Or it could be he was able to draw on whatever moral and ethical stock he possessed that seemed to have been non-existent, or at least dormant, in his first decision to reinstate Mc- Donald.

It is interesting to consider why he may have reappointed Mc- Donald despite her baggage. One may argue that maybe he is the PM and he has the power to act, and in true PNM style and that of the founding father, “No damn dog bark!” The argument may go further that no leader is impervious to the mantra “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” and yet further, that the latter is likely to take root in our local leaders because of the nuances of tribal politics which negate the idea of accountability at the top.

The other side of the divide provides ample illustration of the exercise of power during its term of office without the need to be accountable, for the simple reason that leaders can do no wrong in the eyes of the tribe. So there is much to speculate on in terms of the PM’s arrogance in the exercise of power or his poor judgment as some have been suggesting, as far as McDonald’s reinstatement was concerned.

Yet the argument above about drawing on his seemingly non-existent moral, professional and ethical stock in firing Mc- Donald once again is not entirely without merit, for first he was willing to pay heed to dissenting voices.

And secondly, his justification for his action, that McDonald’s questionable association was untenable in the national interest, demonstrates a concern for “rightness” in the political domain much at variance with the absolutes about his arrogance and poor judgment being bandied about.

It is worthwhile to remember, too, that it was the same Rowley who was willing to jeopardise his own political future by daring to lock horns with late prime minister Patrick Manning over issues in the party and even with the Integrity Commission when he felt he was wronged.

So this decision to fire McDonald, putting behind the political expediency of her re-engagement in his first decision in favour of the high ground of morality in public affairs in her dismissal, may well be an interesting point in the learning curve of this Prime Minister.

DR ERROL BENJAMIN docbenj742@outlook.

com

Saying police are overstepping their boundaries in terms of how they deal with civilians in their custody, Ali complained that this clients, held for the murders of Videsh Subar, 13, and his care giver Hafeeza Rose Mohammed, who were both found with their throats slit, have not been given their basic rights such as food and baths.

“They have been in custody since last Wednesday. When police keep people in custody for seven to 15 days, they should be getting permission from the courts on a daily basis to keep them in custody,” Ali said. He added the law states a suspect can remain in custody for, “a reasonable period.” The thing is, it is left to the discretion of the police to determine this ‘reasonable time’.

Once a lawyer has a problem over the length of time his client in custody, the only recourse he has is to file a writ of Habeas Corpus in the High Court, as was done last week which led to suspects being ordered released by a judge when they were held but not charged for the kidnapping of Puff n’ Stuff bakery owner Gregory Laing.

“A ‘reasonable time’ in this country has not been defined. Some people are in custody for two weeks and because they have no lawyer or the lawyer has filed no writ, the police remain unaccountable to anyone for what they are doing,” Ali said, reiterating that even while in custody, a suspect remains a citizen with certain rights.

Asked if his clients are fearful for their lives, Ali replied, “They always have a fear for their lives and they are not being given access to basic needs such regular food, baths and light. They are basically in a room within a room…so they don’t know if it is night or day.” He said his clients have not been charged for anything, but remain in custody.

CHANGE LEGISLATION

“TT is in dire need of legislation governing how persons brought into police custody ought to be treated by police and the procedural steps to be followed in interrogating them.

The only document that speaks to the manner in which police may handle arrested persons are the Police Standing Orders.

“The latter is a defunct set of guidance couched together in a module that makes reference to arrested persons having the right to access to an attorney, but not making it an offence by the police to deny arrested persons immediate access to the same legal representation,” Ali said.

Under law, a suspect can be held by police for up to 48 hours without being charged. However, once it is established that the police have reasonable cause based on evidence, the police could be granted a longer time in which to continue their investigation before they charge a suspect or release them.

“The Privy Council, our highest Court of Appeal, recognises the British legislation — Police and Criminal Evidence Act which has been in existence since 1984, in the United Kingdom.

The latter speaks to persons having the right to legal representation and the consequences for denying immediate access to an attorney,” Ali said.

Ali said the underlying issue was accountability by the police and justification for the course of action they undertake when treating with suspects.

