Caroni, Sonia and NBN

THE EDITOR: It seems that Muriel Donawa was right when she said prior to leaving the PNM that Prime Minister Patrick Manning was operating in a dictatorial manner and that the PNM now stood for Patrick National Movement. Not enough people took her on and the PNM suffered at the polls. It seems that Wade Mark who continues to be vilified by the fanatical supporters of the PNM is now turning out to be a prophet of sorts and must now be taken much more seriously or else the PNM could suffer again at the polls.

Three recent events have prompted this letter to caution the population for some serious blunders committed on our population. Events that reek of corruption, manipulation and downright deception. As a nation we must no longer accept silly decisions by our leaders that affect the lives of so many people. Event No 1 — The closure of Caroni Limited — We were warned that nine thousand people would be fired. This came to pass. On the premise that the industry was a drain on the country, the PNM without considering any alternatives went full speed ahead and decimated a community, a culture and a way of life that dated back to indentureship resulting in tremendous hardship to thousands with no consideration for the resulting consequences. They tempted the workers with a superior package and everyone knows now the result of this ridiculous decision. Who will stand to benefit from this decision?

Event No 2 — Mark said the Sonia was not new. Garcia said the country discovered over the weekend that Mark was right after an investigation by a newspaper. The minister responsible is now saying the boat could be a few years old. Is it not strange that not one but two boats were leased at a high price just when the Tobago election is called? It took three years to negotiate the acquisition of these vessels and the best the caring Government could do is lease rather than purchase these vessels. It seems that money is not a problem when election time is around. Are the supporters of the PNM happy with this arrangement? Or can they only remember Piarco Airport and conveniently forget Project Pride, Acker etc. I am wondering who will benefit from this deal.

Event No 3 — This is the best display of Lee Sing power ever unleashed on this country since the issuance of his radio licence in two hours. I wonder how the other supporters must feel when one of their colleagues receives so many favours, a mini Ministry of Finance with control of millions of our dollars (NLCB) and a direct link to our Prime Minister. Mark warned us of a smelly deal at NBN, interviewed on TV the same night Mark was accused of not telling the truth but lo and behold on Thursday, Minister Lenny Saith confirmed that a deal was in fact arranged. The Government said NBN was losing money and needed to be closed down.

They fired the staff, shut up shop on Friday and leased the closed entity NBN (is this legal) and its facilities to the NCC for Carnival coverage, but wait, Carnival is three weeks away why was it necessary to lease for three months? Bet you these fellas will begin all day programming and it will have nothing to do with Carnival after February 9. Staff of TTT, 90 percent of whom are PNM, how do you feel now having to go home with a small separation package while the decision makers who are there because of our votes are living it up with huge salaries and perks? Show them you care, use the power of your finger and exercise your franchise in a decisive manner. Thank you Mr Mark for bringing this scheme to the public. Port and NHA watch it, you are next.

BETTY ANN CLARKE
Barataria