THE EDITOR: Who was Anthony Rampersad? A humble unassuming person who has contributed so much to us in Trinidad and Tobago. Today we are celebrating his life with thanksgiving. Born January 16, 1953 he passed away on September 6, 2003. He worked for 30 years at UWI Bookshop and all who passed through this institution knew him to be kind and pleasant to all who came in contact with him. He was a member of many organisations including TANA, and the February 18th Movement of which Dr James Millette was the leader and he worked hard with all.
He was an associate member of Working Women for Social Progress. His contribution to these organisations was tremendous. He passed away to the Great Beyond and we remember him for his humorous, unassuming quality, a friend to all. We of the February 18th organisation pay tribute to a brother who has fought the fight and won the race and a crown of glory is prepared for him. Long live the memory of Anthony Rampersad. We will remember him for all the good he has done and may his soul rest in peace.
GERTRUDE PHILLIP
February 18th Movement
THE EDITOR: We are into 41 years of the country’s independence and I cannot resist asking Government daily paid workers: “How you feel” having to beg successive Governments for a pension plan for the past 42 years without success to date. Is this an example of the justice less privileged people can expect from Caribbean governments and their Court of Justice? By any standard, negotiations between the State and the union is a ridiculous record in the practice of industrial relations in TT that will be hard to break. The history of GDP workers go way back into the 1930s but its most colourful and dynamic chapters are between 1957 and 1967 under the leadership of the National Union of Government Employees (NUGE) that was formed to represent “only” GDP workers.
As I have stated in a previous letter, the formation of the union in 1957 was in keeping with the dream of former GDP workers to be recognised, respected and treated as daily-rated public servants with job security and a pension plan. That dream was shattered in 1967 with the merging of the Federated Workers Trade Union (FWTU) and NUGE. For clarification, the merger created the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) that did not exist before June 4, 1967. The first call for a pension plan was made in 1957 at the inaugural convention of NUGE. The PNM Government under the leadership of Dr Eric Williams responded positively in 1961 that put pensions for GDP workers on the negotiating agenda. Some five years later, the Queen of England visited Trinidad and made pensions for GDP workers a royal promise via her throne speech in our Parliament. There is a lot of history between the Queen’s visit in 1966 and the ill-conceived merger between FWTU and NUGE in 1967 that space will not allow to be stated.
Contrary to the views of many union leaders who lean towards maximum leadership, the unadulterated historical record of any union that will inform its membership of the good, the bad and the ugly, will always serve the union’s interest as a valuable incentive and contribution to its future development — a difficult yet serious aspect of trade union education. The irony of GDP workers’ 42 years of State discrimination is the very interesting but ugly chapter of their history that must not go unnoticed. Sometime within the 42 years of waiting for a pension plan, the “misleaders” who destroyed the dream of former GDP workers were given national Independence Awards by the State — who is the employer of the workers being discriminated against — for their contribution to the development of the trade union movement, while the workers were left holding the bag of expectation and hope to this day.
In the interest of its colonial culture, State turned “betrayal” into “development” and I often wonder how much is known about the history of hourly-rated workers employed with Government. Are GDP workers of today aware that the introduction, or preamble if you like, to the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was included following its submission to Government in 1962 by the leadership of NUGE on behalf of GDP workers and by extension, the labour movement? Do they know that long before our independence, the colours of NUGE’s flag was red, white and black and its official uniform for the men was comprised of a white shirt, black pants and a red tie? For the women it was white blouse, black skirt and the union’s red monogram. The general rule was that no union representative outside the workplace must approach employers or their representatives without being properly attired in uniform. The union’s policy and commitment was to build self-esteem among the workers, show respect and demand it from Government and its representatives. Generally, however, the social and industrial relations systems do not favour blue-collar workers and it is the job of trade unions to change that divisive culture.
