Tim admits meeting Reshmi
By Anna Ramdass
Story Created: Jan 27, 2011 at 11:50 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 27, 2011 at 11:50 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...eshmi-114769294.html
Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh admitted yesterday that he met Reshmi Usha Ramnarine on a couple of occasions, in a private capacity, before she was appointed director of the Strategic Service Agency (SSA).
Gopeesingh's admission comes as a photograph of himself and Ramnarine posing with other guests at a farewell party for former TV6 journalist Sasha Mohammed, at Trotters in Maraval last November began circulating on Facebook yesterday.
Gopeesingh also stated that he was present when Ramnarine's name had been submitted before Cabinet for approval for the top spy chief job.
The appointment and subsequent resignation of Ramnarine follows a series of Express exclusives which proved that she did not have the qualifications she claimed in her resume. At least three Government Ministers had defended Ramnarine's appointment but have since said they were misled.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who chairs both the National Security Council and the Cabinet, which approved Ramnarine's appointment with a bogus resume, said on Wednesday that Ramnarine had resigned and it was time to move on.
Gopeesingh, along with Finance Minister Winston Dookeran, faced a barrage of questions relating to Ramnarine's appointment during yesterday's post Cabinet press conference, at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.
The questions were posed by journalists even though Government Information Services Ltd (GISL) CEO, Andy Johnson said neither Minister was authorised to speak on the issue as it was still being considered by the Cabinet.
No journalist heeded Johnson's warning and the first question was whether the issue was discussed at Cabinet.
Dookeran replied, "The matter is under consideration; there is not more I can say on the issue".
Were there any discussions on preventing a mistake like this from occurring?
"There is not more I can say on this issue," said Dookeran.
When the question was asked again, Johnson intervened: "I said at the onset the Ministers are not briefed, they are not authorised to address that matter...the Minister said twice there is not much he can say on it except to repeat that it was discussed and I think it would be unfair, and more than that, to continue to press them on that."
Johnson was again ignored as another reporter questioned Gopeesingh on the photograph of him and Ramnarine, circulating on the internet, and whether he knew her personally or as a member of the SSA.
"No, not personally, I just know her....I met her on one or two occasions previously," said a nervous looking Gopeesingh.
Questioned further, he said: "All we can say from this meeting is that Cabinet took the decision to hire Miss Ramnarine".
Was Cabinet misled about Ramnarine's qualifications?
"That's all we are prepared to say at this moment," he continued.
Are you not concerned about all the unanswered questions in this issue?
"I think we have said enough about that," said Gopeesingh.
Will the matter be raised at Cabinet again?
"We can't make any pronouncements," he responded.
Will there be any statements on the issue?
Gopeesingh said: "I think we have given the answer that we are not prepared to have any more discussion on this issue because we have not been briefed by Cabinet to make any further statement on this matter".
Would any statement be made in the Parliament?
"I don't know that is a matter for Cabinet to decide which we are not in at the moment" he said.
Johnson again interjected instructing reporters to not ask further questions on the issue.
Again, reporters did not heed Johnson's request as Dookeran was asked whether the COP would hold its own discussions on the issue.
"The Congress of the People has not met on this issue but there is a parliamentary grouping of all the councillors meeting this weekend and I have no doubt that the matter will be raised for discussion," he said.
Will a public statement be made?
"I think it depends on the discussions...this is an open democratic environment in which we meet," he said.
Asked if he was present when Cabinet deliberated on Ramnarine's appointment, a reluctant Dookeran said, "the matter is still under consideration at this point in time. Ok, I was at the meeting last week when the matter was dealt with".
Gopeesingh also answered the question saying, "Yes I was present when that Cabinet note was moved and passed in Cabinet".
Asked again to clarify whether he was at the meeting, Dookeran replied, "I was present at that meeting".
Asked whether his meeting Ramnarine before would give the impression that a friend of someone was being pushed for the job, Gopeesingh said: "You asking me to hypothesise and theorise?".
Asked the question again, he said: "I'm not saying I know her on a personal basis, I have said I have met on one or two occasions previously".
An irritated looking Johnson then said: "I want to intervene again, I think we are breaking the rules that we try to establish...and I am tending to have some affinity with the questions because I understand the role that you all have to play but I think you all are breaking the rules. I don't want to have to read the riot act and I think the Ministers have gone outside to what they have agreed that what the Cabinet has decided for them to be discussing".
Johnson called for the final question.
A reporter again raised Gopeesingh's presence with Ramnarine at Mohammed's farewell party and an upset Johnson said: "No. We not taking that question...thank you very much" and ended the press conference.
Even after the press conference, reporters approached Dookeran with questions and Johnson repeated that the press conference was over.
One week ago, the Express exclusively reported Ramnarine's appointment, followed by another exclusive report that her qualifications were false. Ramnarine was appointed to the post on January 14 and she resigned on January 22. It is uncertain whether she is still employed with the spy agency.
Former Member
Former Member
Visas for Indians under attack
By CAROL MATROO Sunday, January 30 2011 http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,134897.html
Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Malay Mishra, yesterday dismissed claims made by Selwyn Cudjoe that the Indian government was discriminating against non-East Indians travelling to the country.
Giving his presentation during a multiculturalism conference held by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at Gaston Courts in Chaguanas, Cudjoe claimed that Mishra had announced that East Indians wishing to travel to India would not need a visa to enter the country.
He called on Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, who was also scheduled to speak at the function, to address the matter.
“It is something I ask my minister to clarify and if it is true, I ask you to reject it categorically. If we can give free entry to Russians and Indians then the reciprocal thing to do is to offer the same thing to all people, not just East Indians,” Cudjoe said.
Earlier this month, Government announced its new policy of 90-days visa-free entry to TT for Indian and Russian nationals for the purposes of tourism and trade.
However, the High Commissioner assured that this was not an issue of racial preference to East Indians.
“There is something called the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) visa which many people have that gives them the facility to enter India without a visa. This is something that was offered by the Indian Government and it is definitely not a racial thing.
“If someone from Trinidad and Tobago can prove they have a connection to India, then they can apply for one with the proper documentation. We offer this to the people who have roots in India, but we also offer scholarships, grants and other facilities to the entire population, so it is not just East Indians,” Mishra assured.
By CAROL MATROO Sunday, January 30 2011 http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,134897.html
Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Malay Mishra, yesterday dismissed claims made by Selwyn Cudjoe that the Indian government was discriminating against non-East Indians travelling to the country.
Giving his presentation during a multiculturalism conference held by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at Gaston Courts in Chaguanas, Cudjoe claimed that Mishra had announced that East Indians wishing to travel to India would not need a visa to enter the country.
He called on Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, who was also scheduled to speak at the function, to address the matter.
“It is something I ask my minister to clarify and if it is true, I ask you to reject it categorically. If we can give free entry to Russians and Indians then the reciprocal thing to do is to offer the same thing to all people, not just East Indians,” Cudjoe said.
Earlier this month, Government announced its new policy of 90-days visa-free entry to TT for Indian and Russian nationals for the purposes of tourism and trade.
However, the High Commissioner assured that this was not an issue of racial preference to East Indians.
“There is something called the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) visa which many people have that gives them the facility to enter India without a visa. This is something that was offered by the Indian Government and it is definitely not a racial thing.
“If someone from Trinidad and Tobago can prove they have a connection to India, then they can apply for one with the proper documentation. We offer this to the people who have roots in India, but we also offer scholarships, grants and other facilities to the entire population, so it is not just East Indians,” Mishra assured.
Former Member
I was almost expelled for celebrating Divali 
By CAROL MATROO Sunday, January 30 http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime..._court/0,134904.html
Forty-two years ago Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, then a student at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, risked being expelled, as he fought for the right to celebrate the Hindu festival of Divali on the institution’s compound, even after it was declared a national holiday.
Although he was successful in his struggle and even got a steelband to play bhajans (Hindu religious songs) during the celebration, he is still being labelled as a “racist” to this day for his stand.
Rambachan was reminiscing at a Multiculturalism Conference hosted by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at Gaston Courts in Chaguanas yesterday.
Rambachan also took time to respond to several statements made on the People’s Partnership (PP) Government’s thrust for multiculturalism by Selwyn Cudjoe at the conference.
During his presentation, Cudjoe said it was not feasible to adopt Canada’s multi-cultural policy in Trinidad and Tobago because they are two different societies. Cudjoe said while Canada is a homogeneous society, TT is a heterogeneous one and therefore the same policy could not work for them both.
Cudjoe dismissed claims that there had not been a cultural policy before the PP came into power last year.
“If you begin a thesis or an idea with a lie, you end up with a lie. It was said that there was no cultural policy until the PP came into power. That is not true and I start by saying it is a lie,” Cudjoe said.
“We ought not to debate as though there was nothing there. It’s as though this policy is all about diversity. The reason Canada came up with a multi-cultural policy was to count its homogeneous society. We must speak of one commonality, that’s the policy. I suspect by now multiculturalism rejects that policy,” he added.
In 1971, Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy. By so doing, Canada affirmed the value and dignity of all Canadian citizens regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, their language, or their religious affiliation. Australia was the second country to follow suit.
The primary objective of the conference was to formulate practical, pragmatic and useful policies that would result in genuine multiculturalism in TT, according to GOPIO.
It was soon after the PP won the General Election last year that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the creation of the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism.
He said a cultural policy must be permanently located in the people’s history because a people are made by their history.
“Both Africans and East Indians were denigrated by the dominant power which was the English colonial power. While the East Indians were called pagans, we were called savages. The only way we can know who we are or seek the evolution of any cultural policy is by looking into our own culture,” he said.
Cudjoe claimed that Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters said that one of the reasons multiculturalism had not been documented was because East Indians felt “alienated from the society”.
“My question is who was being alienated? And why do they feel so alienated? How can we base a cultural policy on the basis that one group would say what it feels, and the very argument in the favour of East Indians was that they had maintained their culture which was the basis for the advantage that they seem to enjoy in the society. You can’t have it two ways. It seems that to base a policy on that premise makes it very questionable,” he said.
Responding to Cudjoe, Rambachan said East Indians felt they were being alienated because the retention of culture had to do with the resilience of the people, and the affinity and strength of the religious traditions of the country itself.
“We are here to recognise that sometimes in complex societies, you need to have a policy that seeks to make people feel that they are equal and that they are treated equally, and TT is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, plural society,” he said.
TT did not have to follow Canada’s multi-cultural policy because despite our differences and despite arguments over time in the political arena, over distribution of resources, the people have lived peacefully in this society.
This, he said, despite the many attempts by others to inject into society elements that would cause divisions for personal gain and personal interests.
Rambachan said there had never been any formal discussions regarding culture, nor had there been a proper policy by the former government on culture. He praised Persad-Bissessar for “having the courage to go forward” in her first attempt to bring it to the public domain.
He said multiculturalism had the potential to avoid clashes and competitions where the people felt they could freely practice what they were.
“A person is his or her own cultural style, you can’t take that away from them. That is the genes, that is the cultural soul and to deny the cultural soul of a person is to incapacitate that person and multiculturalism protects that, the cultural soul,” Rambachan said.
By CAROL MATROO Sunday, January 30 http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime..._court/0,134904.html
Forty-two years ago Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, then a student at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, risked being expelled, as he fought for the right to celebrate the Hindu festival of Divali on the institution’s compound, even after it was declared a national holiday.
Although he was successful in his struggle and even got a steelband to play bhajans (Hindu religious songs) during the celebration, he is still being labelled as a “racist” to this day for his stand.
Rambachan was reminiscing at a Multiculturalism Conference hosted by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at Gaston Courts in Chaguanas yesterday.
Rambachan also took time to respond to several statements made on the People’s Partnership (PP) Government’s thrust for multiculturalism by Selwyn Cudjoe at the conference.
During his presentation, Cudjoe said it was not feasible to adopt Canada’s multi-cultural policy in Trinidad and Tobago because they are two different societies. Cudjoe said while Canada is a homogeneous society, TT is a heterogeneous one and therefore the same policy could not work for them both.
Cudjoe dismissed claims that there had not been a cultural policy before the PP came into power last year.
“If you begin a thesis or an idea with a lie, you end up with a lie. It was said that there was no cultural policy until the PP came into power. That is not true and I start by saying it is a lie,” Cudjoe said.
“We ought not to debate as though there was nothing there. It’s as though this policy is all about diversity. The reason Canada came up with a multi-cultural policy was to count its homogeneous society. We must speak of one commonality, that’s the policy. I suspect by now multiculturalism rejects that policy,” he added.
In 1971, Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy. By so doing, Canada affirmed the value and dignity of all Canadian citizens regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, their language, or their religious affiliation. Australia was the second country to follow suit.
The primary objective of the conference was to formulate practical, pragmatic and useful policies that would result in genuine multiculturalism in TT, according to GOPIO.
It was soon after the PP won the General Election last year that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the creation of the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism.
He said a cultural policy must be permanently located in the people’s history because a people are made by their history.
“Both Africans and East Indians were denigrated by the dominant power which was the English colonial power. While the East Indians were called pagans, we were called savages. The only way we can know who we are or seek the evolution of any cultural policy is by looking into our own culture,” he said.
Cudjoe claimed that Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters said that one of the reasons multiculturalism had not been documented was because East Indians felt “alienated from the society”.
“My question is who was being alienated? And why do they feel so alienated? How can we base a cultural policy on the basis that one group would say what it feels, and the very argument in the favour of East Indians was that they had maintained their culture which was the basis for the advantage that they seem to enjoy in the society. You can’t have it two ways. It seems that to base a policy on that premise makes it very questionable,” he said.
Responding to Cudjoe, Rambachan said East Indians felt they were being alienated because the retention of culture had to do with the resilience of the people, and the affinity and strength of the religious traditions of the country itself.
“We are here to recognise that sometimes in complex societies, you need to have a policy that seeks to make people feel that they are equal and that they are treated equally, and TT is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, plural society,” he said.
TT did not have to follow Canada’s multi-cultural policy because despite our differences and despite arguments over time in the political arena, over distribution of resources, the people have lived peacefully in this society.
This, he said, despite the many attempts by others to inject into society elements that would cause divisions for personal gain and personal interests.
Rambachan said there had never been any formal discussions regarding culture, nor had there been a proper policy by the former government on culture. He praised Persad-Bissessar for “having the courage to go forward” in her first attempt to bring it to the public domain.
He said multiculturalism had the potential to avoid clashes and competitions where the people felt they could freely practice what they were.
“A person is his or her own cultural style, you can’t take that away from them. That is the genes, that is the cultural soul and to deny the cultural soul of a person is to incapacitate that person and multiculturalism protects that, the cultural soul,” Rambachan said.
Former Member
SECURITY SHAME
…how Reshmi's false resume passed the Cabinet test
By Camini Marajh Head Investigative Desk
Story Created: Jan 29, 2011 at 11:41 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 29, 2011 at 11:41 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...SHAME-114880854.html
The woman who played a pivotal role in nominating an intelligence transcriber and her very junior subordinate to the top post of a domestic spy agency, Deputy Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) Julie Browne, failed to conduct the requisite high level security clearance vetting of controversial candidate Reshmi Usha Ramnarine, who resigned nine days after her January 14 appointment amid a firestorm of protests over exaggerated claims about her academic qualifications.
The security failings of the SSA deputy director led to Ramnarine landing the controversial spy directorship which has caused deep embarrassment to the national intelligence community and to the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration.
The recommendation itself, a breach of the usual protocol (it is normally made by the line Minister), was made to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar on January 10 and justified the Ramnarine nomination on an urgent need to give the agency legal authority to intercept telephone and electronic communications of persons deemed to be of interest to national security.
In making a case for the Ramnarine appointment to the top spy chief job, albeit as an interim director for six months, Deputy Director Browne, according to documents obtained by the Sunday Express, listed the job specifications as:
•Someone who has a history in the SIA (Strategic Intelligence Agency), and who understands the culture and inner workings of this and similar organisations
•Someone with a proven track record in the field of criminal intelligence
•Someone who is knowledgeable and experienced with respect to the administrative, operational and technological aspects of the agency's functions
•Someone who, at this time, has the support of staff (senior and junior)
Browne submitted that the 31 year-old, who was appointed member of a freshly cobbled SIA/SSA "Transformation Team", tasked with managing the merger of the two agencies in the wake of the October 2010 firing of former director Nigel Clement, in her opinion, met the criteria for the interim spy chief appointment.
Displaying a shocking security failure and the agency's failings to vet its own staff, she said: "Additionally, she has confirmed that she has completed her degree, at the University of the West Indies, in Information Technology and has additional tertiary level qualifications (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)". Express exclusives later revealed that Ramnarine had padded her resume and did not have a BSc in Information Technology as stated in her CV and in the Browne letter of recommendation sent to the Prime Minister.
The four-page Browne recommendation relied on by the National Security Council (NSC) and by the Persad-Bissessar cabinet to push through the Ramnarine directorship paid glowing tribute to the junior officer. Browne held that: "Previous performance appraisals recommended her for immediate promotion as she is known to face challenges head on and can effectively manage duties at a higher level. Her appraisals also described her as dedicated and focused with an appreciation of both the technical and administrative aspects of her work.
"She also uses her initiative to research and present products and services to enhance the productivity of her department. She has leadership qualities and can be entrusted with greater responsibilities. The latter has been well exhibited on the transformation team. These qualities are the foundation upon which Ms Ramnarine is recommended to serve as the interim director for the specific transitional period. Human resource practice allows for an appropriate combination of training, skills and experience. Indeed the previous director was not a university graduate," said the Browne letter.
Intelligence sources, however, said the Browne recommendation was akin to a deputy police commissioner making the case for a police corporal to be made police commissioner. A former top intelligence chief, speaking only on background, said Browne and the agency she heads, failed to follow basic procedures when she recommended Ramnarine for the top SSA job.
He questioned the vetting process which led to Ramnarine's phenomenal rise in the organisation, from a junior technician who listened to and recorded intercepted conversations to a nine-day stint in the Director's chair and a quantum leap in salary.
Ramnarine resigned on January 22 following widespread criticism and calls for her removal after Express exclusives revealed embellished academic credentials. She cited personal security concerns and media attention among the reasons for her sudden resignation.
The Deputy SSA Director, in making the case for her choice of an interim spy chief said this: "Education, training and experience for the post of the Director of the SSA, as stated on the job description for the position, are determined by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is against this background that I respectfully submit this recommendation for Ms Ramnarine who was hired by the Security Intelligence Agency on 1 June 2001, after undergoing a six-month selection and interview process. This process incorporates and is not exclusive to background checks and criminal record scrutiny."
Browne was sharply critical of former director Clement, who was fired following the dramatic public disclosure by Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of illegal state spying on citizens, including President Max Richards, judges, politicians, journalists and trade union officials, among others. She said: "Ms Ramnarine's immediate predecessor of the SSA, Nigel Clement, joined the SIA in June 2002 as the Deputy Director, Operations and Intelligence. At this time he held no Bachelor's degree for a post that explicitly required one."
She dismissed Clement as "an ordinary naval officer" in the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and made clear that his experience "did not in any way distinguish him for the position to which he was appointed." Deputy Director Browne contended that: "Someone with just a few years experience in the field of intelligence operations will be of far greater value than a Coast Guard officer who spent most of his working years patrolling the seas."
She closed the Ramnarine nomination to the Prime Minister on this note: "The forgoing is respectfully submitted for your consideration. Please be assured of my highest consideration." Ramnarine's CV, which contained embellished claims about her work, lists Browne as a reference.
A copy of the embellished CV, attached to the January 13 Cabinet Note for the appointment of an SSA director contains this claim: "In my career at the Ministry of National Security, I have had the pleasure of working directly with many of our regional and international counterparts. I have also had the pleasure of working and training with the British DLO's (Drug Liaison Officers), Israeli Mossad, the Integrated Threat Assessment Centre (ITAC) of Canada and the United States Embassy with regard to examining narcotics trafficking, terrorism and threat assessment, monitoring our borders and key industrial interests and assets."
The CV submitted for NSC and Cabinet consideration stated: "I also have had the opportunity to lend my mind and experience to our colleagues in Curacao and also in the Jamaican Defence Force with regard to training in analysis tactics and report writing. I have received specialized training in propriety hardware and software by international companies. Acquiring and streamlining sensitive high priority data for compilation into executive level reports and debriefs.
"Advanced analytical skills which correlate to making split second judgment calls from data at hand. Concise report writing of acquired information for the sole purpose to be used by other actionable elements of the organisation."
Ramnarine also claimed: "Managerial experience leading and motivating many peer teams of 1-5 personnel simultaneously to accomplish both short and long term projects in accordance with guidance from the director and other executives, project requirements, budgeting per project and overall annual budgets so as to meet target objectives.
Effective communication with peers, superiors and subordinates to ensure executive intent, ensuring that all sensitive issues are dealt with both timely and diplomatically."
SIA insiders told the Sunday Express that Ramnarine was a junior employee with no subordinates under her supervision. Insiders also report that the intelligence and field training she talked about referred to the use of the intercept spy equipment from the Israeli manufacturer and not the Israeli intelligence, Mossad.
Intelligence sources and SIA insiders question Browne's failure to conduct the requisite background checks. One security expert who described the security lapse as "deeply embarrassing," said Ramnarine should have been subjected to a rigorous vetting process including standard polygraph and psychometric testing before her name was submitted to the National Security Council for consideration. Browne did not answer her cell phone and messages left on her voicemail went unreturned up to late yesterday evening.
Meanwhile, senior prosecutor in the Office of the Attorney General, Sharon Sharma, who Ramnarine listed as a reference on her resume, expressed surprise that she had been named as a reference. She said while she knew Ramnarine, she never gave permission for her name to be used as a reference. Nor was she asked, she said.
…how Reshmi's false resume passed the Cabinet test
By Camini Marajh Head Investigative Desk
Story Created: Jan 29, 2011 at 11:41 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 29, 2011 at 11:41 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...SHAME-114880854.html
The woman who played a pivotal role in nominating an intelligence transcriber and her very junior subordinate to the top post of a domestic spy agency, Deputy Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) Julie Browne, failed to conduct the requisite high level security clearance vetting of controversial candidate Reshmi Usha Ramnarine, who resigned nine days after her January 14 appointment amid a firestorm of protests over exaggerated claims about her academic qualifications.
The security failings of the SSA deputy director led to Ramnarine landing the controversial spy directorship which has caused deep embarrassment to the national intelligence community and to the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration.
