THE EDITOR: The columnist, Mr Anand Ramlogan opined that “it pained me to hear people say… what a sad loss it is for the nation to have forfeited economist Mary King to the PNM” in his condemnation of the present independent Senators who, according to him, have failed to distinguish themselves and have undermined an important pillar in our democracy. In my case he signalled out my strident protest against corruption under the UNC when I was Chairman of the local Transparency Institute and as a Senator I should have used this stage to continue the protests for transparency in government. He then postulated that were the UNC at present in government handing out CEPEP contracts to councillors and campaign managers I would have probably gone on hunger strike outside the Red House.

I hear similar comments made by the UNC Senators when I disagree with their submissions in the House; note Mr Mark’s recent threat. To see this repeated by Mr Ramlogan is no surprise since it is the perception of others that he is in the UNC camp, which is his constitutional right. However, let me define my modus operandi on corruption. Though I am no longer a member of TTTI, as an individual I abide by the TI rule, ie, one does not investigate alleged corruption nor does one accuse anyone of corruption until there is public corroboration of these allegations. Even when this occurs the aim is to change the systems in such a way that this does not happen again. CEPEP, URP, LID, call it what you may, have all been used by the PNM, the UNC, to grant favours as they attempt to seek political advantage, a view that I have publicly stated. The opposition, whichever side, routinely slates the government for perceived corruption in URP or whatever. The CEPEP flak can be considered generally in this context. Yet, we have had a possible murder of a councillor who appears to have tried to stop corruption. However, if Mr Ramlogan were to read my columns he would see that I have branded the CEPEP as being an unsustainable economic intervention and it will have no impact on the economic development of this country.

If Mr Ramlogan were to read the Hansard he would see that my last Budget presentation condemned the present government (as the last UNC) for its lack of vision with respect to the use of its Budget allocation to create sustainable economic development. If Mr Ramlogan were in the House he would have heard me criticise the present junior Minister of Finance for his error in reducing the reserve requirement for banks, an instance in which the UNC’s Mr Dookeran supported the Government. He would have seen me bring to the attention of the House that the Government had unfortunately made certain public financial institutions exempt from the dictates of the Information Act without recourse to Parliamentary debate. My major duty to this nation based on my expertise is to make my voice heard with respect to its economic development (one of the reasons given by the then President of the Republic for my appointment to the House), especially in light of the depletion of our energy resources. Even in this aspect as the Chairman of a Joint Select Committee one has to elicit the required information from the Executive before making comments, constructive or other wise. Further, as part of Civil Society I am concerned about corruption and I raise my voice against this according to the strictures laid down by TI. In doing any of the above I ensure that it is done professionally and fairly without the use of sound bytes designed to titillate the media.

SENATOR MARY
K KING
Port-of-Spain

THE EDITOR: The pro-abortion groups in Trinidad are lobbying for the legalisation of abortion in our land, claiming that it will lead to “safe” medical abortions for our “poor” women. It is unfortunate that they use these slogans without opening their minds to the tremendous pain that abortions cause women and deny that for some it can even be fatal. Wednesday June 25, the Associated Press filed a report that “the family of a woman who bled to death at a Planned Parenthood clinic filed a lawsuit against the organisation and the doctor who performed the abortion. The clinic in east Los Angeles and Dr Mark Maltzer are responsible for the wrongful death of Diana Lopez, a 25-year-old mother of three. “Maltzer is still performing abortions at some of the 12 clinics in the LA area, but is under investigation by the Medical Board of California. Lopez was about 18 weeks pregnant when the abortion was performed in February 2002. Within minutes, her cervix had been punctured during the operation and she began to bleed profusely, according to the State report.

“Doctors were unable to control the bleeding. Lopez was taken to a hospital where an emergency hysterectomy was performed, according to a report by the LA County coroner. She died of trauma from the procedure, the report said. The lawsuit against Planned Parenthood and Maltzer alleges that the doctor “worked so quickly, recklessly and negligently pulling out sharp body parts of Diana Lopez’ 19-20 week-old unborn infant that severe, irreparable damage was done.” The suit also alleges that “Maltzer failed to accompany Lopez to the hospital, nor did he speak with doctors there or with the Lopez family after she died.” I feel certain that the response of Martha Swiller, acting president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood, LA is of little or no consolation to her family. She said: “Everyone at Planed Parenthood LA feels tremendous sympathy for this woman’s family and we share their grief. While abortion is extremely safe, this is a tragic reminder that, as with all medical procedures, some risk does exist.” Isn’t that what the majority of Trinidadians have been trying to explain to the repetitious demand for “abortion rights” by the Trinidad and Tobago/Planned Parenthood connection. Abortion always kills babies, harms and sometimes kills unfortunate women too

ANNETTE DOPWELL
Port-of-Spain

THE EDITOR: I write to compliment you on the publication of two recent articles which, combined with the recent ranting of the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco Airport Project, can be considered sufficient reason for the ordinary man in the street to lobby for the retention of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. I refer to an article in your issue of June 22 concerning the plight of the former members of TEXTEL Pension Plan and one in your issue of June 29 concerning the plight of a Tobago farmer and his fight for compensation for a faulty tractor. As a former employee of TEXTEL I am particularly concerned about the position taken by TSTT on the issue of the excess in the Pension Fund. When one considers that this is a transnational company that boasts of a net profit well in excess of one million dollars per day, one can only describe their position as repulsive.

