Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods

The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy. For example, plant geneticists can isolate a gene responsible for drought tolerance and insert that gene into a different plant. The new genetically modified plant will gain drought tolerance as well. Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but genes from non-plant organisms also can be used. The best-known example of this is the use of B.t. genes in corn and other crops. B.t., or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. B.t. crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own pesticides against insects such as the European corn borer.

The world population has exceeded 6 billion people and is predicted to double in the next 50 years. Ensuring an adequate food supply for this booming population is going to be a major challenge in the years to come. GM foods promise to meet this need in a number of ways:
Crop losses from insect pests can be staggering, resulting in devastating financial loss for farmers and starvation in developing countries. Farmers typically use many tons of chemical pesticides annually. Consumers do not wish to eat food that has been treated with pesticides because of potential health hazards, and run-off of agricultural wastes from excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers can poison the water supply and cause harm to the environment. Growing GM foods such as B.t. corn can help eliminate the application of chemical pesticides and reduce the cost of bringing a crop to market.

For some crops, it is not cost-effective to remove weeds by physical means such as tilling, so farmers will often spray large quantities of different herbicides (weed-killer) to destroy weeds, a time-consuming and expensive process that requires care so that the herbicide does not harm the crop plant or the environment. Crop plants genetically engineered to be resistant to one very powerful herbicide could help prevent environmental damage by reducing the amount of herbicides needed.
There are many viruses, fungi, and bacteria that cause plant diseases. Plant biologists are working to create plants with genetically engineered resistance to these diseases. Unexpected frost can destroy sensitive seedlings. An antifreeze gene from cold-water fish has been introduced into plants such as tobacco and potato. With this antifreeze gene, these plants are able to tolerate cold temperatures that normally would kill unmodified seedlings.

As the world population grows and more land is utilized for housing instead of food production, farmers will need to grow crops in locations previously unsuited for plant cultivation. Creating plants that can withstand long periods of drought or high salt content in soil and groundwater will help people grow crops in formerly inhospitable places.

Malnutrition is common in third world countries where impoverished peoples rely on a single crop such as rice for the main staple of their diet. However, rice does not contain adequate amounts of all necessary nutrients to prevent malnutrition. If rice could be genetically engineered to contain additional vitamins and minerals, nutrient deficiencies could be alleviated. For example, blindness due to vitamin A deficiency is a common problem in third world countries. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Institute for Plant Sciences have created a strain of "golden" rice containing an unusually high content of beta-carotene (vitamin A). Since this rice was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, a non-profit organization, the Institute hopes to offer the golden rice seed free to any third world country that requests it. Plans were underway to develop a golden rice that also has increased iron content.

Medicines and vaccines often are costly to produce and sometimes require special storage conditions not readily available in third world countries. Researchers are working to develop edible vaccines in tomatoes and potatoes. These vaccines will be much easier to ship, store and administer than traditional injectable vaccines.

Not all GM plants are grown as crops. Soil and groundwater pollution continues to be a problem in all parts of the world. Plants such as poplar trees have been genetically engineered to clean up heavy metal pollution from contaminated soil.
Environmental activists, religious organizations, public interest groups, professional associations and other scientists and government officials have all raised concerns about GM foods, and criticized agribusiness for pursuing profit without concern for potential hazards, and the government for failing to exercise adequate regulatory oversight. It seems that everyone has a strong opinion about GM foods. Even the Vatican and the Prince of Wales have expressed their opinions. Most concerns about GM foods fall into three categories: environmental hazards, human health risks, and economic concerns.
Last year a laboratory study was published in Nature showing that pollen from B.t. corn caused high mortality rates in monarch butterfly caterpillars. Monarch caterpillars consume milkweed plants, not corn, but the fear is that if pollen from B.t. corn is blown by the wind onto milkweed plants in neighboring fields, the caterpillars could eat the pollen and perish. Although the Nature study was not conducted under natural field conditions, the results seemed to support this viewpoint. Unfortunately, B.t. toxins kill many species of insect larvae indiscriminately; it is not possible to design a B.t. toxin that would only kill crop-damaging pests and remain harmless to all other insects.

Just as some populations of mosquitoes developed resistance to the now-banned pesticide DDT, many people are concerned that insects will become resistant to B.t. or other crops that have been genetically-modified to produce their own pesticides.

Another concern is that crop plants engineered for herbicide tolerance and weeds will crossbreed, resulting in the transfer of the herbicide resistance genes from the crops into the weeds. These "super weeds" would then be herbicide tolerant as well. Other introduced genes may cross over into non-modified crops planted next to GM crops.
There are several possible solutions to the three problems mentioned above. Genes are exchanged between plants via pollen. Two ways to ensure that non-target species will not receive introduced genes from GM plants are to create GM plants that are male sterile (do not produce pollen) or to modify the GM plant so that the pollen does not contain the introduced gene. Cross-pollination would not occur, and if harmless insects such as monarch caterpillars were to eat pollen from GM plants, the caterpillars would survive.
Many children have developed life-threatening allergies to peanuts and other foods. There is a possibility that introducing a gene into a plant may create a new allergen or cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. A proposal to incorporate a gene from Brazil nuts into soybeans was abandoned because of the fear of causing unexpected allergic reactions.

There is a growing concern that introducing foreign genes into food plants may have an unexpected and negative impact on human health. A recent article published in Lancet examined the effects of GM potatoes on the digestive tract in rats. This study claimed that there were appreciable differences in the intestines of rats fed GM potatoes and rats fed unmodified potatoes. Yet critics say that this paper is flawed and does not hold up to scientific scrutiny. Moreover, the gene introduced into the potatoes was a snowdrop flower lectin, a substance known to be toxic to mammals. The scientists who created this variety of potato chose to use the lectin gene simply to test the methodology, and these potatoes were never intended for human or animal consumption.
On the whole, with the exception of possible allergenicity, scientists believe that GM foods do not present a risk to human health.
In January 2000, an international trade agreement for labeling GM foods was established. More than 130 countries signed the agreement. The policy states that exporters must be required to label all GM foods and that importing countries have the right to judge for themselves the potential risks and reject GM foods, if they so choose.
Genetically modified foods have the potential to solve many of the world's hunger and malnutrition problems, and to help protect and preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides and herbicides. Yet there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labeling. Many people feel that genetic engineering is the inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such enormous potential benefits. However, we must proceed with caution to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment as a result of our enthusiasm for this powerful technology.

Pork Not Good

A horrendous disease, at one point called "swine mystery disease," "blue abortion," and "swine infertility," and now referred to as "Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome," or PRRS, has infected some pigs in about 75 percent of American pig herds, according to experts. Vaccines have only partially been effective.
The disease also has been creating a nightmare for many other nations since at least the mid-1980s.
The reproductive and respiratory syndrome, which often kills baby pigs, is characterized by a variety of conditions and is causing economic hardship for pig farmers. Affected mothers lose up to 10 percent of their pregnancies. Their babies are spontaneously aborted or are stillborn. As many as 20 percent to 30 percent of survivors may suffer and die from respiratory disease, such as pneumonia.
The PRRS virus is said to primarily attack a pig's immune system, leaving the body open to a host of other infections, particularly in the lungs. Some pigs develop a chronic infection and become carriers but show no symptoms.
Research reveals that the virus is transmitted via semen, saliva, and blood. Those pigs herded closely together and transported at close quarters by trucks may be more susceptible to infection.
To date, there is no evidence that the virus can infect humans from any source, including via food. Researchers looking for signs of the virus in pig meat have not found any.
Scott Dee with the University Of Minnesota College Of Veterinary medicine, a PRRS researcher, says the disease is the "most economically devastating swine disease there is," and that the "problem is getting bigger," but he bristles a little when asked about its connection to "AIDS".
The PRRS virus, while not a member of the family of viruses to which HIV belongs, is also said to strike the immune system and then cause some changes in the body that are similar to AIDS.
Beth Lautner, vice president of science and technology at the National Pork Producers Council, explained that PRRS is a complex disease, acknowledged that some of the symptoms are AIDS-like, and noted that no trace of the disease had been found in people or meat. She worried that "some people will jump to the wrong conclusion, that pigs gave AIDS to humans."
Monte McCaw, a PRRS researcher with North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, believes that while the differences between PRRS and AIDS are obvious to researchers, it is also important to study the similarities. McCaw has so far been low-key about his AIDS-related findings.
McCaw has concluded that the following key conditions in PRRS-infected pigs are similar to what is found in AIDS:
Secondary infections, mainly in the lungs, are common due to the immune-suppressive abilities of the PRRS virus.
PRRS reproduces in cells called macrophages, which are front-line cells in the body's immune system.
PRRS primarily reproduces in cells called alveolar macrophages, which are immune cells in the lung. Damaging these lung immune cells makes the animal susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Key white blood cells of the immune system (lymphocytes) go through some of the same changes that occur in AIDS.
Lymphocytes produce higher levels of a variety of biochemical substances, as in AIDS.
McCaw adds, however, that some baby pigs that manage to survive the onslaught of infections in the lungs that the PRRS virus triggers end up thriving.
"This is an obvious difference in the way [AIDS and PRRS] generally develop," he says. He also said, "We would hopefully learn more about PRRS in pigs and maybe AIDS in humans," and to possibly "find ways to help treat both diseases."
A recent finding in Dee's camp should further encourage McCaw's foray into the AIDS-like dimension of this disease. Dee said, "We have just learned that PRRS can be transmitted from one pig to another via the repetitive use of [vaccination] needles".
Dee also said that PRRS hides out in the lymph nodes. The same is claimed for HIV.
McCaw, Dee and Lautner all agreed that much more research will be necessary in order to get a proper handle on PRRS, in the hopes of better understanding and controlling it. They point to the manner in which the PRRS virus is capable of changing and the difficulty this creates for vaccine strategies against the virus.
Much more will need to be learned about how the pig's immune system behaves in PRRS. Will PRRS, for example, be capable of unleashing some previously undetected microbe in pigs that could potentially be transmitted to humans?
On the other hand, is this pig disease being oversimplified by focusing so much of the attention on the PRRS virus? There may well be a number of factors that initially combine to trigger PRRS. The disease has often been referred to as a "mystery," and in many ways it remains so.
While progress has been made, no one should be overconfident about any aspect of this terrible disease in pigs

Panday Outsmarts Dookeran

“The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.” [Niccolo Machiavelli Italian statesman and modern political thinker 1469 – 1527].

