Before PNM was, Arima, ahm...

Re: http://guardian.co.tt/news/politics/2010/02/26/hazel-angers-arima-residents

and http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,116357.html

How many times must our politicians and wannabe politicians be told that everything they do or say is subject to scrutiny and, thus, at some future date, will very well return to haunt or boost them?

How many times, too and for how much longer, must we, the people, put up with politicians and wannabe politicians who delight in sneering at us, instead of steering us in the right direction?

Minister Hazel Manning's recent remark that "Arima was just bush 56 years ago!" has to viewed for what it is ---a straightforward and deep-seated confession that, as far as the People's National Movement (PNM) is concerned, before PNM came into existence, utter darkness covered the land. It's a mindset that pervades sick minds and will not be cured except by complete and radical excision, despite what her colleague, Conrad Enill, says about PNM adjusting its behaviour. [See: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161600785].

Oh! How my Kalinago ancestors must be turning in their graves at Hazel's contemptuous display!

How similarly too, must be turning the likes of Aldwyn "Lord Kitchener" Roberts, who, for many PNMites, is one of their own.

Hazel Manning was right to take a prompt seat upon her sound byte causing the immediate uproar it did, for, as any schoolteacher would confess: seated, one is best disposed to learn. Let Hazel Manning's session begin then!

Lesson One: On August 31, 1876, the first railway line in Trinidad began, when the passenger and freight service between Port of Spain and the bustling Arima was inaugurated. Arima, then, was the focal point for all points east, north and south of it, for it was to Arima that produce was hauled from such districts, to be weighed, valued and shipped onwards to Port of Spain for export to England. Naturally, ancillary services such as accounting, legal and public service had to be put in place to accommodate and harmonize the concomitant, continuous commercial activities. Chronologically, 1876 was, is and always will be four years earlier than 1880, when the railway line was extended to San Fernando, whence the Manning blights bright lights came.

In 1876, PNM did not exist, not even in the wildest dreams of any Trinidad inhabitant, so, I guess one may safely pronounce that: "Before PNM was, Arima, ahm, existed...and thrived!"

Lesson Two: On August 1, 1888 Queen Victoria, by Royal Charter, made Arima a Borough. Thus Arima became the first and only town in the British imperial colonies ever so to be honoured.

In 1888, PNM did not exist, not even in the wildest dreams of any Trinidad inhabitant, so, I guess one may safely pronounce that: "Before PNM was, Arima, ahm, existed...and thrived!"

Lesson Three: Ten years later, then Arima Mayor John Francis Wallen was struck by a Nice clock while on a holiday tour of France. So struck was he and so caring for his burgesses, that he bought said clock out of his own pocket and presented it to the b as a gift. That clock, in its latest incarnation, still majestically marks time today in the middle of the Broadway and Queen Street intersection. It is known the world over as the Arima Dial. The Arima Dial is older than the every public clock in San Fernando, whence came the Manning blights brightlights came.

In 1889, PNM did not exist, not even in the wildest dreams of any Trinidad inhabitant, so, I guess one may safely pronounce that: "Before PNM was, Arima, ahm, existed...and thrived!"

As any good teacher would agree, when dealing with a dimwitted student, the session must not be long, especially the first session. So, for now, I'll curtail Hazel's inaugural day at True Arima History School by concluding with this bit of info which, as line Minister, she ought to have known:

Lesson Four: The Arima Town Hall, situated on Sorzano Street, within whose hallowed walls Hazel dumped on all Arimians, was built in 1949.

In 1949, PNM did not exist, not even in the wildest dreams of any Trinidad inhabitant, so, I guess one may safely pronounce that: "Before PNM was, Arima, ahm, existed...and thrived!"

Who the Commissioner of Prisons trying to fool?

Who the Commissioner of Prisons trying to fool? They can't stop bulky things like cellphones, knives, guns even, from entering prisons, but they could stop a puny thing like a cigarette? Who the Commissioner of Prisons trying to fool?

