Notwithstanding the twists and turns of Prime Minister, Patrick Manning, I strongly support Newsday’s editorial entitled “Symbol of Democracy” of March 1, 2003 insisting that our Parliament and its business remain at the Red House, and I was particularly pleased with the paper’s view that “the country cannot afford nor does it need a monument to Mr Manning” and that he should listen to the people.

However, in today’s divisive political climate of subtle psychological censorship, I must commend Newsday, on behalf of the less fortunate, for not putting water in its mouth — as grass-roots people will say — to disagree with Government’s plan for the Red House, which I hope is a signal to other sections of the media to get back on the level playing field, the honeymoon is over. In the ongoing debate, I would like to see workers and the less fortunate in society rally around the view that Cabinet’s priority at this time is misdirected — considering the urgent need for better health and water services, transportation and sustainable employment etc — and leave the history of the Red House to be debated by the intellectuals and the more fortunate people in society who may see its relevance, as against the needs of the less fortunate who have their own history of struggle for bread, equality and justice.

While the Government has its 2020 vision, the poor and less privileged as a community must have their own vision. They must begin to put on their thinking caps, read, listen and learn. They must be observant to make comparison that will help them to avoid politicians using them as permanent “walking advertisement billboards” with a cheap T-shirt as their only reward and ticket to a very small piece of the country’s economic pie. They must put away their party flags and take up books to educate themselves and help their children because education is liberation.

I cannot see any need for a new building to house parliament even though I suspect that part of the 2020 vision is to build monuments to enhance the image of the ruling party and TT as the political and economic centre of the Caribbean. However, building a new home for parliament between now and 2010 is like pouring water into good wine. A new parliament is no guarantee for good governance and prudent behaviour of members of parliament, and as a nation seeking first world status, we should spend some time working towards a new political culture that will be much more meaningful to the realities of a transparent 2020 vision.

Civil society must put an end to its “go with the flow” attitude towards tit-for-tat politics in this country that is already on its way to a narrow and slippery road, and our citizens should be concerned about the Government’s “consultation after the fact” policy. This is reverse democracy and it may be in keeping with the Prime Minister’s public expression that democracy is not absolute, which means it can be bent into any shape or form to suit one’s fancy. Another threat to our democratic way of life is the political brand of racism that is undermining workers’ solidarity and, by extension, further weakening the effectiveness of the trade union movement, and it is clear to me that should the movement fail to heal its wounds and put its house in order, it runs the risk of becoming a victim of racial tit-for-tat politics and a casualty of the Government’s obscure 2020 vision.

The Caroni VSEP issue has shown that the Government does not have plans. What it has is an impaired vision of a mission, but missions without plans are destined to failure and any Government that sets out to get rid of nine to ten thousand workers simultaneously in one industry, its actions must be seen as psychologically damaging to the workers involved and lacking in statesman-like leadership. While our society is occupied with tit-for-tat politics — which I sometimes refer to as “Presentation College Politics” — and the Government pushing its agenda for building monuments, there is a creeping alienation of the less fortunate people in our society. In this country, we are supposed to have individual rights and freedoms and we all should be happy for that but sometimes when those rights and freedoms are exercised, there can be unexpected consequences that follow.

The worrisome thing about the alienation of the less fortunate is that it is not planned, organised or deliberate — it is just happening, going with the flow in many ways: 1) The wide disparity in salaries and wages of management at the top and workers at the bottom. 2) The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. 3) The increasing number of the very poor and the working poor. 4) The need for more sustainable employment. 5) The increasing number of “all inclusive” social events. 6) The widening of the gap between rich and poor. 7) The psychological effect of the visual growth of gated communities. These quiet happenings is like a festering sore and cannot be cured by politically correct speeches and slogans designed solely for image building. Should the Government fail to make its social programmes less cosmetic, transparent and more meaningful with a focus on sustainable employment this time around, it will have to say: the mistake we made this time, was to put the building of concrete monuments before the welfare of the people.

THE EDITOR: Solution to the “crisis” evolving in the health sector Sir. I offer free, gratis, and for nothing an immediate and simple solution to the government for the developing crisis in the health sector.