“There is a mindset that TT is a lawless society.

There may be truth in this comment at first glance, but the responsibility to make TT law abiding is not that of the Police Service as a body.

A law abiding society obeys the law because it recognises the need to behave in a manner that does not violate its fellow citizens, not that it will obey the law borne out of fear for the consequences of not obeying,” Ali said. “The argument that the Police Complaints Authority and Police Professional Standards Bureau are there to manage the posture police adopt in treating with our citizenry, is a weak one,” Ali insisted.

STATE COULD BE LIABLE

Attorney Israel Khan, SC, agreed that there ought to be checks and balances in how police conduct themselves especially as the State could be left open to civil lawsuits. However, he cautioned that all complains and allegations made by detained persons first must be investigated thoroughly before conclusions and follow up actions could take place. “If they are deprived of meals and baths, later on they can sue the State. But these are allegations that first have to be proved. Everyday when police arrest someone, that person complains about the food, about not being able to see their attorney, about police brutality….

they always complain, but that has to be investigated,” Khan said.

Khan said Ali could make a complaint to the Police Complaints Authority and then bring an action for civil wrong committed against his clients, because all people are presumed to be innocent until proven otherwise by the courts.

Ali said he knows the nation “wants blood” for the Malabar murders, but the fact remains that the heinousness of the crime should never determine how police treat with suspects.

“Through the years my complaints about police ill treatment of my clients while being investigated were met with unsympathetic responses from our national community. The successful prosecution of the alleged criminals in this country at the High Court is abysmal.

The reasoning behind the failure of the DPP’s office to successfully prosecute is directly linked to police procedural approaches to investigation and their mismanagement by ill treating persons in custody,” Ali said.

“I agree criminals are deserving of punishment but, ‘all are innocent until proven guilty’, must be a rule that stands in a society that respects law and order.

The hypocrisy of TT is citizens crave lawful police action when they are personally affected.

There is no respect for the presumption of innocence and the rule of law. Until that is addressed, incidents like the Malabar murders will prevail with unabated intensity,” Ali said.

He made the comments in his inaugural speech as the ninth principal of the campus during his induction ceremony held on Saturday night at the Daaga Auditorium, UWI, St Augustine.

Copeland said that he accepted the challenge to nurture their students to spot commercial opportunities and derive novel, ingenious and workable solutions to economic, societal and ecological challenges.

He said that two major initiatives of UWI’s five year strategic plan is to reform the core education processes and increase access to a broader base of students and secondly innovation where they move from concepts to commercial reality. On innovation Copeland explained that they want to create spin off companies, with the first before the end of the year and one new company every two years.

Copeland said that this country needs thousands of export oriented small and micro enterprise companies. Copeland, an engineer and academic by profession and the first winner of the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for being part of the G-Pan development team, succeeds previous St Augustine Principal Professor Clement Sankat.

Copeland, also co-creator of the steelpan “synthesiser” called the percussive harmonic instrument (PHI), said that while Government’s interest in the steelpan initiatives project was solely focused on the now decade old G-Pan he saw the project as part of a greater strategy to entrench Trinidad and Tobago “as the unquestionable leader in the global steel pan industry through aggressive research, development and innovation of steelpan technology.” He explained that he the steelpan as the cornerstone of a new culture of innovation-led entrepreneurship.

He said that neither the steelpan nor the PHI had realised their full market potential. He expressed hope that with this Government’s renewed focus on innovation as an element of the national development strategy “some consideration would be given to the steelpan industry as an opportunity for economic diversification.” On his appointment as principal Copeland thanked everyone who enabled him on his journey including his lecturers at UWI, his family and late former Prime Minister Patrick Manning for his encouragement.

Copeland, whose mother was Barbadian, said he always considered himself a Caribbean man born on Trinidad. He added that he is “fiercely Caribbean at heart” and he felt anguish at the collapse of the West Indian Federation.