Basdeo Panday by his actions of the last week has proven himself to be the greatest politician to have passed through Trinidad and Tobago. Despite the fact that the late Dr. Eric Williams was able to stay in power for 25 years as Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday has been able to stay as Leader of the Opposition albeit broken since 1976 without the use of state resources.

Mr. Panday, by assuming the Chairmanship of the Opposition United National Congress, and by putting up a slate for the October 2 party election has secured his leadership of the party in spirit, if not in name. To make a long story short, the Dookeran faction has been completed outsmarted and railroaded by a man who could only be described as a genius. Mr. Panday is determined not to make the same mistakes as he did in 2001 when he lost control of his national executive whilst he was in government.

By accepting leadership with Panday as Chairman, Mr. Dookeran has in effect surrendered any real power he may have had when the new executive gets down to work next month. By remaining as Chairman, Mr. Panday, arguing the point of a peaceful transition will ask the Parliamentary arm of the party to have him remain as Leader of the Opposition. With assured support at the national executive level and at Parliamentary caucus, Mr. Panday will retain full control of the United National Congress, whilst appearing to have given way in the face of mounting criticism.

The Dookeran faction has now been emasculated and is dead in the water. By agreeing to Panday’s demands to stay on as Chairman, Dookeran has lost the leadership battle before it even began. It was a move of absolute brilliance, and I pay tribute to a man who has learnt his lessons well over the years. Do you remember when Panday was replaced as Leader of the Opposition in 1977, only to successfully regain it in 1978 from Raffique Shah. Mr. Panday has no intentions of surrendering leadership of the party, a fact demonstrated by his insistence to assume the position of Chairman and to support a slate.

Some may argue that as Political Leader of the UNC Mr. Dookeran automatically assumes the Leader of the Opposition portfolio. That is not necessarily so. In fact, precedent has been set in other commonwealth countries where political leaders did not necessarily assume leadership of the party in the public domain. Case in point is the current Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, who was appointed to that office after Congress President Sonia Gandhi declined the position. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry throughout the world knows that Mrs. Gandhi is the power behind Prime Minister Singh and no decision is made without her consent. The same situation will apply to Mr. Dookeran.

The same situation exists in St. Lucia where the Leader of the Opposition and the Political Leader of the United Workers Party is not one and the same. In Tobago, whilst Hochoy Charles remains leader of the Democratic Action Committee, Ainsworth Jack holds the position of Minority Leader in the Tobago House of Assembly. The precedent exists and Mr. Panday has so manipulated the situation that is hegemony is all but secured. Mr. Dookeran has no choice but to allow Mr. Panday free reign, since the leadership was given to him on a platter. He did not even have to fight for it!

Do you really think that Mr. Panday was about to give up and walk into the political sunset. Hell no! According to Panday himself in 1996, “I will die with my political boots on.” Mr. Panday I am sure, will easily convince the majority of UNC MPs in Parliament to support his initiative to remain as Leader of the Opposition. The strategy implemented by Mr. Panday was concocted out of pure brilliance. He has given the illusion of stepping aside, yet maintaining a firm grip on the party he has led since its inception.

I was however surprised that the Dookeran faction allowed themselves to be played to such an extent. At the end of the day, they came out with nothing, absolutely nothing. One must wonder what advice was given to Mr. Dookeran in the lead up to this accommodation of sorts. Quite frankly, Mr. Dookeran has shown little interests in the leadership of the UNC and one is inclined to think that he is preparing to accept an academic position at a foreign university rather than assume the leadership of the largest opposition party.

Political survival has been nothing new for Mr. Panday. The difference is that he has not been unable to transfer his personal success at survival to the larger body politic of the UNC, especially when they were in government. Mr. Panday practices a politics based on the teachings of Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian statesman at the turn of the 16th century. According to him, “If an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.” Mr. Panday has so crippled Mr. Dookeran’s challenge that many do not believe he can survive the interim [whilst they search for a new leader].

It is clear that Mr. Panday will die first before he gives up leadership of the UNC and that is understandable. He once said “They believe that I would lie down and die on the ground with my feet up in the air. Old politicians never die, they become more sexy.” According to Machiavelli, “Men are so simple and so inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.” So the games continue and as members of the UNC gear up to vote come October 2, know this, not much will change. For those who want Panday to stay, congratulations. For those of you who wanted Panday to go- well, try again.

Machiavelli also states, “Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who tricks will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.” Mr. Panday has had a long and colourful political career. It would have been better though if he could have transcended this success to ensuring that the party gains political power. “The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.” Mr. Panday, a follower of Machiavelli will do well to pay attention to the preceding statement.

By completely outmaneuvering the Dookeran faction, Basdeo Panday has demonstrated that he is one of a kind, a lion who roams the jungle, majestic and proud, ready at all times to defend his territory and attack if needs be. Machiavelli again states “Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and they attack others.” He has been able to remain the undisputed head of the central plains, but securing electoral victory in Trinidad and Tobago will require support far greater than what the central plains can provide. Mr. Panday, with limited tools at his disposal has been able to secure the defeat of all his challengers, from Raffique Shah to Hulsie Baggan and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj.

The final question that I put to you this week is whether or not by his actions to remain firmly in control of the party has Mr. Panday doomed the UNC to another term in the political wilderness. Time will tell. The supporters, rather than Mr. Panday will pay the ultimate price of the outcome. A sad tale perhaps, but it goes to show that if one is true to the cause to which they profess, they will acknowledge that the good of the collective must come ahead of one’s personal agenda.

Congratulations to Jack Warner and the T&T Soca Warriors

"Winning the World Cup is the most beautiful thing to have happened to France since the Revolution."
Emmanuel Petit

Playing in the FIFA World Cup is a special event and Trinidad and Tobago for the first time will be gracing the world football stage in Germany from June 9 to July 9, 2006. One thing is for sure- I will be going to Germany as well because I would not miss it for the anything!

On November 16, 2005, Trinidad and Tobago qualified for next year’s World Cup by defeating Bahrain by a 1 – 0 margin. That team from the Middle East deserved that defeat; they played nasty, displayed poor sportsmanship and the conduct of the squad and its supporters left much to be desired.

I must admit that whilst watching the match last Wednesday afternoon at “Gate Boys” on UWI’s southern border that I was nervous. I wanted so baldy for Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the World Cup. You must imagine the relief I experienced when the deed was done. In fact, I was the first person at the bar to relieve myself of my beer throwing it up into the air a few seconds before the end of the match. Man, it was a great feeling.

Congratulations to the Soca Warriors on a job well done. According to Prime Minister Patrick Manning, this team has managed to do what no politician has been able to accomplish and that is unite the entire nation. It was indeed a historic moment for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and I urge them to continue celebrating. It has been a long time since we had something to celebrate.

We must not forget though that we still have a World Cup to attend in seven months time. Whilst we bask in the glory of our most recent victory, we must not lose sight of the fact that we must go to the world stage committed to perform our very best and showcase the talent that we possess in this blessed twin island republic.

Government, corporate sponsors, and ordinary citizens must now rededicate themselves to ensuring that the Soca Warriors are ready to do battle come June 9, 2006. As the saying goes, “the journey now start!”

In light of our qualification for next year’s World Cup, I wish to pay tribute not only to the team members, but also to coach “Don Leo” as his Spanish fans would call him. Leo Benhakker took over coaching the national squad when they were down in the dumps, with only one point after three qualifying matches. What he accomplished with this side was nothing short of a miracle. Strategic planning, appropriate deployment of resources, practice, and foresight allowed Don Leo to guide Trinidad and Tobago towards the next World Cup. Thank you, and as you know by now, you still have a job with us.

Benhakker’s determination has been etched on all the teams he has coached over the years. From Ajax and Real Madrid to Holland and Saudi Arabia, Don Leo has made a name for himself. He is quoted as saying “A hobby is only fun if you do not have time to do it.” The 63-year-old Benhakker was an invaluable addition to our national effort.

Although several individuals played significant roles in ensuring that we reach Germany in 2006, no one did so with the dexterity, determination, and commitment that match the efforts of Austin Jack Warner, Vice President of FIFA, and Special Advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation [TTFF]. No one can doubt that Warner was going to stop at nothing to ensure that we made it to the World Cup, and for his efforts, it is my belief that at the very least, he should be conferred with the Trinity Cross.

