Position Statements
Make food production a national priority
Apr 06, 2008
Food shortage and the mis-use of land resources are no longer just political talking points. Food shortage is now a global reality that will only be exacerbated by population growth, increased wealth, global warming and ignorance.
Trinidad and Tobago, as a small twin island State cannot continue its ever increasing dependence on food imports for the survival of its citizens.
The effects of global food shortages and a consistently weakening US dollar are quickly undermining our security as a nation. The purchase of basic food items is becoming more and more difficult for middle class Trinidad and Tobagonians. When a large part of the population can no longer afford basic items to feed themselves and their children, they will revolt. This is not a prediction, it is a lesson in history.
It would be a real pity if we as a nation suffered such a fate following the most affluent years of our history.
The focus has to be on food security before anything else. The Ministry of Agriculture needs to be working hand in hand with the Ministries of Local Government, Social Services, Planning and the Environment to ensure that an elaborate plan is put in place for sustainable growth in the production of food in Trinidad and Tobago.
There should be incentives not just for large farms but for small and medium size farms as well. By encouraging and facilitating agricultural entrepreneurship the sector will grow and flourish at a faster rate with greater efficiency.
There is merit in seeking to develop the infrastructure and ambience of the nation's towns and cities. There is also merit in dealing with the traffic problems that face citizens on a daily basis. Some may even say that there may be merit in trying to make international travel more efficient for the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues BUT none of these noble attainments can be enjoyed by a rioting population with empty stomachs ....... a most crucial point.
There is an adage that says the higher you climb, the harder you will fall. Trinidad and Tobago is riding high on gas the wealth from gas prices, now is the time to ensure we build a sustainable foundation for when NOT IF the gas runs out or the prices fall or the food prices catch up with the gas prices.
The US farmers will not sit back and watch their profits dwindle as they pay more for gas or as the value of their currency falls. They will adjust their prices to make up the shortfall. This means that for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, food will indeed continue to become more expensive and food inflation will continue to set new records.
Without food security there can be no national security. The billions of dollars being spent on fast patrol boats to prevent foreign nationals from entering our shores will not protect us from the hungry mob that already live here.
The time has come for us to re-prioritise. Let us get the basics such as food production, education, health and national security correct before we move on to the more esoteric accomplishments.
MND wishes Ivor Archie well... BUT
Jan 22, 2008
It is without doubt that Justice Ivor Archie is qualified and competent to hold the position of Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago and as such the MND wishes the new Chief Justice well.
It is unfortunate though that this appointment has been met with so much disquiet from many quarters as this office requires national confidence and support at this time.
It is even more unfortunate that there is a perception of arbitrariness in the selection process. It is the President's call.
This argument is raised everytime a new Chief Justice is appointed. So it has been and continues to be a matter of concern on both sides of the Lower House of Parliament.
As such, the MND would like to recommend to the government and opposition as they ponder constitutional reform to consider electing all major offices such as President, Chief Justice, DPP and Commissioner of Police by special majority vote in the Lower House of Parliament.
This method will go some distance in removing the stigma of political bias in the appointment of these very important offices and will give the Parliament the opportunity to vet prospective office holders on behalf of the citizens they represent whilst going a long way towards strethening our young democracy.
Education and Community Hold the Key to Crime Reduction
Dec 31, 2007
The reality as we commence 2008 is that even though 2007 has probably been the most prosperous year on record for Trinidad and Tobago, it has also been the bloodiest year on record for Trinidad and Tobago.
In 2007 Trinidad and Tobago recorded approximately 30 murders per 100,000 citizens. That statistic will put Trinidad and Tobago in at least the top 5 of the table of the bloodiest countries in the world. A statistic no one can be proud of.
Just to put this in perspective, Canada had a murder rate in 2006 of 1.85 per 100,000 and incidentally 75% of perpetrators of homicides were caught by 2007.
As we "celebrate" another record year of criminal activity (murder) in Trinidad and Tobago it has become patently clear to me that we cannot and should not depend on Senator Martin Joseph or the Commissioner of Police to halt or reverse the trend of insecurity faced by citizens of Trinidad and Tobago despite the fact that these two gentlemen enjoy status and perks to fulfil this objective. They have not addressed themselves adequately to the task in the past and there is no reason or no indicator to believe or to suggest that this will change in the year ahead.
Neither can we depend on the Opposition who at close of play for the year 2007 were still fighting over who in the party has authority over the party whilst the leader spent Christmas in London.
The time has come for the intelligent, responsible and capable citizens in society to step up to the plate and show leadership in their own as well as their adjoining communities.
Gang violence seems to be the leading cause of murder in this country. So common sense would dictate that in order to curb the violence in our nation, we must provide an alternative to gang warfare.
