Kamla Persad-Bissessar Thread.

[Bourbon]

Wait.

Is how much different groups protesting?

[weary1969]

Wait.

Is how much different groups protesting?

Lets see

PSA
MPATT
OWTU

Feel free 2 add.

[elan]

If they really wanted to stem the violence, politicians would do better to try to stem the trade in illegal guns, which are plentiful and cheap. Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign minister noted last month that many arrive on drug boats from South America. But his government in September cancelled an order for three 90-metre patrol boats, which with planned helicopter support and an existing fleet of smaller boats and coastal radar might have staunched the flow. Other guns are rented to criminals by police or soldiers, said the national security minister.

The police and the judiciary also need reform. For its part, Trinidad and Tobago’s overstaffed intelligence agency was caught last year tapping the phones of the country’s president and several journalists, but it has had little impact on the drug gangs.

It was?  Where is the proof of this?


On balance, it's a fair article but it really not saying much...

Privy Council make it near impossible to hang
Police need reform
Judiciary need reform
Capital Punishment is not a deterrent
Murders are out of control
Water is wet
Dog bites man...

Didn't the wiretapping had a big part in curbing the kidnappings in T&T?

[Jah Gol]

"It is always a special joy and an honour, to answer the many questions that other Heads of State and Government ask about my Country and it's Citizens, when we gather at these International Events and Forum. Other Heads are always keen to learn more about a Country that is democratic enough to elect a woman, enjoys a high literacy rate and has a mature energy Industry."

via Twitter

[Brownsugar]

Wait.

Is how much different groups protesting?

Lets see

PSA
MPATT
OWTU

Feel free 2 add.

Ah think ah read TTUTA was either going to protest this week or they did it last week already.....

[weary1969]

Wait.

Is how much different groups protesting?

Lets see

PSA
MPATT
OWTU

Feel free 2 add.

Ah think ah read TTUTA was either going to protest this week or they did it last week already.....

Yeah dem can be added they protested last wk.

[davyjenny1]

"It is always a special joy and an honour, to answer the many questions that other Heads of State and Government ask about my Country and it's Citizens, when we gather at these International Events and Forum. Other Heads are always keen to learn more about a Country that is democratic enough to elect a woman, enjoys a high literacy rate and has a mature energy Industry."

via Twitter

Aye ah she does vomit plenty when she drink she gazule

[elan]

She very attractive if is one thing.

[Jah Gol]

I reading a lil Sun Tzu Art of War and came across this.


When the general is weak and without authority, when his orders are not clear and distinct, when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men,and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganisation.

[weary1969]

I reading a lil Sun Tzu Art of War and came across this.


When the general is weak and without authority, when his orders are not clear and distinct, when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men,and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganisation.

U BETTA SEND THEMA COPY OF THAT BOOK.

[Brownsugar]

Unlesss we start ah PP Government Thread, ah putting this here...


Analysts give Partnership thumbs down
PP struggles to manage structure of governance


by Anika Gumbs-Sandiford


Inexperience and rash decisions are to be blamed for challenges facing the coalition People’s Partnership (PP). This is the view of political analysts who firmly believes the first anniversary of the “Fyzabad Declaration” that saw five national leaders coming together to form a political party, should be used as a learning experience rather than a reason to celebrate. In fact, as the PP gears up to celebrate its first anniversary of its crushing electoral victory over the People’s National Movement on May 24, the analysts are warning that decisive action must be taken and a change in governance must be adopted immediately if the political party intends to contest another election. The PP is also being urged to address the issue of crime that is said to be negatively impacting the Government and affecting citizens.

Sagewan-Alli: Stop pointing fingers

Not mixing words, political scientist Dr Indera Sagewan-Alli, told Sunday Guardian that the PP has failed to address critical issues affecting the nation. In addition, she said the time had come to stop pointing fingers at the former administration and accept blame for failures.

“Clearly the only objective at that time was winning an election and other critical matters were left to be worked out in office. Unfortunately, campaign rhetoric required platform presentations that reflected an understanding of the challenges facing the country and moreover that the presenters had the solutions and capacity to implement them once voted into office. “They talked a good talk that raised popular expectations of the people who believed that in no time the problems of crime, raising unemployment and high prices would be at an end.