Born January 26, 1944, Jack Warner came from a humble background cutting cane, looking after pigs and walking six miles to and from school every day. He has risen through the ranks of the football fraternity whilst teaching at the Polytechnic Institute from which he retired in 1993. After growing up in Rio Claro and Longdenville, Warner was always committed to Trinidad and Tobago football. Through the good days and bad, he sought to look after the affairs of players, and the community.

From these humble beginnings, he can now boast of a net worth in excess of $50 million with real estate and businesses throughout Trinidad, Costa Rica and the United States. Instead of relaxing with his wealth, Warner chooses to give back to the nation by helping players and citizens who are in need. Wendy Fitzwilliam benefited from the generosity of Jack Warner when nobody saw it fit to sponsor her trip to the Miss Universe Pageant in Hawaii in 1998.

Despite his busy schedule, Warner still has time to interact with people throughout the country. His involvement in Carnival in Arouca has been well documented, his ownership of Joe Public known and his sponsorship of Monroe Road Cricket Club inspirational. Few people know that Warner is also multi-lingual with the ability to speak English, Spanish, and French.

Now, as President of CONCACAF, he has taken that organization from near bankruptcy to an asset base in the millions. With this wealth, Jack Warner made it his responsibility to guide Trinidad and Tobago football to where it is today. With his own money and when the Soca Warriors were down in the dumps, he acquired the services of Don Leo and look at the result. Quite simply put, we would not have made it to the World Cup without Jack.

There are many things that could be said about Jack Warner, but damn it to hell, when the man wants something done, it gets done. He deserves the Trinity Cross. We must show our appreciation to those who give of themselves to the good of the collective.

The World Cup is now seven months away, and as I said earlier, I will be there in Germany, giving total and complete support to the “Soca Warriors.” Let us stop criticizing and give the team all the support we can muster. They deserve our respect, our adulation, and our encouragement.

For a few days, we are one people. If it could have only lasted, but trust politicians to mess it up! Qualifying for the World Cup was the best thing to have happened to Trinidad and Tobago since….

The Art of Politics

“Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give the appearance of solidity to the wind.” George Orwell [English Novelist 1903 – 1950].

It had been my intention to write solely on the issue of the Caribbean Court of Justice [CCJ] which was recently launched in Port of Spain on April 16, 2005. For the record, I support the CCJ in principle, but the extravagance displayed two weeks ago was totally unnecessary and ill timed. I will deal with that in a later issue of this newspaper. I, however, was mesmerized at how insanely stupid a leader could be. In the United States, quite a few of the comedians make fun of President George W. Bush because he has been known to make verbal gaffs from time to time, beginning with his 2000 campaign for the White House.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we have a Prime Minister who unmistakably dwells in the “otherworld.” I listened to the address given by the Honourable Prime Minister at a PNM Rally in front of the Tunapuna Discount Centre on Friday 22nd April 2005, and perhaps, well at first thought, I didn’t know what to make of it! What immediately came to mind was a statement attributed to Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill [1874 – 1965] in which he said “A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.” The Prime Minister couldn’t even explain why his policies have so far failed to address the problems facing society, particularly the crime menace. His only answer was “Who don’t hear will feel…” Come on Prime Minister, you could do better than that!

I am positive that Mr. Manning has been following the late Harry S. Truman [33rd President of the United States of America] where he said “If you cannot convince them, confuse them.” This, Mr. Prime Minister is not the Congo, Rwanda or Tanzania, and if you want to adopt such outdated and outlandish policies, you would do well to rule in some nation deep in the Central African jungle where you can proclaim himself not only father, but king!

Recently, I came across a saying, a joke perhaps by an anonymous writer. It stated: “Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing for the same reason.” At a PNM political rally, the main topic of discussion was the split within the UNC. Before making pronouncements about the internal affairs of another party, the Prime Minister and his cohorts should engage in some meaningful introspection because all is not well within the PNM and one should not throw stones whilst living in a glass house.

On the matter of the UNC, I have concluded my investigations into who leaked the information from the Party Caucus of April 7. I have confirmed the culprit and even I was surprised at who it was. I will keep that information close to my chest because these are dangerous times and I am not about to show my hands yet. My time will come! The only message I have for the UNC at this time is that it should heal itself quickly and get its act together and get it together right now with both Independent UNC MP’s included. As currently configured and managed, the UNC, with a lack of “cross over” appeal can only hope to win 17 to 19 seats in a 41 seat House of Representatives. The house of the rising sun needs to be put in order if it is to present a credible alternative to the PNM in the next election which according to my sources at Whitehall will be no later than November 2006.

Meanwhile, the PNM talks about unity yet there is discord and discontent within the party between the Black and Indian factions. It’s not so much a race war, but more a grab for power. Many belonging to the Black faction see Chairman Franklin Khan as an upstart and opportunist and view his chairmanship as simply a gift from Patrick Manning for his loyalty.

Instead of commenting on what was essentially a UNC matter, Cabinet Ministers would do well to concentrate on whether they will be retaining their positions in the Cabinet after an impending reshuffle. My sources at Whitehall have indicated that a reshuffle is imminent and that Dr. Keith Rowley is to be reassigned to another Ministry. In order to create a diversion away from any perceived fallout, my sources have also informed me that Education Minister Hazel Manning will be reassigned as well [Hazel is campaigning hard in the new seat of Princes Town South and is set to contest it in the next election].

Indications are that the Prime Minister is allegedly unhappy with Health Minister John Rahael and is particularly peeved over the SuperPharm issue [Syrian Connection again]. Internal discussions within the top brass of the PNM have yielded decisions that will have serious consequences. My sources have confirmed that a plan has been designed that would see the eventual phasing out of Members of Parliament Eudine Job, Fitzgerald Hinds, Diane Seukeran and Pennelope Beckles [I like Penny- She has charisma and works hard]. They will not be returned as candidates in the upcoming general election! Speculation is ripe that Franklin Khan will be returned through the Senate, but I have yet to confirm this bit of information.

With some Government Ministers not on speaking terms, all cannot be well within the PNM. Before they talk about morality and anyone else, they should also put their house in order. I was in a fit of laughter when someone once told me that a few of the Cabinet Ministers refer to Lenny Saith as “God”- jokingly of course! This was a result of the fact that he wielded and continues to wield a tremendous amount of power over the Cabinet, both he and Joan Yuille – Williams. Senator Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has been described by his colleagues as the laziest Minister and Satish Ramroop is simply an upstart, with all talk and no action.

Performance is key to political success and thus far, this Cabinet has failed on several counts. Many people look down on the profession of politics as cheap, vulgar and full of hypocrisy. Given the examples we have here in Trinidad and Tobago, one can understand why some have this view. This, by no means, is exclusive to this country. According to American Actor Robin Williams “Politics: “Poli” – a Latin word for “many” and “tics” meaning “bloodsucking creatures”.” In fact: Doug Larson [1902 – 1981] stated: “Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.” Such is the skepticism that exists in the public domain. We must, however, know the difference in the hearts and minds of people. We can tell this by their behaviour. “The difference is that a statesman thinks he belongs to the State, and a politician thinks the State belongs to him.” [Anonymous]

I write this column not to chastise the PNM and its supporters, but to put things into perspective. When your neighbour’s house is on fire, make sure to wet your own! It’s good advice, trust me.

Finally, I refer to one of my personal heroes for the last quote: Emperor Marcus Aurelius [Roman Empire AD 121 – 180] “If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.”

My Interview with Princess Moreme Shashu Harvey

Last weekend, I had the privilege of spending time with a very special individual, one who has a vital role to play and a positive message to give to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I speak of none other than Princess Moreme Shashu Harvey – Iya Lage or “Mother of Mothers.” She is the Yoruba Princess of Trinidad and Tobago. The Yoruba are the largest single ethno-linguistic group or ethnic nation in Nigeria and the largest single ethnic nation in Africa. The Yoruba constitute approximately thirty percent of Nigeria’s total population, and number upwards of 40 million individuals throughout the region of West Africa.

Our conversation took place at her home in Barataria. It is a place steeped in rich history and has been home to a number of amazing people. We were joined by her husband Louis, who is talented, creative, and focused.

The Princess began by outlining her philosophy. It is one that is simple, yet takes cognizance of the need for each of us to embrace the positive aspects of life. According to the Princess, her aim is “to use culture to help youths express the positive side of their nature.”

The Princess admits that our social fabric has deteriorated to the point where an entire generation has been lost. “It is time to listen to the youths.” To them, her message is simple, “Tell them that they are no longer forgotten. We are coming!” The Princess and her husband hope to visit three orphanages in the not too distant future. They hope to bring more than just food and clothes. They hope to bring enlightenment to the children through music and other forms. As followers of the Orisha faith, both preach the virtues of having a sound spiritual foundation. They insist that it will bring success to those who follow this path.

Whilst in Trinidad & Tobago the Princess has been engaged in a number of activities. She is recognized as one of the foremost individuals when it comes to producing an Emancipation Queen Show. In fact, she was the Director/Coordinator/Trainer of the National Emancipation Queen Shows in 1998 and 1999. After an absence of some years, the Princess, upon her return was commissioned by nurses at the Port of Spain General Hospital to design a gown and train a contestant for their Emancipation Queen Show in 2003. That contestant won! In 2004, the Princess designed gowns for and trained two Queens in the same competition and they placed first and second. The record clearly speaks for itself… Clearly, she is a Queen maker.

