High-profile plans to combat crime do not enjoy a high success rate in Trinidad. However, they cannot be labelled as downright or abject failures. Just look at the pile up at the prisons — though it is bothersome by the number of murder accused set free due to legal blunders and change-of-heart witnesses. Increase in crime always puts a damper or dent on tourism schemes and programmes to woo visitors to the land of steelband and edible doubles. Tourism needs all the assistance it can muster to prop up the industry. I have come up with the Bubble Tourism Project which is not a plan. A plan is a plot with or without sinister intent. Bubble will deal with the prospects and fragility of the forever expanding or contracting hospitality or pleasure industry. I will introduce without fanfare the bubble syndrome and its potential and futuristic implications in the never-sleeping arena under the sobriquet of tourism. Despite my accent and play with words Bubble must not be mixed up or confused with Bauble or biblical historic Babel. It is very easy to trip up in the journey to master the correct use of the three unrelated words though linked or interwoven into a common pattern. Yuh understand? No really! Okay — I will endeavour to unravel the confusion. Yes confusion is the operative word that binds the grammatical triumvirate into a cohesive malady.
Bauble is a cheap toy or showy trinket ofttimes given as a gift to bamboozle (confuse) the recipient into thinking it is gold, silver or diamond or other sparkling emeralds. Babel connotes a scene of confusion; noisy assembly or mixture of tongues. A babbler is a chatterbox or a person with a penchant for disclosing secrets and mouthing confusion. Throw the spinoff of sexual tourism into the mix and you have to contend with an upsurge of HIV/AIDS aimed at decimating the exposed population. Sex and the Single Tourist as an educational film can play a vital role in highlighting the medical risk for the adventurous. The Bubble concept is just a microcosm of the ills bugging the industry in its bid to fill hotel rooms and the coffers of the national treasury on a regular basis. Confusion bedevils the local tourism energy. Aircraft not flying, airlines criss-crossing and double crossing each other regionally. Internal airfare to Tobago cut back. Bwee cut down on cut-up staff and services. Ships chancing arrival or by-passing and curio vendors spurned by cash-strapped tourists with back packs. Back squeezing of dollars to fund advertising and selling strangers to peep into your paradise on earth including sand, sea, steelband and soca. Initial counter measures to fight the fallout will press for the establishment of a high-powered (not low voltage) task force. It will most likely open the door for an army of high-priced tourism advisors from the UK (despite anti-tourism) and other experts even from Mars with commercial space-age travel on the horizon. But it will also spawn an avalanche of fast-talking conmen pitching to cash in on the money trade including free bed and breakfast. Boost to tourism sits on a goldmine of opportunistic projects waiting to be energetically implemented. Projections abound taking into account local or home-induced inputs.
Organise Carnival on a year round basis to match or catch up with non-stop electioneering by politicians along with trade unions forever playing mas. We can also invent another Carnival Messiah and throw in a film feature of our girls “Girls gone wild” while the saviour and the Gods fall asleep. Another thing I’ve discovered or still to unravel. Are natives of Triniland a special breed? Well, we must be unique. Every man, woman and child is engulfed with a phobia of exaggerated self importance. We generally believe that we are under an international microscope with everybody looking at us and bad talking us. We delude ourselves as being the most cosmopolitan country (not nation) in the world while one visit north to the US will present a virtual human and colour scheme representation and of the wide and wicked world. We created in our fantasy that late Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams was the third brightest or intelligent man in the world. We never determined or picked the top most duo. That isn’t important. Third or a bronze medal is okay for island people on a politically contrived mission for developed world status by 2020 or never… What I like most of all is the consummate ease with which our professors, columnists and part-time thinkers deal with and dismiss international issues. Wondrous strategies and insights are trotted out with a precision and confidence that United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan would wish life was so easy. He should be encouraged to move the UN headquarters from New York to calypso-limbo land and draw on the intellectualism and wisdom of our homespun geopolitical experts. A real net to catch or usher in diplomatic tourism. Funny though our diplomats are just a whimper in important UN sessions. Still tinkering with ideas on the home front whether or not to retake Marli Street from the United States Embassy in Port-of-Spain. Battle plans put on hold as the US has withdrawn military aid from TT for not supporting its move for a waiver against subjecting their nationals for trial in the International Criminal Court.