He expressed hope that “one day Caribbean nations will unite under one flag” and he dubbed this one nation “Caribia.” Copeland said that as principal he looked forward to supporting Caribbean development which was the only reason he accepted the appointment

The previous attempt at consultation in Tacarigua (one of two others) was, I gather, a fairly low-profile event and led many to wonder whether the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and in particular its Disability Affairs Unit were trying to keep the whole affair a secret.

After all, when the first draft was sent last year to various stakeholders, many pointed out that the new policy document was merely a cutand- paste version of the old and there was no holistic approach to disability. What was perhaps most crucial was the lack of real implementation processes. This is still missing.

This last consultation was held at the Kampo Restaurant in Chaguanas on the second floor. According to one comment on Facebook, it was only after the Disability Unit was “bombarded with phone calls” that a full-page ad appeared in national papers, the day before the event.

Many would have had no access to the document before attending the meeting. According to Ria Mohammed- Davidson, attorney, who attended the previous consultation in Tacarigua, when “she requested a copy of the Revised Draft Policy in an effort to study its contents and provide meaningful feedback,” she received no response She was only provided “with a copy of the document at the event.” Given the length of this 41-page document and its complexity, it would be extremely difficult for anyone to begin to analyse or assess the implications of the various sections while at a public meeting, and to offer informed comment.

In such meetings, organisers often provide at least a summary of the contents to facilitate the attendees.

However, according to Mohammed- Davidson, while she was there no one made any “presentation on the content of the draft policy.” As a member of the disability reporting team who made significant suggestions on the first draft and pointed out its many flaws, she notes that “the revised draft does somewhat improve on the first policy.” However, at the consultation gathering, there was no indication given of any “significant changes or improvements made to the original policy in light of the comments provided by the disability community.” Many stakeholders spent a great deal of time over several days reading, analysing and commenting on the first draft. The suggestions were wide-ranging and manifold.

The question is then, for her, how did the “ministry treat with the comments which they solicited on the first draft policy, some of which were quite detailed and comprehensive?” The draft nonetheless begins by stating that “the views and opinions solicited from key stakeholders in 2016” have been incorporated.

According to Mohammed-Davidson, the document still “does not sufficiently embrace the tenor, breath and spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly the guiding principle of disability as a human rights issue.” This, despite the fact that the preamble states that the revised draft policy “is based on the human rights model of disability.” Many wonder whether this series of “consultations” is only an attempt at appeasement, since nothing really has changed, despite the fact that we signed that convention two years ago. Having a new policy in place and able to say that the public has been consulted, takes the Government off the hook, now that the two-year reporting deadline is here. However, since this consultation may only be an exercise in whitewashing, I wonder whether the relevant bodies really want the public to know or say too much.

Mrs Mohammed-Davidson also notes that she did not see “any representatives from the Ministry of Education, Health, Transport, Housing, Culture or any other government department or ministry.” Yet, disability touches all areas of human concern and if there is to be real structural and meaningful change then the relevant ministries need to be consulted and indeed must be part of the whole process.

Perhaps those who make policy are not yet fully aware that people with disabilities are whole people.

The biggest need, then, would seem to be that the Disability Unit publicises this document, either through the Internet or in newspapers, so that all can read it, discuss it, analyse it and return to the drafters with their comments.

Members of the public will then ask for details of the implementation process. They will seek to know what ministry will implement the changes. They might also ask who will be the watchdogs and who will represent them in overseeing such implementation.

As it stands, the Consortium of Disability Organisations only received notification of this last consultation in the week that it was held. What then is CODO’s role and function as the g r o u p that purports to r e p r e – sent over 40 disa b i l i t y organisations?

Bruno who has been described by both constituents and his colleagues as a stalwart to his party, the Peoples National Movement (PNM), served as Councillor for over four years.

Newsday spoke to Bruno’s long time friend and colleague Hafeez Ali who said he was deeply saddened by Bruno’s passing and added that Bruno would be missed for his tireless work ethic and community-based approach.

Recalling Bruno’s weekly walkabouts, Ali said his colleague maintained pride in his community up until his death.

“Ever since I knew him he would be out in the streets of Barataria every single weekend, just talking to the people and listening to their concerns. He would make sure that the drains were cleaned on time and that everything was maintained and repaired. He got a lot of love and respect from the people in his constituency.

