According to the latest tracking poll conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Asssociation (NACTA), the PNM is leading the UNC 73 to 43 seats with ten seats too close to call in the July 14 local government elections. In terms of popular support, the PNM is leading the UNC-NAR alliance 52 percent to 39 percent.
The findings have a five percent margin of error. The poll also shows the PNM has consolidated its hold over the seven councils it currently controls while the UNC has lost voter support in its traditional base but will retain control of local governments in its natural moorings in the rural heartland. NACTA is a New York-based research and polling group with no affiliation with any political party. The group has been conducting polls in Trinidad since the November 1995 elections and in Guyana since 1990; in addition, NACTA conducted polls in India and New York and has developed a reputation for being on target in all of its pre-election surveys and is confident of its prediction for the upcoming Trinidad elections. The latest poll was conducted in mid-June to find out opinion on issues relating to the local government elections as well as to determine popular support for the political parties and the outcome of the elections in several close races. NACTA interviewed 1,276 voters to yield a demographically representative sample of the voting population. Voters were polled randomly to make the sample as representative as possible of varied age, class, occupational and religious categories as well as of ethnicity and educational levels in the population. NACTA used the data to project the outcome of several close or marginal seats currently held by the UNC.
The survey was coordinated by Vishnu Bisram, a pollster and newspaper columnist in New York. The poll is showing the PNM leading in nine local governments while the UNC is leading in four local governments (Penal, Couva, Chaguanas, and Princes Town); the Rio Claro/Mayaro municipality is a tie. In Rio Claro/Mayaro, the two parties are projected to win two seats each and two seats are too close to call. Voter turnout will determine the winner in the two close seats in Rio Claro as well as in eight other marginal seats in other areas held by the UNC. If PNM voter turnout is higher than UNC voter turnout and or if there is a large Indian crossover from the UNC to the PNM as the poll is showing, then the PNM could pick up all ten seats and control ten local bodies and tie another. The PNM has the advantage in the ten close seats because of the effects of incumbency; the party is financing projects that will allow it to wrest most of these seats as well as two national parliamentary seats from the UNC and to retain office for a long time into the future as long as the UNC remains the opposition. The poll is projecting the PNM wresting St Joseph and San Juan/Barataria from the UNC without strategically targetted housing policies. Fyzabad and Pointe-a-Pierre could also be threatened in four years because the PNM has been picking up support from Indians who are fed up with the UNC leadership and the tainted MPs surrounding him.
The poll has found voter turnout among Indians will be lower than Africans because most Indians are disenchanted with the leadership of the UNC; even the UNC grass roots in Caroni, Couva, Penal, Debe, Rio Claro and Siparia have lost faith in their party and a majority of them will not vote with a significant number voting PNM to punish the UNC leadership. Many said the UNC betrayed them when it was in office and are not willing to forgive Mr Panday for neglecting them and his misjudgments in office. Some 12 percent of Indians have indicated they will vote for the PNM because of jobs being provided to them by the PNM or service the PNM is rendering in their communities. Many Indian communities in South and Central and in Rio Claro pointed out that they were neglected by the former UNC government whereas the PNM has been making an attempt to attend to their needs. Several Indians are also grateful to the PNM for employing them through CEPEP whereas under the UNC government they were ignored and left to fend for themselves.
UNC supporters said the only way their party can save face and begin to rebuild is if its leader and the gang surrounding him exit the political scene and the party is thorougly purged. According to the survey, nine UNC MPs, including its leader, have extremely high disapproval rating in their own constituencies and are even more disliked nationally. Only Winston Dookeran, Kelvin Ramnath, Gillian Lucky, Roodal Moonilal, Fuad Khan, Gerald Yetming and Hamza Rafeek remain in good standing among UNC supporters. Voters (including middle class Africans and Mixed races) also indicated they are not happy with the PNM’s performance and its dalliance with criminal elements. But more people trust the PNM than the UNC viewing the latter as too corrupt and confirming the UNC can never return to government. The PNM will come out of the elections weakened by a poor voter turnout of its base but strengthened by the confidence shown in it by Indians who are turning to the party because of their rejection of the UNC’s leadership. To summarise, the survey is showing the UNC will be humiliated at the polls with the PNM picking up five seats from the UNC and projected to pick up an additional seven seats to give the party a minimum of eighty seats.
