Political Turnabout

“You’ll seldom experience regret for anything that you have done. It is what you haven’t done that will torment you. The message therefore is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savour it. Value your present moments. Using them up in self defeating ways means you’ve lost them forever.” Wayne Dyer – American Motivational Speaker b. 1940.

In last week’s column, I had some very caustic remarks for FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, a man whom I have admired and still do today. He is a source of inspiration for many and though I may have disagreed with his position when it came to the unity talks within the UNC, Mr. Warner is a man not known for reckless decisions and wanton disregard for the many interests he engages himself in. I remain firm on my analysis of the situation within the UNC and Mr. Warner shows genuine interests in reuniting the opposition forces to fight the next general elections and return good governance to Trinidad and Tobago. I laud his bold move and though I may not agree in the manner the entire event was orchestrated, Mr. Warner remains brave and resolute to the cause. According to his own words, he will either “rise or fall by his decision.” That is the mark of a brave man, so to Jack, good luck because you will need it.

According to Saint Augustine [Ancient Roman Christian Theologian 396 – 430], “There is something in humility that strangely exalts the heart.” Well, my heart is exalted and I acknowledge Mr. Warner for the tremendous contribution he has and continues to make to national development. For him, I have these words, “To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honours with humility- these are the marks of maturity and graciousness.

Moving on, the PNM 40th Convention took place last weekend and much of what was said was regurgitated rhetoric. Some of the speeches, documents and resolutions were of interests and I hope that my PNM friends had a great time. The interesting thing though was the big bluff that Prime Minister Patrick Manning issued during his speech on Sunday. First of all, the resignation of Franklin Khan as Party Chairman was the result of much discontent within the party. It was a manifestation of the deep seated hatred that exists among certain influential members of the party.

The hint of an impending general election was nothing more than a ruse to ensure that party members and officials fall back in line and was a reminder that they could loose power as was the case in 1995. Party divisions and conflicts are nothing new. However, how we deal with tension is a matter for conflict resolution and there exist several techniques at coming to amicable solutions that will benefit all. Fright and intimidation are outdated methods of ensuring compliance and it exposes the Prime Minister’s lack of creativity in dealing with conflicts within his own party.

The PNM is ripping apart at the seams and it will be traumatic for the entire national community given the fact that they are the ruling party. The Prime Minister will be well advised to deal with his own party conflicts and stay out of the affairs of the opposition United National Congress. My estimation remains the same- there will be no general election next year. Local government election will go ahead as scheduled and if by chance the situation deteriorates to the point of no return, general election will not come before September 18, 2006. I have just called your bluff, Mr. Prime Minister! As for the UNC, this childishness must stop and stop now. If a credible force is to emerge to fight the next election, some serious introspection and conflict resolution must be undertaken now or the party is heading for a collapse in the not to distant future.

According to Alan Cohen, “Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.” On many occasions, we hear of corruption within the Police Service and it does exist. However, I wish to take the opportunity to personally thank the men and women who risk their lives day after day to protect and serve. There are very many honest, intelligent and committed members of the Police Service and to them, I give my unconditional thanks.

Special appreciation goes out to Senior Superintendent Waldron Bishop who retired from the service as head of the North Eastern Division. Also coming in for special commendation is Desmond Lambert who was at one time head of the North Eastern Division and was transferred to the Special Anti Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago. I believe that his retirement is imminent as well. Many thanks to Acting Corporal Hernandez of the St. Joseph Police Station who rendered assistance to me in recent times.

I wish to make a special plea to the Minister of National Security to ensure the construction of a new St. Joseph Police Station as soon as possible. The officers at that station perform their daily duties in some trying conditions and this situation does nothing for the moral of the men and women who are forced to work there.

In order to enhance the dedication of these hard working men and women, the Member of Parliament for Barataria/San Juan, Dr. Fuad Khan had suggested some weeks ago that government initiate an insurance scheme for the members of the protective services, who for obvious reasons are forced to pay higher premiums because of their occupation. Government should establish together with the insurance industry a mechanism to have each officer insured for one million dollars. This will go a long way to motivating members of the service to give of their best whilst knowing that their families will be taken care of in the event of their death in the line of duty. Government should pay the premiums for the officers which in a way will act as a catalyst in preventing corruption within the service.

For the many officers of the service, I have these jokes for you:

Little Tommy’s kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station. There they saw pictures tacked to a big bulletin board. The label clearly read, “The 10 Most Wanted.”One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person.”Yes,” said the policeman, “the detectives want him very badly.”So Little Tommy asked, while tugging on the man’s belt, “Um, mister, why didn’t you keep them when you took their pictures?”
A traffic Policeman recently stopped a woman for exceeding the posted speed limit. He asked the driver her name.She said, “I’m Mrs. Chadivaler Zuminskagia Ragretumunga from the Republic of Uzbetikan visiting my daughter in Columbia.”As she finished speaking the cop paused for a moment and then put away his summons book and pen, and said, “Well… OK… but don’t let me catch you speeding again.”
Finally, this one is a classic and I hope that you enjoy it. Until next week, take care of yourself.

Three ladies were on a flight when suddenly the captain announced, "Please prepare for a crash landing!" The first lady put on all her jewellery. Surprised by this the other ladies questioned her actions. The first lady said, "Well when they come to rescue us they will see that I am rich and will rescue me first."The second lady not wanting to be left behind began to take off her top and bra. "Why are you doing that?" the other ladies questioned "Well when they come to rescue us, they will see my great tits and will take me first." The third lady who was African, not wanting to be out done took off her pants and panties. "Why are you doing that?" the other ladies questioned."Well they always search for the black box first?"