A quick study of gangs will reveal that gangs are made up of disenfranchised male youth in the age group 14 to 25 years old. Many gang members do not live beyond the age of 25. Other similar characteristics include mediocre education, broken and abusive homes, learning disorders, cramped government housing as their living conditions (although other private low cost housing is also present), lack of social skills, a sense of hopelessness and resignation, and of course a desire to get rich overnight through the mismanagement of government social programmes, drug dealing and gun running combined with no sense of future.
Some of these problems can be tackled in a meaningful way with less effort than others. Our challenge as a nation and as citizens is to start tackling those problems that can be tackled.
Education is in my view the solution to many of the problems because education can reduce frustration, can give life purpose and can provide the tools for those who seek opportunity. Education of course cannot just be arithmetic and grammar, education must address the needs of the individual as well as the family and the community.
There needs to be concerted effort on the part of society to show that the way of the gang lifestyle is not the way forward!
There needs to be recognition by all that disenfranchised youth are still human beings!
The government must understand that a gang murder is NOT an excuse that is tolerated by the citizens for the senseless loss of life of an individual!
There must be readily available education for coping within the family. In this little twin island republic there are too many abusive family situations that lead to family breakdown that could be avoided. Many of the gang members are the products of this breakdown. Young men (and women - which will be dealt with subsequently) leave these abusive situations and find solace with their comrades on the street or on the block as the adults in society fail them.
Some of these youth try to pursue their regular education but are instead ridiculed by the other members of the block who would prefer that others do not develop pass their own comfort zone BUT worst than that, they are even sometimes ridiculed by their parents.
Those who go through hell to try to succeed are then ridiculed by their peers in school or by their teachers who make no attempt to understand what has to be gone through to even get to class on a daily basis.
When faced with this cycle of frustration, many cannot be blamed for succumbing. But they are blamed by academics and postulating commentators who do so without any attempt at understanding.
Many of the children who find themselves on the streets are sexually abused or used by the very class of people who scold them in the media and other forums to carry out criminal agenda. As a community we need to clamp down on these sick and abhorrent adults. Society must play its part.
This behaviour cannot go on for much longer. The middle class will become prisoner to this tragic system if we do not fight back soon. Even those who now feel isolated and protected from this disease that we have created will not be isolated forever.
We need to educate the poor so that they can understand opportunity and seek it. We need to provide opportunity to those who seek it. We need to take care of those who are unable to understand or seek opportunity.
We need to rehabilitate instead of isolate.
We cannot expect to enjoy our food whilst our neighbours remain hungry.
We must not absolve those in authority from their responsibility BUT we cannot and must not sit back and do nothing either.
I wish to urge you wherever you can to support the NGOs who at least make an attempt to help the family, or provide education and training to young people. Help set up or sponsor a needy child into pre-school care. Give a young person who is trying a job. Let the government know that all life is meaningful. Let us make a difference to our country in 2008.
Many of us have lost our way. The rich and the poor alike. There is too much greed and not enough compassion. Yes Trinidad and Tobago we are all to blame, because we have forgotten the greatest commandment - love your neighbour as yourself.
Happy New Year.
Season's Greetings
Dec 18, 2007
As we celebrate another anniversary of the birth of Christ Consciousness, the MND wishes all of Trinidad and Tobago, (whatever you look like, wherever you live, whatever your social, economic or educational background, whatever religious belief you hold or whichever political philosophy you subscribe to), a Merry and Holy Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous New Year.
Remember, it is not just about the things that you do at Christmas, but the Christmas things that you do all year through.
MND congratulates the PNM
Nov 09, 2007
The MND wishes to congratulate the People's National Movement on its victory at the 2007 General Election.
Taking nothing away from the success, the result in the end was hardly surprising in the circumstances. The PNM ran a focused and professional campaign whereas the opposition parties that participated in the election fought against themselves.
The MND is pleased to see the many new faces in the Cabinet and special congratulations go out to the many women who have been given senior positions in the new government. The MND especially congratulates newcomers Ms. Bridget Annisette-George, Ms. Karen Nunez-Tesheira, Ms. Esther Le Gendre, Dr. Emily Gaynor Dick-Ford, Ms. Paula Gopee Scoon and, Ms. Marlene McDonald.
In addition to the significant presence of women who no doubt endorse the rise in female energy in our society today, the MND is also pleased to see a diverse Cabinet that represents all of Trinidad and Tobago inclusive of youth participation.
The MND can only hope that this new bunch of Cabinet Ministers will take on board the statistic that the PNM won the election with less than half of the votes cast and with votes coming from less than a third of the total electorate. This means that the vast majority of the population were not moved to vote for the PNM in light of its performance over the last 5-6 years and/or because of the perception of a divided nation.
The MND wishes to remind the government that there is still also a perception within the society of mass inequity in the distribution of resources, and that this must be addressed with some urgency if this new government is to prove that it is indeed a government for all of Trinidad and Tobago.
