N Touch

AG: CCJ a step to ‘true sovereignty’

Attorney General Glenda Morean-Phillip sees the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice as a step to “true sovereinty.” The CCJ is proposed to replace the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the Caricom region’s final court of appeal. Morean-Phillip told the gathering of attorneys, business groups, labour and NGOs at the La Boucan, Hilton Trinidad, on Monday that the need for public education on the CCJ was evident based on some of the comments carried in the region’s media. She said in her opinion the court was an essential element of constitutional reform, which her government had high on its agenda, and which was a priority of the Opposition UNC. She said for some territories, the court was the “final thrust” in an effort to get rid of the “last link in the chain that bound us to our former colonial masters.” Pointing out that change was not easy to accept, the AG said it was understandable that some groups were not yet ready to embrace the idea of the CCJ for any number of reasons.She said changing from the Privy Council could be traumatic and even frightening for some, who would prefer to “hold on to the status quo rather than have us complete our independence”.

Morean-Phillip also noted that there were those who were fully supportive of the court, but were unsure of the readiness and preparation for the task involved. She however insisted that all the mechanisms were in place to ensure the court was independent and capable of dispensing the kind of justice demanded by people of the region. Morean-Phillip added that the process towards independence for the islands was also met with similar sentiments of self-doubt and disquiet as is now being expressed regarding the CCJ. However, the AG assured that such public consultations will seek to remove such adverse sentiments, and then a boast can be made about having achieved “true sovereignty” when the final step to establish the court is realised. Joining Morean-Phillip at the consultation were Prime Minister of St Lucia, Dr Kenny Anthony; Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Sir Dennis Byron; Special Advisor to the Secretary General of Caricom Duke Pollard; Project Co-ordinator and Chairman of the High Level Task Force on the CCJ, Sheldon McDonald and Appeal Court Judge Rolston Nelson. No Opposition members attended the consultation.

2 charged with loaded gun, narcotics

TWO Ste Madeleine men were refused bail and ordered to be remanded into custody when they appeared before a San Fernando magistrate yesterday, charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, a firearm and a round of ammunition. Shaka James, 29, and Kiel Sampson, 31, appeared in the Second Court before Magistrate Marcia Murray to answer to the charges, all of which were laid indictably. The two were allegedly arrested at a house in St Clement’s, Ste Madeleine last Friday. They were charged by PC Sandiford of the Marabella Police.

The men have been charged with being in possession of 168 grammes of  marijuana, 1.8 grammes of cocaine and a firearm loaded with a round of ammunition. Court prosecutor Ag Insp Clarence Boodram successfully argued a case against the accused men getting bail and asked that they be “traced” to see if they have a criminal record or criminal matters pending before the courts. The two defendants were represented by attorney Ravi Gooljar.  The matter was adjourned to August 4.

Unfair treatment by insurance company

THE EDITOR: Please permit me a space in your daily papers to express the troubles and inconvenience some people really cause you.

I was involved in a car accident on May 30, 2003 in Couva. Another vehicle lost control hitting my car (B13 Sentra Sport Edition) and damaging almost the whole front. I am currently seven months pregnant with my first child, and with a miracle all the four occupants escaped injuries especially myself. As you would imagine, I was stressed and traumatised by the incident. It took almost two months after the accident before a figure representing less than half of what the damages were ($5,500) was offered by the insurance company. Now tell me having to travel around (unaccustomed and in my stage) getting to and from work, appointments etc and constantly calling and getting no guarantees for almost two months, how can this ever be right? When I queried the figure, they said that because it was a foreign used car, the estimate was too high and that Bicks Auto had a massive sale on parts.

On doing research, the parts advertised were regular, basic parts and my vehicle originally entailed different parts (just to mention one item, the front bumper I had was a bumper equipped with double fog lights etc) and what the insurance quoted from Bicks was just a regular bumper alone. So what if Bicks did not advertise sale at this time. Would I have gotten more of my claim or were they delaying settlement, waiting for this sale? Whichever or however it is, it’s very unfair. I didn’t ask to be an accident victim and I am not trying to make money, I just wanted my car’s damages value. I could have argued the figure but it would take an even longer process and I have already wasted a lot of time, energy and resources because of them. You insurance people should have to go through what you put people like me through!!!

