THE EDITOR: There has been a call for the introduction of corporal punishment in schools. Licks for students is the clarion call by many who are concerned about the violent nature of the “flowers of our nation.” The Minister of Education has set up a committee to review the removal of corporal punishment in schools. Protagonists who object to the recall of corporal punishment offer alternative methods which make good reading for our “educators” but lack realism in the classroom, particularly in our Junior Secondary and Senior Comprehensive Schools.

How can there be better interaction between teachers and students when there are either no teachers or no students? How can there be learning when gambling is the culture of the classroom? The reality of the indiscipline among students in our Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, from my own experience as a retired teacher, stems from the fact that schooling is perceived as a good “ole trini lime”. Students attend school without books. Are you surprised that we must rent them books, when they walk around with cell phones? The book bag is a haven for powder, perfume, cream, shoe polish, a deck of cards and a walkman. A copybook or page in their back pocket is sufficient for the day’s lesson. Students diligently attend classes when there is no teacher! Walk the corridors and frequent the washrooms when there is one! This is the new culture that characterises schooling. It is the culture of our ‘trini’ society — so why blame our innocent children?

Our teenagers are still in the process of learning that which is right from that which is wrong. Their morality is a reflection of the mores of their parents and the society at large. This morality is transported in the classroom. If therefore there is violence and indiscipline in the classroom, it is simply an extension of the culture at home and in the society. It must be remembered that our Junior and Secondary Schools were designed to cater for the less academically inclined students. There are the students who have difficulty in learning and consequently in discerning what is right from wrong. Should we give licks to our students who are slow learners and are still in the process of learning right from wrong, as opposed to our adults who have attained maturity in years of understanding that which is right from wrong? Do we beat adults for the wrongs, which they commit? Licks for adults who indulge in corruption! Licks for adults who beat their spouses! Licks for adults who drink, drive and kill! Licks for adults who commit adultery! Licks (Public Whipping in the Square) for adults who rape or commit incest! Licks (Public Whipping in the Square) for adults who steal, murder and kidnap! Only if such measures are introduced, could there then be justification for corporal punishment in schools.

IMAAM IQBAL HYDAL
Chaguanas

THE EDITOR: As a devoted Newsday reader I have a duty to take issue with Winford James’ convoluted reasoning and contradictions that dominated his Sunday August 17 article under the rubric —“Silly Politics on the CCJ.”

Mr James appears to be a purveyor of the very sin of which he accuses Mr Panday. It is in the public domain that I do not and cannot hold any brief for the latter. Mr James premises his arguments on a false and misleading assumption that the CCJ is a creation of the “West Indian people.” It is “a West Indian cause” that must take precedence over national concerns. Would Mr James please tell erudite Newsday readers in his next offering what consultations were undertaken with any or all of the “West Indian people” of the respective member States of Caricom to determine their views (“independent thought”) on the abolition of appeals to the Judicial arm of the Privy council and its replacement by the CCJ? Would Mr James, the independent thinker by inference, tell us which of the respective Caribbean Community parliaments, law associations, NGOs etc that speak for the people were afforded any opportunity to debate the draft Statute Establishing the CCJ and could have changed a coma or added a full-stop? Would Mr James be agreeable to endowing Cabinet with a law-creating capacity that supplants the role of our bicameral legislature?

Having regard to Mr James’ thesis that West Indian politics, to quote him verbatim,”…pivots around one man- his discretion (s), his moods, his strengths, his foibles…” (Constitutionalised dictatorship) how can these Prime Ministers without consulting their electorate (The West Indian people) and according to Mr James, who are not capable of “independent thought” unilaterally decide to abolish our Constitutional right of appeal to the Privy Council, to impose a CCJ, swear in the Judicial and Legal Service Commission in TT, all of which are ultra vires to our own Constitution- the supreme law of the land. Did Mr James as a political scientist and I presume an “independent thinker,” if that creature ever exists, ever get a chance as a member of the UWI intelligentsia to have a say on the CCJ that constitutes such a fundamental departure from the current system of justice? Finally I wish to remind Mr James that to attribute every imaginary or real failing or negativities endemic amongst Trinbagonians to our “…ex-slave, ex-indentured societies” represents a level of anachronistic thought that is fundamental to a genre of misleading and outdated neo-colonialism that no longer impresses anyone.

STEPHEN KANGAL
Caroni

THE EDITOR: Having written this letter, I hope to open the eyes of the Minister of Education and other stakeholders to the persistent ills that confront our education system. Firstly I disapprove of the Government’s repeated silence and tardiness on its plan of action to deal efficiently with the major problems that hinder the progress of our nation’s children.

Of immediate priority is the need for the Ministry to install a permanent 24 hour security presence at all our schools. This measure will deal forcefully with persons guilty of school vandalism. Also, every September we are faced with the recurring problem whereby no fewer than three or four schools have to remain closed for two extra weeks because of a lack of furniture or the incompletion of repairs to the building. The denominational boards along with the Education Ministry need to ensure all schools are in a state of readiness for the new semester by effecting remedial work as soon as the vacation period commences or before such time. During the last school year and in the past we have had reports of conflicts involving teachers, parents and students. What system(s) is(are) in place to address situations where teachers and students are involved in verbal and/or physical clashes. Senator Hazel Manning and her Ministry, along with TTUTA and NPTA must immediately implement measures that will prevent such incidents.

