THE EDITOR: It is a matter of great disappointment that the Government has failed to meet and treat with the recognised majority union on the crisis that is building in the sugar industry.

To implement a VSEP package without negotiation with the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Union is a mistake that should not be allowed to happen. The position adopted by the Minister of Agriculture and the Prime Minister that a package has already been developed and that there is no need for negotiation with the union is unacceptable. The union is not just an interested party in a matter which impacts so fundamentally on the future of the sugar industry; it is a major stakeholder representing the most important resource in the industry and the persons most directly affected by the intended action.

It cannot be a reasonable position that the union is expected to agree to the implementation of restructuring without a full and comprehensive understanding of the future direction of the company and the industry. The proposals of the government must be known to all parties involved and all alternative suggestions considered in arriving at a final determination. The national community needs to be made aware that the sugar workers are at present in the process of negotiating a new collective agreement for the period 2001-2003.This process has broken down with the parties continuing to meet at the Ministry of Labour. Clearly this agreement needs to be finalised before any restructuring is implemented since it will of necessity impact on the terms of the VSEP package.

Further, a job classification exercise has been commenced (or had been agreed to) but has not yet been concluded. It is unreasonable to expect that the union would agree to the government’s proposal without knowing what is going to happen to these exercises. Any VSEP package which targets all the employees in an industry must be seen for what it is — retrenchment, not restructuring. Restructuring must involve the retention of some workers who are to be retrained to serve in the new operation. VSEP for all workers is in reality retrenchment. In the circumstances, the government must convene a meeting with the union as a matter of urgency to hold discussions on the future direction of the company and the role of the workers in that vision.

KARAN MAHABIRSINGH
Carapichaima

THE EDITOR: Although deeply disappointed with the early exit of the West Indies cricket team from the World Cup 2003, I take some heart in feeling that our regional team is heading in the right direction. A feeling I did not have after our performances in the last two World Cups.

Our current crop of youngsters exude potential and finally there is seemingly a plan for their proper development. I feel we were extremely unlucky and this led to our early demise in the current tournament. Here are some of the reasons to back this sentiment. 1) There is no denying our bad luck with the weather versus the worst team in the tournament, Bangladesh, a team who lost to Canada, not seemingly worthy of their Test status. This was the only game rained out in Pool ‘B’. 2) Losing the toss against Sri Lanka in a day/night fixture at a venue where the team batting second loses nine out of 10 times. Although winning the toss should give that side some advantage, there is some argument in South Africa daynighters, at this venue, it overwhelmingly favours the side winning the toss. This is unfair, especially where sides are so evenly balanced (Australia apart). 3) Although it is felt that bad umpiring decisions have a way of evening out themselves, in recent times these bad decisions have weighed heavily against the Windies. In games where results can be by less than 10 runs, one bad decision can change the whole outcome of a match. For example, had Jayasuriya being correctly given out, caught behind, earlier in his innings and Jacobs had not been incorrectly adjudged caught behind, the Windies could well have been comfortably into the super sixes. No one will ever know.

That is not a denial that the Windies at times played some careless cricket, however there is no denying that this tendency has reduced dramatically relative to the past six or so years. They are a side on the improve, but there is still a ways to go, but it certainly looks promising. There were some factors that had nothing to do with luck that contributed to our early demise. 1) Questionable tactics, an inability to properly rearrange the batting lineup to suit a particular match situation, a lack of aggressiveness both in bowling changes and field placing, too many dropped catches, an apparent lack of communication between the dressing room and batsmen out in the middle. 2) Hooper’s lack of form, perhaps his recent knee surgery had affected him more than we all thought. To many casual observers, one may be tempted to say ‘here we go again, the Windies only flattered to deceive’. However, as an ardent lifelong follower of West Indian cricket, I feel confident we are finally heading in the right direction and we will once again be a force to reckon with, perhaps in a year or two.