In any case, I honestly think said Commissioner made a boo-boo when he decided, braps, to cut off access to tobacco cigarettes by any of the prison population, for, given the sterner stuff of which such cigarettes are made, they most addictive things; hence, those who are to drop the noxious habit need proper medical help so to do, including access to nicotine patches and or psychological counselling.

Therefore, the just-like-that banning of tobacco smoking on prison premises seems plausible ground for litigation on the premise that such a bar is unconstitutional, in that it is cruel and unusual punishment, considering that the Tobacco Control Act 2009 (TCA 2k9) specifies that “enclosed” in relation to a space, means any space covered by a roof or any space surrounded by one or more walls or sides, regardless of the type of material used and regardless of whether the structure is permanent or temporary; and, “public place” means any place accessible to the general public or place of collective use, regardless of ownership or right of access. [See: pages 8-9 of http://ttparliament.org/legislations/b2009s09.pdf]. It sure beats me that anyone can deem a Death Row cell to be a "public place" or "place of collective use", when, by design, no such cell is ever occupied by more than one condemned prisoner, held within, in solitary confinement, for twenty-three hours per day, Monday to Friday and, on weekends and public holidays, for twenty-fours hours per day.

While on the topic of the Constitution, it seems that TCA 2k9 cannot, just-like-that, be applied to prison populations, seeing as how severely the movements of such populations is proscribed. Because of the tight control on their toing and froing, the incarcerated, unlike the excarcerated, cannot simply stroll outside the cell and into the prison yard to take a lil pull when the craving hits them ---remember, according to the Act, the entire prison compound is an "enclosed place"? Thus, by the saving grace of Section 13 of the Constitution ---http://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/Laws2/The_Constitution_folder/The_Constitution.htm#sec13--- the incarcerated may reasonably argue that for the authorities not to make provisions for their enjoyment of smoking tobacco is tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment and, also, tantamount to denying them their right, as an individual, to equality before the law and the protection of the law.

In any further case, said Commissioner's stance will not reduce the influx or intake of marijuana by his charges ---marijuana, by the way, is not tobacco, thus not prohibited by the TCA 2k9. So, again, who the Commissioner of Prisons trying to fool?

Manning's Mystery Minster.

On 23 February 2010 09:45, <JAWFIFA@aol.com> wrote:

The ongoing construction of the "mystery church" in the heights of Guanapo is now a major talking point among the national community.

 

Since the matter was raised in Parliament last Friday by Hon Jack warner, MP, Chaguanas West, numerous questions are being asked about that project.

 

Firstly, how was state land acquired for the construction of the church? What was the role, if any, of Town and Country Planning Division? What is the strength of the membership of said church?

 

More importantly, since UDECOTT now distances itself from the project, who are the employers of the Chinese workers on the project? How were they hired and how are they being paid? Do the said workers have the necessary work permits and, if so, who paid the necessary bonds for them for the duration of their stay here?

 

It is more than passing strange that the site has already been provided with electricity and water but, again, in whose name were the necessary applications made?

 

The refusal of the Honourable Prime Minister to shed any light on this matter has sparked much speculation. Is taxpayers' money involved? Since when does a Government or a governmental agency undertake to build a church? Is this a new precedent? Will Trinidad and Tobago soon become a secular state?

 

There is precedent where religious organisations have been granted state lands on which they could build places of worship but no government has undertaken to build a church or temple or mosque.

 

Who, if not the Honourable Prime Minister, can provide the national community with the answers to the questions being asked?

 

We wait with bated breath to receive a response from those who are "too bright."

My reply:

Our Prime Minister is on record as desiring to go into the preaching business when his political career is ended:

TT: Do you intend to return to geology when you leave politics?

PM: After I leave politics I am going to preach the word of God.

TT: Has your experience in politics at all motivated that?