The recommendation itself, a breach of the usual protocol (it is normally made by the line Minister), was made to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar on January 10 and justified the Ramnarine nomination on an urgent need to give the agency legal authority to intercept telephone and electronic communications of persons deemed to be of interest to national security.
In making a case for the Ramnarine appointment to the top spy chief job, albeit as an interim director for six months, Deputy Director Browne, according to documents obtained by the Sunday Express, listed the job specifications as:
•Someone who has a history in the SIA (Strategic Intelligence Agency), and who understands the culture and inner workings of this and similar organisations
•Someone with a proven track record in the field of criminal intelligence
•Someone who is knowledgeable and experienced with respect to the administrative, operational and technological aspects of the agency's functions
•Someone who, at this time, has the support of staff (senior and junior)
Browne submitted that the 31 year-old, who was appointed member of a freshly cobbled SIA/SSA "Transformation Team", tasked with managing the merger of the two agencies in the wake of the October 2010 firing of former director Nigel Clement, in her opinion, met the criteria for the interim spy chief appointment.
Displaying a shocking security failure and the agency's failings to vet its own staff, she said: "Additionally, she has confirmed that she has completed her degree, at the University of the West Indies, in Information Technology and has additional tertiary level qualifications (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)". Express exclusives later revealed that Ramnarine had padded her resume and did not have a BSc in Information Technology as stated in her CV and in the Browne letter of recommendation sent to the Prime Minister.
The four-page Browne recommendation relied on by the National Security Council (NSC) and by the Persad-Bissessar cabinet to push through the Ramnarine directorship paid glowing tribute to the junior officer. Browne held that: "Previous performance appraisals recommended her for immediate promotion as she is known to face challenges head on and can effectively manage duties at a higher level. Her appraisals also described her as dedicated and focused with an appreciation of both the technical and administrative aspects of her work.
"She also uses her initiative to research and present products and services to enhance the productivity of her department. She has leadership qualities and can be entrusted with greater responsibilities. The latter has been well exhibited on the transformation team. These qualities are the foundation upon which Ms Ramnarine is recommended to serve as the interim director for the specific transitional period. Human resource practice allows for an appropriate combination of training, skills and experience. Indeed the previous director was not a university graduate," said the Browne letter.
Intelligence sources, however, said the Browne recommendation was akin to a deputy police commissioner making the case for a police corporal to be made police commissioner. A former top intelligence chief, speaking only on background, said Browne and the agency she heads, failed to follow basic procedures when she recommended Ramnarine for the top SSA job.
He questioned the vetting process which led to Ramnarine's phenomenal rise in the organisation, from a junior technician who listened to and recorded intercepted conversations to a nine-day stint in the Director's chair and a quantum leap in salary.
Ramnarine resigned on January 22 following widespread criticism and calls for her removal after Express exclusives revealed embellished academic credentials. She cited personal security concerns and media attention among the reasons for her sudden resignation.
The Deputy SSA Director, in making the case for her choice of an interim spy chief said this: "Education, training and experience for the post of the Director of the SSA, as stated on the job description for the position, are determined by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is against this background that I respectfully submit this recommendation for Ms Ramnarine who was hired by the Security Intelligence Agency on 1 June 2001, after undergoing a six-month selection and interview process. This process incorporates and is not exclusive to background checks and criminal record scrutiny."
Browne was sharply critical of former director Clement, who was fired following the dramatic public disclosure by Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of illegal state spying on citizens, including President Max Richards, judges, politicians, journalists and trade union officials, among others. She said: "Ms Ramnarine's immediate predecessor of the SSA, Nigel Clement, joined the SIA in June 2002 as the Deputy Director, Operations and Intelligence. At this time he held no Bachelor's degree for a post that explicitly required one."
She dismissed Clement as "an ordinary naval officer" in the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and made clear that his experience "did not in any way distinguish him for the position to which he was appointed." Deputy Director Browne contended that: "Someone with just a few years experience in the field of intelligence operations will be of far greater value than a Coast Guard officer who spent most of his working years patrolling the seas."
She closed the Ramnarine nomination to the Prime Minister on this note: "The forgoing is respectfully submitted for your consideration. Please be assured of my highest consideration." Ramnarine's CV, which contained embellished claims about her work, lists Browne as a reference.
A copy of the embellished CV, attached to the January 13 Cabinet Note for the appointment of an SSA director contains this claim: "In my career at the Ministry of National Security, I have had the pleasure of working directly with many of our regional and international counterparts. I have also had the pleasure of working and training with the British DLO's (Drug Liaison Officers), Israeli Mossad, the Integrated Threat Assessment Centre (ITAC) of Canada and the United States Embassy with regard to examining narcotics trafficking, terrorism and threat assessment, monitoring our borders and key industrial interests and assets."
The CV submitted for NSC and Cabinet consideration stated: "I also have had the opportunity to lend my mind and experience to our colleagues in Curacao and also in the Jamaican Defence Force with regard to training in analysis tactics and report writing. I have received specialized training in propriety hardware and software by international companies. Acquiring and streamlining sensitive high priority data for compilation into executive level reports and debriefs.
"Advanced analytical skills which correlate to making split second judgment calls from data at hand. Concise report writing of acquired information for the sole purpose to be used by other actionable elements of the organisation."
Ramnarine also claimed: "Managerial experience leading and motivating many peer teams of 1-5 personnel simultaneously to accomplish both short and long term projects in accordance with guidance from the director and other executives, project requirements, budgeting per project and overall annual budgets so as to meet target objectives.
Effective communication with peers, superiors and subordinates to ensure executive intent, ensuring that all sensitive issues are dealt with both timely and diplomatically."
SIA insiders told the Sunday Express that Ramnarine was a junior employee with no subordinates under her supervision. Insiders also report that the intelligence and field training she talked about referred to the use of the intercept spy equipment from the Israeli manufacturer and not the Israeli intelligence, Mossad.
Intelligence sources and SIA insiders question Browne's failure to conduct the requisite background checks. One security expert who described the security lapse as "deeply embarrassing," said Ramnarine should have been subjected to a rigorous vetting process including standard polygraph and psychometric testing before her name was submitted to the National Security Council for consideration. Browne did not answer her cell phone and messages left on her voicemail went unreturned up to late yesterday evening.
Meanwhile, senior prosecutor in the Office of the Attorney General, Sharon Sharma, who Ramnarine listed as a reference on her resume, expressed surprise that she had been named as a reference. She said while she knew Ramnarine, she never gave permission for her name to be used as a reference. Nor was she asked, she said.
Former Member
Facebook, YouTube remove 'unauthorised' Ramnarine photos
By Denyse Renne
Story Created: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT source
At least two major social networking sites have removed or limited uploads of pictures and newspaper articles related to former Strategic Services Agency (SSA) director Reshmi Usha Ramnarine and Advisor on Engagements and Policy in the Prime Minister' Office, Sasha Mohammed.
The sites Facebook and YouTube which had pictures circulating of the duo at various events, have been stripped following complaints to the sites that the pictures being used were unauthorised.
Even newspaper articles mentioning Ramnarine and Mohammed were deleted from Facebook. One such incident occurred on the Peoples' National Movement (PNM) Facebook page, where Express articles were removed.
Following this, several bloggers expressed dismay, with some even vowing to email officials of Facebook asking for an explanation.
Facebook in a disclaimer instead said, "Content that you uploaded to the site has been removed per a report that it was unauthorised.
"To prevent this from occurring in the future, please make sure that you have permission to post all content that you place ... on Facebook.
"If you have questions or concerns, please visit the following section of Facebook's Help Centre.
"Thanks for your understanding in this matter."
The issue of Ramnarine's appointment and subsequent resignation from SSA has been generating a lot of debate on Facebook, with several people denouncing the appointment. People have also been using Ramnarine's picture as their profile picture. There were also deleted.
By Denyse Renne
Story Created: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT source
At least two major social networking sites have removed or limited uploads of pictures and newspaper articles related to former Strategic Services Agency (SSA) director Reshmi Usha Ramnarine and Advisor on Engagements and Policy in the Prime Minister' Office, Sasha Mohammed.
The sites Facebook and YouTube which had pictures circulating of the duo at various events, have been stripped following complaints to the sites that the pictures being used were unauthorised.
Even newspaper articles mentioning Ramnarine and Mohammed were deleted from Facebook. One such incident occurred on the Peoples' National Movement (PNM) Facebook page, where Express articles were removed.
Following this, several bloggers expressed dismay, with some even vowing to email officials of Facebook asking for an explanation.
Facebook in a disclaimer instead said, "Content that you uploaded to the site has been removed per a report that it was unauthorised.
"To prevent this from occurring in the future, please make sure that you have permission to post all content that you place ... on Facebook.
"If you have questions or concerns, please visit the following section of Facebook's Help Centre.
"Thanks for your understanding in this matter."
The issue of Ramnarine's appointment and subsequent resignation from SSA has been generating a lot of debate on Facebook, with several people denouncing the appointment. People have also been using Ramnarine's picture as their profile picture. There were also deleted.
Former Member
'Express' editor, reporter under cyber attack
Story Created: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT source
A vicious personal attack was yesterday launched against Express managing editor Omatie Lyder and political reporter Anna Ramdass by someone adopting the alias "Janice Thomas", as this newspaper continues its investigation into how Reshmi Usha Ramnarine came to be hired as director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) with false credentials.
The attack came in the form of an e-mail addressed to editors and reporters of the Express and staff of TV6, which accused Lyder and Ramdass of a personal vendetta against Ramnarine and threatened that "their day in the sun is over".
"This is the beginning... they will understand the consequences of their actions...," the e-mail stated.
The e-mail was also posted on Caribbean Talk, a site for bloggers on issues of the day. However, following complaints from this newspaper, it was pulled by the moderator.
The moderator subsequently issued a warning to bloggers to desist from posting libelous entries and personal attacks.
"We haven't been doing that (blocking posts) regularly because we have things under control, but recently there have been lot of cases where people come in with different aliases and try to use our Yahoo! Groups and Facebook pages to attack others. During the past week or so there were many attacks against the media, especially the Express. We ignored them until now," the moderator stated.
Bloggers were told they were "free to post stuff so long as you don't libel people or engage in personal attacks. You can even use several aliases—we don't really care if you want multiple online identities, but don't try to attack anyone, especially the Express and media, with fake aliases and phony e-mail addresses, etc. You can criticise the media or anyone, but no personal attacks".
"Starting a war with the media will end badly. History has taught us valuable lessons in that area. Don't go there, don't go down that road," the moderator added.
The Express is weighing all its options in this matter.
Story Created: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT source
A vicious personal attack was yesterday launched against Express managing editor Omatie Lyder and political reporter Anna Ramdass by someone adopting the alias "Janice Thomas", as this newspaper continues its investigation into how Reshmi Usha Ramnarine came to be hired as director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) with false credentials.
The attack came in the form of an e-mail addressed to editors and reporters of the Express and staff of TV6, which accused Lyder and Ramdass of a personal vendetta against Ramnarine and threatened that "their day in the sun is over".
"This is the beginning... they will understand the consequences of their actions...," the e-mail stated.
The e-mail was also posted on Caribbean Talk, a site for bloggers on issues of the day. However, following complaints from this newspaper, it was pulled by the moderator.
The moderator subsequently issued a warning to bloggers to desist from posting libelous entries and personal attacks.
"We haven't been doing that (blocking posts) regularly because we have things under control, but recently there have been lot of cases where people come in with different aliases and try to use our Yahoo! Groups and Facebook pages to attack others. During the past week or so there were many attacks against the media, especially the Express. We ignored them until now," the moderator stated.
Bloggers were told they were "free to post stuff so long as you don't libel people or engage in personal attacks. You can even use several aliases—we don't really care if you want multiple online identities, but don't try to attack anyone, especially the Express and media, with fake aliases and phony e-mail addresses, etc. You can criticise the media or anyone, but no personal attacks".
"Starting a war with the media will end badly. History has taught us valuable lessons in that area. Don't go there, don't go down that road," the moderator added.
The Express is weighing all its options in this matter.
Former Member
Gypsy, Crazy booed 
By Newsday Staff Monday, January 31 2011 http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,134926.html
Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters was greeted with a short lived round of booing when it was announced by MC Sprangalang that the minister had just arrived at the opening of the Kalypso Revue 2011 season at the Arima Velodrome last Friday night.
And on the next night, it was veteran calypsonian Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung, who felt the displeasure of some members of the audience who booed and walked out on him when the Revue held a show at Palm’s Club, San Fernando. His offence, wearing a T-shirt with a print of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as he sang his song “Percy”.
The song refers to the symbolic crossed fists which became popular during the People’s Partnership general election campaign last May, when senior citizen Percy Villafana barred then prime minister and PNM political leader Patrick Manning from entering his home during a walkabout.
Crazy also became a front line act on the People’s Partnership (PP) campaign circuit leading supporters in doing “the Percy.” His song, however is not about politics but about a woman who rejects a man’s advances by keeping him at bay with the Percy sign. Revue head, Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osuna, said his cast and the audience are free to express themselves and maintain the tent had good shows on Friday and Saturday nights.
Osuna confirmed Crazy wore a T-shirt with a photograph of the Prime Minister on it for the San Fernando show.
Osuna, an open supporter of the PNM, said he was about to leave Palm’s Club as Crazy went on stage.
“People have their preferences. It is their choice. But I work with him (Crazy) on a professional level. People were shocked that he was still in this tent with me. It was a beautiful show and the turnout was large,” Osuna said. He said 27 calypsonians, among them five women performed at Saturday’s show. Calypsonians and their audiences have been largely pro-PNM, whether the party is in Government or Opposition.
This seemed to be the case at the Revue, where the PP Government did get some “licks” from the cast although some calypsonians did not spare the PNM.
On Friday, the minister, a former calypso monarch and the 2010 extempo monarch, who arrived shortly before the Revue’s intermission, was in time to hear some of the bards blasting the PP Government. However Gypsy the calypsonian proved he was “boo-proof” and was seen joking around with the artistes backstage during the break in the show. As a calypsonian Gypsy is no stranger to boos. Years ago when he joined the UNC and again when he was a Junior Minister in Culture, every calypso tent he opened he was subjected to interludes of booing.
At the Calypso Fiesta one year he even received Skinner Park’s now famous rejection statement of toilet paper being tossed at him during his performance.
That apart, the Revue’s traditional Arima opening did not evoke the fireworks as forecast by its organisers. True, there were many songs attacking the performance of the PP Government, but many of these provided good social and political commentary. And while there were some good ones as well as some very good ones, audience reaction was tame when compared to other Arima openings.Two elements which may have contributed to the show not reaching its accustomed high standards were the inclement weather intermittent short lived drizzles on several occasions sent patrons scampering for shelter or pulling out their umbrellas.
The other is the untimely death of Revue stalwart Conqueror (Leroy Paul) who was killed in a road accident Thursday evening, less than 24 hours before the Velodrome show, as he was crossing Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain to participate in the last rehearsal before Friday night’s opening.The proceedings were opened 15 minutes late by Mayor Gassan Youseph and a minute of silence was observed to mark the passing of Conqueror.
While the Government came in for some heavy lyrical tongue lashing, the Opposition did not escape as Ninja (Kenson Neptune) hit out at former Culture Minister Marlene McDonald with his “No respect for Culture.” A sore throat afflicted Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool) was not able to do justice with his “Manningitis”, but typical of the former Calypso Monarch he will soon find his chords. Bringing down the curtain at the Arima opening was Crazy who followed his daring dial climbing act on Thursday to promote the Revue launch with “Percy” and his nation-building composition “No more we and them.”
By Newsday Staff Monday, January 31 2011 http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,134926.html
Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters was greeted with a short lived round of booing when it was announced by MC Sprangalang that the minister had just arrived at the opening of the Kalypso Revue 2011 season at the Arima Velodrome last Friday night.
And on the next night, it was veteran calypsonian Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung, who felt the displeasure of some members of the audience who booed and walked out on him when the Revue held a show at Palm’s Club, San Fernando. His offence, wearing a T-shirt with a print of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as he sang his song “Percy”.
The song refers to the symbolic crossed fists which became popular during the People’s Partnership general election campaign last May, when senior citizen Percy Villafana barred then prime minister and PNM political leader Patrick Manning from entering his home during a walkabout.
Crazy also became a front line act on the People’s Partnership (PP) campaign circuit leading supporters in doing “the Percy.” His song, however is not about politics but about a woman who rejects a man’s advances by keeping him at bay with the Percy sign. Revue head, Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osuna, said his cast and the audience are free to express themselves and maintain the tent had good shows on Friday and Saturday nights.
Osuna confirmed Crazy wore a T-shirt with a photograph of the Prime Minister on it for the San Fernando show.
Osuna, an open supporter of the PNM, said he was about to leave Palm’s Club as Crazy went on stage.
“People have their preferences. It is their choice. But I work with him (Crazy) on a professional level. People were shocked that he was still in this tent with me. It was a beautiful show and the turnout was large,” Osuna said. He said 27 calypsonians, among them five women performed at Saturday’s show. Calypsonians and their audiences have been largely pro-PNM, whether the party is in Government or Opposition.
This seemed to be the case at the Revue, where the PP Government did get some “licks” from the cast although some calypsonians did not spare the PNM.
On Friday, the minister, a former calypso monarch and the 2010 extempo monarch, who arrived shortly before the Revue’s intermission, was in time to hear some of the bards blasting the PP Government. However Gypsy the calypsonian proved he was “boo-proof” and was seen joking around with the artistes backstage during the break in the show. As a calypsonian Gypsy is no stranger to boos. Years ago when he joined the UNC and again when he was a Junior Minister in Culture, every calypso tent he opened he was subjected to interludes of booing.
At the Calypso Fiesta one year he even received Skinner Park’s now famous rejection statement of toilet paper being tossed at him during his performance.
That apart, the Revue’s traditional Arima opening did not evoke the fireworks as forecast by its organisers. True, there were many songs attacking the performance of the PP Government, but many of these provided good social and political commentary. And while there were some good ones as well as some very good ones, audience reaction was tame when compared to other Arima openings.Two elements which may have contributed to the show not reaching its accustomed high standards were the inclement weather intermittent short lived drizzles on several occasions sent patrons scampering for shelter or pulling out their umbrellas.
The other is the untimely death of Revue stalwart Conqueror (Leroy Paul) who was killed in a road accident Thursday evening, less than 24 hours before the Velodrome show, as he was crossing Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain to participate in the last rehearsal before Friday night’s opening.The proceedings were opened 15 minutes late by Mayor Gassan Youseph and a minute of silence was observed to mark the passing of Conqueror.
While the Government came in for some heavy lyrical tongue lashing, the Opposition did not escape as Ninja (Kenson Neptune) hit out at former Culture Minister Marlene McDonald with his “No respect for Culture.” A sore throat afflicted Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool) was not able to do justice with his “Manningitis”, but typical of the former Calypso Monarch he will soon find his chords. Bringing down the curtain at the Arima opening was Crazy who followed his daring dial climbing act on Thursday to promote the Revue launch with “Percy” and his nation-building composition “No more we and them.”
Former Member
quote:Originally posted by Eric's_Revenge:
Begining of the end of Queen Kamla already?
Not really.
Former Member
Rowley calls for apology from PM
...accused of 'racism'
By South Bureau
Story Created: Feb 5, 2011 at 1:43 AM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 5, 2011 at 1:43 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...om_PM-115346319.html
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley wants an apology from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for what he says is an accusation of racism against him when he criticised the appointment of Reshmi Ramnarine as Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
Rowley said: "It was a ridiculous statement because I support any issue where every creed and race find an equal place. If you qualify, you qualify."
Speaking with supporters at a public meeting in Pleasantville on Thursday night, Rowley said he wanted an apology because "whenever I ask for a personal apology and they cannot deal with it, they have a habit of talking about race".
Rowley said he has been a public figure for the past 30 years "and never used race in all my dealings".
He also called for the resignation of Brigadier John Sandy as Minister of National Security because he did not speak the truth concerning Ramna- rine's appointment. He said, "Sandy had given the impression that he did not know about the appointment", and "if the matter came before the National Security Council, how come he did not know." He said Sandy has outlived his usefulness to Trinidad and Tobago, and the people of the country should demand the truth.
Rowley said when the Government was embarrassed by the Ramnarine affair, the Minister of Works (Jack Warner) hurriedly arranged for the turning of the sod to begin the construction of the Point Fortin highway, "even before a contract was signed and without getting funding in the tune of $7.2 billion to complete the project".
...accused of 'racism'
By South Bureau
Story Created: Feb 5, 2011 at 1:43 AM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 5, 2011 at 1:43 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...om_PM-115346319.html
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley wants an apology from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for what he says is an accusation of racism against him when he criticised the appointment of Reshmi Ramnarine as Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
Rowley said: "It was a ridiculous statement because I support any issue where every creed and race find an equal place. If you qualify, you qualify."
Speaking with supporters at a public meeting in Pleasantville on Thursday night, Rowley said he wanted an apology because "whenever I ask for a personal apology and they cannot deal with it, they have a habit of talking about race".
Rowley said he has been a public figure for the past 30 years "and never used race in all my dealings".
He also called for the resignation of Brigadier John Sandy as Minister of National Security because he did not speak the truth concerning Ramna- rine's appointment. He said, "Sandy had given the impression that he did not know about the appointment", and "if the matter came before the National Security Council, how come he did not know." He said Sandy has outlived his usefulness to Trinidad and Tobago, and the people of the country should demand the truth.
Rowley said when the Government was embarrassed by the Ramnarine affair, the Minister of Works (Jack Warner) hurriedly arranged for the turning of the sod to begin the construction of the Point Fortin highway, "even before a contract was signed and without getting funding in the tune of $7.2 billion to complete the project".
Former Member
Rowley: Reshmi fiasco all over again
By Anna Ramdass
Story Created: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...again-115692634.html
Although Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised this country there would not be a repeat of the Reshmi Ramnarine debacle, it has happened again with the appointment of a director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said last night.
Speaking during the debate on the FIU Amendment Bill, Rowley said Susan Francois, a woman who did not even apply for the position of FIU head, was given the job despite the fact a process was followed and three other persons were shortlisted.
Rowley argued according to law, the Public Service Commission was supposed to be engaged in the selection process as the provisions state only public officials can be selected to serve as director and deputy director of the FIU.