CRIME FIGHTING
Trinidad and Tobago is a land of humour, picong, grand-charge and calypso.
Words…words…words before action. Fancy talk galore: “We are coming to get you.” It is good news that the anti-crime code-names have been dropped from the operations. Forget the tough talk- just do it. Old talk does not win the crime war.
Big boast that our carnival is greatest show on earth yet bands struggle to find their way to competition centres including the Queen’s Park Savannah without conflicting views and annual congestion.
Steelbands dubbed as the only musical discovery in the 20th century still to drum up a beat for making money at massive yearly Panorama show. Sympathy for the pan fraternity as the steelband is the only carnival music dispensed freely on Jouvert morning.
Topics that I have dealt with in this column are intertwined as ingredients to be tackled in the bid for a vibrant and meaningful tourist industry. I have outlined the bubble theory free of charge.
THE EDITOR: The first solution is a recommitment to Mother Trinidad and Tobago. It is either we belong to Trinidad and Tobago or we do not belong. Social commentators must stop running surveys about the views and attitudes of Africans, Indians, and etc but instead promote the views of Trinbagonians. The national flag should be prominently displayed and flown in front of every national building and private building. All schools should sing the National Anthem and recite the National Pledge at the beginning of the day, before daily prayers. Some schools do not display the national flag. One school had the national flag at half-mast and upside down. What therefore were the students singing and pledging to? Not even the principal and teachers were aware of the half-mast and upside down flag. The principal at 11 am was not too concerned, as it was the duty of the MTS guard. Since March 2003, I have not seen the flag at the said school.
At present it is now a fashion to be wearing caps with a “NY” insignia, a direct reference to New York. Even a young cricketer of the Shell Cricket academy wore one of the caps to an international cricket match. Brian Lara wore one during an interview. It is fashionable to promote foreign values. But will we support local values. Will we wear “TT” caps or West Indies Cricket caps? The answer, plain and simple is no. Each and everyone must provide their eight hours of work daily, a personal contribution towards national development. The practice of leaving one hour early as compensation for lunch must cease. Before leaving work, we must all ask ourselves, have I done a day’s work or have I completed my day’s work? The view of locals must always be sought. Foreign views always reflect foreign values, values that are usually incompatible with the local culture and customs. The government must provide all the necessary amenities to ensure performance and in-creased productivity. Politicians should not blame workers, when they themselves are failures.
• The failure of the health services — lack of equipment and resources
• The failure of the police service — lack of equipment and resources
• The failure of the fire services — lack of equipment and resources
• The failure of the education services — lack of equipment and resources
• The failure of agriculture — lack of equipment and resources
All workers should instead be encouraged to contribute to decision-making and policy creation. Promotion must be based on ability and performance, not seniority. Public servants should be encouraged to be vocal and the present limitation on public statements and representation, as board members, politicians, etc must be removed. But seriously, are we emancipated and are we independent?
PHILIP AYOUNG-CHEE FRCS
San Fernando
THE EDITOR: Since retired public officers and other senior citizens who earn more than $5,000 per year have not been paid old age pension for many years now, and since they have been waiting patiently for a long time to receive an increase in National Insurance, it is only fair, reasonable and just that the increase in National Insurance to them should be made retroactive to January 1, 2003, and not effective September 1, 2003.
