N Touch

Cops swoop down on prayer group

NORTHERN Division Task Force and CID officers swooped down on a group of men performing the Muslim prayers “Juma” in Arima on Friday and arrested two of the worshippers who were found to be in possession of a firearm and marijuana respectively.

And five hours after the raid on the prayer group, the same officers raided a house in La Horquetta and arrested a woman and her daughter after they seized a loaded pistol and half a kilo of cocaine. In the first incident, around 2 pm, a party of officers led by Sgt Ansley Garrick and including Ag Cpl Mark Maharaj, PCs Gyan, Bernard, Callender, Rajkumar, Campo and Jackman went to Hollis Avenue, Arima in an area commonly called the “greens”. The officers came across a group of about 15 men doing prayers. The officers later searched all of the worshippers, some of whom police said, are aligned to a muslim faction. The officers later seized an Astra .32 semi-automatic pistol from a 25-year-old Sangre Grande man. They arrested a 20-year-old man who was found with a quantity of compressed marijuana.

The two were later charged by Ag Cpl Maharaj and are to appear before an Arima Magistrate on Tuesday. Sources said the Astra .32 pistol was recently stolen from the home of a retired Police Inspector.  At around 7 pm the same party of officers, acting on information, stormed a house at Yellow Bird Lane, La Horquetta, where they arrested a 57-year-old woman and her 25-year-old daughter. The officers found and seized a Baretta nine-millimetre semi-automatic pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and half a kilo of cocaine, with an estimated local street value of $60,000. Both mother and daughter have been charged with trafficking in cocaine and possession of arms and ammunition. They are expected to appear before an Arima Magistrate on Tuesday. Police have also issued an arrest warrant for a male relative of the two women.

Obeah at Elysees?

THE GOOD folk of Champs Elysees have suddenly been presented with an upsetting mystery; let’s call it the Case of the Headless Cocks. Over the last four days the carcasses of cocks with their heads lopped off have been appearing at the crossroads of Champs Elysees and Bergerac Road, placed there with almost religious regularity in the wee hours of the morning by a person or persons unknown.

Apparently, residents of this upscale Maraval neighbourhood are not amused by this kind of foul play and have called on their parish priest Fr Garfield Rochard to use his good offices to nip in the bud whatever sinister design the user of these headless cocks may have for their well-secured and burglar-proofed community. Who can really blame them? While cocks without heads may appear to be quite dead and useless to the casual observer, the fact is that the sacrifice of these male birds is a virile part of the ritual of those versed in the practice of obeah, voodoo and the black arts. The well-to-do residents of Champs Elysees, then, are perfectly in order not to take this headless-cock mystery lightly or lying down and have responded with an apt degree of anxiety in engaging Fr Rochard to attack it with full spiritual force. After all, something ominous may be afoot here, especially if the decapitated birds are intended to send a specific and symbolic message to the folks living in the vicinity of this Maraval intersection.

In responding to their calls, Fr Rochard said his parishioners fear that someone is either engaged in some form of obeah or acts of mischief. And while, it seems, they may consider themselves impotent to deal with it, they obviously feel that Fr Rochard, an experienced man of the cloth, will have the spiritual antidote. But who can the culprit be, and what really is his motive? A number of suspects come to mind. We would like to believe that this headless cock mystery is really the work of a cocky practical joker who has decided to provide some comic relief to a society sinking into a state of depression over the rising incidence of violence and murder in the country and is using the headless cocks as symbols of police impotence in dealing with it. In which case we would all want to thank him for the comic distraction, however temporary. Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. Or the culprit may be an amateur researcher who wants to expose the degree of superstition that still exists in TT, even among the affluent and, presumably, more intelligent section of the country’s population.

Fr Rochard did not say how many calls he got from his parishioners to deal with the headless cock mystery but clearly they were sufficient and urgent enough for him to go and have a look at the dead birds himself. The parish priest gave no impression that the situation required a spiritual response; significantly however he did indicate that if the headless cocks continue to appear, the matter would be reported to the police. In the meantime, we are told, no one is touching the dead birds, not even the garbage collectors although the stench of their decaying carcasses is rising. But then again, who knows? The culprit may well be a genuine obeah man engaged by someone seeking vengeance against the residents of Champs Elysees or someone living there, following some perceived injury. In which case, the members of this upper class community had better look out. The blood of the headless cocks will do for them.

ANTI-WAR HYPOCRISY


Whether you are politician, priest or pastor, everyone knows (as sad as the reality is) that there is nothing like a serious fight against terrorism in today’s world, without wars. Let’s not fool ourselves. This is the only language people like Saddam understand…” There is a time for war, a time for peace” (Eccles. 3:8)


I stand amazed at some of the anti-US sentiments coming against the US in the Iraqi war. On September 11, 2001 when Osama bin Laden flattened the World Trade Centre in New York, every one everywhere said, “America look for that,” since the superpower failed to “take out” bin Laden when it had the chance to do so, years earlier.

