61
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Honduras Game (15-Jul-2013).
« on: July 15, 2013, 09:07:40 PM »
Moderator, fack dat, delete the"Fire Hart" Thread
April 19, 2024, 11:17:57 PM
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62
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Honduras Game (15-Jul-2013).
« on: July 15, 2013, 07:53:41 PM »Abu Bakr need shooting practice?
Be careful what you wish for
63
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Honduras Game (15-Jul-2013).
« on: July 15, 2013, 07:43:14 PM »
Come on TNT time for a facking goal
64
General Discussion / Re: Will Jack create history?
« on: July 14, 2013, 08:00:51 AM »
How come the "Guardian" can't bust files on the government, but the same government using the "Express" to bust files on Jack? STEUPPPPP!!!
JACK’s MONEY PIT
Former minister solicited and received millions of dollars from wealthy business interests
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/JACKs--MONEY--PIT-215402551.html
Suruj defends ‘Guardian’
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Suruj-defends-Guardian-215402151.html
JACK’s MONEY PIT
Former minister solicited and received millions of dollars from wealthy business interests
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/JACKs--MONEY--PIT-215402551.html
Suruj defends ‘Guardian’
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Suruj-defends-Guardian-215402151.html
65
General Discussion / Re: Will Jack create history?
« on: July 11, 2013, 09:11:01 AM »
Sad day for democracy, says Warner 
By Irene Medina Associate Editor
Story Created: Jul 10, 2013 at 10:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 11, 2013 at 10:55 AM ECT
“It is a sad day for democracy in this country,” interim political Leader of the newly formed Independent Liberal Party (ILP) Jack Warner said yesterday following resignations at the Guardian newspaper.
Warner, a former Cabinet minister in the People’s Partnership Government, said he believes political interference at the daily newspaper was worse than it had ever been before.
“I think this is worse than the days of the Patrick Manning administration,” he said, adding “where there is one attack on a media house, all media houses are under threat.”
Warner, who recently launched his own Sunshine weekly, added that what is “even worse is when a powerful media house as the Guardian allows itself to be threatened in such a way, then it is a sad day for democracy in this country.”
Sunshine is printed by the Guardian Media Limited, and Warner complained that he had some anxiety yesterday when the newspaper, which was finished printing at 11 a.m., was only “released” some three hours late.
“My attorney Om Lalla had to intervene on my behalf,” Warner stated. The back page lead story in the paper is headlined “Muzzle on Guardian”.
Warner himself, however, has attacked journalists in the past. He himself had launched a scathing attack on an Express reporter during a television programme last year
By Irene Medina Associate Editor
Story Created: Jul 10, 2013 at 10:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 11, 2013 at 10:55 AM ECT
“It is a sad day for democracy in this country,” interim political Leader of the newly formed Independent Liberal Party (ILP) Jack Warner said yesterday following resignations at the Guardian newspaper.
Warner, a former Cabinet minister in the People’s Partnership Government, said he believes political interference at the daily newspaper was worse than it had ever been before.
“I think this is worse than the days of the Patrick Manning administration,” he said, adding “where there is one attack on a media house, all media houses are under threat.”
Warner, who recently launched his own Sunshine weekly, added that what is “even worse is when a powerful media house as the Guardian allows itself to be threatened in such a way, then it is a sad day for democracy in this country.”
Sunshine is printed by the Guardian Media Limited, and Warner complained that he had some anxiety yesterday when the newspaper, which was finished printing at 11 a.m., was only “released” some three hours late.
“My attorney Om Lalla had to intervene on my behalf,” Warner stated. The back page lead story in the paper is headlined “Muzzle on Guardian”.
Warner himself, however, has attacked journalists in the past. He himself had launched a scathing attack on an Express reporter during a television programme last year
66
Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs El Salvador Game (8-Jul-2013).
« on: July 09, 2013, 09:26:21 AM »
Bleacher Report Gold Cup
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1697922-gold-cup-2013-scores-breaking-down-mondays-results
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1697922-gold-cup-2013-scores-breaking-down-mondays-results
67
General Discussion / Re: Section 34 Thread
« on: July 08, 2013, 03:53:00 AM »
E-MAILS FAKE
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/E-MAILS-FAKE-214558611.html
The e-mails are fake. Based on the documents before him, this statement has come from acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams on the 31 e-mails read by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley into the Hansard in Parliament on May 20.
“Those documents are purporting to be e-mails but they are not. They are fake,” he told the Express in an exclusive interview at Police Administration building in Port of Spain last Friday.
Pressed by the Express to explain this point, maintained that the e-mails were not authentic.
The authenticity of the e-mails and their content have been the subject of political posturing by the highest office-holders—Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Rowley.
And other top office-holders have also been dragged into the “emailgate” probe, including chairman of the Integrity Commission Ken Gordon, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard and Chief Justice Ivor Archie.
Even the top cop’s ability and that of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to properly investigate the matter have been the subject of public debate amidst the 46-day-old police probe.
The e-mails’ authenticity was only one facet of the police investigation.
While their authenticity was dismissed by Williams, their content—an alleged plot to cover up the Section 34 debacle; an attempt to bribe the DPP by using the Chief Justice to offer him the post of High Court judge; and an attempt to intimidate a reporter working on the Section 34 fall-out—was not. “But do those documents read by the Opposition Leader represent the content of e-mails or exchanges? That is what the police is looking into,” he noted.
The Express understands that the e-mails, in part, represent intercepted conversations between individuals involved in emailgate.
Williams chose not to comment on whether Rowley’s document could be intercepted information.
For now, he said, emailgate is not a criminal investigation, only a probe.
“There is no established criminal offence. A probe into the content of the e-mails should help us determine what offences, if any, were committed. If there was an offence, no probe would have been necessary and the police would have acted,” he explained.
In his view, the only legal authority to have conducted such a probe was the Police Service and not the Integrity Commission. He noted that very often the Integrity Commission refers matters to the TTPS for investigation. He further dismissed the suggestion that any foreign entity could have conducted an independent investigation on emailgate without the TTPS.
“That suggestion is so foolish and it’s coming from people who are supposed to be intelligent. I repeat, the only legal authority to investigate this matter is the TTPS,” said Williams.
Questioned on whether there could be a perceived conflict of interest in him investigating the Prime Minister and the Attorney General given that he sits in on meetings of the National Security Council (NSC) with them, Williams said he was not a member of the NSC.
When the Express pointed out that previous Commissioners Dwayne Gibbs and James Philbert were members of the NSC, Williams said he was often asked by the chairman of the NSC, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, to brief the council, but he was not a member.
In his view, any concern about him being partisan to the People’s Partnership Government is misplaced.
He said in his 37-year career at the TTPS, he had never been affiliated to any party and would conduct his job with a level of integrity.
And if that meant putting high officers behind bars, if there was evidence, then so be it, he added.
Cognizant that the public was eager to learn the outcome of the emailgate probe and several other high-profile matters, Williams explained that bureaucracy was a necessary evil in the police business.
The onus on the TTPS, he said, was to do a thorough investigation and build airtight cases on all matters. Some matters, like the CLICO probe for instance, he explained, required more dexterity and specialised investigation.
He said Director of Public Prosecutions Gaspard only handed over the matter to the police in November 2012, almost three years after CLICO went belly up.
Another investigation, the alleged re-introduction of the “Flying Squad” by former minister of National Security Jack Warner, was being wrapped up by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Alexis, he said.
That matter was referred to the TTPS by Persad-Bissessar on March 1.
In the case of emailgate, Williams said the Government’s intervention by providing expert witness statements to the TTPS was “not an aid to us”.
At the end of the day, Williams explained that despite being furnished with expert opinions, the Police Service will do its own original work on the matter.
He deemed the exercises of the AG and Prime Minister in this regard as futile.
DCP Mervyn Richardson, who is investigating the e-mail matter, has dismissed the provision of expert IT pronouncements on the e-mails as a “sideshow”.
Williams maintained that a successful and timely probe into emailgate couldn’t take place without the cooperation of Persad-Bissessar, AG Ramlogan, national security adviser Gary Griffith, Local Government Minister Surujrattan Rambachan and Rowley.
He said the investigators would explore all facets and ensure that all service providers are targeted for information.
Asked if he felt the politicians’ pronouncements on the Police Service have affected the public perception of the TTPS and its ability to handle the matter, Williams was undaunted.
He noted that elections are won and lost on the issue of crime in T&T.
“The single biggest issue for the TTPS is the public perception to police and crime. There is no overnight fix for us. We will have to earn the public trust and regain public confidence in order for us to progress,” he said.
But Williams, who was last week appointed by the Police Service Commission (PSC) to act for another six months as Commissioner, said politicians’ statements on the police were simply for political gain.
He explained that if crime statistics were high, they were used by the Opposition to flog the Government. Conversely, when crime statistics were favourable, they were used by the Government of the day to bolster support.
“If the government changes, it would just be the flipside. The political statements are based on which side of the divide you stand,” said Williams.
He noted that the public formed an opinion on the entire Police Service if a police officer, for instance, is charged with stealing a gun or if a police officer if charged with rape.
He said it was critical to get rid of the “bad eggs”.
At the moment, he said, he was reviewing how to work within the system to remove bad eggs. Williams suggested that the challenge to keep officers straight was a simple case of money.
“Money can play a very influential part when someone is in need of money. We need to move officers up to the middle class, like Margaret Thatcher did in the UK, so that temptation is not there. Further, once there is an attractive remuneration package we are able to attract better talent and we can improve overall standards of the TTPS. My vision is for a professional Police Service,” he said.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/E-MAILS-FAKE-214558611.html
The e-mails are fake. Based on the documents before him, this statement has come from acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams on the 31 e-mails read by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley into the Hansard in Parliament on May 20.
“Those documents are purporting to be e-mails but they are not. They are fake,” he told the Express in an exclusive interview at Police Administration building in Port of Spain last Friday.
Pressed by the Express to explain this point, maintained that the e-mails were not authentic.
The authenticity of the e-mails and their content have been the subject of political posturing by the highest office-holders—Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Rowley.
And other top office-holders have also been dragged into the “emailgate” probe, including chairman of the Integrity Commission Ken Gordon, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard and Chief Justice Ivor Archie.
Even the top cop’s ability and that of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to properly investigate the matter have been the subject of public debate amidst the 46-day-old police probe.
The e-mails’ authenticity was only one facet of the police investigation.
While their authenticity was dismissed by Williams, their content—an alleged plot to cover up the Section 34 debacle; an attempt to bribe the DPP by using the Chief Justice to offer him the post of High Court judge; and an attempt to intimidate a reporter working on the Section 34 fall-out—was not. “But do those documents read by the Opposition Leader represent the content of e-mails or exchanges? That is what the police is looking into,” he noted.
The Express understands that the e-mails, in part, represent intercepted conversations between individuals involved in emailgate.
Williams chose not to comment on whether Rowley’s document could be intercepted information.
For now, he said, emailgate is not a criminal investigation, only a probe.
“There is no established criminal offence. A probe into the content of the e-mails should help us determine what offences, if any, were committed. If there was an offence, no probe would have been necessary and the police would have acted,” he explained.
In his view, the only legal authority to have conducted such a probe was the Police Service and not the Integrity Commission. He noted that very often the Integrity Commission refers matters to the TTPS for investigation. He further dismissed the suggestion that any foreign entity could have conducted an independent investigation on emailgate without the TTPS.
“That suggestion is so foolish and it’s coming from people who are supposed to be intelligent. I repeat, the only legal authority to investigate this matter is the TTPS,” said Williams.
Questioned on whether there could be a perceived conflict of interest in him investigating the Prime Minister and the Attorney General given that he sits in on meetings of the National Security Council (NSC) with them, Williams said he was not a member of the NSC.
When the Express pointed out that previous Commissioners Dwayne Gibbs and James Philbert were members of the NSC, Williams said he was often asked by the chairman of the NSC, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, to brief the council, but he was not a member.
In his view, any concern about him being partisan to the People’s Partnership Government is misplaced.
He said in his 37-year career at the TTPS, he had never been affiliated to any party and would conduct his job with a level of integrity.
And if that meant putting high officers behind bars, if there was evidence, then so be it, he added.
