Hinds gets two ministerial portfolios

Laventille East/Morvant MP Fitzgerald Hinds who turned down a ministerial portfolio 18 months ago, was given two yesterday, although he remained out of the Cabinet. Speaking after he was sworn in at the President’s House, Hinds said he was propelled by the growing concern over delinquency, general lawlessness and crime in particular . He added that the people of Laventille were happy and proud to have him back in the Government.  “Everything I do in public life, I do with Laventille and Morvant firmly in mind as well as the general population,” he said.

He quoted the old African saying: “When there is a thorn in the foot, the entire body must bend in order to take it out.” “And,” he added, with the exuberance of a student on the first day of school, “I am happy to be part of that body and I will bend with enthusiasm to assist in making this country better.” Hinds’ two portfolios are Minister in the Ministry of National Security in charge of rehabilitation, and Minister in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, assisting Ken Valley, who himself has two portfolios. Prime Minister Patrick Manning, (adjusting a previous statement about the qualities required for ministerial office) stated that he expected Hinds to bring to both ministries a “culture of hard work and a level head.” Explaining his appointment in Trade and Industry, which  surprised many because of Hinds’ background, Manning said his Ministry would be very active, given Trinidad and Tobago’s growing economy.

He also noted that the position (as Trade Minister) called for a lot of ministerial travel on the part of Valley. Although Valley already has Diane Seukeran, he could still do with help, the PM noted. Manning said Hinds appointment was not in response to recent concerns about the growing crime situation. He stressed, however, that someone was needed to look “exclusively” at rehabilitation, which was formerly done by Anthony Roberts. Hinds, a former policeman and an attorney, would be replacing Anthony Roberts in this task, Manning said. Asked if the crime situation was an indictment of the performance of National Security Minister Martin Joseph and the police, Manning said it was very interesting to hear the comments of the new High Australian Commissioner that increasing concerns about crime was a worldwide phenomenon. Manning said people should not single out Trinidad and Tobago, giving  an impression that “we were worse off than others.”

Citing the plans for an upgraded radar system and the establishment of the Special Crime Unit, the Prime Minister said Government had applied a number of measures to address crime which were now “slowly but surely” taking shape and effect. Noting that  kidnappings were down by 49 per cent, Manning said crime was still at an acceptable level but “we are seeing movements in the right direction.” Hinds stressed that he did not have any fear that his job in National Security would be such a full time challenge that he would not have time for his other responsibility in the Ministry of  Trade. Hinds also did not foresee any conflict between the nature of his constituency, which is one of the crime-ridden areas in the country, and his new job. He said the large majority of residents in Laventille, Morvant and such communities, were decent, hard-working, God-fearing persons who wanted to see a better community, the observance of law and order and an end to youth delinquency.