PM: Yes, yes … That’s a long story, but yes, the answer is yes. I have been prime minister now – this is my third term. We’ll see how long it will last. But there’s a finite period and I’m going to leave at some stage. I won’t die in politics.

[http://tech.mit.edu/V126/N45/45primeminister.html]

 
That's why he has been practising his sermongering at every turn. It's fair, then, to surmise that that's why, too, the Manning mystery minster is being built.

Why Bas lost: Looking at it through an economist's eyes.

In commercial circles, sometimes manufacturers become so smug over their control of the market, that they get sloppy about quality maintenance and reinforce that smugness by refusing to listen to the inevitable myriad consumer complaints regarding the deteriorating quality of their products. Once that mindset takes root, if manufacturers then do not quickly check themselves, soon their market share would dissipate, as fed-up consumers switch allegiances away from brands long held in esteem, towards brands which, before, those same customers had relegated lower down their ladder of preference.

Put simply then, the magnitude of their rejection at the January 24 United National Congress (UNC) poll reveals that Bas ---and those who yet support him--- took too long to come to grips with the extent of popular disquiet over his leadership style and substance since 2001. In short, their customers became thoroughly convinced that Bas ---and those who yet support him--- have not been living up to the high standards demanded and expected of them as leaders, standards which, despite what regular and expensive political ad placements boast, most political leaders fail to deliver.

What's worse is that, from all appearances, Bas ---and those who yet support him--- still haven't come to grips with the import of what hit them, for their continued petulance over the results reveal a deeper malaise: that they are deaf ---or lack the capacity to respond as quickly and rationally as any good leader must--- to the concerns of the UNC rank and file.

In commercial circles, whenever, in the face of drastically dissipating market share for their products, manufacturers steadfastly refuse to check themselves and make the necessary atonement, then, inexorably, the next step would be for them altogether to be put out of business.

From Silver Fox to Wedgehog.

Without prejudice my arse! Who owns TT Carnival?

Dear Gayelle The Channel,

Attention: Mr. Errol Fabien,

Re: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/02/17/cnmg-moves-against-gayelle-over-carnival-rights

I am willing to help fund and to organize a fund to meet all legal expenses related to CNMG's threatened lawsuit against you and or our real and only local TV station, Gayelle, The Channel ---it's high time we settle, once and for all, who the arse owns TT Carnival, especially seeing as it's funded by so many hundreds of millions of our, the people's money.

It's so sad that the CNMG threat came on or almost on the sixth anniversary of the launch of our real and only local TV station. Congrats, by the way! It's also so sad that CNMG can't yet get it through their thick skulls that its own broadcast of the so-called Parade of The Bands was nothing more than a paid-for-by-us-the-people exercise, thus a public, not for-profit gesture. The paucity of advertising carried on CNMG for its duration confirms that CNMG never had any intention of using revenue from such sources to meet or recoup production costs. Maybe because the product is worthless? Indeed, judging from such paucity since CNMG's launch, it's abundantly clear that CNMG was not created, thus, does not exist for the purpose of turning a profit.

Hell! The so-called Parade of The Bands show itself is a not-for-profit charade, for we, the people, are yet to be advised/convinced of any year ---including 2k10--- that the event was able to be held unless with substantial subsidy out of our, the people's, purse!

Down with CNMG's threat! Up with Gayelle, The Channel!

Thoroughly heartless approach is best.

Re: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161594338

Is Carnival season, the time when ribaldry takes command of centre stage. And what better stage to ramajay on that one dat we, de peeple, money build, eh? So, fogive me from in front as I take in Manning dem behine over dis sprinkler-use bizniss, okay? here goes!

Well! Well! So Patrick fire de gyadener after a peeping-tom take a pichar ah de man watering Hazel gyaden?

Well! I not faulting Patrick at all on dis one, cors, somtimes as a boss yuh does have to be heartless else yuh underlings go roughrider yuh in every nook and cranny! Plus, I doh know bout you, but, as man, if I ketch ah next man watering mih wife gyaden, against she wishes, dat man go be sorry dat he was ever born, cors it go be catpiss and pepper fuh he!