Cognizant that the public was eager to learn the outcome of the emailgate probe and several other high-profile matters, Williams explained that bureaucracy was a necessary evil in the police business.
The onus on the TTPS, he said, was to do a thorough investigation and build airtight cases on all matters. Some matters, like the CLICO probe for instance, he explained, required more dexterity and specialised investigation.
He said Director of Public Prosecutions Gaspard only handed over the matter to the police in November 2012, almost three years after CLICO went belly up.
Another investigation, the alleged re-introduction of the “Flying Squad” by former minister of National Security Jack Warner, was being wrapped up by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Alexis, he said.
That matter was referred to the TTPS by Persad-Bissessar on March 1.
In the case of emailgate, Williams said the Government’s intervention by providing expert witness statements to the TTPS was “not an aid to us”.
At the end of the day, Williams explained that despite being furnished with expert opinions, the Police Service will do its own original work on the matter.
He deemed the exercises of the AG and Prime Minister in this regard as futile.
DCP Mervyn Richardson, who is investigating the e-mail matter, has dismissed the provision of expert IT pronouncements on the e-mails as a “sideshow”.
Williams maintained that a successful and timely probe into emailgate couldn’t take place without the cooperation of Persad-Bissessar, AG Ramlogan, national security adviser Gary Griffith, Local Government Minister Surujrattan Rambachan and Rowley.
He said the investigators would explore all facets and ensure that all service providers are targeted for information.
Asked if he felt the politicians’ pronouncements on the Police Service have affected the public perception of the TTPS and its ability to handle the matter, Williams was undaunted.
He noted that elections are won and lost on the issue of crime in T&T.
“The single biggest issue for the TTPS is the public perception to police and crime. There is no overnight fix for us. We will have to earn the public trust and regain public confidence in order for us to progress,” he said.
But Williams, who was last week appointed by the Police Service Commission (PSC) to act for another six months as Commissioner, said politicians’ statements on the police were simply for political gain.
He explained that if crime statistics were high, they were used by the Opposition to flog the Government. Conversely, when crime statistics were favourable, they were used by the Government of the day to bolster support.
“If the government changes, it would just be the flipside. The political statements are based on which side of the divide you stand,” said Williams.
He noted that the public formed an opinion on the entire Police Service if a police officer, for instance, is charged with stealing a gun or if a police officer if charged with rape.
He said it was critical to get rid of the “bad eggs”.
At the moment, he said, he was reviewing how to work within the system to remove bad eggs. Williams suggested that the challenge to keep officers straight was a simple case of money.
“Money can play a very influential part when someone is in need of money. We need to move officers up to the middle class, like Margaret Thatcher did in the UK, so that temptation is not there. Further, once there is an attractive remuneration package we are able to attract better talent and we can improve overall standards of the TTPS. My vision is for a professional Police Service,” he said.
68
General Discussion / More wuk for the "Goat Whisperer" wonder if he got tackle this
« on: July 07, 2013, 12:02:42 PM »
$Billions in Contracts for UNC Financier
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-07-07/cash-sent-out-tt
An international financial investigative agency has information that a Government financier has amassed over a billion dollars in contracts over the three years that the People’s Partnership has been in power. This was revealed yesterday by forensic and fraud auditing specialist Stephon Grey.
Grey is the managing director at BDO Forensic Accounting, the world’s fifth largest network of auditing firms; a sub-contractor at Kroll UK Ltd, the world’s leading forensic and investigative group; and the director of education at the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting. He is considered to be one of the leading forensic accounting consultants in the region.
Grey was at the time speaking at a forum titled A Proper Procurement Framework as a Tool for National Development, put on by Anointed Professionals Exhibiting Excellence (Apex) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. He spoke on the topic Conducting Effective Procurement Investigations and said that any procurement legislation being considered must treat first with the issue of political party financing.
Addressing the need to conduct due diligence and background checks when considering the awarding of contracts, Grey said this was a process well followed in developed countries, but “we don’t do it in Trinidad.”
He said that this lack of due diligence had resulted in the largest contract awarded in the country over the last two years in a methanol deal, going to a non-existent company trading under the name Trinidad Development Company, and it was only when it was pointed out after the fact that such company was not registered in this country that the fact became known.
“Who is behind the company and whether or not the contracts have gone to political party financiers is something that international agencies pay attention to,” he said. Grey said he is amazed at the kind of information that foreign international agencies have about this country and other places in the Caribbean, information that was gathered through investigation.
He said while politicians may tell the public that the Corruption Perception Index is just perception, it is not so. He said “perception is just 20 per cent” and the “other 80 per cent is actually predication and preliminary investigations that are conducted.”
“Many of our public officials who feel they are quite smart look up on the internet and see these havens and they want to send their money to Lichtenstein and to Antigua,” he said, adding there is really no way to hide those transactions since “all wire transfer intermediary banks are American banks.” “So these officials are not that smart. The American agencies have every single wire transfer, from who and where and whatsoever,” he said.
He said the foreign entities currently have a lot of information on contracts and monies given to one PP financier. “One agency told us just last week that one certain political party financier has already received, in the three years from the current adminstration, over one billion in contracts.” He refused, however, to divulge the name of financier or the company or companies which had benefitted from the contracts.
Contacted yesterday about the Grey’s claim, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said, “I would be very sceptical to belive such information unless there is evidence to substantiate such a claim.”
When told the source of the information, Ramlogan said if the source were a government agency the information would be deemed more credible, since “they may possess the legal authority and power and consequentially the credibility to make such a statement. It is far too easy to make accusations and allegations without any proof,” he said
To substantiate his claim, he said he recalled a Sunday Guardian story earlier this year which claimed a government minister was under investigation by the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) for paying off a mortgage at the rate of $42,000 a day in cash at a local bank. He said both the bank and FIU subsequently denied the allegation, but did not prevent the story from making front page “We have to be very careful,” he said, suggesting an agenda may be at play.
“Private organisations with political agendas are a feature of our politics and this is the silly season,” Ramlogan said. “It is suspicious that anyone who claims to have such information will not report it or share it with the proper and relevant law enforcement agency. “If the evidence exists it should be shared with the Financial Investigations Unit (FIU) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). If it is shared with me I will have no difficulty in treating with it or passing it.”
Also in his presentation, Grey, speaking about “external investigations,” said law enforcement officials must have relationships with external bodies who have information to share. He said nine times out of ten, persons amassing millions in contracts and bribes do not bank their money in Trinidad and Tobago. Foreign agencies, he said, can tell local law enforcement agencies “what are the wire transfers going out and who are the political or public officials who have accounts in offshore havens.”
“The United States can tell your Police Commissioner, one phone call, and give him a list of all public officials and where they bank. But it all comes back to the political will. If the political financiers are controlling the public officials, then they don’t want to make that phone call,” he said.
Asked whether or not the information about the contracts and money transactions revealed by the foreign agency would be known by either the Financial Investigative Bureau or the FIU, he said all it would take to find out is the “political will” and a phone call to the relevant foreign agency.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-07-07/cash-sent-out-tt
An international financial investigative agency has information that a Government financier has amassed over a billion dollars in contracts over the three years that the People’s Partnership has been in power. This was revealed yesterday by forensic and fraud auditing specialist Stephon Grey.
Grey is the managing director at BDO Forensic Accounting, the world’s fifth largest network of auditing firms; a sub-contractor at Kroll UK Ltd, the world’s leading forensic and investigative group; and the director of education at the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting. He is considered to be one of the leading forensic accounting consultants in the region.
Grey was at the time speaking at a forum titled A Proper Procurement Framework as a Tool for National Development, put on by Anointed Professionals Exhibiting Excellence (Apex) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. He spoke on the topic Conducting Effective Procurement Investigations and said that any procurement legislation being considered must treat first with the issue of political party financing.
Addressing the need to conduct due diligence and background checks when considering the awarding of contracts, Grey said this was a process well followed in developed countries, but “we don’t do it in Trinidad.”
He said that this lack of due diligence had resulted in the largest contract awarded in the country over the last two years in a methanol deal, going to a non-existent company trading under the name Trinidad Development Company, and it was only when it was pointed out after the fact that such company was not registered in this country that the fact became known.
“Who is behind the company and whether or not the contracts have gone to political party financiers is something that international agencies pay attention to,” he said. Grey said he is amazed at the kind of information that foreign international agencies have about this country and other places in the Caribbean, information that was gathered through investigation.
He said while politicians may tell the public that the Corruption Perception Index is just perception, it is not so. He said “perception is just 20 per cent” and the “other 80 per cent is actually predication and preliminary investigations that are conducted.”
“Many of our public officials who feel they are quite smart look up on the internet and see these havens and they want to send their money to Lichtenstein and to Antigua,” he said, adding there is really no way to hide those transactions since “all wire transfer intermediary banks are American banks.” “So these officials are not that smart. The American agencies have every single wire transfer, from who and where and whatsoever,” he said.
He said the foreign entities currently have a lot of information on contracts and monies given to one PP financier. “One agency told us just last week that one certain political party financier has already received, in the three years from the current adminstration, over one billion in contracts.” He refused, however, to divulge the name of financier or the company or companies which had benefitted from the contracts.
Contacted yesterday about the Grey’s claim, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said, “I would be very sceptical to belive such information unless there is evidence to substantiate such a claim.”
When told the source of the information, Ramlogan said if the source were a government agency the information would be deemed more credible, since “they may possess the legal authority and power and consequentially the credibility to make such a statement. It is far too easy to make accusations and allegations without any proof,” he said
To substantiate his claim, he said he recalled a Sunday Guardian story earlier this year which claimed a government minister was under investigation by the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) for paying off a mortgage at the rate of $42,000 a day in cash at a local bank. He said both the bank and FIU subsequently denied the allegation, but did not prevent the story from making front page “We have to be very careful,” he said, suggesting an agenda may be at play.
“Private organisations with political agendas are a feature of our politics and this is the silly season,” Ramlogan said. “It is suspicious that anyone who claims to have such information will not report it or share it with the proper and relevant law enforcement agency. “If the evidence exists it should be shared with the Financial Investigations Unit (FIU) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). If it is shared with me I will have no difficulty in treating with it or passing it.”
Also in his presentation, Grey, speaking about “external investigations,” said law enforcement officials must have relationships with external bodies who have information to share. He said nine times out of ten, persons amassing millions in contracts and bribes do not bank their money in Trinidad and Tobago. Foreign agencies, he said, can tell local law enforcement agencies “what are the wire transfers going out and who are the political or public officials who have accounts in offshore havens.”
“The United States can tell your Police Commissioner, one phone call, and give him a list of all public officials and where they bank. But it all comes back to the political will. If the political financiers are controlling the public officials, then they don’t want to make that phone call,” he said.
Asked whether or not the information about the contracts and money transactions revealed by the foreign agency would be known by either the Financial Investigative Bureau or the FIU, he said all it would take to find out is the “political will” and a phone call to the relevant foreign agency.
69
Football / Re: 2013 Confederation Cup
« on: July 01, 2013, 04:26:03 PM »
2013 Confederations Cup Displays the Good and Bad of Neymar
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2013-confederations-cup-displays-good-bad-neymar-161300378.html
COMMENTARY | The 2013 Confederations Cup was always destined to be the Neymar Show. The 21-year old YouTube sensation and Santos superstar confirmed his highly anticipated move to Spanish giants Barcelona in May, and he needed but three minutes in the Confederations Cup opening match to find the back of the net in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Japan, a result that set the wheels in motion for the player who would go on to win the competition's Golden Ball and the hosts who won a tournament surrounded by protests that continued even after the last Brazil player hoisted the trophy. Neymar, the latest (insert name of any all-time great here), is being labeled as the next big thing in world football, someone seemingly on his way to a plethora of titles and personal awards.
He's also being called a diver and a cheat.
Fans who watched Neymar come up through the Santos system would say that this is hardly a new story. Flops don't make for flattering highlight videos, and thus those of us who don't live and breathe Brazilian football have really only caught glimpses of Neymar minus the occasional international friendly or World Cup Qualifier. It was on the stage of the Confederations Cup that the world was able to come together and catch all of Neymar's greatness; and also the part of his game that will earn him a notorious reputation sooner than later.
