80 Cubans interviewed as strike action looms

WITH doctors appearing to be engaging in strike action again, the Health Minister reported yesterday that at least 80 Cuban health care workers, including doctors and nurses, have been identified as suitable candidates for jobs in Trinidad and Tobago’s health sector.

Minister Colm Imbert yesterday said he was unaware of any strike action by the doctors. However,  several doctors at the San Fernando General Hospital called in sick. Acting Medical Chief of Staff at the San Fernando hospital, Dr Anand Chattergoon, told Sunday Newsday several doctors “on call” telephoned the institution saying they were sick and would not be able to work.  He declined to give details but said the hospital was operating in “emergency mode” and advised patients to seek treatment at the hospital only if it was an emergency.

Meantime the North West Regional Health Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr Leonard Jaggassar, issued a release also advising patients that only emergency cases would be dealt with at the Paediatric and Adults hospitals at Mt Hope. The release said there was “inadequate medical coverage” at the Accident and Emergency departments at both institutions. Imbert told Sunday Newsday he was not aware if the doctors had embarked on “sick out” but if that was the case he would not intervene. He said only if the action was prolonged and the resources of the Ministry were needed would he get involved.

Gangs turn to kidnapping in Trinidad and other C’bean nations

SAN FERNANDO, Trinidad: A businessman arriving at his front gate was dragged from his car, blindfolded and taken to a wooden shack where he was held for 17 terrifying days, hands and legs bound to bedposts in a wooden shack.

Saran Kissoondan said he might not have survived if his family hadn’t paid Trinidadian $3 million (US$500,000) in ransom. He didn’t know the men who fired a shot into the air and forced him from the car as his wife and children looked on. “Honestly, I thought they came to kill me,” he said after his captors freed him this month. As in most cases, his kidnappers have not been caught. Caribbean countries including Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the Dominican Republic have seen a rise in kidnappings for ransom that police say appears to be a lucrative new business for criminal gangs. In the Dominican Republic, six victims have been taken captive and released unharmed since January 2002, and 15 suspects have been arrested.

Guyana reported 15 ransom kidnappings in the past 13 months. There were 29 in Trinidad last year — more than three times the number in 2001. Trinidad’s kidnappings used to be drug-related but now anyone who appears to have money can be targeted by gangs that once focussed on stealing cars, police say. Henry Millington, head of Trinidad’s police anti-kidnapping unit, said they have been successful in having kidnap victims returned safely without ransom being paid about half the time. But in many cases families choose to pay the ransom, encouraging more kidnappings. “People hearing about kidnappings know that it is very easy money,” Millington said. He said they arrest kidnappers in about 30 percent of cases.

Trinidad’s Parliament has proposed a law to increase the maximum sentence for kidnapping from 15 to 25 years’ imprisonment. Nine Trinidadians have been kidnapped this year. Most have been freed unharmed or with only minor injuries after wealthy families paid as much as Trinidadian $5 million (US$830,000). On Wednesday, kidnappers nabbed Ronald John, the brother of an opposition politician, for the second time in six months. Two victims died last year — one choked on his vomit while gagged, another was shot. The kidnappings have prompted concern in Trinidad and Tobago, a two-island country of 1.3 million people where killings also are on the rise. But Trinidad’s 172 slayings last year remain a fraction of the 1,045 killed in Jamaica and 774 murdered in Puerto Rico. On the north coast of South America in Guyana, meanwhile, gunmen released engineer Kenneth Babulall on Thursday just hours after taking him hostage. A ransom of Guyana $3 million (US$15,000) was paid, police said.