National Insurance is a contributory scheme while old age pension is not a contributory scheme; and since old age pension was increased from January 1, 2003, National Insurance should also be increased from this date so as to bring both on par with each other, and judging from the meagre National Insurance payments most retired public officers and senior citizens are receiving at the present time and also for a long time now. They should be paid the difference of what they are receiving at the present time and the $1,000 they are to receive as a back pay retroactive January 1, 2003. We have all contributed to building the nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and this most deserving back pay would have no significant strain on the finances of the National Insurance Board to which they have contributed.
ALDWIN E BREBNOR
Retired Public Officer
THE EDITOR: The scenic and refreshing drive along the North Coast is being affected by the use of the area as a dumping ground. On my visit the smell of rotting shark remains was strong in an area a short distance up about one and a half miles from the pillars at the entrance. This is waste from the thriving bake and shark trade at Maracas beach that is disposed of at lonely areas along this road. The same situation occurs at Damiens Bay, a short way past Maracas. Can TIDCO assist their tenants in disposing of their waste please.
PERU KHAN
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: Please permit me through this means to draw my readers’ attention to a typographical error which occurred in my article dated Sunday, August 3rd. There is no such word as “plentitude.” “Plenitude” is the noun which indicates that one has “plenty” or “an abundance” of a commodity. Those of you who are entering the competition for correct pronunciation must make sure that you say “PLEN-I-tude.”
UNDINE GIUSEPPI
THE EDITOR: How can a country share a vision of development status in 2020 while one of its prime development infrastructures is tottering at the top is mind boggling. An efficient public service is integral to the success of development plans in any society. An efficient public service requires well qualified and experienced top managers. At the ministry level, each CEO (PS) is responsible for formulating and implementing sectoral development perspectives under his/her charge. The CEO of the public service is the Head of the public service. It follows that effective functioning at those levels should not be simply a derivative of seniority and minister’s choice but should be based on qualification and training, relevant experience, vision and competence. How many of the current crop of PSs meet these criteria? The lack of public examination in this regard has contributed to the gathering public sector management storm.
The selection process for PSs is bare of structure and transparency. These is no process of application and interviews. No stipulation on minimum qualification and training. Not even a proper structure of seniority is in place to ascend to that office. What obtains in most instances? A recommendation may be initiated by a Minister or the Head of the public service which goes through the Public Service Commission and then to the Prime Minister for approval. Once that selection process is stamped, a PS is born. What has this process created? A cadre of permanent secretaries of which some 60 percent has substandard qualification and training in the disciplines that concern the ministries they head. Just to mention a few of the dubious deployments, a manager in the public service, one of the largest employment sectors in the country, does not have advanced tertiary training, a basic requirement for posts above Range 60. In recognition of her limitation, she has created history by surrounding herself with a female PS-assistant team. Vintage former heads of the public service such as Reggie Dumas, John Andrews and Ansley Tim Pow never needed such coverage.
The Ministry of Labour is headed by a PS who, though a very good DJ, is limited in qualification and training in the business of the Ministry. The Ministry of Finance is led by three permanent secretaries whose individual training does not extend much beyond minimum university qualification and attachment at multi-lateral institutions. Interesting enough, the two of the most highly qualified and trained PSs in Finance, Hamid O’Brian and Kamal Mankee languish in other ministries. Telecommunications falls under a PS who, though hard working, does not know the difference between spectrum and frequency. Do not try to have a technical conversation, on matters relating to their respective Ministries, with the PS, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of National Security, except embarrassment is the objective. Often blame is cast squarely at the feet of the ministers. Amazingly the top ministerial advisors and implementers go unscathed. When are they going to be brought to book? They are the accounting officers, not the Ministers. This does not mean the top cupboard is totally empty. There are a few well-qualified and competent PSs. The oasis includes Sampson, Wilkinson, Mankee, O’Brian, Clarke and Bartholomew. Unfortunately, the two top class PSs, in terms of qualification, training, experience and competence: Mr Rudder and Dr Prince have been plucked by international agencies. It is well past the time for a thorough examination of top public service managers before the State-fish, rotting swiftly from the head, decays completely. Glaucoma eyes do not yield 20/20 vision.