One suggestion I’m offering is the introduction of Effective Communication and Human Development into the school curriculum. We have to review the teaching of religion in the schools. In some institutions this is non-existent. If our parents would play a greater role in the overall development of their children, by instilling in them the values of discipline, tolerance, respect for themselves and those in authority and the willingness to achieve, then I honestly believe that the performance of our education system will epitomise the highest standard. In response to Government’s initiative of a credit card system with respect to book grants, this is yet to materialise and the population deserves a justifiable explanation from the Minister for this latest debacle. I agree with NPTA’s president Zena Ramatali that parents ought not to accept blame for this situation even though some are yet to fill out their application for grants. It annoys me when initiatives such as this are not carefully devised and put in place and the inefficiency of the Education Ministry is widely exposed. The media, which have a duty to contribute to the well being of our young people, have failed miserably to inform and educate them over this July-August vacation period. In particular, the two main television stations and some radio stations.

I was severely incensed by some TV shows offered to the future leaders on vacation. These programmes were meaningless, vacuous in contend and in some cases vulgar. Our so-called, foreign accentuated radio disc-jockeys continuously perpetuate the summer rhetoric in this two-seasoned island. What has become of the NP Energy Quiz and similar competitions where students from the primary and secondary level partake and expand their knowledge in critical sectors namely Energy, Agriculture and Business. Our corporate citizens need to invest some of their hefty profits in progammes where our children are given opportunities to grow academically and learn more about Trinidad and Tobago as a developing country. I seriously believe that the powers that be must get up and get out of this laid back and incompetent mentality that so often stifles the progress of Education in the society. The time for transformation and a positive way forward is now. Without a sound, viable education system the reality of Government’s Vision 2020 plan is definitely far fetched.

ASHLEY  ROMANY
Santa Cruz

THE EDITOR: I write this letter out of sheer concern as a nurse of 33 years plus with the ministry of Health. Today Thursday 21/8/03, I renewed my driver’s permit for a private vehicle at the Chaguanas Branch of the Licensing Office. This permit expires on 22./8/03. Much to my amazement, an apparent visual or eye test is carried out by the clerk at the counter who determines whether each person should wear corrective lens or spectacles or not when driving. (Medico Legal Implications or not?)

After asking me to read with one eye covered, I was asked to uncover the eye and then read with it. I was able to read about the 4th/5th line without glasses. Professional health care givers know between these checks the vision is cloudy/blurred. I need not state the haste between these checks. Good Heavens this is not her profession! Next question can you read with these glasses? indicating those held around my neck. “Well you cannot read without them and you will have to take out the photograph with the glasses.” Forthwith, I informed her that on my file at the Licensing head office I had submitted a report by one of the Consultant Eye Specialist/Ophthalmologist that I did not require glasses to drive. Well you will have to take it out with the glasses. May I hasten to add here that I do yearly checks at Visual Eyes, Curepe for refractive errors and bi-yearly for spectacles assessment. In submission, I conformed to the clerical/medical authority. But look what medicine has come to nuh. Not even the nurse or allied services would step out of their crease. The issue here, my dear readers who decides whether you should wear spectacles or corrective lens or not for driving purposes. Now I must drive with my spectacles. Well this is a weekend and if the police should stop me for any reason whatsoever, I must be recognised as the chauffeur who wears glasses (just as my driver’s permit reveals). Now I am capable of driving without glasses even at night. Thank God. Health Care/Health Promotion. Look who now determines the standards for Trinidad and Tobago. Such a person or persons must have had brilliant ideas but not just any old thing will do.

As regards the limb of police/the law. This is a typical case: I was working at San Juan health Centre, when one day while driving from west to east a vehicle approaching me from south to north ran into my vehicle. I tooted my horn several times before, but it did not work. We both agreed to report the matter to the San Juan Police Station. Scarcely I had begun to tell my story to the Police Constable told me to shut my mouth. Quite emphatically she states “You!” pointing to me are wrong. God was on my side, the other driver quickly admitted that he was wrong. No apologies. He said calmly, “well all yuh go make up nuh” and tried to give me some advice about repairs. Fellow readers that driver had only one functioning eye (I have now learnt that there are other drivers like that on the road). Again the Clerk decides. This is the issue where a public servant is considered for extended leave or not. The Ministry of Health has unfortunately allowed the clerical staff to interpret diagnosis of public servants according to stereotype listing. Sorry, clerks did not go to Med School or Nursing School or Allied Health Institutions so how on earth are they expected to approve the diagnosed. Just imagine after major surgery the clerk does not approve of a case as eligible for extended sick leave. To date I am a victim of this system which has cost me salary deduction amounting to $5000 TT.