Two kidnap victims remain missing in Guyana, where many cases are believed linked to the drug trade. Often, “the victims have not cooperated with the police and so we have little to go on,” said Guyana’s Assistant Superin-tendent David Ramnarine. In an October case believed linked to drugs, a gang snatched businessman Bramanand Nandalall, who managed to escape five days later. Police shot and killed two suspected kidnappers following his release, and said rival gangs killed five other suspects. Wealthy people in Trinidad and Guyana are hiring bodyguards and armed escorts. Kissoondan, 36, now pays armed guards to watch over his used car dealership and adjacent home in Trinidad’s southern town of San Fernando, where he lives with his wife, 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. He said he’s broke now and that the experience taught him “it’s very dangerous to be living in Trinidad as a businessman.”

Businessman stabbed to death

After his business place was robbed several times in the past, a 71-year-old man decided to overnight in the building to scare off burglars. Around 1.15 am yesterday Anthony Raymond Stewart was murdered while trying to ward off a suspected bandit who broke into his La Romaine pub and attacked him.

Police believe the proprietor, a father of five, put up a fight before he was killed. Investigators said a broken glass bottle or pieces of wood from a broken chair may have been used as the murder weapon. There were at least four deep lacerations to the elderly man’s head and other cuts to his head and face. Police are searching for a man whom they believe may be able to assist them in their investigations. According to reports, around 6.15 am, his 68-year-old wife, Serena, who assisted him in running the business, found Stewart lying in a pool of blood in a room at the back of their business — Nana’s Place and Pub, a pub/parlour, located at Pond Street, La Romaine.

Investigators said Stewart’s body was on its back, next to a mattress, on the floor. His face was covered in blood. There were several pieces of broken glass and pieces of wood from a broken chair, scattered in the room. District Medical Officer Dr Sankar Moonan, viewed the body and ordered its removal to the Forensic Sciences Centre where an autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow. Visiting the scene was a party of officers from the San Fernando CID and San Fernando Homicide Bureau including Supt Victor, ASPs Dyo Mohammed and Paul, Ag ASP Dhilpaul, and Sgt Persad. When Sunday Newsday arrived on the scene several neighbours who described Stewart as a “nice and quiet” person, were gathered in front of the business place.

A tenant, who lived in an apartment directly under the room where the elderly man’s body was found, told Sunday Newsday that she came home around 10.30 pm on Friday night and the pub was still open. The young woman, who requested anonymity, said around 1.15 am, “I heard a noise like someone falling down. But I did not study it.” Then I hear a car pull up and the noise stop,” she said. It was only later in the morning when she heard the man’s wife, fondly known as “Nana” in the community, screaming that she realised something had happened to Stewart.

On the brink of tears, Serena Stewart told Sunday Newsday that her husband lived with her at Cipaul Boulevard, a short distance away. However she said on many occasions their businessplace was robbed, the most recent being three weeks ago. And since that break-in, she said her husband had decided to sleep in the business place at nights, to guard it. She said she left her husband around 8.30 pm on Friday night and went home. “When I came this morning I see the paper (newspapers) still in front. So I start to call ‘Stewartie, Stewartie time to get up.’ When I walked down the corridor and pushed the door I see him in blood on the ground,” she sobbed. “We love everybody here in the community,” Serena said, as she wiped the tears away. However, she recalled last Thursday her husband “put out” one of the tenants, after they found out he had an assault case against him. She said the tenant was very angry over the incident. Police believe that the killer may have gained entry through an internal staircase from an apartment downstairs the business place.

Strong resistance if retired cop re-hired as CoP

PRESIDENTS of both the Police Social Welfare and First Division Officers Associations have voiced their strong disagreement to a proposed government plan to replace Commissioner of Police Hilton Guy, who retires in November, with Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) John Grant, who last August proceeded on pre-retirement leave.

In fact, President of the Police Social Welfare Association (PSWA) Insp Christopher Holder warned there would be “strong and stern resistance” from police officers, if Grant is returned to active police duty. Grant, 59, will officially retire from the police service in November. The move to bring Grant back would bypass DCP Everald Snaggs who is now second in line after Guy. “We do not see Mr Grant as possessing any superior inter-personal human resource management and technical skill to warrant any government taking such a decision,” Insp Holder said in an interview with Sunday Newsday yesterday.

