“It is quite disturbing that after 20 months in office, within an economic climate that has seen vulnerable energy markets coupled with consistent contractions of the economy the Minister of Trade (Paula Gopee- Scoon) has now seen the importance of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Diversification.

The questions must be asked, what has the Minister of Trade been doing in the past 20 months,” Lee said in a press release.

He accused Gopee-Scoon of trying to re-invent the wheel regarding foreign direct investment, regarding an inter ministerial committee she recently launched to boost the non-energy sector.

“It was simply a task of this administration seeking to continue with these plans and improving upon the framework which was laid.

“However from day one this Government has failed to be aggressive, innovative or even diligent to work towards encouraging Foreign Direct Investors into Trinidad and Tobago’s economy.” Lee said that while in 2015, half of FDI entering the Caribbean came to TT, in 2017, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said TT had earned “small amounts” of FDI, which Lee estimates to be $50 million.

Rather than FDI to provide jobs, foreign exchange and economic diversification, Lee accused government of incompetence and lacking vision, leading the nation into an abyss of economic stagnation.

“Given the number of committees this Government has enacted to mask its incompetence and inability to deliver timely development they should be known as the ‘Committee Government’, he stated.

He hit government for a loss of 21,000 jobs, borrowing billions without creating revenue- earning measures, allowing the economy to be downgraded to junk status and sitting idly by as TT plunges headfirst into a crime catastrophe.

Charmaine Harridan, whose home was demolished, told Newsday she visited Ramdeen’s Woodbrook office yesterday with three other affected residents. She said they were only able to meet with him for a short time, as he was called away on other business.

“We gave him all relevant documents and he said he wanted to present the matter in court before Friday. People are going in groups because they represent different areas,” Harridan said. Asked if she was seeking compensation for damage, Harridan said, ‘no’.

“I am not asking for any compensation.

If the court wants to offer compensation that is fine but if they say no, then I will have to go with that. All I want to know is if I could rebuild on the land, because I was given permission to do so in the first place.” Harridan’s three-bedroom house was bulldozed in an exercise which saw several other houses similarly destroyed.

Justice Frank Seepersad, in an emergency sitting on Sunday, granted an interim conservatory order restraining the commissioner from demolishing any more homes occupied by squatters. This after attorneys for two squatters – Annesa Maharj and Ashminee Joseph – filed a suit against the commissioner.

The women say they have occupied land at Pine Lane for over 30 years.

If these people all filled out their forms and had them delivered, it would mean the Government will have to process about 400,000 forms.

Let us for the sake of argument suggest that one person in an eighthour day takes five minutes to collect and document one form. It means that person can process 95 forms a day.

Thus, it would take 4,210 man days just to collect the forms.

Now let’s say we have 15 collection centres with five people each processing forms. They would be able to process 7,125 forms a day.

Thus, it would take 56 working days or just about three months just to collect the forms.

Add to that the scenario where public servants are asked to evaluate each form and eventually arrive at a property tax based on the formula in the Bill.

One can therefore understand that property tax cannot be properly administered before the next general election three years from now.

Imagine for a moment a public servant given a box of forms to process. Factor in phone time, text time, bathroom time, coffee break, lunch break, traffic stress and other responsibilities and one realises that such a person may only process ten forms a day.

The Government may not be aware of the reality regarding the monumental task involved in arriving at a proper evaluation with the current structure.

Factor in properties to be evaluated, objections, accommodation for the disabled and incomplete documentation and the exercise becomes much more complex.

So, Minister of Finance, one may suggest you forget raising any income in the short term from property tax.

Wouldn’t it be more practical and palatable if one were to say “that property tax has not been increased in tandem with the rise of income or other factors in the economy. Consequently, the Government has decided that everyone’s existing taxes be increased by 1,000 percent or ten times what one is paying at the last time they paid the tax.” Such a formula would see many property owners paying on average $1,000 to $2,000 a year for their property tax.