I am very concerned about the state of union leadership at the national level. However, there is always hope because “time” and “change” have an ongoing relationship that really works. In my vision, I see that somewhere down the road towards vision 2020, the labour movement will regret its retrograde policy towards the industrial relations concerns of the doctors and Caroni workers. The leadership has once again failed to unite the working class in order to satisfy their own political interest and ambition. Leadership is foresight, commitment, keeping the movement on track and helping to put wrong decisions of workers right, in the interest of unity and strength at the national level of the movement. In the early history of NUGE, there was a policy that kept ambitious trade union politicians at bay: At every convention of the union, the delegates had to approve a “Declaration of Policy” that must be followed by the National General Council between conventions. However, within four years of the union’s ten years of existence, the policy no longer appeared on the agenda of conventions, but that is another long story about leadership and misleadership of GDP workers.
WYCLIFFE MORRIS
Former Director of Education
NUGFW
THE EDITOR: It is highly unlikely that Franklyn Khan perceives the recent protests by residents of Bamboo Settlement as another symptom of PNM maladministration. Why should he care about the welfare of the people of Bamboo and their daily struggles? After all, they are supporters of the UNC. Driving to and from Port-of-Spain daily for the past year, I have become accustomed to the agonising traffic congestion during rush hour. Caught in the news-breaking protest action by Grand Bazaar, the distress became ten times worse. But my heart went out to these brave, civic-minded people and I really admire their courage and fortitude. They stood firm and did not yield to intimidation by the police who clearly do not know or care about the rights of citizens.
Khan, with his uninterrupted smile, has succeeded in exasperating the travelling public as he imprudently added lanes and created bottlenecks, and made a mess of things. The infernal barriers that Khan ordered to be placed by Grand Bazaar are a symbol of the spitefulness of the government. His aim was to cause maximum inconvenience to the parents and children of Bamboo on the first day of school. This is the PNM inroads that they boast about. Khan was unconcerned that his plan would result in an increase in taxi fares and a decrease in business at Grand Bazaar, while motorists would have to go all the way to the Caroni flyover or to Aranguez. This is the traditional PNM way of doing things. The community of Bamboo has shown extraordinary grit and true strength. The Bible says there is a time for everything, and after all the discrimination this was the time to take a stand as they put themselves in harm’s way. The police were forced to remove Khan’s willy-nilly barriers. The solution, of course, is to build the overpass. But the money allocated for this has been squandered in cheap political projects like painting NHA apartments. Really and truly, we have not seen anything as yet, and we should brace ourselves for the worse.
INDIRA PANAGSINGH
San Fernando
THE EDITOR: This may seem to be a petty issue but on reflection it reveals a lot about the deep-seated attitude of those with political power. Despite constant complaints from citizens, members of the ruling party continue to defy all appeals to stop wearing their balisier ties when on government business. From the Prime Minister down to the lowest, Mr Imbert, they flaunt these ties emblazoned with the symbol of their party. The fact is that elections have come and gone and are not due for a number of years. The government MP’s are now serving the entire population and not just their supporters. Unless, of course, they have already started campaigning for the next elections, which I would not put past them. After all, the PNM has always been about electioneering and winning the elections by whatever means.
It is as if the Prime Minister and his cabinet are showing the political middle finger to the opposition and its supporters. One can picture Manning at the Thursday media briefing saying something like: “Ladies and gentlemen, the ties stay whether they like it or not. The PNM can wear whatever they want and as long as I am Prime Minister, we will not bow to the wishes of anyone on the other side. Their sole purpose in life, it seems, is to oppose everything for opposing sake. And that is that.” Perhaps Manning’s good friend, the PM of St Vincent, who is in our country every week, can talk some sense into him concerning the balisier ties. After all, if the UNC were in power and they constantly wore ties with the rising sun, the furore would be humongous!