The MND believes that this government has a golden opportunity to put party politics aside for a moment and to govern in a way that will empower the majority of citizens in order to allow Trinidad and Tobago to achieve genuine developed status in the shortest possible time frame. The MND can see no reason to keep our nation divided, and the days for controlling the masses by keeping them poor and uneducated have now gone. More than that is the fact that in this knowledge driven world, it will be foolhardy to expect us to compete globally if a large segment of our small population continue to fall short of meeting basic educational benchmarks.
The MND believes that citizens are ready to move Trinidad and Tobago forward. There is greater debate throughout all levels of society and there is a feeling that people understand the issues and genuinely want to help themselves. We also need to address the fact that even though we are so phenomenally wealthy as a nation, there continues to be tremendous poverty that even some of our significantly less well off Caribbean neighbours do not have to contend with.
It is hoped that with this new breed of politicians at the helm, this new government will move swiftly to deal with the priority issues which are in our view: education (with a focus on pre-school and primary education); healthcare (with a focus on training and retention of local healthcare providers, and the provision of accessible healthcare throughout Trinidad and Tobago); the reduction in crime (by putting greater emphasis on detection and reform through an integrated plan of social development and education); agriculture and the cost of food and, traffic (by fast tracking the government's stated highway development plan and the use of water taxis, and by seriously considering decentralising services, education and the development of community recreational facilities).
The MND would also like to see the government aggressively expand upon its divestment plan for the economy to deal with any possible drop in the production capabilities of the energy sector so as to ensure continued growth and development of our nation beyond the energy economy.
Finally, the MND wishes to plead with the Hon. Prime Minister to listen to the voices of the people as he strives to govern in the interest of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. It is easy to get carried away in the circumstances that he finds himself in BUT the MND wishes to remind him as he ponders his legacy, that the best loved and most remembered Prime Minister will always be he who puts the needs of the people before his own.
Murder rate
Nov 01, 2007
As of 1st November, there have been 292 murders. This means that there has been an average of 29 murders per month over the last 10 months. At the present rate we can therefore expect approximately 350 murders for the year 2007.
The MND believes that to be another unacceptable year of crime especially in light of the tremendous resources spent on National Security this year.
MND not to contest the 2007 poll
Oct 15, 2007
The MND wishes to state that it will not be participating in the 2007 poll and wishes to thank all the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who have supported and continue to support the MND.
The MND takes this stand even though it is aware that neither of the three "major" parties in the race will make any significant difference to the improvement of living conditions of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and we understand that the people are still looking for a political party that will look after their needs.
The MND is by no means abandoning the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Quite the contrary.
The MND believes it can best serve the population by objectively monitoring, commenting and agitating on the issues that affect the population and will continue to do so regardless of who forms the next government. The MND will continue to show leadership on issues from outside the Parliament. We understand that leadership does not require a leadership title.
Citizens can expect to see MND shadow MPs in every constituency representing their interests over the next 5 years.
The MND recognizes that both opposition parties are reflections of themselves and unless there is a clear and articulate presentation of policy positions, the population will continue to be misled as to the aims and objectives of these two organizations. The government's path is clear.
Our first step to continue along the road as the nation's watchman is therefore to call upon the opposition parties to make their positions clear on the following crucial issues so that the MND can hold them to account should either party form the government:
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The construction of smelter plant(s) in Trinidad and Tobago;
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The rapid (racket) rail in Trinidad and Tobago;
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Their programme of decentralization and devolution of power to be undertaken to give local government bodies autonomy to deal with issues affecting their communities such as housing, infrastructure, education, healthcare and other services;
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The introduction of an Executive President;
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The use of local labour and expertise in favour of foreign labour and expertise;
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Their plans for fighting crime and prison reform;
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Their policy for education, especially as it relates to the provision of pre-school education and the reduction of class sizes in primary schools;
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Their policy for providing universal healthcare and the training and retention of medical professionals;
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Their policy for the use of solar energy for residential electricity supply; and
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The de-politicization of social services, care for the elderly and youth development.
These are the issues that have stood out in debates over the last 5 years and as such the population deserves to know where each party stands on these issues.
It is clear to the MND that the population is tired of the governing party's policies and will attempt to vote them out. However, the MND understands that the population is confused as to who they should support. By providing the population with their clear positions, the population will be in a much better position to decide which opposition party to vote for.
"The MND because Trinidad and Tobago deserves better"
In response to our critics
Oct 07, 2007
There are many people out there who because of their own insecurities find it difficult to understand why an intelligent lawyer with a bright future would challenge the system almost singlehandedly in the hope of creating a better nation for all. To those people, the MND has assembled a few notable quoatations:
John W. Gardner: The cynic says, "One man can't do anything". I say, "Only one man can do anything."
Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach: The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players.
Thucydides: The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out and meet it.
Light does not conquer darkness by pushing the darkness out of the way. Rather, the light comes into the darkness and transforms it with brilliant, positive energy.