Louis on the other hand has surely been keeping himself busy. To explain Louis, you have to go back in time a bit, perhaps to the beginning. At the age of 2, Harvey left Trinidad with his parents for England. Whilst there, he got his first exposure to craft on a trip to Wales. That opened up his creative appetite and he has never looked back. 10 years later, he returned to the Caribbean with his parents and after a brief sojourn in Trinidad, they moved to Guyana.

While there, Louis was exposed to the best in their field. He was an apprentice to Master Craftsman Omowale Lumumba and at the age of 18, he won the National Exhibition for Visual Arts in the Leather category. He was also made a member of the President’s Gift Committee by the late Forbes Burnham, President of Guyana.

In 1985, Louis visited Trinidad and assisted his brother in setting up his own business. Of course, being of the same stock, he was the creative type as well. Louis did not stay. He returned to Guyana where he continued to make a name for himself. When he returned to Trinidad in 1990, he met Princess Moreme, and because of the attempted coup, he was unable to return home on schedule. Well, as they say, the rest is history and the attempted coup did have a positive outcome in this case.

They formed what can be considered a union of perfect harmony. They subsequently married and remain happily so to this day. I gave you this history of Louis to lay the foundation for my explanation of his current status. He is an accomplished guitarists, bass player, composer, songwriter, and poet! He played with Rainforest, an up and coming band for some time.

Now, he has been playing with the group Pantar led by Mungal Patasar for the past four years. He has traveled extensively with the band, performing in many countries including Germany, Canada, Barbados, Suriname, French Guiana, and St. Lucia. As they put it in their recent flyer for “Calebasse Café,” a new musical release, “Experience the musical fusion of Caribbean rhythms from jazz to rapso and back.”
Louis is not stopping there. He is well versed in the crafts and could make anything that involves leather, calabash, and a number of other items. He formed his own company – Pyramid Creations and markets his very stylish products exclusively to stores across Trinidad, Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean.

He is about to embark on marketing his new line of footwear with the Pantar logo. They are stylish and can be used for a number of occasions.

The Princess was resolute in her position. Afro Trinidadians, as she puts it “need to concentrate on family life and traditions of their ancestors.”

The Yoruba community here in Trinidad and Tobago is represented by a dynamic, forceful determined individual in the person of Princes Moreme Shashu Harvey. Her work seems poised to have a profound effect on our community and the society is all the better for her intervention. As a deeply spiritual person, the Princess is committed to espousing the virtues of peace, harmony, and goodwill among the brothers and sisters of Trinidad and Tobago. Her work with the youths is set to provide a better day for those who need to be heard. As the Princess said, “tell them that we are coming!”

The Dangers of Cell Phone Towers

In all my research into the harmful effects of radiation emitted by cell phone towers, one thing remains constant- there have been insufficient studies done on the effects of electromagnetic transmissions on human being. The question now begs itself- Why then is the government allowing the competing wireless providers to construct cell towers in residential areas- in people’s yards for that matter? In other words, with studies remaining inconclusive at best, and in some cases confirming our suspicions, why should we be putting our children’s lives at risk?

More studies must be conduced on the subject matter and in the meantime, the authorities should adopt a precautionary approach in terms of zoning these cell towers. Alas, we live in a Third World nation and the government could care less about the health and safety of its citizens. As a people, we tend to settle for less, without investigating the facts and ensuring our own safety.

Some communities have taken protests action against some of these cell companies, but the thing is, these said telephone giants have the money and resources to fight the long battle, and evidently, without any coordinated resistance, they will win. If it is so safe, they should build cell towers where some of these executives live.

In any event, I digress, and I must return to the subject of hand. I propose to demonstrate that although some research has been done claiming that electro magnetic emissions from cell towers do not pose a threat to humans, there exist some definitive studies that suggest otherwise- studies that will never see the light of day if the telephone companies would have their way.

Let us begin by illustrating how the process works. Cell phones use conventional radio waves for broadcasting which is non ionizing radiation. Non ionizing radiation refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize living material, that is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or molecule.

After World War II, Dr. Ernest Hartmann, a German Physicist discovered that an electromagnetic network, much like the human body’s nervous system, covers the surface of the earth. This grid like formation of invisible wall of electro magnetic waves is a naturally occurring phenomenon. However, the intersection of the grid, called “knots” produce an abundance of electromagnetic energy which could be damaging to human health. These naturally occurring electromagnetic waves, combined with the electromagnetic pollution emanating from cell phone towers and even cell phones, computers and other such devices put humans at an unknown level of risk.

The effects of electromagnetic waves on the human body are not fully known yet our government turns a blind eye and allow these wireless providers to pay unsuspecting individuals $4000 in monthly rentals for a contracted period of ten years to have a cell tower constructed on the property, in some cases, right smack in the middle of houses. If the children from the area develop cancer or leukemia, what will the government tell those who will be left to suffer and die a horrible death. Mind you, this is not the good ole US of A so do not count on money from a lawsuit to bring comfort to their pain.

The technical community is evolving various studies on how the waves and the resulting radiation affect the human brain, organs, blood composition, and mental function. According to Elaine Fox from the Psychology Department of the University of Essex who is studying whether electromagnetic fields emitted from cell phone towers adversely affect humans - “At the moment, there are too few properly controlled scientific studies to draw any strong conclusions.” Even if this was to hold as true, then caution would dictate that the government plays an intervening role in protecting citizens from harm. In a third world country like ours, one only has to bribe a senior public official to circumvent the common good.

On the other hand, a study was conducted for the French National Institute of Applied Sciences in Lyon and published in the Journal Pathologie Biologie in 2002. The study focused on the health of people living in the vicinity of cell phone towers and was conducted by R and P Santini, J.M. Danze, P Le Ruz and M. Seigne. The study was done gathering information from 530 people [270 men, 260 women] living in the vicinity of a cell towers on 18 non specific health symptoms [NSHS]. Comparisons of complaint frequencies in relation to the distance from cell towers and sex show significant increase as compared to people living in excess of 300 meters.

The study suggests that people as far as 300 meters away from the cell towers may experience tiredness as a result of high frequency electromagnetic fields; 200 meters for headache, sleep disruption, discomfort etc; 100 meters for irritability, depression, loss of memory, dizziness, libido decrease etc. Women, significantly more than men complained of headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, depression, discomfort and visual disruptions.

This study gives evidence of the fact that bio effects are reported by people exposed at up to 300 meters from cell towers. The number of reported symptoms is higher close to the cell tower and it decreases with increased distance from them. The study also states, “It is equally possible that the levels of electromagnetic fields around a cell tower would not be an exact representation of the levels of exposure to the populations. In fact, different parameters are likely to interfere to modify the levels and in particular fluctuations in emission strengths such as the number of calls handled by the tower, the reflection of electromagnetic waves etc…”

The study concludes in a manner that I had suggested earlier. It stated, “From these results and in applying the precautionary principle, it is advisable that cell phone towers are not sited closer than 300 meters to populations and most significantly because exposed people can have different sensitivities related particularly to their sex.”

Reviewing Crime for 2005 [Trinidad & Tobago]

“It is the right and duty of the wise ones to purify the strong by teaching them their duties and to strengthen the weak by teaching them their rights.” [Subrahmanya C. Bharati – Indian Poet, Journalist and Activist 1882 – 1921].

Before I begin today’s column, I would like to pay special tribute to the late Leela Ramdass who worked for several years at the TNT News Centre Ltd. She passed away on January 3rd. Leela was always very friendly and ready to make conversation. In fact the last time I spoke with her a few days before her death, we were commenting on how dangerous this country has become and I told her that the cream she recommended for my “buss” head [when I was attacked by three bandits] could not be used on my skin. Leela always had a big smile and was always helpful. Very few things shock me these days, but her death was one of them. I will miss you Leela. May your soul rest in peace. I dedicate this poem to Leela. It was written by William Byrd.

Death is nothing but a moment's restUntil the Second Coming of the LordWhen He shall gather to Him of the bestTo take them to the place of their reward.I've felt the power of Jesus in my soulShining like a golden sun within,Melting my hard heart to make me whole,Burning out the remnants of my sin.I've felt Him work within me, so I knowThe glory that will come when I awake.I'll sleep just like a child who'll homeward go,And in my dreams of love great pleasure take.So do not mourn my death, and do not grieve.The Lord will come for me: This I believe.

Leela was quite right about the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago. It has gotten completely out of hand and the government seems clueless on how to deal with it. 2005 was a deadly year for this country. Not only did we witness record levels of murders and kidnappings, but other crimes have been on the rise as well. In fact, many citizens no longer report crimes because they do not have confidence that the protective services will be able to do anything about their situation. I am guilty of this as well. There have been times that my life was put in danger, but I did not seek the comfort of the police. I sought comfort in those who I have confidence in to correct my dilemma. That is a common fact. It speaks volumes for the kind of society we now find ourselves living in.

I begin the review of 2005 on crime with a quote from Police Commissioner Trevor Paul. In an interview on December 31, 2004, the Commissioner stated, “the Police would do its best to address crime in 2005.” This of course was after a record of 260 murders and 229 kidnappings in 2004. Well, things got much worse in 2005. We recorded 387 murders, 78% of which or 302 remains unsolved. There were 240 kidnappings in 2005, with 58 held for ransom.
On March 16, 2005, Martin Joseph, the Minister of National Security said that government intends to spend $5.7 million over a 12 month period to transform the police service. The strategic approach included:

Crime Control Seminars
Strengthened Crime Analysis
Better Crime Data
More Effective Police Prosecution
Generating More Public Support and a
Special Homicide Task Force.