DICK TRACEY
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: Since 1991, I have written several pieces concerning the “social ill” of “domestic violence.” Unfor-tunately, from then to now, hundreds of women continue to be either battered or killed by men who obviously have some serious difficulties in dealing with their insecurities, inhibitions, lack of self-esteem and of course, limited or lack of intellectual capital. My own research and observation show, that once a man recognises his shortcomings and weaknesses, which of course, is a reflection of a weak human being, he immediately seeks to exhibit “power and control” over his wife or companion. As soon as he realises, that he is beginning to lose the cosmetic power and control, then a new set of negative behaviours emanate, with the final outcome being a tragedy, as we have seen in many cases of domestic violence often resulting in murder.
My own view is that men (young, middle-age and old) need to introspect so as to:
• Identify who they are
• Their strengths and weaknesses
• The level of their economic power and intellectual capital
When they can clearly understand these aspects of their being and existence, surely, they will be in a much better position to deal with their challenges and problems.
S RATTAN
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: From inception, during construction and even after coming on stream there appears to be an aversion by several Ministers for the desalination plant. One Minister inferred that there was misappropriation of TT$ 100m, another indicated that WASA would have to increase water rates as the desal plant is a financial burden on WASA. Now to hear the private financiers of the project refer to the desal plant as a fat cow and that they are prepared to offer further financing; one has to take stock. From investigation the desalination plant is a boot project where Desalcott, a private company, builds, owns, operates and transfers the entire operation after 20 years to WASA at a cost of US$5m.
What does WASA get on behalf of the taxpayers from this arrangement? WASA buys 22 million gallons of potable water per day for TT$450,000 thereby adding 11 percent to WASA’s peak production during the rainy season. From its supply of water WASA diverts 15 m gallons to Point Lisas for TT$512,000 at the present profit margin of TT$3 per 220 gallons. WASA receives an annual unearned income of TT$22.6m, sufficient I dare say to pay enhanced salaries. As there is no corresponding increase in revenue one can only surmise that there will be a reduction in water rates. What is the issue with the TT$100m or it may now be US$ 100m? The only burden on WASA is counting the cash flow from the fat cow.
WILLIAM A DALTON-BROWN
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: Most of our citizens, if not all, sense that Trinidad and Tobago is becoming an increasingly dangerous place and has no clear idea what the future holds. However, this is a cogent plea for the moral clarity and courage needed to defeat the criminal elements that imperil our society today. Unfortunately, crime continues to rattle our sense of confidence and security. When people break the law with impunity, the freedoms of everyone are in jeopardy. For the law to have effect, it must be followed. We must be prepared to fight criminal activities and wipe out the criminals and their regimes, no matter what sacrifices it requires or how long it takes. Without looking left or right, we must perform the task thoroughly, efficiently, and expediently as possible. We must keep our country safe and secure from the criminals. There are those timid souls who say the battle against crime cannot be won, that we are condemned. I do not agree. We have the power to shape the society we want. But we need your will, your labour, your hearts, if we are to build that kind of society.
Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, we are fortunate and blessed to have a Prime Minister with the character and the determination to attack crime head-on. He has exhibited both the fortitude and the will to set about his task without flinching or shrinking back! Prime Minister Manning has a very weighty responsibility on his shoulders, and needs our prayers. By extension, the Leader of the Opposition must be willing to make the effort. The way is not easy now, nor was it ever open to superficial and self-interested men. Ours therefore, is a strong voice for moral values and civic responsibility. Today society has been cheapened. We experience man’s hellish inhumanity against his fellow man. Children have children. Brutality rules. We can no longer be placid when the public is left pessimistic and afraid. When tactics overshadow truths and principles take a back seat to process, our guiding principles get lost. We all should get involved in fighting crime and make it the performance of a lifetime. We must not become complacent, indifferent and lax in our determination to win the war on crime. Instead of criticising and condemning the Minister of National Security and the Acting Commissioner of Police.