In the same breath, all the same tongues lambasted the elder Bush (former US President) for being “the big fool he was” for not “taking out” Saddam Hussein when he “came so close” in the Gulf War of 1991. When current US President George W Bush courageously proclaimed to a frightened and trembling world on the night of 9/11, “We will hunt them (the terrorists) down and smoke them out… not only them, but the nations that harbour them,” the entire “Free World” hailed him great hero and saviour, “Bomb the Taliban quick… and get Saddam!”, they screamed impatiently. Nobody cared about UN mandate.

Now, merely 18 months later, as Bush translates into proactive and pre-emptive action, the words for which he was so lustily applauded, we are hearing about “unjust war,” “arrogant Bush,” “America playing world police,” “Bush taking innocent lives” and Bla! Bla! Bla! Saddam is now hero and innocent darling, and Bush devil. Hypocrisy and massive self-deception! How the terrorists must be laughing at us! We are so pre-occupied with putting up a front of being “nice and politically correct,” that we create our own peril by playing right into the enemy’s hands in the very process.

You watch it, when Saddam is removed by this same war, these same anti-war grumblers will be among the first to rejoice and rush for post war Saddam benefits. Hypocrisy again! Whether you are politician, priest or pastor, everyone knows (as sad as the reality is) that there is nothing like a serious fight against terrorism in today’s world, without wars. Let’s not fool ourselves. This is the only language people like Saddam understand. No one wants the US to be a world bully or tyrant. Certainly not. And there is absolutely no sign of this from the US in this war on terrorism.

The US is no saint. This column has repeatedly criticised the superpower for many a faux pas. But what’s this nonsense about Bush being a Hitler by attacking Saddam? Hypocrisy again! Whatever her faults, America has well established herself as a tried, tested and proven bastion of democratic freedom. Because of the virtual martyr’s blood of multitudes of her sons, shed in war, we have much of the peace and freedom we all enjoy today.

If the UN is at variance with the US in this war, then blame the UN. Somebody at the UN doesn’t appear to understand how this thing works in today’s climate of unprecedentedly vicious terrorism. If innocent Iraqi people are dying in the war, Saddam is to blame for making them victims of his foolishness. If the UN Security Council wants to play blind with their petty political games in the face of stark naked terrorism danger, that’s their business. But Bush will be highly irresponsible in such a scenario to “abide” and continue to seriously risk the security of his people and the world by extension.

No right-thinking person will choose war over peace or the loss of innocent lives. But I cannot understand the thinking of those who are claiming that because innocent people are dying in this war, it is “unjust”. Is it that if the UN had sanctioned the war and it was a “just” one, no innocent people would die? The painful reality is that every “just” war in history has had the loss of innocent lives. Nevertheless, the greatest care must be taken to avoid casualties. In a biblical context, Christ himself died innocently in a bitter war for the salvation of the human soul. The Bible itself records numerous wars, many sanctioned by the Lord himself, for the destruction of evil. In fact, there was a special anointing given by God to many of the kings for fighting and winning wars. Joshua and David are two of the better known leaders of this ilk.

UN or no UN, America or no America, there are divine laws which are fulfilled in the affairs of life on a daily basis: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). What has Saddam sown? I say no more! Christ warns about the inevitability of “wars and rumours of wars” (Matt. 24:6) in these last days. Paul, the Apostle, informs us that a head of State (Bush, for instance) is empowered by God to “use the sword (weapons of war) to execute judgment upon evil doers” — Rom 13:4. Wise King Solomon says that diplomacy (wisdom) “is better than war.” But if this fails, war may be necessary to deal with “the one sinner (Saddam?) That destroys much good” (Eccles. 9:18). He also states, “There is a time for war, a time for peace” (Eccles 3:8.)

The US has repeatedly made it clear that this war is not against Islam or the Muslim faith, but against terrorism. This is highly commendable. We must separate the two. Some scholars of religion may see a connection in the conflict between the two sons of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac. The church’s preferred position is always peace, so as the word of God admonishes, we will continue to pray to this end so we may “live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Tim 2:2)

UNC never planned to shut down Caroni

Editor: I have no intention to get into a debate with Team Unity leader Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, but his recent bit of propaganda that the UNC had planned to shut down Caroni Limited and sell off its assets cannot go by without challenge.