Rowley noted the position was advertised in December and in January, persons were interviewed by a six-member panel comprising the deputy permanent secretary in the Finance Ministry, director of intelligence at the Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT), a representative from the Finance Ministry, Central Bank and two consultants to the Government on the FIU. He said after the interviewing process, three persons were shortlisted.
"When I look at the names of the persons who were shortlisted at the end of that process, none of them is Susan Francois," Rowley said.
He then proceeded to read part of Persad-Bissessar's statement to the House last Friday, in which she spoke of the appointment of Reshmi Ramnarine to head the Strategic Services Agencies (SSA). Persad-Bissessar had given the country the assurance lessons would be learned from that mistake and a more rigorous process would be followed to ensure this error is not repeated, he noted.
"I want the Attorney General to confirm to me this evening that the words of the Prime Minister is anything but words," Rowley said.
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan intervened, asking, "Could you tell us when the Public Service Commission got involved in the appointment of Mr David West?"
Rowley said he was not interested in West's former appointment, but the matter at hand.
"My information at my office is that Ms Francois never even applied. That's my information.
So here you have, Mr Speaker, a process that the Prime Minister said will be rigorous and that goes out for the position of Financial Intelligence Unit, high paying jobs, serious appointment, and a person who did not even apply, the AG tells us, has got the job.
And persons who applied and were shortlisted and who expect the job, they are now hearing from the AG that somebody else got the job. This is Reshmi Ramnarine all over again!" Rowley said.
"The only difference is this; Reshmi Ramnarine was not qualified but she wanted the job, and the Prime Minister couldn't say no, and in this case, a process was in place; the person might be qualified but the process has been aborted.
"Until he (AG) tells me the appointment he spoke to this afternoon was made by the Public Service Commission, this Government stands accused again of repeating the Reshmi Ramnarine fiasco."
The Express, in a series of exclusives, revealed Ramnarine was neither qualified nor experienced enough to head the SSA. Her appointment stirred controversy, forcing Government to make apologies and admit an error was made, with Persad-Bissessar eventually assuring such a situation would not happen again. Ramnarine has since resigned.
By Anna Ramdass
Story Created: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...again-115692634.html
Although Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised this country there would not be a repeat of the Reshmi Ramnarine debacle, it has happened again with the appointment of a director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said last night.
Speaking during the debate on the FIU Amendment Bill, Rowley said Susan Francois, a woman who did not even apply for the position of FIU head, was given the job despite the fact a process was followed and three other persons were shortlisted.
Rowley argued according to law, the Public Service Commission was supposed to be engaged in the selection process as the provisions state only public officials can be selected to serve as director and deputy director of the FIU.
Rowley noted the position was advertised in December and in January, persons were interviewed by a six-member panel comprising the deputy permanent secretary in the Finance Ministry, director of intelligence at the Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT), a representative from the Finance Ministry, Central Bank and two consultants to the Government on the FIU. He said after the interviewing process, three persons were shortlisted.
"When I look at the names of the persons who were shortlisted at the end of that process, none of them is Susan Francois," Rowley said.
He then proceeded to read part of Persad-Bissessar's statement to the House last Friday, in which she spoke of the appointment of Reshmi Ramnarine to head the Strategic Services Agencies (SSA). Persad-Bissessar had given the country the assurance lessons would be learned from that mistake and a more rigorous process would be followed to ensure this error is not repeated, he noted.
"I want the Attorney General to confirm to me this evening that the words of the Prime Minister is anything but words," Rowley said.
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan intervened, asking, "Could you tell us when the Public Service Commission got involved in the appointment of Mr David West?"
Rowley said he was not interested in West's former appointment, but the matter at hand.
"My information at my office is that Ms Francois never even applied. That's my information.
So here you have, Mr Speaker, a process that the Prime Minister said will be rigorous and that goes out for the position of Financial Intelligence Unit, high paying jobs, serious appointment, and a person who did not even apply, the AG tells us, has got the job.
And persons who applied and were shortlisted and who expect the job, they are now hearing from the AG that somebody else got the job. This is Reshmi Ramnarine all over again!" Rowley said.
"The only difference is this; Reshmi Ramnarine was not qualified but she wanted the job, and the Prime Minister couldn't say no, and in this case, a process was in place; the person might be qualified but the process has been aborted.
"Until he (AG) tells me the appointment he spoke to this afternoon was made by the Public Service Commission, this Government stands accused again of repeating the Reshmi Ramnarine fiasco."
The Express, in a series of exclusives, revealed Ramnarine was neither qualified nor experienced enough to head the SSA. Her appointment stirred controversy, forcing Government to make apologies and admit an error was made, with Persad-Bissessar eventually assuring such a situation would not happen again. Ramnarine has since resigned.
Former Member
DPP TAKES ON AG
Conflict over Calder Hart charges
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
Story Created: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...ON_AG-115692639.html
Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard has accused Attorney General Anand Ramlogan of making "incautious" statements which have no "proper factual or legal basis". In a statement issued yesterday, Gaspard also stressed he had no obligation to "any individual, political party or politician", and his primary concern was dispensing justice fairly.
Gaspard, who was overseas on official business and returned to office on Monday, yesterday responded to statements made by Ramlogan that enough evidence had been obtained to charge Calder Hart, former Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (UDeCOTT) executive chairman, for lying under oath at last year's Commission of Enquiry into UDeCOTT and the construction sector.
Ramlogan made the comment in the Senate last Tuesday, but noted his hands were tied by the Constitution, and the decision to charge Hart is now solely up to the DPP.
"Do I think there is enough evidence for the DPP to lay a charge against Calder Hart? Yes, I do. Can I, the Attorney General, or this Government so direct him? No," Ramlogan said then.
Ramlogan said he meant no disrespect when he said he identified with the frustration on the ground, with respect to the fact charges may not have been laid in the Hart matter. He said he was expressing an opinion, adding he also respected the DPP's opinion.
Yesterday, however, Gaspard, responding to all this, said: "Unfortunately, these statements suggest that there is enough evidence to proffer a charge in this matter and that there is some inexplicable reason why the Director of Public Prosecutions has failed or refused to direct that such a charge be laid.
"In the circumstances and so as to address certain public misconceptions which may have been excited by the Attorney General's remarks, I feel constrained to publicly indicate that these investigations have not been completed, and that the relevant file is still with the investigators."
Gaspard added: "Thus, it would not be prudent or proper for me, at this stage, to direct that any charge be laid. I can only proceed so to do on the basis of evidence and, even so, that evidence must be of sufficient quality. Further, before a prosecution could be commenced, not only must the evidence reach the required standard, but such a prosecution must be in the public interest.
"Therefore, the statements and innuendoes propagated by the Honourable Attorney General, about which I take issue, are without any proper factual or legal basis. Moreover, those statements made by the Honourable Attorney General appear even more incautious when one considers the sensitive nature of these investigations.
"Most importantly, I wish to assure the general public that I hold no brief for any indiviual, political party or politician, and that my primary concern is the fair dispensing of a quality legal service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Accordingly, this mandate is the only one that I recognise. The stream of due process must be allowed to mark its rightful and undefiled course."
Contacted for comment last night, Ramlogan said he respected and accepted the fact that the decision to charge was one for the sole discretion and judgment of the DPP. He said, however, he was concerned about the length of time the police were taking to complete this investigation, having regard to the fact that Carl Khan, the former husband of Sherrie Hart, gave evidence before the Uff commission of enquiry (which concluded its hearings in February last year) and statements to the police that he knew the two directors of CH Development were closely related to Mrs Hart. (CH Development was the three-week-old company which was given a $368 million contract by the Hart-led board for the construction of the Ministry of Legal Affairs Towers.)
Ramlogan added the Malsayian authorities had provided documents, through the Congress of the People and the Ministry of the Attorney General, to substantiate Khan's statements and confirm this fact.
"I, therefore, call upon the Commissioner of Police to expedite this investigation to provide the DPP with all the available evidence," the Attorney General said.
Conflict over Calder Hart charges
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
Story Created: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...ON_AG-115692639.html
Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard has accused Attorney General Anand Ramlogan of making "incautious" statements which have no "proper factual or legal basis". In a statement issued yesterday, Gaspard also stressed he had no obligation to "any individual, political party or politician", and his primary concern was dispensing justice fairly.
Gaspard, who was overseas on official business and returned to office on Monday, yesterday responded to statements made by Ramlogan that enough evidence had been obtained to charge Calder Hart, former Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (UDeCOTT) executive chairman, for lying under oath at last year's Commission of Enquiry into UDeCOTT and the construction sector.
Ramlogan made the comment in the Senate last Tuesday, but noted his hands were tied by the Constitution, and the decision to charge Hart is now solely up to the DPP.
"Do I think there is enough evidence for the DPP to lay a charge against Calder Hart? Yes, I do. Can I, the Attorney General, or this Government so direct him? No," Ramlogan said then.
Ramlogan said he meant no disrespect when he said he identified with the frustration on the ground, with respect to the fact charges may not have been laid in the Hart matter. He said he was expressing an opinion, adding he also respected the DPP's opinion.
Yesterday, however, Gaspard, responding to all this, said: "Unfortunately, these statements suggest that there is enough evidence to proffer a charge in this matter and that there is some inexplicable reason why the Director of Public Prosecutions has failed or refused to direct that such a charge be laid.
"In the circumstances and so as to address certain public misconceptions which may have been excited by the Attorney General's remarks, I feel constrained to publicly indicate that these investigations have not been completed, and that the relevant file is still with the investigators."
Gaspard added: "Thus, it would not be prudent or proper for me, at this stage, to direct that any charge be laid. I can only proceed so to do on the basis of evidence and, even so, that evidence must be of sufficient quality. Further, before a prosecution could be commenced, not only must the evidence reach the required standard, but such a prosecution must be in the public interest.
"Therefore, the statements and innuendoes propagated by the Honourable Attorney General, about which I take issue, are without any proper factual or legal basis. Moreover, those statements made by the Honourable Attorney General appear even more incautious when one considers the sensitive nature of these investigations.
"Most importantly, I wish to assure the general public that I hold no brief for any indiviual, political party or politician, and that my primary concern is the fair dispensing of a quality legal service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Accordingly, this mandate is the only one that I recognise. The stream of due process must be allowed to mark its rightful and undefiled course."
Contacted for comment last night, Ramlogan said he respected and accepted the fact that the decision to charge was one for the sole discretion and judgment of the DPP. He said, however, he was concerned about the length of time the police were taking to complete this investigation, having regard to the fact that Carl Khan, the former husband of Sherrie Hart, gave evidence before the Uff commission of enquiry (which concluded its hearings in February last year) and statements to the police that he knew the two directors of CH Development were closely related to Mrs Hart. (CH Development was the three-week-old company which was given a $368 million contract by the Hart-led board for the construction of the Ministry of Legal Affairs Towers.)
Ramlogan added the Malsayian authorities had provided documents, through the Congress of the People and the Ministry of the Attorney General, to substantiate Khan's statements and confirm this fact.
"I, therefore, call upon the Commissioner of Police to expedite this investigation to provide the DPP with all the available evidence," the Attorney General said.
Former Member
Jack: Sickout action targeting woman PM
By Joel Julien
Story Created: Feb 18, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 18, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...n_PM_-116516248.html
THE FACT that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is an East Indian woman is the reason several organisations have decided to use strong arm tactics to influence wage negotiations, Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner said yesterday as he condemned how fickle citizens could be.
"They tend to forget so quickly that for eight years, nobody could have quacked in this country. They tend to forget so quickly that for eight years, no police ever received an increase. They tend to forget so quickly that for eight years, police, prison officers, PSA (Public Services Association) did not say boo," Warner said.
"And suddenly, in eight months, because the Prime Minister is a woman, and particularly an Indian woman, everybody want everything same time. Show me 40 per cent. Show me 20 per cent and so on; well, take all."
Warner made the statements as he delivered the feature address at the sod-turning ceremony for Package C of the Churchill Roosevelt/ Uriah Butler Highway Interchange Project.
On Monday and Tuesday this week, police officers staged two days of sickout action in protest of the Chief Personnel Officer's proposed five per cent increase in salaries. Security at Persad-Bissessar's private home in Philippine, San Fernando, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan's home and the Parliament were affected by the sickout.
The PSA is also locked in wage negotiations with the CPO for an increase in salaries for public servants, and earlier this month, members staged a protest at the Prime Minister's residence at La Fantasie Road, St Ann's, over a proposed $7.2 billion highway from San Fernando to Point Fortin.
"But if everybody want to say, 'Give me, give me, give me,' and nobody want to say, 'Here,' then that will be critical for us," Warner said.
"I read somewhere where some foolish statement was made that they will block the highway to Point Fortin. Well, block it. Block it. While these people who always want to say, 'Give me,' they don't understand that you have to have development."
Meanwhile, the Government Information Services Ltd (GISL) described a Newsday article which suggested they had increased their offer to police officers to 20 per cent as "erroneous and misleading".
In a release, GISL said, "The Government has made no commitment on this matter and wishes to advise that the talks between the Chief Personnel Officer and the representatives of the Police Social and Welfare Association are ongoing."
By Joel Julien
Story Created: Feb 18, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 18, 2011 at 11:48 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...n_PM_-116516248.html
THE FACT that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is an East Indian woman is the reason several organisations have decided to use strong arm tactics to influence wage negotiations, Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner said yesterday as he condemned how fickle citizens could be.
"They tend to forget so quickly that for eight years, nobody could have quacked in this country. They tend to forget so quickly that for eight years, no police ever received an increase. They tend to forget so quickly that for eight years, police, prison officers, PSA (Public Services Association) did not say boo," Warner said.
"And suddenly, in eight months, because the Prime Minister is a woman, and particularly an Indian woman, everybody want everything same time. Show me 40 per cent. Show me 20 per cent and so on; well, take all."
Warner made the statements as he delivered the feature address at the sod-turning ceremony for Package C of the Churchill Roosevelt/ Uriah Butler Highway Interchange Project.
On Monday and Tuesday this week, police officers staged two days of sickout action in protest of the Chief Personnel Officer's proposed five per cent increase in salaries. Security at Persad-Bissessar's private home in Philippine, San Fernando, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan's home and the Parliament were affected by the sickout.
The PSA is also locked in wage negotiations with the CPO for an increase in salaries for public servants, and earlier this month, members staged a protest at the Prime Minister's residence at La Fantasie Road, St Ann's, over a proposed $7.2 billion highway from San Fernando to Point Fortin.
"But if everybody want to say, 'Give me, give me, give me,' and nobody want to say, 'Here,' then that will be critical for us," Warner said.
"I read somewhere where some foolish statement was made that they will block the highway to Point Fortin. Well, block it. Block it. While these people who always want to say, 'Give me,' they don't understand that you have to have development."
Meanwhile, the Government Information Services Ltd (GISL) described a Newsday article which suggested they had increased their offer to police officers to 20 per cent as "erroneous and misleading".
In a release, GISL said, "The Government has made no commitment on this matter and wishes to advise that the talks between the Chief Personnel Officer and the representatives of the Police Social and Welfare Association are ongoing."
Former Member
'Unqualified' docs acting as registrars
Ministry breaching policy
By Carolyn Kissoon South Bureau
Story Created: Mar 24, 2011 at 11:45 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 24, 2011 at 11:45 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...trars-118628704.html
The Ministry of Health was yesterday accused of breaching its own policy and appointing doctors without postgraduate degrees to act as registrars.
Copies of the appointment letters sent to the "unqualified" doctors by the Health Ministry were forwarded yesterday to Akinath Misir, executive medical director at the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA).
The latest appointment was made in July 2010, according to the documents sent by hospital medical director Dr Anand Chatoorgoon.
Chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Anton Cumberbatch has stated a registrar/consultant must be in attendance during a high-risk Caesarean section. And doctors acting as registrars must hold a postgraduate degree.
Cumberbatch's directive has caused a shutdown of six operating theatres at the San Fernando General Hospital as doctors demanded clarification on the issue.
The anaesthetists, who administer drugs to prevent patients from feeling pain during surgeries, have refused to oversee surgeries, fearing disciplinary action.
Chatoorgoon said none of the anaesthetists or doctors working in the intensive care unit had postgraduate degrees. There are nine operating theatres at the San Fernando General Hospital three were being used for emergency surgeries. Approximately 30 elective surgeries were being cancelled daily as there were not enough consultants who hold postgraduate degrees to oversee surgeries.
"No elective surgeries were being done because we are still awaiting clarification from the CMO on the registrar issue. The documents being reviewed by the executive medical director clearly show where the Minister of Health recommended that doctors who do not hold postgraduate degrees act as registrars," he said.
Chatoorgoon said doctors have demanded written clarification on the issue. "The doctors do not trust the minister or the chairman of the SWRHA board," he said.
The situation has developed as a result of the investigation into the death of Chrystal Boodoo-Ramsoomair, who bled to death after a C-section was performed three weeks ago. Five doctors and five nurses have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.
Dr Lackram Bodoe, chairman of the SWRHA, was seeking legal advice on the issues, the Express was told.
Ministry breaching policy
By Carolyn Kissoon South Bureau
Story Created: Mar 24, 2011 at 11:45 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 24, 2011 at 11:45 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...trars-118628704.html
The Ministry of Health was yesterday accused of breaching its own policy and appointing doctors without postgraduate degrees to act as registrars.
Copies of the appointment letters sent to the "unqualified" doctors by the Health Ministry were forwarded yesterday to Akinath Misir, executive medical director at the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA).
The latest appointment was made in July 2010, according to the documents sent by hospital medical director Dr Anand Chatoorgoon.
Chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Anton Cumberbatch has stated a registrar/consultant must be in attendance during a high-risk Caesarean section. And doctors acting as registrars must hold a postgraduate degree.
Cumberbatch's directive has caused a shutdown of six operating theatres at the San Fernando General Hospital as doctors demanded clarification on the issue.
The anaesthetists, who administer drugs to prevent patients from feeling pain during surgeries, have refused to oversee surgeries, fearing disciplinary action.
Chatoorgoon said none of the anaesthetists or doctors working in the intensive care unit had postgraduate degrees. There are nine operating theatres at the San Fernando General Hospital three were being used for emergency surgeries. Approximately 30 elective surgeries were being cancelled daily as there were not enough consultants who hold postgraduate degrees to oversee surgeries.
"No elective surgeries were being done because we are still awaiting clarification from the CMO on the registrar issue. The documents being reviewed by the executive medical director clearly show where the Minister of Health recommended that doctors who do not hold postgraduate degrees act as registrars," he said.
Chatoorgoon said doctors have demanded written clarification on the issue. "The doctors do not trust the minister or the chairman of the SWRHA board," he said.
The situation has developed as a result of the investigation into the death of Chrystal Boodoo-Ramsoomair, who bled to death after a C-section was performed three weeks ago. Five doctors and five nurses have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.
Dr Lackram Bodoe, chairman of the SWRHA, was seeking legal advice on the issues, the Express was told.
Former Member
...Gibbs: There's no room for issues of colour and race
By by Akile Simon
Story Created: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._race-118722769.html
Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs yesterday disagreed with statements made by chairman of the Police Service Commission Nizam Mohammed on Friday that the composition of the executive of the Police Service does not reflect the society.
Mohammed said there were too many officers of African descent too many officers of African descent who are in leadership roles within the service, compared to their East Indian colleagues, and he intended to change such with the assistance of Parliament.
He came under fire for his statements which have led to loud calls from members of the public, lobby group Fixin' T&T and members of the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM) for his immediate removal from the position.
Mohammed's statements, made before the Joint Select Committee of Parliament on Friday, were immediately rejected by fellow PSC members Martin George, Kenneth Parker and Jacqueline Cheeseman, while Addison Khan remained silent on the issue.
Commissioner Gibbs, in a telephone interview yesterday, said the make-up of members in the service in various positions would be based on competencies and abilities and there was no room for issues of colour and race.
"You have to have a person of good character, integrity, with those abilities that fits into the strategic direction of the organisation.
"Beyond that, any policing organisation looks at demographics, to try to match the demographics within the service to add to the composition of the communities that they police; and the purpose behind that is to ensure that we are sensitive to the needs of the people in the communities," said Gibbs.
He said, "...In terms of forcing that process, you have to look at first of all the Police Service as an organisation that people want to join and want to build their career.
"If you could show that the organisation is one that people will want to join and support, then we should be hiring the right people with the right competencies and, at that point, it doesn't matter ethnicity, gender. These things don't come into play. Again, we want the best people doing the best jobs for the citizens here in Trinidad and Tobago."
Opposition People's National Movement Senator Fitzgerald Hinds yesterday called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to have Mohammed removed as head of the PSC.
"We consider that he should not even be holding the office that he is now holding because he's under a serious question of suitability, resulting from the confrontation, unresolved as far as we are concerned, with those police officers (WPC Marlene Gittens and PC Sean Batson).
"We consider in the PNM, this is a country that has respect for the rights of all. We support the principle of meritocracy and we reject the ideas as exposed by Mr Mohammed at that Service Commission (meeting) and call on the Prime Minister to take action immediately to relieve him of his office," Hinds said in a report on I95.5FM radio. Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis, Government Senator David Abdulah, PNM MP Joanne Thomas, PNM Senator Shamfa Cudjoe, and chairman of the JSC Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan have all disagreed with Mohammed's statements.
Baptiste-Cornelis pointed out that there were several ethnic groups within the country and advised that one must be cautious using "racial classifications and we should discourage that being used in any forms of evaluations. It is really wrong and it's offensive to people".
By by Akile Simon
Story Created: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._race-118722769.html
Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs yesterday disagreed with statements made by chairman of the Police Service Commission Nizam Mohammed on Friday that the composition of the executive of the Police Service does not reflect the society.
Mohammed said there were too many officers of African descent too many officers of African descent who are in leadership roles within the service, compared to their East Indian colleagues, and he intended to change such with the assistance of Parliament.
He came under fire for his statements which have led to loud calls from members of the public, lobby group Fixin' T&T and members of the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM) for his immediate removal from the position.
Mohammed's statements, made before the Joint Select Committee of Parliament on Friday, were immediately rejected by fellow PSC members Martin George, Kenneth Parker and Jacqueline Cheeseman, while Addison Khan remained silent on the issue.
Commissioner Gibbs, in a telephone interview yesterday, said the make-up of members in the service in various positions would be based on competencies and abilities and there was no room for issues of colour and race.
"You have to have a person of good character, integrity, with those abilities that fits into the strategic direction of the organisation.