THE EDITOR: Coming from me I am aware that you may be inclined to trash this, I wish you wouldn’t. I respect the rights of free speech of journalists and I respect the rights of journalists to be able to publish the reports unfettered and unhindered by political and/or other influences.
However, when news is being read through the information superhighway via the World Wide Web, one must be careful that through its publication, the image of the country from which the news is being published, is not tarnished. I am aware of the activities of certain politicians whose goal is to discredit the present Government and who are making use of the foreign press to achieve their goals and objectives. The highlighting of crime which is supposedly spiralling out of control is giving credence to their allegations that the Government, especially the Prime Minister, is part of the problem by his alleged affiliation with criminals. Such reports accompanied by graphic pictures not only cast a dim light on the Government itself, but it overshadows the island paradise that TT really is.
Every person from Trinidad and Tobago I have spoken to has been expressing the very same concerns I have, and as one of the persons responsible for some of the negativity by actions, never by affiliation with any political party, it is my responsibility to do my part to project my country’s image in a different and positive light, so that people wishing to visit our fair shores will do so with confidence. My first step is to appeal to you the journalists to include more humanitarian stories, sharing the love and goodwill of the people of TT with everyone who reads your newspapers worldwide. Our people have always been famous for their hospitality towards strangers and visitors, and I am asking you to help me by accentuating more of the positives so that your readers will not walk away with the image of Trinidad being a crime-ridden country with a Government who encourages and supports crime.
ANGELA NELSON
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: I am absolutely elated over WI seven wicket victory against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Lara and Sarwan demolished the visitors bowling attack in an exhibition of orbital batsmanship.
King Lara was of course majestic, but Sarwan’s sizzling 82 off 110 balls (13 fours and one six) vividly reminded me of his fellow Guyanese, Rohan Kanhai’s onslaught against England in August 1963, on the fourth and final day at the Oval, in London. In what has been described as one of the finest displays on attacking batsmanship seen in Test cricket since World War Two, Kanhai collared the English attack to all parts of the field, smashing 77 runs in 103 balls including 10 fours and a six as WI cruised to an eight wicket victory. On his dismissal at 191, Kanhai walked off the field laughing, Sarwan appeared to be crestfallen. These two innings were adventurous batting at its best.
Suddenly, strike bowler Mervyn Dillon is now a spectator as the two very young turks, Taylor and Edwards have stolen the spotlight. Both are clocking 85-90 mph now and, it would be a frightening proposition for opposing batsmen when they start to put on some muscle mass. Lara has led the team inspirationally. Insularity has been replaced by camaraderie. Coach Gus Logie has performed superbly. As the captain correctly stated, the tour to South Africa in October will be the true test of our progress. Could this victory be the turn of the tide? West Indians fans await with bated breath.
REZA ABASALI
Barataria
THE EDITOR: “All men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights … but Americans are more equal and righter than others …”
This I believe may well be the new preamble to the American Constitution under the Bush regime. My belief is based on the behaviour of the American President since he took office about three years ago under very suspicious and dubious circumstances. On the issue of Iraq, he told the UN and by extension the rest of the world to go to hell. He violated international law, and in a fit of pique and vindictiveness bombed Iraq back to the middle ages and reduced a nation of 25 million to a nation of vagrants. In so doing he has ensured that Americans can enjoy their freedom for generations to come. On the issue of the International Criminal Court he has accepted that citizens and soldiers alike of all other countries should be hauled before the dock for crimes against humanity.
That is all except Americans, that special elect elitist breed, with blue blood in their veins. They stand above the law, and above the ICC. They are the ones who are more equal than others and ‘more righter’ than others. To add insult to injury, the American President has gone beyond threatening countries like ours and have ‘bushlisted’ several, and also withdrawn what is referred to as military aid. America under George Bush has behaved as if it owns planet earth, that the rest of humanity compromising 95 percent of this planet has absolutely no say in the way things are done, and our lot is simply to accept the insanity that emanates from Washington that directly and indirectly affects our lives. The rest of humanity need to let George Bush know that even though by comparison we may be weaker economically and militarily, we live here and we demand to have a say in the way things are done!