“One year down the road and the reality is much of these ills have worsened. All the blame certainly cannot be laid at the feet of this government, however, they are running out of opportunities to blame the People’s National Movement (PNM) for everything.” Sagewan-Alli said. Noting that the expectation for quick results was not unrealistic, Sagewan-Alli said many of the government ministers previously formed an administration, so certain demands were expected. Acknowledging that Finance Minister Winston Dookeran’s handling of the public sector wage negotiations and investment plans must be commended, Sagewan-Alli said the economic performance of the economy remains gloomy.

“The Minister of Finance’s commitment to fiscal discipline and reduction of the country’s deficit is good. This has brought us “A” ratings. However, it has come at a price. The economic performance of the economy has continued to worsen in the last year. Both investor and consumer confidence are at an all- time low. Consumers are not spending as we need and investors are not engaging in new investment.”Stressing the need for the PP to get its house in order, Sagewan-Alli said some faux pas should not have been made.

“The Security Intelligence Agency fiasco; there is no excuse that could justify such an appointment. Crime remains the number one problem even as it is the government’s stated number one priority. Claims of political interference at a television station and the response that no one complained when it was the PNM is not acceptable. This is supposed to be new politics.” Sagewan-Alli also knocked the Government for the period of time being taken to appoint state boards and foreign ambassadors. “After one year is unacceptable. And even so, one is hardpressed to understand the appropriateness of some of the appointments. For instance, the fiasco with the initial appointment of a Jamaican High Commissioner, who was rejected by the Jamaican Government.  The continued strife among board members of Caribbean Airlines which is affecting the performance of the state-subsidised entity yet the Government seems unable to act decisively in bringing a resolution.”

Suggesting that better planning is definitely needed, to chart the way forward, Sagewan-Alli said better vision is needed. “The country is still after one year largely directionless. We are yet to understand what this government’s vision is for transforming and indeed diversifying the economic base of the country in the context of a post 2008 global crisis. The government was not put in place to tell us what the problems are. We know them. We voted them into office to implement solutions and to date we are seeing too little of that.”

Ragoonath:  Inexperience to blame

Expressing similar views, Dr Bishnu Ragoonath said the intervention by the Prime Minister to quell unrest is a move that should not have taken place. He said inexperience is to blame for this move. “We have seen in a lot of cases where several issues have had to fall back on the Prime Minister. This should not be but it is because some of her ministers lack experience. There have been many; but the most recent is the crisis with the doctors. The Prime Minister should not have been involved in this issue.” Ragoonath who also cited governance as a challenge affecting the PP, said more accountability and transparency should be forthcoming:

“The greatest challenge for the PP to date is how they have managed the structure of governance. They campaigned and promised to be accountable and this is what people are looking forward to people. Clearly, experience is lacking. In having come together, there was a concern if the PP would have remained together given what has happened with other coalition governments. There is always a challenge that coalitions would break up but there is still a long way to go.”

Ryan: PP survived, but…

Also echoing similar sentiments was Dr Selwyn Ryan who said the PP was yet to make a significant mark since assuming office. Ryan said: “The PP defied the odds. The political party survived while many thought the political party would have not. However, we are still waiting on their main performance to date. The PP has been faced with rough circumstances leaving many to be concerned but they have been able to hold it together. Inexperience is definitely affecting the party and they are performing how many thought they would.  Those that believed that crime would have been addressed were not thinking realistically because all political parties who assume office always use the issue as a political gimmick ”was rejected by the Jamaican Government.  The continued strife among board members of Caribbean Airlines which is affecting the performance of the state-subsidised entity yet the Government seems unable to act decisively in bringing a resolution.”

Suggesting that better planning is definitely needed, to chart the way forward, Sagewan-Alli said better vision is needed. “The country is still after one year largely directionless. We are yet to understand what this government’s vision is for transforming and indeed diversifying the economic base of the country in the context of a post 2008 global crisis. The government was not put in place to tell us what the problems are. We know them. We voted them into office to implement solutions and to date we are seeing too little of that.”


http://guardian.co.tt/news/2011/04/24/1st-anniversary-election-victory-approaches

[elan]

Rum, pan for Will and Kate
From T&T with love
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com



A unique blend of Angostura rum and a pan will be given as gifts to Prince William and Kate Middleton at the royal wedding tomorrow by Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Nicholas will be the sole representative for Trinidad and Tobago at the royal wedding which will be held at Westminster Abbey, London.

He will be presenting these gifts to the royal couple on behalf of the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago.

