fwiw News Roundup #5: 26th June, 2024
After an unexpected hiatus to fight a bug (because too many of us have forgotten the lessons learned in 2020), I’m finally back with the fifth edition of fwiw News Roundup, because the news never rests and we have some major catching up to do.
You know the drill: I read between the lines, so you don’t have to.
Coming Soon: The Long-Awaited PAHO Report
Turns out the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) submitted its report on the Port of Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) last week Friday, so we just have to wait until an internal review to see it for ourselves.
The ministry stated that, having received the report, clinical and technical staff of both the Health Ministry and the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) will conduct an internal review of the findings in keeping with established standard practice.
Following the completion of the internal review, the entire report as submitted, will be made public, the ministry stated.
Ministry gets PAHO report on baby deaths. 24th June, 2024. Express.
Wonder how long that will take?
Unfortunately, it looks as if the families suing the State might have to wait with the rest of us, which… seems weird. I suppose they could just go ahead and sue and then get it in the discovery, but I’m no legal eagle, so don’t quote me on that.
MP Represents Voter Interests, Gets in Trouble for It
I never thought I’d see the day when a Member of Parliament voted his conscience against his political party’s instructions, but Dr. Rai Ragbir, MP for Cumuto/Manzanilla, did just that when he voted in favour of whistleblower legislation last week.
Aaaaand now he’s in trouble?
According to the UNC’s constitution, there is a section that deals specifically with disciplinary action.
It states: (D) Any member of the Party serving in Parliament or on any municipal corporation or other public forum who votes contrary to the declared policies or principles or programmes of the Party or to any directive of the Party on any matter, or who wilfully omits to vote or to act in accordance with any directive or policies, principles or programmes of the Party or does or wilfully omits to do any act in connection therewith, which in the opinion of the National Executive conflicts with or is contrary to the declared policies, or principles or programmes of the Party is liable to immediate suspension pending the determination thereof by the Disciplinary Committee.
Ramdass, Anna. Analysts: UNC must weigh its options. 23rd June, 2024. Express.
Far be it for me to tell the UNC its business, but perhaps it’s not a great idea to be seen punishing your politicians for representing the interests of those who elected them in the run-up to next year’s election.
Then again, I’m not a political analyst, so what do I know? Let’s see what the experts have to say:
The Sunday Express spoke to Dr Bishnu Ragoonath and Dr Winford James about the issue.
They both surmised that with a general election around the corner, there is need for caution in any decision made.
[…]
[Ragoonath] said further that from Ragbir’s actions, it shows he knows there is no future for him in the UNC.
“All the people who would have deemed to be dissidents, we have to wait and see how the party treats with them as we move forward, but this move that Mr Ragbir made (Friday), clearly he has sealed his fate,” he said.
“In Mr Ragbir’s case this decision (Friday) was a clear indication that he has no intention of remaining in the politics, or at least not in the UNC. He may find another vehicle and jump on it,” Ragoonath said.
[…]
James said Ragbir’s move to vote with the PNM will also raise suspicion.
“One will become suspicious. Was he influenced for his support? Was there corruption in the way he has used his position? I am not accusing anyone of corruption. What I am saying is that it invites speculation as to what may have happened there,” he said.
Ramdass, Anna. Analysts: UNC must weigh its options. 23rd June, 2024. Express.
Welp. It looks like—according to the experts—the best way to end one’s political career in this place is to… serve one’s constituents.
Interesting.
Well, at least Dr. Ragbir appears to be standing on business.
[Ragbir] stated in a WhatsApp exchange: “The UNC Constitution speaks to established arms of the party functioning for the benefit of its membership and the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Under the current leadership of the UNC, it has become the norm for no consultation or Parliamentary caucus to be convened to determine the party’s stance on significant legislation including the Whistleblower Bill. This lack of communication and coordination is standard practice within the Opposition, resulting in members being uninformed about the party’s position or policy on crucial matters, leaving them uncertain on how to vote.”
He stated: “Even on this particular Bill, the leader of the Opposition was not present for the debate of the Bill. In these circumstances, I was left to determine the way forward based upon my own research and consultation with my constituents.”
Ragbir added: “The absence of a Parliamentary caucus must first be addressed before any other action can be considered let alone taken.”
Ramdass, Anna. Analysts: UNC must weigh its options. 23rd June, 2024. Express.
The Sangre Grande Regional Corporation (SGRC) is too, but that’s less effective when you’re admitting that you have indeed heard of those corruption allegations and calling for evidence, which… is exactly what the legislation is supposed to facilitate.
On Ragbir’s latest statement, SGRC chairman Kenwyn Phillip told Newsday on June 25: “It is not the first time we have had these allegations against the corporation. If, for some reason, Ragbir has information about these allegations, he has never reached out to me as the chairman or sent any correspondent about what he has put out.”