It would be a disservice to all involved to mention Neymar without first spotlighting the commendable parts of his game that he displayed over the past several weeks. His finishes against Mexico and in the final versus Spain were top class, and his on-the-ball skill that set up Brazil's second goal against Mexico was a move straight out of FIFA 13. Neymar was the definition of "unplayable" throughout the competition, Kryptonite to the Superman that was, up until the final Sunday of June 2013, Spanish football.
That he was responsible for at least one incident per match that saw him either go to ground far too easily or make a meal out of even the slightest contact has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. Uruguay captain Diego Lugano mentioned the issue before his side faced off against Brazil, saying the following: "Neymar is very lightweight, he can drop to the ground and fool the referee. Neymar can feign a foul so, we must be watchful that nobody's fooled by his ability." A tumble from Neymar in that very match became the cause of Internet memes and viral videos that poked fun at the player.
Part of the problem regarding Neymar's growing reputation as a diver is that he plays in an era of high definition TV, one in which players, analysts and fans alike can view clear second-by-second replays of every spill. He's also not helped out by the fact that diving is a very hot topic all around the world. There are more than a few respected people in world football who believe that players deemed guilty of such offenses should face immediate suspension at both the club and international levels.
Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez are just two phenomenal players who were constantly criticized during the 2012-13 Premier League campaign for not keeping their feet. Neymar will have it a little easier than did those two players last season in that he'll be playing in Spain's La Liga, a league known for being a bit more sympathetic towards its stars when it comes to this particular matter. His playing for Barcelona and alongside Lionel Messi also probably won't hurt his cause.
Neymar is undeniably the real deal, an absolute joy to watch and perhaps the most talented 21-year old footballer on the planet. He may be "too good" for the theatrics that we saw far too often during the Confederations Cup, but he also has little incentive to stop throwing himself to the turf until he is sent a message by a manager/coach or referees. Maybe I'm just cynical, but I won't be holding my breath waiting for that to happen.
Zac has been covering the USMNT, Holland, Tottenham Hotspur, New York Red Bulls, Major League Soccer and other soccer leagues for Yahoo! Sports since 2010.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2013-confederations-cup-displays-good-bad-neymar-161300378.html
COMMENTARY | The 2013 Confederations Cup was always destined to be the Neymar Show. The 21-year old YouTube sensation and Santos superstar confirmed his highly anticipated move to Spanish giants Barcelona in May, and he needed but three minutes in the Confederations Cup opening match to find the back of the net in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Japan, a result that set the wheels in motion for the player who would go on to win the competition's Golden Ball and the hosts who won a tournament surrounded by protests that continued even after the last Brazil player hoisted the trophy. Neymar, the latest (insert name of any all-time great here), is being labeled as the next big thing in world football, someone seemingly on his way to a plethora of titles and personal awards.
He's also being called a diver and a cheat.
Fans who watched Neymar come up through the Santos system would say that this is hardly a new story. Flops don't make for flattering highlight videos, and thus those of us who don't live and breathe Brazilian football have really only caught glimpses of Neymar minus the occasional international friendly or World Cup Qualifier. It was on the stage of the Confederations Cup that the world was able to come together and catch all of Neymar's greatness; and also the part of his game that will earn him a notorious reputation sooner than later.
It would be a disservice to all involved to mention Neymar without first spotlighting the commendable parts of his game that he displayed over the past several weeks. His finishes against Mexico and in the final versus Spain were top class, and his on-the-ball skill that set up Brazil's second goal against Mexico was a move straight out of FIFA 13. Neymar was the definition of "unplayable" throughout the competition, Kryptonite to the Superman that was, up until the final Sunday of June 2013, Spanish football.
That he was responsible for at least one incident per match that saw him either go to ground far too easily or make a meal out of even the slightest contact has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. Uruguay captain Diego Lugano mentioned the issue before his side faced off against Brazil, saying the following: "Neymar is very lightweight, he can drop to the ground and fool the referee. Neymar can feign a foul so, we must be watchful that nobody's fooled by his ability." A tumble from Neymar in that very match became the cause of Internet memes and viral videos that poked fun at the player.
Part of the problem regarding Neymar's growing reputation as a diver is that he plays in an era of high definition TV, one in which players, analysts and fans alike can view clear second-by-second replays of every spill. He's also not helped out by the fact that diving is a very hot topic all around the world. There are more than a few respected people in world football who believe that players deemed guilty of such offenses should face immediate suspension at both the club and international levels.
Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez are just two phenomenal players who were constantly criticized during the 2012-13 Premier League campaign for not keeping their feet. Neymar will have it a little easier than did those two players last season in that he'll be playing in Spain's La Liga, a league known for being a bit more sympathetic towards its stars when it comes to this particular matter. His playing for Barcelona and alongside Lionel Messi also probably won't hurt his cause.
Neymar is undeniably the real deal, an absolute joy to watch and perhaps the most talented 21-year old footballer on the planet. He may be "too good" for the theatrics that we saw far too often during the Confederations Cup, but he also has little incentive to stop throwing himself to the turf until he is sent a message by a manager/coach or referees. Maybe I'm just cynical, but I won't be holding my breath waiting for that to happen.
Zac has been covering the USMNT, Holland, Tottenham Hotspur, New York Red Bulls, Major League Soccer and other soccer leagues for Yahoo! Sports since 2010.
70
General Discussion / Re: FLASHING BLUE LIGHT SYNDROME
« on: July 01, 2013, 02:50:47 PM »
http://ttnewsflash.com/?p=35990
Moonilal and his family at risk
By TTnewsflash Reporter)
MINISTER of Housing Dr. Roodal Moonilal claims that his life and that of his family are now at risk because of a Guardian Newspaper report.
The article dated today, highlighted Moonilal’s application for a siren and two strobe lights on his government leased Land Rover.
Moonilal claimed that his request was based on security reasons, since he said there are criminal elements operating in the housing industry.
He claimed that the article has exposed his family to danger and that he will now be forced to change vehicles.
- See more at: http://ttnewsflash.com/?p=35990#sthash.tB9yNtBZ.dpuf
Moonilal and his family at risk
By TTnewsflash Reporter)
MINISTER of Housing Dr. Roodal Moonilal claims that his life and that of his family are now at risk because of a Guardian Newspaper report.
The article dated today, highlighted Moonilal’s application for a siren and two strobe lights on his government leased Land Rover.
Moonilal claimed that his request was based on security reasons, since he said there are criminal elements operating in the housing industry.
He claimed that the article has exposed his family to danger and that he will now be forced to change vehicles.
- See more at: http://ttnewsflash.com/?p=35990#sthash.tB9yNtBZ.dpuf
71
General Discussion / LIAT Thread.
« on: July 01, 2013, 11:17:12 AM »
'Hilarious' Airline Complaint Letter Catches Eye of CEO
http://gma.yahoo.com/hilarious-airline-complaint-letter-catches-eye-ceo-142429419--abc-news-travel.html
Most airline complaint letters are so filled with rage and tales of woe, it's hard to see any humor in the situation.
But that's not the case with a letter written to LIAT, a small airline serving 21 destinations in the Caribbean. The complaint waged in a letter to the airline is so funny that it prompted another airline's CEO to tweet it to his more than 3 million followers.
"How to write a complaint letter -- read this hilarious note from a frustrated airline passenger," tweeted Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group.
He even blogged about it.
Not all letters to airlines are to complain. Check out this letter to Delta's CEO after he gave up his seat for a mom late to pick her daughter up from a special-needs camp.
The LIAT letter appeared in the weekly British Virgin Islands newspaper, the BVI Beacon, earlier this year.
The letter was penned by Londoner Arthur Hicks and titled "An Open Letter to LIAT."
Dear LIAT,
May I say how considerate it is of you to enable your passengers such an in-depth and thorough tour of the Caribbean.
Most other airlines I have travelled on would simply wish to take me from point A to B in rather a hurry. I was intrigued that we were allowed to stop at not a lowly one or two but a magnificent six airports yesterday. And who wants to fly on the same airplane the entire time? We got to change and refuel every step of the way!
I particularly enjoyed sampling the security scanners at each and every airport. I find it preposterous that people imagine them all to be the same. And as for being patted down by a variety of islanders, well, I feel as if I've been hugged by most of the Caribbean already. I also found it unique that this was all done on "island time," because I do like to have time to absorb the atmosphere of the various departure lounges. As for our arrival, well, who wants to have to take a ferry at the end of all that flying anyway? I'm glad the boat was long gone by the time we arrived into Tortola last night -- and that all those noisy bars and restaurants were closed.
So thank you, LIAT. I now truly understand why you are "The Caribbean Airline."
P.S. Keep the bag. I never liked it anyway.
Branson himself was once the recipient of what some think is the most epic airline complaint letter of all time. In that letter, the author likens his flight on Virgin to a "culinary journey of hell."
http://gma.yahoo.com/hilarious-airline-complaint-letter-catches-eye-ceo-142429419--abc-news-travel.html
Most airline complaint letters are so filled with rage and tales of woe, it's hard to see any humor in the situation.
But that's not the case with a letter written to LIAT, a small airline serving 21 destinations in the Caribbean. The complaint waged in a letter to the airline is so funny that it prompted another airline's CEO to tweet it to his more than 3 million followers.
"How to write a complaint letter -- read this hilarious note from a frustrated airline passenger," tweeted Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group.
He even blogged about it.
Not all letters to airlines are to complain. Check out this letter to Delta's CEO after he gave up his seat for a mom late to pick her daughter up from a special-needs camp.
The LIAT letter appeared in the weekly British Virgin Islands newspaper, the BVI Beacon, earlier this year.
The letter was penned by Londoner Arthur Hicks and titled "An Open Letter to LIAT."
Dear LIAT,
May I say how considerate it is of you to enable your passengers such an in-depth and thorough tour of the Caribbean.
Most other airlines I have travelled on would simply wish to take me from point A to B in rather a hurry. I was intrigued that we were allowed to stop at not a lowly one or two but a magnificent six airports yesterday. And who wants to fly on the same airplane the entire time? We got to change and refuel every step of the way!
I particularly enjoyed sampling the security scanners at each and every airport. I find it preposterous that people imagine them all to be the same. And as for being patted down by a variety of islanders, well, I feel as if I've been hugged by most of the Caribbean already. I also found it unique that this was all done on "island time," because I do like to have time to absorb the atmosphere of the various departure lounges. As for our arrival, well, who wants to have to take a ferry at the end of all that flying anyway? I'm glad the boat was long gone by the time we arrived into Tortola last night -- and that all those noisy bars and restaurants were closed.
So thank you, LIAT. I now truly understand why you are "The Caribbean Airline."
P.S. Keep the bag. I never liked it anyway.
Branson himself was once the recipient of what some think is the most epic airline complaint letter of all time. In that letter, the author likens his flight on Virgin to a "culinary journey of hell."
72
General Discussion / Re: Section 34 Thread
« on: June 28, 2013, 04:32:25 AM »
AG has no trust in cops
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-06-27/ag-has-no-trust-cops
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan is confident a compromise will be reached with police to allow for his cellphone and other electronic devices to be handed over soon to investigate the Section 34 e-mail matter. But he is insisting that only an international IT expert will be allowed to look at them because he is not confident the police will ensure the information remains confidential. In fact, he fears his confidential information might be leaked and used against him on a People’s National Movement platform. Ramlogan said so in response to questions from reporters during yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Prime Minister’s office in St Clair. “In the current climate there are current international best practices, protocols and procedures that must be followed in circumstances such as these,” he said.
He said his lawyer Pamela Elder, SC, had refused to hand over his devices on Tuesday because the proper arrangements were not in place for their safety and integrity. Once proper arrangements were put in place, the devices would be handed over, he said. But he insisted no local investigator will be allowed to look at the devices. “I have no difficulty [with] an international IT expert whose credibility and reputation are beyond reproach and question going through my stuff,” Ramlogan said. “The agreement is, that is the only person that can go through the equipment. I have no difficulty with that, but I have a serious problem with anybody else going through your business that contains anything and everything.” Ramlogan said his reason for adopting that stance was obvious. “We are all human beings and we have a private life, a personal life, but more than that, we have a professional life as a government minister. I am the AG of the country, I sit on the National Security Council.”