Buh wait! Talkin bout "heartless"! How come de man responsible fuh culling weeds in Patrick home could get fire so fass after the breaches he do get expose, while a roly-poly Cullder on the loose outside up to now is left intact?

Charity begins at home! If at yuh home yuh could profess yuh is heartless, then, throughout show you could be hartless!
Enough is enuff enough! Mr Prime Ministah, doh stop de Carnival firing ---fire Calder Hart now, too!

To kill a mocking snake!

Harper Lee won't mind my borrowing from the title of her famous novel to craft an apt caption for the discourse of the moment.

Winston Bailey warned us, back then, of the snakes in baleezay and of their greed and viciousness. He was, of course, referring to the jefes of the People's National Movement (PNM) who were slithering this way and that, solely for the purpose of mightily filching from the public purse ---"Is de snakes in de baleezay! And dey biting hard!"

The corollary was excellent, for everyone knows that the balisier shrub is a favourite harbour for the venemous coral snake and the shrub's flower is the official symbol of the PNM. That's why, over the years, botanists, zoologists, agriculturalists, nature trekkers and hunters have learnt not to treat with the baleezay ---forgive me, but I prefer the phonetic spelling--- lest it be under the full blaze of light. That's why, too, every political entity serious about defeating the baleezay crowd adopts a symbol which represents light blazing forth ---the torch, the sun, for instance.

What does all that have to do with my caption? Well, of late the snake seems to have been inspired by what Harper Lee chose to market her classic ---the snakes in the baleezay have resorted to mocking us, the people, when we, the people, legitimately query their malicious actions in public office. Latest example would be that of the Prime Minister himself, who, in response to media query of Minister Hunt's admission of guilt ---regarding the multimillion-dollar national flag--- responded with this bit of mockery:

"It doh matter! Leh we move on!"

Or, as is the wont of highfalutin mockers, in proper English to the effect. [http://www.newsday.co.tt/politics/0,115519.html]

Not that long before that, one of the Prime Minister's blue-eyed boys ---Conrad Enill, the Energy Minister--- also mocked us, the people, when, on our behalf, Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh ---of the No Smelter Groups of T and T--- challenged him in the foyer of one of our, the people's, buildings, over the long, long wait for the cost-benefit analysis and detailed account of the costs of the Alutrint Smelter Plant. Hear Minister Enill, in full mocking flight:

"So, what?"

before storming off, in a huff and a puff. [http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/11/20/so-what]

Mocking snake or not, the PNM remains a most dangerous underfoot predator. But, cold-hearted and slippery though they be, if you ask and botanist, zoologist, agriculturalist, nature trekker or hunter they would tell you that, were the need arise to ensnare or exterminate snakes of the venomous sort, you don't have to be a Steve Irwin to comprehend how best to deal with the PNM. No! All you have to do is plan your attack for when they're bloated with the just-engorged, as, when in that condition, their poison wells are dry ---they used what they had to kill/stun their prey--- and they become very sluggish...till their meal is digested.

http://www.funatiq.com/images/snake-eats-kangaroo.jpg

The PNM snake is bloated! Over the last seven years it has engorged over TT$200 billion of our, the people's, money! All we have to show for that is a big-bellied snake ---and poor people big-bellied too, but by the within-boiling anti-PNM rage--- that's now grown sluggish as a result, thus now resorts to uttering mocking groans when berated for its asininities.


Enough is enuff enough! Ent?

What next?

Well! We now have one of our brightest daughters leading the Rising Sun! All the portents are in place then to kill the mocking snake. On with the task! Time is short, for, even as the cold-hearted snake in the baleezay sleeps, its powerful gastric juices are rapidly digesting all that it had rapaciously devoured. Thus, if we tarry too much, it shall arise and resume on its plundering path.