The rum is a specially created wedding present.

"The Angostura master blender describes it as a one-of-a-kind Angostura rum blend that was aged especially in charred casks to ensure optimal cask reactions of the rums during ageing. It is a rich, dark chocolate, luxurious rum from Trinidad and Tobago that exudes a complex aroma with hints of caramel, spice, chocolate, banana with a smooth lingering taste of apples and toffee mellowed out with hints of vanilla," a release from the High Commission stated.

The rum will be presented in a crystal decanter that can be reused over a lifetime.

The pan, made of this country's finest chrome was also specially designed for the royal couple.

It was supplied by Nestor Sullivan, manager of the Pamberi Steel Orchestra and was made by Augustus Peters of La Canoa Road, Santa Cruz.

The pan case and chrome stand were custom built by Sarah's Pan Case of 208 Eastern Main Road, San Juan.

"It is hoped that these two gifts, the first which represents our finest rum by a company that has proven itself internationally and secondly our national instrument, the only musical instrument to be invented in the last century, will help to further market our nation and its products as well as signal our commitment to strong bilateral relations for the next generation of Royals," said Nicholas.

Nicholas will be wearing a morning suit (formal suit with tails) to the royal wedding in keeping with traditional expectations for these events.



See if T&T is on the list
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/royal-wedding-watch/post/royal-wedding-guest-list-british-monarchy-releases-confirmed-attendees-for-the-service-at-westminster-abbey/2011/04/27/AF99IDyE_blog.html

The Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda

The Governor-General of Australia and His Excellency Mr. Michael Bryce

The Governor-General of The Bahamas and Lady Foulkes

The Governor-General of Barbados

The Governor-General of Belize and Lady Young

The Governor-General of Canada and Mrs. David Johnston

The Governor-General of Jamaica

The Governor-General of New Zealand and Lady Satyanand

The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea and Mrs Michael Ogio

The Governor-General of the Solomon Islands and Lady Kabui

The Governor-General of St Christopher and Nevis

The Governor-General of St Lucia

The Governor-General of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Lady Ballantyne

The Prime Minister of Australia and Mr. Tim Mathieson

The Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Ms Delores Miller

The Prime Minister of Barbados

The Prime Minister of New Zealand and Mrs. John Key

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Lady Somare

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Mrs. Rosalia Nestor King

The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines and Mrs. Ralph Gonsalves

The Premier of Bermuda and Mr. Germain Nkeuleu

The Premier of The British Virgin Islands and Mrs. Ralph O’Neal

The Premier of the Cayman Islands and Mrs. Kerry Bush

The Hon. Sharon and Mr. Rodney Halford (Falkland Islands)

The Chief Minister of Gibraltar and Mrs. Peter Caruana

The Chief Minister of Montserrat and the Reverend Doctor Joan Delsol Meade

The Hon. John and Mrs. Vilma Cranfield (St. Helena)

[Brownsugar]

I am very concerned that Sat goh get vex and say we shoulda send a tabla too.....

[truetrini]

Kamla sister and hair stylist flying all over de world on tax payer dollars..and de treasury empty...lol

[weary1969]

I am very concerned that Sat goh get vex and say we shoulda send a tabla too.....

CO-SIGNNNNNNNNN

[elan]

Remember the Bride and Groom said they not accepting any gifts. People can donate to the charity that they have chosen.

[weary1969]

Remember the Bride and Groom said they not accepting any gifts. People can donate to the charity that they have chosen.

I guess dey eh get d memo.

[Deeks]

Blessings to the bride and groom!!!!

[1-868]

Rum, pan for Will and Kate
From T&T with love
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com



A unique blend of Angostura rum and a pan will be given as gifts to Prince William and Kate Middleton at the royal wedding tomorrow by Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Nicholas will be the sole representative for Trinidad and Tobago at the royal wedding which will be held at Westminster Abbey, London.

He will be presenting these gifts to the royal couple on behalf of the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago.

The rum is a specially created wedding present.

"The Angostura master blender describes it as a one-of-a-kind Angostura rum blend that was aged especially in charred casks to ensure optimal cask reactions of the rums during ageing. It is a rich, dark chocolate, luxurious rum from Trinidad and Tobago that exudes a complex aroma with hints of caramel, spice, chocolate, banana with a smooth lingering taste of apples and toffee mellowed out with hints of vanilla," a release from the High Commission stated.