During the 2011 state of emergency, he said, he went on national television and invited citizens to e-mail and inbox him on Facebook their suggestions to fight crime. “A lot of that intelligence was presented by ordinary citizens and the spectrum is very wide—including inside the Police Service, outside the Police Service, drug blocks, et cetera.” Ramlogan said he had “to be very careful in my dealings with other countries, other international law-enforcement agencies, that the sanctity and confidentiality of those communications are not unwittingly compromised.”
He said he had a responsibility to ensure the identity and content of correspondence from those people were protected. He insisted: “If the Police Service selects an international IT expert whose reputation, credentials and credibility are beyond question, I will give them all the devices.”
Speaking on behalf of himself, the Prime Minister and Local Government and Works Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan, he said: “We are not suspects in any criminal investigation. We are in fact voluntarily co-operating with the police because we feel that we are the victims of a massive political fraud and conspiracy...we would like to get to the truth, so that the perpetrator of that political conspiracy and fraud can be caught, charged and prosecuted and that is why we are co-operating.” He said everyone had a right to privacy “and my right to privacy is not less because I am a government minister and nor will I wish it in any way to hinder an investigation.” Ramlogan said he was prepared to give the devices to the police but not in a carte-blanche manner without any rules and procedures that obtained internationally.
He explained: “There may be things on my system that pertains to the Police Service itself, pertaining to corrupt officers, corruption within the Police Service and so on. “So I have to be very careful. You don’t just use this as a window of opportunity to have somebody sitting down and going through all your business, only to perhaps get political ammunition to slip to the PNM, so it comes up on a political platform, or to have any police officer or any citizen suspected of being involved in criminal activity suddenly disappear from the scene.” He added: “It is not a very simple matter, it is a very complicated matter. It can be made very simple if the police have a defined and clear procedure and practice and protocol.” He said things had been made worse by the police failing to honour a promise to return the devices of Gary Griffith, national security adviser to the Prime Minister. Ramlogan said Griffith’s devices had been in the hands of the police for about a month. “That is unforgivable in the circumstances, when someone is voluntarily co-operating in a situation when they are not a suspect.”
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-06-27/ag-has-no-trust-cops
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan is confident a compromise will be reached with police to allow for his cellphone and other electronic devices to be handed over soon to investigate the Section 34 e-mail matter. But he is insisting that only an international IT expert will be allowed to look at them because he is not confident the police will ensure the information remains confidential. In fact, he fears his confidential information might be leaked and used against him on a People’s National Movement platform. Ramlogan said so in response to questions from reporters during yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Prime Minister’s office in St Clair. “In the current climate there are current international best practices, protocols and procedures that must be followed in circumstances such as these,” he said.
He said his lawyer Pamela Elder, SC, had refused to hand over his devices on Tuesday because the proper arrangements were not in place for their safety and integrity. Once proper arrangements were put in place, the devices would be handed over, he said. But he insisted no local investigator will be allowed to look at the devices. “I have no difficulty [with] an international IT expert whose credibility and reputation are beyond reproach and question going through my stuff,” Ramlogan said. “The agreement is, that is the only person that can go through the equipment. I have no difficulty with that, but I have a serious problem with anybody else going through your business that contains anything and everything.” Ramlogan said his reason for adopting that stance was obvious. “We are all human beings and we have a private life, a personal life, but more than that, we have a professional life as a government minister. I am the AG of the country, I sit on the National Security Council.”
During the 2011 state of emergency, he said, he went on national television and invited citizens to e-mail and inbox him on Facebook their suggestions to fight crime. “A lot of that intelligence was presented by ordinary citizens and the spectrum is very wide—including inside the Police Service, outside the Police Service, drug blocks, et cetera.” Ramlogan said he had “to be very careful in my dealings with other countries, other international law-enforcement agencies, that the sanctity and confidentiality of those communications are not unwittingly compromised.”
He said he had a responsibility to ensure the identity and content of correspondence from those people were protected. He insisted: “If the Police Service selects an international IT expert whose reputation, credentials and credibility are beyond question, I will give them all the devices.”
Speaking on behalf of himself, the Prime Minister and Local Government and Works Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan, he said: “We are not suspects in any criminal investigation. We are in fact voluntarily co-operating with the police because we feel that we are the victims of a massive political fraud and conspiracy...we would like to get to the truth, so that the perpetrator of that political conspiracy and fraud can be caught, charged and prosecuted and that is why we are co-operating.” He said everyone had a right to privacy “and my right to privacy is not less because I am a government minister and nor will I wish it in any way to hinder an investigation.” Ramlogan said he was prepared to give the devices to the police but not in a carte-blanche manner without any rules and procedures that obtained internationally.
He explained: “There may be things on my system that pertains to the Police Service itself, pertaining to corrupt officers, corruption within the Police Service and so on. “So I have to be very careful. You don’t just use this as a window of opportunity to have somebody sitting down and going through all your business, only to perhaps get political ammunition to slip to the PNM, so it comes up on a political platform, or to have any police officer or any citizen suspected of being involved in criminal activity suddenly disappear from the scene.” He added: “It is not a very simple matter, it is a very complicated matter. It can be made very simple if the police have a defined and clear procedure and practice and protocol.” He said things had been made worse by the police failing to honour a promise to return the devices of Gary Griffith, national security adviser to the Prime Minister. Ramlogan said Griffith’s devices had been in the hands of the police for about a month. “That is unforgivable in the circumstances, when someone is voluntarily co-operating in a situation when they are not a suspect.”
73
General Discussion / Re: Anger swells after NSA phone records court order revelations
« on: June 26, 2013, 11:30:10 AM »If the US was really serious about capturing Snowden, they would get de Mossad to kidnap his tail. lol By all accounts they're very good at that sort of stuff.
If the US was really serious about capturing Snowden, they would get de Mossad to kidnap his tail. lol By all accounts they're very good at that sort of stuff.
And how they doing that?
Recruit Ian Alleyne and Sargent Alexander
74
General Discussion / Housing Development Corporation Thread.
« on: June 24, 2013, 09:02:16 AM »
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-06-24/hdc-foots-roodals-8m-range-rover-bill
HDC foots Roodal's $.8m Range Rover bill
One of the first issues that soon-to-be-appointed Housing Development Corporation (HDC) chairman Rabindra Moonan will have to deal with is whether he will approve the extension of a lease on a Range Rover for Minister of Housing Dr Roodal Moonilal. Moonilal currently enjoys the use of a black Range Rover leased by the HDC for $289,800 a year.
The Range Rover HSE, which carries the licence plate PCR 5656, has been leased from Furness Car Rentals. The T&T Guardian has confirmed that the HDC pays a monthly bill of $24,150 for the vehicle, while the total lease agreement for the three-year period is $869,400. Sources say the lease took effect on February 2011 and ends in February 2014. The Range Rover has been customised to include blue police strobe lights in the centre of the grill at the front and back. A police siren has also been installed.
Questions have been raised about why such a vehicle has been leased for the minister, and also why a state enterprise is financing the lease, given that the ministry that Moonilal heads has several vehicles which can be used for official government business. Apart from this, sources say other vehicles could have been leased at a much cheaper rate. Sources say when vehicles are leased, the ministers do not pay for the vehicles’ maintenance or operational costs. These costs as well as the leases are borne by taxpayers.
At the time of the approval, the HDC board was chaired by Henckle Lall and included Douglas Johnson, Gunness Sudama, Graig Davis, Reyna Kowlessar, Naddia Ali and James Lambert. Efforts to contact those board members were unsuccessful. Last year, a slew of criticism was levelled against then Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath over the purchase of a $400,000 duty-free Porsche Cayenne as the official vehicle for his ministry.
Bharath defended the purchase, saying it was not extravagant. Contacted on the matter, a government minister said if a request to lease the Range Rover had been made to Cabinet there would have been strong objection. Since the People’s Partnership government took office, ministers are now entitled to use a ministry vehicle for official purposes. This entitlement was put in place after Sport Minister Anil Roberts was involved in an accident on October 6, 2010.
Minister replies
In response to several text messages sent by the T&T Guardian, Moonilal yesterday responded by defending the use of the leased vehicle. He wrote: “The Rover is very sturdy. The vehicle was provided as a lease vehicle in keeping with (the) practice before to provide vehicle to minister. “I also use other vehicles depending on work requirements.
“As for choice, Rover is strong and equipped for the terrain. You seldom see a Rover in highway crash.” He added that Cepep also provided transport support when needed. The T&T Guardian then pointed out that such a high-maintenance vehicle “puts a strain on taxpayers, given there are other options,” to which Moonilal repled: “But Rover is very good vehicle, you should buy one if possible.”
The T&T Guardian repeated its initial question on whether Moonilal had approached the HDC board to ask it to lease the Range Rover. He is yet to respond. Asked whether he had received permission from the acting Commissioner of Police or Transport Commissioner to use the blue lights and siren on the Range Rover, Moonilal said he did not comment on matters of security.
“The devices are matters under the purview of security authorities, I don’t comment on security issues. Suffice to say we act according to the law at all times,” he texted.
Flashback
On January 17, 2012, Moonilal denied claims that his ministry had purchased a Range Rover for his use. Speaking during a Parliament debate, Moonilal said MPs are entitled to concessions on cars and most take advantage of these, using their personal funds. He said while in opposition he purchased a BMW X53 but subsequently sold it and bought a Range Rover for his personal use, using his personal funds.
Moonilal also said the Environment Ministry planned to buy two hybrid vehicles at a total cost of $600,000. To date, sources say this is yet to happen.
More info
According to the Salaries Review Commission Web site, the last pay hike for ministers and MPs was in 2006. The Prime Minister’s salary was increased to $48,000 a month; Cabinet ministers’ salaries increased to $33,000 a month and non-Cabinet ministers to $27,000. The Leader of the Opposition moved to $23,800, MPs (non-ministers) increased to $14,000 and senators (non-ministers) $10,500. Among the allowances given to government ministers are transport facilities. These include:
(i) A maximum loan of $350,000 at a six per cent per annum repayable over six years for the purchase of either:
(a) a new vehicle with full exemption from motor vehicle tax, VAT and customs duty; or
(b) a used vehicle with full exemption from special motor vehicle tax, VAT and customs duty.
(ii) A loan to cover the cost of car insurance at a rate of interest of six per cent per annum.
(iii) A maximum loan of $20,000 at a rate of interest of six per cent per annum for repairs to a vehicle.
(iv) A transportation allowance of $4,700 per month.
(v) A personal chauffeur
HDC foots Roodal's $.8m Range Rover bill
One of the first issues that soon-to-be-appointed Housing Development Corporation (HDC) chairman Rabindra Moonan will have to deal with is whether he will approve the extension of a lease on a Range Rover for Minister of Housing Dr Roodal Moonilal. Moonilal currently enjoys the use of a black Range Rover leased by the HDC for $289,800 a year.
The Range Rover HSE, which carries the licence plate PCR 5656, has been leased from Furness Car Rentals. The T&T Guardian has confirmed that the HDC pays a monthly bill of $24,150 for the vehicle, while the total lease agreement for the three-year period is $869,400. Sources say the lease took effect on February 2011 and ends in February 2014. The Range Rover has been customised to include blue police strobe lights in the centre of the grill at the front and back. A police siren has also been installed.
Questions have been raised about why such a vehicle has been leased for the minister, and also why a state enterprise is financing the lease, given that the ministry that Moonilal heads has several vehicles which can be used for official government business. Apart from this, sources say other vehicles could have been leased at a much cheaper rate. Sources say when vehicles are leased, the ministers do not pay for the vehicles’ maintenance or operational costs. These costs as well as the leases are borne by taxpayers.
At the time of the approval, the HDC board was chaired by Henckle Lall and included Douglas Johnson, Gunness Sudama, Graig Davis, Reyna Kowlessar, Naddia Ali and James Lambert. Efforts to contact those board members were unsuccessful. Last year, a slew of criticism was levelled against then Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath over the purchase of a $400,000 duty-free Porsche Cayenne as the official vehicle for his ministry.
