THE EDITOR: Ironic, isn’t it, how in the very same week that we applaud the appointment of a woman to the Ministry of Finance, that the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Orville London orders an investigation into the denial of work by a qualified, female plumber on a Government contract in Tobago.
The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT) wishes to commend Mr London on his decision, and even more so on his statement, that the only benchmark for employment should be “capacity, attitude and qualification, not gender”. The fact is there has been an enormous change in the pattern of women’s employment over the last two decades. Yet even women have increased their levels of education and gained professional qualifications, this has not been reflected in women being proportionally represented at the highest levels of management and, as it now seems in the non traditional fields like plumbing. AFETT suspects that the issue with the professional female plumber is really one of adjustment. Plumbing is traditionally a male dominated field, and as such, London may well discover that there were emotional reasons behind the “boss man’s” decision not to hire the female plumber.
The official word on the appointment of Christine Sahadeo as Minister in the Ministry of Finance is as important as the outcome of London’s probe. The introduction of a Government policy to end any type of gender discrimination in the workplace — not to mention on a government contract — may not be as dramatic an event as constitutional change, or as front page newsworthy as a highway accident, but a good policy to which the Government is genuinely committed has great value. It can lead quickly to widespread, concrete changes if for example, it specifies real “budget” allocations for women’s issues, or if representation at decision-making levels is increased given their qualifications, or if it states categorically that no woman can be denied employment on the basis of gender. We are heartened by Mr London’s response.
KATHLEEN MAYNARD
The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago
THE EDITOR: In response to our government’s request for names for the proposed new award, may I submit the following: Trinidad and Tobago’s National Service Award.
The emphasis of the award will be on service to our nation, and in a secular context. Recipients will have made important contributions to our nation in areas like the following: humanitarian work of a secular nature for the benefit of all, literature, painting, sculpture, environmental protection, economic policy/theory having a beneficial societal impact, mental health, community development, ethnic relations, and whatever else deemed appropriate.
The award should consist of: (a) a base supporting a sphere (or semi-sphere) showing an engraved image of the archipelago of islands of which TT are parts, with our national colours around the base
(b) a bronze (?) model of Trinidad showing its major topographic features (eg mountains, flat lands, etc) and attached to the sphere.
(c) a bronze (?) model of Tobago, attached to that of Trinidad, and also showing its topographic features,
(d) a small model of our national flag attached to the island of Trinidad.
Around the base of the award should be the following words: Justice, Tolerance, Unity, Service.
KENNETH AQUAN-ASSEE
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: I will like to know what the Prime Minister and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago are doing about the growing number of “jewel thieves” in the country. Every time you read the newspapers, jewel thieves are getting away with other people’s hard work and labour, and nothing is being done about it.
You are wasting your time going to the police, because if you are not related to, or having an affair with an officer, nothing will be done. These thieves can go to pawn shops and get money for your jewellery, and these places will not reveal the names of the people even if you know who the person or persons are. When you read the newspapers of having a sale of pawned jewellery, makes you wonder if your stolen diamonds and gold are amongst them.
LYNETTE AUSTIN
Chaguanas
THE EDITOR: Con-gratulations to the Minister of National Security on guaranteeing our safety on a crime free Carnival Monday and Tuesday, now only if we can make it through the next 363 days to the 2003 Carnival. It has been 65 days since Carnival, also 68 brutal murders, a number of rapes including that of a 12-year-old child, countless kidnappings and robberies, but what makes Carnival different from any other day? Well, it’s simple, to gain protection by the government of Trinidad and Tobago one must wine and jam, blast music, take a few drinks and go on with our daily activities half naked covered in mud.
The government’s brilliance continues to shine in its attempt to deal with the 25 page report on the struggles of its most loyal constituents the people of Laventille. The east west corridor has voted for the PNM since its inception and have held the reins of power more times than any other political party, even in the oil boom days where billions of dollars flowed into TT. After their steadfast support you would think that these would be the most prosperous constituencies in the entire island. What were their rewards after their vigorous support? Was it a technical institute or library where parents, sons and daughters can be educated and become self-reliant in some sort of profession? Was there an improvement in their standard of living? Was there a reduction in crime? Sadly the evidence speaks for itself. After years of neglect, betrayal, oppression, lack of education and poverty, much of the east west corridor is now overwhelmed with murder drugs and violence. A problem which cannot be solved with the installation of soup kitchens and a home for vagrants. A government is voted into power by the people for the people, questions must be asked and answers demanded. Politicians on both sides of the house are accountable to you the voters not only when there is an election but 1825 days of those five years. By the way, since the Prime Minister is adamant in the removal of Parlia-ment from the Red House there is no need to spend millions of dollars on a home for vagrants, if left vacant the Red House might be quite accommodating.
DEVANAND ANIL DHANPAUL
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: Could someone come to the assistance of the residents of the Southern Main Road, Couva. It is one of the most disgusting sights to behold right now. The drains are filled with every imaginable thing and when the rains come we are flooded out. I have called the relevant authorities and was asked the most stupid questions, eg Where do I live, what is my name, as if that has any relevance to the stinking drains. There are roaches, flies, mosquitoes, snakes, worms and every imaginable thing including rubbish and bushes in the drains. Maybe someone could come and investigate for themselves and see what could be done for us before the rains come once more and our yards get flooded with the stinking water and garbage. Please help if you can.
B GREEN
Couva
THE EDITOR: Instead of the urgently required Interchange at the CR and UB Highway intersection, drivers turning south from Port-of-Spain have, instead, broken white lines showing them how to make the right hand turn. This is progress under the PNM! Soon, perhaps, in a further signal of first class nationhood we shall have a “Junior Minister of UB/CR Intersection” appointed to Cabinet.