The rum will be presented in a crystal decanter that can be reused over a lifetime.

The pan, made of this country's finest chrome was also specially designed for the royal couple.

It was supplied by Nestor Sullivan, manager of the Pamberi Steel Orchestra and was made by Augustus Peters of La Canoa Road, Santa Cruz.

The pan case and chrome stand were custom built by Sarah's Pan Case of 208 Eastern Main Road, San Juan.

"It is hoped that these two gifts, the first which represents our finest rum by a company that has proven itself internationally and secondly our national instrument, the only musical instrument to be invented in the last century, will help to further market our nation and its products as well as signal our commitment to strong bilateral relations for the next generation of Royals," said Nicholas.

Nicholas will be wearing a morning suit (formal suit with tails) to the royal wedding in keeping with traditional expectations for these events.



See if T&T is on the list
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/royal-wedding-watch/post/royal-wedding-guest-list-british-monarchy-releases-confirmed-attendees-for-the-service-at-westminster-abbey/2011/04/27/AF99IDyE_blog.html

The Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda

The Governor-General of Australia and His Excellency Mr. Michael Bryce

The Governor-General of The Bahamas and Lady Foulkes

The Governor-General of Barbados

The Governor-General of Belize and Lady Young

The Governor-General of Canada and Mrs. David Johnston

The Governor-General of Jamaica

The Governor-General of New Zealand and Lady Satyanand

The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea and Mrs Michael Ogio

The Governor-General of the Solomon Islands and Lady Kabui

The Governor-General of St Christopher and Nevis

The Governor-General of St Lucia

The Governor-General of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Lady Ballantyne

The Prime Minister of Australia and Mr. Tim Mathieson

The Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Ms Delores Miller

The Prime Minister of Barbados

The Prime Minister of New Zealand and Mrs. John Key

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Lady Somare

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Mrs. Rosalia Nestor King

The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines and Mrs. Ralph Gonsalves

The Premier of Bermuda and Mr. Germain Nkeuleu

The Premier of The British Virgin Islands and Mrs. Ralph O’Neal

The Premier of the Cayman Islands and Mrs. Kerry Bush

The Hon. Sharon and Mr. Rodney Halford (Falkland Islands)

The Chief Minister of Gibraltar and Mrs. Peter Caruana

The Chief Minister of Montserrat and the Reverend Doctor Joan Delsol Meade

The Hon. John and Mrs. Vilma Cranfield (St. Helena)

NO KAMLA.. like defraid she buss the bar or what? 

[truetrini]

That is far from a complete list of invitees

[Socafan]

Rum, pan for Will and Kate
From T&T with love
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com



A unique blend of Angostura rum and a pan will be given as gifts to Prince William and Kate Middleton at the royal wedding tomorrow by Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Nicholas will be the sole representative for Trinidad and Tobago at the royal wedding which will be held at Westminster Abbey, London.

He will be presenting these gifts to the royal couple on behalf of the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago.

The rum is a specially created wedding present.

"The Angostura master blender describes it as a one-of-a-kind Angostura rum blend that was aged especially in charred casks to ensure optimal cask reactions of the rums during ageing. It is a rich, dark chocolate, luxurious rum from Trinidad and Tobago that exudes a complex aroma with hints of caramel, spice, chocolate, banana with a smooth lingering taste of apples and toffee mellowed out with hints of vanilla," a release from the High Commission stated.

The rum will be presented in a crystal decanter that can be reused over a lifetime.

The pan, made of this country's finest chrome was also specially designed for the royal couple.

It was supplied by Nestor Sullivan, manager of the Pamberi Steel Orchestra and was made by Augustus Peters of La Canoa Road, Santa Cruz.

The pan case and chrome stand were custom built by Sarah's Pan Case of 208 Eastern Main Road, San Juan.

"It is hoped that these two gifts, the first which represents our finest rum by a company that has proven itself internationally and secondly our national instrument, the only musical instrument to be invented in the last century, will help to further market our nation and its products as well as signal our commitment to strong bilateral relations for the next generation of Royals," said Nicholas.

Nicholas will be wearing a morning suit (formal suit with tails) to the royal wedding in keeping with traditional expectations for these events.