In the same way, the obstacles in life are not conquered by fighting them on their own terms or attempting to push them out of the way. The best way to move past a difficult situation is to transform it with positive, productive energy.
No matter how much you push against the darkness it will not go anywhere. Yet the moment you shine your light, the darkness is no more.
When you fight against your problems, all it usually accomplishes is to make them stronger and give them more validity. That's certainly not what you would ever intend.
Instead, seek to transform those problems, those difficult situations, by virtue of your own positive values and efforts. Focusing on what you're working toward is far better than being obsessed with whatever you think you're against.
Rather than struggling against the situation, give the best you have to it. Rather than fighting darkness with more darkness, transform that darkness by letting your light shine.
Ralph Marston
MND to go it alone
Oct 03, 2007
On Sunday 30th October, the MND celebrated 2 years as a political party. The MND is a new political party, but though we are young in years I want to assure you that we are prepared to make the mature decisions.
It has been an interesting 2 years that have seen people give of themselves selflessly, pursuing a goal of genuine National Development and today I wish to thank all of those people who have contributed to the development and sustenance of the MND, those who are still with us as well as those who would have helped along the way.
Today our manifesto, that has been posted on our website since our party’s inception on October 30th 2005 together with, our many press releases on most of the pertinent issues affecting citizens, form a significant part of the national agenda. That in itself gives us the satisfaction that we have at least so far contributed to the National Development of thought.
The time has come to take that one step further.
Although there are now people talking about devolution of power and empowerment of communities, divestment of the economy away from the over reliance on energy, reform of the pension system, the need for pre-school education, food security through support to farmers, prison reform to ensure rehabilitation, support of the family unit, sport and entertainment, terms limits, rights of recall, proportional representation, environmental protection and genuine national development, the MND understands from experience that much of it is just political rhetoric.
The difference is that the MND has properly thought through how we intend to deliver on these issues to the benefit of the vast majority of citizens. They are not merely talking points, but are serious issues for immediate implementation. And they can be implemented without the use of expensive foreign consultants.
Over the last 2 years the Movement for National Development (MND) has been linked to all kinds of arrangements, none of which have been actually true. The MND, in the interest of finding common ground and with the aim of forging unity where unity was potentially workable and in the best interest of the population, has spoken with most of the political players in opposition to the government over the last 2 years.
However, to this day, the MND has never joined with any other political party and has never given up the identity that is the MND. This is because the MND has not been convinced that any of the key political players in opposition to the government is actually any different from the key players in the governing PNM.
Their motives are the same. That is to get into government NOT to serve the interests of the people BUT merely to serve their financial masters and themselves.
As far as the MND is concerned, the other political parties are saddled with new politics that is not terribly new, leadership crises and politicians who have, without a shadow of a doubt, failed the population. Apart from the general consensus being that this is the most corrupt and disappointing government in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, even the Patrick Manning poll confirmed that he has presided over a cabinet of none performers, headed by the worst of them all, the Prime Minister himself.
More than all of this though, is a much more significant point, that of the political and economic agenda of these parties.
Every five years a group of people come along asking, sometimes begging to represent the people. However, the minute they win the election the very people they begged to serve become for them a nuisance. They threaten them, take their land, intimidate them, and treat them like dirt whilst they, the politicians, share up our resources in little back room deals that they keep secret from the population which are to the benefit of a little clique of local and foreign interests but usually to the detriment of the average Trinidad and Tobagonian.
Trinidad and Tobago simply has not been governed for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Whilst there are a handful of people who enjoy what this land has been given by GOD, the great majority of citizens feel enslaved by their leaders. We are forced to live off the crumbs whilst the masters funnel billions off to foreign bank accounts, build homes costing tens of millions of dollars and drive the most expensive cars in the world.
This whilst, the streets are filled with homeless people, homes are filled with hungry children, and ghettos become killing fields.
We all recognize that the system of government, which is controlled by big business, is inconsistent with equity and good governance.
And that there will be no change to the inequitable distribution of resources once this system remains intact.
I want to make it quite clear. The MND is not against big business. The MND will do all that it can to encourage business, because business, especially small and medium sized business drive the economy and create permanent jobs.
It is the inequality, the greed and the corruption that the MND has a problem with.
The MND states without any fear of contradiction, that this system will remain intact under the other three parties in this election race. Of this, I have little doubt.
The people in the hierarchy of these parties might look and sound different BUT the policies seem destined to continue to be the same. A majority for a little, and a little for the majority.
Their track record is there for all to examine. Every one of them has had the opportunity to be judged by the population, every one of them has been given a failed grade by the population at one time or another. BUT they keep coming at you. Throwing their money about to convince you to give them another chance to fail you again.
The time has come to get of that merry-go-round that leads us nowhere.
In light of this, the MND has decided to fight this election on its own. That is the mature decision. To stand firmly for what we believe to be right in this cesspool of greed and corruption.