JOSELLA RAMESAR
Penal
THE EDITOR: On Monday September 15, Costa Rica celebrated its national independence day. Consequent upon the development of closer ties between Costa Rica and our country and among Caricom countries, the inauguration of airline (BWIA) schedule services, sporting links and trading links, both international and national and even earlier this year the vice presidency of the International Criminal Court, I wish to extend cordial greetings and pay tribute to and congratulate Costa Rica on its national Independence. I would like to do a commentary on Costa Rica by outlining its history, geography and significance, in two parts and should appreciate if you would kindly accommodate my projection in your widely read and prestigious Newsday Newspaper.
Costa Rica is the gem of Central America, a Caribbean nation, with 135 miles of Caribbean seacoast mostly straight to the east with Port Limon the only small indentation. Port Limon is its chief port. It is also a Pacific nation with a Pacific coastline of some 635 miles which accommodates the Peninsula and Gulf of Nicoya to the north and the Peninsula of Osa and Gulf Dulce to the south. Costa Rica was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502 on his fourth journey west and which he claimed possession of on behalf of the Spanish Crown, while still in search of the elusive El Dorado. Costa Rica means rich coast. It is believed that there were mineral deposits in the area and it is said that Columbus spent 17 days at Port Limon when he arrived in 1502. While there were Spanish movements into and out of Costa Rica it was not until 1564 that Spain established a permanent settlement in what is now Cartago, a city just south-east of San Jose its capital.
Costa Rica, with some other possessions, in 1821 unilaterally declared its independence from Spain. This was not generally accepted or recognised by Spain. With the others, Costa opted to join the Mexican Empire which arrangement did not hold and was terminated in 1823. With the other Central American nations, Costa Rica was instrumental in forming a confederation “The United Provinces of Central America.” This, too, was short-lived and finally dissolved in 1838, each country going its separate way, but to all appearances in touch with each other, as further developments would show. The dissolution of the United Provinces of Central America encouraged countries from both sides of the Atlantic and filibusters and mercenaries to try for possession and/or control of some or all of the Central American countries which came to a head in the mid 1850s when filibusters and mercenaries under filibuster William Walker invaded Nicaragua in 1855 and was progressing to the Costa Rican border.
Costa Rican then President Juan Raphael Mora, without an army, called Costa Ricans to arms, declared war on Walker and his mercenaries and on March 1, 1856 and succeeded in frustrating their advance and expelling them from Nicaragua which was a turning point in Costa Rican and Central American history. Mora’s term of office was referred to as “very eventful and rewarding” and covered a period of ten years — 1849-1859). His term saw the opening of the National Commercial Bank (the first), opening of many schools and the first street lighting among other developments. In 1871, Costa Rica adopted its first Constitution which held until 1949.
Costa Rican woman is ICJ Vice President
The General Elections of 1948 was won by Otilio Ulate to be President and Head of State. The National Assembly declared the elections illegal and sought to overturn the elections. This caused Colonel Jose Figuera to lead a revolt in favour of the elected Ulate and what he said was a “threatened communist takeover” and installed himself as interim president, during which he disbanded the army, introduced a new Constitution and in 1949 he installed the elected Ulate as President and Head of State. In 1987, then president of Costa Rica Oscar Arias Sanchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts and successes in conflicts between Nicaragua and El Salvador. In 1998 the elections were won by Miguel Angel Rodriguez of the Social Christian Liberation Party (PUSC).
There were at least 11 other candidates representing the National Liberation Party, a former governing party and this election made history in (1) It was the first time a black candidate was presented as a candidate (2) It was the first time that both parties presented females for the vice presidency (3) It was the first time that a female won and was elected vice president to wit Dr Elizabeth Odeo who served under President Miguel Angel Rodriguez from 1998 to 2002. Interestingly, it is the same Dr Elizabeth Odeo who was nominated and elected judge and subsequently Vice President of the International Court of Justice at the Hague in the Netherlands (Holland) to which our own Karl Hudson Phillips QC, was also elected a judge.
