Ex-Telecom head happy with judgment

The Privy Council ruled yesterday that Central Broadcasting Services Ltd (CBSL) and the Maha Sabha should be “granted a broadcasting licence without delay.” Ragbir, who was telecom director when the entire controversy erupted, told Newsday yesterday that he was not surprised about the Privy Council’s ruling.

Ragbir recalled he made the recommendation for Maha Sabha to receive a broadcast licence at that time and was happy to learn that the Privy Council had ruled in their favour.

Stating that other religious bodies had been granted broadcast licences before the Maha Sabha, Ragbir said the entire court matter was unnecessary and hoped that the Telecom Authority of Trinidad and Tobago would move expeditiously in granting the Maha Sabha their licence.

Moonilal, who had raised the issue repeatedly in Parliament, also expressed satisfaction with the Privy Council’s judgment.

He said it vindicates the longstanding position of the UNC that the decision not to award a broadcast licence to the Maha Sabha was an act of vindictiveness by the ruling PNM. Moonilal recalled that the Maha Sabha licence application had come before the UNC before it demitted office but no decision had been made.

The UNC MP said yesterday’s events underscored the need for the retention of the Privy Council as TT’s final appellate court and for the establishment of “equality institutions” in the country.

Contacted yesterday, Telecom Authority chairman Khalid Hassanali confirmed that he had received a letter from Attorney General John Jeremie which outlined the Privy Council’s judgment and advised the Authority to take immediate steps to provide the Maha Sabha “with a licence on an appropriate frequency to be agreed with the CBSL.”

Hassanali said he is yet to receive the judgment and once he does, it would be referred to acting Authority executive director Chris Seecharan for review and subsequent implementation.