By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
May 25, 2011
Almost invariably, nations, parties and individuals possess different narratives of themselves some of which they present to the world; others that they keep quietly to protect themselves from the world and others. Some of these narratives are wrapped in perfumed sweetness while others are left to petrify, hidden from the public gaze, until their stink pollutes the nation and the self.
Continue reading Does She or Doesn’t She?
Trinidad Guardian
May 24, 2011 – guardian.co.tt
The findings of an opinion survey conducted by NACTA over the last week show the incumbent People’s Partnership (PP) Government has lost support while the PNM has managed to hold on to most of its support, just a year after the coalition won office by a landslide. However, if an election were called now, while the PP is likely to lose several seats, it will still retain office though by a narrow majority. Voters do not see any threat to the Government and they do not view the PNM as a viable alternative. The poll also shows Ministers Jack Warner, Roodal Moonilal, Glenn Ramadharsingh, and Vasant Bharath leading their colleagues in ratings for performance as well as in other measurements.
Continue reading NACTA: PP still leads PNM after one year
By Derren Joseph
May 23, 2011
Last week, I was trying to get to Anguilla for a meeting, only to be told while transiting through Antigua that the Anguilla airport was closed. Apparently the air traffic controller was not feeling well that day. Thanks to LIAT’s excellent customer service however, passengers were put up in a fairly decent hotel and treated to dinner. Thank you LIAT. The next morning we flew out to St Maarten, to catch the ferry across to Anguilla. While on board the ferry I looked around at the bankers from Barbados tapping away on their BlackBerry smartphones while the French tourists took lots of pictures, and then it struck me. What a resource we have in Trinidad with our inter island ferries and our Water Taxis! I look forward to seeing links on airline/tour operator/travel agency Web sites that allow incoming visitors to buy ferry/Water Taxi tickets while booking their flights/hotels. Those of us who use the local Water Taxi may take it for granted but for a visitor to our shores, that ride would be an amazing and memorable experience. The view alone is incredible. Added to which, our ferries are among the more modern boats in this part of the Caribbean, making for a much more comfortable experience than other islands.
Continue reading So much to do in T&T
By Michael Harris
May 23, 2011 – trinidadexpress.com
Last week I sought to examine how the People’s Partnership Government had fared in its first year in office and to assess its current and future impact on the politics of the country. Today I turn my attention to the People’s National Movement, the official Opposition (which is also observing, if not celebrating, an anniversary of sorts), to examine how it has fared in its first year in opposition following a most comprehensive defeat at the polls.
Continue reading The PNM and the politics
PM vows to make T&T a better place
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar wrapped up a national day of prayer at Rienzi Complex, Couva, last night by extending a branch of hope to the citizenry saying, “better days are coming.” Speaking with reporters last evening after handing out gifts to scores of supporters, Persad-Bissessar commented on recent polls which showed that her Government had a decline in its performance ratings for the past year. According to recent polls, including last Sunday’s ANSA McAL Psychological Research Centre’s poll in the Sunday Guardian, Persad-Bissessar’s rating has fallen over the last year. The PM said that despite the setbacks, she was committed to making T&T a better place.
Continue reading PM vows to make T&T a better place
By Raffique Shah
May 22, 2011
THE suspension of ex-prime minister Patrick Manning from the House last week triggered a national debate that is curious, to say the least. I think the penalty imposed on the nation’s longest serving MP was somewhat harsh. But I also hold that Manning is a “harden fella”, not unlike another ex-prime minister, Basdeo Panday, who was also suspended three years ago, but who rushed to Manning’s defence—something I find quite amusing.
Continue reading Patrick in trouble…again
THE EDITOR: The Chairman of the Integrity Commission Eric St Cyr has been quoted as saying that the controversy surrounding the award of the $40 million contract to Gopaul and Company Ltd could have been avoided if the Prime Minister had stayed at a hotel.
The alacrity in which the Commission’s Chairman responded is similar to the pace of response when the Opposition questioned the appointment of Jack Warner as a Minister whilst at the same time holding an Executive FIFA office.
Continue reading Time for the President to change the Integrity Commission
By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
May 18, 2011
Call me old fashioned if you wish. Whenever I feel like reading the Bible, I turn to the King James Bible (KJB). Ten years ago while I was in London I purchased a copy of the KJB, sometimes called the King James Version, bounded in Calfskin Leather, written on India paper with gilt edges. It was published by Cambridge University Press, the Queen’s Printer. This copy of the KJB possesses cross references, a Bible dictionary and the words of the Lord are written in red. After ten years, the book still smells of leather and is one of my prized possessions.
Continue reading Let there be Light
GOPAUL ARE MY FRIENDS
By Darcel Choy
May 18, 2011 – newsday.co.tt
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday said the owners of the house she stayed at on Maraj Street in Pasea, Tunapuna, during and after last year’s general election, were her friends.
“We are not blood relatives, we are not related by blood, not by blood or marriage, they were friends,” she said.
Speaking to members of the media after the opening of the Bon Air West Early Childhood Care and Education Centre, Persad-Bissessar confirmed she stayed at the home of Ralph and Maureen Gopaul.
Continue reading PM admits staying in house owned by NP favoured contractor
By Cecily Asson
May 17 2011 – newsday.co.tt
POLITICAL leader of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Ambassador Makandal Daaga, has expressed concern over the level of corruption that continues to play out itself in the country.
Speaking on Saturday at the founding congress of the Movement of Social Justice (MSJ) at Palms Club San Fernando, Dagga called on the government to “open our jail doors, and just pack them in.”
Continue reading NJAC leader concerned over extent of corruption in TT