"Beyond that, any policing organisation looks at demographics, to try to match the demographics within the service to add to the composition of the communities that they police; and the purpose behind that is to ensure that we are sensitive to the needs of the people in the communities," said Gibbs.
He said, "...In terms of forcing that process, you have to look at first of all the Police Service as an organisation that people want to join and want to build their career.
"If you could show that the organisation is one that people will want to join and support, then we should be hiring the right people with the right competencies and, at that point, it doesn't matter ethnicity, gender. These things don't come into play. Again, we want the best people doing the best jobs for the citizens here in Trinidad and Tobago."
Opposition People's National Movement Senator Fitzgerald Hinds yesterday called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to have Mohammed removed as head of the PSC.
"We consider that he should not even be holding the office that he is now holding because he's under a serious question of suitability, resulting from the confrontation, unresolved as far as we are concerned, with those police officers (WPC Marlene Gittens and PC Sean Batson).
"We consider in the PNM, this is a country that has respect for the rights of all. We support the principle of meritocracy and we reject the ideas as exposed by Mr Mohammed at that Service Commission (meeting) and call on the Prime Minister to take action immediately to relieve him of his office," Hinds said in a report on I95.5FM radio. Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis, Government Senator David Abdulah, PNM MP Joanne Thomas, PNM Senator Shamfa Cudjoe, and chairman of the JSC Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan have all disagreed with Mohammed's statements.
Baptiste-Cornelis pointed out that there were several ethnic groups within the country and advised that one must be cautious using "racial classifications and we should discourage that being used in any forms of evaluations. It is really wrong and it's offensive to people".
Former Member
Nizam must go
Officers condemn PSC chairman:
By by Akile Simon
Story Created: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...st_go-118722779.html
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Fitzroy Fredericks last night called for the immediate removal of chairman of the Police Service Commission Nizam Mohammed over racial statements Mohammed made on Friday.
Frederick, who said he was annoyed and hurt by Mohammed's statements, said Mohammed was "farse and out of place" when he said there were too many police officers of African descent on the executive of the Police Service, as compared to East Indians.
Frederick, speaking on behalf of the executive of the Police Service, said he has placed Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs on notice that he intends to hold a news conference today at 10 a.m. at the Police Administration Building to "deal with the atrocious statements Mr Nizam Mohammed has made".
"We are disturbed and hurt and we are not working with that... We will not be working until Mohammed is removed... The Commissioner doesn't know the history of the Police Service here and we are going to deal with all of these issues tomorrow.
"We will also be calling for Mohammed to be removed as head of the PSC because he cannot be allowed to continue behaving in such manner."
He said, "This is the second time someone in high public office has targeted African people within the executive of the Police Service for absolutely no reason and I say we have had enough and we are not taking these matters lightly.
"The Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan, did it last year and we are not going to work until these issues are dealt with because it seemed they are trying to fan the flames of race and divide the Police Service, and we will not stand idly by and allow it to happen.
I want my fellow executive officers to rally around me and let's deal with this issue head-on," Fredericks said.
On Friday, Mohammed, speaking before a Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament, said records from the Police Service show there were more persons of African descent in leadership positions, as opposed to their East Indian colleagues.
He said the PSC, with the help of the Parliament, intended to change such since there must be an ethnic balance within the service to ensure equality of treatment.
"Happily, when you look at the figures, you see at the superintendent level, you have 21 of African origin and ten of East Indian origin and since within recent times, we have been emphasising the question of meritocracy as opposed to seniority, and Monday coming, superintendents should be writing their exams.
"The better ones may move to senior superintendents and you may have a better mixture," Mohammed told the JSC.
Meanwhile, several First Division officers, who are expected to write assessment examinations from tomorrow, have expressed serious concerns about possible attempts to influence and manipulate the process in light of Mohammed's statements.
Yesterday, more than a dozen of these senior officers contacted the Sunday Express, saying they had "grave concerns" over Mohammed's statements and they felt threatened by them.
The officers, of African descent, said the statements give the impression that Mohammed may attempt to influence the process in ensuring that persons of East Indian origin score high points in the exams and are promoted in front of their African colleagues, based not on meritocracy, but on ethnicity.
"Promotions are not based on race, colour, creed or seniority, but on whether you're up to the task and on merit, and that's the end of the discussion.
"I don't know where he came up with that idea, but it is unbecoming of the head of the PSC to make such statements, especially when it appeared that it would have been previously discussed by other members of his team, who do not agree with him," a Snr Supt, who asked not to be identified, told the Sunday Express.
In a telephone interview, Commissioner Gibbs said of this week's exams:
"I just want to assure the members that it's a fair and equitable process. There hasn't been any biasness built into the exam process. It has been developed by an outside organisation that has looked at it very objectively. It really has nothing to do with ethnicity. It really just really has to do with competency and merit."
Officers condemn PSC chairman:
By by Akile Simon
Story Created: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 26, 2011 at 10:57 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...st_go-118722779.html
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Fitzroy Fredericks last night called for the immediate removal of chairman of the Police Service Commission Nizam Mohammed over racial statements Mohammed made on Friday.
Frederick, who said he was annoyed and hurt by Mohammed's statements, said Mohammed was "farse and out of place" when he said there were too many police officers of African descent on the executive of the Police Service, as compared to East Indians.
Frederick, speaking on behalf of the executive of the Police Service, said he has placed Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs on notice that he intends to hold a news conference today at 10 a.m. at the Police Administration Building to "deal with the atrocious statements Mr Nizam Mohammed has made".
"We are disturbed and hurt and we are not working with that... We will not be working until Mohammed is removed... The Commissioner doesn't know the history of the Police Service here and we are going to deal with all of these issues tomorrow.
"We will also be calling for Mohammed to be removed as head of the PSC because he cannot be allowed to continue behaving in such manner."
He said, "This is the second time someone in high public office has targeted African people within the executive of the Police Service for absolutely no reason and I say we have had enough and we are not taking these matters lightly.
"The Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan, did it last year and we are not going to work until these issues are dealt with because it seemed they are trying to fan the flames of race and divide the Police Service, and we will not stand idly by and allow it to happen.
I want my fellow executive officers to rally around me and let's deal with this issue head-on," Fredericks said.
On Friday, Mohammed, speaking before a Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament, said records from the Police Service show there were more persons of African descent in leadership positions, as opposed to their East Indian colleagues.
He said the PSC, with the help of the Parliament, intended to change such since there must be an ethnic balance within the service to ensure equality of treatment.
"Happily, when you look at the figures, you see at the superintendent level, you have 21 of African origin and ten of East Indian origin and since within recent times, we have been emphasising the question of meritocracy as opposed to seniority, and Monday coming, superintendents should be writing their exams.
"The better ones may move to senior superintendents and you may have a better mixture," Mohammed told the JSC.
Meanwhile, several First Division officers, who are expected to write assessment examinations from tomorrow, have expressed serious concerns about possible attempts to influence and manipulate the process in light of Mohammed's statements.
Yesterday, more than a dozen of these senior officers contacted the Sunday Express, saying they had "grave concerns" over Mohammed's statements and they felt threatened by them.
The officers, of African descent, said the statements give the impression that Mohammed may attempt to influence the process in ensuring that persons of East Indian origin score high points in the exams and are promoted in front of their African colleagues, based not on meritocracy, but on ethnicity.
"Promotions are not based on race, colour, creed or seniority, but on whether you're up to the task and on merit, and that's the end of the discussion.
"I don't know where he came up with that idea, but it is unbecoming of the head of the PSC to make such statements, especially when it appeared that it would have been previously discussed by other members of his team, who do not agree with him," a Snr Supt, who asked not to be identified, told the Sunday Express.
In a telephone interview, Commissioner Gibbs said of this week's exams:
"I just want to assure the members that it's a fair and equitable process. There hasn't been any biasness built into the exam process. It has been developed by an outside organisation that has looked at it very objectively. It really has nothing to do with ethnicity. It really just really has to do with competency and merit."
Former Member
Rowley 'awaiting police visit'
Call for resignation of Nizam Mohammed...
By Anna Ramdass
Story Created: Mar 25, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 25, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...isit_-118693459.html
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley says he is awaiting a visit from the police in connection with his continued call for the resignation of Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
He added yesterday that only last week he had issued a letter to President George Maxwell Richards calling for Mohammed's removal.
In an upset tone, Rowley said he was outraged over Mohammed's assertion that he felt harassed and threatened by newspaper advertisements by the group Fixin T&T, which demanded his resignation.
Fixin T&T directors Kirk Waithe and Peter George Jr have been questioned by police in connection with their calls for Mohammed's removal in an ad campaign running in the media.
The campaign against Mohammed began after he used his office to try to avoid following instructions given to him by two police officers on traffic duty in Port of Spain last December.
The Express understands that PSC member Addison Khan had tried to lobby support for Mohammed from other members of the commission, but they rejected and issued a firm letter to him saying they did not want to get involved.
"Now that the police have interviewed these people from Fixin T&T on this same issue, I am waiting on the police to come to my offices," Rowley said yesterday.
"I am the Leader of the Opposition and they have taken no issue with me, when my position is the same as Kirk Waithe and those guys who are demanding that Mohammed be removed. He has put the commission into odium over his personal conduct.
"I completely reject Mr Mohammed's position that the commission should band together to defend him over his personal conduct. The Police Service Commission is not a band of brothers.
"Mr Mohammed's behaviour is quite worrisome," Rowley said, adding that instead of humbling himself and apologising to the nation, Mohammed continues to bring his office into disrepute.
In his letter to the President, Rowley stated that the people of this country were outraged over the traffic incident involving Mohammed.
"We all have a duty to protect our institutions from these attacks, which serve only to weaken them, as has happened following similar events surrounding a previous integrity commission," Rowley said.
Indicating that Government has no responsibility for ensuring that the conduct of the chairman meets public expectation, and the officer remains unresponsive to a myriad of calls, especially those of the outraged citizenry, Rowley called on the President to "do whatever you can in this regard with a view of protecting the integrity of the Police Service Commission".
Call for resignation of Nizam Mohammed...
By Anna Ramdass
Story Created: Mar 25, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 25, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...isit_-118693459.html
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley says he is awaiting a visit from the police in connection with his continued call for the resignation of Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
He added yesterday that only last week he had issued a letter to President George Maxwell Richards calling for Mohammed's removal.
In an upset tone, Rowley said he was outraged over Mohammed's assertion that he felt harassed and threatened by newspaper advertisements by the group Fixin T&T, which demanded his resignation.
Fixin T&T directors Kirk Waithe and Peter George Jr have been questioned by police in connection with their calls for Mohammed's removal in an ad campaign running in the media.
The campaign against Mohammed began after he used his office to try to avoid following instructions given to him by two police officers on traffic duty in Port of Spain last December.
The Express understands that PSC member Addison Khan had tried to lobby support for Mohammed from other members of the commission, but they rejected and issued a firm letter to him saying they did not want to get involved.
"Now that the police have interviewed these people from Fixin T&T on this same issue, I am waiting on the police to come to my offices," Rowley said yesterday.
"I am the Leader of the Opposition and they have taken no issue with me, when my position is the same as Kirk Waithe and those guys who are demanding that Mohammed be removed. He has put the commission into odium over his personal conduct.
"I completely reject Mr Mohammed's position that the commission should band together to defend him over his personal conduct. The Police Service Commission is not a band of brothers.
"Mr Mohammed's behaviour is quite worrisome," Rowley said, adding that instead of humbling himself and apologising to the nation, Mohammed continues to bring his office into disrepute.
In his letter to the President, Rowley stated that the people of this country were outraged over the traffic incident involving Mohammed.
"We all have a duty to protect our institutions from these attacks, which serve only to weaken them, as has happened following similar events surrounding a previous integrity commission," Rowley said.
Indicating that Government has no responsibility for ensuring that the conduct of the chairman meets public expectation, and the officer remains unresponsive to a myriad of calls, especially those of the outraged citizenry, Rowley called on the President to "do whatever you can in this regard with a view of protecting the integrity of the Police Service Commission".
Former Member
Asst CoP: Recipe for division in Police Service
Published: Mon, 2011-03-28 21:57 http://www.guardian.co.tt/news...ision-police-service
Asha Javeed
Admitting that racial tensions exist within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police Fitzroy Fredericks said the statements made by Police Service Commission (PSC) chairman, Nizam Mohammed, were only “fueling fire.” He said Mohammed words can only “create divisions in the Police Service” and were “dangerous.” Fredericks, in a press conference held at the Police Administration Building yesterday, said it was Attorney General Anand Ramlogan who first raised the issue of ethnic imbalance at a meeting with the Police Service, which included Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in January.
“He called us to a meeting and we were really bludgeoned with such a statement that the Police Service does not reflect the ethnic composition of the country....We don’t know where these things are coming from,” he said. “Within the Police Service and by extension the national community, after almost 50 years of independence, I am saying it’s a very retrograde statement for somebody at his level such a high profile office.” “We didn’t feel too happy about it then, as we feel now,” he said. Last Friday, Mohammed told the Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament examining the operations of the PSC that while 50 per cent of T&T’s population was of East Indian descent, the Police Service executive did not reflect this composition.
There have been calls for Mohammed and the head of the T&T Police Service Association, Sergeant Anand Ramesar to resign. Ramesar had written a letter to Commission of Police (CoP) Dwayne Gibbs, with a copy to Mohammed, expressing concern with the ethnic composition of the Promotional and Advisory Board. Responding to the recent developments, Fredericks said: “We feel that people, in such level in the society, to seek to put forward those views knowing fully well there is a historical perspective for where we are...I am certain these people know their history but I believe it is a deliberate attempt to frustrate our efforts and create some divisions.
“At the end of the day, we all have to live in T&T and the police has to continue to protect the democracy,” he added. Referring to the country’s history, Fredericks said that it was difficult for the police to attract recruits. He said local police officers came from Barbados, Grenada and Antigua before Independence.
At that time, he noted, it was difficult to attract East Indians to the profession as they opted to get into commerce and agriculture.
While he couldn’t give an ethnic breakdown of the 7,000-plus Police Service, Fredericks said recruitment and promotions were transparent processes. Fredericks dismissed questions based on concerns by officers of possible vicitimisation as they sit promotional exams today.
He pointed out that for the third year, the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute would be overseeing the exams. Promotions were done solely on merit, he stressed. Attempts to contact Mohammed, Ramesar and AG Ramlogan yesterday were futile. The Guardian was told that Mohammed was not at home.
Meanwhile, retired acting CoP, James Philbert, said yesterday that Mohammed’s statements were “ludicrous.” “It is wrong,” he told the Guardian. “The statement did not say that there were incompetent or dishonest Africans...It just said there were too many Africans. There is no real basis for such a statement. How could sensible people make such a statement?”
He said as an “African” and as a former head of the police, he felt a serious burden to comment on this issue. He described it “as the most absurd statement in the understanding of the Police Service.”
Philbert explained that he joined the Police Service in 1967 when his salary was a meagre $205 a month. He observed that those salaries were not attractive then for people to pursue the profession.
And while he’s seen the Police Service grow into a dynamic, multi-cultural force, he said race should not be an issue. “People must be plural...We must be careful on aspects of diversity,” he said. “I only hope the decision that was made for me was not because of race because that would be hurtful.”
Published: Mon, 2011-03-28 21:57 http://www.guardian.co.tt/news...ision-police-service
Asha Javeed
Admitting that racial tensions exist within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police Fitzroy Fredericks said the statements made by Police Service Commission (PSC) chairman, Nizam Mohammed, were only “fueling fire.” He said Mohammed words can only “create divisions in the Police Service” and were “dangerous.” Fredericks, in a press conference held at the Police Administration Building yesterday, said it was Attorney General Anand Ramlogan who first raised the issue of ethnic imbalance at a meeting with the Police Service, which included Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in January.
“He called us to a meeting and we were really bludgeoned with such a statement that the Police Service does not reflect the ethnic composition of the country....We don’t know where these things are coming from,” he said. “Within the Police Service and by extension the national community, after almost 50 years of independence, I am saying it’s a very retrograde statement for somebody at his level such a high profile office.” “We didn’t feel too happy about it then, as we feel now,” he said. Last Friday, Mohammed told the Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament examining the operations of the PSC that while 50 per cent of T&T’s population was of East Indian descent, the Police Service executive did not reflect this composition.
There have been calls for Mohammed and the head of the T&T Police Service Association, Sergeant Anand Ramesar to resign. Ramesar had written a letter to Commission of Police (CoP) Dwayne Gibbs, with a copy to Mohammed, expressing concern with the ethnic composition of the Promotional and Advisory Board. Responding to the recent developments, Fredericks said: “We feel that people, in such level in the society, to seek to put forward those views knowing fully well there is a historical perspective for where we are...I am certain these people know their history but I believe it is a deliberate attempt to frustrate our efforts and create some divisions.
“At the end of the day, we all have to live in T&T and the police has to continue to protect the democracy,” he added. Referring to the country’s history, Fredericks said that it was difficult for the police to attract recruits. He said local police officers came from Barbados, Grenada and Antigua before Independence.
At that time, he noted, it was difficult to attract East Indians to the profession as they opted to get into commerce and agriculture.
While he couldn’t give an ethnic breakdown of the 7,000-plus Police Service, Fredericks said recruitment and promotions were transparent processes. Fredericks dismissed questions based on concerns by officers of possible vicitimisation as they sit promotional exams today.
He pointed out that for the third year, the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute would be overseeing the exams. Promotions were done solely on merit, he stressed. Attempts to contact Mohammed, Ramesar and AG Ramlogan yesterday were futile. The Guardian was told that Mohammed was not at home.
Meanwhile, retired acting CoP, James Philbert, said yesterday that Mohammed’s statements were “ludicrous.” “It is wrong,” he told the Guardian. “The statement did not say that there were incompetent or dishonest Africans...It just said there were too many Africans. There is no real basis for such a statement. How could sensible people make such a statement?”
He said as an “African” and as a former head of the police, he felt a serious burden to comment on this issue. He described it “as the most absurd statement in the understanding of the Police Service.”
Philbert explained that he joined the Police Service in 1967 when his salary was a meagre $205 a month. He observed that those salaries were not attractive then for people to pursue the profession.
And while he’s seen the Police Service grow into a dynamic, multi-cultural force, he said race should not be an issue. “People must be plural...We must be careful on aspects of diversity,” he said. “I only hope the decision that was made for me was not because of race because that would be hurtful.”
Former Member
Seetahal: He's not fit to lead
Story Created: Mar 29, 2011 at 12:45 AM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 29, 2011 at 12:45 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._lead-118821029.html
Attorney Dana Seetahal SC said yesterday that Nizam Mohammed is not fit to be chairman of the Police Service Commission. Seetahal, who was recently elected as president of the Law Association, was speaking in her private capacity.
She said the PSC's constitutional remit was to appoint persons to hold or act in offices in the Police Service, specifically the Commissioner of Police and deputy Commissioners. She said the commission used to have overarching concerns about the Police Service, but its function with the new (2006) legislation has been restricted to appointments of the two top posts (CoP and his deputies).
"Nothing in that includes any prerogative to address any issue of bias in terms of the persons or an imbalance in terms of the persons who are appointed to the hierarchy of the Police Service," Seetahal said. She added that the PSC chairman is supposed to administer the law and the regulations in a fair manner.
"So when he says, 'I intend to address this (the racial imbalance) with the help of the Parliament. We need the protection'. I don't know what he is talking about. And I don't know what is the basis for saying that he has any mandate to address any issue of imbalance in the Police Service as he perceives it," Seetahal stated.
She said she also took exception to the generic statements Mohammed made to the Joint Select Committee, such as his remark that 50 per cent of the country was East Indian. She said the last Census showed 41 per cent of the country was of East Indian origin, approximately 39 per cent of African origin and the rest were mixed.
"And then to say that when people see the imbalance, the suggestion is that they would not feel protected by the Police Service, I think that is nonsense. Because it suggests to me that in the same vein the Commissioner of Police, who is a white foreigner, does not reflect the society. Is it then that no one in the Police Service other than the deputy (Jack Ewatski) can feel comfortable with him, and that the rest of the country can have no reliance on the Commissioner because he is neither Indian or African?"
Seetahal said Mohammed was assuming that the system of promoting on the basis of seniority led to a predominance of Africans.
"This fails to even acknowledge that the possibility is that up until 25 years ago, you couldn't even get 10 persons of Indian origin applying to the Police Service," she added.
She suggested that the sociology department of the UWI embark on an empirical study on why certain people do not go into certain professions.
"Until then, when we understand the society better, shut up" she said.
Outgoing Law Association president Martin Daly SC said the whole affair underlined how persons in public office little understood the responsibilities and burdens of such office.
–Ria Taitt
Story Created: Mar 29, 2011 at 12:45 AM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 29, 2011 at 12:45 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._lead-118821029.html
Attorney Dana Seetahal SC said yesterday that Nizam Mohammed is not fit to be chairman of the Police Service Commission. Seetahal, who was recently elected as president of the Law Association, was speaking in her private capacity.
She said the PSC's constitutional remit was to appoint persons to hold or act in offices in the Police Service, specifically the Commissioner of Police and deputy Commissioners. She said the commission used to have overarching concerns about the Police Service, but its function with the new (2006) legislation has been restricted to appointments of the two top posts (CoP and his deputies).
"Nothing in that includes any prerogative to address any issue of bias in terms of the persons or an imbalance in terms of the persons who are appointed to the hierarchy of the Police Service," Seetahal said. She added that the PSC chairman is supposed to administer the law and the regulations in a fair manner.
"So when he says, 'I intend to address this (the racial imbalance) with the help of the Parliament. We need the protection'. I don't know what he is talking about. And I don't know what is the basis for saying that he has any mandate to address any issue of imbalance in the Police Service as he perceives it," Seetahal stated.
She said she also took exception to the generic statements Mohammed made to the Joint Select Committee, such as his remark that 50 per cent of the country was East Indian. She said the last Census showed 41 per cent of the country was of East Indian origin, approximately 39 per cent of African origin and the rest were mixed.
"And then to say that when people see the imbalance, the suggestion is that they would not feel protected by the Police Service, I think that is nonsense. Because it suggests to me that in the same vein the Commissioner of Police, who is a white foreigner, does not reflect the society. Is it then that no one in the Police Service other than the deputy (Jack Ewatski) can feel comfortable with him, and that the rest of the country can have no reliance on the Commissioner because he is neither Indian or African?"
Seetahal said Mohammed was assuming that the system of promoting on the basis of seniority led to a predominance of Africans.