After passing Grand Bazaar the Central and South-bound motorist is greeted with a series of smart new road signs. Very impressive. The first reads “Drive on the left except when overtaking.” Could this be repeated down (and up) the highway every 200 metres, be lettered in neon and have the message repeated orally over an attached loudspeaker so that drivers of 20 and 30 years experience and including police drivers would pay some attention to the requirement to drive on the left when this lane is free, leaving the right lane empty and available to overtaking vehicles. Driving instructors — you too, please take note!
GEOFF HUDSON
Port-of-Spain
THE EDITOR: It is quite unfortunate to say the least, that the National Flour Mills Limited has chosen to address an issue such as a request for employment in the manner which has manifested itself to be quite distasteful and unpleasant.
Though the company has expressed its position with regard to their hiring practices as well as the current status of vacancies, I am strongly convinced that those issues are quite distinct and separate from the issue of “courtesy and effective communication” which to my mind, appeared to be lacking in the scenario. As a professional myself, I am aware that one of the main tenets in one’s managerial training relates to “Human Relations”. I must reiterate that effective human relations does not mean that company rules must be compromised. Whilst I agree that the hiring of disabled persons is considered to be a sensitive issue, they must be treated as human beings, and by extension, if they cannot be hired by National Flour Mills or any other organisation, then that feedback must be communicated in an appropriate manner, in order to avoid negative media publicity and unnecessary sensationalism.
S RATTAN
THE EDITOR: I would just like to say that even though I live abroad I am always interested in news of home, and I must say I get it from your newspaper. Before I even read my own daily news I get to the net to read Newsday … Keep up the good work and kudos to your reporting team.
C DONNA
US Virgin Islands
THE EDITOR: I read in the paper recently that TT has over 2.8 million cars registered on the road. That’s 2.8 units of carbon monoxide, lead spewing weapons of mass destruction circulating throughout our land.
Here’s what we can do to save ourselves. Ride, walk, car pool to work, put unleaded gas in your car even if you’ve been using “super” all your life, switch to CNG (very clean) and don’t buy another diesel truck or van as those things do more damage to humans and the environment than any unused nuclear warhead. Write to the PM and cabinet, EMA etc to ban the use of leaded gas in the country like Barbados has done along with many other progressive countries. Incidentally, I’ve been riding to work these days with a dust/gas mask on and have been getting comments from the public re: SARS, Well it has nothing to do with SARS and everything to do with CARS. Time to live the revolution.
GREGORY SLOANE-SEALE
National Youth Outreach Director, YMCA of Trinidad and Tobago
ST. JOHN’S: Australia’s openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden emphatically grabbed the initiative from the West Indies cricketers here yesterday with an unbroken opening stand of 171 late on the second day of the fourth and final Test.
Langer was unbeaten 80 and fellow left-hander Hayden on 79 as the visitors closed at 171 without loss in their second innings. Australia’s bowlers had enjoyed the first two sessions as the West Indies, resuming from 47 for two, were bowled out for 240, level with Australia on first innings. Australia had also folded for 240 in their first innings on the first day. Captain Brian Lara topscored with a boundary-studded 68 that was sparked by confrontations with the Australian fielders. The champion left-hander became the third West Indian and 13th batsman to pass 8,000 runs when he was 23. He also passed Sir Garfield Sobers (8,032) into second among West Indians during his innings. Andy Bichel claimed Lara for the fourth time in the series on his way to the best figures of three for 53. Brett Lee effected a crucial run out, as well as grabbing three for 72 while Glenn McGrath took two for 44. With their enterprising stand, Langer and Hayden solidly laid the foundations for a historic victory and a 4-0 sweep in the four-match rubber.
The 32-year-old Langer set the tempo and raced to his half century off 68 balls with a six over midwicket. But his 31-year-old partner emerged later to close the gap. Hayden’s 50 took 95 deliveries and included nine fours. The blossoming partnership, which spanned nearly three hours, was the pair’s ninth century stand in 36 innings together. They have already stretched four of them to more than 200. Hayden benefited from one chance at 47 when Lara grassed a low edge at first slip off Omari Banks’ off-break. Both batsmen counted 12 fours and a six each in their knocks. Langer faced 115 balls, while Hayden occupied 127. Earlier, fast bowler Lee made a double breakthrough after half hour with the wickets of opener Devon Smith and nightwatchman Vasbert Drakes. Left-hander Smith made 37 before he nicked a catch to the wicket-keeper. Drakes was plumb leg before for 21 as he shuffled across his stumps. The pair added 43 for the third wicket.
Lara and his deputy Ramnaresh Sarwan revived the innings from 80 for four in a stand of 57 for the fifth wicket. But Bichel held a return catch off Sarwan (24) to halt their progress. When McGrath bowled Shivnarine Chanderpaul (1) three runs later, the West Indies slipped to 140 for six. Lara found another useful partner in Ridley Jacobs, and the experienced duo put on 45 to lift the home crowd. But Lee’s sharp fielding cut that stand short and exposed the tail. Lee’s direct hit of the striker’s stumps after fielding a firm straight drive left Jacobs run out, just short of his ground. The Antiguan hit five fours in 26 and had just begun to look dangerous. Lara eventually fell to Bichel in an over that he clouted him for three boundaries. The 34-year-old lashed a catch to mid-off as Bichel gained revenge. Lara hit 12 fours and a six in his 94-ball knock. The tail wagged briefly as Omari Banks (13 not out), Mervyn Dillon (12) and Jermaine Lawson (14) showed resistance. But Lee castled Dillon and leg-spinner Stuart MacGill had Lawson caught at slip to ensure the visitors would not concede a lead.