The UNC had no such plan.  And Mr Maharaj knows it.  I am sure Mr. Maharaj would recall that the Divestment Secretariat had submitted proposals to this effect, which were not accepted by the UNC Government.  Mr Maharaj would also recall that Mr Panday had always insisted that private sector participation was a policy direction for Caroni Limited and not divestment. In fact, Mr Panday always objected to the use of the word, divestment. So to come now and say that the UNC wanted to sell off the assets of Caroni Limited and shut down the industry is not only dishonest, but mischievous. The UNC invited private sector participation for the rum distillery, dairy, beef, rice and citrus.  Mr Maharaj would recall that the invitation for private sector participation had attracted a local rum giant, but it was he, Raffique Shah and Patrick Manning who sustained a propaganda campaign saying the rum stock was worth $1 billion and that the UNC was selling it off to its friends for $35 million.  The investor withdrew his offer. 

That was only one instance of the obstructionist behaviour of Mr Maharaj and his friends, which further delayed action on Caroni Limited. Mr Maharaj talks about the UNC having no strategy.  We had a strategy which was successfully derailed by Mr Maharaj in order to have his own strategy for installing Patrick Manning as Prime Minister to prevail. We all remember too well, the headline in the daily newspapers in late 2001, “Done Deal” with Mr Maharaj emerging with Mr Manning after talks aimed at installing him as Prime Minister. So, Mr Maharaj, don’t talk to us about strategy! Our strategy was to defend workers in this country by creating jobs.  We had no intention to retrench workers at Caroni.  Our strategy was to expand Caroni Limited to create more jobs.  But, we could not do that without private sector participation.  We wanted to start with the rum distillery.

The question now is not what the UNC did or did not do.  The question now is that the PNM is hell-bent on sending 10,000 workers home without the benefit of a comprehensive plan in the so-called restructuring process.  But, instead of concentrating on this issue, Mr Maharaj focuses on the UNC. That will not help the sugar workers cause at this time, Mr Maharaj. From what I read in Mr Maharaj’s statement, his answer to the PNM’s ruthless and callous action is to file a motion of no-confidence in the Government. Pray tell us, Mr Maharaj, what will a motion of no-confidence in the PNM Government do to stop Mr Manning from implementing his plan.  If you have nothing to add to this serious debate, Mr Maharaj, please shut up.  I am sure Mr Manning thanks God each night for people like you.


HARRY PARTAP
MP-NARIVA

Do so ent like so, Mr Bush?

THE EDITOR: George Bush has warned Iraq against inhumane treatment of American prisoners of war.

He declared that anyone who mistreats American prisoners will be treated as war criminals. Quite so, but what about those Afghans and others imprisoned by the US in Guantanamo? These prisoners are chained, held without being charged in Cuba where they cannot appeal to the laws of the United States for relief. Is it because American prisoners are more deserving human beings? At which court will Bush have these so called ‘war criminals’ tried? Will he have them tried at the International Criminal Court? Has he forgotten that the US under Bush has refused to recognise the ICC unless this court exempts US soldiers from prosecution? Why speak of war crimes when the US intervention in Iraq is not sanctioned by the UN, and as such is regarded worldwide as a criminal act? Was it not a criminal act to attempt to decapitate the Iraqi leadership with missiles? The American people must realise that their leader has made a major error and they must take steps to have him change his position. It is indeed tragic that someone who was elected President under such questionable circumstances must now lead the US into this war.


DAVID SUBRAN
Chaguanas

Segregation is not the answer

The Editor: I want to strongly disagree with the proposal of Clive Pantin and now Trevor Oliver for segregation of low performing youths to an Institute attached to the Defence Force.

Our proposals for solution of the crime and violence situation must be evidence based not directed by emotion and prejudice. The society has been divided enough. This is the time for inclusion and participation in the decisions that affect our lives. What the evidence shows is a need for education reform and building of community resources for education reform. The use of community organising strategies to reform public schools has been proven to work and to achieve notable results in many parts of the world, in the past decade. This movement challenges traditional methods of community and parental involvement, particularly in low-performing schools  with high staff shortages, un-trained teachers and bureaucratic and dysfunctional cultures.

The key to community driven school reform is community organising that creates the social capital necessary to form equal partnerships — not divisions — between the community, the parents and the school. This enables groups to break through bureaucratic paralysis and to generate public demand for policies and resources to eliminate — not increase — disparities in the education system. Crime and violence are learnt behaviours and it is the responsibility of each one of us to show the love, care and respect for all children. No super star or big name celebrity can do that for us. If any one should be taken down to Chaguaramas, it is the teachers, the ministry officials and school administrators. They are the ones who have failed. Parents and youth must have the opportunity to be real partners with the educators to create the school climate and environment conducive to learning for all our children.