Bharath defended the purchase, saying it was not extravagant. Contacted on the matter, a government minister said if a request to lease the Range Rover had been made to Cabinet there would have been strong objection. Since the People’s Partnership government took office, ministers are now entitled to use a ministry vehicle for official purposes. This entitlement was put in place after Sport Minister Anil Roberts was involved in an accident on October 6, 2010.
Minister replies
In response to several text messages sent by the T&T Guardian, Moonilal yesterday responded by defending the use of the leased vehicle. He wrote: “The Rover is very sturdy. The vehicle was provided as a lease vehicle in keeping with (the) practice before to provide vehicle to minister. “I also use other vehicles depending on work requirements.
“As for choice, Rover is strong and equipped for the terrain. You seldom see a Rover in highway crash.” He added that Cepep also provided transport support when needed. The T&T Guardian then pointed out that such a high-maintenance vehicle “puts a strain on taxpayers, given there are other options,” to which Moonilal repled: “But Rover is very good vehicle, you should buy one if possible.”
The T&T Guardian repeated its initial question on whether Moonilal had approached the HDC board to ask it to lease the Range Rover. He is yet to respond. Asked whether he had received permission from the acting Commissioner of Police or Transport Commissioner to use the blue lights and siren on the Range Rover, Moonilal said he did not comment on matters of security.
“The devices are matters under the purview of security authorities, I don’t comment on security issues. Suffice to say we act according to the law at all times,” he texted.
Flashback
On January 17, 2012, Moonilal denied claims that his ministry had purchased a Range Rover for his use. Speaking during a Parliament debate, Moonilal said MPs are entitled to concessions on cars and most take advantage of these, using their personal funds. He said while in opposition he purchased a BMW X53 but subsequently sold it and bought a Range Rover for his personal use, using his personal funds.
Moonilal also said the Environment Ministry planned to buy two hybrid vehicles at a total cost of $600,000. To date, sources say this is yet to happen.
More info
According to the Salaries Review Commission Web site, the last pay hike for ministers and MPs was in 2006. The Prime Minister’s salary was increased to $48,000 a month; Cabinet ministers’ salaries increased to $33,000 a month and non-Cabinet ministers to $27,000. The Leader of the Opposition moved to $23,800, MPs (non-ministers) increased to $14,000 and senators (non-ministers) $10,500. Among the allowances given to government ministers are transport facilities. These include:
(i) A maximum loan of $350,000 at a six per cent per annum repayable over six years for the purchase of either:
(a) a new vehicle with full exemption from motor vehicle tax, VAT and customs duty; or
(b) a used vehicle with full exemption from special motor vehicle tax, VAT and customs duty.
(ii) A loan to cover the cost of car insurance at a rate of interest of six per cent per annum.
(iii) A maximum loan of $20,000 at a rate of interest of six per cent per annum for repairs to a vehicle.
(iv) A transportation allowance of $4,700 per month.
(v) A personal chauffeur
75
General Discussion / Re: Wrecked for $6.5m
« on: June 21, 2013, 06:00:57 AM »
Anil: Blame the Fire Chief
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Anil-Blame-the-Fire-Chief-212422561.html
Blame the Chief Fire Officer for the entire firetruck fiasco!
Sport Minister Anil Roberts said the fiasco occurred not with the former minister of National Security or the Cabinet which approved the funding but with the public servants.
Roberts said ex-minister Jack Warner first learned about the firetruck issue when a note was prepared for him to take to Cabinet, asking for its approval of the $10.1 million payment to retrieve a Fire Service water tender from a precipice in Blanchisseuse last November.
The fee was subsequently reduced to $6.8 million.
“The first sight of it the minister had was when the note was ready to go to Cabinet. Before that, there was no ministerial intervention.”
At yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Roberts said the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) had the ability to incur that kind of cost and then notify the minister and Cabinet.
He said the Cabinet was presented with a fait accompli. He said the CFO asked a company to tell him how much it would cost to get the truck out.
“At some time, the CFO approved and requested of the company to take out the truck. The company presented an invoice to the CFO. The CFO sent a memo for payment to the PS (permanent secretary) on November 27.
“Notice, no Cabinet nor minister was involved.”
The CFO’s memo, which came with an invoice, said: “The payment to Sammy’s Multilift Services Limited in the sum of $10,189,115 remains outstanding.”
Roberts said he had perused the invoice and found its contents to be genuine.
He said there was covering approval for cases of emergencies for persons to spend money and then seek approval of Cabinet.
“The work had been done, done, done,” Roberts said. “He did not have to call a minister and get the minister to say, ‘Hey, take out the truck.’ The minister was sleeping, talking politics....”
He said the Cabinet then had to decide whether to pay the bill or renege and go to court.
Roberts said that is the system that has existed since 1962.
The Chief Fire Officer who was involved in this matter has since retired.
However, accounting officers yesterday disputed Roberts’ statement, saying the CFO did not have the authority to award a $10 million contract and without tender.
Sources told the Express the very reason the contract ended up before the Cabinet for approval for funding was because the permanent secretary recognised that neither she nor the Chief Fire Officer had the legal authority to award a contract for more than $1 million without a tender.
At the post-Cabinet news conference, Roberts also said, similarly, that the recent Auditor General’s report, which found many irregularities, was not about ministers but public servants since ministers “did not write cheques, approve invoices, do the accounting”.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Anil-Blame-the-Fire-Chief-212422561.html
Blame the Chief Fire Officer for the entire firetruck fiasco!
Sport Minister Anil Roberts said the fiasco occurred not with the former minister of National Security or the Cabinet which approved the funding but with the public servants.
Roberts said ex-minister Jack Warner first learned about the firetruck issue when a note was prepared for him to take to Cabinet, asking for its approval of the $10.1 million payment to retrieve a Fire Service water tender from a precipice in Blanchisseuse last November.
The fee was subsequently reduced to $6.8 million.
“The first sight of it the minister had was when the note was ready to go to Cabinet. Before that, there was no ministerial intervention.”
At yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Roberts said the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) had the ability to incur that kind of cost and then notify the minister and Cabinet.
He said the Cabinet was presented with a fait accompli. He said the CFO asked a company to tell him how much it would cost to get the truck out.
“At some time, the CFO approved and requested of the company to take out the truck. The company presented an invoice to the CFO. The CFO sent a memo for payment to the PS (permanent secretary) on November 27.
“Notice, no Cabinet nor minister was involved.”
The CFO’s memo, which came with an invoice, said: “The payment to Sammy’s Multilift Services Limited in the sum of $10,189,115 remains outstanding.”
Roberts said he had perused the invoice and found its contents to be genuine.
He said there was covering approval for cases of emergencies for persons to spend money and then seek approval of Cabinet.
“The work had been done, done, done,” Roberts said. “He did not have to call a minister and get the minister to say, ‘Hey, take out the truck.’ The minister was sleeping, talking politics....”
He said the Cabinet then had to decide whether to pay the bill or renege and go to court.
Roberts said that is the system that has existed since 1962.
The Chief Fire Officer who was involved in this matter has since retired.
However, accounting officers yesterday disputed Roberts’ statement, saying the CFO did not have the authority to award a $10 million contract and without tender.
Sources told the Express the very reason the contract ended up before the Cabinet for approval for funding was because the permanent secretary recognised that neither she nor the Chief Fire Officer had the legal authority to award a contract for more than $1 million without a tender.
At the post-Cabinet news conference, Roberts also said, similarly, that the recent Auditor General’s report, which found many irregularities, was not about ministers but public servants since ministers “did not write cheques, approve invoices, do the accounting”.
76
General Discussion / Re: Rowley releases section 34 email ‘conspiracy’
« on: May 20, 2013, 06:18:22 PM »
[1] From: anan@gmail.com
Date: Sat 2 Sep 2012 22:11:00 – 0400
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Update
My lady, please relax, everything is in place, nothing to worry about. We will soon chat.
[2] Subject: Re: What’s up
To: anan@gmail.com
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 02:07:36 +0000
I am worried AG. I do not want this to blow up in our faces. This has to be done seamlessly.
[3] Subject: Re: Update
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 02:15:14 +0000
How are things going with this, do you need to brief me on anything. Did you make contact yet? Will he be on board. I don’t want surprises.
[4] From: anan@gmail.com
Date: 9/06/12 22:02:45
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Subject: Worry not
Nothing will be traced back to you. We are always united.
[5] Subj: Monies owed
Date: 9/06/12 11:38:04 AM SA Western Standard Time
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
To: anan@gmail.com
CC:
Are you sure everything is in place. Did you chat with the DPP and ask him about it? Try and find out.
Btw, she says you are asking for much money.
[6] Subject: Re: Monies owed
TO: kamlapb1@gmail.com
From: anan@gmail.com
Date: 9/06/12 12:15:01
I scoff that it’s too much. We are the ones taking the risk. At the end of this I want a helipad on my roof top.
There is no price for freedom they know this. I do not know why you engage her.
I am yet to approach him, but will do soon.
[7] Subject: Re: Monies owed
To: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: 9/06/12 12:35:45
It’s not a matter of engaging, she has done so much for us and I appreciate her. Tone down your requests and focus elsewhere for now.
[8] Subject: Re: Monies owed
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
From: anan@gmail.com
Date:9/06/12 12:45:11
As you wish my lady, Take care and we shall chat later.
[9] From anan@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2012 22:15:40-0500
To: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com;Roodal@tstt.net.tt;surujrambacan@hotmail.com
Subject: Help needed
There’s an article a reporter from Guardian called me about involving our boys. I need you to get your feelers out there and nip the story. Call the Sunday Guardian Editor and threaten her with ads if you have too just make sure the article does not come out. Will call you later.
[10] Subject: Meeting
On Sat. Sep 8, 2012 at 10:06:05 PM, wrote
Call a meeting, we need to talk urgently
[11]From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2012 14:51:18-0500
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net
Subject: Guardian article
AR:
What is going? Did you see the article. I thought you had friends in the Guardian. How could this happen? Fix it.
[12] On Sun, Sep 9, 2012 at 2:51 PM, anan@gmail.com wrote:
I saw the article. Not to worry, remember Opposition supported this. That will be our defense
[13] FROM: kamlapb1@gmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:27 PM
Deal with this mess.
Did she speak with James? You said he could be trusted. Does she have a copy?
[14] Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:30PM
James knows he cannot say anything. I doubt she has a copy. She is bluffing. I will retain him to write a letter refuting what she said. I sent out a release already. Remember everyone supported this. The PNM will loose out for allowing this to happen. Do not worry.
[15] FROM: anan@gmail.com
TO: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 1:33 AM
We have a problem. Things are getting heated. Need access to taps in DPP office. I want to know what his next move is. How soon can you arrange?
[16] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 1:40 AM
I will call SSA and get B. Ganpat is out of the country, he would be against this move. You know he leaks
[17]On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 6:51 AM, anan@gmail.com wrote:
I gave instructions to B to sent him Germany for two weeks. I want someone to monitor DPP for this week. He made some statements. The normal protocol applies.
[18] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Mon Sep 10, 2012 at …AM
Everything is already in place in DPP office. Nothing out of the ordinary yet, Spoke with PM and she is furious
about the article. What about the reporter, tag her as well? My person..Guardian said she has a copy
of Lewis advice and is just toying with you. She does have someone in the US Embassy and is asking questions.
Last time we checked she contact Counselor to the Attorney General Channing Phillips.
Do you think someone there is feeding her?
[19] On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 10:51 AM, anand@tstt.co.tt wrote:
That f….. whore don’t have sh… on me. More than likely she called Thomas at the Embassy.
Do a trace on her, every reporter has skeletons in their closet and post it to our FB people
Find out how the f… she quoted from something she has no access too. I want this by this evening and I want to know who is her source.
[20] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Mon. Sep 10, 2012 at 11:15AM
Yes boss.
That will take the heat off a while when other things pop up. Deal with this matter AG
[21]From:kamlapb1@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2012 23:51:31 -0400
To:anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Subject: RE: Urgent
The US contacted me and are f…… angry, I thought you had a hold on this
This will cause major backlash. They even threatened to black-list us. Come up with a plan AG.
[22] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
From: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
Date:Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:21:44 +0000
Right now our best bet will be giving Gaspard a position on the bench and bring in a replacement. We could also feed our media people that Gaspard was part of the consultation at the Hall of Justice this year and he did not have a problem at the meeting. Let’s try the judge position first.