We will give the population a genuine alternative to the system that discriminates against the majority, a system that discriminates against the ordinary citizen.
The MND states that it is indeed a two horse race. The other three are riding the same horse. Or at least is the horse being ridden by the same elements. They are being ridden by big business, corruption, inequity, bigotry, elitism and greed.
The MND is the other horse. And we are being ridden by the people who want a better future for their children. The people who are fed-up of being divided by ethnicity, religion, social standing and geographic location. The people who work hard and send their children to school wanting them to walk the right path and to become successes based on their commitment to achievement. The people who are tired of arrogant leaders who believe themselves to be more special than the citizens.
Our platform will be based on:
1. Genuine decentralization and devolution of power to communities. Where local government will be given a specific percentage of the national budget and a formula will be worked out for a fixed percentage of that allocation to go to the different Regional and City Corporations based on their geographic coverage, number of citizens, density and other relevant factors. Local government will be in full control of their budgets and will be responsible for infrastructure development and maintenance of all roads, bridges and, water courses in their region. In addition, they will have significant participation in the provision of education, housing, health care, government services, sport and recreational facilities in their regions, boroughs and cities;
2. divestment of the economy; (these and other issues will be developed on our public platforms)
3. food security;
4. land for the landless;
5. national security; (this too will be significantly expanded upon, but our solution is based on a system of equity and respect – the breakdown of communities is largely as a result of inequity and disrespect – what we like for ourselves, we must like for our brothers and sisters too. Prevention is better than cure. But where there cannot be prevention, there must be effective detection and speedy prosecution and even this with a view towards rehabilitation)
6. sport and entertainment; (harnessing our talent and turning into an industry will create many opportunities for empowerment)
7. proper education for all; (this cannot be overstated)
8. proper healthcare for all; (again too many nationals are suffering under this health system, people do not get better by advertisements, but by properly trained and highly motivated medical professionals)
9. the environment and energy conservation, with particular attention to solar energy; (just today there is a headline about power shortages – this is an issue we have raised time and time again) and
10. empowerment of the people by total social service reform.
In addition to a complete overhaul of local government to give it sweeping powers of autonomy and financial resources to undertake construction and maintenance of roads, drains, bridges, recreation facilities, community centres, houses, government offices, health centres, hospitals and schools. The MND will start by allocating some 35% of the national construction budget to small and medium sized construction companies, as such, under an MND Government every industrious person will have an opportunity to grow and actively participate in the developmental programme of the government.
On the bigger projects the MND will give local companies first preference, even if they have to import some specialist expertise from abroad. BUT an MND government will not be spending our resources on the proliferation of foreign consultants that we have grown accustomed to over the last 45 years, especially over the last 6 years.
No longer will Buoyes Bateman, Genivar or other friends of Calder Hart, Noel Garcia and Andre Monteil be in control of the construction in Trinidad and Tobago. We will literally put Construction Contracts in the hands of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
There will be no racket rail or no aluminium smelter either.
By decentralizing the services inclusive of education, health and other government services such as passport, driver’s licence, birth certificates, land registry, magistrates’ courts etc. the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will have no need to converge unto Port of Spain on a daily basis and as such the traffic problems will ease and citizens will enjoy a much higher quality of life all around Trinidad and Tobago.
There will be no Executive President
More power will be given to the communities and less to the executive NOT the other way around. The MND realizes that too much power makes you do made things and I want to remain sane.
We will remove URP and restructure CEPEP
The MND has heard the cries of the people. URP does not make life better. The people want meaningful jobs with benefits like sick leave, vacation, maternity leave and pension.
By restructuring and empowering local government, many more permanent employment will be available in local government. We will also introduce the concept of child minders that will empower the women in society.
As for CEPEP, we will encourage people to get into business and again through local government many more construction contracts will be available. We will remove the political control allowing people to develop and grow and take control of their lives.
We hope this will encourage people to get out of a life of crime and pursue a path towards empowerment and sustainable growth for themselves and their families.
The MND will give the country back to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I don’t want it for myself.
As I said, you will hear a great deal more on our platforms. The first of which will be in Maraval on Friday evening.
At this time, I will take this opportunity to name a few candidates already approved by our Central Executive and they are:
1. Earline Parsons, for the constituency of Laventille East/Morvant. Earline is a broadcaster, entrepreneur and most importantly a community worker who has done tremendous work with the prisoners and young men who have been neglected by society. She has worked with the people in the Port of Spain area consistently;
2. Greer Horsham is the MND’s Candidate for Diego Martin Central. Whilst the other parties believe that this is an elitist beauty contest, the MND understands that people need representation in that constituency and as such we are putting up a candidate who is a social worker and activist for people’s rights;
3. John Laquis, for the constituency of Port of Spain South; and
4. For the constituency of Diego Martin North East. The Political Leader of the MND. My home, my people, my passion.
More Candidates will be announced as we go along. The screening process is ongoing and we invite persons from every constituency who are interested in serving their communality at the highest levels, to come forward and offer themselves.