That formula could be a short-term formula while the Government embarks on an equitable and fair evaluation system based on land value and not on how much one develops their property on the land.

Such a structure would also mean the Government would immediately get its property tax without the negative press, community stress and exorbitant processing cost.

STEVE ALVAREZ via email

Yesterday, Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon, Ag Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and Prisons Commissioner Cecil Duke, went to Tobago to meet Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles and the THA executive.

This was the first meeting Chief Secretary Charles has held with Minister Dillon and National Security jefes since assuming office following the THA elections earlier this year.

Dillon said an overcrowding problem at the Bacolet prison was noted and with the Hope Estate already made available to the Prison Service, he is hoping construction of a new prison will begin shortly.

He said the Bacolet prison should have been shut down ages ago owing to numerous, chronic problems.

Dillon said two new police stations are being built in Tobago and special focus will be paid to getting the tourism sector to work closely with law enforcement to ensure visitors are well-protected when they visit the sister isle.

He appeared in court on a charge of indecent exposure in front of the Coffee Boys Anglican Primary School on Cooper Street at 11.15 am on Monday. Court prosecutor PC Cleyon Seedan said that PC Tidd and other officers were on mobile patrol on Cooper Street when they saw the accused fondling himself in front of the school.

PC Seedan said that when PC Tidd approached Julien, the latter quickly pulled up his pants. Told of the offence he had committed, the court heard, Julien told PC Tidd, “I like them lil children.” When the officer attempted to arrest him, Julien pulled away violently and ran.

Other officers pursued and he was held a short distance away.

Julien was taken to the San Fernando Police Station where he was charged with indecent exposure, resisting arrest and escaping lawful custody. Attorney Chantal Paul told Magistrate Antoine that her client has two children and is in a common- law relationship. The attorney submitted that at the time when police had arrested him, Julien was urinating and pulling up his underwear and pants. Magistrate Antoine referred the attorney to a case where on March 17, another magistrate jailed Paul’s client for 60 days for committing a similar offence (indecent exposure) at a girl’s primary school on Drayton Street.

Magistrate Antoine pointed out that in November, Julien was charged with possession of marijuana and larceny. Paul submitted that Julien’s use of drugs may be contributing to his current state of mind leading him to commit such acts. Asked whether he has a history of mental illness, attorney Paul said Julien was evaluated twice and found to be of stable mind.

Magistrate Antoine ordered another evaluation at St Ann’s. He is to be brought back to court on June 8 for sentence.

But the explosion which rocked the Manchester Arena – which killed at least 22 people and injured 120 – did not discriminate in those it took away. The dead include eightyear- old Saffie Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Callander and 26-yearold John Atkinson. Young children, their parents and guardians were all equally placed in harm’s way. The British press identified the perpetrator as Manchester-born son of Libyan refugees Salman Abedi, 22. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, also reportedly claimed responsibility after the terrorist set off a homemade bomb.

Serious questions will be asked of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, as well as the administration of UK Prime Minister Theresa May. Could this attack have been prevented? It has been confirmed the bomber was known to authorities and died at the scene after weeks of what his neighbours deemed strange behaviour.

Dramatic footage emerged yesterday of heavily-armed police storming his home as officers carried out controlled explosions in a series of raids at addresses linked to the attacker elsewhere in the city. A 23-year-old man was detained.

Details about the identity of the attacker have led to fears this attack will lead to a surge in xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia. But a pushback has already started against that. “Muslims and migrants ARE Mancunians,” wrote writer Greg Thorpe, a Manchester resident, on Facebook.

What is most savage about this attack, however, is how it seems to have been aimed at a particular demographic.