There ought to be a saner way to run this planet than the current American way! The Americans like all of us have their weaknesses, moral failings and lots of skeletons in their historical cupboards. But they deserve better than this vindictive, spiteful, reactionary and downright mendacious regime that lacks the magnanimity that is associated with true national greatness. In a way I feel a deep sense of sorrow for them, because the very freedoms for which they make a fetish is being slowly and systematically eroded. It appears that George Bush has beguiled and bewitched the American people. They somehow cannot see and think clearly. They need to remove the cobwebs from their eyes and realise that Bush is bent on creating a state of national hysteria with his over emphasis on terrorism, to distract them from very pressing domestic issues, in order to sneak into office in 2004 as he did in 2000. Historians and social scientists would spend a long time pondering a rationalising of this new phenomenon!
If Saddam Hussein is apprehended where would he be tried for his outrage against humanity? In Iraq? I doubt, now that Bush has dismantled and dismembered the state of Iraq. Where else then but the ICC? That would indeed be a contradiction. Perhaps Bush’s refusal to recognise the ICC is based on the realisation that one day he may be hauled before the dock to answer for the crimes that he has perpetrated on 25 million people who are less equal than Americans. In ordinary parlance he may well be “taking in front before in front take him.”
C J LEWIS
Trincity
THE EDITOR: As a frequent flyer to the Caribbean for the past 20 years and an ex-airline employee of a rival air carrier, I have watched with great interest and sadness the struggles faced by your wonderful West Indian airline and its dedicated staff. I myself have had the opportunity to fly on Bwee, as you call the airline, and have been impressed by the warmth and unique hospitality of the cabin crew and the professionalism of the cockpit crew.
This I must admit is one of the strengths of Bwee, which many of us in other airlines have envied. So I am extremely happy to see the Government of Trinidad and Tobago coming to the rescue to this Caribbean institution. We in the airline industry have and continue to face tremendous challenges and your BWIA is no exception. The fact that this dynamic little carrier has been able to survive 63 years in a turbulent period speaks volumes for its employees, management and loyal ethnic supporters. Many larger carriers have fallen by the wayside over the last three years and the struggle continues for survival in an era of rising fuel costs, competition from low-cost carriers while attempting to operate from a lower cost structure.
The aviation landscape has changed dramatically, forcing carriers such as BWIA to change tactics and compete more aggressively to avoid a further drop in profits. We’ve seen major carriers go bankrupt, smaller carriers such as Sweden’s low cost carrier Goodjet suspend operations last December after their entire fleet of six Airbus A320’s was repossessed. Airline management and staff worldwide have accepted voluntary pay cuts of varying percentages and BWIA has had to implement this as well to stay in flight. Faced by a sluggish world economy and with rising fuel prices, increased security costs and high fixed labour costs, all airlines including your BWIA are now in the red or bankrupt, so this is not just a Caribbean problem but a global one.Governments in the region served by BWIA, especially in an area where many are dependent on the tourism trade, have got to realise the importance and ensure that there is a strong, viable airline industry serving the Caribbean.
All the players must take more interest and by these I mean the various governments and not just the government of Trinidad and Tobago but the employees, the unions, the stakeholders and Caribbean people in general must all be involved if a viable solution is found to keep the regional carrier flying. With the demise of Swissair and Belgium’s Sabena together with major bankruptcy problems facing the giants American and Untied and even my own Delta Air Lines which has lost nearly a quarter of its workforce, we are all facing an ultimatum and that is to “Restructure … or Die.” It was quite apparent for those of us on the outside looking on, that the past President and CEO of BWIA Conrad Aleong made a valiant attempt to restructure the airline but faced mounting pressures. Hopefully the good work that he started will continue with the interim team and when the restructuring is complete, one should not forget the critical area of Sales and Marketing which seems to have been the weak line in the chain at Bwee. This is a division that needs urgent attention if the airline is to survive and restore financial health. Bwee has everything to become successful again, good highly trained staff, a great safety record and now the support of at least one Caribbean government. The new management team I’ve read about will certainly need to continue the struggle, competing more effectively on the global stage, all the while fighting to reduce costs. Success is attainable, just look at Jetblue and Southwest who have managed to not only survive but make a profit. I would like to wish all at Bwee good luck in the future and keep flying those blue skies.