F CAPILAH
Santa Cruz

Rules to prevent kidnapping

THE EDITOR: My brother is sixteen years old. Like thousands of others, he has just finished CXC and is looking forward to a summer of partying, much like I did five years ago. He believes he is invincible. He certainly is not — he is at risk every time he leaves the house. He has recently been banned from going to Club Coconuts, a course of action many parents are currently taking.

But my parents did not ban him because they are afraid that he may get in a car accident on the way home, as they did with me five years ago. Nor are they worried about him getting drunk and being involved in a fight as the parents of boys worried about five years ago. No… my parents worry that one night he won’t come home. That early one morning as he returns from Coconuts or Base or a lime at a friend’s home he will be pushed off the road or pulled over by “police” and taken from the car that he is in. My parents fear an empty bed and the dreaded but necessary phone call. “Your child will not be returned until we get money.” My parents fear that my sixteen-year-old brother may be victim number 123 or 124 or 125 or whatever number we have reached by the time this is printed. Having been away at school for most of the year I was not aware of the extent to which this kidnapping plague has reached. I was horrified to open the papers after last week’s splurge and realise that there has been one kidnapping for every two days of this year. Imagine the disgust I felt at realising that one has a better chance of getting kidnapped than being in a car accident.

I for one would like an explanation as to what is going on in this country. I am disappointed that there has been no official statement made by Mr Manning or any of his ministers to appease the nation. I am appalled that in addition to the burden of having a ridiculously high crime rate, our country is engaging in what is essentially a black market and trade in human bodies. Yes, there have been only four deaths from these kidnappings, and perhaps this is the excuse being used to justify the lack of action being taken, but how on earth does one justify the assault upon our freedom — in a democratic country no less? I myself have been an emotional victim of these kidnappings. I was recently driving home from a club when I saw a car stuck in a drain. Another car was parked behind and its occupants appeared to be assisting the stuck car. Three years ago I would not have thought twice about rolling down my window to see if I knew the person or to offer to call for help. Now, however, I drove on without even considering to stop. Imagine my horrific guilt when I discovered a day later that the car in the ditch belonged to a kidnap victim and the people who were “helping” were in fact the kidnappers.

What kind of state has our country reached when fear is so high that being a Good Samaritan is not even an option? Even more horrific, what state has our country reached when kidnappers are pretending to be undercover police officers in order to manipulate their victims. In the United States impersonating an officer is a federal offence with a sentence of life imprisonment, but here it will apparently turn you into a millionaire. Trinidad has fallen into a state of disgrace; one for which there seems to be no solution. I believe though, that there must be a solution. It is quite simple … as a nation we must come together and not give into the kidnappers. We must not allow them to bully us into a state of emergency. It all begins with the individual.

As individuals we must protect ourselves and those close to us. As a person who drives at night I have made up a list of rules for myself.
1. Stop for nothing. If someone hits my car I will drive to the nearest police station. I will not get out of my car under any circumstances.
2. If I get pulled over by the police I will not roll down my window all the way, nor will I get out of my car. I will apologise profusely to the officer and hope that he understands my mistrust when I ask him to meet me at the nearest police station.
3. I will carry my cell phone with me at all times. I will make sure that it is charged and that there is money on it at all times.
4. Lastly, I will remember that I am not invincible. I will be constantly aware of my surroundings and the cars around me.

Yes, I am deeply saddened that I must live this way, but if it will keep my passengers and myself safe, then I will do it. As a country we like to blame the government for everything that goes wrong, and yes, while they do play a role it is also up to us as individuals to stop the madness. Promote awareness and safety in your family and community. If you see anything suspicious going on, call 800-TIPS (8477). I wish I had known about this number on my way home from that club, who knows, I may have prevented a kidnapping. Trinidad is our home; we have a right and a duty as its citizens to protect it. I love this country; I want one day to be able to raise my children here because I believe in its potential and its fundamental good. Let us come together as a nation to stop these kidnappings and stop the fear.

MICHELLE LOYOLA
St Ann’s

EHS and their Caring Angels

The Editor: Over the last few weeks, there has been some unpleasant publicity about the Emergency Health Service and the declining number of ambulances available.