See if T&T is on the list
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/royal-wedding-watch/post/royal-wedding-guest-list-british-monarchy-releases-confirmed-attendees-for-the-service-at-westminster-abbey/2011/04/27/AF99IDyE_blog.html

The Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda

The Governor-General of Australia and His Excellency Mr. Michael Bryce

The Governor-General of The Bahamas and Lady Foulkes

The Governor-General of Barbados

The Governor-General of Belize and Lady Young

The Governor-General of Canada and Mrs. David Johnston

The Governor-General of Jamaica

The Governor-General of New Zealand and Lady Satyanand

The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea and Mrs Michael Ogio

The Governor-General of the Solomon Islands and Lady Kabui

The Governor-General of St Christopher and Nevis

The Governor-General of St Lucia

The Governor-General of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Lady Ballantyne

The Prime Minister of Australia and Mr. Tim Mathieson

The Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Ms Delores Miller

The Prime Minister of Barbados

The Prime Minister of New Zealand and Mrs. John Key

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Lady Somare

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Mrs. Rosalia Nestor King

The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines and Mrs. Ralph Gonsalves

The Premier of Bermuda and Mr. Germain Nkeuleu

The Premier of The British Virgin Islands and Mrs. Ralph O’Neal

The Premier of the Cayman Islands and Mrs. Kerry Bush

The Hon. Sharon and Mr. Rodney Halford (Falkland Islands)

The Chief Minister of Gibraltar and Mrs. Peter Caruana

The Chief Minister of Montserrat and the Reverend Doctor Joan Delsol Meade

The Hon. John and Mrs. Vilma Cranfield (St. Helena)

NO KAMLA.. like defraid she buss the bar or what? 

LOL....Allyuh good oui

[truetrini]

Questions for Kamla over $40m NP contract
Published: Mon, 2011-05-16 21:51
Gail Alexander
 

The house at Tunapuna where it is alleged the Prime Minister stayed after the general election. PHOTO: GAIL ALEXANDER
Questions have arisen regarding the reported award of a $40 million NP contract to an Eastern garbage trucking company and the owner of a Tunapuna property where Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stayed after the May 24, 2010, general election.  PNM Senator Fitzgerald Hinds said yesterday: “I’m calling on the Prime Minister to declare her interest, if she has any, in the award of this contract and say whether she is a friend of the contractor who is expected to receive the award.

“She must say if she has some interest in ensuring if someone is a beneficiary of  a state contract like this, in circumstances where it cannot easily be justified.” Hinds’ call follows questions he raised in Parliament on the entire issue over the last two months, including up to last Tuesday. More than a month ago, Hinds asked whether Persad-Bissessar stayed at state expense at the Pasea, Tunapuna, residence or another residence apart from the official St Ann’s residence. He again raised the issue in the Senate last Tuesday, when he alluded to the contract award.  In the Senate, Hinds said a contract was being awarded to a “particular friend of the Government (sic) when a contractor who had been doing it for ten years remained the lowest bidder.”

HInds claimed “instructions from high up in the Cabinet, a direct involvement” were that the existing contractor be removed. Hinds said the existing contractor was asked to “hold on”until the new awardee brought trucks into T&T to handle the contract. Yesterday, National Security Adviser Gary Griffith confirmed the Prime Minister stayed at a Mohammed Street, (Pasea) Tunapuna, residence, after the general election, since the Prime Minister’s official residence at La Fantasie was not yet ready or secure. The Opposition has alleged that the owner of that property owns the  garbage collection company  (also located in Pasea, Tunapuna) which is at issue in the NP $40 million contract award.

Last week, CDS Ltd, one  of the bidders for the contract—and which has been handing the contract for years—sent a pre-action protocol letter to Energy Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan asking her to “investigate and have NP show and justify” why they were “overlooked” for the provision of a service which “they have been performing with distinction (for NP) over the years.” CDS alleged that although it had tendered “the lowest bid” and had “the best track record and experience,” the company was not determined as the “preferred bidder” and contended that NP’s decision to do so was “clearly not” based on merit. Yesterday Hinds claimed: “I have information the contract has been been awarded to the (name called) East Trinidad contractor and it is likely a letter of award has gone out.

“I’m calling on the Prime Minister and the Energy Minister to clear the air on this...The minister is responsible and she cannot say she is not,” he said. “I also notice the Prime Minister saying she has no idea who the new contractor is, while we are aware of her occupancy of that Tunapuna house. “We’d like her to  clear the air on the questions around this and say if the contract has been awarded to the Gopaul company and what, if any interest, she may have in this.” Hinds said he had filed further questions in Parliament on the issue and to source more information on it under the Freedom of Information Act.