Transfer all the Trinidad doctors to Tobago and vice-versa. That way there will be parity without any discussion. While that may seem jokey, Mr Editor, there is a more serious aspect within it. It is this and perhaps some research on your part may unearth the facts. During the debate on RHAs in the first Manning administration, I distinctly remember that in his contribution, Mr Valley referred to this very question of parity indirectly. He said that some RHAs may have to offer incentives for some doctors to be attracted to hospitals in some outlying districts.

It is, therefore, questionable what parity the doctors are demanding. What also surprises me is that the doctors seemed to have waited for the last minute not only to demand parity, but to rush immediately the so-called final day at the end of the negotiating period, to pull it out and immediately go on “sick leave” while some of them can be seen at private hospitals. Compare their attitude with that of coalition doctors in Iraq who have been treating willingly and efficiently Iraq soldiers who have been injured.

FRANKLYN MONDESIR
Malick

THE EDITOR: The kind of welcome I have heard on the re-appointment of Brian Lara as captain of the West Indies, creates the impression to me that Australia is now the underdog in the upcoming one-day and test series.

I have never agreed that at the end of a series a captain is removed because the team lost. Sometimes I can appreciate that a captain’s tactics and strategy may be too defensive and can result in defeat or lack of success. But why remove a captain like South Africa’s Pollock. How many captains has England changed over the past few years? Has it made a difference to performance of the English team? Let me make an anology, do you remove the commander of an army, battalion, etc if he cannot defeat the Americans?

Then again, a captain on the field is only one person of a management team comprising manager, coach, vice-captain which make out a game plan, from game to game. What about the repeated selection of a player when he fails against bowlers like McGrath and Bret Lee, Akram, Rawlpindi Express, Mulalitheran. Lara may have replaced Hooper because of his very conservative captaincy methods, but I personally do not expect the West Indies to defeat Australia in either the Test or one-day series.

DESMOND  
ROXBOROUGH
D’Abadie

THE EDITOR: “Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday will seek a meeting with the CoP and the Minister of National Security to offer assistance in combating the crime situation”? (Newsday April 4). But, let’s get serious here! When he was PM and himself Minister of National Security Mr Panday could have done plenty (including reading his mail) to “combat crime”. It was happening all about him, very near to him, on a near daily basis. All he had to do was issue clear policy instructions and a whole raft of crime would have ceased forthwith. Not so?

GEOFF HUDSON
Port-of-Spain

THE EDITOR: It is now apparent that the Red House issue is so much hogwash. With the removal of all non-Parliament offices and the planned re-use of the two acre site, the Red House is more than adequate to house both Chambers of Government with their attendant offices, lounges, dining rooms, in-house printery, etc.

What has emerged however, is that 11 years ago when Patrick Manning began his designs for Port-of-Spain, he wanted the most prestigious building in TT for his own office. He saw himself as the kingpin in the centre of power, and perhaps the centre of his Caricomette. The Red House fits such a design. Again, another example of the vi-kee-vi approach to “governance” by the PNM — CEPEP. I know they mean well, a damning phrase, but were any directives or training given to these contractors, and more importantly the foremen, before these were turned loose on this land? The Forestry Department of the Minister of the Environment is well staffed with officers trained in the scientifically approved methods of environment control. What was their input into the planned methods used?

What we are seeing with CEPEP is not only a “clean yard” approach, but a whole new concept of graffiti. Having denuded the land we now have initials of CEPEP and other agencies and messages, spelt out in stone. Even better Sold Waste then proudly advertise this vandalism as examples of environmental concern. Does any member of any of these agencies have any aesthetic sense, or training in basic design and concepts? And now I come to this crass urge to paint nature’s trees and stones. There is a magical curve on the road to Balandra where you can see through the forest, and is so exquisite that you have to drive slowly. Last month I saw the barks of these magnificent trees painted white. On this drive I also counted six small fires where the CEPEP groups were burning dry bush, surely a very dangerous practice, so far from available water, should such fires get out of control.

Who gave these contractors the right to deface our land? And why are they not being penalised? I do have a suggestion, though, as to some remedy for the breaking down of the paint. Put the favourite pastime of the Trini male to work. At the end of their half days, let the CEPEP men urinate on the painted items. Urea greatly encourages the growth of moss. On the subject of white painted trees here’s a bit of historic colonial trivia. When the British moved into India and Africa and built their fortifications to control the people, they decided as added protection to paint the surrounding trees white, so that the natives would not be able to hide among the trees and launch an attack. Hopefully, this bit of info should put an end to this ridiculous practice.