DR NIGEL CAMACHO
Trinidad

THE EDITOR: Why all this racial hatred and talk about ethnic origin, etc? We are all Trinidadians of Trinbagonians — a unique people of many races and creeds who have lived together in harmony for many generations, and stand as an example to the rest of mankind.

Over the past 80 years I have lived in many parts of Trinidad and have been living in Trincity for the past 37 years. The people of our community are mostly of African origin and my wife (Indo-Chinese) and I have always got along well with all of our neighbours. In fact, they are among the best friends we have. People from outside who visit Trincity are impressed with the peacefulness and cleanliness of the environment. That is because the householders all take a pride in their surroundings. A contributing factor may also be due to the fact that we live in close proximity to the Tacarigua Savannah, the Eddie Hart playground and the Indoor Hockey Stadium for recreational activities. We are, indeed, a peaceful and happy community and intend to keep it that way.

ELLIS MAINGOT
Trincity

THE EDITOR: ASPIRE continues to knock at Government’s door hoping that someone would answer. Well the truth is that the whole nation is full of pro-lifers, it is part of our culture to value, protect and defend innocent life. Why do the pro-abortionists (advocates for legalising abortion) not let go of the issue?

We know that they need help and are comforted in the closing line of their very expensive advertisement where the plea is made as a closing statement. Actually that cry for help instantly made me think of the unborn baby’s desperate ‘silent cry’ from the womb, when they are being ripped out, piece by piece, from their mother’s womb. They all cry ‘We need your help’! Well, we are here to pray for the members of ASPIRE to see the truth of the value of  human life, from conception to natural death.

Though they would not be provoked into a public dialogue with representatives from a country that lives in the detrimental consequences of legalised abortion, they were provoked enough to publish expensive ads. Those who attended the talks have all learnt and developed a strong commitment, that this evil of killing our children cannot be legally accepted in our country. The participants also learnt that in the USA, legalised abortion did not reduce the incidence of abortion, that there is no safe way of ripping a child out of a mother’s womb and in no way has it improved the living standards of poor women. They did ask though, what has this group ASPIRE done to improve the living standards of or to help, poor women? How much money from their sponsors IPPF has been invested in programmes like low cost housing, literacy courses, day care centres and access to basic education and medical care etc. Programmes to enable poor women to develop basic survival skills and trades?

The only people that benefit from abortion are men and the abortion corporate industry, of course (usually headed by men). Men enjoy the free sex, ie they don’t have the responsibility of caring for the women and the commitment that comes with fatherhood. Women are used as sex objects. Those women who are willing to make informed choices or anyone interested in women’s health, should read Women’s Health after Abortion — The Medical and Psychological Evidence by Elizabeth King-Cassidy and Ian Gentles. We have heard the myth that post abortion syndrome does not exist, take the right step and read, ask women who have had abortions and then we’ll see how much of a myth it is. Knowledge is power, unless we fear that what we read would teach us what we are not prepared to accept, this book is a must.

JACQUELINE ALLAMANI
Petit Valley

THE EDITOR: Nothing better illustrates the dangerous, incitful politics that the UNC is playing with the Caroni VSEP issue than the motion moved by Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the CEPEP issue.

If the UNC was really serious in having the VSEP issue debated, it would have tabled a motion on the Order Paper for a full-scale debate, and not this motion for urgent, specific etc and then walk out. So they walked out; is that it on the VSEP issue? Are they now going to parade up and down the sugar belt where they are secure with meetings sniping at the government, with no full-scale debate on the issue recorded in the Hansard for future research and record? I have no doubt that if they were serious, the government would accommodate their request for a two-day debate, not waiting for such a debate to take place only on Private Members’ Day. But the UNC is fully aware that such a debate would expose them as having nothing of substance to say.

HUBERT MARCANO
Barataria

THE EDITOR: Following publication of my recent article: The Challenge of the 2003 World Cup Tournament — A Recipe For Success, I seek your tolerance again for some comments on the falling standards in international cricket with specific reference to the state of West Indies cricket.