Last week, Persad-Bissessar said the NP contract award had not been brought to her attention nor that of the Cabinet. She said there was need to properly procure the award of these state contracts to prevent the possibility of creating a scandal. Yesterday, speaking with reporters at Couva, when asked about the contract issue, Persad Bissessar said the line minister was getting a report. “I’m sure they’ll bring that back to us hopefully, this week,” she added.  Asked if she was acquainted with any of the parties in the contract, Persad-Bissessar said:  “I’ll be honest, if I say I am or I’m not—I don’t know, because I don’t know who got the contract or what happened. “So when the report comes in, we’ll know and then I’ll be able to say if I know them or  I don’t—I need to see the report so I’ll know who it is,” she said.

[1-868]

GOPAUL's Luck

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/GOPAUL_s_Luck-122132578.html



PM admits staying in house owned by contractor...
By Aabida Allaham aabida.allaham@trinidadexpress.com



PRIME MINISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Gopaul and Company Ltd have not yet been awarded a $40 million contract from National Petroleum (NP) for the supply of trailer trucks used in gasoline haulage.

She admits, however, "they won the bid".

Speaking to reporters at the handing-over ceremony of the Bon Air West Early Childhood Care Centre in Bon Air yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said when it comes to the awarding of contracts, boards are expected to be faithful to the tendering rules and to be fair.

She said though, "It will be unfair and unjust, in my respectful view, to exclude persons from bidding from contracts simply because I know them and, further, there are laws in the country to deal with these matters of integrity, and we support these laws."

Gopaul and Co is a family-owned business formed in 1973 by Cyril Gopaul and operated today by members of the Gopaul family, whom the Prime Minister admits she personally knows.

In fact, Persad-Bissessar yesterday admitted she stayed at the residence of Ralph Gopaul and Maureen Gopaul before and after the 2010 general election.

"I stayed there from time to time in order to facilitate my public engagements in the north, if I had to be up late or early mornings and so on.

"There is someone who is saying we are hiding the fact that I stayed there; that is totally untrue; some of you will recall, some of you may have even come, media persons came; you took the photographs, you put them on the newspaper, and people knew I was staying there."

"I stayed there, as I say, before the election, I was there prior to a period before the election, indeed; I was staying with another relative and that's when I got the death threats and the robbery to the vehicle, and I was then graciously allowed to stay at this home where it was very enclosed and in the middle, and it was thought it would be safe for me to stay. Remember, I did not have security and police and so on when I was campaigning, and so I started staying there before the election; I stayed there for some time before the election; I did not go to rent a home, others rented homes and stayed in hotels; I did not bring that additional cost to the taxpayers," she said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said she has asked the minister responsible for NP, Energy Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, to provide her with a report surrounding the tendering process in which Gopaul won.

"I have pledged to have a Government that adheres to the best practices when it comes to procurement, and the joint select committee is looking at that legislation, and should any member of the Government or should any member of any board transgress against these laws and practices, then I would deal with it decisively as I have already demonstrated," she said.

Asked if she thought this matter was similar to that of former minister Mary King, the Prime Minister said: "I don't know."

"I don't know if it's different, let me wait until I see the report; I don't know what happened, I honestly don't know, so I will await the report from the line minister, who will then consult with the Attorney General, and we deal with it at that point. It would be premature for me to comment on this matter because I do not know what transpired," she said.

Asked if she thought the tendering committee favoured Gopaul & Co because the directors knew her, Persad-Bissessar said, "I don't know, that's what we will have to find out."

With regard to recent statements made by political leader of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) Ambassador Makandal Daaga about corruption in the country, the Prime Minister said she could not comment.

"I have not heard what Daaga said, indeed; I understand he was on TV this morning, but it will not be appropriate for me to comment on Daaga's words because I don't know what he said," she said.

[Jah Gol]

RESIGN NOW
Originally printed at http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/RESIGN_NOW-122274089.html

By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
May 19, 2011

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner has called on chairman of the Integrity Commission Dr Eric St Cyr to resign immediately for saying Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar should have stayed at a hotel instead of the house of her friends, Ralph and Maureen Gopaul.