Reports have been circulating about a recommendation by the Police Service Commission (PSC) to appoint Grant CoP when Guy retires. Insp Holder said that in light of information the PSWA received which stated that Grant was strongly tipped to replace Guy, the Central Committee of the Police Service took a decision on Tuesday to prepare a petition signed by all members, voicing their collective disagreement with the decision to reinstate Grant. Holder said the petition would be forwarded to Prime Minister Patrick Manning, Chairman of the National Security Council, and Minister of National Security, Howard Chin Lee. 

If, despite the petition, Grant is appointed the  new Commissioner of Police, Holder warned that there would be “stern and strong resistance” by the rank and file of the 7,000-member Police Service. President of the First Division Officers Association ACP (South) Peter John yesterday said the First Division was always against bringing retired officers back to active duty. “When an officer reaches the age of 60, that is it. We do not believe and are strenuously against moves to bring back persons 60-years and older into the service,” John said. He said that when the Police Second Division was clamouring for Noor “Kenny” Mohammed to get an extention as CoP, although he had reached retirement age, the First Division Officers’ Association opposed the move. “It is nice to see Mr Holder and the Second Division come on board with us and to oppose the plan to bring back John Grant,” ACP John said. This is not the first time that there has been controversy over the appointment of a Commissioner of Police. It also happened in the case of retired CoP Jim Rodriguez, who now resides in Canada and then later CoP Randolph Burroughs. Efforts to reach CoP Guy and John Grant for comment yesterday proved futile.

Man dies in Mayaro fire

AN early morning fire in Mayaro claimed the life of a 40-year-old father of four who was burnt to death inside his humble wooden home, which was destroyed by the fire yesterday.

According to reports, Gourie Sookraj’s common-law wife was awakened by a strange heat in her face around 2.30 am and discovered that her Cedar Grove, Mayaro home was on fire. She quickly took her four young children out of the burning house but could not re-enter to search for Sookraj. Fire officers and police led by Insps George and Mohammed and Sgt Adrian Watson arrived on the scene. After the fire was extinguished the police and firemen discovered Sookraj’s charred remains in a bedroom. DMO Dr Ramphal visited the scene and ordered the remains removed to the Port-of-Spain Mortuary where an autopsy will be carried out. Police do not suspect foul play or arson and are continuing investigations.


 

Trini appointed Jersey Commissioner

A prominent Trinidadian businessman, Mike Sims, formerly of Kelly Village Caroni, has been appointed as Commiss-ioner of New Jersey Commission of Eco-nomic Development and in so doing has become the first Caribbean-American to hold that title.

Sims was appointed to the position because “he is a successful entrepreneur”, according to a release. “He is a businessman of exceptional ability who rose from poverty to prominence”, added the release. Sims commands enormous respect among Jersey politicians and was recommended for the position by the Hudson County Executive because of “his strong relationship with the business community.” The Governor of New Jersey accepted the recommendation and made the appointment.

War leaves Caribbean edgy

CARIBBEAN countries, many of them very small vulnerable island-states, are edgy as their latest economic nightmare became stark reality when the United States-led coalition military force declared war on Iraq.

For many countries in the region, a war, particularly a lengthy war can only do further harm to their economies, already pummelled by the fall-out effects of the 9/11 terrorist events in 2001 and which were recently showing incipient signs of recovery. Jamaica’s Prime Minister PJ Patterson has warned that the war, which his administration opposes, will only lead to food shortages, rising prices and a flattened tourism industry. “The heightened sense of alert, tension and uncertainty that accompanies war would erode confidence in the economy and wipe out anticipated gains from investment,” said Patterson whose administration is facing bulging deficits that will close this fiscal year at about eight percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Omar Davies, said the reality of war now meant that the Government could no longer commit itself to meeting set financial and economic projections. The Jamaican Government is already facing a sliding currency, precipitating a rise in interest rates, a J$30 billion hole in the budget, an increase in public sector spending (J$6.4 billion), a rise in its energy bill projected to increase by US$200 million and reduced Net International Reserves (NIR) that now stands at just under US$1.3 billion. Chairman of SuperClubs, hotel magnate John Issa, said the effect of the war on the Jamaican economy rests on its duration and its consequential actions.