The incumbent president of Costa Rica is Abel Pacheco who took office on April 7, 2002 after a run off election. It is the first time in 45 years that the same party has succeeded itself. In Costa Rica voting is mandatory. All eligible citizens are required to vote. However, there is provision in which one can present his or her voting card and pay a fine and other minor considerations.
ANTHONY MORA
Arouca
THE EDITOR: The members of the La Horquetta Community Council and the wider community would like to congratulate Darrel Brown on his achievements at the recently concluded World Games in Paris. May God continue to bless him and his parents Mr and Mrs Brown. Darrel Brown you have again made Trinidad and Tobago proud and the members of your community salute you on this achievement.
JACQUELINE SHORT
Secretary
CHIEF JUSTICE Sat Sharma no longer wants the Attorney General as the “conduit pipe” to the Cabinet. He also wants a constitutional change so he can recommend persons for “silk,” removing this task from the Attorney General. Speaking at the ceremonial opening of the 2003-2004 law term yesterday, CJ Sharma said it is not acceptable to have the interest of the Judiciary dependent on the idiosyncratic behaviour of the Attorney General. “There must be found a more effective way to have the problems of the Judiciary assessed and canvassed in the Cabinet by someone who is objective and independent. I mean no disrespect or discourtesy to the present Attorney General, or any of her predecessors.” Sharma agreed with a report on the independence of the Judiciary prepared by eminent jurist Justices Telford Georges in 2000 in which he (Georges) recommended that the established channel of communication between the Chief Justice and the Cabinet and the Parliament, should be the Prime Minister.
Sharma added, “in conversation with the present Prime Minister, I have the distinct impression that this approach is one to which he subscribes.” But the Chief Justice does not feel that is the solution. “Who is to speak in Cabinet on behalf of the Judiciary?” he asked. He said the Judiciary is in the process of revisiting its traditional role. He pointed out that the only forum for the Chief Justice is the annual opening of the law term. He said the judiciary will embark on a programme to educate the public about its constitutional position, its role and function in society. Sharma said judges and magistrates will be free to tell members of the public what problems they are having in the judiciary and their suggested solutions. “The judges and magistrates, after all, exercise awesome powers over the lives of our citizens and they have a right to know if justice is not being delivered efficiently.”
Sharma said his conventional reticence may have to be reviewed as well. “Just as the Prime Minister sometimes addresses publicly the gravity of the situation in the country, so too should the Chief Justice have access to a similar facility to address the public about serious problems confronting the administration of justice,” he said. On the issue of silk, he said this “gift” has always been in the hands of the Government. He said the present position is that applications are made to the Attorney General who in turn consults with the Chief Justice.
A final list is prepared and submitted to Cabinet — Cabinet may or may not appoint. No reasons are given and according to the CJ, there is no transparency.
“I would suggest that the appointment should be made by the President on the advice of the Chief Justice after consultation with the Attorney General and the President of the Law Associa-tion and any other persons thought necessary.” He continued, “the fact that such an appointment should reside in the hands of the politician can be disconcerting as even a beneficiary might not be sure whether his appointment as Senior Counsel was on the basis of political patronage or merit.” CJ Sharma called on the various legal associations to join with him to change this. “The independence of the Bar and in turn, the independence of the Judiciary requires that no politician should be involved in the appointment of Senior Counsel.”
THE kidnappers of Princes Town businesswoman Tricia Suryadevera, 26, who was snatched from her businessplace by three masked gunmen on Monday morning, have reportedly contacted her worried family and demanded $2 million for her safe release, according to senior police officers who are probing the kidnapping. However, during an interview with Newsday yesterday, Suryadevera’s father, prominent businessman Teeluck Shirkissoon, denied ever being contacted by the kidnappers, or knowing about any ransom demand. Suryadevera who was married seven months ago, was bundled into a B13 Sentra car after being accosted by three masked gunmen inside her businessplace, Trinkets Ltd, on Monday morning. Hours after the snatching, police sources said, the kidnappers called Suryadevera’s family telling them she was alright, and they were demanding $2M for her safe release.