CHARLES REVELL
Binghamton, NY
THE EDITOR: This is a response to a recent letter from someone who “was taken aback … about the Defence Force being zero tolerant on any of its officers who abuse drugs and other substances.” To paraphrase the writer, there should also be zero tolerance for those who have issues with immorality; those who attend functions with their “deputies” because such lifestyles destroy their homes.
While I appreciate the concerns expressed by the author, I must point out that there are different remedies for illegality and immorality. Illegality is punishable by secular laws under which transgressors are proscribed by statutes. On the other hand, immorality is usually governed by religious laws, beliefs and social mores, and deviants are denounced by castigation and ostracism. It must be emphasised that there are myriad activities that are considered immoral, many of which lead to the breaking up of the “family.”
Is there any particular reason for focusing on infidelity and promiscuity only? There are countless “happily married” adulterers, as well as loving and faithful couples, albeit joined without the benefit of the clergy. In the business sector, particularly where entities are small and privately held by individuals, owners may exercise their rights to hire whom they please and to fire those they find unsuitable to be retained, provided they skirt the issue of discrimination when it might be considered relevant.
On the other hand, in the public sector, with absent contractual caveats, managers cannot impose their personal moral standards upon others, let alone penalise them for embracing different values. Of course, experience has taught us that employers and managers sometimes fabricate shortcomings to punish employees because the true reasons cannot be legitimised. It is commonly accepted that infidelity is immoral but there is no law in TT that I know of which allows charges to be brought against one for adulterous or promiscuous activities. It is also generally held that cohabitation, as well as procreation outside of marriage are not to be extolled, nevertheless there is no Statute outlawing such occurrences. If employers had latitude in these matters there would be an alarming growth of the ranks of the unemployed.
I do not make these points because I hold any brief for the Defense Force or any other establishment, neither do I intend to scold the writer. I make the observations because it is too easy for well-intentioned people to ascribe to others responsibilities outside their purview and then condemn them for failing to do things they cannot legally do. No one wants to be accused unfairly, therefore, we should be cautious before impinging others. The light might be brighter in the Defense Force but the values were lost in a dimmer locale.
SELWYN P NIMBLETT
Brooklyn New York
THE EDITOR: When are the Police going to do something about these demented young people who insist on using the Rienzi-Kirton Highway in San Fernando as a racetrack?
It appears that the section of the highway just outside Skinner Park is their favourite, and during the wee hours of the morning (I understand it is on Sundays) one can find literally hundreds of spectators watching the action. This motor racing is held regularly, and I suppose they will eventually start selling tickets for this popular event — after all, no one seems to be stopping them. If these characters want to race their cars, why don’t they go to Wallerfield or some other place (perhaps their own backyards will do) and carry on from there. It really is not necessary to mention the danger involved; a person was killed there last year. It is just a matter of time before a really serious accident occurs, and I implore the Police to put an absolute stop to this damned nonsense now, before the worst comes to pass.
JEREMY BOYD
Gulf View
LONDON: Serena Williams exacted sweet revenge and sister Venus displayed raw courage at Wimbledon yesterday to inflict a double defeat on Belgium and set up a repeat of last year’s women’s final. But British hopes of ending a 67-year-wait for a men’s champion were dashed when Tim Henman lost his quarter-final to Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean.
Defending women’s champion Serena demolished Belgian rival Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-3, 6-2 in their grudge semi-final rematch, while Venus played through agonising stomach muscle pain to beat Henin’s compatriot Kim Clijsters 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. Provided Venus, the 2000 and 2001 Wimbledon champion, is fit to play, tomorrow’s final will be the fifth all-Williams final in the last six grand slams and a sixth in total. Serena, who is now assured of keeping her number one ranking, has won the last five matches between the two siblings. Battling Venus was just glad to have made it through her match in one piece after aggravating her stomach injury early in the match.
The older of the two sisters said a rain interruption after the first set, which she lost, had probably saved her. “I had a lot of issues,” the fourth seed said. “It was tough. I think the rain saved me. I couldn’t calm myself down, I was so worried about the injury.” Grosjean outclassed Henman in their held-over men’s quarter-final, needing barely half an hour to wrap up victory. Leading two sets to one overnight, 13th seed Grosjean won the fourth set 6-4 with some sublime shot-making to seal a 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. In his first Wimbledon semi-final Grosjean will face unseeded Australian Mark Philippoussis, who completed a thrilling comeback from two sets down to beat German Alexander Popp 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 8-6 on court one. The pair had been level at two sets all and 2-2 overnight.