As of June 6, the country recorded increases in gang related murder over the corresponding period of the previous year [up from 6 to 31]; Drug Related murders [up from 4 to 8]; Domestic Violence murders [up from 4 to 12]; and Others [up from 2 to 19]. On this same day, Attorney General John Jeromie in Parliament announced an “All Out War” on criminals stating that government was bringing a package of emergency legislation to tackle the escalating crime. They included:

The Bail [Amendment] Bill 2005
The Summary Courts Amendment Bill
The Criminal Procedure [Amendment] Bill
The Administration of Justice [Miscellaneous Provisions] Bill
The Police Service Bill
The Police complaints Authority Bill and
The Corporal Punishment [Offenders Not Over 18][Amendment] Bill.

Even in face of all these grand plans, crime remained the dominant issue for 2005. It got worse and we ended the year with crime statistics many thought imaginable for Trinidad and Tobago. Not to be out done, the government purchased a Skyship for $26 million which included an additional $14 million in censors and surveillance equipment which coincidentally did not work. That “Blimp” had no effect on crime, yet by year’s end, the government leased another, larger but older version of the “Blimp” for three months- just in time for Carnival 2006. Not to be left behind are the million dollar “Eyes in the Sky” which had no surveillance equipment installed in them.

Although in December, the government and the opposition cooperated in passing the Bail [Amendment] Bill, we can expect more of the same for 2006 as far as crime is concerned.

2005 was not without corruption in the police service. $350 000 of marked ransom money was allegedly found in a senior policeman’s desk draw. It had been alleged that he threatened not to go down alone and the matter was dropped. A major war between the local Portuguese and Syrian communities led to the biggest drug bust in our nation’s history on August 22, worth over $700 million. Included in the find were an Uzi machine gun, four handguns, two assault rifles, and 247 rounds of assorted ammunition. A multi- million dollar fire in Barataria was also allegedly connected to this feud.

During the year, the United States, United Kingdom, Australian, and Canadian governments issued travel advisories to their citizens who had intentions of traveling to Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. State Department’s Consular Sheet on Trinidad and Tobago stated, “Incidents of violent crime are rising steadily on both islands. Visitors should exercise caution and good judgment, as in any large urban area, when visiting Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. Embassy advises visitors to exercise caution when traveling from Trinidad's Piarco Airport, especially after dark, because of incidents involving armed robbers trailing arriving passengers from the airport and then accosting them outside the gates of their residences.”

“Areas to avoid in Trinidad include Laventille, South Belmont, scenic rest stops, the Savannah (crossing the park), and downtown Port of Spain (after dark). Violent crimes, including assault, kidnapping for ransom and murder, have involved foreign residents and tourists, including U.S. citizens. Two U.S. citizens were kidnapped during the first half of 2005. One American is still missing and the other American was released with a gun shot to the leg.”

It continues, “In Tobago, the media have reported an increase in the incidence of violent crimes, including murder, rape, and home robberies. In July 2005, a 14 year-old American female was murdered in her apartment in the seaside village of Charlotteville. In January, a German national was shot dead at his home and in April, a British national was shot during a robbery at home.”

The Australian government in its advisory stated, “Violent crimes including assault, kidnapping, and murder continue to increase. Armed robbery is common, particularly in Port of Spain and urban areas. Daylight attacks, including the use of firearms, have occurred at tourist sites, including Fort George in Port of Spain, and in car parks of supermarkets and shopping malls.”
2005 would be best known for the four bombings that occurred in and around the capital city of Port of Spain. All four bombings occurred approximately the same time during successive months [July 11, August 10, September 10, and October 10]. 14 people were injured in the first bombing, 2 critically.

Martin Joseph earned his award as worst government minister of the year for his entrance via helicopter at the site of the first bombing on Frederick Street, corrupting whatever evidence that was left from the bombing. That was real smart on his part. Downtown Port of Spain was thrown into panic and there was a significant drop in business up until the Christmas season.

The spiraling crime wave resulted in the “Death March” on October 22 when thousands of citizens from all across the country converged on the streets of Port of Spain to demonstrate their frustration against the ineffectiveness of the government and the lack of will on the part of politicians to cooperate in the fight against crime. Many described the march as a success although it was boycotted by the ruling party.
Trinidad and Tobago may never be the same again, but one thing is for sure. Early indications dictate that it will be more of the same for 2006. In light of all the wild spending on hi tech equipment, police officers are still made to function and perform their duties under the most strenuous of conditions, with rotting floor boards and leaking roofs. It is time that we the people proclaim that enough is enough, and if the government continues to fail in its responsibilities to protect the interests of all citizens, action must be taken to remove them from the office, placing a more competent group of people to tackling the challenges facing us in this modern world.

In a year of heightened kidnapping, one noticed that certain victims received special treatment from the protective services whilst others were made to fend for themselves. Many families of kidnap victims have complained about this disparity in mobilization and investigation. For some people, the regiment, and the police team up to search the forests whilst for others, they do not have enough vehicles to mount a credible search. That is democracy for you!

For a country that aspires for greatness, there still exist instances of torture. Do not be fooled- kidnap victims are always tortured and in the case of women- raped. Due to the stigma that is attached to such a heinous crime, it often goes unreported. At any rate, my heart goes out to all victims of crime and hopes that by the far stretch of the imagination, some miracle takes place in 2006 and crime is brought to an acceptable level. We as citizens of a God fearing nation deserve no less.

According to Rush Limbaugh [American Commentator b. 1951],”There’s a simple way to solve the crime problem: obey the law; punish those who do not.”

The need for Conflict Resolution

“One of the big problems with the conflict resolution field and one of the real challenges is to move beyond its table-oriented view of itself.” Guy Burgess.

Witnessing the collapse of the opposition United National Congress has got me to thinking why “big” men cannot resolve conflicts in an amicable fashion. Are we beyond getting past our egos and arriving at a mutually beneficial conclusion?

The constant sparring between Panday and Dookeran has shown the desperate need for alternative dispute resolution. Kenneth Boulding, on the publication of the first issue of the Journal of Conflict Resolution 1957 stated, “The reasons which have led us to this enterprise may be summed up in two propositions. The first is that by far the most important practical problem facing the world today is that of international relations- more specifically the prevention of global war. The second is that if intellectual progress is to be made in this area, the study of international relations must be made interdisciplinary, drawing its discourse from all the social services and even further.” Thus, we had the advent of conflict resolutions- an idea our leaders will do well to adopt.

This article is dedicated to bringing enlightenment on the issue of dispute resolution and hope that our leaders will make use of the methods outlined below. It is not an attempt to castigate any particular side or party.