My concern at the moment continues to be the poor quality in the art of captaincy and the poor out cricket witnessed in the tournament so far. In this respect the West Indies team has proven to be the greatest offender. The team fell headlong into the abyss of mediocrity, eventually failing to qualify for the Super. Sixes — much to the disappointment of their fans worldwide! One wonders whether the present coaches and team captains concentrate solely on the art of batting and bowling to the detriment of discipline, physical fitness, strategies, team spirit, team work and most important thinking the game. Naturally, commitment is essential and must not be overlooked.

From my observations the Australian team possesses these elements to a far greater degree than all other teams in the competition. The intensity of the Aussies is such that if the captain has a weakness in any department it would not be easy to detect or exploit. No other team has so far matched the Aussies in their intensity and commitment. It would be no surprise to me if Australia walks away with the championship to make it two in a row. Of the teams left in the Super Sixes only India and New Zealand have the natural talent for a challenge but so far have shown only flashes of brilliance. The West Indies in my opinion is the only outfit that can match the Aussies in natural talent and individual strengths. However, obvious shortcomings in selection policies, leadership on the field, commitment, added to the bugbear of insularity have been the main drawbacks in their armoury.

Team spirit and teamwork also leave much to be desired. Since players are recruited from independent Caribbean states it will not be easy to correct some of these weaknesses. In the meantime the management of the West Indies Board must urgently consider the need for a change in the leadership of the team. The present captain is a charming personality who seems however to lack the drive, fighting and motivational quality required for the captaincy. The present skipper seems to lack foresight, while his approach to the varied tasks involved seems merely casual. In view of his bitter experience in his earlier stint as captain due mainly to the absence of quality batsmen to follow him in the order. (With a single exception), Brian Charles Lara may have expressed his reluctance to be considered for the job.

However with the present crop of talented players available the Board ought to invite the star batsman to accept the challenge of captaincy in time for the 2003 Australian visit. This man is without doubt the only qualified candidate for the position. As a matter of fact Lara has been one of the few great cricketers who believe in giving youth a chance in fact, he is definitely in West Indies cricket. Of the youthful prospects available for the post of vice captain, the Guyanese icon Ramnaresh Sarwan stands head and shoulders above them all. He possesses the necessary qualities for the captaincy in the not too distant future. Sarwan has already experienced some inspirational partnership at the crease with the double record holder in Test cricket. Perhaps it is appropriate herein to quote the truism expressed by President Alloy Lequay (TTCBC) during the launch of Captaincy in Cricket on April 4, 2002 when he stated inter alia “In cricket, from Grace to Worrell, from Sobers to Hooper, leadership most times would have contributed to victory or defeat.” I am satisfied that results in more than a few matches in the current World Cup Tournament have provided ample evidence in support of this statement.

FYZUL HASSANALI
Author “Captaincy in Cricket”

THE EDITOR: My only wish is to play a small role in waking up the people of Trinidad and Tobago to the realities of the global systems of economics and political evolution. Enough talk about Caroni and the Constitution. So many other important things need to be accomplished if we are to achieve first world status in the periods promised.

Firstly, Caroni must be put to bed soon and we all need to collectively move forward on positive objectives. Based on Keith Rowley’s calculations, Caroni owes many public and private entities well over $2 billion.  This is shameful and ridiculous. Why have all our Governments looked the other way while the treasury and many people’s investments were frittered away and placed at high risk? How many other cash cows are the tax payers of Trinidad and Tobago supporting instead of receiving improved social infrastructure? How much longer will we be borrowing money for the future (read “our children’s money”) to pay bills today? What about the UNC programme to collect vehicle taxes up front without any reserves being set aside for repairing roads and highways in the future?