"This fails to even acknowledge that the possibility is that up until 25 years ago, you couldn't even get 10 persons of Indian origin applying to the Police Service," she added.
She suggested that the sociology department of the UWI embark on an empirical study on why certain people do not go into certain professions.
"Until then, when we understand the society better, shut up" she said.
Outgoing Law Association president Martin Daly SC said the whole affair underlined how persons in public office little understood the responsibilities and burdens of such office.
–Ria Taitt
Queen Kamla with Colin Powell at DC dinner
Former Member
YOU'RE FIRED!
President cites Constitution in revoking appointment of PSC chairman
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
Story Created: Apr 4, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 4, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...IRED_-119227729.html
President George Maxwell Richards yesterday acted decisively in the matter which has embroiled the nation over the past ten days in race talk, sometimes spawning acrimonious race debate. At 11.22 a.m, the media received Richards's brief statement that he had revoked the appointment of Nizam Mohammed as chairman and a member of the Police Service Commission.
In a nutshell, the President indicated that Mohammed was removed for two reasons: a) he failed to perform his duties in a responsible or timely manner and b) he demonstrated a lack of competence to perform his duties. The release from the President's Office said His Excellency had exercised the power vested in him by Section 122 A (1) (d) and (f) of the Constitution (as amended).
Mohammed yesterday blamed "racist journalists" for his plight.
It was Mohammed who on March 25 raised the issue of an ethnic imbalance in the Police Service, pledging as chairman of the PSC to address the matter with the help of Parliament. Mohammed also suggested that the imbalance had made it difficult for East Indians, whom he said constituted 50 per cent of the population, to support the Police Service.
With the exception of a few persons, Mohammed's statements to the Joint Select Committee of Parliament, were universally condemned.
In an immediate response yesterday, acting Prime Minister Jack Warner said, "His Excellency's carefully deliberated action is a clear indication that as a nation we are not prepared to countenance any statement that threatens the unity of our national state."
Stating that this had been an extremely difficult moment for the President, Warner said the population can be "absolutely assured" that the Head of State and the Government would always put the well being of all its citizens first before sectoral interests, "which interests can easily divide us".
"Regardless of how painful such action may be, as a Government elected by the people of Trinidad and Tobago, we will always strive to do what is right," Warner said.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, currently on assignment in the United States, said the President had acted according to the Constitution "and I respect the decision of the President".
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said yesterday the President had also acted properly. The actions and statements of Mohammed warranted an intervention by the President, an intervention called for by the office of the Leader of the Opposition and many citizens who were outraged by Mohammed's conduct and statement, Rowley said, adding that the office of the presidency was used to bring order in the governance of Trinidad and Tobago.
Rowley stressed that it was not a question of Mohammed chronicling who was in office at the executive level of the Police Service.
"It was Mr Mohammed's attempt to create the scenario of how they got there by virtue of racial preference, and then setting himself the assignment of fixing it to create a balance, the nature of which was questionable against his statistics and his understanding or misunderstanding of the situation," Rowley said.
He added that in seeking to "fix" the situation, Mohammed was giving himself an authority which he did not have under the law.
Rowley said "most offensive" was Mohammed statement, in seeking to explain the national crime wave, that because of the racial complexion of the executive of the Police Service, citizens (East Indians) were not co-operating with the police.
"That is offensive and demoralising to the Police Service, especially the executive officers who are charged with the responsibility of fighting crime in this country," he said.
Rowley added that on closer examination, the evidence did not bear out what Mohammed sought to portray to the country and the world.
He said despite Mohammed's dismissal, he had filed a motion in the Parliament, because some members of the Government had provided public support for Mohammed. Rowley said he wanted all MPs to state their position and whether they agreed with the stance taken by the Prime Minister.
Mohammed's tenure as chairman has been controversial from the inception. It began with strong objection from Rowley to the appointment of a "serial politician" to an independent commission.
On December 2, Mohammed was involved in a traffic confrontation with two police officers, Sean Batson and Marlene Gittens, at the corner of Independent Square and Henry Street in Port of Spain.
The officers claimed that he failed to obey a lawful instruction, but Mohammed counterclaimed that they were rude to him.
This incident sparked a campaign by Fixin T&T calling for his removal. Mohammed complained about the advertisements put out by the organisation and the Special Branch was sent to interview the directors of the organisation.
His statements to the Joint Select Committee, however, seemed to be the last straw.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar labelled his remarks as "reckless, ... divisive and senseless".
Warner, Rowley and the very party to which Mohammed belongs, the Congress of the People, crticised him and his own colleagues on the commission distanced themselves from his stance.
President cites Constitution in revoking appointment of PSC chairman
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
Story Created: Apr 4, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 4, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...IRED_-119227729.html
President George Maxwell Richards yesterday acted decisively in the matter which has embroiled the nation over the past ten days in race talk, sometimes spawning acrimonious race debate. At 11.22 a.m, the media received Richards's brief statement that he had revoked the appointment of Nizam Mohammed as chairman and a member of the Police Service Commission.
In a nutshell, the President indicated that Mohammed was removed for two reasons: a) he failed to perform his duties in a responsible or timely manner and b) he demonstrated a lack of competence to perform his duties. The release from the President's Office said His Excellency had exercised the power vested in him by Section 122 A (1) (d) and (f) of the Constitution (as amended).
Mohammed yesterday blamed "racist journalists" for his plight.
It was Mohammed who on March 25 raised the issue of an ethnic imbalance in the Police Service, pledging as chairman of the PSC to address the matter with the help of Parliament. Mohammed also suggested that the imbalance had made it difficult for East Indians, whom he said constituted 50 per cent of the population, to support the Police Service.
With the exception of a few persons, Mohammed's statements to the Joint Select Committee of Parliament, were universally condemned.
In an immediate response yesterday, acting Prime Minister Jack Warner said, "His Excellency's carefully deliberated action is a clear indication that as a nation we are not prepared to countenance any statement that threatens the unity of our national state."
Stating that this had been an extremely difficult moment for the President, Warner said the population can be "absolutely assured" that the Head of State and the Government would always put the well being of all its citizens first before sectoral interests, "which interests can easily divide us".
"Regardless of how painful such action may be, as a Government elected by the people of Trinidad and Tobago, we will always strive to do what is right," Warner said.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, currently on assignment in the United States, said the President had acted according to the Constitution "and I respect the decision of the President".
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said yesterday the President had also acted properly. The actions and statements of Mohammed warranted an intervention by the President, an intervention called for by the office of the Leader of the Opposition and many citizens who were outraged by Mohammed's conduct and statement, Rowley said, adding that the office of the presidency was used to bring order in the governance of Trinidad and Tobago.
Rowley stressed that it was not a question of Mohammed chronicling who was in office at the executive level of the Police Service.
"It was Mr Mohammed's attempt to create the scenario of how they got there by virtue of racial preference, and then setting himself the assignment of fixing it to create a balance, the nature of which was questionable against his statistics and his understanding or misunderstanding of the situation," Rowley said.
He added that in seeking to "fix" the situation, Mohammed was giving himself an authority which he did not have under the law.
Rowley said "most offensive" was Mohammed statement, in seeking to explain the national crime wave, that because of the racial complexion of the executive of the Police Service, citizens (East Indians) were not co-operating with the police.
"That is offensive and demoralising to the Police Service, especially the executive officers who are charged with the responsibility of fighting crime in this country," he said.
Rowley added that on closer examination, the evidence did not bear out what Mohammed sought to portray to the country and the world.
He said despite Mohammed's dismissal, he had filed a motion in the Parliament, because some members of the Government had provided public support for Mohammed. Rowley said he wanted all MPs to state their position and whether they agreed with the stance taken by the Prime Minister.
Mohammed's tenure as chairman has been controversial from the inception. It began with strong objection from Rowley to the appointment of a "serial politician" to an independent commission.
On December 2, Mohammed was involved in a traffic confrontation with two police officers, Sean Batson and Marlene Gittens, at the corner of Independent Square and Henry Street in Port of Spain.
The officers claimed that he failed to obey a lawful instruction, but Mohammed counterclaimed that they were rude to him.
This incident sparked a campaign by Fixin T&T calling for his removal. Mohammed complained about the advertisements put out by the organisation and the Special Branch was sent to interview the directors of the organisation.
His statements to the Joint Select Committee, however, seemed to be the last straw.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar labelled his remarks as "reckless, ... divisive and senseless".
Warner, Rowley and the very party to which Mohammed belongs, the Congress of the People, crticised him and his own colleagues on the commission distanced themselves from his stance.
Former Member
MOBBED
Farmers converge on PM's car, boo Moonilal during protest outside HDC
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: May 4, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 4, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...OBBED-121297214.html
Farmers, irate over the bulldozed farmlands and crops, as well as the "arrogance" of Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, created a mob scene outside the Port of Spain offices of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) yesterday, calling on the Prime Minister to intervene in their situation.
Though the farmers are scheduled to meet with Moonilal later today, they booed as Moonilal got into the Prime Minister's waiting vehicle.
Even as the Prime Minister went to the group and spoke briefly with a young protester, the crowd surged forward, triggering the security detail to encircle her and move her swiftly back to the protection of her vehicle.
While she was being guided away, Persad-Bissessar confirmed the two line ministers Moonilal and Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath will be attending today's meeting. Several farmers then attempted to get closer to the vehicle, but were held back by police. One farmer described his colleagues as a "bunch of soft men" for letting Moonilal "get away" and rushed forward, only to be restrained by a police officer.
"Who feeding the nation?" they chanted, "Farmers," was their response, as the group blocked the convoy of vehicles which tried to leave the George Street exit of the HDC.
Trade union leaders Vincent Cabrera, of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers' Union, and Ancel Roget, of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union, joined the protest and pledged their support in the bid to remove Moonilal.
They described Moonilal's actions as political suicide, saying he would never get into another elected office.
"He done," Roget said. Roget likened Moonilal's behaviour to that of former prime minister Patrick Manning.
"You (Moonilal) feel you could do what you want because you feel you have the traditional support of the farmers," he said. "The land belongs to the people who plant the land," he said.
He also noted that the call to remove Bharath by members of the Opposition was "nasty politics".
"Fitzgerald Hinds, Dr Keith Rowley, they have no moral authority to speak on any issue with regards to the farmers," he said. "If they feel that this is an opportunity to once again to ride the backs of the farmers into power, think again," he said.
"Their policy and Moonilal's policy is one and the same," he said.
While Moonilal was condemned for his attitude, Bharath was praised for his. "If they feel they could get rid of Vasant, they lie," the farmers said.
The group marched back to Woodford Square after the Prime Minister left. Shiraz Khan, president of the Sheep and Goat Farmers Association, said "his Prime Minister disrespected the farmers".
"It hurt me to know, after so much years, I am now out here and I am being disrespected so much," he said.
In response to the mob scene yesterday, Moonilal condemned the lack of respect directed toward the Prime Minister.
"I am condemning them for hounding the Prime Minister on this matter. I am calling on the president of the Sheep and Goat Farmers and the president of the Agricultural Society (Dhanoo Sookoo) to apologise to the PM," he said.
He said he took note that the farmers said the time to apologise has passed. "I can't apologise now, the time has passed," he said yesterday. He said it was "appalling" that farmers acted "that way" when they knew they had a meeting tabled for today. "That shows bad faith," he said.
Moonilal said it was his duty to deliver the results of last week's meeting to the Cabinet and until then he would not be saying anything more in the public domain.
He said his lack of apology was not an issue of arrogance.
"There was no breach in the law. The Prime Minister already expressed her regret over the issue. It will not happen again. The issue of land use is a more serious issue," he said.
Farmers converge on PM's car, boo Moonilal during protest outside HDC
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: May 4, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 4, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...OBBED-121297214.html
Farmers, irate over the bulldozed farmlands and crops, as well as the "arrogance" of Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, created a mob scene outside the Port of Spain offices of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) yesterday, calling on the Prime Minister to intervene in their situation.
Though the farmers are scheduled to meet with Moonilal later today, they booed as Moonilal got into the Prime Minister's waiting vehicle.
Even as the Prime Minister went to the group and spoke briefly with a young protester, the crowd surged forward, triggering the security detail to encircle her and move her swiftly back to the protection of her vehicle.
While she was being guided away, Persad-Bissessar confirmed the two line ministers Moonilal and Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath will be attending today's meeting. Several farmers then attempted to get closer to the vehicle, but were held back by police. One farmer described his colleagues as a "bunch of soft men" for letting Moonilal "get away" and rushed forward, only to be restrained by a police officer.
"Who feeding the nation?" they chanted, "Farmers," was their response, as the group blocked the convoy of vehicles which tried to leave the George Street exit of the HDC.
Trade union leaders Vincent Cabrera, of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers' Union, and Ancel Roget, of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union, joined the protest and pledged their support in the bid to remove Moonilal.
They described Moonilal's actions as political suicide, saying he would never get into another elected office.
"He done," Roget said. Roget likened Moonilal's behaviour to that of former prime minister Patrick Manning.
"You (Moonilal) feel you could do what you want because you feel you have the traditional support of the farmers," he said. "The land belongs to the people who plant the land," he said.
He also noted that the call to remove Bharath by members of the Opposition was "nasty politics".
"Fitzgerald Hinds, Dr Keith Rowley, they have no moral authority to speak on any issue with regards to the farmers," he said. "If they feel that this is an opportunity to once again to ride the backs of the farmers into power, think again," he said.
"Their policy and Moonilal's policy is one and the same," he said.
While Moonilal was condemned for his attitude, Bharath was praised for his. "If they feel they could get rid of Vasant, they lie," the farmers said.
The group marched back to Woodford Square after the Prime Minister left. Shiraz Khan, president of the Sheep and Goat Farmers Association, said "his Prime Minister disrespected the farmers".
"It hurt me to know, after so much years, I am now out here and I am being disrespected so much," he said.
In response to the mob scene yesterday, Moonilal condemned the lack of respect directed toward the Prime Minister.
"I am condemning them for hounding the Prime Minister on this matter. I am calling on the president of the Sheep and Goat Farmers and the president of the Agricultural Society (Dhanoo Sookoo) to apologise to the PM," he said.
He said he took note that the farmers said the time to apologise has passed. "I can't apologise now, the time has passed," he said yesterday. He said it was "appalling" that farmers acted "that way" when they knew they had a meeting tabled for today. "That shows bad faith," he said.
Moonilal said it was his duty to deliver the results of last week's meeting to the Cabinet and until then he would not be saying anything more in the public domain.
He said his lack of apology was not an issue of arrogance.
"There was no breach in the law. The Prime Minister already expressed her regret over the issue. It will not happen again. The issue of land use is a more serious issue," he said.
Former Member
Jack surprised by Daaga's talk of corruption
By Elizabeth Williams Tobago Bureau
Story Created: May 17, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT
Story Updated: May 17, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...tion_-121971264.html
Works Minister Jack Warner yesterday expressed surprise over the statements made on corruption by Ambassador Makandal Daaga, leader of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), one of the coalition partners of the People's Partnership government..
Speaking at the founding congress of another coalition partner, the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) at Palms Club, San Fernando, on Saturday evening, Daaga said:
"In my 50-60 years, I have never heard so much corruption in my land as in the last few days. There is too much corruption and people are stealing money as though they invented it."
Warner told the Express yesterday, while Daaga might not be satisfied with some matters, his approach could have been different.
"I believe that Makandal Daaga, if he felt that way, he should have sat down with the other four leaders and discussed it with them, but to rush off to the media and embarrass one of your colleagues who was there as a leader is not a way to do things. Everybody these days seem to be rushing to the media to get headlines, to get sound bites and so on, and I am saying no government is run that way.
I am surprised. I must confess I am surprised," Warner said.
Warner was then asked to comment on whether he feels Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar should meet again with the partners of the Partnership.
"But she met them two weeks ago. She may not really have to have a meeting, but must put certain procedures and guidelines in place, for how the leaders should deal with national issues, because it can't be a free-for-all," Warner stressed.
Despite the ups and downs of the Government, Warner said he would rate the Government a 7.5 out of 10.
"This is the first time a true coalition government is in power, and despite the ups and downs, the party has had, and may continue to have, I think we have done a very good job and I say at a scale of 1-10, I will give our government 7.5."
Pressed further as to whether he thinks there is need for a Cabinet reshuffle at this time, Warner said:
"I make no judgment on that, that's an area outside of my remit. I don't want to talk about other people's business. The Prime Minister is the soldier of that, and I leave it to her."
By Elizabeth Williams Tobago Bureau
Story Created: May 17, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT
Story Updated: May 17, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...tion_-121971264.html
Works Minister Jack Warner yesterday expressed surprise over the statements made on corruption by Ambassador Makandal Daaga, leader of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), one of the coalition partners of the People's Partnership government..
Speaking at the founding congress of another coalition partner, the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) at Palms Club, San Fernando, on Saturday evening, Daaga said:
"In my 50-60 years, I have never heard so much corruption in my land as in the last few days. There is too much corruption and people are stealing money as though they invented it."
Warner told the Express yesterday, while Daaga might not be satisfied with some matters, his approach could have been different.
"I believe that Makandal Daaga, if he felt that way, he should have sat down with the other four leaders and discussed it with them, but to rush off to the media and embarrass one of your colleagues who was there as a leader is not a way to do things. Everybody these days seem to be rushing to the media to get headlines, to get sound bites and so on, and I am saying no government is run that way.
I am surprised. I must confess I am surprised," Warner said.
Warner was then asked to comment on whether he feels Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar should meet again with the partners of the Partnership.
"But she met them two weeks ago. She may not really have to have a meeting, but must put certain procedures and guidelines in place, for how the leaders should deal with national issues, because it can't be a free-for-all," Warner stressed.
Despite the ups and downs of the Government, Warner said he would rate the Government a 7.5 out of 10.
"This is the first time a true coalition government is in power, and despite the ups and downs, the party has had, and may continue to have, I think we have done a very good job and I say at a scale of 1-10, I will give our government 7.5."
Pressed further as to whether he thinks there is need for a Cabinet reshuffle at this time, Warner said:
"I make no judgment on that, that's an area outside of my remit. I don't want to talk about other people's business. The Prime Minister is the soldier of that, and I leave it to her."
Former Member
KAMLA's rating falls
The verdict on the performance of the Prime Minister one year later
Story Created: May 22, 2011 at 12:29 AM ECT
Story Updated: May 22, 2011 at 12:33 AM ECT Source
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar's approval rating has dipped by 14 per cent on the eve of her first year in office. One month after leading the People's Partnership into government, 68 per cent of the population approved of Persad-Bissessar's performance in the role of Prime Minister, according to pollsters Market Facts and Opinion (MFO).
Roughly one year later, this percentage has fallen to 54 per cent, according to a new poll done between the period April 18 to April 28.
In this new poll, it was found that Indo-Trinidadian men and those aged 55 years and older were likely to give Mrs Persad-Bissessar a favourable assessment on her performance.
Respondents weighing in with an unfavourable grade on the Prime Minister's performance were more likely to be Afro-Trinidadians, those of low socio-economic background and people between the ages of 18 and 34 years. MFO also said the proportion of those who disapprove of the Prime Minister's performance grew by a whopping 34 per cent from five per cent in June last year to a current 39 per cent.
The pollsters found, however, that the majority of respondents felt the Prime Minister would do a better job over the next four years.
Forty five per cent of the sample felt Persad-Bissessar's performance as Prime Minister would improve, with 25 per cent expecting it would remain consistent and 18 per cent feeling it would worsen.
MFO also said one in every two persons interviewed indicated their approval of the performance of Persad-Bissessar in her role of Prime Minister.
Better or Worse
On whether Government was working
better or worse for T&T in the last 12 months, almost half of the population felt there was no change. The poll found that Indo-Trinidadian men 45 years and older were more likely to assess Government's performance favourably than Afro-Trinidadian respondents between the ages of 25 and 34 years and those living in South Trinidad. Only 28 per cent of the population felt Government was working better, while 23 per cent felt its performance was worse.
confidence
The majority of the population has confidence in Mrs Persad Bissessar's ability to manage two main issues: to work with business leaders to help grow the economy (60 per cent) and to minimise food price inflation (60 per cent).
Individuals were much less confident that she would be able to reduce crime (28 per cent) and address the issue of securing an adequate food supply (11 per cent). On the question of managing her Cabinet, the majority of respondents weighed in with a poor grade. Forty per cent of the sample said they were somewhat dissatisfied or not at all satisfied with the Prime Minister's ability to manage her Cabinet/Government Ministers.
On the other hand, 34 per cent assessed her ability favourably, indicating that they were either extremely or somewhat satisfied, while 22 per cent gave a neutral rating.
public
opinionThere is a dichotomy in public opinion of the level of respect given to the Prime Minister. Respondents in the poll said they have a higher level of respect for Mrs Persad Bissessar than the general public.
Sixty four per cent of the sample indicated that they respect Mrs Persad Bissessar, giving a rating of either 4 or 5. But, they said, their perception was that only 34 per cent of the general public has respect for her. Respondents did not feel that lack of respect relates directly to disrespect but rather a large proportion of the general public was indifferent to the Prime Minister.
Those who were more likely to indicate that they had respect for Mrs Persad-Bissessar were Indo-Trinidadians, from a low socio-economic background, between the ages of 25 and 34 years and 55 and 64 years and lived in Central Trinidad, the pollsters said.
Asked to identify the reasons which they felt that the general public viewed Mrs Persad-Bissessar in a negative light, MFO, indicating that the reasons were not prompted and recorded as given, said the perception of her inability to manage the country's affairs (30 per cent) and the inability to fulfill her election promises (29 per cent) were the main bases for the unfavourable view.
high and low points
Laptops given to the SEA pupils and the Children's Life Fund were listed by respondents as the greatest achievements of the Prime Minister in her year in office. Forty per cent of the sample could think of no significant achievement, the poll said.
The majority of sample (34 per cent) was also unable to pinpoint one singular action that could be seen as the Prime Minister's lowest point.
The poll found, however, that the Strategic Intelligence Agency (SIA)/Reshmi Ramnarine scandal was the incident most likely to be cited as the lowest point of the Prime Minister's one-year career.
weighing in
Despite Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's falling approval rating, a majority negative public perception of her, a lack of confidence by the population in her ability to manage her Cabinet along with a prevailing perception that there was no change in Government's performance of the last year, seven of every ten persons interviewed said they would vote for the same party they voted for in May 2010 if a general election were called today.