Time more than enuff enough, then, to kill a mocking snake! Ent? Let's do it!

Let loose Kamjack after Hunt!

The people are baying for the head of Hunt. Hunt has to go ---there's no question of that--- but who shall lop his neck, since the Prime Mover refuses to heed the popular clarion blasts? I say Kamjack can ---they just proved their superlative hunting adroitness by successfully ensnaring a long-elusive fox. Let loose Kamjack after Hunt!

RES IPSA LOQUITOR (Murder Toll in T&T - 1994-2009: Impact on Population Growth):

RES IPSA LOQUITOR (Murder Toll in Trinidad and Tobago - 1994-2009: Impact on Population Growth):

Update [January 7th 2010, 0908hrs]:

So! Are you saying there's a buck-stopper higher than Prime Minister?

When Manning handed control over to Panday, the annual tally was 143.

Six years later ---2001--- when Manning got it back, there was a slight uptick ---to 151, for a six-year period increase of 5.59%.

Six years beyond then ---2007--- with Manning throughout at the helm, the uptick became an upflea, as, from start to end of that period, the increase was by 161.59%. ["upflea" is © by me, eh! (fleas jump waaayyyy higher than ticks do/can)]

Those are the only periods one may use for the purposes I proposed, since, from the look of things, Panday will not ever again get a chance to prove otherwise.

By the way! Did you realize that, statistically-sticking, the surge from 5.59% to 161.59% translates to a 2,888.41% leap?

Now! Let us further dissect and compare the six-year periods, by breaking them up into inter-elections segments (IES). Let's bear in mind that a full parliamentary term of five years is more than adequate for any rational, able and willing administration to bring crime under control.

IES 1 spans 1995 to 2000 ---a full parliamentary term. It'd be okay to say that IES 1 spans 1996 to 2000, as Panday first became Prime Minister close to Christmas of 1995. Throughout IES 1, Panday was the buck-stopper. We shall therefore call that period "Panday IES 1". In 1995, the murder toll was 143; in 2000, it was 120.

Thus, from beginning to end of Panday IES 1, the annual murder toll had decreased by 16.08%.

IES 2 spanned just one year ---because of what Ramesh, Trevor and Ralph did, T&T went back to the polls in 2001. Throughout IES 2, Panday was the buck-stopper. We shall therefore call that period "Panday IES 2". In 2000, the murder toll was 120; in 2001, it was 151.

Thus, from beginning to end of Panday IES 2, the annual murder toll had increased by 25.83%.

IES 3 also spanned one year ---due to the intractable 18-18 situation, T&T went back to the polls in 2002. Throughout, Manning was the buck-stopper. For reasons above-and-below-described, we shall not rename that period. In 2001, the murder toll was 151; in 2002, it was 169. Thus, from beginning to end of IES 2, the annual murder toll had increased by 11.92%.

IES 4 spans 2002 to 2007 ---a full parliamentary term. Throughout, Manning was the buck-stopper. We shall therefore call that period "Manning IES 1". In 2002, the murder toll was 169; in 2007, it was 395.

Thus, from beginning to end of Manning IES 1, the annual murder toll had increased by 133.73%. While, from beginning to end of Panday IES 1, the annual murder toll had decreased by 16.08%.

IES 5 spans only 2008 ---so decided to bring the overall assessment into symetrical balance, seeing that, like IES 2, it lasted only one year and immediately followed a full parliamentary term where the buck-stopper was the same. Throughout IES 5, Manning was the buck-stopper. We shall therefore call that period "Manning IES 2". In 2007, the murder toll was 395; in 2008, it was 550.

Thus, from beginning to end of Manning IES 2, the annual murder toll had increased by 39.24%. While, from beginning to end of Panday IES 2, the annual murder toll had increased by 25.83%.

Conclusions:
Comparing Panday IES 1 to Manning IES 1 is like comparing cheese to granite. For purposes of comparing the cheesiness of Panday IES 2 to Manning IES 2, chalk would suffice...and choke.

