Position Statements
Minister Martin Joseph should be sacked
Aug 15, 2008
You will probably not hear me say this very often but I agree with Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj on the issue of Martin Joseh’s sacking.
Statistically, Martin Joseph has been the all time worst performing Minister of National Security in the history of Trinidad and Tobago. Already for this year there have been some 330 confirmed murders, which represents an increase of some 70% over the same period last year and last year was the worst year in our history.
There can be no justification for Martin Joseph to continue on in the office he now holds. His lame excuses and attempted defence on the increase in murders would have only been articulated by someone who has no respect for the intelligence of a sophisticated population such as ours.
He has managed to segment the murders into gang related, reprisals etc. and indicates that new initiatives such as the use of scientific tools like DNA evidence would allow him to reduce crime by 2020.
The first issue I take with his statement is this. How can anyone be able to identify the causes of each murder without even being aware of who committed it? This reminds me of the statements on knowing how many gangs were operating in T&T without the knowledge it would seem as to who were operating these gangs or where those operating these gangs could be found to be brought to justice. Another Mr. Big scenario.
With regards to his use of scientific methods, I wish to remind the Minister and the population that there had been calls for the use of DNA evidence in crime fighting since 2001/2002 by various people including myself, when the murder pattern now seen today was just being established. The Minister took 6 years to respond.
There continues to be calls for the use of CCTVs to monitor the cities, villages and road network but the Minister does not yet see the value in this tool (or it may be that he does not know someone who supplies CCTVs). It may take another 6 years or another 2,500 murders.
This Minister loves to cite global trends to justify his failures, but as he looks towards developed status I will use the opportunity to point out that in the 12 month period to June 2008 there were 155 homicides in London (population 7.5 million or 6 times that of T&T). In the 12 month period to June 2007 there were 175 homicides. That means a decrease in homicides in 2008 over 2007 by 11.4%.
NOTE: homicides include murder, manslaughter and infanticide. Therefore the actual murder figure is much lower.
I use London because of the diversity in population and the many similarities in gang culture, drug trafficking, money laundering and increased gun use, to use examples like Switzerland would be unfair. Even so London has a more widespread drug culture in my view with strong opium, heroine, crack cocaine and cannabis trades that attract the attention of law enforcement agencies. YET, the homicide rate in London is not only falling, it is about 1/3 of what it is in T&T even with a population 6 times that of T&T.
I should also point out that gun enabled crime in London is down over the same periods 16.1% from 3,200 for the 12 month period up to June 2007 to 2,684 for the 12 month period up to June 2008.
Another example that I believe would make for fair comparison is New York City. There have been approximately 305 murders in New York City for the year to date as opposed to approximately 296 for the same period in 2007 (I say approximately only because the figures are a couple days old). This represents a rise of some 3%. The population of New York City is approximately 6.5 times that of T&T and there can be little argument that New York City is still one of the most violent cities in the USA. There too can be found major international gangs such as the Russian, Italian, Irish and Chinese mafia and a proliferation of drugs and guns (that can be purchased freely). YET, even New York City have had less murders that T&T.
What we have in T&T is a Ministry of National Security that has seen its budget allocation quadruple over the last 6 years presiding over a population that if anything has decreased in size. YET murders have quadrupled over the same period.
Crime was significantly lower when there was significantly less money going to the Ministry of National Security, before the kidnapping bill was passed, before the change in the procedure in the appointment of the Police Commissioner and certainly before the appointment of this National Security Minister.
Will anybody take responsibility?
69% increase in record murder rate
Aug 11, 2008
BY RICHARD LORD
National Security Minister Martin Joseph confirmed yesterday that there has been a 69-per-cent increase in the murder rate for the year—up to yesterday—when compared with the same period last year.
Joseph said there were 190 gang-related murders in T&T, also up to yesterday, and 91 for the corresponding period in 2007.
He said there were 16 drug-related killings for the year 2008 to date, while there were 23 for the same period last year.
Joseph made these revelations during yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister at Whitehall.
He admitted that the Government was “dealing with what is historically the most difficult crime to detect: gang-related violence.”
“We are right now looking at what can we do to put a greater handle on gangs,” he said.
He said it was for this reason that the law enforcement agencies were “shifting into technology—DNA, forensic (testing) etc—is what is absolutely important.”
Joseph said based on the Government’s Vision 2020 initiative, as it relates to crime and violence, “we know that we are far away (from that vision). It is unfortunate that it is taking us a little while but we will get to the Vision 2020.”
Joseph admitted that “an increased number of guns are coming into the country” a development proving to be “the real challenge” in the fight against the record-high murder rate in the country.
He said the illegal guns on the nation’s streets were “the root cause of the unacceptable crime and violence” in T&T.
Joseph said the Government was looking at legislative measures to assist law enforcement officers in dealing with the issue of illegal guns on the nation’s streets.