I suppose that only a few in our population have used, or ever had need of the EHS. I too was quite oblivious of their function, and seeing their ambulances careening about the place with flashing lights, I shrugged my shoulder as having nothing to do with me. About 15 months ago however, when my wife was gravely ill, we needed a suction machine, which we could neither rent from anyone, nor borrow from any of the private hospitals; and the doctor who told us to get one was no help in locating one. After much frantic searching we found one in Chaguanas through the Yellow Pages, but the proprietor of that business, the only one who could instruct us in its use, had departed the country the previous day. We thus had this brand new machine still in its original carton, but all attempts to get help in using it were futile — unless we could bring the patient, which was quite impossible. Someone then mentioned the EHS — and within minutes literally, just as on the TV shows, an ambulance arrived with two young ladies in their early twenties.

These two angels were about to go off duty, but were somehow inspired to take our call. Their poise and professional manner immediately put us at ease. They showed us how to use the suction machine, offered  what help they could, and after about 30 minutes, with little fanfare, they left us an eternally grateful family. With tears welling in my eyes, I could just bow my head in thanks. However, it was the first time in my life that I felt happy to be a taxpayer, and proud that TT had such a wonderful service, staffed with equally wonderful people. I do not know the issues in the EHS impasse, but I plead with whoever is responsible, not to allow this outstanding example of dedicated efficiency to collapse. I had intended to acknowledge my appreciation of the EHS much sooner, but I do so now so that my fellow citizens would know that in my time of need, emergency help was just a phone call away. It may be your turn next!

MICHAEL J WILLIAMS
Maracas

Cry for my beloved country

THE EDITOR:
The beaten path of their forefathers, they forsook
Men who lived and died by the dictates of the Holy Book,
And wives who stood by them, second to none,
Folks I know and loved now gone.


Sons and daughters now take up arms against the humble and the meek,
Decent folks must now bite the dust and be branded as “easy pickings” and weak,
It’s the Day of the Beast-Man! The Rapist! And Murderers too!
The man-animal sheds his culture and drinks the Devil’s Brew!


Lip-service givers! The ones in big-time suits who kissed our babies and smile,
Ignoring the issues, making the most noise in the market but the fish stinks and stinks all the while!
Vengeance Of Moko be on them, for they pretend to know not that this is God’s World,
Hence, they and their offspring are doomed to reside in the deepest Hell-Hole.


They have transgressed the dictates of the Most High,
They perverted their high office “The People’s Welfare deny!”
And so these Hell Hounds have now their field day,
Bringing down the rich, the poor, the humble and meek in this fray!


Just yesterday our lives were lived in strict accordance with an unblemished code of morals, (now a dream),
And the words: Modesty, Decency and Shame have been expunged from the language of the world, it would seem!
The naked and undead are seen on every corner, such fright!
While young girls doing tricks to get “bread” for a fix each night.


We can reverse the charge of the forces of the “Children Of Darkness” it can be done!
If those fat-bellied ones of the cloth who hoard in the name of the Lord would join as one under the sun,
And with all who loved the Lord, gather with love and grace
Everyone who love this nation, everyone and every race.


Get down on your knees and love the Lord,
First by showing love for one another in genuine accord,
And Songs of love, with poems and Meditation,
And HE shall feed his flock and free us without hesitation.


L B FITZ-CHARLES
Arima

Look at Robinson’s ‘self help’

THE EDITOR: The Government seems to be in a fluster and always fishing around for lasting solutions to the Laventille situation. It may be safe to say that they appear not to have any serious solution. But the irony is that if the government would take the time to look at some of the projects implemented by Mr Robinson when he was Prime Minister, much of their headaches would be over.

In the first place, Mr Robinson when he was Prime Minister espoused a very simple and understandable philosophy which resonated with all the population, especially the grass roots. That concept was simply “Self Help, Self-Determination and Independence.” These were daily motivational words to which the national population rallied and identified for divesting themselves of the ‘dependency syndrome.’ Very unlike the present administration’s 2020 vision which has not current basis in reality or with which only a small portion of the population can identify (the privileged minority). During the Robinson administration, there was always the feeling of optimism and a silver lining at the end of the rainbow among the poor. This was classically exemplified in both the introduction and execution of projects and programmes designed to address the plight of the most vulnerable in the society.

