicted hurt (on myself and on others) and even paid too much just to have a taste. Without ever once having an accusatory finger pointed at me. Never admitting to myself that I am an addict. Addicted to the pleasures that I have stumbled upon on this side of what is legislated and morally (for the most part) acceptable.

And though I could look back at my charmed life and down at a body (and mind) that has been (relatively) unscathed I've never been more than a few steps ahead of that Tiger's claws.

And although initially I have been a victim of suave merchandizing, slick advertising, and the sated mumblings of the addicts before me, one thing remains true: its always been about the sugar. And it will always continue to be about the sugar.

Word to the wise: Stay away from the sugar!




Stay Away from the sugar


My bleary eyes stir
restless circles into my bowl
of stale cornflakes,
grown soggy
with tears of frustration
and resentment.

And the somber epiphany
That the Tiger
has had me like a spoon by the tail
Long before
The soured milk
had been poured.

I am drowning;
a tea bag hung perilously above
The waves and the outstretched lips and teeth
put away: Blowing softly
Over the decades
and raging seas.

Over the sound of
My own shill voice
Calling out from the inside of the big blue box,
Screaming,
‘Fuck You Tony the Tiger!’
‘You’re not so Grrrrrreeeaaaaat after all!’

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