Hazel Brown
Diamond Vale

Dead civilians mere numbers to Bush

THE EDITOR: As ‘peacemaker’ George W Bush bombs Iraq back to the Stone Age, I thought that I might add my comments and quips to the ongoing war propaganda. ‘Military Objective’ “The coalition forces have achieved their military objective in Basra,” whatever that means.

BBC Correspondent Jackie Rawlins’ ‘Military Campaign” similar to an election campaign, the only difference is that one ton bombs are used instead of two ounce ballots. ‘Target of Opportunity’, ‘Kill Saddam at all costs’, ‘Our condolences to the families and relatives of our fallen heroes’ Dead Iraqi civilians are mere numbers. ‘Collateral Damage’ ‘As missiles and bombs explode on Iraqi military targets and Command Centres, any adjoining structures like schools, hospitals, government buildings, residences etc are expected to shed a few slabs of concrete. ‘The Iraqi people must be freed from this evil dictator’ To hell with China, Russia, Germany, France, the United Nations and millions of Anti-War demonstrators throughout the world.

REZA ABASALI
Barataria

‘Cable boxes’ denying users full use of TV sets

THE EDITOR: Please permit me space in your newspaper to express my annoyance at the Cable Company for their use of these “cable boxes”. Once these boxes are installed, one loses the use of the features that some television sets may have, such as picture in picture, to name one feature.

The customer will then find their VCR can only record the station which they are watching. Now surely this defeats the purpose of one even owning a VCR, which is supposed to allow the user, to view one programme, and at the same time record another. Television sets of today come with a number of features, and at the cost of such units, I feel strongly that cable customers are being deprived of the full use of their televisions; and the same can be said of their VCRs. On another point, it may be of interest to find out how certain shows are blocked, at the last minute, by the Cable Company because the rights belong to one of the local television stations. How can a Cable Company have the rights to broadcast channels 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but not have the rights to certain shows? This one needs some looking into.


C Peters
Laventille

Another excuse for attacking Iraq

THE EDITOR: I took pictures of the bombing of Baghdad and I can’t help but wonder if we have learned nothing from the Second World War. I see smoke and the red glow of fires and explosions lighting up the night sky over this beautiful city and wonder what will be left when it’s all over.

When the United Nations was established in 1945 there was one fundamental paramount in the hearts of all — the prevention of war. The world had seen the terrible destruction of the war against Germany and Japan and many thought that another war like that would be the end of the world. Since the inception of the UN there have been about 200 conflicts in the world — everything from the Korean War and Vietnam to Haiti and Grenada — so the UN does not have a particularly good record in this department, and certainly not now with this second Gulf War. It seems obvious that countries like Great Britain and the United States are prepared to ignore the Charter of the United Nations whenever they see fit.

What a sad situation when two of the founding members of the UN and two of the countries most responsible for much of the freedom we enjoy today are behaving just like the dictators they fought so hard to defeat in 1939-45. Britain and France declared war on Germany after Germany attacked Poland in August 1939. In 2003, we have Britain and the United States attacking Iraq without Iraq attacking anyone. Is this the new way of settling disputes? Very much like spanking the child before (on in case) he does anything wrong. Yet we have seen the escalation of events since September, 2001.

First, the Americans decided that Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein without a doubt had something to do with the attack on the World Trade Centre. No connection was ever established between Al Qaeda and Iraq, so they had to dump that excuse. The second excuse was that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction — Dr Blix has made it quite clear that further inspections were necessary. That didn’t work out either, so on to the third excuse — regime change. I wonder if Saddam had quietly stepped aside if the Americans would have manufactured yet another excuse for attacking Iraq. Food for thought.

JEREMY BOYD
Soogrim Street
Gulf View

Daddy’s girl

THE EDITOR: It’s always a great pleasure getting things your way, but it’s not always the best thing to do. My dad has taught me so much. He has always been there for me and given me the best opportunities and the most memorable moments of my entire life.

From the moment of conception he never left, always there to hold, cuddle, nurture, discipline, love and teach me the necessary skill, values and attitudes, what is right from wrong, good and bad. He’s like every human — not perfect but in my eyes he is the perfect father — a gem that anyone would love and dream of having. My dad is the best and today and for always I am very proud to say that I appreciate, love, respect and adore him so much. He makes my world so complete, for without him I would not have accomplished so many things in my life at such an early age. I am proud to say that he can relate to my friends, family and is always there in times of need. Never a dull moment with him around. If I’m sad, he tries to find out why, if I’m financially in need, he provides, if I need even a babysitter, he’s right by my side always willing to help. Indeed a man who is very ambitious and has improved a great deal as a father throughout the years. No one can ever take his place because in my heart I have a special spot for him and he is the best father anyone could ever ask, dream or pray for.

VANESSA RAMOUTAR
Williamsville