Joseph said the Government was not in support of a gun amnesty.
“We do not believe that a gun amnesty is going to give us the kind of assistance necessary...My understanding of a gun amnesty is that (with it) you get money for your old guns to buy new guns,” he said.
Responding to questions on the safety of visiting dignitaries for the Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference being held in Port of Spain next year, Joseph said the National Security Council met last week and agreed to “aggressively address” the problem.
BREAKDOWN
National Security Minister Martin Joseph said yesterday there were 91 gang-related murders in the country between January and August 7 last year.
He said the figure for the same period this year was 190.
He gave additional statistics:
• Drug-related murders 23 (2007); 16 (2008)
• Altercation 18 (2007); 20 (2008)
• Robbery 24 (2007); 31 (2008)
• Domestic violence 13 (2007); 23 (2008)
• Revenge 15 (2007); 18 (2008)
• State witness 0 (2007) ; 1 (2008)
• Unclassified 6 (2007) ; 9 (2008)
Bloody Outrageous
Jul 22, 2008
"Bloody Outrageous" is the only way to describe the current murder rate in Trinidad and Tobago.
As the leader of the Movement for National Development I have been fairly silent on matters of State since the general election of 2007. I had adopted the approach that with a new constitutionally elected government in place I would not only give them the opportunity to try to correct the major problems facing the nation BUT even go so far as to offer my assistance in trying to make our nation safe for all citizens from every political background because there is after-all a time to fight and a time to co-operate for the advancement of the wider interest.
Unfortunately, the current murder rate fills me with dread and horror as it must all our citizens.
For the moment, I find myself practising criminal law in the UK where daily I am faced with what is considered to be "serious crime". But putting this into perspective, "serious crime" consists mainly of wounding from punch ups and the occasional knife assaults. There is no doubt that at present knife crime is receiving some prominence in the UK media because it is now occurring very regularly in Inner London but in other areas of the UK it is rare to pick up a local newspaper and read of a murder and this is in a population of some 60 million people.
Trinidad and Tobago has a population of just 1.3 million people yet one can pick up the newspaper and find that over a 24 hr period there have been 4 murders and over the last 18 days there have been about 29 murders. That has to be a wholly unacceptable position to be in for any country far less one as small as ours.
Murders and crime in general are committed mainly when people believe they will not be caught or punished for their behaviour. The most effect deterrent tends to be the belief that one will be caught and punished, this is clearly lacking in our current environment.
In an effort to address this situation, I have suggested to the government to make widespread use of CCTVs to monitor our towns, cities, streets and highways. This tool has proved to be fantastically effective in detecting and prosecuting criminals.
I have also suggested to the government to do away with the preliminary enquiry so that trials can be fast tracked through the High Court to get criminals off the streets faster.
It has been further suggested that attorneys be retained by the DPP to prosecute in the Magistrates' Courts to make the process more effective.
And I have even taken the step to introduce the government to Queen's Counsel (who lectures to High Court Judges in the UK on the issue) who has advised on reforming the hearsay rules to make trials more effective.
Additionally but not exhaustively, I have suggested providing alternative activities to crime for young men in communities, such as organised sport.
Of course nothing happens overnight but there are indeed many initiatives that can be adopted by the government to show that they are serious about addressing the issue of crime fighting which seems to the average citizen to be generally ignored by the government.
I therefore implore the government, in as constructive a manner as I can, to show that they are serious about crime fighting as the country cannot stand more of this bloodshed.
Our image and any potential of a real tourism industry are being washed down the drain with the blood of our citizens.
A murder every 17 hours
Jul 22, 2008
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Darryl Heeralal dheeralal@trinidadexpress.com
Monday, July 21st 2008
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| search: Police officers during a roadblock along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Pasea, on Friday night. - Photo: ABRAHAM DIAZ | | THERE are only 64 countries in the world smaller than Trinidad and Tobago and, in terms of land mass, we rank 171 out of 235 nations.
As per population, Trinidad and Tobago is 153 on the list of 235, the United States Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook says.
Now compare our size and population to the number of murders being committed here daily.
In a comparative study of more than 75 countries, Trinidad and Tobago was ranked the ninth most homicidal in the world in 2007, based on the number of murders committed per 100,000 citizens.
The per capita murder rate for homicides for every 100,000 is the international yardstick used to measure murder rates and to compare levels of violence.
Per capita rates are used by most international agencies, including the United Nations.
The study was based on a 2003 survey and presented on nationmaster.com, which is dedicated to compiling crimes figures for countries around the world and a 2007 list complied by wikipedia.com, an independent website.
Figures for the 2007 list of countries compiled (see below) were independently sourced using statistics from various government and police records for each nation.
In Trinidad and Tobago, in the five years since 2003, the per capita murder rate almost doubled, increasing by over 70 per cent from 17.61 to 30.15, one of the largest jumps in the countries surveyed.