“I want Ragbir to know that there are many channels he can take. He can go to the police if he has any evidence of wrongdoing. We have nothing of that sort at the corporation and I welcome any investigations.”
Phillip, who is also the councillor for Manzanilla/Fishing Pond, said the corporation is not involved in corrupt activities.
He said Ragbir is “just playing smart with foolishness.”
Williams, Laurel. Ragbir stands by decision to support whistleblower law. 26th June, 2024. Newsday.
Wealthy Philanthropist Braves Criticism to Make Money
You know, you really gotta hand it to the Abouds. They’re so very consistent. When you see that name pop up anywhere, you know they’re going to have something interesting to say.
Like our pal John, who, out of the goodness of his heart, has consented to build a Mariott hotel at Rocky Point, Tobago.
And listen, he doesn’t need the stress, guys. The environmental concerns, the surfing concerns, the archaeological concerns… It’s so much! Just listen:
“People say ‘oh you want to bring tourists here to mash up the place’. The reality is the place has already been mashed up. I have visited that site on two or three occasions over the last year. Who is killing the turtles on the beach? Who is destroying the remnants of the fort? When I went to that fort, I said ‘where is the fort? This is a garbage bin’. It was filled with garbage. So, in fact, what we are going to be doing, we are going to be enhancing those things, preserving those things to ensure we are environmentally correct; and two, selfishly, because we feel that these things could add a tourism element to our product,” he said.
He added: “We are not interfering with the coastline, we are not interfering with the sea, the beach, the currents. We are not touching anything there. Everything is being built a little away from that so the natural flows and whatever exists will continue. We are going to deal with runoff. Runoff is not a difficult thing to deal with engineering-wise, etc. I am very confident. In terms of the brouhaha about the environment at risk, there will literally be no negative effect and in some instances, I would venture to say we will improve and preserve what already exists there.”
Bartlett, Joey. All concerns being addressed: John Aboud on building of a Marriott hotel at Rocky Point:. 23th June 2024. Express.
So he clearly has it all under control, and it’s going to be good for us all. In fact, you might say it’s going to trickle down. Because that’s exactly what he said.
The businessman went on to say, “It is a wonderful thing when an investment not only generates a profit for the investor but has a tremendous trickle-down effect on the community and the country. That is what you call a perfect type of investment. It is a win-win situation for everyone.
Bartlett, Joey. All concerns being addressed: John Aboud on building of a Marriott hotel at Rocky Point:. 23th June 2024. Express.
So everybody just relax, ok? And stop giving this poor man a headache before he decides not to invest in making money in Tobago after all. I mean, he probably won’t do that because he’s a man of his word and he’s already committed to these riches.
“I could do without this headache. That is the honest truth. My group can do without this headache but we have made a commitment to proceed with the project and we will proceed with the project God-willing, once we get all the regulatory approvals.”
Bartlett, Joey. All concerns being addressed: John Aboud on building of a Marriott hotel at Rocky Point:. 23th June 2024. Express.
But still. Be nice.
Venezuelan Migrant Children Can Go to School… If Their Parents Can Read English?
A funny thing about communication is that it usually doesn’t work if the parties involved don’t speak the same language.
Someone in our government must be aware of this fact. After all, we have a whole Ministry of Communication.
And yet.
Somehow, our Ministry of Education put out a press release sharing critical information for Venezuelan migrants hoping to enroll their children in school in English. I know you know why that doh make no sense, but let’s hear from someone who works with migrants for a quick explanation of the dotishness involved here:
Contacted for comment yesterday on the move, La Romaine Migrant Support Group co-ordinator Angie Ramnarine said: “I am cautiously optimistic. I don’t know if the notice can be read by the Venezuelan parents. I already have parents calling me about it. I am trying to have the documents roughly translated. They also need to put translation in place. Translation is costly and the children have to have their birth certificates translated.”
She added: “There will be teething problems. We need to make the communique clear to the target population. It might be clear to us but it may not be clear to the Venezuelans. We are putting out a notice hoping it would reach parents.”
Loubon, Michelle Venezuelan migrant children can attend local schools from September: Registration starts Tuesday. 22nd June, 2024. Express.
I suppose one could argue that this is just the first notice and they intend to follow up with communication that the target audience could actually read, but then my question would be: When, exactly? Because that press release dropped on Friday, and registration began yesterday, so…?
And in case you’re wondering, no, the first day of registration wasn’t a smashing success.
More Water Racket in De East
While Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales is hinting at water rate increases, the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation (SGRC) is battling water truck rackets while receiving enough water to serve 40% of its population inconsistently.
Inundated with calls from residents for water and made worse with a limited truck-borne supply, Chairman of the (SGRC) Kenwyn Phillip says they received reports of an alleged water trucking racket being carried out by corporation workers.
Some workers at the SGRC were accused of charging residents between $300 and $500 per truckload of water.