Just as bad is the position taken by the Trustee. I always believed that trustees were guardians of funds on behalf of persons who were exclusive beneficiaries of those funds. Now I wonder whether I can trust any financial institution in this country with my hard earned money. I am in full support of the decision taken by my former co-workers in TEXTEL to take this matter all the way to the Privy Council. We have been badly treated since the takeover of TEXTEL by TELCO (yes takeover not merger). Many of us are now on the breadline and badly need the little pittance to which we are entitled and which TSTT is seeking to squander.

LENNOX  MARTIN
Ex-TEXTEL Worker

THE EDITOR: In a daily newspaper of July 6, 2003 there is a photograph of PNM supporters defacing the Rio Claro roundabout. The roundabout has a clock donated by Scotiabank and was placed there as a gift to the public. I need to enquire, through the media, who gave these people permission to affix balisier flowers to the people’s property and how dare they? As I see it, those PNM supporters who are defacing the clock by affixing those balisier flowers have no right to do so and as such their actions constitute a gross violation of public property. One must assume that this has the blessing of the Attorney General who participated in the PNM’s Rio Claro sojourn on Saturday, the Prime Minister who was the feature speaker, the Police who must have seen what the indisciplined supporters were doing and last but not least, Scotiabank. Indeed, these actions are indicative of the “dragged up” conduct of PNM supporters, anywhere they go. They are so insecure that they feel the need to mark off their territory in a subtly aggressive way. As I understand it, wild animals do the same by urinating along the perimeter, so I guess they are doing the next best thing.

Seriously though, I wish to draw to the attention of the authorities the plain faces of the culprits. They can be located if the Police would make the necessary enquiries at the PNM Rio Claro constituency, so there is no excuse for them not being located and prosecuted. The question one must also ask is if it were UNC supporters pasting Rising Sun stickers on public property, what would have been the consequences, and I can tell you for free that the Army would have been called out, and the Police Commissioner would have instituted a lock down of Rio Claro. Maybe this is Scotiabank’s way of telling the people of Rio Claro that they are PNM.

WILLIAM  RAJKUMAR
Aranguez

THE EDITOR: That portion of land in St Joseph enclosed by the four highways is too highly developed to be considered prime agricultural lands. The existing Police Station, Junior Secondary School, WASA, Medical Centres, TTEC, Nestles, TT, Labour College and Housing Development can serve as mute testimony to the fact. What is this hue and cry about “Farm lands?” Further site investigation confirms 86 houses have been built west along the Old Southern Main Road on the lands in question. Added to this is a community centre, formally used as a Licence Office and the Curepe Educational Centre. Noticeable also west of the development, a number of shacks in occupation, similar to the ones elsewhere on the farm along the southern side of the Bus-route in the area of WASA. North Valsayn houses also form part of the location. These lands were part of the UWI Tropical Agricultural Station used only for conducting experiments. It was never intended for farming. The landscape changed over the years. That is why squatters can make use of it with a “letter of comfort.” It is not strange then to hear the cry, “People before Houses.” Make no mistake, let it be known to everyone, especially the politicians and lawyers that when Government requires land for development, whether private or otherwise, they are going to acquire it regardless of objections.

Take note that the estate at Pigeon Point, Tobago to be acquired for the general use of the public; the relocation of houses for the new Airport Terminal and the acquisition of lands for roads in general, should serve as a reminder to all the rabble rousers. The Government will now have to make in-depth study of the unauthorised structures of all kinds, especially on agricultural lands, except by permission from the Town and Country Planning. This is not observed on the southern side of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. I specifically refer to the El Socorro Extension and the Bamboo surroundings. The game is not worth the gamble. This is a chance of gaining a strategic advantage over the government. I see no reason why such areas should be overlooked. It is politically motivated and can overturn the apple cart. Town and Country Planning cannot escape blame. This strategic danger has become sharply apparent only in recent times, since the outcry over discrimination, equal opportunity, power sharing and proportional representation. But, however daunting the problems, nothing should stand in the way of Government’s housing initiative. It is all about people and their well-being and not about race. From all indication, the colossal waste of expenditure and incredible interest to be paid by the year 2020 only indicates incompetence, — square pegs in round holes. Having lost the right to govern, the opposition cannot command the public’s respect. As it turned out, the voters were eager to register their disdain for the former government’s ruinous mismanagement.