The music of Ariana Grande – whose concert had just finished at the venue – is enjoyed by all. But her brand is associated with girls and young women. That brand is one premised on feminine empowerment, self-reflective sexuality and fun. Therefore, the attack represents not only the taking of lives in a public space. It is meant to have a chill effect on the idea that females can wield power effortlessly, can have ultimate domain over their own bodies, can take control of their lives. This could have happened to any other female artist out there, be it Britney Spears or Destra. Which is why the British security forces will face serious questions and the world will be looking to learn lessons. Current measures must cater for public events at which many people will be gathered. A pop concert involving an international superstar such as Grande should have attracted a high degree of security cover. How was the perpetrator able to get close enough? What is more, what materials were used to manufacture the bomb in question, especially since dangerous chemicals are already heavily regulated in the UK? And while we do not condone any act of Islamophobia, the Muslim community in Manchester may have questions to answer in relation to whether it has in any way harboured malice. Furthermore, while we do not condone any act of terrorism, the UK as a whole will also have to search itself deeply and examine whether it has isolated and marginalised non-white communities, adding to the risks. The Brexit vote – and the surge of racist violence in its wake – revealed much more work needs to be done.

World leaders condemned the attacks.

Speaking in Bethlehem where he was meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, US President Donald Trump condemned the “murder of so many young, beautiful, innocent people” and said the “wicked ideology” of the “evil losers” responsible must be “completely obliterated.” The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, said he was willing to boost anti-terrorism cooperation with the UK.

Given recent concerns locally expressed by former officials of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, it is imperative that any lessons learned by the UK also be applied here. The sad fact is this is now the world we live in. A world where terrorists will not flinch at killing children who are just out to have fun.

At 11.25 am on Monday, the businessman, 29, was driving his white Toyota Hilux van along Husa Trace in Mayo when a silver Lancer stopped in front of the van.

A man alighted from the car and approached the businessman, who opened fire.

The wounded man returned to his car and drove off, with the businessman in hot pursuit.

The chase ended six miles away at the front gates to the Gasparillo home of retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Cecil Santana.

Wounded and gasping for breath, the injured man told Santana he was being pursued by a man who wanted to kill him. He gave the businessman’s name and vehicle number before slipping into unconsciousness.

The businessman arrived shortly after and Santana drew his licensed pistol and arrested the man who was found with a loaded Smith and Wesson pistol.

The wounded man was taken to San Fernando General Hospital. It was learnt later that the businessman was recently robbed by the 26-year-old man whom he shot on Monday.

The matter is being heard before a San Fernando magistrate.

Only last week, the man was released from prison having obtained bail for the alleged crime against the businessman.

Police said the suspect faces several charges including attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition and discharging a firearm in a public place.

PC Castillo is investigating.

In 2014, over-payments totalled $6.2 million, of which $1.5 million was recovered. In 2015, teachers were overpaid by $9.5 million of which $4.3 million was recovered. The committee has since urged greater stringency by the Ministry of Education in its payments.

Overpayment has been identified as an ongoing problem of major concern in the Ministry.

In 2014, some 714 cases of overpayment totalling $6,247,727, of which $1,484,131 was recovered including recoveries relating to prior year overpayments.

In 2015, some 1,107 overpayments totalled $9,530,791 of which only $4,348,271 was recovered, stated the report.

“According to the Auditor General, as a result of overpayment, resources are spent on accounting, recovery, reporting and auditing as well. At times, emotional strain can be placed on the overpaid person involved in the recovery process.” The report blamed overpayment on delays caused by schools sending teacher details to the ministry’s district offices which then go to the ministry.

So by the time that happens, they could be paying someone who is on leave.

The ministry’s new human resources systems can minimize overpayments.

“It was explained that the Ministry has utilized technology which allowed certificates and applications for leave to be emailed to facilitate faster processing.

The ministry accepted that communication channels with the schools can be established so that information can be transferred faster and more accurately as a means to avoid overpayments from occurring.” The Ministry said it was guided by Financial Regulations Sections when dealing with overpayments, and that overpayments as recorded in the circulars from the school principals and school supervisors will be recovered.

“The ministry accepted that there was an existing issue but efforts are being made to put systems in place to reduce overpayments.” The PAC’s offered recommendations.