“One may conclude that it will have a negative impact on tourism but it must be said that once people confirm reservations, they rarely change them and this looks like being the case here in Jamaica. I think people will delay travelling, particularly to the United States and Europe. “Already many Jamaicans have cancelled or delayed their travel arrangements and are monitoring the situation with this in mind. It’s a shame because momentum had picked up for this winter season and already we can see a discernible slowing down in bookings,” said Issa. In St Lucia, Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony last weekend made a nationwide address to the population bracing them for the negative fall out of the war. Dr Anthony said just when the tourism based island economy seemed to be climbing out of the stranglehold of another global recession, it is now witnessing  the resurgence of global events over which it has little control and which  threaten to reverse its economic gains.

“Every sector of our economy is likely to experience severe strain. This is a period therefore which will take the strongest resolve and commitment of Government, the fullest support of the private sector and the understanding of every St Lucian,” said Dr Anthony. Last month the National Economic Council (NEC) met with a wide cross section of St Lucia to explore the possible impact of a war in Iraq on the island. The NEC has indicated the possibility of a period of immense economic difficulty for St Lucia. “ The NEC has observed that following on the heels of nearly two years of economic stagnation as a result of the world recession and the September 2001 attacks on the USA, a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Iraq could be a matter of economic life or death for several Caribbean nations,” said the St Lucian leader.

Stating that the war has very serious implications for St Lucians and for the economy, Dr Anthony said the fear and reality of retaliatory attacks against US and British citizens and further deterioration in the global economy as a result of the war, are expected to have a sharp and negative impact on the tourism industry. “Understandably, there will be a greater reluctance to travel,  particularly by US and British citizens, who are Saint Lucia’s main source of tourism revenue. On the other hand, if the war is short, we may well see a dramatic increase in travel, particularly from the United States.” The impact of the war on the price of fuel is another issue of major concern for St Lucia as any increases in energy costs will have consequences for the cost of goods and services in nearly every sector. “The cost of manufacturing activity, electricity, transportation and other services are all expected to come under increased pressure if the war eventually leads to another cycle of rising fuel costs.” Dr Anthony has called on citizens to be more frugal in their use of fuel and energy as the availability of fuel can no longer be taken for granted.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) is also monitoring the impact of the war on the Caribbean. Secretary General Jean Holder said that the CTO has been discussing with its  member countries how best it might guarantee the peace of mind, the security and the investment of customers. “Almost all of our suppliers have now agreed to a very flexible policy of dealing with cancellations and with postponements. The idea is that if a customer should have difficulties for reasons beyond his control, then we want to ensure that he does not lose his investment in coming on a holiday to the Caribbean,” said Holder. On the implications of the war for Caribbean tourism, Holder states: “We are not prophets. We are looking at our prospects realistically.” He said in the first Gulf War in 1991 which was very localised in the Middle East, the Caribbean benefited in large measure because Americans were not travelling across the Atlantic. The Caribbean also benefited from the strength of the economies of Europe at the time.

Holder, however, sees the current war as a continuum of the 9/11 events of 2001. “ …Therefore, this is a theatre of war, although in large measure it may be seen as being localised in the Middle East, (but) it is in fact global, in so far that there are many terrorist elements that are attendant on our situation. “And therefore the whole perception of safety and uncertainty is quite different from (what) it was in the first Gulf War. And, therefore, I think our situation is somewhat more uncertain than it was then,” said Holder. “It is also buttressed by the fact that the world’s economies are in a very shaky situation on both sides of the Atlantic and this has affected things like the price of fuel.