More importantly, there was a concerted effort to eradicate the pathological ‘square pegs in round holes,’ which made for greater efficiency and measurable delivery of services to the people. One can recall the well planned and ingrained discipline in the DEWD programme (it never attracted violence) which created agriculturists among urban residents in Laventille and environs. The many other projects introduced were always the result of careful observation and mutual respect for the existing efforts of ‘shakers and movers in the community.’ I recall the communal bath programme, the share programme, citizen conservation corps, HEPP and a deliberate recognition of and support for community initiatives created from the bowels of depressed areas such as Laventille. Soup kitchens were never a consideration, since it fostered dependency at its most humiliating level. What was preferred was grocery distribution, which had the effect of making the poor at least find the matches, pots and stove so that several meals could be prepared; rather than the present ineffective prepared meals that at best do not provide three meals a day. Violence around LID or URP was unheard of in Mr Robinson’s watch. It was impossible in Mr Robinson’s stewardship to hear of anybody going to a ‘bad boy’ to get a “ten days.” This privilege was always the domain of the recognised bona fide community leader not gang and criminal elements that portray themselves as leaders, but are in fact opportunists without a cause. Come on Mr Manning, think again, revamp your present policies on poverty eradication; otherwise you will end up with a multitude of social programmes that have no relevance in advancing the cause of poverty reduction and social stability. As my father will say “a man who is doing wrong, but believes he is right has a destructive companion.”

ALFRED GEORGE
Laventille

Peril of drag racing

WE SINCERELY hope that all the young persons injured in Sunday morning’s drag racing incident at San Fernando will recover fully and that the driver responsible for this horrible incident will feel the full force of the law. It seems miraculous, in fact, that no one was killed on the spot when the driver of a Honda Civic lost control of his silver grey car which jumped the pavement and ploughed into spectators standing along the Rienzi Kirton Highway at Cross Crossing. One drag racing spectator and eye witness to the incident, Larry Lall, told Newsday that he felt empty when he saw “bodies flying in the air.” He added: “It was the worst thing I ever saw. Everybody just rush to see what going on and I try to tell them to move away to give them (the injured) room to breathe.”

Of the 11 victims, the most seriously hurt was Arum Ramdeen, 14, who suffered head injuries and is now in the ICU unit of the San Fernando General Hospital. Arum went to watch the drag racing with the two sons of Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma, Moonish, 13, and Devaan, ten, who were also injured in the incident. It seems amazing that little Devaan who was pitched into the air and landed on the sun roof of the car did not sustain any major injury. Also on the injured list are three brothers, Kerry Warner, 20, Kendall, 13, and Kirk, nine. The unorganised, illegal and dangerous “sport” of street drag racing has become a regular and even popular event along this stretch of San Fernando highway, in spite of repeated warnings from the media, including this newspaper. We understand that an organisation has actually been formed to promote this form of madness. The inevitable, it appears, has now happened and we expect that the authorities will finally take the necessary steps to stamp it out. Just how crazy this “spectator event” has become was seen in the antics of the Honda driver who, we are told, was showing off in the road just before losing control. “He made a 180 degree turn and was flaunting his car,” said Rajendra Sharma, cousin of Moonish and Devaan.

This incident is typical of a number of administrative failures in our country, where those responsible allow dangerous activity, conduct, and conditions to persist until something terrible happens. In a broader context, drivers continue to speed recklessly and with impunity along our highways, creating horrible accidents which kill and maim, and the authorities, for whatever reason, seem incapable of curbing this kind of perilous irresponsibility. Motor racing is an exciting sport that enjoys tremendous spectator support all over the world, but it is conducted on prescribed tracks and circuits and under strict conditions and management. In Trinidad and Tobago, car lovers and fanciers who want to participate in this kind of competition can do so in events organised by the TT Automobile Sports Association whose motto is: “Race on the track and not on the street.” TTASA, the accreditied governing body for motor sport in TT, is also an affiliate member of the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) which is the governing body for motor sport in the world. According to TTASA, both drivers and spectators can be assured that international rules and conditions prevail at their events held at Wallerfield. The Association, however, is concerned that “the one place where racing can have a home, under stringent safety and regulatory conditions” will be taken away from them, when Government implements its plans to establish a technological complex there. If this is done, will the drag racers find somewhere else to do their illegal and dangerous thing?

