Trinidad elections: A Herald interview with Winston Dookeran.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/16/1632983/trinidad-elections-a-herald-interview.htmlWinston Dookeran, political leader of the Congress of the People, is part of the opposition coalition seeking to unseat Prime Minister Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago in May 24 elections. Dookeran, former Governor of the Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank, discussed local and international issues in a recent interview with Miami Herald World Editor John Yearwood. Here are excerpts:
Q: There are some who would argue that the Trinidad economy is doing well and that Prime Minister Patrick Manning has spent money to increase the country's profile. Is that not a good thing?
A: It is, provided that there are returns for that increased profile. Increased profile in its own right is no real economic benefit to the country. The economy is strong but it is fragile and much more susceptible to external developments than it has ever been. We have a strong economy but weak economic future.
Q: Many economies in the region are in dire straits. How much credit do you think Manning deserves when so many other regional leaders were not as successful?
A: I don't really thing it was an issue of a government policy as it was an issue of the energy sector growth. The energy sector was supposed to drive the development of the country. It has done no such thing.
Q: If the your People's Coalition had been in power at the time of the negotiations for Petrocaribe, under which Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez offered oil at favorable rates to Caribbean countries, would you have shared Manning's ambivalence?
A: Petrocaribe was a political intervention on the part of President Chávez. It was sold as economic aid to support the smaller islands. Mr. Manning did not support it and we would not have supported it in its political dimension. What we have argured is that we must build a business relationship with Venezuela as opposed to falling into the political trap of Venezuela. We need to build a proper business relationship.
Q: Despite opposition to Petrocaribe, Trinidad still has good relations with Venezuela. Is that something you would continue?
A: There's good relations in a sense that there is a kind of ignore each other. In that sense, it's good. But it's not a good relationship in terms of collaboration.
Q: How would the opposition change that if elected?
A: You really have to sit down with the Venezuelan government and discuss some of the thorny issues with respect to gas exploration and gas boundaries. Those are difficult issues but they have to be addressed so that you don't fall into an ideological trap.
Q: Do you anticipate any changes in the country's relationship with the United States?
A: I think the dependence on the United States will have to be reduced by virtue of exploring new markets in Latin America. But I don't see any fundamental shifts in our relationship. Certainly not any ideological shift. China is also entering the region. In the past you could have ignored that but you can't now. I see that as something we'll have to tackle. We have to decide what is in the economic interests of Trinidad and Tobago and design a bilateral relationship with whoever they may be to achieve those vital economic interests.
Q: Trinidad has good relations with Cuba. Any changes anticipated under a People's Coalition administration?
A: We would want to deepen that. Trinidad has always been a friend of Cuba.
Q: What's your position on lifting the Organization of American States suspension of Honduras?
A: My only two concerns is the question of the Democratic ideals being met and the other one is human rights. Other than that, I think the OAS should readmit Honduras.
Q: What role do you expect the Trinidad Diaspora to play in years ahead?
A: The Trinidad Diaspora doesn't have the same sense of Diasporic connection as say, Jamaica. Why that has happened, I don't know. I think there's more national commitment in Jamaica than you see here in Trinidad. That is not to say they're not interested. They're not interested enough to become part of the process. There's another issue of how many Diasporas you have. For example, there's the Indian Diaspora, which operates out of New York.
Q: There is a lot of talk in the campaign about corruption on both sides. Do the questions surrounding the UNC chairman Jack Warner, a FIFA soccer executive, concern you?
A: It does concern me. We have to adhere to the rule of law. Mere allegations do not force us to take action. In the world of politics, you never know what is the motivating factor. We're caught between the ideals of a clean government and the maintenance of the rule of law. We're watching what has been said about Mr. Warner very closely. If there's any validity to those claims, it would be a matter of major concern. I think it should be closely watched, but we should not take preemptive action until it is determined that someone is guilty.Q: The allegation that he secured a lucrative fast-food and beverage soccer contract for his son has been around for a while.
A: That's why I don't understand why it has not been dealt with.
Q: Is this something you've talked to UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar about?
A: We haven't discussed this but we've talked about the need to have a level of integrity. A big part of the protocol for the People's partnership has to do with the values of governance and the adherence of those values of governance.