The time is ripe for at least one more Commission of Inquiry — A commission to audit and explain government’s waste of tax dollars the past 41 years. One thing is very surprising, with our education and worldly knowledge — why have the people of Trinidad and Tobago not embraced the policy of a tax revolt? If I were to start a new political party, I am sure this would be a winning policy platform. By Sat Maharaj’s calculations every worker is entitled to ownership of the land the company they work for sits on; not just the workers of Caroni. Is equality not guaranteed in our Constitution and Laws? I cannot support his theory. After all, he seems to be pandering to his constituency and not to the people of the nation in general. This concept of land distribution would make squatting a legitimate nationally accepted way of life. It would cause governments worldwide to crumble and go bankrupt, if a trend was set in motion.

On the constitution, it is obvious that it was written by politicians to ensure that their power base is maintained. There are simply too many clauses that on the outside seem to benefit the people, but when read closer are designed to provide absolute power to the government of the day. This is why no government promotes constitutional change. However, change can come about in some very simple amendments to the existing Constitution. Firstly, we need to have an odd number of seats in Parliament. This way the probability of an election stalemate in what is considered a two party state will be minimised. Secondly, the Senate members appointed by the Government and the Opposition should be distributed according to the percentage of the popular vote not a fixed number (in the government’s favour) for each party.

One thing I learned years ago studying the Canadian Confederation was the words of the great John A Mac Donald who committed to the people of Canada that representation would be by direct vote or “Rep By Pop,” as it is referred to. We can not go the American route of election by selected people (Electoral College) as this system was designed to ensure that only one of two parties could ever hold the Presidency of the United States of America. Votes can be bought and traded in such a system as was clear in the last American election; where the obvious winner (by Trinidad and Tobago standards) lost to his opponent.

Thirdly, the election of our President should be by secret vote of “all elected and appointed” people in Trinidad and Tobago, that includes members of Parliament, members of the Senate, all elected members of regional governments and all members of the Judiciary. We could refer to this as a “Constitutional Assembly” or “National Congress”. It will ensure that the highest office in the nation is held by the person most supported by all representatives of the people. This assembly would also have exclusive powers to amend and change the constitution, not the government. Lastly, the only other change I suggest is that any amendments (additions, deletions, or changes) to the Constitution be approved or disapproved by a vote of all eligible voters through a national referendum.

Our Constitution looks good on paper but it becomes a joke when a few elected people have the power to change it without the consideration and approval of the people for which the same Constitution was designed. The beautiful thing is that all of the above could be done in a matter of days, not weeks years of decades. Imagine what a wonderful nation we would have? Imagine how Trinidad and Tobago would be recognised as a nation that truly embodies the concept of multiculturalism and unity of its people? Many nations only dream of achieving such high standards, Trinidad and Tobago is in a position where it can be the first nation in the world to make profound changes. Changes, which if adopted, would have ripple effects across our globe.

M ROBINSON
Toronto Canada

THE EDITOR: This letter is in response to an article in one of our local newspapers; with the caption “Mandela criticises Bush plans to attack Iraq”. As I see it, the caption, “Mandela bites the hands that feeds him,” would have been far more appropriate.

However, such a caption is not for the faint of heart or purveyors of the status quo. There is a saying, “a thankful, grateful person enjoys a favour twice: When it is received and when it is remembered.” This quotation is embellished with another, which states: “We are created with two ears and one mouth, as a result we are expected to listen more than we speak.”
Mandela viewed by most as patron saint, is just an “ordinary mortal.” His criticism of the US orchestrated attack against Iraq bare his human-frailties and love for centre stage. The following are his remarks: “Why is the US behaving so arrogantly? All that Bush wants is Iraq oil.” He further stated: “Is it because the secretary-general of the UN, is now a black man? They never did that when secretary-general were ‘white.’ “ His closing remarks was when his foot got in his mouth. He said: “If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America. They don’t care for human beings.”