Insensitivity of bpTT


Dr Suruj Rambachan daily talk-show ‘Panchayat’ recently highlighted the in-built bias against Indo-Trinidadian culture with bpTT’s ‘Spirit of Community Awards” (SOCA). Recently also the British Gas decision to disburse $750,000 to charitable organisations employing FEEL was brought into focus.

These two highlighted examples brought sharply into focus the role of the multi-national in a plural society and essentially their inability to understand that society. These two examples demand further examination. Writ large, nationals should closely examine how multi nationals foster a relationship with the country in which they operate. Both bpTT and Bristish Gas should be publicly commended for attempting to re-invest within the community on whose natural resources their business is based. BpTT must be applauded for embarking upon an intense advertising campaign to promote its SOCA programme so as to ensure that the programme is known nationally. Persons across the nation are exposed to the fact that this programme exists and in turn can apply equally for the funding as a result of a massive advertising campaign.

Appearing in the daily newspaper for the past months was an eye-catching advertisement, which declared “Get up to $45,000 in grants.” Opening with the headline “SOCA funding for your community project” it went on to promise ‘if your NGO or community group has a non-profit project to benefit your community, bpTT could help you fund it.”  The advertisement lists categories to be considered: the environment, youth in education, arts and culture, and social services. Since the bpTT programme was advertised, a number of mandirs, kirtan and bhajan groups have applied or sought to apply for funding for their sundry projects. These groups have all applied for funding assistance in the arts and culture categories. Having applied to be considered, all of these groups have been told that it is bpTT’s policy not support “political, ethnic, or religious” requests. 

This rejection has prompted many Indian cultural-based groups to appeal to the Maha Sabha. The Maha Sabha as a result made discreet enquiries to bpTT to ascertain the veracity of the claims made by the various groups. The first set of enquiries were fielded by Ms. Averill Williams, Administrative Assistant of bpTT’s Government and Public Affairs Department. Ms Williams echoed the statements which were told to the various groups. A subsequent call was then made to the manager of the department Ms Joanne Carrington. Ms Carrington’s simple response was, to pick up an application and apply, and she did not expand on the comment made by Ms Williams.  It felt like bpTT did not want to openly discuss its bias but instead will allow its “process” to ‘weed out’ undesired applications.

An application booklet was obtained and reviewed. The ‘Arts & Culture’ section explained that these include the areas of music, dance, art, folklore, and other creative arts..Sponsorship of cultural groups/organisations fall outside of this programme’s purview. Who then is to apply for this aspect of the grant? bpTT’s Ms Joanne Carrington and Ms Averill Williams and indeed Robert Riley bpTT ‘s Chairman and CEO fail to appreciate that most of Indian cultural expressions originate and are fostered within a religious institution. Indeed it is difficult to say exactly where Hindu culture ends and Indian culture begins. Nearly all forms of Indian culture (art, dance, song, music) can be traced to some aspect of Hinduism. Given bp TT’s policy all forms of Indian culture will be denied any funding. bp TT however fails to see this blatant bias yet ironically sponsor the Marionettes Chorale. The bpTT’s website revealed that the bpTT Marionettes Chorale 1999 schedule included a July fund raiser for the Church of the Assumption. There were also other fund-raisers for Christian churches by bpTT’s Marionettes Chorale.

The site also stated “In Trinidad and Tobago the Marionettes present full-length annual concerts at Christmas time, which usher in the Christmas season for capacity audiences and cover a wide range of music.” The website further explains “They specialise in choral arrangements of Trinidad and Tobago music -calypso, folksong, parang -as well as spirituals of the American South and folksong from around the world.” It is clear that the bp Marionettes have a pro-Christan bias. Yet bpTT will have Hindus believe that they do not support ‘religious’ projects. With these examples it is clear that bpTT is exhibiting a significant degree of cultural insensitivity. Perhaps it is time for bp TT to consider sponsoring an Indian Orchestra and Kirtan group as it does with the Marionettes and the Renegade steel orchestra. The very acronym ‘SOCA’ designed by bpTT connotes something. The term ‘soca’ evokes images of a party and carnival. Actually in the radio advertisements there is an explanation of that the funding program is different from a party. These areas are those in which the Indian cultural presence is marginal. The acronym as a result suggests the type of applications that it will be receptive towards.