The MND is about service and National Development, ego maniacs, bigots and the greedy need not apply.
Thank you.
Election 2007
Oct 01, 2007
The MND will be contesting the general election of 2007 on its own.
The DNA Legislation
Sep 12, 2007
The MND is very pleased to see the passing of the DNA Legislation in the Upper House of Parliament, even if six years late.
The MND has stated for some time that it believes that the use of up to date forensic tools to fight crime is paramount to addressing the crime problem that now plagues Trinidad and Tobago.
The MND is however aware that the mere passing of the legislation will make no difference if the tools are not used to full effect.
The MND calls on the government to set up a state of the art forensic facility, preferably under the administration of the Ministry of Health, that will be staffed by highly trained personnel to investigate and detect the real perpetrators of crime in Trinidad and Tobago and to exonerate the innocent.
At present there are too many innocent people behind bars simply because they were unable to convince a jury of their innocence whilst many guilty, more seasoned criminals walk free because witnesses have been intimidated or that the evidence does not meet the requisite stand of proof.
The MND further calls for the use of CCTV surveillance throughout the highways and town centres of Trinidad and Tobago.
The MND also calls upon the government to deal with the prison system and the conditions therein. The Commissioner of Prisons has been burying his head in the sand for some time. For example, just last year the Commissioner of Prisons in response to a request from a UK Court stated that he had no knowledge of there being or ever having been sexual assaults in the prison system.
The only way we will rehabilitate citizens is if a conscious effort is made to treat prisoners like human beings. Prisoners are many times citizens belonging the most vulnerable groups in society and society continues to treat them like the forgotten that they are.
These vulnerable citizens are then transformed into animals who take out their frustration on the unsuspecting public.
Trinidad and Tobago will only get better when the most vulnerable get better.
Political Funding
Sep 12, 2007
The MND is overjoyed to hear the Prime Minister raising the issue of political funding. However, the MND says that he should lead rather than follow on this issue!!
The MND is intrigued, though not surprised, that it would be the PNM that would bring this issue to the fore now that it is under pressure from political opponents and of course now that the PNM is using the public purse to campaign when not using $100,000.00 a plate dinners. Intrigued because the PNM has had the most questionable financing arrangements. Not surprised, because the modus operandi of the PNM is to blame others for the sins they, the PNM, have committed.
The MND has been stating for some time now that "over the last 45 years Trinidad and Tobago has been governed for the benefit of foreign interests and a small minority in the local society who because of their education and wealth feel that they are the only ones entitled to share in the resources we were so richly blessed with".
The MND has identified that one of the main reasons for this inequitable distribution of the local resources has been as a result of payback to financiers. It has been the financiers who have creamed off the revenues to the detriment of the unsuspecting public. There have been numerous examples of this, none so stark as the Andre Monteil affair. But other well known financiers have gotten the key construction contracts as well as tax breaks and opportunities that have not been available to others.
The MND has also stated, and reaffirms its position, that drug money has also played a significant role in political funding and the PNM has been linked to major drug dealers on more than one occasion. In fact, not only has information been presented to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago that have linked the Prime Minister directly with notorious drug dealers, but at least one person named in the infamous Scott Drug Report, has actually served as a Cabinet Minister in the Patrick Manning government.
Whilst this may be a coincidence, it has also been the case that crime flourished under all regimes presided over by Patrick Manning. Drugs continue to flow through Trinidad and Tobago with no sign of abating, even though the Prime Minister has on many occasions outlined to the nation that his government has all the tools to detect the movement of drugs. The MND has learnt that the radar system purchased for many millions does have the capability to monitor as far as 140 miles from every direction of the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, so that the Chairman of the National Security Council is fully aware of what comes and goes, yet drug busts have been few and far between, whilst the drug economy is estimated to be in excess of $40 billion annually.
The MND calls on the Prime Minister to put his money where his mouth is and make financing available to all political parties so that they can get their message out effectively and enhance the democratic process.
Until that is done, big business will continue to control political parties in Trinidad and Tobago, including the PNM.
"The MND because Trinidad and Tobago deserves better"
Meeting Electricity Demand
Sep 11, 2007
The MND acknowledges the inability of the government to provide an adequate electricity supply for homes and businesses in Trinidad and Tobago.
The MND therefore calls upon the government to bring the necessary legislation to Parliament to allow citizens to install solar panels to enable them to power their homes and businesses by solar energy.
Trinidad and Tobago, because of its geographic location, has the benefit of at least 12 hours of sunlight daily. As such, there is a consistent, renewable source of energy provided free of charge by nature.
The fact that citizens are not allowed to use solar energy to power their homes even as T&TEC admits that they cannot meet demand is oppressive and short sighted.