This, said the pollsters, indicates that a similar (election) result would occur if there were a general election today.
The pollsters found that the demographic profile of those respondents who were more likely to indicate that they would vote for the same party was of East Indian ethnic descent, of a high socio-economic background and lived in North-East Trinidad.
Conversely, respondents who were of Mixed/Other ethnic descent and those who were aged 65 years and older tended to indicate that they would not vote along the same lines as May 2010.
Jack heads the class
Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West Jack Warner emerged as the best performer in the Kamla Persad-Bissessar Cabinet over the past year. With a 61 per cent grading, Warner left his Cabinet colleagues way behind, with People's Ministry Glenn Ramadharsingh coming in a distant second at 13 per cent, and the Finance Minister
getting a paltry one per cent of the votes.
The verdict on the performance of the Prime Minister one year later
Story Created: May 22, 2011 at 12:29 AM ECT
Story Updated: May 22, 2011 at 12:33 AM ECT Source
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar's approval rating has dipped by 14 per cent on the eve of her first year in office. One month after leading the People's Partnership into government, 68 per cent of the population approved of Persad-Bissessar's performance in the role of Prime Minister, according to pollsters Market Facts and Opinion (MFO).
Roughly one year later, this percentage has fallen to 54 per cent, according to a new poll done between the period April 18 to April 28.
In this new poll, it was found that Indo-Trinidadian men and those aged 55 years and older were likely to give Mrs Persad-Bissessar a favourable assessment on her performance.
Respondents weighing in with an unfavourable grade on the Prime Minister's performance were more likely to be Afro-Trinidadians, those of low socio-economic background and people between the ages of 18 and 34 years. MFO also said the proportion of those who disapprove of the Prime Minister's performance grew by a whopping 34 per cent from five per cent in June last year to a current 39 per cent.
The pollsters found, however, that the majority of respondents felt the Prime Minister would do a better job over the next four years.
Forty five per cent of the sample felt Persad-Bissessar's performance as Prime Minister would improve, with 25 per cent expecting it would remain consistent and 18 per cent feeling it would worsen.
MFO also said one in every two persons interviewed indicated their approval of the performance of Persad-Bissessar in her role of Prime Minister.
Better or Worse
On whether Government was working
better or worse for T&T in the last 12 months, almost half of the population felt there was no change. The poll found that Indo-Trinidadian men 45 years and older were more likely to assess Government's performance favourably than Afro-Trinidadian respondents between the ages of 25 and 34 years and those living in South Trinidad. Only 28 per cent of the population felt Government was working better, while 23 per cent felt its performance was worse.
confidence
The majority of the population has confidence in Mrs Persad Bissessar's ability to manage two main issues: to work with business leaders to help grow the economy (60 per cent) and to minimise food price inflation (60 per cent).
Individuals were much less confident that she would be able to reduce crime (28 per cent) and address the issue of securing an adequate food supply (11 per cent). On the question of managing her Cabinet, the majority of respondents weighed in with a poor grade. Forty per cent of the sample said they were somewhat dissatisfied or not at all satisfied with the Prime Minister's ability to manage her Cabinet/Government Ministers.
On the other hand, 34 per cent assessed her ability favourably, indicating that they were either extremely or somewhat satisfied, while 22 per cent gave a neutral rating.
public
opinionThere is a dichotomy in public opinion of the level of respect given to the Prime Minister. Respondents in the poll said they have a higher level of respect for Mrs Persad Bissessar than the general public.
Sixty four per cent of the sample indicated that they respect Mrs Persad Bissessar, giving a rating of either 4 or 5. But, they said, their perception was that only 34 per cent of the general public has respect for her. Respondents did not feel that lack of respect relates directly to disrespect but rather a large proportion of the general public was indifferent to the Prime Minister.
Those who were more likely to indicate that they had respect for Mrs Persad-Bissessar were Indo-Trinidadians, from a low socio-economic background, between the ages of 25 and 34 years and 55 and 64 years and lived in Central Trinidad, the pollsters said.
Asked to identify the reasons which they felt that the general public viewed Mrs Persad-Bissessar in a negative light, MFO, indicating that the reasons were not prompted and recorded as given, said the perception of her inability to manage the country's affairs (30 per cent) and the inability to fulfill her election promises (29 per cent) were the main bases for the unfavourable view.
high and low points
Laptops given to the SEA pupils and the Children's Life Fund were listed by respondents as the greatest achievements of the Prime Minister in her year in office. Forty per cent of the sample could think of no significant achievement, the poll said.
The majority of sample (34 per cent) was also unable to pinpoint one singular action that could be seen as the Prime Minister's lowest point.
The poll found, however, that the Strategic Intelligence Agency (SIA)/Reshmi Ramnarine scandal was the incident most likely to be cited as the lowest point of the Prime Minister's one-year career.
weighing in
Despite Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's falling approval rating, a majority negative public perception of her, a lack of confidence by the population in her ability to manage her Cabinet along with a prevailing perception that there was no change in Government's performance of the last year, seven of every ten persons interviewed said they would vote for the same party they voted for in May 2010 if a general election were called today.
This, said the pollsters, indicates that a similar (election) result would occur if there were a general election today.
The pollsters found that the demographic profile of those respondents who were more likely to indicate that they would vote for the same party was of East Indian ethnic descent, of a high socio-economic background and lived in North-East Trinidad.
Conversely, respondents who were of Mixed/Other ethnic descent and those who were aged 65 years and older tended to indicate that they would not vote along the same lines as May 2010.
Jack heads the class
Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West Jack Warner emerged as the best performer in the Kamla Persad-Bissessar Cabinet over the past year. With a 61 per cent grading, Warner left his Cabinet colleagues way behind, with People's Ministry Glenn Ramadharsingh coming in a distant second at 13 per cent, and the Finance Minister
getting a paltry one per cent of the votes.
Former Member
quote:Originally posted by Eric's_Revenge:
'Express' editor, reporter under cyber attack
Story Created: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT source
A vicious personal attack was yesterday launched against Express managing editor Omatie Lyder and political reporter Anna Ramdass by someone adopting the alias "Janice Thomas", as this newspaper continues its investigation into how Reshmi Usha Ramnarine came to be hired as director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) with false credentials.
The attack came in the form of an e-mail addressed to editors and reporters of the Express and staff of TV6, which accused Lyder and Ramdass of a personal vendetta against Ramnarine and threatened that "their day in the sun is over".
"This is the beginning... they will understand the consequences of their actions...," the e-mail stated.
The e-mail was also posted on Caribbean Talk, a site for bloggers on issues of the day. However, following complaints from this newspaper, it was pulled by the moderator.
The moderator subsequently issued a warning to bloggers to desist from posting libelous entries and personal attacks.
"We haven't been doing that (blocking posts) regularly because we have things under control, but recently there have been lot of cases where people come in with different aliases and try to use our Yahoo! Groups and Facebook pages to attack others. During the past week or so there were many attacks against the media, especially the Express. We ignored them until now," the moderator stated.
Bloggers were told they were "free to post stuff so long as you don't libel people or engage in personal attacks. You can even use several aliases—we don't really care if you want multiple online identities, but don't try to attack anyone, especially the Express and media, with fake aliases and phony e-mail addresses, etc. You can criticise the media or anyone, but no personal attacks".
"Starting a war with the media will end badly. History has taught us valuable lessons in that area. Don't go there, don't go down that road," the moderator added.
The Express is weighing all its options in this matter.
COPS WARN SASHA
E-mails came from Sasha's home
Story Created: Jun 17, 2011 at 11:54 PM ECT source
SASHA MOHAMMED, special adviser to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, was yesterday issued a stern warning by police after their probe uncovered that the threatening e-mail sent to Express editor-in-chief Omatie Lyder and reporter Anna Ramdass originated from the computer at her home.
Police had initiated an investigation after Lyder and Ramdass reported that they were threatened in an e-mail on January 30 sent to them by someone adopting the alias "Janice Thomas" in connection with the Reshmi Usha Ramnarine story being investigated by the Express.
The report was made on January 31 at the Port of Spain CID office to ASP Ajith Persad and now-deceased Supt Lennard Gay.
Gay and Persad immediately instructed Cpl Rennie Grant of the CID to conduct the investigations.
Lyder and Ramdass had submitted statements to Grant during the course of the investigation including copies of the e-mail, which was also posted on the Caribbean Talk website but subsequently removed following complaints from the two journalists.
The e-mail, which targeted Lyder and Ramdass,was addressed to editors and reporters of the Express and staff of CCN-TV6 as well as other media houses, accused Lyder and Ramdass of a personal vendetta against Ramnarine.
The e-mail stated that "their day in the sun is over" and "this is the beginning... they will understand the consequences of their actions..."
The Express first broke the story of the questionable appointment of Ramnarine to the post of director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) and had at the time been investigating how she came to be hired as director of the SSA with false credentials. Mohammed, in company with her attorney Om Lalla, yesterday went to the CID office around 2.30 p.m. where they met with ASP Ajith Persad and Cpl Rennie Grant .
Attempts to reach Mohammed yesterday were unsuccessful as calls to her cell phone went unanswered up to late last evening.
Lalla, when contacted, confirmed that he and his client were at the CID yesterday, but did not wish to say more on the matter.
Mohammed, a former journalist, joined the People's Partnership Government as engagement adviser to Persad-Bissessar, six months after the May 24 general elections last year.
Police said Mohammed, who remained silent throughout yesterday's interview, was given a stern warning that the action was a serious criminal offence which carries fines and jail sentences.
After Lyder and Ramdass reported the incident to police on January 31, Persad and Grant summoned officers from the Police Cyber Unit to assist in tracing the IP address of the sender of the email.
Cyber crime police were able to determine the e-mails were sent from an IP address in the name of Mohammed at her Boundary Road, San Juan, home.
The Internet provider was also identified as Flow Trinidad Ltd.
Police said they wrote to Flow seeking official information after Mohammed's IP address was identified as being used to send the "hate mails" but the company said the police had to produce a court order before any personal information regarding any of its customers could be released.
An order was subsequently issued by a Clerk of the Peace at the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court in May which paved the way for Flow to release the information sought by police.
The information provided by Flow revealed that the threatening e-mail originated from Mohammed's computer and Internet account.
Cpl Grant went to the PM's St Clair office on Thursday where he spoke with Mohammed on the status of the police probe.
At yesterday's meeting, police said Mohammed was told that if anyone had accessed her computer during the period the offences took place and such persons could not be identified, Mohammed could be held culpable, according to the law.
The investigations into the complaint by Lyder and Ramdass were supervised and monitored by head of the CID Snr Supt Glen Hackett.
Attempts to contact Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar were unsuccessful yesterday.
Former Member
JACK SHOCKER
Warner resigns from FIFA; football body drops bribery probe
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...OCKER-124242264.html
In a move that startled the country almost as much as his suspension from FIFA, Works Minister Jack Warner announced yesterday that he has resigned as vice-president from the world's governing football body as well as CONCACAF and the Caribbean Football Union.
Though Warner referred all questions on the subject to lawyer Om Lalla, whom he dubbed his "legal mouthpiece", he could not stop himself from responding when asked about his resignation.
"It was voluntary, of my own volition," Warner said. "I have no regrets," he added.
Warner was at the Mausica bridge near the Victory Heights development to inspect a collapsed bridge yesterday, but it was Lalla who announced that FIFA had dropped all the charges against Warner.
"He is cleared. He is vindicated. There is nothing against him. This matter is at an end, as far as anybody is concerned," Lalla said.
Though Lalla would not divulge the legalese behind Warner's resignation decision, he said it was "separate and apart from FIFA's decision to vindicate him".
"This is not like a preliminary enquiry in Trinidad, where there was an enquiry that was determined. It was an ongoing exercise that has continued until today and FIFA at any stage could consider the evidence it had at the end or during the investigation and make a determination," Lalla said.
"They (FIFA) have made a determination. They have considered what they consider to be appropriate action (Warner's suspension), and that is what we have before us today and we have to stand by that," he said.
When he did speak, a still defiant Warner warned local politicians that he was "coming very good" and promised "a lot of action" on the political front.
Warner said detractors come with political life, but while he was willing to be more lenient on members of the Government who called on him to step down during the height of the investigation, he was not holding back on members of the Opposition.
"The politics locally better be careful, cause I coming very good. To the (Keith) Rowleys and the (Fitzgerald) Hinds of this world, I coming very good," he said.
He described their call for his removal as "foolishness".
"You really believe I should dignify that foolishness they talking about? Hinds and Rowley? You really feel I should talk about Hinds and Rowley?" he asked.
Lalla said there was no legal basis for Warner to resign from his Ministerial post.
Warner said this resignation does not change his $1-per-month salary.
"Nothing has changed. Why should that change? Don't worry about me too much. I'm okay and I have a job to do," he said.
Warner said the country will now benefit from his full concentration.
"Football is at a rest for the meantime," Lalla said.
Warner, Qatari millionaire Mohamed bin Hammam and two members of the CFU were suspended at the end of May after allegations surfaced that CFU delegates were each offered US$40,000 at a meeting in Trinidad last month in the build-up to FIFA presidential elections. Warner appealed his suspension, but resigned before the investigation was complete.
Despite the tenuous situation within FIFA during the investigation process, Warner said he remained friends with four time FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
"We have our differences, but that does not make us enemies. We are still friends man, and I'll tell you however that in some time I would say much more on that," he said.
The Express was told by a source that Warner initiated resignation proceedings the day after his June 5 Indian Arrival Day celebrations and it was only confirmed and accepted by FIFA yesterday.
Warner resigns from FIFA; football body drops bribery probe
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...OCKER-124242264.html
In a move that startled the country almost as much as his suspension from FIFA, Works Minister Jack Warner announced yesterday that he has resigned as vice-president from the world's governing football body as well as CONCACAF and the Caribbean Football Union.
Though Warner referred all questions on the subject to lawyer Om Lalla, whom he dubbed his "legal mouthpiece", he could not stop himself from responding when asked about his resignation.
"It was voluntary, of my own volition," Warner said. "I have no regrets," he added.
Warner was at the Mausica bridge near the Victory Heights development to inspect a collapsed bridge yesterday, but it was Lalla who announced that FIFA had dropped all the charges against Warner.
"He is cleared. He is vindicated. There is nothing against him. This matter is at an end, as far as anybody is concerned," Lalla said.
Though Lalla would not divulge the legalese behind Warner's resignation decision, he said it was "separate and apart from FIFA's decision to vindicate him".
"This is not like a preliminary enquiry in Trinidad, where there was an enquiry that was determined. It was an ongoing exercise that has continued until today and FIFA at any stage could consider the evidence it had at the end or during the investigation and make a determination," Lalla said.
"They (FIFA) have made a determination. They have considered what they consider to be appropriate action (Warner's suspension), and that is what we have before us today and we have to stand by that," he said.
When he did speak, a still defiant Warner warned local politicians that he was "coming very good" and promised "a lot of action" on the political front.
Warner said detractors come with political life, but while he was willing to be more lenient on members of the Government who called on him to step down during the height of the investigation, he was not holding back on members of the Opposition.
"The politics locally better be careful, cause I coming very good. To the (Keith) Rowleys and the (Fitzgerald) Hinds of this world, I coming very good," he said.
He described their call for his removal as "foolishness".
"You really believe I should dignify that foolishness they talking about? Hinds and Rowley? You really feel I should talk about Hinds and Rowley?" he asked.
Lalla said there was no legal basis for Warner to resign from his Ministerial post.
Warner said this resignation does not change his $1-per-month salary.
"Nothing has changed. Why should that change? Don't worry about me too much. I'm okay and I have a job to do," he said.
Warner said the country will now benefit from his full concentration.
"Football is at a rest for the meantime," Lalla said.
Warner, Qatari millionaire Mohamed bin Hammam and two members of the CFU were suspended at the end of May after allegations surfaced that CFU delegates were each offered US$40,000 at a meeting in Trinidad last month in the build-up to FIFA presidential elections. Warner appealed his suspension, but resigned before the investigation was complete.
Despite the tenuous situation within FIFA during the investigation process, Warner said he remained friends with four time FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
"We have our differences, but that does not make us enemies. We are still friends man, and I'll tell you however that in some time I would say much more on that," he said.
The Express was told by a source that Warner initiated resignation proceedings the day after his June 5 Indian Arrival Day celebrations and it was only confirmed and accepted by FIFA yesterday.
Warner jumped before he was pushed.
Former Member
I'D RATHER DIE FIRST
Jack now FIFA 'witness' but refuses to meet with ex-FBI director 
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 21, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...FIRST-124327953.html
Works Minister Jack Warner said he would rather "die first" than meet with former Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) director Louis Freeh, who has been retained by FIFA to investigate allegations of bribery within the organisation.
Warner has refused to meet with the former director, citing his (Freeh's) American nationality and his possible link and friendship with fellow American and whistleblower Chuck Blazer. Warner blamed Blazer for the controversial allegations, saying he (Blazer) sought to undermine Warner's 30-year association with FIFA.
Warner said he would cooperate with the on-going investigations into bribery allegations against Qatari Mohamed bin Hammam and Caribbean Football Union's executive coordinator Jason Sylvester and assistant to the general secretary, Debbie Minguell, but would not meet with Freeh.
Om Lalla, Warner's local lawyer and "legal mouthpiece", yesterday confirmed that Warner was contacted by FIFA's ethics committee, but said Warner would not be attending the meeting.
"He has been contacted, but the hearing is at the end of June and Mr Warner would be unavailable to attend at this stage, " Lalla said in a telephone interview yesterday.
This was at odds with a media statement sent by FIFA yesterday, which confirmed that Warner was willing to "appear as a witness in the continuing ethics committee investigation into bribery claims".
The release said Warner would be investigated as a witness "but not as an accused party," adding that Warner "offered his support to the ethics committee".
After Warner resigned on Monday, FIFA released a statement saying that "as a consequence of Mr Warner's resignation, all ethics committee procedures against him have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained". FIFA also said Warner would continue to be "involved as a witness in the continuing investigation into the allegations against Bin Hammam and the Caribbean associations".
When asked if Warner did not want to attend the meetings because of his refusal to meet with Freeh, Lalla would only say, "Mr Warner would not be meeting with anyone." Lalla also dismissed the calls from the Opposition for Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs to pursue the local investigation into Warner's bribery allegations.
"Gibbs has done the best and only thing that he could do, which is to write to FIFA. He cannot really do anything else at this point," Lalla said.
A source yesterday revealed that Warner was asked to be in Zurich, Switzerland, from June 22 to 24, but told the ethics committee that he was unavailable on those dates and for the month of July.
"The committee can push back the hearing to accommodate Warner's schedule or can proceed with the hearing without his contribution. This move though could push the hearing outside of Warner's suspension and any extension that FIFA may impose though, so only FIFA knows what they are going to do after that," he said.
Jack now FIFA 'witness' but refuses to meet with ex-FBI director
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 21, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...FIRST-124327953.html
Works Minister Jack Warner said he would rather "die first" than meet with former Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) director Louis Freeh, who has been retained by FIFA to investigate allegations of bribery within the organisation.
Warner has refused to meet with the former director, citing his (Freeh's) American nationality and his possible link and friendship with fellow American and whistleblower Chuck Blazer. Warner blamed Blazer for the controversial allegations, saying he (Blazer) sought to undermine Warner's 30-year association with FIFA.
Warner said he would cooperate with the on-going investigations into bribery allegations against Qatari Mohamed bin Hammam and Caribbean Football Union's executive coordinator Jason Sylvester and assistant to the general secretary, Debbie Minguell, but would not meet with Freeh.
Om Lalla, Warner's local lawyer and "legal mouthpiece", yesterday confirmed that Warner was contacted by FIFA's ethics committee, but said Warner would not be attending the meeting.
"He has been contacted, but the hearing is at the end of June and Mr Warner would be unavailable to attend at this stage, " Lalla said in a telephone interview yesterday.
This was at odds with a media statement sent by FIFA yesterday, which confirmed that Warner was willing to "appear as a witness in the continuing ethics committee investigation into bribery claims".
The release said Warner would be investigated as a witness "but not as an accused party," adding that Warner "offered his support to the ethics committee".
After Warner resigned on Monday, FIFA released a statement saying that "as a consequence of Mr Warner's resignation, all ethics committee procedures against him have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained". FIFA also said Warner would continue to be "involved as a witness in the continuing investigation into the allegations against Bin Hammam and the Caribbean associations".
When asked if Warner did not want to attend the meetings because of his refusal to meet with Freeh, Lalla would only say, "Mr Warner would not be meeting with anyone." Lalla also dismissed the calls from the Opposition for Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs to pursue the local investigation into Warner's bribery allegations.
"Gibbs has done the best and only thing that he could do, which is to write to FIFA. He cannot really do anything else at this point," Lalla said.
A source yesterday revealed that Warner was asked to be in Zurich, Switzerland, from June 22 to 24, but told the ethics committee that he was unavailable on those dates and for the month of July.
"The committee can push back the hearing to accommodate Warner's schedule or can proceed with the hearing without his contribution. This move though could push the hearing outside of Warner's suspension and any extension that FIFA may impose though, so only FIFA knows what they are going to do after that," he said.
Former Member
Bhai Eric this is a real long story yuh got abee pon booooooooy.
Yuh story start since last year when Manning Lost de elections because of de Crime & Corruption in Trinidad.
When will it end......if yuh cant move from the beginning after one year boooooy.
Yuh story start since last year when Manning Lost de elections because of de Crime & Corruption in Trinidad.
When will it end......if yuh cant move from the beginning after one year boooooy.
Former Member
Eric missed Pandey!!
Former Member
It's frightening, says Panday
By AA
Story Created: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...anday-124242224.html
FORMER prime minister Basdeo Panday says it would be in the Prime Minister's best interest to remove her adviser Sasha Mohammed considering the allegations surrounding her.
In a telephone interview with the Express yesterday, Panday said the People's Partnership Government "has displayed a level of spite and vindictiveness such as I have never seen" and it was evident considering that no action has yet been taken against Mohammed.
"It is absolutely frightening the ways they pick on people who they believe do not support them hook, line and sinker and I think that's very dangerous for the freedom of our country," he said.
Former journalist, now special adviser to the Prime Minister, Mohammed, has been exposed by police as the person from whose computer threatening e-mails were sent to Express editor-in-chief Omatie Lyder and reporter Anna Ramdass.