Sources told Newsday that Shirkissoon, owner of Teelucksingh Furniture Appliances and General Store, did not have that amount of money, since his business was heavily mortgaged. Shirkissoon told the media yesterday that Trinidadians were no longer safe in this country and could no longer enjoy the fruits of their labour. He also said he planned to close down his chain of businesses, once his daughter was released, and leave the country for good. When contacted yesterday to comment on these remarks, Shirkissoon refused to say anything further. He did say that he preferred not to have “no big set of write-up in the papers,” because they were reporting erroneous information. Since the abduction, family members have been spending every waking moment praying for the safe return of the young woman, who married Ravi Suryadevera, seven months ago. They live on the top floor of a massive building off High Street, Princes Town, in which the kidnap victim’s store, Trinkets Ltd, is located. Shirkissoon revealed that he had increased security at his businessplace, and was keeping close tabs on his other child, a son. The Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) and Princes Town police are investigating the abduction.
Three armed bandits stormed into the Couva branch of First Citizens Bank, located metres away from the Couva Police Station, held up three tellers and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police Supt Keith Farrel, who was a customer in the bank at the time and who witnessed the robbery, drew his gun and attempted to fire at the bandits but ended up shooting himself in the right hand. He was treated at the Couva Health Centre and discharged. yesterday, the three tellers, who were shaken up over the incident, were being treated for shock. The men entered the bank around 1 pm, while more than 20 customers were in the bank. Reports revealed that the gunmen jumped over three counters while the unarmed guard looked on helplessly. Another guard, who was armed, was on duty at the back of the building.
The tellers were ordered to hand over cash which they placed into bags. The gunmen ordered everyone in the bank to lie on the ground. They then walked out of the bank, ran to the back of the building along Grant Street, Couva, where they boarded a waiting car. Officers of the E-999, the Couva Police and the Central Division Robbery Squad responded. The car with the three suspects was pursued in Couva but the occupants escaped. A party of officers led by Inspectors Raphael and Quash, Sgts Housend and Burke and Ag Sgt Persad went to the scene and fingerprint experts were able to lift prints. Police officers seized a surveillance tape from a security camera at the bank. Arrests are imminent. Yesterday, an audit was carried out to determine how much money was stolen in the robbery. The bank was closed for business after the robbery and is expected to re-open today. Newsday learnt that senior FCB managers visited the bank late yesterday and the security at the bank is expected to be reviewed.
TECHNOLOGY to monitor vehicular movement by tracking and tracing vehicles engaged in criminal activities, including traffic violations, will soon be introduced into the Police Service. The technology is currently being used by law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom. Yesterday, Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee said that this technology can be used to solve crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Chin Lee who returned from an official trip to the United Kingdom last Thursday, said that he was able to pursue avenues for incorporating technology and training for the upgrade of local law enforcement agencies.
The Minister was accompanied on his trip by Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Ancil Antoine, Comman-ding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, Captain Garnet Best and ACP Crime James Philbert. During the seven-day visit, the Minister met with a number of military and police officials who demonstrated the advantages of using surveillance technology as a means to improve internal security against crime and terrorism. On his visit to the Metropolitan Police in Central London, the Minister saw technology being used in number plate recognition. While in the UK, visits were also made to the London Police Training College, where the Minister was briefed on criminal investigations with specific reference to kidnapping. At the closed circuit television facility, the official party saw urban surveillance technology being used as a crime-fighting tool on the streets of London.
The Minister also explored training opportunities for Defence Force personnel during his visit. At the Lydd and Hythe, the Minister and party witnessed a simulation exercise that demonstrated techniques, which could be incorporated into the training of Trinidad and Tobago Regiment’s Special Operational Forces. To conclude his visit to the United Kingdom, the Minister toured the Defence System and Equipment International Exhi-bition where he was shown various technological options for the creation of a modern Joint Operations Command Centre in Trinidad and Tobago.