W  CRAIGWELL
Valsayn

THE EDITOR: At a meeting in Chaguanas on Friday June 27, the Emperor of “Petrosingh” fame, brought the burning issue of race to the forefront of the Local Government Elections. He virtually admitted that the PNM and its supporters were guilty of racism against Indo Trinidadians! He called for an end to the racist jokes and insults directed against Indo Trinis which have been rife since 1956. He even revealed that they have a most devastating effect! The sanctimonious Prime Minister must feel that the vast majority of Indo Trinis fall into the “Dumb and Dumberer” category. But his shenanigans will not work and everyone with a level head and sound mind is aware of the ethos of the PNM. This is obviously just another election ploy to win votes and entice those of Indian ethnicity into a false sense of security. The anti-Indian vehemence of people like Fitzgerald Hinds, Abu Bakr, Selwyn Cudjoe, Gerard Fereira, Camille Robinson-Regis and others will, unfortunately not fade away into oblivion. The plebeian supporters of the PNM will in all likelihood ignore their Emperor’s insincere exhortations. This is evidenced by the plethora of racist, derogatory emails that WARD has received since Manning made his speech in Chaguanas.

At that same meeting, Camille Robinson-Regis had the audacity to quote from the Bhagvad Gita. This is the same woman who right after the 2002 elections expeditiously held ceremonies to exorcise the Ministry of Legal Affairs of Hindu deities. It is critical to note that it is only at Election time Manning makes such a speech in Central Trinidad. It is important to realise that Robinson-Regis would never quote from the Gita at a meeting in Maloney or Morvant. Manning definitely has no idea how devastating it is to be in a taxi with Indian music playing and the callous command to “change the station” or “turn off that noise” is bellowed! He has no idea how devastating it was for my parents and grandparents as school children to have to hide to eat their roti for fear of ridicule. He doesn’t know or care how devastating it was for the traumatised victims of the Piparo Volcanic eruption when Pastor Morris Johnson and his disciples descended like ninjas and ripped down the sacred jhandis. Manning could not care less how devastated Gypsy and Jack Warner and Carlos John felt when they were verbally and physically abused for associating with the UNC. The devastation experienced when Camille Robinson-Regis described Indian rice as “dog rice”. When Manning shouts with enmity that the PNM will flog and beat in all points of the compass, his intentions are to devastate. But, he should be careful that on Bastille Day, he and the PNM are not the ones to be devastated!

SHIVANNA DIPNARINE AND JULIE BICKRAM
for WARD (Women Against Racism and Dictatorship)

THE EDITOR: During the dreadful days of slavery, the slave masters enjoyed wide ranging immunity from prosecution. They could murder, rape and oppress; they could torture, abuse and starve their slaves , all under the protection of the crown. Today we appear to have returned to the days of slavery, or, we might well ask, “Was slavery ever ended?” The United States under President Bush takes us back to those days by the demand for sovereign nations to sign an agreement that would exempt US government officials and military personnel from prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. Anyone would be justified in asking why the US seeks this immunity. There can be only one answer: the US has no intention of abiding to rules of civilised conduct, and under Bush the US intends to continue its quest for domination of world trade and commodities by all possible means, fair or foul.

The inherent chauvinism of the US blinds them to the outrageous tenor of their demands. They believe that they are in charge, and that the law must be totally in their favour and for their protection; and to hell with the rest of the world. My faith in human intellect was sorely challenged when I saw many who were thought to be leading US intellectuals, shamelessly aiding and abetting Bush in his totalitarian agenda. Is it that all human beings have their price and that justice and liberty are merely topics for abstract rhetoric? I was truly shocked to see that despite Bush’s treatment so many of our leaders were lining up for further humiliation at the July Fourth celebrations at the Country Club. They were willing to sup with the oppressor so long as the event made the society pages and the drinks were free. Such leaders portray our nation as being bereft of national pride, insult-proof and willing to genuflect at the feet of those who have trampled on our sovereignty and independence. But again, it would seem that history is repeating itself. Did slave trade not prosper because tribal leaders were willing to sell out their own people? The only excuse any proud citizen of TT would have for attending that celebration would be to demand an apology from President Bush.

DAVID  SUBRAN
Chaguanas

THE EDITOR: I am and have been an Attorney-at-law for the past 11 years, married with no children. On Friday July 4, 2003 my secretary and her boyfriend were accosted in broad daylight by a bandit dressed in perfect police uniform complete with boots, a gun and handcuffs. On managing to escape, they sought help at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Her boyfriend was sent to Ward 54 for stitching (as he was severely beaten) and waited for two hours before discharging himself. He was told that the Doctor had more serious cases to attend to. Two weeks a vehicle belonging to a close relative of mine was broken into. At the police station the finger print expert had to be begged before the rear view mirror was tested. Lo and behold there were several smudges but nothing definite to extract. Despite the glass being broken and the rain falling we were instructed to place the vehicle back onto the street. The report taking was another exercise in futility. The police officer managed to daydream, answer the telephone, have a full conversation with another officer all at the same time whilst taking the report.