“All of these things have weakened the position of our air transportation industry on a global basis. And all of these factors are inimical to the situation of travel and tourism. “So while I remain always optimistic at the extent to which tourism bounces back, I think we have to view the developments of a war, which is a continuum of the terrorist activities as very bad for our tourism industry and if the war is over quickly we hope that these negative factors will quickly disappear,” said Holder. Last week visiting Venezuela’s Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez said the return of normal oil production by his country following several months of a major political impasse will have a positive impact on the global market.

“Venezuela has maintained its production of 3-4 million barrels of oil per day and there is certain capacity of other OPEC countries which will permit flexibility in any interruption of supply … but we cannot guarantee how a war will end,” said Ramirez. Ramirez said while the impact of war on Iraq is unpredictable, a major danger is that it can be translated into instability in the global energy market. “Our commitment as a member of OPEC is to contribute to a permanent stability of the energy market because we understand that to countries of the Caribbean and Latin America — this constitutes a very important factor in the development of their economies,” he said. The Venezuelan minister said it was out of concern for the development of economies in the hemisphere, that his country established the San Jose Agreement and the Caracas Agreement for energy cooperation to guarantee the supply of energy to neighbouring countries.

Airport Inquiry – Week in review

The Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco airport project has entered its second phase. That is the phase where persons who were implicated by the evidence of witnesses are summoned to appear to challenge the evidence by cross examination, direct evidence or by calling supporting witnesses. The Commission has sat for 113 days.


Monday


Jearlean:  My life revolves around probe.


FORMER Works Minister Jearlean John on Monday said her life revolved around the Inquiry while, Commission chairman, retired Chief Justice Clinton Bernard, warned attorneys for former Works Ministry representative Peter Cateau against jeopardising John’s testimony. At Monday’s sitting neither of Cateau’s attorneys, Keith Scotland and Dawn Mohan, were present since they were before Justice Alice York Soo-Hon in the Port-of-Spain Third Criminal Court. Bernard recalled that on the last occasion when John was supposed to be cross-examined, Scotland was absent and Mohan said she would be ready to proceed if Scotland was again unavailable. He also revealed that a letter stating the reasons for the absence of Cateau’s attorneys was received late Friday evening by the Commission. Commission lead attorney, Theodore Guerra SC expressed disappointment over the absence of Cateau’s lawyers from the proceedings. Guerra suggested that if any indulgence were to be granted to Cateau’s attorneys, it should be “up to tomorrow (Tuesday) or else I will ask the Commission to have Peter Cateau question the witness”.


Tuesday


Former Security Manager never saw firearms contract


The FORMER Security Manager of the Airports Authority (AA), Dennis John, admitted on Tuesday that although he was aware that the Firearms Training Institute of which Tofeek Ali was part owner, got a contract to service firearms belonging to the AA, he never saw a copy of the contract, and did not ask about it. John said he didn’t think it was remiss of him not to make inquiries because when Ali’s firm was contracted to service the firearms, it was under the authority of  Leo Reyes. He said under his watch one Cpl Rattan of the AA, did the servicing of the firearms.

In response to questions from the Commission’s attorney Clive Phelps, John said the firearms would be removed from the AA premises to be serviced but he did not know of the arrangement, because it wasn’t under his portfolio. He explained that during the time the contract was given to Ali, Reyes was the holder of the firearm users licence for the AA. John said he had asked Ali to see the contract, but it was never shown to him. John said it was also possible that before he joined the AA the Defence Force may have serviced the firearms. John said he had been involved in security work for 39 years, and considered himself responsible. He said he gave advice on security matters to the AA Board, but while he reported to the Board he simply carried out the policies of the Board.