One of Boulding’s most influential ideas has to do with the concept of power. In everyday usage, the term ‘power’ is ambiguous. On the one hand it means the power to command, order, enforce - coercive or hard power. On the other it means the power to induce co-operation, to legitimize, to inspire - persuasive or soft power. Hard power has always been important in violent conflict, but soft power may be more important in conflicts managed peacefully. Boulding (1989) calls the former threat power (do what I want or I will do what you don't want). Following earlier theorists of management-labour negotiations, he distinguished between two forms of soft power: exchange power, associated with bargaining and the compromising approach (do what I want and I will do what you want), and integrative power, associated with persuasion and transformative long-term problem-solving (together we can do something that is better for both of us). Conflict resolvers try to shift emphasis away from the use of threat power and towards the use of exchange and integrative power. Third parties, like politicians and governments, may use all these forms of power.
Incompatible interests are not the only things at issue in more severe conflicts. Conflicts last longer and are more deeply rooted than disputes. They tend to arise over non-negotiable issues such as fundamental human needs, intolerable moral differences, or high-stakes distributional issues regarding essential resources, such as money, water, or land. To truly resolve a conflict, the solution must go beyond just satisfying the parties' interests as in dispute settlement. To end or resolve a long-term conflict, a relatively stable solution that identifies and deals with the underlying sources of the conflict must be found. This is a more difficult task than simple dispute settlement, because resolution means going beyond negotiating interests to meet all sides' basic needs, while simultaneously finding a way to respect their underlying values and identities. However, some of the same intervention processes used in dispute settlement (i.e., mediation) are also used to achieve resolution.
True conflict resolution requires a more analytical, problem-solving approach than dispute settlement. The main difference is that resolution requires identifying the causal factors behind the conflict, and finding ways to deal with them. On the other hand, settlement is simply aimed at ending a dispute as quickly and amicably as possible. This means that it is possible to settle a dispute that exists within the context of a larger conflict, without resolving the overall conflict. This occurs when a dispute is settled, but the underlying causes of the conflict are not addressed
There are many reasons why underlying causes of conflict may not be addressed. Often, the underlying causes of conflict are embedded in the institutional structure of society. Achieving complete resolution of a conflict can require making significant socioeconomic or political changes that restructure society in a more just or inclusive way. Changing societal structures, such as the distribution of wealth in society, is a difficult thing to do and can take decades to accomplish. Thus, fully resolving conflict can be a long, laborious process. As a result there are other conceptions of ways to deal with, but not necessarily "resolve," conflicts.
Conflict management involves the control, but not resolution, of a long-term or deep-rooted conflict. This is the approach taken when complete resolution seems to be impossible, yet something needs to be done. In cases of resolution-resistant or even intractable conflict, it is possible to manage the situation in ways that make it more constructive and less destructive. The goal of conflict management is to intervene in ways that make the ongoing conflict more beneficial and less damaging to all sides.
A number of conflict theorists and practitioners, including John Paul Lederach, advocate the pursuit of conflict transformation, as opposed to "conflict resolution" or "conflict management." Conflict transformation is different from the other two, Lederach asserts, because it reflects a better understanding of the nature of conflict itself. "Conflict resolution" implies that conflict is bad, and is therefore something that should be ended. It also assumes that conflict is a short-term phenomenon that can be "resolved" permanently through mediation or other intervention processes. "Conflict management" correctly assumes that conflicts are long-term processes that often cannot be quickly resolved. The problem with the notion of "management," however, is that it suggests that people can be directed or controlled as if they were physical objects. In addition, "management" suggests that the goal is the reduction or control of volatility, rather than dealing with the real source of the problem.]
Conflict transformation, as described by Lederach, does not suggest that we simply eliminate or control conflict, but rather that we recognize and work with its "dialectic nature." First, Lederach argues that social conflict is a natural occurrence between humans who are involved in relationships. Once conflict occurs, it changes or transforms those events, people, and relationships that created the initial conflict. Thus, the cause-and-effect relationship goes both ways -- from the people and the relationships to the conflict and back to the people and relationships. In this sense, "conflict transformation" is a term that describes the natural process of conflict. Conflicts change relationships in predictable ways, altering communication patterns and patterns of social organization, altering images of the self and of the other.
Conflict transformation is also a prescriptive concept. It suggests that the destructive consequences of a conflict can be modified or transformed so that self-images, relationships, and social structures improve as a result of conflict instead of being harmed by it. Usually, this involves transforming perceptions of issues, actions, and other people or groups. Conflict usually transforms perceptions by accentuating the differences between people and positions. Lederach believes that effective conflict transformation can utilize this highlighting of differences in a constructive way, and can improve mutual understanding. From the perspective of conflict transformation, intervention has been successful if each group gains a relatively accurate understanding of the other. In the end, improving understanding is the objective of conflict transformation, in spite of parties differing or even irreconcilable interests, values, and needs.
The purpose of this article is to instruct our leaders in ways available to achieve conflict resolution. The citizenry demand that leaders, in whatever sphere adopt an approach that will be beneficial to the collective, or what is referred to as the greater good. Common sense and an open mind in what is required in times like these.
A crucial point must be made: neither Dookeran nor Panday alone can win the hearts and minds of the people, so let us hope that they are not deluded by other extraneous information. Good sense must prevail.

Coming of a Race War

“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. Corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money-power of the country will endeavour to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.” [Abraham Lincoln 1809 – 1865, 16th President of the United States of America].

Trinidad and Tobago is on the verge of a race war, and politicians are doing everything in their power to exacerbate the situation with the hopes of using this uncertainty and ill will to maintain the support of their bases. First off, I am not accusing either Patrick Manning or Basdeo Panday of being a racist. However, there are elements within both political factions that will exploit the differences between the races to achieve or maintain political power. We, as a people follow them blindly, without question, without giving the situation a second thought. Voltaire 1694 – 1778, a French Writer, Philosopher, and one of the greatest French authors said that “Prejudices are what fools use for reason.” We seem to have lots of fools in this country.

We already know that this country is divided along racial lines and even in the face of incitement, we have managed to live in relative harmony, respecting the traditions and cultures of the various ethnic and racial groupings. In recent times however, there has been an undercurrent coarsing through society’s veins ebbing away at all the progress we have made as a people. As a matter of fact, in some cases subtle, and in others, not so subtle, overtures of racial hatred have come to the fore.

In an interview with a recent kidnap victim, I was told that a “serious race war is coming.” It was something that I had given consideration to in recent times, because I myself was coming to the same conclusion. The victim, in his forties and of East Indian decent said that the major reason he was kidnapped [besides money] was because of his ethnicity. He alluded to the fact that there is a concerted effort to frighten East Indians, especially those from the business class into leaving Trinidad and Tobago, which would therefore make way for the Africans the “run” things. The facts speak for themselves. Since 2003, 74% of kidnap victims were of East Indian decent. Crime, in many ways has become a method of ethnic cleansing.

Our country is made up of many races with Africans and East Indians accounting for 40% each of the population with the remainder being made up of Syrians, Lebanese, Portuguese, Chinese and the “Mixed Breed.” There have always been tensions, but in recent times, there has been an upsurge in remarks like “Coolie people only like money,” or “Dem Niggers too nasty and lazy,” to public confrontations in groceries and some people choosing to ride in Maxi Taxis that are driven by someone of their own race. One may often hear things being said like “Is we time now” or “We go kill all ah dem.”

Politicians and public officials are doing nothing to create true and meaningful unity. There is a feeling in Port of Spain that members of the Syrian community burnt the Peoples’ Mall to the ground so they can have access to that very crucial piece of real estate. Some even implied that the bombings last year was an attempt to chase the Syrians out of down town, especially in light of Jennifer Baptiste’s call on Labour Day for “de people to take back town.”

Radio talk shows have been exacerbating racial tensions among the various communities, adding fuel to the fire of hatred and bigotry. All of this in the name of profit- quite a shameful exercise. Over the years, we have had public personalities commenting on racial discrimination, with Sat Maharaj of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha complaining about racial discrimination, Basdeo Panday struggling against alienation and victimization, Hulsie Bhagan complaining that African men were raping young East Indian girls in Central Trinidad and Selwyn Cudjoe accusing Indian teachers of not teaching African students.

With the coming of the UNC administration 1995, the 1996 Carnival season saw the coming together of soca and chutney. It was a time when East Indians believed that they now belonged to a society that accepted them. Africans on the other hand were pessimistic, disillusioned by the fact that the only thing Africans controlled [political power] was lost. With the return to power of the PNM, the African tribe became emboldened once again, with even some of their extremists remaining dissatisfied with the progress made. In the July/August 2005 edition of
“ The African Option,” it was stated in an article that, “The corporate Negro sincerely believes that anything that is symbolic to Afrika is either demonic, or it is the source of extreme embarrassment to his or her newly acquired professional and social status.” Clearly, the intent was the Africanize our way of dress and values.

It is statements like these that have lead to the genesis of our current problem. Extremists of all races are looking to dominate. Instead of assimilating, or appreciating the richness and diversity of our society, there is a concerted effort to destroy what we have built up over the years in an effort to achieve power. In other words, burn down the house, build again, and then control things.

The difference now is that action has been taken to “chase” one race from these shores. It is clear that some within the African community would prefer homogeny in which they can easily dominate. This was tried in the 1960’s with islanders being allowed to settle on the hills of Laventille, thus boosting political stock for upcoming elections. The difference this time is that the East Indians, after having tasted power, are prepared to fight back, and fight back they will.

Even if their concerns are legitimate, we must try to avoid such a confrontation because at the end of the day, we will all be losers. I was privileged to have grown up in an environment and still today live in one in which racial tolerance is the norm. In fact, some of my friends would tell you that I am an Indian trapped in an African body. That may be their interpretation. I simply love to enjoy the richness of all cultures, and since I am of mixed breed, if I choose one over the other, in essence, I will be denying at least one of my heritages - something I am not prepared to do. If a war does break out, or tensions escalate to the point of outright violence, where would this leave me? For now, I just hope that it can be avoided, but it will require a certain degree of political maturity and a willingness to embrace rather than confront.

According to Nelson Mandela [b. 1918], a South African Statesman and Nobel Peace Prize Winner 1993, “I hate racial discrimination most intensely and all its manifestations. I have fought all my life; I fight now, and will do so until the end of my days.”

Some may think that I might be exaggerating the entire situation. I think not. Conflicts between groups of differing racial, ethnic, or national origins based upon social definitions of good and bad have occurred around the globe and in violent fashion. In the early 1990s, genocide was the order of the day in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia- this among a people who were content to live among each other just ten years earlier. The same thing existed with millions dying in Rwanda where “differences” resulted in acts of terror such as genocide, rape, murder, and torture. Similar conflicts exist in India, Sri Lanka, Central America and in the United States. Trinidad and Tobago is not so remote from these conflicts and the situation can get out of control very easily.

Discrimination, in and of itself is a fine word. Without our ability to discriminate, we would all be dead or in serious trouble. Now, before you go flying off in a rage, consider what the word really means: to make fine distinctions, to differentiate. Without that ability, we would be unable to tell safe situations from unsafe ones.

The insidious nature of discrimination arises when we make the distinctions on the basis of prejudice. A prejudice is a belief about something that is not based in reality, often on very strong feelings. When we act on feelings and prejudice, we deny groups and individuals their unique qualities and their place in the community.
Discrimination is an act, an act that differentiates or makes distinctions. Discrimination is a bad act when I make these distinctions about a person based upon the color of their skin, their national origin, or their sex or sexual orientation. If I then treat them differently solely based upon these criteria and not upon the reality of their being, of their abilities and skills, then I am treating them unfairly. It is this unfair treatment or denial of access to the classroom, to a place to live, to a job or to advancement on the job that constitutes the discriminatory behavior.
We must resist any primal urges that may surface in times of conflict. It is not worth it. Take a good look at yourself and wonder where you fit in the scheme of things. I leave you with some final words from Victor Hugo [1802 – 1885], a French romantic Poet, Novelist and Dramatist who said: “Have no fear of robbers or murderers. They are external dangers. We should fear ourselves. Prejudices are the real robbers; vices the real murders. The great dangers are within us. Why worry about what threatens our heads or purses? Let us think instead of what threatens our souls.”