Police started the investigation after Lyder and Ramdass reported that they were threatened in an email dated January 30 sent by someone named Janice Thomas after the Express broke the story on the appointment of Mohammed's close friend, Reshmi Ramnarine, as SSA director.
The e-mail accused Lyder and Ramdass of having a personal vendetta against Ramnarine and warned that their day in the sun was over and they will face the consequences of their actions.
"I have heard many people, many people have come to me and said that they are frightened to say so and so, they are frightened to say this and say that and that's what I thought we voted against. I thought we voted against this level of fear that existed in the society but it seems to have intensified under this government, in that, they pick on everybody who they believe is not supporting them totally," Panday said.
Asked whether he thought Mohammed should be charged with a criminal offence, Panday said, "that is for the police to decide".
However, he does not believe the matter should ever reach the Attorney General as seems to be the norm with the People's Partnership Government.
"He has not displayed a level of impartiality that one expected him to do, in any case, I don't think the Attorney General should have the power to be judge, jury and executioner in this country, which he is".
"He prosecutes and persecutes a person, that is not correct that power should be taken away from him," he said.
Asked if he thought Persad-Bissessar should fire Mohammed, Panday said "it is in the best interest of the Prime Minister to remove a lot of them, not only that one".
"All of those who were appointed to surround her and protect her against unfavourable comments, I believe they should all be removed," he said.
By AA
Story Created: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...anday-124242224.html
FORMER prime minister Basdeo Panday says it would be in the Prime Minister's best interest to remove her adviser Sasha Mohammed considering the allegations surrounding her.
In a telephone interview with the Express yesterday, Panday said the People's Partnership Government "has displayed a level of spite and vindictiveness such as I have never seen" and it was evident considering that no action has yet been taken against Mohammed.
"It is absolutely frightening the ways they pick on people who they believe do not support them hook, line and sinker and I think that's very dangerous for the freedom of our country," he said.
Former journalist, now special adviser to the Prime Minister, Mohammed, has been exposed by police as the person from whose computer threatening e-mails were sent to Express editor-in-chief Omatie Lyder and reporter Anna Ramdass.
Police started the investigation after Lyder and Ramdass reported that they were threatened in an email dated January 30 sent by someone named Janice Thomas after the Express broke the story on the appointment of Mohammed's close friend, Reshmi Ramnarine, as SSA director.
The e-mail accused Lyder and Ramdass of having a personal vendetta against Ramnarine and warned that their day in the sun was over and they will face the consequences of their actions.
"I have heard many people, many people have come to me and said that they are frightened to say so and so, they are frightened to say this and say that and that's what I thought we voted against. I thought we voted against this level of fear that existed in the society but it seems to have intensified under this government, in that, they pick on everybody who they believe is not supporting them totally," Panday said.
Asked whether he thought Mohammed should be charged with a criminal offence, Panday said, "that is for the police to decide".
However, he does not believe the matter should ever reach the Attorney General as seems to be the norm with the People's Partnership Government.
"He has not displayed a level of impartiality that one expected him to do, in any case, I don't think the Attorney General should have the power to be judge, jury and executioner in this country, which he is".
"He prosecutes and persecutes a person, that is not correct that power should be taken away from him," he said.
Asked if he thought Persad-Bissessar should fire Mohammed, Panday said "it is in the best interest of the Prime Minister to remove a lot of them, not only that one".
"All of those who were appointed to surround her and protect her against unfavourable comments, I believe they should all be removed," he said.
Former Member
An act of pure self-preservation, says Manning
Story Created: Jun 21, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT
http://www.trinidadexpress.com...nning-124327943.html
The resignation of Jack Warner from FIFA is neither noble or self-sacrificial, according to former prime minister and Member of Parliament for San Fernando East, Patrick Manning.
Manning, in a statement yesterday, said Warner's resignation was an act of pure self-preservation.
Manning said Warner's behaviour has brought the country into disrepute and is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to remove him from her Cabinet.
He said, "Through him, Trinidad and Tobago is being humiliated, because he remains a Minister in our Cabinet. He is very aware of the harm being done to the nation, but hangs on to office, carelessly eroding the country's hard-earned global reputation. It is selfishness of the most abominable kind."
Warner is the Minister of Works and Transport.
"Jack Warner has brought shame and ignominy to Trinidad and Tobago. For this violation of the innocent citizens of our country, the Prime Minister, Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar has a moral duty to remove him forthwith from the Cabinet. Jack Warner must go. Enough is enough. Trinidad and Tobago must now stand up," Manning said.
He added, "I intend to suggest a certain move to the Parliamentary caucus of the PNM to deal, in Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament, with the behaviour of Jack Warner. I wish to go even further because we must completely distance ourselves from the FIFA culture of cronyism and corruption."
Story Created: Jun 21, 2011 at 10:44 PM ECT
http://www.trinidadexpress.com...nning-124327943.html
The resignation of Jack Warner from FIFA is neither noble or self-sacrificial, according to former prime minister and Member of Parliament for San Fernando East, Patrick Manning.
Manning, in a statement yesterday, said Warner's resignation was an act of pure self-preservation.
Manning said Warner's behaviour has brought the country into disrepute and is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to remove him from her Cabinet.
He said, "Through him, Trinidad and Tobago is being humiliated, because he remains a Minister in our Cabinet. He is very aware of the harm being done to the nation, but hangs on to office, carelessly eroding the country's hard-earned global reputation. It is selfishness of the most abominable kind."
Warner is the Minister of Works and Transport.
"Jack Warner has brought shame and ignominy to Trinidad and Tobago. For this violation of the innocent citizens of our country, the Prime Minister, Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar has a moral duty to remove him forthwith from the Cabinet. Jack Warner must go. Enough is enough. Trinidad and Tobago must now stand up," Manning said.
He added, "I intend to suggest a certain move to the Parliamentary caucus of the PNM to deal, in Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament, with the behaviour of Jack Warner. I wish to go even further because we must completely distance ourselves from the FIFA culture of cronyism and corruption."
Former Member
BREAKING NEWS! FIFA report: Warner an accessory to corruption
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:29 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:48 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...ption-124353974.html
A Fifa report seen by the Press Association says there is 'overwhelming evidence' that Mohamed bin Hammam used bribery in his presidential campaign.
The ethics committee also stated that former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner was "an accessory to corruption".
Warner resigned from his role on Monday and quit all football activities.
As a result, football's governing body dropped all investigations into Warner, adding that "the presumption of innocence is maintained".
However, the full report of the ethics committee headed by Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb said there was "comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming" proof that bribes had been paid to officials to support Bin Hammam's campaign for the Fifa presidency, and that Warner had facilitated this.
Both 68-year-old Warner, from Trinidad and Tobago, and Qatar's Bin Hammam, 62, were provisionally suspended on 29 May.
Bin Hammam withdrew as a candidate in the Fifa presidential race against Sepp Blatter on the morning of his ethics committee hearing on 29 May. Both Bin Hammam and Warner deny the allegations.
The 17-page Fifa report was faxed to Warner on 14 June. Three days later, he informed Fifa he was quitting.
The report obtained by the Press Association concludes that there was "compelling" evidence that Bin Hammam and Warner arranged a special meeting of the 25 members of the Caribbean Football Union [CFU] on 10 and 11 May in Trinidad and that, with their knowledge, cash gifts were handed over.
Statements from witnesses, contained in the report, said they were handed brown envelopes each containing 40,000 US dollars. One of the witnesses, Fred Lunn from the Bahamas, photographed the cash before returning it.
The document also stated that four witnesses claimed that Warner told the CFU delegates on 11 May that the "money for the 'gifts' allegedly distributed the day before had been apparently provided by Mr Bin Hammam".
Warner's evidence to the 29 May hearing is described as "mere self-serving declarations" and that he "failed to provide the Fifa ethics committee with a plausible explanation".
Bin Hammam said in a statement: "There is nothing I can say more than I deny the allegations and insist that I have not done anything wrong during the special Congress at Trinidad."
Damian Collins, the Tory MP who is campaigning for a reform of Fifa, believes the case against Warner should be re-opened.
"This makes Fifa's claim that Warner can be presumed innocent absolutely incredible," he said. "I believe Jack Warner should be made to answer these charges it's not enough just for him to resign.
"This shows it was a big error of judgement by Sepp Blatter to call off the inquiry and cover this up.
"Fifa should also confirm Mohamed Bin Hammam should not similarly be allowed to resign in return for having the investigation dropped."
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:29 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:48 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...ption-124353974.html
A Fifa report seen by the Press Association says there is 'overwhelming evidence' that Mohamed bin Hammam used bribery in his presidential campaign.
The ethics committee also stated that former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner was "an accessory to corruption".
Warner resigned from his role on Monday and quit all football activities.
As a result, football's governing body dropped all investigations into Warner, adding that "the presumption of innocence is maintained".
However, the full report of the ethics committee headed by Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb said there was "comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming" proof that bribes had been paid to officials to support Bin Hammam's campaign for the Fifa presidency, and that Warner had facilitated this.
Both 68-year-old Warner, from Trinidad and Tobago, and Qatar's Bin Hammam, 62, were provisionally suspended on 29 May.
Bin Hammam withdrew as a candidate in the Fifa presidential race against Sepp Blatter on the morning of his ethics committee hearing on 29 May. Both Bin Hammam and Warner deny the allegations.
The 17-page Fifa report was faxed to Warner on 14 June. Three days later, he informed Fifa he was quitting.
The report obtained by the Press Association concludes that there was "compelling" evidence that Bin Hammam and Warner arranged a special meeting of the 25 members of the Caribbean Football Union [CFU] on 10 and 11 May in Trinidad and that, with their knowledge, cash gifts were handed over.
Statements from witnesses, contained in the report, said they were handed brown envelopes each containing 40,000 US dollars. One of the witnesses, Fred Lunn from the Bahamas, photographed the cash before returning it.
The document also stated that four witnesses claimed that Warner told the CFU delegates on 11 May that the "money for the 'gifts' allegedly distributed the day before had been apparently provided by Mr Bin Hammam".
Warner's evidence to the 29 May hearing is described as "mere self-serving declarations" and that he "failed to provide the Fifa ethics committee with a plausible explanation".
Bin Hammam said in a statement: "There is nothing I can say more than I deny the allegations and insist that I have not done anything wrong during the special Congress at Trinidad."
Damian Collins, the Tory MP who is campaigning for a reform of Fifa, believes the case against Warner should be re-opened.
"This makes Fifa's claim that Warner can be presumed innocent absolutely incredible," he said. "I believe Jack Warner should be made to answer these charges it's not enough just for him to resign.
"This shows it was a big error of judgement by Sepp Blatter to call off the inquiry and cover this up.
"Fifa should also confirm Mohamed Bin Hammam should not similarly be allowed to resign in return for having the investigation dropped."
Former Member
Jack blasts FIFA leak
...Denies he was 'accessory' to corruption
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._leaK-124397848.html
Works Minister Jack Warner yesterday lashed out at "sections" of world football body FIFA for feeding "misleading" information to the international media in a bid to undermine his legacy and Caribbean standing in FIFA affairs.
A 17-page document from FIFA's Ethics Committee leaked to the international press alleged that FIFA had "compelling" evidence that Asian soccer chief Mohamed bin Hammam and Warner conspired to bribe voters in the organisation's presidential election before it suspended them from world soccer's governing body.
FIFA's ethics committee concluded that the allegations bin Hammam offered US$40,000 cash payments to Caribbean officials "constitute prima facie an act of bribery".
Officials from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands provided witness statements that were "coherent, credible and detailed," the panel decided. A report into Warner's case, seen by several international news organisations including The Associated Press and Bloomberg said Warner was an accessory to bribery who offered "mere self-serving declarations" at a hearing last month.
The report was sent on June 14 to Warner, a 28-year veteran of FIFA's ruling executive committee who led the North, Central American and Caribbean regional body since 1990.
British media reported that parts of the document were first shown by the UK Press Association.
The ethics panel, headed by Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb, studied witness statements from officials representing four Caribbean federations who were allegedly offered brown envelopes stuffed with US$100 bills after hearing bin Hammam's election pitch on May 10 at a meeting at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) Hotel in Port of Spain.
Warner resigned on Monday as FIFA vice president and that of President of Concacaf and Caribbean Football Union.
The international media reported information allegedly culled from a FIFA Ethics Committee report which stated that Warner received the report on June 14 informing him of FIFA's findings that there was "comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming" evidence that he was involved in the controversial bribery scandal.
The whistleblowers said Warner told delegates that "the cash gift had been provided by Mr bin Hammam.
"The accused further stated that he had advised Mr bin Hammam to bring the cash equivalent of any gift he intended to bring to the delegates," Associated Press, stated quoting from the report.
FIFA declined to comment yesterday on the leaked report, which was first revealed by Britain's Press Association news agency.
Warner immediately responded yesterday, saying:
"It is my information that the purported "decision" document was not released by FIFA; nor was its circulation authorised by FIFA."
"As far as I was able to establish, the FIFA Ethics Committee report, which is being scurrilously circulated, summarizes the considerations on which the FIFA Ethics Committee decided on suspensions and a full hearing involving the subjects of the allegations on bid-rigging," Warner said.
Warner said it was interesting to note that investigations into the allegations were still "ongoing" and any suggestion that this was the Ethics Committee final findings was "false and misleading".
Warner said in accordance with "due process", FIFA Ethics Committee sent four copies of the preliminary investigations on May 29, one each by fax and a courier, one to his lawyer and another to the Concacaf office in New York, United States.
"The copies sent to me and my attorney could not possibly have been accessed by any scurrilous party bent on the malice manifestly intended in the anonymous leaks to the media in an investigation that is still ongoing," he noted.
Warner said he "had absolutely no doubt" that this latest development was an attempt to destroy the standing of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and undermine its influence in FIFA affairs.
"It is now evident that there are those in a section of the FIFA fraternity who, in the face of FIFA's stated position and its voluntary recognition of my contribution to world football and by definition to FIFA, will stop at no lengths to destroy my legacy and destabilise the Caribbean region," he said.
Warner said he fully expected these "vicious attacks" to continue from people with "hidden agendas".
"I, Jack Warner, did not partake in the distribution of any cash gifts to my members," he said.
He said when he announced his decision to resign on Monday, all the procedures regarding him and the FIFA Ethics Committee was "discontinued".
...Denies he was 'accessory' to corruption
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._leaK-124397848.html
Works Minister Jack Warner yesterday lashed out at "sections" of world football body FIFA for feeding "misleading" information to the international media in a bid to undermine his legacy and Caribbean standing in FIFA affairs.
A 17-page document from FIFA's Ethics Committee leaked to the international press alleged that FIFA had "compelling" evidence that Asian soccer chief Mohamed bin Hammam and Warner conspired to bribe voters in the organisation's presidential election before it suspended them from world soccer's governing body.
FIFA's ethics committee concluded that the allegations bin Hammam offered US$40,000 cash payments to Caribbean officials "constitute prima facie an act of bribery".
Officials from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands provided witness statements that were "coherent, credible and detailed," the panel decided. A report into Warner's case, seen by several international news organisations including The Associated Press and Bloomberg said Warner was an accessory to bribery who offered "mere self-serving declarations" at a hearing last month.
The report was sent on June 14 to Warner, a 28-year veteran of FIFA's ruling executive committee who led the North, Central American and Caribbean regional body since 1990.
British media reported that parts of the document were first shown by the UK Press Association.
The ethics panel, headed by Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb, studied witness statements from officials representing four Caribbean federations who were allegedly offered brown envelopes stuffed with US$100 bills after hearing bin Hammam's election pitch on May 10 at a meeting at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) Hotel in Port of Spain.
Warner resigned on Monday as FIFA vice president and that of President of Concacaf and Caribbean Football Union.
The international media reported information allegedly culled from a FIFA Ethics Committee report which stated that Warner received the report on June 14 informing him of FIFA's findings that there was "comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming" evidence that he was involved in the controversial bribery scandal.
The whistleblowers said Warner told delegates that "the cash gift had been provided by Mr bin Hammam.
"The accused further stated that he had advised Mr bin Hammam to bring the cash equivalent of any gift he intended to bring to the delegates," Associated Press, stated quoting from the report.
FIFA declined to comment yesterday on the leaked report, which was first revealed by Britain's Press Association news agency.
Warner immediately responded yesterday, saying:
"It is my information that the purported "decision" document was not released by FIFA; nor was its circulation authorised by FIFA."
"As far as I was able to establish, the FIFA Ethics Committee report, which is being scurrilously circulated, summarizes the considerations on which the FIFA Ethics Committee decided on suspensions and a full hearing involving the subjects of the allegations on bid-rigging," Warner said.
Warner said it was interesting to note that investigations into the allegations were still "ongoing" and any suggestion that this was the Ethics Committee final findings was "false and misleading".
Warner said in accordance with "due process", FIFA Ethics Committee sent four copies of the preliminary investigations on May 29, one each by fax and a courier, one to his lawyer and another to the Concacaf office in New York, United States.
"The copies sent to me and my attorney could not possibly have been accessed by any scurrilous party bent on the malice manifestly intended in the anonymous leaks to the media in an investigation that is still ongoing," he noted.
Warner said he "had absolutely no doubt" that this latest development was an attempt to destroy the standing of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and undermine its influence in FIFA affairs.
"It is now evident that there are those in a section of the FIFA fraternity who, in the face of FIFA's stated position and its voluntary recognition of my contribution to world football and by definition to FIFA, will stop at no lengths to destroy my legacy and destabilise the Caribbean region," he said.
Warner said he fully expected these "vicious attacks" to continue from people with "hidden agendas".
"I, Jack Warner, did not partake in the distribution of any cash gifts to my members," he said.
He said when he announced his decision to resign on Monday, all the procedures regarding him and the FIFA Ethics Committee was "discontinued".
Former Member
British press reports $230,000 FIFA pension for Warner
By Keino Swamber South Bureau
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...arner-124397838.html
ALTHOUGH Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner insisted on several occasions that he did not receive a salary for his role as vice-president of FIFA, reports in the British press yesterday stated that he stands to benefit from a pension of approximately $230,000 a year.
This was revealed in an article published by the UK Guardian.
Another report, published in the Telegraph, referred to a secret report of FIFA's Ethics Committee which claimed that there was convincing evidence that Warner and former FIFA presidential candidate Qatari Mohamed bin Hammam conspired to bribe voters in the organisation's presidential election before it suspended them from world soccer's governing body.
Contacted by the Express for comment yesterday, Fuad Khan vice chairman of the United National Congress (UNC), of which Warner is chairman, said he wanted to err on the side of caution and withhold making a statement on the articles.
"If it is not an official report, I don't want to comment on something like that," Khan said. "Commenting on a secret report (could have serious implications) if it is not true. It would be unfair for me to do so."
Khan had, only recently, called on all party members to resist rumour mongering, hearsay, and any vilification that may lead to Warner's conviction as FIFA vice president.
He also called on party members to stand behind Warner and insisted that Warner must be presumed innocent until otherwise proven.
Warner resigned suddenly from his FIFA executive position on Monday.
The surprise resignation came after an investigation was launched by FIFA's ethics committee into an allegation that he offered bribes of US$40,000 each to members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to vote for bin Hammam on June 1.
The article in the UK Guardian states that FIFA has accrued a pension pot of US$16.8 million to pay a pension to all long-serving executive committee members of the world football governing body. Warner, 68, has served as FIFA's vice-president for 28 consecutive years.
It is expected that Warner will collect the pension payment for as many years as he has served on the executive committee which means that he will continue to be paid until he reaches the age of 96.
In a statement on Monday, FIFA said all ethics committee procedures against Warner have been closed as a consequence of his "self-determined" resignation and that his presumption of innocence has remained intact.
After he was sworn in as a minister last year, Chaguanas West Member of Parliament announced that he would take only one dollar from his ministerial salary of $38,000 and donate the rest to charity.
By Keino Swamber South Bureau
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...arner-124397838.html
ALTHOUGH Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner insisted on several occasions that he did not receive a salary for his role as vice-president of FIFA, reports in the British press yesterday stated that he stands to benefit from a pension of approximately $230,000 a year.
This was revealed in an article published by the UK Guardian.
Another report, published in the Telegraph, referred to a secret report of FIFA's Ethics Committee which claimed that there was convincing evidence that Warner and former FIFA presidential candidate Qatari Mohamed bin Hammam conspired to bribe voters in the organisation's presidential election before it suspended them from world soccer's governing body.
Contacted by the Express for comment yesterday, Fuad Khan vice chairman of the United National Congress (UNC), of which Warner is chairman, said he wanted to err on the side of caution and withhold making a statement on the articles.
"If it is not an official report, I don't want to comment on something like that," Khan said. "Commenting on a secret report (could have serious implications) if it is not true. It would be unfair for me to do so."
Khan had, only recently, called on all party members to resist rumour mongering, hearsay, and any vilification that may lead to Warner's conviction as FIFA vice president.
He also called on party members to stand behind Warner and insisted that Warner must be presumed innocent until otherwise proven.
Warner resigned suddenly from his FIFA executive position on Monday.
The surprise resignation came after an investigation was launched by FIFA's ethics committee into an allegation that he offered bribes of US$40,000 each to members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to vote for bin Hammam on June 1.
The article in the UK Guardian states that FIFA has accrued a pension pot of US$16.8 million to pay a pension to all long-serving executive committee members of the world football governing body. Warner, 68, has served as FIFA's vice-president for 28 consecutive years.
It is expected that Warner will collect the pension payment for as many years as he has served on the executive committee which means that he will continue to be paid until he reaches the age of 96.
In a statement on Monday, FIFA said all ethics committee procedures against Warner have been closed as a consequence of his "self-determined" resignation and that his presumption of innocence has remained intact.
After he was sworn in as a minister last year, Chaguanas West Member of Parliament announced that he would take only one dollar from his ministerial salary of $38,000 and donate the rest to charity.
Former Member
COP members chant 'Fire Jack' at City Hall
By Anna Ramdass
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._Hall-124397843.html
Fire Jack!
This was the chant by some members of the Congress of the People (COP) as the candidates on the leadership race focussed on the Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner at an election debate at City Hall, Port of Spain on Tuesday.
Three of the four contenders for the political leadership post Anil Roberts, Prakash Ramadhar and Vernon De Lima were questioned on Warner's recent resignation from FIFA.