Wednesday


Airport project started without approval


THE Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD) did no checks to ascertain if  Birk Hillman Consultants (BHC) complied with several conditions before planning approval could be granted for construction of the Piarco Airport. In addition, former UNC Minister John Humphrey did not obstruct the Division in carrying out those checks. However, the Minister did frustrate officers of the Division by his directive that approval be given before an evaluation was carried out of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). So said Carol Smart, Director of TCPD on Wednesday when she was questioned by Humphrey’s attorney Sean Cazabon. Smart reiterated that it was the first time officers were frustrated by a Minister.

She confirmed that construction of the airport terminal began without planning approval from the Division, which was not unusual. She agreed that planning approval for the Grand Bazaar was given after construction began, but said in that case the developers were not asked to submit an EIA. She agreed with Cazabon that since construction of  the airport began without planning approval, Humphrey could not be blamed, because he was not yet Minister of Planning and Development. However she explained that because of the size, scope and nature of the Piarco project, the Division wanted an assessment of the EIA. 


Thursday


Jearlean admits Cateau took action to save money


FORMER Transport Minister Jearlean John on Thursday agreed that the Ministry of Works and Transport’s client representative, Peter Cateau, took action to save money on the Piarco Airport Project, but insisted that most of them were based on her directive. At the time John was being questioned by attorney for Cateau, Dawn Mohan. She said one item on which Cateau caused savings to be realised was in the construction of two dog kennels. John agreed, after reading several documents, that Cateau authorised payment of $49,000 for the kennels, half the projected cost of $84,000. The latter price was submitted by contractors. She agreed that the bid price accepted by NIPDEC was not proper but added that if Cateau had been more diligent “three years before” 2002, there could have been more savings. John said at least he learnt something from her. Regarding the taxi booth, John agreed she was upset at the projected cost of over $1 million and that Cateau had brought the document which included the cost of the item to her attention. However, she said, he never pointed out the cost.

Asked by Mohan if she was aware that Cateau was concerned about the high cost, John said no. She said she was glad he thought so, recalling that she had created a scene when she saw the cost. Told that NIPDEC never responded to a letter from Cateau about his concerns, John said that didn’t surprise her. John also agreed with Mohan, after perusing documents, that Cateau supported her in asking for bids for small works on the project and had insisted, based on her directives, that it be done at a reasonable cost. On the issue of construction of the new fire station, when she was told by Mohan that Cateau had prepared a lengthy evaluation report seeking accountability, John again said she was glad Cateau was doing the job for which he was paid $30,000 a month.

Questioned about the interior/exterior works, and after reading several letters, John agreed with Mohan that it was not Cateau who had suggested that the work under CP7 be separated and put under CP 9. Earlier in her questioning, Mohan subtly tried to demonstrate to John that Cateau had no staff and had a heavy workload. But John, in a firm, strong tone, immediately pointed out that Cateau could not have been overworked because he never complained, and if anything he was “underworked”. Also at Thursday sitting, Tyrone Gopee reappeared with his attorney Carol Gobin. However his matter was adjourned to April 15, after he was denied a request for copies of statements or memos from witness Robert Boodoosingh.


Friday


Ag Customs Comptroller tells Commission: Gopee misled Customs


IN A bid to get quick clearance of equipment for the Piarco Airport Project, former Chairman of the Airports Authority (AA) Tyrone Gopee, misled the Customs and Excise Division by claiming the AA was exempt from duties based on a Cabinet directive. This came out on Friday when Acting Comptroller of Customs and Excise Ralph Newton gave evidence. Newton, led by attorney Theodore Guerra, SC, confirmed receipt of a letter from the Commission dated March 17, requesting information on whether the Division had any record of a Cabinet agreement showing the importation of goods, plant and machinery for the project was free of Customs duties.

Newton said he found no such agreement although investigations were continuing. However he submitted several letters from Gopee to the Division seeking waiver on duties on speciality equipment valued TT$180 million for use by US based Calmaquip. In one particular letter signed by Gopee with supporting approval stamps from a now retired Customs Collector, Gopee informed the Division that a ramp control tower to be used by Calmaquip was arriving in Trinidad on September 4, 2000 and for the project to be completed on time he wanted the equipment cleared.