These were the two most direct brushes with the criminal element I have experienced over the past few weeks. I lay blame at the bands of the citizenry first and foremost. Trinidad is not a country of unity. It has taken on the trappings and the lifestyles of the big countries. No longer do we say hello to our neighbours or stop to help people in need. The neighbour in the car theft incident actually admitted to hearing the breaking of the car glass (in the wee hours of the morning) but never said anything. In Barbados where I lived for two years I was in awe of how the communities were united and friendly. I once saw a young man on a bus give up his seat without saying a word to allow a student to sit with her books. At village gatherings everyone spoke to everyone else, there was the genuine feeling of happiness. These things only take place here where you pay $350 to enter. And still there is segregation. Everyone is envious of everyone else. Everyone wants to hear how successful you are or what car you are driving now. We want to live like Americans, we think we love the American lifestyle but do we really? Do we want our children walking out of our homes at tender ages and ending up on the streets or in pornographic movies? Do we want our children having children? Can we live with the possibility of being sued for every little mistake we make in our work life? A friend of mine was charged in New York recently for video taping something from his car.

The American system was designed for America. Similarly, the Trinidadian lifestyle was designed for Trinidad. It’s what Cheddie Jagan once described as ‘living Cadillac lifestyles in banana economies.’ Trinidadians do not die in America. They return to their homeland to retire and die. Society has to take the brunt of the blame not the police, not the politicians. Society is the one that calls his police ‘pardner’ and asks for a favour (when his son is about to be charged). Society causes the police to become uninterested when phony emergency calls are made causing waste of precious time and resources. The Society is to be blamed when you see a ‘hand bag snatcher’ running up the road on a busy Port-of-Spain street and everyone carries on their business as usual. Society is to be blamed when you see something suspicious going on next door but you do not call the police because you are afraid to get involved. You see the hot items selling on the streets but you are glad to get the ‘Nike’ shoes for $25.

Kidnappings it appears are something to be ignored until a politician’s son or daughter gets held up. This is a crime that only affects the middle and upper middle class. Not the upper class I say, because some people do not see the sense in living on a lot of land costing one million dollars. It appears you can only drive a nice car now if you live in gated communities and go from home to work to the malls and back home. What makes it worse is that the police seem to be involved, so how is the crime of kidnapping ever to be solved. It is the most successful business opportunity to hit Trinidad and Tobago. Can you imagine a ransom of two million dollars being called for in a matter of days? Can you further imagine that it will be paid? What is really going on in this country?

Persons are afraid to speak out because the first thing people will say is that they want publicity or you are afraid of being sued for libel or slander (and will have to pay $600,000) or afraid of downright victimisation. The Doctor at the private hospital on Friday night said the lawyers are to be blamed. I totally agree. Lawyers make a good bail application because they: 1) want to make a good impression; 2) want to make sure their fee is paid; 3) and want to try to get the cheapest possible way out for the client. Do they stop to think for the moment the type of person they are putting back on the street? What about concurrent sentencing? Why can’t the authorities see that 30 convictions with each sentence to run for one year concurrently is in fact only a one year sentence. This makes absolutely no sense. What are the legislators doing about this? They are probably too busy protecting their investments in this business or that. I will certainly predict (however I am no psychic) that there is going to be a mass exodus of successful hardworking people in this country very soon. I refuse to do what politicians or the police or hospital makers (or whoever else) should be doing.

YASEEN AHMED
Port-of-Spain

THE EDITOR: I have just listened to the radio news in which American Ambassador Roy Austin has told a news conference that the barriers outside the US Embassy on Marli Street will remain in place. This have come in the light of the Acting Prime Minister saying last week that the government is investigating that situation. It would seem that the embassy has taken it upon itself to place its guards on a local street to man the barriers which prevent vehicular traffic from going along Marli Street. One should think that if a problem is perceived, “No Parking” signs will do, but no, the mighty United States has to exercise authority which I believe it does not have.

For Mr Austin to tell the news conference that the barriers will stay in position seems to me to be saying to the Trinidad government that, despite whatever investigations it will conduct, Roy Austin has laid the law down and we all know what happens when the United States does not get its way. It is time for the Trinidad government to show some spunk on this issue and stand up, especially for those at the All Saints Church opposite to the embassy who are now feeling the weight of the embassy’s oppression since, according to newspaper reports, churchgoers cannot get to the compound of that church without asking the embassy to allow them to do so. What arrogance?

CLYDE ALPHONSO
Diego Martin