What evil has overtaken this beloved land? With our abundance of talent, wit, spirit and energy, how is it possible that we have come to this pass? And I haven’t even touched on the horrors of our education and health systems. The complete lack of planning so evident everywhere. Truly sickening. Perhaps the time is approaching for the young, bright true patriots to come together. A group whose interest would be national and not political. And believe me, we do have such people.

CHRISTINE MILLAR
Port-of-Spain

THE EDITOR: I had the privilege on Sunday April 6, of acting as a volunteer at the Special Olympics 2003 Aquatic programme at the Flying Fish Pool in Federation Park. On behalf of my friends and members of my family who also acted as volunteers, I would like to say a special thank you to all those involved. It was truly an honour to spend the day with these wonderful athletes.

There were thirty-four events in all, ranging from a 15m Assisted Swim to the 100m relay. The young people came from centres such as The Lady Hochoy Vocational Centre, Immortelle Centre, The Centre For Persons with Disabilities and various other places. Some of us helped with scoring, while others were time keepers or simply helped the winners to the podium to collect their medals. This is the second year that I have been involved in the Aquatics Programme, and I cannot begin to describe what it is like to be among these young people who demonstrated professionalism, courage and a true love of life. As I watched them compete, and then ascend the podium to receive their prizes, their faces beaming with pride, huge smiles and arms upraised in victory, I felt so lucky to be able to be there to cheer them on.

They were all winners, and you could tell how truly proud they felt. I wondered if many of us who think we have such big problems, really know what adversity is, and what it means to overcome it. I only wish that the stands could have been filled to capacity. I would like to urge everyone out there to take some time to support these athletes. All it takes is a few hours, an offer to help. Get involved! Just be there to show your support. You’ll be amazed at how much you gain by doing this. I feel truly humbled today. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners, and all those who worked so hard to make the day a success. Thanks also to Cheryl Samuel for asking me to come out to help. They have given me so much more than I gave them. Spending last Sunday with them was a gift, and I can’t wait for next year.

MARGARET   SAMUEL
Port-of-Spain

THE EDITOR: On Sunday March 23, 2003 I parked on Lower Edward Street by NIPDEC to attend the play “The Odd Couple” at Central Bank with advertisement of “secured parking”; two dirty touts jostled me asking for $10 to park.

I did not pay, tickets were sold out. Returning to the car less than five minutes, a strange one approached asking for money. I said “you paying before and after” he held a piece of paper with car numbers saying “but allyuh ent pay”. As we were driving off he continued in an angry manner cursing saying “that is why we should mash up all you so and so car etc”. This is very distasteful, embarrassing for such an occasion moreso with advertised secured parking. Something should be done about this — the organisers of the show should get police to remedy this situation.

M   RAMSDEN
Petit Bourg

THE EDITOR: The recent focus on WASA in the media and Parliament, which has culminated in the past Minister of Public Utilities calling for the CEO Mr E Grimes to be suspended is seen by the workers
* as a conspiracy to use sensational allegations to ostracise the organisation publicly
* to put shackles on the feet of Management and employed workers, and
* make the Authority impotent and hindering its ability to be transformed into a regional centre of excellence in the waste and waste water sector.

WASA and its workers have always been used as a political football by politicians and UNC behaviour is in keeping with tradition. The WASA workers are disturbed that the Government is allowing the corrupt opposition to look as though they are genuinely concerned. The question before us is, do they have the moral authority to discuss the well being of WASA? It is a well-noted fact that following the UNC administration’s reign in office the Authority has been left in serious financial problems through the ill-fated Desalination investment and the South Water Project. Ganga Singh, Wade Mark and the UNC bunch are using these allegations as diversionary tactics; hoping the public will not focus on the Desalination scandal.

These immoral attacks are having a negative effect on present negotiations with management where discussion on improved benefits such as Employee Home Ownership Plan already agreed upon, are being questioned because of the Minister of Public Utilities and Environment defensive stance. The workers are also weary of the cuts in salary levelled at the top management. Cuts at the top could also signal cuts at the lower end and we wish to give warning that we will defend the wages we have gained with every muscle in our body. The workers view any attack on management as an attack on all employees. We are asking that Parliament be used for the purpose in which it was intended and not for WASA-bashing.

ANDY  AGGREY  BROWN
A Dedicated Worker
Mount Lambert