The MND insist that the government should go further and encourage the installation of solar panels by assisting in the financing of the panels.
The time has come for the government to govern in the interest of the citizens rather than special interests.
The MND recognises that the more things change, the more things remain the same.
The MND has always stated that over the last 45 years Trinidad and Tobago has been governed for the benefit of foreign interests and a small minority in the local society who because of their education and wealth felt that they were the only ones entitled to bask in the resources we were so richly blessed with.
It is that kind of governance that has Trinidad and Tobago in the state it is in today. Decisions are not taken to the benefit of the majority.
The MND firmly believes that the wealth of the nation should be distributed in an equitable manner so as to contribute to the development of all our citizens NOT JUST A FEW.
When big business keeps calling the shots, the ordinary man must get out of the way. The 45 year history of Trinidad and Tobago is clear testament to this fact.
The MND is the only party that can and will make a difference in the politics of Trinidad and Tobago.
The MND's plan for national security, poverty eradication, decentralization, devolution of power, reduced powers for the Prime Minister, universal and equitable education, universal and equitable provision of healthcare, diversification of the economy away from energy dependence, social service reform and the general empowerment of people, as outlined in our draft manifesto, is unmatched by any other political party.
"The MND because Trinidad and Tobago deserves better"
Condolences
Sep 04, 2007
The MND recognises that some 224 families have been plunged into mourning this year because of the government's inability to treat effectively with the crime situation.
The MND however wishes to express its sincerest condolences to the Joseph family on the tragic murder of their son.
Response to 2007/2008 Budget
Aug 23, 2007
INTRODUCTION
This response is made after widespread consultation with economists, stakeholders and most importantly the people who are directly affected by the proposals presented in the budget statement for Trinidad and Tobago for the fiscal year 2007/2008 – the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
Specifically, this response will focus on where the MND would like to see Trinidad and Tobago in year 2020 and compare the policies of the MND with the policies of the government towards achieving these objectives.
The MND believes that governments should not focus on annual budgets but moreover present plans that are at least medium term in scope with definite benchmarks that are updated and measured.
MND’S VISION 2020
- A sustainable economy that is not just dependent on revenue streams that are limited, finite or overly concentrated in one segment but one that is broad based and sustainable;
- Low employment with sustainable, meaningful and permanent jobs that offer citizens benefits and long term opportunities for growth and development;
- An education system that is relevant to our needs and development and provides equality of opportunity for all citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, socio-economic background or geographic location;
- A healthcare system that does not discriminate against the poor, the disabled or those citizens living in rural areas that is driven by the highest professional standards and driven by locals;
- An agriculture and agro-processing industry that is sustainable and geared towards self sufficiency in basic food requirements; and
- A secure nation both onshore and off shore.
THE BUDGET
REVENUES
The MND is horrified that the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance has completely ignored the Ryder Scott Report (RSP) which was commissioned by the government to give an accurate picture of our energy output potential.
By ignoring the RSP the Prime Minister has acted in a most irresponsible manner in the management of the economy.
The MND would like to start its analysis by imagining an economy in 2020 that is no longer sustained by energy revenues and ask the question – What then?
The MND notes that according to the Prime Minister $15.3636 billion of the total revenues will be derived from the energy sector as compared with $18.6546 from non-energy tax collections.
Observation: that gives a total revenue of just $34 billion, so the MND asks where is the other $11 billion coming from?
Observation: Price Waterhouse Coopers have stated in their budget analysis that the total spending is actually in the vicinity of $45 billion, inclusive of approximately $3 billion for debt servicing.
That means with revenues projected at just $40.3812 billion, the government will be running a deficit of approximately $5 billion (or $3 billion, if the $2 billion earmarked for the Revenue Stabilization Fund is not actually saved).
Observation: the total exports in 2006 was US$12.1 billion of which US$11 billion came from the energy sector, that means that by 2020 on the current path we can expect foreign earnings to have fallen by 92% if no new natural gas is found and the economy is not diversified away from energy reliance.
The MND recognises the latest report from the IMF which has also called for diversification of the economy in light of the worrying economic trends of Trinidad and Tobago.
In considering diversification, the MND has identified the following key areas that are believed to be sustainable, wealth generating and foreign currency earning areas of economic activity:
- services industry: –
- with special consideration to oil and gas services to South America (Venezuela) where there is an abundance of energy resources and where our skilled professionals can be easily assimilated;
- skilled labour, there being a chronic shortage of skilled labour throughout the CSME and the world;
- financial services, which will have to be complemented by changes in legislation if Trinidad and Tobago is to enjoy the benefits associated with being a financial capital of the region;
- medical services, which will include the training of medical professionals, healthcare providers and technical staff;
- information technology related services such as call centres;
- tertiary education – the second largest industry in the UK; and
- professional services – the fastest growing sector worldwide and an avenue for our people to gain access; and
- audio visual and film industry.