The ministry needs more stringent checks on its records so as to monitor overpayment occurrences, including monthly checks at its accounting department so overpayments can be detected early and remedied immediately.

The ministry must establish an overpayment register or if it already exists, must update and maintain it. Overpayments should be recovered within two months.

The amount and date of the overpayment should be recorded in the overpayment register and the person involved should be notified and arrangements made for the recovery of the funds. Also, to eliminate lag times between transferring of information from schools to the district offices and then the Ministry, the Committee endorsed the Ministry’s use of emails, phone calls and faxes to acquire information faster but felt strongly that a digital solution is not too challenging to implement and will ensure greater accuracy and precision

However, they disagreed on the approach.

Gopee-Scoon said it is not something to be rushed to a Joint Select Committee (JSC) while Mahabir said there is merit in this avenue. They both made contributions yesterday on a motion, put forward by Opposition Senator Wade Mark, which called for the establishment of a JSC to consider and report, within three months, a legislative formula for Parliamentary autonomy.

Responding to Mark’s remark about, “the Parliament being a plaything of the executive,” Gopee- Scoon said, “I too felt the wrath, the big stick of the executive.

Not the bungalow.” In 2015, prior to a change in government, Gopee-Scoon said, she was chosen to represent the then Opposition on a mission to Malta. Air travel tickets bought and hours before she was due to travel, Gopee- Scoon said she was informed she was no longer going to Malta. “I had bathed already, packed. Parliament gave me my cheque the day before and a bag with wrapped gifts,” she said. Gopee-Scoon said she called to speak with the then House Speaker (Senatyor Mark), but was told she could not speak with him.

“When I probed a little deeper as to where this was coming from, I was told the Prime Minister (Kamla Persad-Bissessar) said I was not to go,” she said. This, Gopee-Scoon said, was the Executive treating Parliament as its plaything and “hijacking” the work of the Parliament. “I felt it. It was wrong.

There was a cost attached to it. It was not only financial…

it was diplomatic,” Gopee-Scoon said.

“We have to fix these things. We have to be treated with respect.

This must not happen again.” This Government, she said, is not afraid of parliamentary autonomy. While saying three months is not sufficient to deal with the issue of parliamentary autonomy, Gopee-Scoon said Parliament is due to go on recess at the end of June. She asked that the motion be amended. For his part, Senator Mahabir said there is a need to look at an autonomous Parliament with its own financing and a committee to which parliamentarians can plead their case, so the situation raised by Gopee-Scoon, will not occur again.

On his personal experience, Mahabir said he was invited to a parliamentary conference on economic development in London.

The organisers would have defrayed part of the cost, once he committed to making a presentation.

Government, Mahabir said, was not sending a representative and the Opposition’s representative was not going.

Mahabir was willing to go. He made overtures to the government to help fund his participation. He was denied.

Mahabir said there was merit in having a JSC meet in public with stakeholders and although Parliament will go on recess, he said there was a mechanism to allow for work from one session to be carried over to the next.

Mahabir said the current state of the Red House and President’s Residence, could have been remedied if Parliament had complete autonomy.

He also urged introspection among people.

“The terrorists did not care about what passport you held. Innocent people were callously destroyed by this attack and it should serve as a sobering reminder of how dangerous our world has become.” Carmona said the incident had caused him to reaffirm his commitment to national security and expressed interest in strengthening ties and furthering intelligence- sharing capacities between Trinidad and Tobago and Peru, citing both countries’ histories in dealing with civil insurrection and the need to join hands in the fight against international terrorism.

Speaking on his recent appointment, Hernandez said he was optimistic that his tenure as ambassador would strengthen ties and allow for a valuable exhange of knowledge that would benefit both countries. Hernandez added that there existed a number of opportunities for trade and investment in TT’s oil industry as well as the health and education sectors.

In this area, he said, “We see partnerships between the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, where we can exchange information and expertise on a wide variety of disciplines.”