[23] From:kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:54:39
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Subject: RE: Urgent
Have a chat with Archie, let them offer him the position. Archie is normally co-operative.
[24]Subject: Re: Urgent
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From:kamlapb1@gmail.com
Have you dealt with the mess yet? We are getting bad press. Deal with this AG
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:59:44
[25] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: anan@gmailcom;anand@tstt.net.tt
From:captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 13:00:42 -0000
How things looking? The media are having a field day, PM is angry. The US also on the case.
[26] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
From:anan@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 14:00:22 +0000
Something is not right with that b..ch she knows too much. Did you find out her source? I was the only one who had this and she does not know Lewis. She does not know any QC, that I found out from her court colleague. She quoted things and asking questions to lawyers that no one knows.. did you find out anything on her..how are things at DPP.
[27] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 15:00
Will check with DPP status and give you a report later. The reporter does have a history. She has a file..it’s really touch and go. She was in Florida at an institution in late 2003. attempted suicide. Her family are PNM, dad was in jail and recently released. Also added some stuff and sent it to FB. They will take it from there.
[28] From: anan@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:47:08
To:surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Subject: Deal with the problem
This b…ch is becoming a problem to me. I’m told she has copies of documents and possibly cheques I don’t want
to leave anything to chance. I want this dealt with. find a way. I passed info to FB and they would f… her up but that’s not enough. Do something to slow her, PM is angry I assured her things will be good. I feel like I failed.. just deal with that b…ch soon if she has what I think, then we will all be implicated.
[29] Subject: Re: Deal with problem
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From:surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:58:-2
What did you have in mind: Does she drive, walk, do you know her movements. We should meet and discuss. How soon.
[30] Re: Deal with problem
Hide Details
From: anan@gmail.com
To: surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Message flagged
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:00PM
I don’t care what you do, just deal with the problem soon. Gary has the file on her . Whatever is one, let it be done through a third party. This is getting out of hand now. PM is frantic and is begging me for a distraction. I don’t think anything on Hart will provide that. I gave her the assurance that things will be ok. I also advised her to get rid of Volney, but she is weighing her options.
[31] Subject: Re: deal with problem
To: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
From: surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Date: Wed 19 Sep 2012 10:08:32
She will face opposition if she even contemplates getting rid of you. But don’t worry, we will chat tomorrow and finalize plans for that girl .
Date: Sat 2 Sep 2012 22:11:00 – 0400
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Update
My lady, please relax, everything is in place, nothing to worry about. We will soon chat.
[2] Subject: Re: What’s up
To: anan@gmail.com
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 02:07:36 +0000
I am worried AG. I do not want this to blow up in our faces. This has to be done seamlessly.
[3] Subject: Re: Update
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 02:15:14 +0000
How are things going with this, do you need to brief me on anything. Did you make contact yet? Will he be on board. I don’t want surprises.
[4] From: anan@gmail.com
Date: 9/06/12 22:02:45
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Subject: Worry not
Nothing will be traced back to you. We are always united.
[5] Subj: Monies owed
Date: 9/06/12 11:38:04 AM SA Western Standard Time
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
To: anan@gmail.com
CC:
Are you sure everything is in place. Did you chat with the DPP and ask him about it? Try and find out.
Btw, she says you are asking for much money.
[6] Subject: Re: Monies owed
TO: kamlapb1@gmail.com
From: anan@gmail.com
Date: 9/06/12 12:15:01
I scoff that it’s too much. We are the ones taking the risk. At the end of this I want a helipad on my roof top.
There is no price for freedom they know this. I do not know why you engage her.
I am yet to approach him, but will do soon.
[7] Subject: Re: Monies owed
To: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: 9/06/12 12:35:45
It’s not a matter of engaging, she has done so much for us and I appreciate her. Tone down your requests and focus elsewhere for now.
[8] Subject: Re: Monies owed
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
From: anan@gmail.com
Date:9/06/12 12:45:11
As you wish my lady, Take care and we shall chat later.
[9] From anan@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2012 22:15:40-0500
To: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com;Roodal@tstt.net.tt;surujrambacan@hotmail.com
Subject: Help needed
There’s an article a reporter from Guardian called me about involving our boys. I need you to get your feelers out there and nip the story. Call the Sunday Guardian Editor and threaten her with ads if you have too just make sure the article does not come out. Will call you later.
[10] Subject: Meeting
On Sat. Sep 8, 2012 at 10:06:05 PM, wrote
Call a meeting, we need to talk urgently
[11]From: kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2012 14:51:18-0500
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net
Subject: Guardian article
AR:
What is going? Did you see the article. I thought you had friends in the Guardian. How could this happen? Fix it.
[12] On Sun, Sep 9, 2012 at 2:51 PM, anan@gmail.com wrote:
I saw the article. Not to worry, remember Opposition supported this. That will be our defense
[13] FROM: kamlapb1@gmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:27 PM
Deal with this mess.
Did she speak with James? You said he could be trusted. Does she have a copy?
[14] Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:30PM
James knows he cannot say anything. I doubt she has a copy. She is bluffing. I will retain him to write a letter refuting what she said. I sent out a release already. Remember everyone supported this. The PNM will loose out for allowing this to happen. Do not worry.
[15] FROM: anan@gmail.com
TO: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 1:33 AM
We have a problem. Things are getting heated. Need access to taps in DPP office. I want to know what his next move is. How soon can you arrange?
[16] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 1:40 AM
I will call SSA and get B. Ganpat is out of the country, he would be against this move. You know he leaks
[17]On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 6:51 AM, anan@gmail.com wrote:
I gave instructions to B to sent him Germany for two weeks. I want someone to monitor DPP for this week. He made some statements. The normal protocol applies.
[18] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Mon Sep 10, 2012 at …AM
Everything is already in place in DPP office. Nothing out of the ordinary yet, Spoke with PM and she is furious
about the article. What about the reporter, tag her as well? My person..Guardian said she has a copy
of Lewis advice and is just toying with you. She does have someone in the US Embassy and is asking questions.
Last time we checked she contact Counselor to the Attorney General Channing Phillips.
Do you think someone there is feeding her?
[19] On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 10:51 AM, anand@tstt.co.tt wrote:
That f….. whore don’t have sh… on me. More than likely she called Thomas at the Embassy.
Do a trace on her, every reporter has skeletons in their closet and post it to our FB people
Find out how the f… she quoted from something she has no access too. I want this by this evening and I want to know who is her source.
[20] FROM: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
TO: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Mon. Sep 10, 2012 at 11:15AM
Yes boss.
That will take the heat off a while when other things pop up. Deal with this matter AG
[21]From:kamlapb1@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2012 23:51:31 -0400
To:anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Subject: RE: Urgent
The US contacted me and are f…… angry, I thought you had a hold on this
This will cause major backlash. They even threatened to black-list us. Come up with a plan AG.
[22] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: kamlapb1@gmail.com
From: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
Date:Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:21:44 +0000
Right now our best bet will be giving Gaspard a position on the bench and bring in a replacement. We could also feed our media people that Gaspard was part of the consultation at the Hall of Justice this year and he did not have a problem at the meeting. Let’s try the judge position first.
[23] From:kamlapb1@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:54:39
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
Subject: RE: Urgent
Have a chat with Archie, let them offer him the position. Archie is normally co-operative.
[24]Subject: Re: Urgent
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From:kamlapb1@gmail.com
Have you dealt with the mess yet? We are getting bad press. Deal with this AG
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 09:59:44
[25] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: anan@gmailcom;anand@tstt.net.tt
From:captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 13:00:42 -0000
How things looking? The media are having a field day, PM is angry. The US also on the case.
[26] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
From:anan@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 14:00:22 +0000
Something is not right with that b..ch she knows too much. Did you find out her source? I was the only one who had this and she does not know Lewis. She does not know any QC, that I found out from her court colleague. She quoted things and asking questions to lawyers that no one knows.. did you find out anything on her..how are things at DPP.
[27] Subject: Re: Urgent
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From: captaingarygriffith@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2012 15:00
Will check with DPP status and give you a report later. The reporter does have a history. She has a file..it’s really touch and go. She was in Florida at an institution in late 2003. attempted suicide. Her family are PNM, dad was in jail and recently released. Also added some stuff and sent it to FB. They will take it from there.
[28] From: anan@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:47:08
To:surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Subject: Deal with the problem
This b…ch is becoming a problem to me. I’m told she has copies of documents and possibly cheques I don’t want
to leave anything to chance. I want this dealt with. find a way. I passed info to FB and they would f… her up but that’s not enough. Do something to slow her, PM is angry I assured her things will be good. I feel like I failed.. just deal with that b…ch soon if she has what I think, then we will all be implicated.
[29] Subject: Re: Deal with problem
To: anan@gmail.com;anand@tstt.net.tt
From:surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:58:-2
What did you have in mind: Does she drive, walk, do you know her movements. We should meet and discuss. How soon.
[30] Re: Deal with problem
Hide Details
From: anan@gmail.com
To: surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Message flagged
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:00PM
I don’t care what you do, just deal with the problem soon. Gary has the file on her . Whatever is one, let it be done through a third party. This is getting out of hand now. PM is frantic and is begging me for a distraction. I don’t think anything on Hart will provide that. I gave her the assurance that things will be ok. I also advised her to get rid of Volney, but she is weighing her options.
[31] Subject: Re: deal with problem
To: anan@gmail.com; anand@tstt.net.tt
From: surujrambachan@hotmail.com
Date: Wed 19 Sep 2012 10:08:32
She will face opposition if she even contemplates getting rid of you. But don’t worry, we will chat tomorrow and finalize plans for that girl .
77
General Discussion / Rowley releases section 34 email ‘conspiracy’
« on: May 20, 2013, 03:40:23 PM »
Rowley releases section 34 email ‘conspiracy’ .....calls of President to appoint Integrity Commission
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Rowley-releases-section-34-email-conspiracy-208188301.html#idc-container
By Richard Charan
Story Created: May 20, 2013 at 4:20 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 20, 2013 at 4:20 PM ECT
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Keith Rowley today read an exchange of emails alleging a conspiracy meant to silence the media and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in connection with the proclamation of Section 34.
The emails which were released by Rowley during debate on his no confidence motion in the government, detailed a plan to tap the phone of DPP Roger Gaspard, remove him from office, and dig up dirt on a Guardian reporter pursuing the Section 34 story.
Among the email addresses mentioned by Rowley - anan@gmail.com , surujrambachan@hotmail.com, garygriffith@hotmail.com and kamlapb1@gmail.com.
However, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan responded to the charges, has denied the emails anan@gmail.com belonged to him, saying he had nothing to hide and the claims made by Rowley was a shameful attempt to damage the international reputation of the government.
He said the claim was "pure and utter fabrication", "an act of
political desperation", and "nothing short of character assassination".
Opposition Chief Whip Marlene McDonald responded by saying that the Attorney general had failed to respond to Rowley's motion.
The email exchange is purported to have happened last September
when there was swift public outrage sparked by the early proclamation of Section 34 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act 2011.
Section 34 enabled persons who stand accused of an indictable offence to apply to a judge to throw out a case if more than ten years had passed since the commission of the alleged offence and if the trial had not yet started.
United National Congress (UNC) financiers Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson were among several accused who applied to the court to be freed and whose cases were thrown out in the High Court and now appealed. Section 34 was eventually repealed in a special sitting of the Parliament.
The no confidence motion being debated reads: Whereas the sanctity of the Parliament and lawfully constituted institutions and other authorities are fundamental to our democracy and must be protected at all times; and Whereas by a series of actions, the UNC-led Government of Trinidad and Tobago under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has attacked and conspired to undermine key institutions of State, namely: The Judiciary; The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; The Parliamentary Opposition; and The Media; and Whereas other Members of the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago, specifically, the Attorney General and the Minister of Local Government have also participated in such attacks against these important institutions of our democracy: Be it resolved that this House confirms its loss of confidence in the Prime Minister and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Rowley called on the office of the DPP to take action to protect citizens, and for President Anthony Carmona to moved swiftly to appoint members to the Integrity Commission so that it could investigate the claims made.