- Tourism:-
- business tourism (catering to conferences, networking and various business activity);
- leisure tourism (regular sand, sea and natural life experiences)
- eco-tourism (nature trails, bird sanctuary, turtle watching, etc.);
- cultural tourism (religious celebrations, carnival, parang, etc.); and
- sport tourism (motor car racing, golf, horse racing, lawn tennis, etc.)
- Agriculture:-
- Stimulate agriculture via incentives for local farmers,
- Increased access to facilities and infrastructure that would allow real productivity to take place, with a focus on high standards rather than voluminous provision, and
- Build proper rural access roads
- Manufacturing:-
- Specialist manufacturing to take into account our output potential, such as carnival costumes to satisfy a growing global market;
SPENDING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The MND notes that 15% of this budget will be spent on personnel, 17% will be spent on development and a whooping 68% will be spent on other.
The MND is very curious as to what comprises the other……
Inflation continues to be a huge problem under this administration, whilst developed nations are battling to keep inflation at 2% and lower we have been experiencing levels of inflation as high as 10%, more than 5 times developed nations.
This, even as the government has been fiddling with the figures to keep inflation down by juggling the basket of products used to derive that statistic.
The national public must understand that with food inflation at over 25% per annum and building materials at over 50% per annum in many cases, it is very difficult to see how national inflation could be 7%.
One of the key reasons, apart from increased government charges, the government driven construction boom and labour shortages brought about by make shift temporary social programmes, that we have experienced out of control food prices, is the fact that the Trinidad and Tobago dollar has been pegged against a falling US dollar and government has done everything it can to kill the local agriculture industry.
The MND calls again, for the decoupling of the Trinidad and Tobago currency from the US dollar. The MND also calls for the de-monopolising of the foreign currency market to encourage greater competition in the foreign currency market. At present, there is tremendous profiteering because of the spread between exchange rate differences.
The MND cannot and will not accept a massive budget deficit in this booming economy. Budget deficits are for struggling economies NOT booming ones. The government needs to run clear budget surpluses with much more significant sums going towards the RSF.
The MND also calls on the government to follow the example of the Gulf States and invest the funds in the RSF in growth products that will yield handsome returns for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
Most of all the MND believes that the government should not only be encouraging persons to save, but should be setting the example.
Education
Education has to be the number one priority of any developing nation and this is reflected in the quantum allocated to the Ministry of Education over the last 6 years.
HOWEVER, the MND notes that of the many billions allocated and spent over the last 6 years less than $1 billion was actually spent on the construction and refurbishment of pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, at an average of $150 million per year. In other words, more money was spent on the construction of the Prime Minister’s residence in the last fiscal year than the average annual spend on education over the last 6 years.
In the budget statement of 2006/2007, the Prime Minister projected the construction of 600 pre-schools by 2020 to accommodate the present need. These were to be constructed at a rate of 80 pre-schools per annum. However, over the last fiscal year only 7 pre-schools have been constructed, therefore creating a shortfall of 73 pre-schools which translates to 3650 disappointed children.
The Prime Minister has since reduced the projection for the construction of pre-schools by 47 to 33 in 2007/2008 even though the allocation for the Ministry of Education has doubled.
The budget allocation has doubled and the projected returns are halved, and the Prime Minister has stated that the Ministry of Education is the best performing ministry in this government.
Consistent with our plans for decentralization, the MND believes that the focus should be on the construction of more pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools within every district. A proper education is more important than any rapid rail or waterfront project. Education is for many the only way out of poverty and the denial of a proper education is a denial of opportunity to get out of poverty.
The MND is aware of the shortage of skilled labour and the consequent difficulties associated with the construction of these much needed facilities. The MND recommends that a short term solution, which can be permanently used, is the immediate steps to train and provide child minders through local government cooperation. This will give women the opportunity to have meaningful employment whilst providing structured learning for pre-schoolers and building communities.
The MND calls for a detailed breakdown of the spending of the ministry of education for the last 6 years as we are very concerned that billions of dollars have been misappropriated to the detriment of the children who put their trust in this government.
After 6 years and all the spending, primary and secondary school students are still underperforming, our children are being sexually abused in schools and children with learning disabilities are falling through the cracks.
National Security
The safety and security of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago continue to be of major concern to the MND.
The government’s focus as outlined in the budget mainly deals with big spending items such as gun boats and armed helicopters which will run into tens of billions of dollars, and the legislation for the use of DNA evidence in crime fighting and prosecution.
With regard to the big ticket spending items, the MND knows that most of this is unnecessary and useless. At present the government has access to some of the most sophisticated monitoring equipment from radar systems covering over 100 miles off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago to an ASS (Aerial Surveillance System) watching us from on high popularly known as the blimp. None of which were available in 2001 when the murder rate was 151 for the entire year.
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