So far for 2008, we are ahead of last year's murder rate by more than 100 - an increase of 71 per cent. The per capita rate predicted by police for the end of this year is expected to be higher than the 2007 figure.
The ratio of murder victims to the population of this country is in fact so high we rank above places like Brazil, which recorded over 51,000 murders last year, Russia over 23,000 murders, the United States over 17,000 murders and Mexico over 14,000 murders.
For this year so far, the per capita rate is just above 20 and if murder trends continue with a killing taking place every 17 hours on average, homicide investigators say we can expect over 500 murders at the end of this year.
If Homicide Bureau projections - based on murders committed so far and compared with trends for previous years - are correct, then we would end up with a per capita rate of over 38, making Trinidad and Tobago as homicidal as Colombia and South Africa.
South Africa, Colombia and Russia, which had ranked in the top five homicidal countries five years ago, have all been able to get their murder rates down with Russia and Colombia making the biggest drops.
And while this country has dropped on the per capita list from 2003, our rate has gone up exponentially, increasing by over 70 per cent in five years.
In terms of per capita murders in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is second only to Jamaica and ranked more violent than Haiti, which is 17 on the list with a per capita rate of 11.5.
In Trinidad and Tobago, since 2001, the murder rate has on average increased by 24 per cent every year with the biggest jump being in 2005 with a 48 per cent increase in homicides over 2004.
There was a 4.6 per cent drop in the rate in 2006 over 2005.
Comparatively, the per capita rate since 2001 has leaped by 159 per cent from 11.6 to 30.15 at the end of last year, Homicide Bureau figures show.
In the six years between 1996 and 2001 there was a total of 662 murders, while between the start of 2002 and the end of 2007, 1,809 murders were recorded.
For this year so far, more than 290 murders have been committed.
Homicides committed along the East/West Corridor have accounted for over 70 per cent of the country's total murders every year since 2002, police figures show.
When gang murders first started escalating in 2002, former police commissioner Hilton Guy said that, based on the police's information, corruption with State-funded projects, including the Unemployment Relief Programme and NHA refurbishing project, was fuelling the gang violence.
Several special units in the Police Service formed to deal with gang violence say, based on their intelligence, corruption within these programmes continues to fuel the murders and with gangsters using money from these projects as a financial base to buy guns and drugs.
The United States, Canada and the United Kingdom have all issued travel warnings about the increasing incidence of homicide and kidnapping for ransom in this country within the last few years, all of which are still current.
None of the travel warnings from these countries has been downgraded.
There have also been several international media reports in the last five years about the violence in the nation, including the LA Times, Miami Herald, the BBC and other British media.
Two weeks ago, the British government, concerned about drug mules from this country, said it would now require a visa for Trinidad and Tobago nationals entering the UK if the situation is not turned around in six months.
Government catches up with MND policy
Jul 01, 2008
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'Commonwealth should step up security'
PM warns of looming food crisis...
Juhel Browne jbrowne@trinidadexpress.com
Tuesday, July 1st 2008
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| quick chat: Local Government Minister Hazel Manning, left, shares a light moment with Housing Minister Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde during yesterday's launch of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain. Looking on is Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne. -Photo: CURTIS CHASE |
Prime Minister Patrick Manning says there is intelligence from specific "leading" countries which recommends that all states develop specific national security responses in order to deal with threats that could result from widespread hunger.
"We are also being warned by, and will ignore at our peril, the protests and riots over food and fuel that have already taken place in several countries, developed and developing, and which could be the harbinger of much wider and deeper conflict if the global situation persists to the point of irretrievability," Manning said yesterday.
Manning did so as he described this country's hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009, as one on which the fate of the world hangs in the balance, given the combined influence of the body's 52 member states.
"Next year here in Port of Spain, we must therefore issue a call for greater and urgent global action to save the planet and our civilisation," Manning said. while delivering the feature address at the launch of the CHOGM 2009 and its logo at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Port of Spain.
Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, who attended the launch, said next year's CHOGM will be a significant event for Trinidad and Tobago, given the challenges now facing the world.
Manning said global warming, record high oil prices and their impact on the supply of food, have together created a worldwide challenge the Commonwealth cannot ignore.
"Indeed, ladies and gentlemen, intelligence assessments by certain leading countries in the world have already pointed to the need for the level of... individual national security, to match the problems that would be created by widespread hunger, competition and conflict over resources and mass movement of people across borders," Manning said.
He also stressed the need for better consumption of global food and energy resources, as well as greater equity in their distribution.
"The world, particularly those who are blessed with abundance, can no longer afford to be excessive or wasteful. Already, the few consume too much and the majority too little, contributing to the extreme poverty that affects over one billion people in the world today," Manning said.
He did, however, express hope that all is not lost, but noted that the will to deal with the challenges facing the Commonwealth and the world at large must be met by the implementation of plans of action. |
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;
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