Following the post-Cabinet news conference at Rovanels Resort in Tobago yesterday, Government ministers Jack Warner, Winston Dookeran and Suruj Rambachan all condemned the comments made by St Cyr, saying they were inappropriate, reckless and taints any investigations the commission may have before it.


St Cyr had made the statement in an interview with the Express on Wednesday when asked to comment on Persad-Bissessar's admission that she had stayed at the Gopauls' house for free.


The Gopauls have won a $40 million bid for an National Petroleum (NP) transport contract but have not been given a contract.


"It's not a finding of the commission because as I said, we haven't investigated or gone into the details, but it's clear and that's in my opinion," St Cyr had said.


Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley has called on the commission to investigate the matter, saying the Prime Minister breached Section 27 (1) of the Integrity in Public Life Act, which states persons in public life "shall not accept a fee, gift or personal benefit, except compensation authorised by law, that is connected directly or indirectly with the performance of his or her duties of office".


However, members of Government believe St Cyr cannot investigate this matter as he compromised the probe by making premature personal comments.


Warner said yesterday this was not the first time St Cyr has crossed the line. He made reference to St Cyr also making personal comments when Rowley had asked the integrity Commission to investigate whether it was right for Warner to wear two hats as minister and FIFA vice-president.


"Even before he sat and met on the matter, he gave an opinion, totally out of turn…Today, he has done this same thing again, and I want to say publicly now, and I will say so in the strongest possible language that the chairman of the Integrity Commission has to resign. He's consistently showing his biasness, and I am not going to mince any words about it," said Warner.


Warner said he sent a letter to St Cyr asking him to step down.


"I have said to the Cabinet; I have said to the media that he has to resign because of the fact he has shown his discrimination and is not worthy of being a chairman of any commission, far more the Integrity Commission," he said.


Dookeran also criticised St Cyr, saying: "I think it is more than improper for the chairman of the Integrity Commission to express a view that may prejudice whatever investigation ought to have taken place.... admitting it is not the view of the commission but saying that it is his opinion."


He said St Cyr's statement was improper and infringes on legal and ethical lines.


"The Integrity Commission is an important institution that must maintain the highest standards of ethics and must be able to stand scrutiny at all times," he said.


He said statements like these compromise the Integrity Commission to stand scrutiny on this and any other matter before it.


Ramadhar said St Cyr cannot continue as chairman.


"For him to continue as chairman of the Integrity Commission will really bring that institution into some level of disrepute, and he should really assess his position whether he's fit and proper to continue as chairman," he said.


"I think it is an extremely terrible situation to have arisen, and we have to stand back as a society and appreciate that institutions of this nation have to stand for what they should do and not be in form and not in substance," he added.


Rambachan said persons in such positions should subject themselves to self-scrutiny.


"He (St Cyr) should know what is the right and decent thing to do," he added.

[Bourbon]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/LM-vn-FJkg0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/LM-vn-FJkg0</a>

[Bakes]

People in TnT can be so f**king simple eh... it sickening.  St. Cyr commented on the propriety of Kamla staying with her friends.  That is one matter.  What is to be investigated is the award of this contract to said same friends.  Another matter.  He has not expressed an opinion as to the investigation into the tendering process... how then is he showing bias regarding a matter before the Commission?  steups

Personally I don't think Kamla do anything wrong, except show her naivety... yuh have to expect that when yuh have friends who do business with the government (and she surely should have known this about the Gopauls) that you can't if you self in government (as then Opposition MP) go and live up in dey house.  St. Cyr right to say that she should have shown better judgment in staying elsewhere.  Is not like he come out and say Kamla help rig de bid fuh she friends... THAT might warrant resignation.  And fuh Jack.. of all people, to be questioning anybody's integrity!

[truetrini]

People in TnT can be so f**king simple eh... it sickening.  St. Cyr commented on the propriety of Kamla staying with her friends.  That is one matter.  What is to be investigated is the award of this contract to said same friends.  Another matter.  He has not expressed an opinion as to the investigation into the tendering process... how then is he showing bias regarding a matter before the Commission?  steups

Personally I don't think Kamla do anything wrong, except show her naivety... yuh have to expect that when yuh have friends who do business with the government (and she surely should have known this about the Gopauls) that you can't if you self in government (as then Opposition MP) go and live up in dey house.  St. Cyr right to say that she should have shown better judgment in staying elsewhere.  Is not like he come out and say Kamla help rig de bid fuh she friends... THAT might warrant resignation.  And fuh Jack.. of all people, to be questioning anybody's integrity!