Daisy Voisin/Port Authority

The High Court has ruled that there cannot be a nativityscene in the Red House, the seat of Parliament, Port of Spain thisChristmas season. This isn't because of any religious reason, they simply have not been able to find three wise men and a virgin in the building. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable. According to Taylor Caldwell “I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.” Well folks, I wish to extend Christmas greetings to all our readers and by extension the national community. In these trying times, I prefer to find comfort in the words of Oren Arnold who had this to say: “Christmas gifts suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To your opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”
I have many things to say this week and I hope my Editor will indulge me. I wish to start off with paying tribute to someone who has left an indelible mark on Trini Christmas over the years. I speak of none other than Alexandra “Daisy” Voisin [September 23, 1924 to August 7, 1991]. Daisy was incredible and undoubtedly the Queen of Parang here in Trinidad and Tobago. During her successful reign she composed "Sereno Sereno", "Daisy Voisin", "Daisy Daisy Daisy", "El Nacimiento de la Verdad" and many others. "Alegria Alegria", was however, her favorite composition.
The fame of Daisy and the La Divina Pastora group took them as cultural ambassadors on missions throughout the Caribbean, Margarita, Venezuela, and North America. She had created such an impact with her performances that she became the most sought-after parang voice in the nation. As a leading cultural personality, she became a household name, not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but also throughout the West Indies. In 1982 she received the Parang Association's highest award, a gold medal. This was followed in 1988 with a National Humming Bird Silver Medal from the government. Daisy was not only a parandero, she was a gift from the Creator.

It was unfortunate that the government took so long to honour such an historic national icon. It just goes to show that greatness is rarely appreciated. I still miss Daisy today and when I see her on television or hear her on a CD, it brings back fond memories of Christmas as a child. May her soul rest in peace!
BRACE FOR INFLATION

Given the over-extending inefficiencies at the Port of Port of Spain, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago should brace inflation that may get out of control in the coming year.

2005 Year End Review

“Another fresh new year is here . . .Another year to live!To banish worry, doubt, and fear,To love and laugh and give!This bright new year is given meTo live each day with zest . . .To daily grow and try to beMy highest and my best!I have the opportunityOnce more to right some wrongs,To pray for peace, to plant a tree,And sing more joyful songs!”

William Arthur Ward quotes (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

2005 has come to an end and what a year it was. Usually, at the end of the year, in any address, speech, or column I may be asked to deliver, I sum up what the year was in a review. However, on this occasion I wish to approach this year-end in a more philosophical manner. The actual year in review will come next week with a very comprehensive package of the year that was.

According to Bill Vaughn, American author, “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” I want to think that most of us are optimists, and though may face a number of challenges, I am confident that as a people, we are resilient, resourceful, and capable of bouncing back.

By far the most exciting moment for me was our victory over Bahrain on November 16. Even more so than November 19, 1989, this country came together in a spectacular display of camaraderie that was never seen before. As I have said in previous articles, I acknowledge FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, the “Soca Warriors” and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation for realizing the dream of this country qualifying to pay in a FIFA World Cup Finals. The only thing that bothers me really is the fact that the football package to Germany to see Trinidad and Tobago in our first round matches is in the sum of $30 000, excluding airfare. I am sorry, but if I am still to go to Germany, I will be sourcing a package out of the United States.

Another special moment for me was the completion of my Doctor of Philosophy in Politics. Although I can now be referred to as Dr. Morris, I prefer to remain the same old loveable, amiable character that everyone has come to know and love. In any event, a piece of paper cannot change who I am. It is a state of mind, and I am happy to report that I am of sound mind and body, for the while.

Writing for the TNT Mirror has also been a unique experience. It has allowed all of us to express opinions and perspectives that might have been “pushed under the carpet” for want of a better phrase. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Editor, Swiedat Persad for giving me the freedom to explore a number of areas of interests during the year. To the rest of the staff, thank you for making me feel welcome and part of the team.

In terms of politics, although there was neither local government nor general elections, the air was ripe with controversy, bachannal and excitement. In May, we had the resignation of Franklin Khan as Minister of Works and Transport after he was summoned to the Prime Minister’s residence. In December, we had his resignation as Chairman of the ruling party also after being summoned to the Prime Minister’s residence. The common thread is that every time Franklin is summoned by the Prime Minister, a resignation follows. Let us hope that he is not summoned again. The only thing left is his seat in the Lower House. Manning, on the other hand does not have the testicular fortitude to demand that.

Franklin Khan’s resignation was the result of a very nasty race war within the ruling party that threatens to rip it by the seams. Haven’t you noticed that both Christine Sahadeo and Satish Ramroop have been marginalized, Christine Kangaloo is ill and Mustapha Abdool Hamid is a none starter to begin with. In effect, all the East Indians of rank have been marginalized. Look at it this way, both Franklin Khan and Eric Williams have been accused of accepting bribes yet, only Khan has resigned and is facing charges before the court. Either Indian people “cyah tief” good or the black man knows how to cover it up! Interestingly, only East Indians are being charged. Franklin should have stuck to taking money in a brown paper bag in some back street in St. James. Of course though, we assume his innocence and will not attempt to prejudice the case.

The subtle signal being sent here is that Indians are too “greedy” and will do anything to get money, whilst the black man has been taken advantage of and is being made to suffer. This could not be further from the truth, but I promise you my readers, more will be revealed in the coming year. De mark buss as they say, and it is all out in the open. Indians are nothing but pure window dressing in the PNM. That is a shame though. I think all people should be appreciated for the skills, talent, and dedication that they bring to whatever party they choose to belong too.

On the other hand, the UNC provided much entertainment for this year. Basdeo Panday has won the round once again, something I had predicated since Winston Dookeran had accepted the deal with Panday for him to be Political Leader whilst Panday occupied the post of Chairman. From then on, it was clear that Panday’s intention was never to give up power. Her Majesty will never allow it! Now, Dookeran is a real nice fella. I like de man, but the fact remains that he has to prove himself politically in the next year or he will be fighting a loosing battle.

I have been told that I have been declared persona non grata by some. Well, I have tried to present a fair and balance perspective of how things are on the ground. Who don’t like it could kiss my not so hairy ….. Do not get me wrong, personally I think that Panday, Dookeran, Manning and yes Ramesh are nice, decent people, but power has a way of (^&*&*y7^868) with people’s minds. More on that next week when I present my year in review.

In wishing you and yours a happy, productive, prosperous and safe New Year, I leave you with this from Virginia Satir (American Psychologist and Educator, 1916-1988) “Over the years I have developed a picture of what a human being living humanely is like. He/She is a person who understands, values and develops his/her body, finding it beautiful and useful; a person who is real and is willing to take risks, to be creative, to manifest competence, to change when the situation calls for it, and to find ways to accommodate to what is new and different, keeping that part of the old that is still useful and discarding what is not.”

The about turn of FIFA Vice President Jack Warner

JACK & BAS BACK TOGETHER

Rarely am I shocked by the maneuverings of politicians, but the not-so-unexpected turnaround by Jack Warner left me momentarily dazed. Information reaching me suggested that Basdeo Panday had initiated reconciliation talks with Warner, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect Jack to so unconditionally and publicly surrender his moral authority to the Bas. Warner said he apologized “profusely” for all the bad things that he had said about Panday. Interestingly enough, all of this took place whilst the Political Leader of the United National Congress was abroad. How convenient!

My immediate reactions to this sudden turn of events were varied. First of all, somebody had to have sold out. Either Warner has something on Panday and is allowing him the opportunity to exist the political stage with dignity at the appropriate time or Panday has now acquired some “hot” information on Warner and is prepared to use it if Warner does not tow the line. In short, some kind of a deal “went down.” Don’t get me wrong, I am all for unity within the UNC, but it must be done with sincerity, based on principles of mutual understanding and respect and geared towards achieving the best results for the people of the nation. What took place on Friday 2nd December 2005 with Warner’s about- turn was nothing less than obscene. MP’s Dr. Fuad Khan, Gillian Lucky and Gerald Yetming were absolutely correct in boycotting that mockery of an attempt at unity.

It was indeed a sad day in the politics of Trinidad and Tobago, but as they say, life goes on and the colour of coffee has not changed. After discussing this entire episode with a very good friend of mine, I was told with a wry expression “Only dogs lick up deh own vomit.” I will report to the nation as further developments take place.