Not so fast Nelson Mandela: the US was the leader in the fight for your release from prison; when no other country, not even countries in Africa took up your cause. You were a forgotten man, languishing in prison, until the US brought your plight to the forefront; with the imposition of sanctions on governments and businesses not only in the US but also in every part of the world, showing complicity with the rebel, apartheid government. The Israeli government received a stern warning from the US government when it was alleged that Israel was clandestinely selling arms to South Africa. The US threat to Israel was, that it desists from selling arms forthwith, to the South African Government if it is already doing so; or risk losing US financial aid. The US was wholly responsible for the positive outcome of South Africa’s first democratic general election, marking the inclusion of Black South Africans for the first time in the democratic process of the country. This was brought about by strong US financial backing and rigid sanction.

In the US Afro-Americans are marginalised and discriminated against as we speak but they have been part and parcel of the US democratic process for well over 60 years or more. Despite institutional racism and discrimination African Americans have continuously dominated basketball, athletics and entertainment and have recently taken over, with some measure of success golf and lawn tennis. Notable inroads have also been made in major US corporations, in exalted positions as CEOS, AVPS and Presidents. This is not in defence of the US but just an attempt to show the other side — if only to add some balance to Mandela’s slanted remarks. It seems apparent that the acquisition of advanced age and national acclaim affords one a licence to make all types of questionable, ill-founded remarks, which most people fear to question (Heresy). It is incumbent of us to take umbrage to any remark we find objectionable, regardless of the source as long as it is in bad taste. I would be remiss if I fail to address Mandela’s past and present.

After his release from prison Mandela when asked by the press how he felt about being incarcerated for over 25 years, for a victimless crime by the South African government remarked: “I hold no animosity against the government for my imprisonment.” A few years later, Mandela levelled acrimonious criticisms against the US; the country that was single-handedly responsible for dismantling the apartheid South African government. It is to the US credit that 60 percent of the American public does not support US miliary action against Iraq. It is with great humility, that I support those who had the courage to speak out against Mother Theresa, in the not too distant past and Mahatma Gandhi just recently. I share their sentiments that everyone’s life should be able to withstand any form of scrutiny. All of us will fail if put to the test. It is uncharacteristic of Nelson Mandela to play the race card. Someone of his stature and renown can do without this about face. It is his prerogative to change ships in midstream, as it is our prerogative to question his impropriety — no offence intended, we must disagree to agree. No disrespect for the great one. I empathise with him in his predicament but remain apathetic to his sentiments.

ULRIC GUY
Point Fortin

THE EDITOR: I refer to Mr Ellis Maingot’s letter to the editor captioned “Was the apple really the forbidden fruit?” Newsday 10/3/03 Page 11.

The story of Adam and Eve can be viewed from two different angles. One, the story is a fable designed to tell a truth, that man at one time was in favour with God and walked closely with him but by an act of wilful disobedience he separated himself from God and following his own selfish desires blundered into unhappiness, suffering and death even as we are still doing in this 21st century. Two, the Bible faithfully records the story of Adam and Eve. If so the Bible speaks of “The tree of good and evil,” the fruit of which man was commanded not to eat but apart from that the name of that “fruit” has never been mentioned. Mr Maingot wonders if sex was really the forbidden fruit? No, Mr Maingot, sex is not the forbidden fruit because sex does not grow on trees.

Sex, for example, in all its manifestations, shacking up “straight lifestyles,” “alternative lifestyles,” and “other lifestyles” and sex as a pastime, a five-minute exercise, without love or a long term commitment is a sure sign of man’s disassociation from God. Look at the world today, we are tethering on the brink of an atomic holocaust and no one has any idea how to stop this slide towards the P&T. In 1939, Sir Winston Churchill, a former prime minister of Great Britain, when the nations of Europe were embroiled in a life and death struggle with Nazi Germany, likened the situation to a runaway train speeding through the night with the driver fast asleep and he asked the question “who will stop the clattering train”? We all have to get back with God or this planet is doomed.

JACK LEARMOND-CRIQUI
New Yalta, Diego Martin