He was helpful to everyone and he took that focus with him wherever he went.” Asked what the constituency and by extension, the nation lost with Bruno’s passing, Ali said that Bruno could have risen through the ranks of the PNM and bring about major changes within the party and the nation.

“It’s difficult to say but I really feel that Pernell could have gone on to become a great leader within the party, he was always there for the people and we would have benefitted tremendously from his support and his foresight.” In a release on Saturday, Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein said that Bruno would be remembered for his loyalty and service to the people of Barataria. “Councillor Bruno’s passing comes as a shock to the Local Government fraternity and we mourn the great loss of such a humble, philanthropic man who served his burgesses with great dedication.

The San Juan/Laven Council will uphold their duty as representatives elected by the people, to ensure that the burgesses of his district continue to receive the excellent service which Councillor Bruno practiced.” Member of Parliament for San Juan/ Barataria Dr Fuad Khan also expressed sadness.

“Although we belonged to different sides of the political divide, we both recognised that every man and woman we represent, that they came first and as such worked together in a cordial manner to see that their welfare was preserved and improved. He was a humble and respectful individual and he will be dearly missed in the community.” Bruno successfully contested the Barataria seat in the 2016 Local Government Elections which he also won in 2013.

Prior to his political career, Bruno represented T&T at the CARIFTA and CAC games in athletics and earned an athletic scholarship to attend Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister Gopee-Scoon indicated that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is the most comprehensive agreement negotiated by the CARIFORUM countries and creates the best opportunity for export expansion and economic development to aid the region’s trade and investment thrust with the European Union.

building the relationship with the EU, new partnerships will be developed which would allow the private sector to better understand the process in entering the European Union Market.” Minister Gopee-Scoon stressed that “a more aggressive approach is required in the utilisation of the EPA.” She encouraged the private sector to use the opportunities negotiated under the Agreement to discover new customers, form new partnerships and constantly pursue new growth prospects to diversify exports and build competitiveness.

Arend Biesebroek, Head of Delegation of the European Union to TT, stated that “we must reinforce the public private dialogue and the private-private dialogue to promote a more effective enabling business environment for Caribbean countries.” The EU Ambassador underscored the importance of creating a business link with Europe. He expressed the willingness of the EU Delegation to assist the private sector in getting their products into Europe.

Robertha Reid, Senior Adviser at CEDA, indicated that the intention of the workshop was to help the private sector understand the opportunities under the EPA and increase the number of companies exporting to the EU. She explained the initiatives being undertaken by Caribbean Export to provide trade and business intelligence and build capacity to conduct market research to optimize the EPA.

The workshop consisted of two very informative presentations.

The first presentation delivered by Mr. Adam Wisniewski from the European Union provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the details of the EPA.

This was followed by Dr. Noel Watson’s presentation on the ways in which exporters can utilize the EPA to increase their market presence in the European Union.

In a statement last week, he recalled CL Financial at its prime controlled $100 billion in assets in 28 companies, regionally and worldwide, in banking and financial services, energy, real estate, and manufacturing and distribution.

“For the youngsters out there, I make the point that CL Financial was not owned or run by the Syrian-Lebanese community. In fact that distinction fell to the Duprey family who are of African ancestry.

“Thus, the balance of economic power was markedly different from today and while the Syrian-Lebanese community was disproportionately powerful even then, they clearly did not hold as dominant a position as they do now.” Dacon said the impact of the global economic crisis of 2008/9 changed the landscape dramatically, seeing CL Financial face severe cash flow woes and so seeking State help.

“First agreeing to a rescue, the State then took full control of the group, running it as it saw fit and disposing of assets at their sole discretion.” Saying the State rescued other firms, Dacon said uniquely the Government took full control of only CL Financial.

At a stroke, the country’s largest conglomerate moved from private African ownership to State control.

“Had it been rescued and not effectively nationalised, then Mr Sabga Aboud’s statement might likely have been false.