Let’s look within, begin in our homes, our neighbourhood, I assure you, we won’t be surprised just where crime starts. Join the fight against crime. Work with the law enforcement agency, our churches, our mandirs, and mosques to take back our communities. Stop complaining, fight back with purpose, faith and patience. For if we shrink back in fear and timidity, we are all doomed. It is sobering to see other voices sensing the dangerous direction our country is heading. Articles are published documenting the staggering decline in morality, and the increasing crime, violence, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and kidnapping that plague our country. That’s all good, but we must unite in the fight against crime to make the difference. I make a plea to the powers that be: Give the Acting Commissioner of Police the added impetus and inspiration needed to persevere and marshal sufficient courage to crush this malignancy of crime. Confirm him in the position as Commissioner of Police, show us all the confidence reposed in him, and together we will win the war on crime. In conclusion, it is important to remember, “When we call upon Jesus all things are possible.”
STANLEY RYAN
Fyzabad
THE EDITOR: As one of those directly affected by the failure of the Government to lay the forms required by the Integrity in Public Life Act 2000 (as amended) (“The Act”) in Parliament and having regard to the rather spurious comments of the learned Attorney General on this issue, having read the Act carefully I would like to make the following observations.
(1) The Act requires me, as a person in public life, to make a full declaration of my assets and liabilities in the prescribed form for each calendar year during which I was a person in public life. “Calendar year” means January to December.
(2) Section 11(1) of the Act requires me to submit by May 31 of the following year the declarations in respect of the previous calendar year. So, because I became a Senator in October 2002, this means that I am obliged by the law to make a declaration for the calendar year 2002, ie, January to December 2002.
(3) But the deadline for me to make my declaration for 2002 expired on May 31, 2003.
(4) By Section 11(2) of the Act the Integrity Commission has the power to extend the deadline for the further filing of declarations for a period of not more than six months. In other words, the Integrity Commission does not have a “carte blanche” power to extend any deadlines for indefinite periods.
Hypothetically then, assuming that the prescribed forms are laid tomorrow in Parliament and they get the affirmative resolution required, the Commission can theoretically extend my deadline to November 30, 2003. Until then there is nothing legally that can force me to make the appropriate declarations. The Commission will not have the power after November 30 to extend the time unless the law is amended.
(5) But, you will appreciate that if I had been in public life, say in October 2001, then my deadline for that year would have expired on May 31, 2002, and assuming that I had got a six- month extension from that date, then I would have had to file on November 30, 2002. But, there were no forms on that date! So guess what? Tada! Tada! I have gotten clean away. I don’t have to file anything for that period! (You will, by the way, readily appreciate that whatever I say about myself as a person affected by the Act also applies to everybody else who is also affected by the Act. Hopefully, you get the point!)
(6) The Attorney General, by her recent statements as reported in the newspapers (August 14 2003) seems to (i) either have a complete misunderstanding of the Act or (ii) is deliberately trying to sweep under the carpet the fact that she, and many other persons, can escape their obligations to file declarations for the years, 1999, 2000 and 2001 unless something is done.
In the circumstances, I call upon the Prime Minister to state categorically and unequivocally and without the obfuscation that he is famous for that both he as well as every member of his government and every other person (eg, chairman and directors of State Companies, etc) affected by the legislation will voluntarily file all of their declarations from 1999 to date; and that they will authroise the Integrity Commission to make public the fact that this has been done. You will appreciate that a simple declaration of “yes, we will do it” is really not good enough without an independent body corroborating this fact, (Horror of horrors! Politicians have been known sometimes to abuse the truth) and these declarations will be filed, say, within a month of the forms being laid in Parliament. For the record, I have today written to the Senate President asking that we debate a motion that I have filed on this very point as a definite matter of urgent public importance.
SENATOR ROBIN
MONTANO