HIV/AIDS

Last month, I received an e-mail relating to a previous article I did on HIV/AIDS. I would like to share its contents with you:
Hello Anderson I have read with great interest your article on:"HIV/AIDS was born in the USA". I must say I ampleased with your boldness. I am a Ugandan now livingin Canada. I graduated from Harvard School of PublicHealth, where I once heard about a German scientistwho wanted to share empirical facts on the origins ofHIV/AIDS (tracing it to the USA labs in their scramblefor funds for small pox vaccine), but to no greenlight. He received threats from USA, rejection fromWHO and faced closed doors from the poor nations ofAfrica - including my own, simply because the UnitedStates government warned against any nation hostingthis scientist. Your article provides a good start and a fertileavenue for some of us interested in exploring moreabout this disease. While starting with a sharp andfocused cut through, it seems to later meander a bitinto short and hard to connect notes (outlines. Youassume that many a reader will have read through whatyou have already talked about. I for one have not. Anexample is when you talked of the Icelandic scientistscombining the sheep Visna virus with human tissuecells more than 20 years ago. Is the the 20 yearsflashing back to 2005, or did you mean some yearsbefore 2005 (since you ably prove that the virus wasformed in the 1970's), or before? And a few more. Isit possible that you give a more flesh to your goodbriefs? I am also interested in furthering my knowledge onthis issue: the role of the United Nations in thefight against HIV/AIDS - organisations such as UNAIDS,UNICEF, WHO, etc. Do you think the Impoverished,disease stricken and war wrecked African nations, andthe target gay communities can do anything freethemselves off this situation? Please get back to be. I will appreciate yourresponse. Sincerely Andrew Ssawe

I have replied to Andrew’s e-mail thanking him for his comments and outlining the reasons for brevity in the previous article. I intend to remain in contact with him to develop the points contained within the article and ensure that the true message gets out. Readers will be updated as the process takes shape. For reasons of clarity, in answer to Andrews question about the creation of the virus, it was clearly developed and distributed in the 1970s.

FTAA

Earlier this year, I received an e-mail concerning my article on Port of Spain hosting the FTAA Secretariat. The contents are as follows:
A. ANDERSON MORRIS: your interesting article: "UNMASKING PoS FTAA HOAX," has been brought to my attention because I’m very interested in the CARICOM region in general & T&T in particular - you may read my commentaries on the CARIBBEAN INVESTOR website managed by KELVIN SCOON - 1st of all - is it possible for you to send me an electronic version of your article to me at this Em address? - 2dly I’m traveling to T&T April 25 for the CTO sustainable tourism conference in Tobago (apr 25-apr 29) - I will then stop in PoS apr 30-may 4 before returning to Puerto Rico - it would be nice to meet you & discuss the FTAA PoS's application for the sect & defining the future role of T&T (as well as CARICOM) in the FTAA if it is achieved) - I’ll be stopping at the Marriott courtyard your consideration appreciated - John Collins contributing editor CARIBBEAN BUSINESS San Juan Puerto Rico (my articles appear on the CARIBBEAN INVESTOR website (www.caribbeaninvestor.com) as well as in the archives of CARIBBEAN BUSINESS (www.puertoricoWOW.com with some also appearing on www.google.com)

I made contact with John via telephone and the conversations were interesting. However, we were unable to meet because I was unavailable at the time [prior commitments]. However, I will keep in contact with him as we continue to track the progress made with relation to the creation of the FTAA.

MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR READERS

To all those who have e-mailed, called or written to me, I wish to express my profound gratitude. I am humbled by your faith in me and pledge that I will continue to be impartial, fair, and balanced. As demonstrated above, our readers come from far and wide and it illustrates the reach that the TNT Mirror has in the international community. Congratulations to all at the TNT News Centre. We will continue to educate, entertain, and bring you the story behind the story when it happens. Till next week, take care of yourselves.

The Failures of Fitzgerald Hinds MP

“Morvant/Laventille is not fundamentally better-off than it was eight years ago when I assumed office. Admitting that the task is humongous and made even more so by the lethargy of far too many of its residents, one knows that fundamental transformation and development are achievable. A comprehensive plan, the political will and cessation of the attitude of taking the people and their votes for granted, is all that is necessary.” [Fitzgerald Hinds- Member of Parliament for Laventille/Morvant 1995 – 2007].
I purposefully put an end date to the quote above because it is wide knowledge that this is Mr. Hind’s last term as a Member of Parliament and all that can be said for that is “Thank God for small mercies!” I always wondered if there was anyone who could outdo Prime Minister Manning in blowing hot air and making foolish statements. Let us put it this way: Fitzgerald Hinds belongs to the right party and is eminently following in the footsteps of his beloved leader, a leader who has expressed no confidence in his abilities as a Member of Parliament or Minister of Government.
In thinking of Fitzgerald Hinds, a profound statement by Francis Bacon [English Lawyer and Philosopher 1561 – 1626] comes to mind, “The zeal that begins in hypocrisy must conclude in treachery, at first it deceives, at last it betrays.” In no small measure, Fitzgerald Hinds is a hypocrite, charlatan, a fraud, and a deceiver of those whom he has failed to lead.
On a radio interview on Sunday October 23, 2005, Hinds, in defending his party’s decision not to support the “Death March” stated that it appeared to be one supported mainly by the middle and upper classes. I am not at all surprised by a statement. While addressing the Fifth Biennial Conference of Delegates of the Contractors and General Workers Trade Union [CGWTU] ON August 26, 2004, Hinds made it quite clear that he will take no personal responsibility for the increasing crime rate. This of course from the Junior National Security Minister. To give a further illustration of his thinking, on April 8, 2005, Hinds went so far to indicate in a newspaper article that “East Indians are the choice of kidnappers because they are more visible as businesspeople.”
As one who participated in the march itself, I wish to state categorically that there was a healthy mix of the entire population, representative of all cross-sections, and demonstrating the diversity of our culture. Hinds sought to justify his government’s no show by playing upon the race card and the poor.
Blasted hypocrite! What has Hinds done for the poor in his community? Even after his appointment as Minister of State in the Ministries of National Security and Rehabilitation and Industry and Trade, Hinds finds the time to listen to all the radio stations and call in with his comments almost on a daily basis. That would explain why nothing has been forthcoming from Hinds since his appointment. In many ways, Hinds reminds me of Harvey Boris who even succeeded at one time in having his own radio talk show.
Hinds has left his constituency in complete disarray and at this point in time, the people of Laventille and Morvant don’t want to hear from a man who perceives himself to be a leader in their community. He offers them no hope, no future, no commitment for development. Earlier this year, he boycotted weeklong Emancipation celebrations within his own constituency at the Morvant Ebonites Pan Theatre. Not one day did he attend, just like his government boycotting the death march on Saturday. This, from a man who presumably practices the tenets of the Rastafarian faith. Blasted hypocrite!
In early October 2005, Hinds stepped into a parlour on Picton Road, Laventille and was confronted by angry residents who believe that the government has failed them. His response was “that there are people in higher positions than him and that he had to take orders before he could do anything.” Clearly, that was the chant of a lunatic, a mocking pretender, and a disgrace to the Rastafarian movement. Some say that Laventille has an unemployment rate of approximately 45% and yet Hinds finds time during the day and night to call all the radio stations and pontificate the “successes” of his government.
Michael Aberdeen, President of the Laventille Extension Road Village Council on January 20, 2005 claimed that the people of Laventille were being neglected by their Member of Parliament, especially the residents of Never Dirty. They were lacking the delivery of basic essentials such as streetlights, water, and other amenities. Perhaps they should call a radio station while he is on air.
In September 2000, Hinds indicated in Parliament that he thanked God that his children were not awake to hear Kamla Persad Bissessar talk about how much pipe she could take. If he had stopped to think what he was doing, he would have realized that his children would have been awake during news time to hear about the same thing he did not want them to hear about.
In a letter to the editor of a daily newspaper on September 4, 2005, David Blandin stated “I wish I were a PNM supporter, so that when I hear Fitzgerald Hinds of all people say that the President of the Police Second Division Association is full of hot air for voicing legitimate concerns about his members’ welfare, I would think hmmm, pot calling kettle black…”
Hinds’ performance as a Junior Minister in the Manning administration is not even mediocre, so put simply, the constituency and the nation is getting the most out of him- you can’t expect more than the man can deliver! Hinds, from time to time makes scattered statements on issues of national importance. On August 4, 2005, he said that government has allocated $184 million for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service. One wonders how many more stores must burn to the ground in Port of Spain before the upgrade is finally complete.
Hinds is also in charge of Penal Reform in Trinidad and Tobago. I think he believes he has to reform the southern town to cater for more “doubles” and “saheena.” According to Joseph Boodoosingh in a letter to the editor, “It is indeed unfortunate that the Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, did not first find out whether or not inmates in custody are allowed visits from their children before be appeared on national television. Inmates in custody are allowed visits from their children, as he would have learnt. The basic rule applies: ‘If you don’t know, ask first.’”
As a failed politician, Hinds will get high marks. If he thinks by saying a lot of “big words, big words” that he would impress the population, he should think again. Even the Prime Minister has recognized this fact: that is why he was refused a substantive Ministerial post. What is sad is that he continues to repeat the nonsensical statements of his line Minister, even in face of overwhelming stupidity.
In a letter to Raoul Pantin dated October 6, 2005, Hinds writes, “Our crime situation is not entirely unique and that we are facing the same difficulties that many other societies face in this globalized environment.” May I remind the goodly gentleman that the rate of all major crime has been falling in the United States. We indeed have our unique situation, and we must deal with it forthrightly and with the political will necessary to send a strong message to the criminals.
In short, I wonder if Hinds is not performing his marital duties, would he blame it on the globalized environment and that his situation is not unique.
Blasted Hypocrite! Hinds, you should take a break from the radio. The people of Trinidad and Tobago have demonstrated in large numbers that enough is enough. It is time for your government to do something about the situation or get out!