“Undoubtedly, the net effect of the government’s method of rescue was to dramatically change the pattern of ethnic control of large parts of the economy away from the African owners. Could that have been the intention?” Dacon said the shift of CL Financial to government control (plus its possible demise) has far-reaching consequences.

Aboud.”

In a brief address, Smith congratulated the TTOC on the decision to focus attention on inviting children to the Olympic Day event.

National athletes from various sporting disciplines turned out to support the local Olympic Day celebrations at Lord Harris Square, Port of Spain.

Keron “Sunny Bling” Sealy – Master of Ceremonies – ensured a vibrant, interactive and entertaining experience notwithstanding the inclement weather.

An exciting highlight at the event, which started at 10am and ended at 2pm, was the opportunity for the children and members of the public to see – some for the first time – Hasely Crawford’s 1976 Olympic gold medal.

Many pictures and selfies were taken with TT’s Olympic hero and his historic gold medal.

Children from several primary schools and kindergartens were in attendance where various national sporting organisations, including the National Association of Athletic Administrators (NAAA), Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation (TTVF), Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TTHB), Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) among others, set up booths, gave demonstrations and exhibited skills, drills and exercises to the young children.

The children hailed from Rosary Boys, St Rose’s Girls, Belmont Boys RC, SERVOL, Gail Cabral, La Seiva RC and Movant Police Youth.

Olympic Day is commemorated annually by over 200 National Olympic Committees worldwide.

The aim is to educate children on the role of sport in society and the values espoused by the Olympic Movement. In keeping with these objectives, the activities strive to encourage the nation’s youth to Strive for Excellence, to celebrate Friendship and to demonstrate Respect.

He said that already, Muslims are “seeing signs” of this dependency from government. “We have to rise to that challenge. I do hope Ramadan would have provided us with that kind of commitment to carry through for the rest of this Islamic year. I ask you to consider that in all sincerity. I did not come here to offend anyone and if I did, I sincerely apologise,” Mohammed said.

He proposed that to prevent society from further collapse, certain Islamic values should be examined and followed. “I say this in the name of Allah, the only thing that is left for this society to consider before collapsing further is Islamic values,” Mohammed noted.

Mohammed, a former Member of Parliament for Tabaquite, under the NAR administration, is also an attorney.

Addressing the gathering, which comprised mainly of Muslims, Mohammed said that Eid is a time for stock taking for Muslims especially in a time like this when there is so much social upheaval all over the world.

“Look at what is happening here in Trinidad and Tobago. We are numbed, perplexed, confused and yet as a society we pretend that the reality does not exist in our society.

It is reasonable to conclude that the values that we have tried to cultivate over the years and which we have cherished, have not worked the way we would have liked them to work, Mohammed charged.

Mohammed noted that Muslims are plagued with “spiritual diseases” such as back biting, envy, jealousy, hatred to one another and selfishness. To remove those spiritual diseases and purify one’s heart, he/she must perform the five principles of Islam, Mohammed said.

At the dinner, ASJA members celebrated the achievements of Secondary Entrance Assessment (SE A) outstanding students among them Lexi Balchan, 12.

Balchan, formerly of the Point Fortin ASJA Primary School, topped 18,000 other students in this year’s SE A examination.

Mohammed congratulated Bachan and reminisced that 58 years ago, on April 19, 1958, Haji Yacoob Ali handed him his letter of appointment to go and open the Point Fortin ASJA School. Together with other Muslims, Mohammed opened the school which started in a shed that was blocked around with boxing boards from Immortelle trees. He also saluted the late Hamza Mohammed, first principal of that school.

There obviously is no real change in that country economically, politically or socially since the death of Hugo Chavez. I wonder who is responsible for this.

The fact remains that because of the closeness of that country and what is taking place there, TT must pay close attention for this can have a spillover effect here.

It is important that no hasty decisions are taken concerning Venezuela, and also our present predicament must be taken into consideration. But I believe that assisting our neighbours in need is a good thing, as we have done this in the past. However, Venezuela is a bit different because of its political troubles. I suggest we be very cautious.

I repeat, our leaders must not rush into decisions on Venezuela, including about nationals of that country seeking refugee status.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email