Another irony is the Internal Audit Department of the Ministry of Health. Would you believe my pension and leave for retirement slept for months on a desk at Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Why? Among other futile excuses, the clerk/auditor does not see evidence on my file where I had passed Part 1 and 11 as a Student Nurse (but you cannot sit the exam or become a registered nurse without these two.) I am now left to wonder as a licensed midwife all those births/deliveries of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago where I played a major role and my name was carved in gold in the books, are they now not valid? Dear readers, a registered nurse in Trinidad and Tobago is registered with the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago, appointed and confirmed after one year or more by the Service Commission department. But now the clerk is not sure at all whether I came through the correct system. But who really cares? Who knows where to draw the line? One may argue everyone is privy to medical knowledge (tertiary educational source). Yes this may be true to some extent on the basis of research. But eh! Eh! What do you have to substantiate for the honorary surgical expertise vested in the Surgeon (Now even the clerk is allowed to class as invalid). To all health promotion flag bearers, I say “wake up and smell the coffee.” To my dear clerical, friends and relatives I am not trying to bash you. I was looking at your diet and your plate seems to have the wrong food groups.

LUCILLA ELIGON
RN/LM/DN
Trained DHV(UWI)

THE EDITOR: Sports Minister Roger Boynes always sounds so very convincing and positive. I believe the goodly Minister can easily sell ice to an Eskimo.

However when one considers Government’s track record for getting things done and the fact that most politicians are from the “Promise Land.” I wonder if he’s called upon to construct an Igloo for the Eskimo, what will be the chances of success.? Let’s hope Mr Boynes fulfills all promises for providing training and other facilities for the various sporting disciplines. Finally, it will be remiss of me not to mention the fact that this country was represented by so many athletes at the games in Paris, and our national television made absolutely no announcement or advertised that live viewing was available on Channel 4. Shame on you! What say you Minister Boynes?

G WILDMAN
Glencoe

THE EDITOR: I read an article headed “TUCO President Talks Tough” by David Cuffy published in your newspaper on Monday August 18, 2003 and was totally confused by its content.

First and foremost it is my understanding that the executive members of TUCO are elected by the general membership and therefore I fail to see the relevance in the quoted statement “you either work or walk.” Does the President of TUCO have the power to, fire any member of the executive. It appears that Mr Leggerton is getting carried away. Mr Leggerton was a member of the last executive, but somehow his utterances do not reflect this fact. He was the last Public Relations Officer and should have known TUCO’s financial status.  This should not have been a surprise for him. Was he asleep while in the PRO position? It will be interesting to know the details of the success of the 2003 Calypso Fiesta. The article sounds like Leggerton did it ‘alone.’ It bothers me as a culture lover to hear the President of TUCO trying to ‘talk tough,’ sounding like a politician. Mr Leggerton is obviously trying to publicly attack the RAPSO presence in the executive. Is it that Mr Leggerton is feeling insecure? It certainly sounds that way.

These concerns should have been addressed with the executive and handled at that level. Why the public utterances? Is this a start of an undermining process? All executives will have their differences and this is healthy. TUCO membership must be wondering what the hell is going on. Something is fundamentally wrong with this story. It’s one year since Mr Leggerton is President and he should be rallying his executive instead of trying to beat his chest in public. This is not helping TUCO’s image. How on earth can an elected President come and try to bash his co-workers. The executive members are his co-workers. It will do the President well to remember this. I wait in anticipation for a follow up by David Cuffy with the other side of this story from other members of the executive.

DAVID ROMERO
Maraval

THE EDITOR: This is a plea to the Chief of Police of the Traffic Branch in San Fernando to ensure that their employees take care and respect citizens’ property. On August 25, my vehicle was subjected to abuse and mal-handling by those who thought they were doing their job. May be the word wreck should be changed in effect.

Less than an hour before, I had parked my vehicle alongside the Promenade next to St Joseph’s Convent. To my chagrin, on my return from RIK Bookstore, another car was parked in its place. In fact, there was the usual long line of parked cars that is commonly seen nearly everyday of the week. On collecting my car at Old South land, which seems to be behind God’s back in and old run-down area able to be reached over rough gravel, there was my car parked with its rear bumper scratched and dented just behind the spare wheel. I don’t think any citizen should have to dip into her pocket to repair damage to her vehicle caused by clumsy, inept workers who are not consistent in their catch point, especially as the fee was $100 TT to just collect, and under questionable circumstances.

On numerous occasions, vehicles are parked alongside this particular road for various functions on the Promenade, whether it is for funerals, weddings, school functions etc. How can a citizen be sure about any thing at all, if there is not consistency in the execution of the law? In addition, the city corporation should make efforts to ensure that some visible sign clearly demarcates a limit for parking along the side closer to the Promenade, because that is where the problem seems to be. There is no visible “No Parking” sign along that road and my car was nowhere near the curb, junction or the two gates of the Convent. It was of no inconvenience at all to any one. I do hope conditions will be improved in the near future.

PHILLIPPA ALLARD-PERSAD
Cocoyea Village