ERGO RES IPSA LOQUITOR

On 7 February 2010 06:39, Peter wrote:

The Chart is one thing, but you write on the chart that it compares Manning's and Panday's

abilities to keep it under control.

 

That is a flawed comparison.--for the reason I had stated.

 

Panday unleashed what Manning embraced.

 

Peter

On 7 February 2010 06:30, kid5rivers wrote:

Peter!
The chart simply shows what history has recorded. Once one accepts that the buck stops with the leader, then, regarding how each performed during their various stints, RES IPSA LOQUITOR.

Richard Wm. Thomas,
Five Rivers,
Arouca,
Trinidad and Tobago.

Until we try we'll never know what we can do.

For more of my writings visit >>kid5rivers.com<< and >>www.pnm.org<< too!

On 7 February 2010 06:24, Peter wrote:

Then I cannot fully agree with you, Kid, that Res Ipsa Loquitor in the case of your chart

and the comments attached to its introduction. 

 

The suggestion/ implication that the UNC was "managing crime" better in their innings

is belied by the fact that the UNC innings was actually the gestation period for the seed

planted by Ramesh, Panday et al. 

 

It is our collective denial of this that prevents us from understanding, and therefore dealing

with the problem.

 

Peter

When chalk better than cheese.

Dear Editor/Head of News,

Sometime ago From time to time munitions tightly-kept under lock and key by T&T’s military and paramilitary simply vanish without a trace. While we acknowledge such a worrisome problem is not unique to the local scene, what bothers is the way, locally, we respond to such happenings.

Now! Respectively, where crime is concerned, any comparison between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago is like that between chalk and cheese. Stunning, therefore, to learn how the chalk responds when things of the SAUTT sort disappear:

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was rocked to its core yesterday as a large quantity of guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition found in the hands of criminals were traced back to the police armoury.

Acting Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, who was on the scene early in the morning, immediately admitted the possible involvement of members of the JCF in the crime.

"As of now, the police armoury and police stores are considered crime scenes," Ellington told reporters on the scene.

"I am taking this action because of the possible involvement of police personnel in the unlawful removal and possible sale of the weapons seized this morning to criminal elements."

He added: "All staff members, police and civilians, of the armoury and stores will be interviewed and polygraphed by a team from the Anti-Corruption Branch. In addition, a complete administrative and security audit will be immediately done on both the police armoury and stores." [http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100205/lead/lead1.html]

Locally, in matters of culture, conversation and cuisine, we love to mimic the Jamaican way. Hence, concerning the errant conduct of some of its military and paramilitary, the cheese now needs to up and draw the line as the chalk, naturally, can do and has.

West Indies Cricket Breakers.

Well! the West Indies Under-19 Cricket Team recently returned home from their New Zealand World Championship tour. Congrats to them, for they returned with heads held high, having redeemed themselves with a finely-won bronze medal.

Congrats, however, are not due to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), as the touring lads received not a cent from them by way of salary/stipend or out-of-pocket allowance!

Imagine that ---calling up out our scions to participate in a month-long, income-generating, world tournament on the other side of the world, only for food and passage? What? WICB think we've reverted to slavery days or something?

Shame! Shame! Shame, WICB! Henceforth I dub thee: West Indies Cricket Breakers! And, shame, too, at the various local cricket boards, for they should've stepped up to the wicket to see that their players were adequately compensated, even if they had to dip into their own expense budget to do it. West Indies Cricket Breakers, each and every one of you!

But, then again, Milud!

Re: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161590752

"The reality though is that in a country as small as ours and with finite resources, it is almost impossible to ensure anonymity or to maintain tight security around large numbers of people. Increasingly, this vulnerability is being exploited", Archie said.

But, then again, Milud, it's precisely for those factors we, the people, can't understand how the police can't even identify who the criminals are, especially "Mr. Big"?