Warner and Asian football head Mohamed bin Hammam, who eventually withdrew his nomination for the post of FIFA president, were accused of offering bribes to members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) at a meeting in Trinidad, in May, in exchange for votes. Both men were suspended by FIFA and pending an investigation by FIFA's Ethics Committee. After Warner's resignation on Monday FIFA issued a release stating the presumption of innocence on Warner's part would be maintained.
Roberts, who had previously defended Warner saying he should not step down in the face of a probe, said at the debate that he would not have resigned but stayed on to ensure that his name was cleared.
"I would have ensured that the investigation went to its complete conclusion to ensure that not only my citizens in Trinidad and Tobago but the world at large would have known that I had nothing to do with such allegations, that they were unfounded and untrue," said Roberts.
"...Clearly one must understand when allegations are made at any point in time I would prefer that they follow their full investigations to clear my name because your name is all you have," he added.
He stood his ground, however, saying,
"Furthermore I think it is irresponsible to suggest that if allegations are made against anyone and they deny those allegations that they should stop serving the people until an investigation is completed because that means that their work would be thwarted by those who have mischievous intentions".
Roberts denied that Warner was financing his campaign.
De Lima said that Warner should resign as a Government Minister as his controversy was negatively impacting on the image of this country.
"The reputation of our beloved Trinidad and Tobago has been tarnished...is Trinidad and Tobago more important than Jack Warner, the answer is yes, for me it is and in my respectful view Mr Jack Warner should step aside", said De Lima.
Ramadhar, who was criticised by Warner for saying he should step down said the people will judge Warner.
"I will not be judged by Mr Warner, let's make that very clear. I will be judged by the members of the Congress of the People," said Ramadhar.
He said he stands by the position of the COP, "Our view is the standard that has been set is that anyone, including myself, anybody in public life must step aside to allow an investigation to go on".
By Anna Ramdass
Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 11:53 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._Hall-124397843.html
Fire Jack!
This was the chant by some members of the Congress of the People (COP) as the candidates on the leadership race focussed on the Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner at an election debate at City Hall, Port of Spain on Tuesday.
Three of the four contenders for the political leadership post Anil Roberts, Prakash Ramadhar and Vernon De Lima were questioned on Warner's recent resignation from FIFA.
Warner and Asian football head Mohamed bin Hammam, who eventually withdrew his nomination for the post of FIFA president, were accused of offering bribes to members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) at a meeting in Trinidad, in May, in exchange for votes. Both men were suspended by FIFA and pending an investigation by FIFA's Ethics Committee. After Warner's resignation on Monday FIFA issued a release stating the presumption of innocence on Warner's part would be maintained.
Roberts, who had previously defended Warner saying he should not step down in the face of a probe, said at the debate that he would not have resigned but stayed on to ensure that his name was cleared.
"I would have ensured that the investigation went to its complete conclusion to ensure that not only my citizens in Trinidad and Tobago but the world at large would have known that I had nothing to do with such allegations, that they were unfounded and untrue," said Roberts.
"...Clearly one must understand when allegations are made at any point in time I would prefer that they follow their full investigations to clear my name because your name is all you have," he added.
He stood his ground, however, saying,
"Furthermore I think it is irresponsible to suggest that if allegations are made against anyone and they deny those allegations that they should stop serving the people until an investigation is completed because that means that their work would be thwarted by those who have mischievous intentions".
Roberts denied that Warner was financing his campaign.
De Lima said that Warner should resign as a Government Minister as his controversy was negatively impacting on the image of this country.
"The reputation of our beloved Trinidad and Tobago has been tarnished...is Trinidad and Tobago more important than Jack Warner, the answer is yes, for me it is and in my respectful view Mr Jack Warner should step aside", said De Lima.
Ramadhar, who was criticised by Warner for saying he should step down said the people will judge Warner.
"I will not be judged by Mr Warner, let's make that very clear. I will be judged by the members of the Congress of the People," said Ramadhar.
He said he stands by the position of the COP, "Our view is the standard that has been set is that anyone, including myself, anybody in public life must step aside to allow an investigation to go on".
Former Member
COP CRIES FOUL
...Carolyn accepts new ministry under duress
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 26, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 27, 2011 at 9:45 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._foul-124577224.html
A LETTER of complaint from the Congress of the People (COP) denouncing changes in the People's Partnership administration was delivered to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last night.
The letter was drafted by the executive members of the party after an impromptu closed-door meeting at the Tunapuna constituency office of the political leader Winston Dookeran yesterday.
Sources said the letter, drafted by Dookeran, party chairman Joseph Toney and deputy political leaders Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, Robert Mayers and Prakash Ramadhar and others expressed "strong disagreement" on the Parliamentary changes that surfaced after Saturday's reshuffle.
The letter outlined the party's overall dissatisfaction with the reshuffle and that the move resulted in a worrying "reduction of COP presence" within the coalition's Government representation.
The letter, sources said, identified as a source of discontent, Seepersad-Bachan's removal as the Minister of Energy and the proposal to move her to the Ministry of Public Administration.
Sources said it referred to the reshuffle as an "exercise (that) was not conducted in the spirit of the coalition", and called for an immediate meeting between the COP leadership and the Prime Minister "before the finalisation" of the re-appointments.
Seepersad-Bachan, who initially refused the new ministerial portfolio made the last minute decision yesterday to accept it.
"If it was up to me personally, I would not accept it. But I am a member of the COP and as such I must be guided by my executives. But if it was just up to me I would have been out of there," she said yesterday.
"There was no justification for it. There is so much unfinished work in the Ministry. But again I will be guided by the COP and the spirit of coalition. I have to stay," she said. Seepersad-Bachan said she had no problem with her new Ministry, but was not happy with the way the reshuffle was handled.
"Yes I was taken by surprise. There was no reason for it, given the track record we were building," she said.
"In the interest of structure and cohesion of the People's Partnership it is important that I stay in Cabinet and therefore I will take the position. I will humble myself and take the position," she said yesterday.
Seepersad-Bachan said she returned from London on Friday night and attended Saturday's meeting without any idea of what to expect.
Dookeran, who also returned to the country on Friday night, said yesterday he was at Saturday's meeting at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's during the reshuffle process. He said he was not previously informed of any intention to move Seepersad-Bachan from the Ministry of Energy.
"We met today (yesterday) to discuss the issue of the Cabinet reshuffling, but we have nothing further to say at this point," he said.
A source close to Seepersad-Bachan said she was not given "any good reason" for her removal.
"The Energy Ministry was getting so many positive reviews in the past year. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was beginning to grow and now all of a sudden they changing the face of the Ministry. That could shake the confidence of people willing to invest millions of dollars in the country," a Ministry source said.
Another senior COP member, Senator Prof Patrick Watson, was axed after Saturday's reshuffle.
Watson said he would wait for the final say to come from the Prime Minister, but said he was informed that his appointment would be revoked.
"I was not an elected Member of Parliament. I was there at the Prime Minister's behest. The Prime Minister giveth and the Prime Minister taketh away apparently," he said in a brief telephone interview yesterday.
Watson said he would have more to say once the Prime Minister confirmed the new positions and new removals.
"I don't want to preempt what she would say, but I was informed that the PM was going to the President and have my appointment revoked. I am unhappy, but only because now a lot of people could turn around and say "we told you so"," he said.
"But it is becoming quite evident that it was COP that is now hung out to dry," Watson said.
News of a Cabinet reshuffle and other changes emerged on Saturday after the Prime Minister summoned her Cabinet and Government Senators at the Diplomatic Centre.
Three new ministers are scheduled to take the oath of office this morning, at Knowsley building, Port of Spain some three hours before the ceremonial opening of the 10th Parliament.
Minister of Health Therese Baptiste-Cornelis, Minister of Public Administration Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam, Watson and Subhas Panday were all axed, making way for the four new senators Devant Maharaj, chairman of the Public Transport Service Commission (PTSC), to assume the portfolio of Minister of Transport, Verna St Rose Greaves to assume the portfolio of Gender, Youth and Child Development Minister, Nicole Dyer-Griffith and Terrence Baynes.
Former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Fuad Khan will assume the portfolio as Health Minister. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Jairam Seemungal was also tipped to replace Khan as Deputy Speaker.
Panday confirmed that his appointment was revoked. Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George will replace him.
Sources told the Express that Baptiste-Cornelis, Ramgoolam and Panday were all offered diplomatic postings.
Panday, who also served as Minister in the Ministry of National Security, said he declined the offer to serve as the Consular General to Toronto and will return to his family's private law practice.
"In the one year (I served) I enjoyed it, made good contacts, was able to help the police and prisons and I wish my successor good luck. I want to thank the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the country. My loyalty remains to the party and the Prime Minister," Panday said in a brief telephone interview.
Sources said Baptiste-Cornelis was offered a diplomatic posting to Geneva and Ramgoolam to New York.
...Carolyn accepts new ministry under duress
By Renuka Singh
Story Created: Jun 26, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 27, 2011 at 9:45 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com..._foul-124577224.html
A LETTER of complaint from the Congress of the People (COP) denouncing changes in the People's Partnership administration was delivered to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last night.
The letter was drafted by the executive members of the party after an impromptu closed-door meeting at the Tunapuna constituency office of the political leader Winston Dookeran yesterday.
Sources said the letter, drafted by Dookeran, party chairman Joseph Toney and deputy political leaders Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, Robert Mayers and Prakash Ramadhar and others expressed "strong disagreement" on the Parliamentary changes that surfaced after Saturday's reshuffle.
The letter outlined the party's overall dissatisfaction with the reshuffle and that the move resulted in a worrying "reduction of COP presence" within the coalition's Government representation.
The letter, sources said, identified as a source of discontent, Seepersad-Bachan's removal as the Minister of Energy and the proposal to move her to the Ministry of Public Administration.
Sources said it referred to the reshuffle as an "exercise (that) was not conducted in the spirit of the coalition", and called for an immediate meeting between the COP leadership and the Prime Minister "before the finalisation" of the re-appointments.
Seepersad-Bachan, who initially refused the new ministerial portfolio made the last minute decision yesterday to accept it.
"If it was up to me personally, I would not accept it. But I am a member of the COP and as such I must be guided by my executives. But if it was just up to me I would have been out of there," she said yesterday.
"There was no justification for it. There is so much unfinished work in the Ministry. But again I will be guided by the COP and the spirit of coalition. I have to stay," she said. Seepersad-Bachan said she had no problem with her new Ministry, but was not happy with the way the reshuffle was handled.
"Yes I was taken by surprise. There was no reason for it, given the track record we were building," she said.
"In the interest of structure and cohesion of the People's Partnership it is important that I stay in Cabinet and therefore I will take the position. I will humble myself and take the position," she said yesterday.
Seepersad-Bachan said she returned from London on Friday night and attended Saturday's meeting without any idea of what to expect.
Dookeran, who also returned to the country on Friday night, said yesterday he was at Saturday's meeting at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's during the reshuffle process. He said he was not previously informed of any intention to move Seepersad-Bachan from the Ministry of Energy.
"We met today (yesterday) to discuss the issue of the Cabinet reshuffling, but we have nothing further to say at this point," he said.
A source close to Seepersad-Bachan said she was not given "any good reason" for her removal.
"The Energy Ministry was getting so many positive reviews in the past year. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was beginning to grow and now all of a sudden they changing the face of the Ministry. That could shake the confidence of people willing to invest millions of dollars in the country," a Ministry source said.
Another senior COP member, Senator Prof Patrick Watson, was axed after Saturday's reshuffle.
Watson said he would wait for the final say to come from the Prime Minister, but said he was informed that his appointment would be revoked.
"I was not an elected Member of Parliament. I was there at the Prime Minister's behest. The Prime Minister giveth and the Prime Minister taketh away apparently," he said in a brief telephone interview yesterday.
Watson said he would have more to say once the Prime Minister confirmed the new positions and new removals.
"I don't want to preempt what she would say, but I was informed that the PM was going to the President and have my appointment revoked. I am unhappy, but only because now a lot of people could turn around and say "we told you so"," he said.
"But it is becoming quite evident that it was COP that is now hung out to dry," Watson said.
News of a Cabinet reshuffle and other changes emerged on Saturday after the Prime Minister summoned her Cabinet and Government Senators at the Diplomatic Centre.
Three new ministers are scheduled to take the oath of office this morning, at Knowsley building, Port of Spain some three hours before the ceremonial opening of the 10th Parliament.
Minister of Health Therese Baptiste-Cornelis, Minister of Public Administration Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam, Watson and Subhas Panday were all axed, making way for the four new senators Devant Maharaj, chairman of the Public Transport Service Commission (PTSC), to assume the portfolio of Minister of Transport, Verna St Rose Greaves to assume the portfolio of Gender, Youth and Child Development Minister, Nicole Dyer-Griffith and Terrence Baynes.
Former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Fuad Khan will assume the portfolio as Health Minister. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Jairam Seemungal was also tipped to replace Khan as Deputy Speaker.
Panday confirmed that his appointment was revoked. Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George will replace him.
Sources told the Express that Baptiste-Cornelis, Ramgoolam and Panday were all offered diplomatic postings.
Panday, who also served as Minister in the Ministry of National Security, said he declined the offer to serve as the Consular General to Toronto and will return to his family's private law practice.
"In the one year (I served) I enjoyed it, made good contacts, was able to help the police and prisons and I wish my successor good luck. I want to thank the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the country. My loyalty remains to the party and the Prime Minister," Panday said in a brief telephone interview.
Sources said Baptiste-Cornelis was offered a diplomatic posting to Geneva and Ramgoolam to New York.
Former Member
Utilities Minister still checking Omar's degrees
By Keino Swamber South Bureau
Story Created: Jul 5, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 5, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...grees-125055869.html
PUBLIC Utilities Minister Emmanuel George says checks are still being made into the validity of the qualifications purportedly held by T&TEC chairman, Omar Khan. However George says even if it is determined that Khan does not possess a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Arthur Lok Jack Institute of Business, as he claims, the board will still be considered properly constituted.
George told the Express yesterday, "I haven't completed the checks as yet. I can't say at this time whether the qualifications as stated on the resume are legitimate. Have you called Mr Khan and asked him ?"
Told that Khan had refused to comment on the matter last month, George said he believes Khan is the best person to ask about his qualifications.
"Anyway, we're doing our own checks and, when we are through, we will see what we have to say. But in the fullness of time all will be revealed.
"There isn't any compromising of the validity of the board or whether the board can operate. It is properly constituted.
"If you read the (Trinidad and Tobago Electricity) Act and read the section where it speaks to the constitution of the board it will be very clear. The law doesn't say that the chairman has to have a degree at all. It doesn't say anything about that.
"Even if Mr Khan is not as qualified as he says, the board will still be properly constituted. Read what the Act says and you will understand the mischief that is being made. It doesn't even say you need to have a Bsc."
On Monday, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley called on George to say whether Khan is qualified to hold the position of chairman.
Rowley was speaking to reporters at a news conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Port of Spain.
He said no proof exists to suggest that Khan is a qualified and certified engineer and that checks with the University of Manitoba in Canada revealed that the University does offer engineering via distance learning.
Rowley said there is a developing trend of individuals purporting to have qualifications and certifications which are later proven to be fraudulent.
The Act, he said, clearly stipulates that a number of persons on the board must have special engineering qualifications.
By Keino Swamber South Bureau
Story Created: Jul 5, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 5, 2011 at 11:46 PM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...grees-125055869.html
PUBLIC Utilities Minister Emmanuel George says checks are still being made into the validity of the qualifications purportedly held by T&TEC chairman, Omar Khan. However George says even if it is determined that Khan does not possess a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Arthur Lok Jack Institute of Business, as he claims, the board will still be considered properly constituted.
George told the Express yesterday, "I haven't completed the checks as yet. I can't say at this time whether the qualifications as stated on the resume are legitimate. Have you called Mr Khan and asked him ?"
Told that Khan had refused to comment on the matter last month, George said he believes Khan is the best person to ask about his qualifications.
"Anyway, we're doing our own checks and, when we are through, we will see what we have to say. But in the fullness of time all will be revealed.
"There isn't any compromising of the validity of the board or whether the board can operate. It is properly constituted.
"If you read the (Trinidad and Tobago Electricity) Act and read the section where it speaks to the constitution of the board it will be very clear. The law doesn't say that the chairman has to have a degree at all. It doesn't say anything about that.
"Even if Mr Khan is not as qualified as he says, the board will still be properly constituted. Read what the Act says and you will understand the mischief that is being made. It doesn't even say you need to have a Bsc."
On Monday, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley called on George to say whether Khan is qualified to hold the position of chairman.
Rowley was speaking to reporters at a news conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Port of Spain.
He said no proof exists to suggest that Khan is a qualified and certified engineer and that checks with the University of Manitoba in Canada revealed that the University does offer engineering via distance learning.
Rowley said there is a developing trend of individuals purporting to have qualifications and certifications which are later proven to be fraudulent.
The Act, he said, clearly stipulates that a number of persons on the board must have special engineering qualifications.
Former Member
FIFA: New evidence will show Jack's involvement
By
Story Created: Jul 7, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 7, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...ement-125122754.html
A FIFA corruption investigation has concluded there is fresh evidence to support claims that former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and Mohamed bin Hammam colluded to offer bribes of up to US$1 million (£625,000) to Caribbean football officials, according to the London Telegraph newspaper.
The investigation, conducted by former Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) director Louis Freeh, is understood to have uncovered new evidence supporting the findings of the initial enquiry by lawyers acting for FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer.
Up to nine out of the 25 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) national associations have told Freeh that they were offered or witnessed bribes of up to US$40,000 per-nation (amounting to US$1 million) being offered in brown envelopes to delegates at a special meeting of the CFU in Trinidad in May.
The witnesses have also alleged that they heard Warner explicitly explain that the money was from bin Hammam and that it was linked to the Qatari's presidential election campaign.
Bin Hammam challenged Blatter for the June 1 vote but withdrew days before the election in the wake of the allegations coming to light.
FIFA confirmed yesterday that bin Hammam would now face a personal hearing before the Ethics Committee on July 22, with a verdict expected the following day. Warner no longer faces FIFA sanctions having resigned from all football posts on June 20 and did not meet with investigators.
A significant number of CFU nations, perhaps as many as a dozen, have declined to be interviewed, either refusing requests for meetings or dodging investigators during their travels in the Caribbean.
They could face disciplinary action as the Ethics Committee warned that it would "draw a negative inference" from failure to cooperate with Freeh. In the initial stages of the enquiry, 12 Caribbean nations wrote letters in support of Warner denying that they had witnessed any attempted bribery in Trinidad.
Warner, a FIFA vice-president at the time of the Trinidad meeting, resigned from all his football posts after receiving the Ethics Committee's initial findings, which declared there was "convincing and overwhelming evidence" against him.
FIFA dropped its investigation into Warner following his resignation but Freeh's report is understood to refer to his alleged role in the suspected bribery.
The report has not, however, established a more direct evidential link between bin Hammam and the cash offered in Trinidad, beyond witnesses reporting Warner's alleged comments at the meeting.
It is not clear what conclusions Freeh has reached about the actions of executive committee members Worawi Makudi of Thailand and Fernando Manilal of Sri Lanka, both of whom were with bin Hammam at the Trinidad meeting.
Freeh's findings have been passed to the FIFA Ethics Committee, which will meet later this month to consider the report and take evidence from bin Hammam Bin Hammam has insisted throughout this case that he is innocent of the charges and is the victim of a politically motivated attempt to discredit him ahead of the presidential election.
At the time of publication neither bin Hammam or Warner had responded to invitations to comment.
By
Story Created: Jul 7, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 7, 2011 at 12:54 AM ECT http://www.trinidadexpress.com...ement-125122754.html
A FIFA corruption investigation has concluded there is fresh evidence to support claims that former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and Mohamed bin Hammam colluded to offer bribes of up to US$1 million (£625,000) to Caribbean football officials, according to the London Telegraph newspaper.
The investigation, conducted by former Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) director Louis Freeh, is understood to have uncovered new evidence supporting the findings of the initial enquiry by lawyers acting for FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer.
Up to nine out of the 25 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) national associations have told Freeh that they were offered or witnessed bribes of up to US$40,000 per-nation (amounting to US$1 million) being offered in brown envelopes to delegates at a special meeting of the CFU in Trinidad in May.
The witnesses have also alleged that they heard Warner explicitly explain that the money was from bin Hammam and that it was linked to the Qatari's presidential election campaign.
Bin Hammam challenged Blatter for the June 1 vote but withdrew days before the election in the wake of the allegations coming to light.
FIFA confirmed yesterday that bin Hammam would now face a personal hearing before the Ethics Committee on July 22, with a verdict expected the following day. Warner no longer faces FIFA sanctions having resigned from all football posts on June 20 and did not meet with investigators.
A significant number of CFU nations, perhaps as many as a dozen, have declined to be interviewed, either refusing requests for meetings or dodging investigators during their travels in the Caribbean.
They could face disciplinary action as the Ethics Committee warned that it would "draw a negative inference" from failure to cooperate with Freeh. In the initial stages of the enquiry, 12 Caribbean nations wrote letters in support of Warner denying that they had witnessed any attempted bribery in Trinidad.
Warner, a FIFA vice-president at the time of the Trinidad meeting, resigned from all his football posts after receiving the Ethics Committee's initial findings, which declared there was "convincing and overwhelming evidence" against him.
FIFA dropped its investigation into Warner following his resignation but Freeh's report is understood to refer to his alleged role in the suspected bribery.
The report has not, however, established a more direct evidential link between bin Hammam and the cash offered in Trinidad, beyond witnesses reporting Warner's alleged comments at the meeting.
It is not clear what conclusions Freeh has reached about the actions of executive committee members Worawi Makudi of Thailand and Fernando Manilal of Sri Lanka, both of whom were with bin Hammam at the Trinidad meeting.
Freeh's findings have been passed to the FIFA Ethics Committee, which will meet later this month to consider the report and take evidence from bin Hammam Bin Hammam has insisted throughout this case that he is innocent of the charges and is the victim of a politically motivated attempt to discredit him ahead of the presidential election.
At the time of publication neither bin Hammam or Warner had responded to invitations to comment.
Former Member
Well Eric Queen Kamla doesnt look too good. Maybe the PNM might be back. Corrupt as they are they seem to know more about governing than this motley crowd.
Former Member
quote:Originally posted by caribj:
Well Eric Queen Kamla doesnt look too good. Maybe the PNM might be back. Corrupt as they are they seem to know more about governing than this motley crowd.
Ditto for the PPP/C
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