Debate is expected to continue into tonight.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Rowley-releases-section-34-email-conspiracy-208188301.html#idc-container
By Richard Charan
Story Created: May 20, 2013 at 4:20 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 20, 2013 at 4:20 PM ECT
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Keith Rowley today read an exchange of emails alleging a conspiracy meant to silence the media and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in connection with the proclamation of Section 34.
The emails which were released by Rowley during debate on his no confidence motion in the government, detailed a plan to tap the phone of DPP Roger Gaspard, remove him from office, and dig up dirt on a Guardian reporter pursuing the Section 34 story.
Among the email addresses mentioned by Rowley - anan@gmail.com , surujrambachan@hotmail.com, garygriffith@hotmail.com and kamlapb1@gmail.com.
However, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan responded to the charges, has denied the emails anan@gmail.com belonged to him, saying he had nothing to hide and the claims made by Rowley was a shameful attempt to damage the international reputation of the government.
He said the claim was "pure and utter fabrication", "an act of
political desperation", and "nothing short of character assassination".
Opposition Chief Whip Marlene McDonald responded by saying that the Attorney general had failed to respond to Rowley's motion.
The email exchange is purported to have happened last September
when there was swift public outrage sparked by the early proclamation of Section 34 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act 2011.
Section 34 enabled persons who stand accused of an indictable offence to apply to a judge to throw out a case if more than ten years had passed since the commission of the alleged offence and if the trial had not yet started.
United National Congress (UNC) financiers Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson were among several accused who applied to the court to be freed and whose cases were thrown out in the High Court and now appealed. Section 34 was eventually repealed in a special sitting of the Parliament.
The no confidence motion being debated reads: Whereas the sanctity of the Parliament and lawfully constituted institutions and other authorities are fundamental to our democracy and must be protected at all times; and Whereas by a series of actions, the UNC-led Government of Trinidad and Tobago under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has attacked and conspired to undermine key institutions of State, namely: The Judiciary; The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; The Parliamentary Opposition; and The Media; and Whereas other Members of the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago, specifically, the Attorney General and the Minister of Local Government have also participated in such attacks against these important institutions of our democracy: Be it resolved that this House confirms its loss of confidence in the Prime Minister and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Rowley called on the office of the DPP to take action to protect citizens, and for President Anthony Carmona to moved swiftly to appoint members to the Integrity Commission so that it could investigate the claims made.
Debate is expected to continue into tonight.
78
General Discussion / Re: Fake pilot flew Airbus A320 into London
« on: May 13, 2013, 03:41:53 PM »
He better check CAL... only jokers running CAL now.....
79
General Discussion / Re: ‘UNGRATEFUL’
« on: May 10, 2013, 06:22:07 AM »
I wonder if he would have said that, if these people were of a different ethnicity? 
80
General Discussion / ‘UNGRATEFUL’
« on: May 10, 2013, 04:31:17 AM »
‘UNGRATEFUL’
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/ungrateful-206861481.html
Fuad blasts sextuplets’ parents on complaints:
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: May 9, 2013 at 9:26 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 9, 2013 at 11:36 PM ECT
The sextuplets’ parents are ungrateful and owe the Government, the Prime Minister and the taxpayers of this country a “thank you” for all that was done to ensure that mother and babies had the best care possible, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said yesterday.
The March 4 birth of the sextuplets to parents Petra Lee Foon, a teacher, and Kieron Cummings, a bank employee, was a first for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.
Extensive plans were put into place at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital to ensure a smooth Caesarian-section delivery of the babies, and close to $5 million was spent to purchase equipment for the babies’ aftercare at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Two of the babies—the youngest and eldest—have since died.
Cummings, according to a Guardian report, said he regretted not taking his wife abroad as he was dissatisfied with the aftercare at Mt Hope.
An upset Khan, speaking to the Express yesterday after the post-Cabinet news conference at the St Clair office of the Prime Minister, took issue with Cummings’ statements.
“I hope he doesn’t have a complaint about the house now that he has gotten from the Government. I wonder if he will say that the room is too small, or they need air-conditioning or they need another storey put on. Looking at their method of approach to what the health sector did for them and to know what is happening now, sometimes, people have to be grateful in life,” said Khan.
Last Friday, the parents were given keys to a three-bedroom Housing Development Corporation (HDC) house in Edinburgh 500.
Cummings, following the birth of his babies, had said that top priority was having a home to raise his children as he lived with his parents in Arima and the mother lived with her parents in Central.
Cummings has said he plans to marry his babies’ mother following her recovery.
Khan said not only were millions spent to ensure the babies had first-class treatment, great sacrifices were also made as other babies had to be accommodated at the Port of Spain General Hospital and the San Fernando General Hospital when the sextuplets were at the NICU.
“I think, at the end of the day, when people get things easy, they don’t appreciate it,” said Khan.
Questioned on the aftercare of the babies at the NICU, which Cummings has taken issue with, Khan responded: “According to the head of the neonatal unit, Dr Carmanee Lutchman, she indicated to me that the aftercare was on international standards, based on all the things we put into place.”
“Now, at the end of the day, one has to ask: what is the motive? Why are they (parents) doing this?” said Khan.
“Time has come to actually tell the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and, hopefully, the Prime Minister thank you for the house when other people didn’t get it, and thank you for bending over backwards to assist us,” Khan added.
He questioned further how exactly was Cummings going to afford international care for his wife and babies if he had to apply for Government housing and depend on the HDC for a home.
Khan said the public health sector strives to deliver the best care possible for all patients and will continue, despite the negative comments from persons who are ungrateful.
He said further that the pregnancy was not a natural one as fertility drugs were used.
“One has to investigate the use of Clomid; Clomid brings out congenital birth malformations,” said Khan as he stressed that in these pregnancies where the babies are premature, there are numerous complications and, therefore, it was unjust to blame the health system for the two babies that died.
Khan said studies were done on the drug that needed to be looked at.
According to a report on website webmd.com, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labelled Clomid as a drug that should not be used in pregnancy because it raises the risk of major birth defects.
The report stated a study was done on Clomid which found that women who opted to use Clomid on their own, without medical supervision, had a 300 per cent higher risk of having a baby born with a birth defect compared with fertile couples.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/ungrateful-206861481.html
Fuad blasts sextuplets’ parents on complaints:
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: May 9, 2013 at 9:26 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 9, 2013 at 11:36 PM ECT
The sextuplets’ parents are ungrateful and owe the Government, the Prime Minister and the taxpayers of this country a “thank you” for all that was done to ensure that mother and babies had the best care possible, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said yesterday.
The March 4 birth of the sextuplets to parents Petra Lee Foon, a teacher, and Kieron Cummings, a bank employee, was a first for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.
Extensive plans were put into place at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital to ensure a smooth Caesarian-section delivery of the babies, and close to $5 million was spent to purchase equipment for the babies’ aftercare at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Two of the babies—the youngest and eldest—have since died.
Cummings, according to a Guardian report, said he regretted not taking his wife abroad as he was dissatisfied with the aftercare at Mt Hope.
An upset Khan, speaking to the Express yesterday after the post-Cabinet news conference at the St Clair office of the Prime Minister, took issue with Cummings’ statements.
“I hope he doesn’t have a complaint about the house now that he has gotten from the Government. I wonder if he will say that the room is too small, or they need air-conditioning or they need another storey put on. Looking at their method of approach to what the health sector did for them and to know what is happening now, sometimes, people have to be grateful in life,” said Khan.
Last Friday, the parents were given keys to a three-bedroom Housing Development Corporation (HDC) house in Edinburgh 500.
Cummings, following the birth of his babies, had said that top priority was having a home to raise his children as he lived with his parents in Arima and the mother lived with her parents in Central.
Cummings has said he plans to marry his babies’ mother following her recovery.
Khan said not only were millions spent to ensure the babies had first-class treatment, great sacrifices were also made as other babies had to be accommodated at the Port of Spain General Hospital and the San Fernando General Hospital when the sextuplets were at the NICU.
“I think, at the end of the day, when people get things easy, they don’t appreciate it,” said Khan.
Questioned on the aftercare of the babies at the NICU, which Cummings has taken issue with, Khan responded: “According to the head of the neonatal unit, Dr Carmanee Lutchman, she indicated to me that the aftercare was on international standards, based on all the things we put into place.”
“Now, at the end of the day, one has to ask: what is the motive? Why are they (parents) doing this?” said Khan.
“Time has come to actually tell the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and, hopefully, the Prime Minister thank you for the house when other people didn’t get it, and thank you for bending over backwards to assist us,” Khan added.
He questioned further how exactly was Cummings going to afford international care for his wife and babies if he had to apply for Government housing and depend on the HDC for a home.
Khan said the public health sector strives to deliver the best care possible for all patients and will continue, despite the negative comments from persons who are ungrateful.
He said further that the pregnancy was not a natural one as fertility drugs were used.
“One has to investigate the use of Clomid; Clomid brings out congenital birth malformations,” said Khan as he stressed that in these pregnancies where the babies are premature, there are numerous complications and, therefore, it was unjust to blame the health system for the two babies that died.
Khan said studies were done on the drug that needed to be looked at.
According to a report on website webmd.com, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labelled Clomid as a drug that should not be used in pregnancy because it raises the risk of major birth defects.
The report stated a study was done on Clomid which found that women who opted to use Clomid on their own, without medical supervision, had a 300 per cent higher risk of having a baby born with a birth defect compared with fertile couples.
83
Football / Re: U-17: T&T vs Panama Thread (13-Apr-13)
« on: April 13, 2013, 07:27:50 PM »
In due jeep nest
84
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Re: Muslim TV station, IBN, destroyed by fire
« on: March 27, 2013, 05:00:51 PM »
$12 Million Fire at Inshan Ishmael's Business
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/12-Million-Fire-at-Inshan-Imhmaels-Business-200272481.html
...television studio spared
By Nikita Braxton-Benjamin Express South Bureau
Story Created: Mar 27, 2013 at 1:59 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 27, 2013 at 4:21 PM ECT
Fire today destroyed the used car business owned by Inshan Ishmael, the broadcaster who operates the Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN) cable television channel.
The business is located at Bamboo Settlement No 2, Valsayn, on the same compound as the studio where Ishmael produces his Breaking Barriers programme.
Damage is estimated at $12 million. No one was injured.
The studio was not damaged, Ishmael told the Express today.
He said that at around 9 a.m, workers saw boxes on fire and tried to put out the flames using every fire extinguisher they could find.
He said the "got out of hand".
He said the first fire fighters arrived within minutes, and other appliances arrived 45 minutes later.
He said "I have been begging for fire hydrants for over a year. Mr (Jack) Warner (Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West) can verify that".
He said that the double parking along the main road by customers of used car and parts businesses prevented fire tenders from getting to the scene quickly.
Ishmael said that none of his workers would be laid off.
"God will give me strength to rebuild. The TV station was spared".
Ishmael said nothing was insured, since he was told he had built on agricultural land.
- reporting by Dave Persad
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/12-Million-Fire-at-Inshan-Imhmaels-Business-200272481.html
...television studio spared
By Nikita Braxton-Benjamin Express South Bureau
Story Created: Mar 27, 2013 at 1:59 PM ECT
Story Updated: Mar 27, 2013 at 4:21 PM ECT
Fire today destroyed the used car business owned by Inshan Ishmael, the broadcaster who operates the Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN) cable television channel.
The business is located at Bamboo Settlement No 2, Valsayn, on the same compound as the studio where Ishmael produces his Breaking Barriers programme.
Damage is estimated at $12 million. No one was injured.
The studio was not damaged, Ishmael told the Express today.
He said that at around 9 a.m, workers saw boxes on fire and tried to put out the flames using every fire extinguisher they could find.
He said the "got out of hand".
He said the first fire fighters arrived within minutes, and other appliances arrived 45 minutes later.
He said "I have been begging for fire hydrants for over a year. Mr (Jack) Warner (Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West) can verify that".
He said that the double parking along the main road by customers of used car and parts businesses prevented fire tenders from getting to the scene quickly.
Ishmael said that none of his workers would be laid off.
"God will give me strength to rebuild. The TV station was spared".