 

Housing Ministry to build 1,064 houses in Tunapuna, Piarco

The Ministry of Housing and Settlements will build 4,388 housing units in this fiscal year (2003-2004), with 1,064 of them being in the Tunapuna and Piarco area.

The areas with the highest number of units are Couva with 500 and Arima with 324. Construction will also take place in Port-of-Spain, Tobago, Chaguanas, San Juan, Laventille, Sangre Grande, Penal, Debe, Rio Claro, Mayaro. Responding to questions from the Member of Parliament for Caroni East, Ganga Singh about government’s housing and refurbishment programmes, Housing Minister Martin Joseph announced that government through its Accelerated Housing Programme which is funded through the Inter-American Development Bank will spend $299,973,000.

Joseph said outstanding contracts are to be awarded. The Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee will facilitate the construction of 160 units. Joseph said in 2002, $3.7 million was budgeted for refurbishing the National Housing Authority’s apartments and sewerage facilities. Over the years funding has not been sufficient to do remedial work as a result of which the entire rental stock as well as sewerage treatment facilities “deteriorated considerably.” Cabinet has agreed for the budget to be increased to $67.6 million with funding from the Urban Development Corporation of TT.

Although only buildings and sewerage treatment facilities in urgent need of repairs had been earmarked for upgrade, due to the state of disrepair Joseph said it was decided that all 351 buildings should undergo painting as well as major overhaul of their plumbing, roofing and electrical wiring. Work began on April 2002 and so far $76.8 million has been spent on repairs. Joseph said 249 buildings have been painted, 85 apartment buildings had their plumbing upgraded and 65 had major repairs and replacement of roofs. A total of 47,628 people were employed in the project.

Opposition MP: Govt acting like terrorists

There was no motion on Caroni in the Parliament on Friday, though talk of the Government VSEP did dominate much of the discussion of Opposition spokesperson.

For example Opposition MP Roodal Moonilal accused Government of acting like terrorists, “telling citizens (at Caroni) to take VSEP or else face retrenchment. “That is terror,” he stated. He was at the time speaking during the debate on the motion on constitution reform filed by Siparia MP, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Prime Minister Patrick Manning said the PNM’s strategy worked “brillantly”. “We never said that we were going to start a debate (on Caroni) today,” he told reporters. “You would notice that we offered this afternoon to suspend the Standing Orders to facilitiate such a debate. They (the Opposition) chose not to take up this challenge. We will now have to decide what we will do,” he said.

On the BWIA matter, Manning maintained his position that it would not assist BWIA unless it comes up with the creditable plan. Asked about the crisis facing the airline over the next 24 hours, he said, “BWIA has to deal with its creditors, not the government of Trinidad and Tobago”. Earlier in the sitting, the Caroni issue was a major area of focus with  Moonilal criticising the Government for sending the CEO of Caroni on pre-retirement leave because he had entered into an arrangement with the workers at the Usine St Madeline factory that  if they didn’t take VSEP they would not be retrenched.Turning to the issue of crime, Moonilal said it was the PNM political culture which created the crime of kidnapping. He  said the reason for the crime today was because the PNM was giving people the impression that they were “entitled” to certain resources. “We are embedding in the minds of our young citizens, Mr Prime Minister, a sense of entitlement,” he said. Whether it is “lawful entitlement” to the goods and services of the State or “unlawful entitlement”, he said.

He said this culture was facilitating the crime of kidnapping since people believed that when they kidnapped and demanded a ransom, they were seeking to transfer money from the haves to the havenot. He said prior to 2001 kidnapping was a young boy going out for the evening with a girl and her parents not knowing. But kidnapping for ransom came with the PNM, he stated. He said this is what happens when geologists become sociologists, seeking to address so-called imbalances and transferring the resources of the state to the “disadvantaged entrepeneurs”.