Earlier on court one the bookmakers’ favourite for the men’s title, fifth seed Andy Roddick, made light work of experienced Swede Jonas Bjorkman in their men’s quarter-final. Play on all courts was delayed by two hours, 40 minutes due to rain but Roddick was unflustered as he won 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to book his first Wimbledon semi-final. He will play 21-year-old Swiss fourth seed Roger Federer in the semi-finals in a meeting of the two hottest young talents in the game. Federer shrugged off his back complaint to defeat Dutchman Sjeng Schalken, who was struggling with a foot problem, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on court two.
SOLO BEVERAGES LIMITED of Barataria are spending over $25,000 to outfit Trinidad and Tobago’s national senior and junior teams (30 players and officials) for the 2003 Caribbean Regional Badminton Championship (CAREBACO) which will be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Badminton Association (TTBA) from July 11 to 19.
Among the latest beverage produced by Solo is the RC Edge which has become the official drink of the tournament, which will be staged in two phases. And RC Edge, a special energy boosting drink, will also be the official logo insignia on the team’s track suits and playing uniforms, along with that of the officials. TTBA treasurer Patrick Cunningham, is a certified Pan-American umpire and he will head of the CAREBACO technical delegation. He received the uniforms and track suits from Hayden Charles, director of Solo Beverages, at a presentation function in Barataria yesterday. Also attending the handing over of the cheque were TTBA president Ronald Clarke, TTBA secretary Stephanie Mitchell, former national champion and senior coach Trevor Smith (Sales Manager at Solo), eight-time women’s singles champion Sabrina Cassie who is also employed as a sales representative with the Solo Company; national junior (under 19) male triple-crowned champion Rahul Rampersad and girls under 17 and 19 champion Vicki Singh.
The Company’s wide range of products and Aqua Pure Water will be readily available to all the 120-odd international players plus the regional contingents and officials who will be on show for eight-day extravaganza, which is slated to become the biggest and most exciting CAREBACO tournament ever held in the region. The regional title matches will be contested between July 11 to 13 with two major sessions from 9 am to 1 pm, and then from 6 pm to 10 pm. The International Section be will be between July 15 to 19 with astarting time of 9.00 am. Matches will continue through to 10pm. The Local Organising Committee headed by insurance executive Robert Dumas, have also secured sponsorship from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Computer Controls Limited, TIDCO and Crowne Plaza , the designated official hotel of the tournament.
TTBA have so far received just over $200,000 in sponsorship but are still short $60,000 of the overall projected expenditure. Members of the LOC are appealing to corporate TT to come forward and assist the TTBA to be able to successfully host this year’s series and make it something special for the international, regional and local participating players. Triple-crowned men’s champion Anil Seepaul will head the male senior contingent, which has already been boosted with the return of former national champion Darron Charles who is on ascholarship programme in Cuba and Canadian-based Glendon Thomas who is expected to join the senior squad, which has been undergoing intensive training under the guidance of coach Daron Dasent a former national singles champion. Ex-national doubles champion David Lee Kim is the coach of the junior team. Both teams are currently in training every day at the Jean Pierre Sports Complex from 5 pm.
EX-MINISTER of Sport, Manohar Ramsaran, extended congratulations to the West Indies cricket team and captain Brian Lara for their performances this season. In an open letter, Ramsaran commented on the maturity and leadership of Lara and pledged his support to the management of the West Indies team. In his letter Ramsaran said: “As Member of Parliament for Chaguanas and former Minister of Sport, I wish to congratulate Brian Lara and his team for an exciting season of cricket. Lara must be complimented for his excellent performance as a batsman, fielder and as captain.
“Finally, I believe the region has seen a mature Brian Lara who has really shown true grit and excellent leadership.” Ramsaran added: “For your information or as a reminder, I made a plea to the West Indies Cricket selectors to recommend Messrs. Lara, Gus Logie and Ramnaresh Sarwan be appointed captain, coach and vice-captain respectfully. “I wish to again pledge my support for this trio who should be given the mantle of leadership for the next year at least. so they will, I am sure, carry us to the top. “To the captain, management and all players congratulations and keep aiming for the top.”