Bakes the call is not for the Integrity Commission to investigate the bid, it was for them to investigate her stay as Rowley claims she received a GIFT....that may be a  breach of the Integrity in Public Life Act.   He says the stay amounts to a gift and she did not declare it..or something so.

[Jah Gol]

CDS cites lower bid, more experience in letter to minister
Originally printed at http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/CDS_cites_lower_bid__more_experience_in_letter_to_minister-121971269.html

By Curtis Rampersad Business Editor
May 17, 2011

Couva company CDS Transport Ltd says it bid less for a contract at National Petroleum (NP) than Gopaul and Company Ltd, had ten years more experience in the fuel transport business but still lost out after the tendering process.


In a letter to Seepersad-Bachan obtained by the Express, CDS Transport's managing director, Premnath Dindial, said his company submitted a tender for the lease of 20 tractors to NP.


At a meeting on April 14 with NP acting chief executive Rajkapoor Ramlochan, NP offered an award for the lease of five tractors.


On April 20, CDS responded, saying it would not accept the offer for the five tractor trucks, correspondence between CDS and NP stated.


CDS Transport alleged that the evaluation process was "procedurally compromised" and questioned why it was "not considerably favoured" for the award of this contract.


Macoya-based Gopaul and Company Ltd received a $40 million contract from NP for gasoline haulage.


In a detailed breakdown of its expertise in comparison to Gopaul and Company, CDS Transport suggested in its letter to Seepersad-Bachan that it had ten years' experience in the haulage of petroleum products. It alleged in its letter that Gopaul and Co had none.


CDS said it tendered a lower price at $28,500 per truck per month while Gopaul & Co tendered $28,695 per truck per month.


CDS said it had five trained mechanics with four years experience to service the trucks while it alleged that Gopaul and Co had none. It also said CDS had three spare trucks at Sea Lots, Pointe-a-Pierre and Tobago and Gopaul and Co had none.


Seepersad-Bachan told the Express by phone yesterday that she received an evaluation of the process involving the award of the contract to NP. She has requested notes from the Neil Gosine-chaired NP board of directors as well as documents from the tenders committee with regard to the contract.


She said the board of directors was entrusted to ensure that contracts were awarded in fair and transparent manner and she could not say if statements made about the award of the contract to NP were true.


Seepersad-Bachan said she maintained that if someone was unfairly treated they could write to her, which was what CDS Transport did. But she also pointed out that any company had the right to tender for a contract.


Gopaul and Co is a family-owned business formed in 1973 by Cyril Gopaul and operated today by members of the Gopaul family.


It has three operational divisions and is involved in trucking, oils and food products and sugar.


It operates in several Caricom territories including Barbados and Jamaica and employs 300 people, its website indicates.

[congo]

People in TnT can be so f**king simple eh... it sickening.  St. Cyr commented on the propriety of Kamla staying with her friends.  That is one matter.  What is to be investigated is the award of this contract to said same friends.  Another matter.  He has not expressed an opinion as to the investigation into the tendering process... how then is he showing bias regarding a matter before the Commission?  steups

Personally I don't think Kamla do anything wrong, except show her naivety... yuh have to expect that when yuh have friends who do business with the government (and she surely should have known this about the Gopauls) that you can't if you self in government (as then Opposition MP) go and live up in dey house.  St. Cyr right to say that she should have shown better judgment in staying elsewhere.  Is not like he come out and say Kamla help rig de bid fuh she friends... THAT might warrant resignation.  And fuh Jack.. of all people, to be questioning anybody's integrity!

She also stayed there for a while after becoming Prime Minister. I think it was for about 3 months or so. All she had to do was stay in a hotel and that would have been the end of the matter. UNC spent the most money on that campaign. I'm sure they could have afforded a hotel for their leader..!!!

[Bakes]

She also stayed there for a while after becoming Prime Minister. I think it was for about 3 months or so. All she had to do was stay in a hotel and that would have been the end of the matter. UNC spent the most money on that campaign. I'm sure they could have afforded a hotel for their leader..!!!

Yeah, then that is pretty egregious then... and schupid.  Whatever happen to avoiding even the appearance of impropriety?

TC... if the call was to investigate the free stay, then I stand corrected, but frankly if they had a prior long-standing friendship then I don't see what the problem is.