British Gas’s President Peter Dranfield and Gail Decle Public Affairs Coordinator must also explain why is it that the money raised for charity via a fund-raising activity involving many energy-based companies must be disbursed by F.E.E.L. This organisation is a Catholic based organisation so can other non-Christian denominations expect to receive a share of this funding? If some funding is given to other denominations will this amount be on par with the funding given to Christian groups?  Why is it the colonial model of Hindus and Muslims begging a Christian group being perpetuated by British Gas? It is hoped that bpTT and British Gas re-visit their funding policy in a serious manner so as to include all the cultural expressions and not show the current level of favoritism. This favoritism by foreign multi-nationals however should come as no surprise as local companies also show a similar disregard for the Indo-Trinidadian cultural expression. To obtain recognition and indeed respect from multi-national companies we must begin with our very own indigenous businesses.

Man runs amok in Petit Valley

A 31-year-old Cocorite man ran amok yesterday, reportedly shooting his former lover and her new found boyfriend in front of the woman’s three children at a house located at Kavy Crescent, Pioneer Drive, Petit Valley.

The victims, identified by police as Brenda DeSilva, 29, and Maurice Phillip, 30, of Cocorite, were up to late evening warded in critical condition at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital after being shot several times. Late last night police reported that Phillip had died from bullet wounds. DeSilva was shot three times, once in the left chest and twice on the right leg, while Phillip was shot about four times, including the head, chest and foot. The suspect, said by residents to be a construction worker, was up to late evening assisting officers of the West End Police Station. He is not the father of the three children, Amanda, 11, Shawnee, 9, and Brandon, 7. He reportedly confessed about the shooting incident to a 74-year-old man of Barker Trace, also in Pioneer Drive.  The elderly man told Newsday that his daughter saw a strange man in his gallery just before 3 pm yesterday.

“I don’t know from whence he came,” the man, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Newsday. He, however, said the man was “trembling like a leaf, and crying.” He added that the suspect said he ran away because he was afraid residents would beat him. He further told Newsday that the suspect informed him that he had just shot and killed a man and that he had thrown the gun in some bushes. He said the suspect told him to call the police, and also told him that on several occasions he warned Phillip not to come to his home, which he had built. He said the police later came and held the suspect, after which they frisked him in search for the gun, which was later located after a second try by police in the hills of Kavy Crescent. 

The weapon has been identified by police as a .38 pistol. Investigators said the man told them he bought the firearm from a woman in Tunapuna. It is believed to be stolen, senior police officers said. The suspect assisted the police in their search for the gun and was later seen coming out of some bushes, while being held by the police.  Dressed in green, the man also had a pair of sneakers tied around his neck. DeSilva’s eldest child, Amanda, confirmed the suspect had been living at the house, but said she could not say how long her mother and the suspect had been separated. Amanda said she and her other siblings were in the bedroom of their wooden house with their mother and Phillip. The young girl said a man subsequently came into the house and just started to shoot. 

The man said nothing, Amanda told Newsday, adding that she and Shawnee ran out of the house, but Brandon stayed inside. The child did not want to say any more, but residents told Newsday that DeSilva ran to a neighbour’s house opposite where she lives, while the bleeding Phillip remained inside. A report was made and a party of officers headed by Western Division head, Sr Supt Stephen Quashie, and including Insp Julius, acting Insp Anthony Lezama, Cpls Francis Rivas and Constantine visited the scene. DeSilva was first taken to the Seventh-Day Adventist Hospital at Cocorite in a car, while Phillip was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, where he later died. DeSilva’s sister-in-law, Lauren Hypolite, told reporters that when they arrived at the institution, the shooting victim was given drips. Hypolite said DeSilva was suffering from internal bleeding and was gasping for breath. DeSilva was later transferred to the city hospital, a worker at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital told Newsday. Hypolite, who was in tears, further told reporters that DeSilva and the suspect had been separated for about four months. Hypolite said both DeSilva and the suspect were supposed to go to court today regarding a restraining order. Cpl Rivas of the West End Police Station is continuing investigations.