Ishmael said nothing was insured, since he was told he had built on agricultural land.
- reporting by Dave Persad
85
Football / Re: Jack Warner sons arrested?
« on: March 27, 2013, 02:20:09 PM »
De bouncing start, De bouncing start 
86
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Muslim TV station, IBN, destroyed by fire
« on: March 27, 2013, 01:45:51 PM »
Muslim TV station, IBN, destroyed by fire
http://ttnewsflash.com/?p=24753
TTnewsflash understands that Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN) Channel 8 owned by Inshan Ishmael was completely destroyed by fire this morning.
Stay tuned for more details.
http://ttnewsflash.com/?p=24753
TTnewsflash understands that Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN) Channel 8 owned by Inshan Ishmael was completely destroyed by fire this morning.
Stay tuned for more details.
87
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch no more
« on: March 27, 2013, 01:36:28 PM »
International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch no more
http://ttnewsflash.com/?p=24769
TTnewsflash understands that William Munro, Chairman of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts has bowed out of the competition.
Munro in an exclusive interview with etceterabuzz claimed that he was “fed up” with the competition.
On March 12, TTnewsflash published an exclusive article stating that at the prize giving ceremony winning soca artistes were given blank cheques in envelopes. The artistes were allegedly told that night that they would get their monies the following week. However, up to today, the artistes have not received their cash winnings.
Munroe in the eceterabuzz article claimed that ministry officials has promised to pay the entertainers by next week.
http://ttnewsflash.com/?p=24769
TTnewsflash understands that William Munro, Chairman of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts has bowed out of the competition.
Munro in an exclusive interview with etceterabuzz claimed that he was “fed up” with the competition.
On March 12, TTnewsflash published an exclusive article stating that at the prize giving ceremony winning soca artistes were given blank cheques in envelopes. The artistes were allegedly told that night that they would get their monies the following week. However, up to today, the artistes have not received their cash winnings.
Munroe in the eceterabuzz article claimed that ministry officials has promised to pay the entertainers by next week.
88
Football / Anil to sue media houses, COP chairman
« on: March 21, 2013, 09:58:59 PM »
Anil to sue media houses, COP chairman
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Anil-to-sue-media-houses-COP-chairman--199461931.html
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 21, 2013 at 9:35 PM ECT
Armed with proof—a letter from the Integrity Commission which stated he was not under probe—Sport Minister Anil Roberts yesterday said he will be seeking justice in court against Guardian Media Ltd for false reports, as well as Congress of the People (COP) chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday that the Integrity Commission last week referred Roberts to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in relation to a complaint of alleged misappropriation of funds at the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control.
Yesterday, the Guardian reported further that Roberts was summoned to a meeting by the COP on this issue and that Seepersad-Bachan, as well as former head of the Public Service Reggie Dumas, had indicated he should demit office pending the DPP probe.
Political analyst Bishnu Ragoonath had also commented on the matter in the Guardian report.
Roberts was the lone minister at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair yesterday.
He came to clear the air that he was under no investigation, and as a result, he will be taking legal action against a number of persons.
In addition to Guardian Media Ltd and Seepersad-Bachan, Roberts said he also intends to sue Dumas, Ragoonath, COP general secretary Clyde Weatherhead and Ricardo Phillip, former boxing board member, who filed the complaint with the Integrity Commission in 2011.
Other media facing a lawsuit include i95FM and the Trinidad Express.
The minister said he was willing to forgive Dumas and Ragoonath, should they apologise, as he claimed they were “duped” by Guardian reporter Anika Gumbs-Sandiford.
Roberts said following the Guardian report on Wednesday, his brother Shastri Roberts, an attorney, wrote to the Integrity Commission on his behalf, seeking answers.
The minister said on that same day, at 3.15 p.m., his brother received an e-mail from the commission, from the legal counsel of investigations and compliance, indicating he (Roberts) had not been referred to the DPP for investigation. The commission, by letter dated March 21, also stated same.
Roberts said he shared the e-mail with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was relieved, and with fellow-ministers who were concerned and, also, Seepersad-Bachan.
“...When I showed that letter to Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, she was the only one who requested to read it twice; she questioned the veracity of the document and went on to mumble and mutter, ‘But they told me’...at that time, I said, ‘Ma’am, I hope you did not make a statement on something that you failed to get the facts on’.”
Roberts pointed out that Seepersad-Bachan had instructed Weatherhead to call him to a meeting—and this was done after she had already commented on the issue.
While he intends to engage in legal battle with Seepersad-Bachan, Roberts commended COP political leader Prakash Ramadhar for being a “gentleman”.
Ramadhar, he said, discussed the issue with him via phone and did not “rush to judgment”.
Roberts, in response to questions, said he remains in the COP despite his issues with some of the party’s executive members as the COP membership supported him and were happy with his performance.
Roberts also made grave allegations against the Guardian reporter, claiming she never spoke to him yet quoted him in a report.
The minister said he never spoke to Gumbs-Sandiford and challenged her to produce phone records proving otherwise.
He said a pre-action protocol letter was already sent to Guardian editor-in-chief Judy Raymond and Gumbs-Sandiford.
Roberts also disclosed he had inside information on what was going on at the Guardian.
“To Ms Judy Raymond, who congratulated at 10.02 a.m. on Thursday, who congratulated, on the second floor of Guardian Media Ltd, Anika Gumbs-Sandiford for her lead story and told her she is now mandated to get a comment from the minister, who gave no such comment, but Anika Gumbs-Sandiford created, fabricated and published a quote purported to come from me.”
Roberts said he also intends to write Norman Sabga and Jerry Brooks of the Ansa McAl group on the issue.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Anil-to-sue-media-houses-COP-chairman--199461931.html
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 21, 2013 at 9:35 PM ECT
Armed with proof—a letter from the Integrity Commission which stated he was not under probe—Sport Minister Anil Roberts yesterday said he will be seeking justice in court against Guardian Media Ltd for false reports, as well as Congress of the People (COP) chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday that the Integrity Commission last week referred Roberts to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in relation to a complaint of alleged misappropriation of funds at the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control.
Yesterday, the Guardian reported further that Roberts was summoned to a meeting by the COP on this issue and that Seepersad-Bachan, as well as former head of the Public Service Reggie Dumas, had indicated he should demit office pending the DPP probe.
Political analyst Bishnu Ragoonath had also commented on the matter in the Guardian report.
Roberts was the lone minister at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair yesterday.
He came to clear the air that he was under no investigation, and as a result, he will be taking legal action against a number of persons.
In addition to Guardian Media Ltd and Seepersad-Bachan, Roberts said he also intends to sue Dumas, Ragoonath, COP general secretary Clyde Weatherhead and Ricardo Phillip, former boxing board member, who filed the complaint with the Integrity Commission in 2011.
Other media facing a lawsuit include i95FM and the Trinidad Express.
The minister said he was willing to forgive Dumas and Ragoonath, should they apologise, as he claimed they were “duped” by Guardian reporter Anika Gumbs-Sandiford.
Roberts said following the Guardian report on Wednesday, his brother Shastri Roberts, an attorney, wrote to the Integrity Commission on his behalf, seeking answers.
The minister said on that same day, at 3.15 p.m., his brother received an e-mail from the commission, from the legal counsel of investigations and compliance, indicating he (Roberts) had not been referred to the DPP for investigation. The commission, by letter dated March 21, also stated same.
Roberts said he shared the e-mail with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was relieved, and with fellow-ministers who were concerned and, also, Seepersad-Bachan.
“...When I showed that letter to Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, she was the only one who requested to read it twice; she questioned the veracity of the document and went on to mumble and mutter, ‘But they told me’...at that time, I said, ‘Ma’am, I hope you did not make a statement on something that you failed to get the facts on’.”
Roberts pointed out that Seepersad-Bachan had instructed Weatherhead to call him to a meeting—and this was done after she had already commented on the issue.
While he intends to engage in legal battle with Seepersad-Bachan, Roberts commended COP political leader Prakash Ramadhar for being a “gentleman”.
Ramadhar, he said, discussed the issue with him via phone and did not “rush to judgment”.
Roberts, in response to questions, said he remains in the COP despite his issues with some of the party’s executive members as the COP membership supported him and were happy with his performance.
Roberts also made grave allegations against the Guardian reporter, claiming she never spoke to him yet quoted him in a report.
The minister said he never spoke to Gumbs-Sandiford and challenged her to produce phone records proving otherwise.
He said a pre-action protocol letter was already sent to Guardian editor-in-chief Judy Raymond and Gumbs-Sandiford.
Roberts also disclosed he had inside information on what was going on at the Guardian.
“To Ms Judy Raymond, who congratulated at 10.02 a.m. on Thursday, who congratulated, on the second floor of Guardian Media Ltd, Anika Gumbs-Sandiford for her lead story and told her she is now mandated to get a comment from the minister, who gave no such comment, but Anika Gumbs-Sandiford created, fabricated and published a quote purported to come from me.”
Roberts said he also intends to write Norman Sabga and Jerry Brooks of the Ansa McAl group on the issue.
89
General Discussion / Re: Anybody know any good whore house in T&T ?
« on: March 16, 2013, 05:34:41 AM »90
General Discussion / Re: Anybody know any good whore house in T&T ?
« on: March 16, 2013, 05:04:28 AM »
Marlene keeps Anil quiet
PNM MP Marlene McDonald silenced the usually talkative Government MP Anil Roberts in Parliament yesterday when she dropped several sharp references to “Spanish” and “Room 201” in Roberts’ direction. McDonald was delivering a fiery contribution in yesterday’s debate on legislation to precept soldiers for the anti-crime fight, when Roberts appeared to tease her.
McDonald shot back: “I doh need no clap! When I learn to speak Spanish I’ll go and talk to him, I’ll go to Room 201.” The Parliament chamber rang with a loud chorus of “Oh!” Calling for the bill to be withdrawn, McDonald said the Government should have further consultation and then return it. Describing the bill as “a half-picked duck,” McDonald said the Government was ill-advised and didn’t understand its consequences.
She expressed concern that the Police Complaints Authority might not have jurisdiction over complaints concerning soldiers and the latter, claiming immunity, might be free to commit abuses of people or property and there would be no redress for citizens. She said during the 2011 state of emergency, the army picked up many people from depressed areas like Duncan Street, Beetham, Laventille and Sea Lots.
McDonald said the legislation could set the stage for a “showdown” between police and soldiers. She queried who would control the police. “Ramesh,” some PP MPs murmured. McDonald asked why there was “reluctance” to give control to the Police Commissioner. She claimed the bill might be the first step to institutionalise the involvement of military power.
She said the Government’s move to amend a segment and give the Chief of Defence Staff supervisory power, rather than the National Security Minister, was still wrong, since the CDS reported to the minister.
PNM MP Marlene McDonald silenced the usually talkative Government MP Anil Roberts in Parliament yesterday when she dropped several sharp references to “Spanish” and “Room 201” in Roberts’ direction. McDonald was delivering a fiery contribution in yesterday’s debate on legislation to precept soldiers for the anti-crime fight, when Roberts appeared to tease her.
McDonald shot back: “I doh need no clap! When I learn to speak Spanish I’ll go and talk to him, I’ll go to Room 201.” The Parliament chamber rang with a loud chorus of “Oh!” Calling for the bill to be withdrawn, McDonald said the Government should have further consultation and then return it. Describing the bill as “a half-picked duck,” McDonald said the Government was ill-advised and didn’t understand its consequences.
She expressed concern that the Police Complaints Authority might not have jurisdiction over complaints concerning soldiers and the latter, claiming immunity, might be free to commit abuses of people or property and there would be no redress for citizens. She said during the 2011 state of emergency, the army picked up many people from depressed areas like Duncan Street, Beetham, Laventille and Sea Lots.
McDonald said the legislation could set the stage for a “showdown” between police and soldiers. She queried who would control the police. “Ramesh,” some PP MPs murmured. McDonald asked why there was “reluctance” to give control to the Police Commissioner. She claimed the bill might be the first step to institutionalise the involvement of military power.
She said the Government’s move to amend a segment and give the Chief of Defence Staff supervisory power, rather than the National Security Minister, was still wrong, since the CDS reported to the minister.