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Archives 2007
- Damn right to deny MPs 'gallery' time May 11, 2008
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There should be no tears shed over Government's decision to hold parliamentary Joint Select Committee meetings in camera, and not on camera.
- Frying in their own fat May 04, 2008
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September 2001: "Focus on agriculture declined from as far back as the first oil boom of 1973-79, when, with oil prices increasing at a dizzying pace, food production was no longer an attractive option.
- Manning Shoots a Rowdy Messenger April 27, 2008
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If former Trade Minister Dr Keith Rowley is a hooligan who displays 'wajang' behaviour, when did these abominable character traits first manifest themselves?
- Nostalgia for the 1970s April 20, 2008
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THIRTY-EIGHT years ago tomorrow, a group of us comprising young officers in the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR), along with a few hundred soldiers, etched our names in history by revolting and seizing control of the army's HQ at Teteron Barracks.
- A torch for Tibet...and Tobago April 13, 2008
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BACK in the mid-1970s there was a very vocal minority of "Tobago secessionists" who ranted about the sister-isle being treated like a "bastard", and who demanded its independence. Dr Winston Murray, one of its two elected MPs, designed a Tobago flag which he proudly displayed on his desk in the Parliament chamber.
- Backward ever, forward never April 06, 2008
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On March 26, Tata Motors, a division of India's oldest and most diversified conglomerate, paid the mighty Ford of America US$2.3 billion to acquire two jewels in Britain's motoring crown, Land Rover and Jaguar. The next day Tata Chemicals acquired General Chemicals of the USA for US$1 billion.
- Norway: good governance, better discipline March 30, 2008
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One can easily learn to love Norway only for its majestic fjords that are almost unique to that country. But its beauty extends far beyond the landscape and seascape. Here's a country that discovered oil off its coast at the same time Britain, Holland and others did in the North Sea. That was some 70 years after the first productive oil well was drilled in Trinidad.
- No 'Dutch Disease' for Norway March 23, 2008
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There's never a dull moment in Trinidad and Tobago. The Government ensures that every week new, controversial issues erupt to spark debate, cussing, outrage. If not allegations of corruption, there's always the arrogance of ministers who believe they are anointed by God, not elected by people.
- Caribbean Airlines 'gouging' taxpayers March 16, 2008
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As I listened to billionaire-businessman Arthur Lok Jack reel out the numbers surrounding Caribbean Airlines (CAL) decision to purchase a Bombardier Global Express SRX, I was puzzled. If anyone knows anything about basic "counting", it should be a billionaire. If anyone knows about price-gouging, it's invariably the very wealthy.
- Against public opinion March 09, 2008
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When the furore over government owning an executive jet first erupted last year, I was among the very few persons who saw nothing wrong with it, and I wrote as much. I argued then that the Prime Minister could be likened to the CEO of an oil rich country, except that his responsibilities were far greater, and that right here in Trinidad and Tobago there were several conglomerates that owned such aircraft.
- One Caribbean, one love March 02, 2008
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One week spent in Jamaica is far too little time to assess the state of the country or to enjoy its many scenic and special attractions. Most of the latter are way up the mountains or beyond, on its tourist-oriented north coast. Kingston itself is a city of stark contrasts.
- A Goon attacks a Vine February 24, 2008
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About two weeks ago, a downright dangerous incident occurred offshore Claxton Bay, not far from where I live. Peter Vine, a UWI lecturer and environmental activist, was among a group of fishermen and nearby residents, protesting preliminary works being conducted by agents of the NEC in preparation for the reclamation of some 255 hectares of coastal land for the establishment of an industrial port.
- Scrap URP, establish Labour Bureau February 17, 2008
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Last week, in another curious twist to Government's off-and-on position on the $2 billion annual fuels subsidy, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Mariano Browne, confirmed that it's up for review. He gave no time-line for the exercise nor did he hint at the percentage being considered.
- Reduce gas subsidy, boost food production February 10, 2008
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Recently, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Keith Rowley hinted that the Government may soon need to reconsider its $2 billion a year fuel subsidy. Reaction among the population ranged from grumbling to expressions of outrage, so much so that another minister denied any such move was being considered. I beg to differ.
- Pan music as a tool in fighting crime February 03, 2008
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The newly appointed Minister of Culture, Marlene McDonald, assured the nation last Thursday that "all systems are in place" for this year's Carnival. Her optimism came amidst a cacophony of protests, some from calypsonians, others from the pan fraternity, over the standard of judging at various competitions.
- Wasting our money behind 'bumsees' January 27, 2008
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Listening to today's masquerade band leaders clamour for the Government to "run more money" my thoughts fall back on yesterday's greats-George Bailey, Harold Saldenah, Cito Velasquez, Irwin McWilliams, the Harts and the Lee Heungs, to name a handful.
- Torture, then hang 'em high January 20, 2008
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Now that Prime Minister Patrick Manning has declared his latest plan to curb crime-hang 'em high-I must advise him of a sinister measure he can add for special effect.
- Emergency to protect Govt only, not the people January 13, 2008
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If anybody can convince me that a state of emergency would yield benefits in the fight against crime, I'd be willing to listen and act. So said Prime Minister Patrick Manning last week as he and others, the opposition UNC included, insisted that emergency powers were not required to deal with this unholy mess.
- A people problem of epidemic proportions January 06, 2008
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I am not surprised that the Express has taken the initiative to intervene in the fight against the crime tsunami that threatens to destroy our beloved country. It's not the first time that a call has been made for a government to declare a limited state of emergency to help deal with the problem.
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