“Complaints were made, but no one came forward to lodge a report. We had no solid evidence to take action. The corporation hired three water checkers to ensure people do not pay for the free water the trucks supplied.”
Last year, Phillip said, the corporation supplied truck-borne water to 15 districts. This year, the figure increased to 22 districts because of the growing squatting population and unplanned developments. The region, which stretches from Valencia to Matelot, has a population of over 80,000.
“Many of these residents, we could not help.”
Phillip estimated that 40 per cent of the region’s burgesses receive pipe-borne water, but not consistently. The other 60 per cent rely on river, spring and rainwater, including a limited truck-borne supply.
With the demand for water outweighing supply, Phillip said the corporation had to cut the volume of water given to each household from 400 to 200 gallons.
[…]
Phillip, the Manzanilla/Fishing Pond councillor, said they are willing to help all areas. “Our main priority is to bring relief to areas that do not have pipe-borne water. Every day we are hearing complaints from people not having water. Mothers in my electoral district have been sending their children to school in dirty uniforms. Children wearing dirty uniforms over and over is causing a rash on their skin,” Phillip said.
Hassanali, Shaliza. Water racket, limited supply put corporation under pressure. 23rd June, 2024. Guardian.
I’m sure they’ll understand why the rates have to go up, though.
Former Acting CoP Has Sweet New Side-Hustle
I get the feeling I’m supposed to be outraged at the idea of former acting police commissioner Stephen Williams getting an $800 per hour consulting fee from the current CoP, but, in all honesty, I’m just glad she’s consulting someone besides Jesus about our crime situation.
That said, the semantic game he’s playing here? Come nah, man. You know the people have a right to know where our money’s going.
According to documents received by Guardian Media, Williams provided 53 hours of consultancy services in one month and 67 hours in another.
The earnings were for June and September 2023.
He told Guardian Media last week that he was a consultant and not an adviser as the difference between both roles are significant.
In December 2023, Williams rubbished claims on social media that he was hired as Harewood-Christopher’s adviser.
“I haven’t been hired by the commissioner as an adviser and that’s as simple as it is,” Williams told the media at the time.
Last week, when Guardian Media approached Williams with documentary evidence of him being paid by the TTPS, he admitted that he is providing consultancy services for the commissioner.
Superville, Shane. Former acting CoP acted as Erla’s consultant last year. 23rd June, 2024. Guardian.
I’m happy for him though, because—unlike too many of his predecessors and successors—I can’t recall any controversy associated with his tenure. In fact, just about the only thing I can recall about it is that he was replaced by the foreigners and then again by Randolph Burroughs’ biggest fan.
If anything, I’m curious about why he never did get confirmed in the role in the first place, especially given the praises folks are singing about him now.
Bacchanal with the Law Association
Listen, if you were still taking the whole senior counsel thing seriously after our last Prime Minister awarded it to herself back in 2012, I dunno what to tell you, nah.
That said, it does seem strange that the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) would involve itself in the nebulous senior counsel selection process after very openly criticising it.
On June 20, attorney Darrell Allahar wrote to the LATT asking several questions on whether the AG had consulted the Association or its president on the recent appointments.
[…]
“I think that anyone reading this can draw their own conclusions. The LATT process is as murky as Manzanilla water in the rainy season. What was not disclosed is as curious as what was shared with us,” said Allahar.
He put forward the following questions:
• If the AG’s letter to the President of LATT merely enclosed a list, was it that recommendations were made on names alone without resumes or application forms?
•How did the LATT Executive choose the senior counsel they wished to consult?
•How many “Silks” were available and were consulted?
•Why would those “Silks” wish to make their picks anonymously?
•Why was the Executive of LATT involved in the selection committee? Were those executive members senior counsel as well?
•How did the Committee decide on the number of names to carry forward to the AG?
•What method was adopted by the president of LATT when she finalised the list of names that were carried to the AG?
Allahar said that in light of the membership of LATT’s acceptance of the recommendations of the Silk Report, he cannot fathom how courtesy can justify the president’s participation in the existing process of awarding silk.
The LATT process appears to be as arbitrary and opaque as the system the LATT wants to make more transparent, he said.
“I suppose the membership would ultimately be the ones to say how they feel about what was done in their name and on their behalf. I for one am extremely surprised and disappointed. They should have informed the membership of their intention to participate up front and provided this information before. I suppose they thought forgiveness would be easier to obtain than permission. The plot thickens,” he added.
Ramdass, Anna. Lynette Under Fire. 25th June, 2024. Express.
It does indeed.
PM Throws Words, Everybody Waters Them
I don’t pay much attention to what’s said on the political platform (they’re never speaking to the likes of me, anyway), but it’s always interesting to see which bits activate folks and why.
Like when the PM said some vagueries about the upcoming election on Sunday and the UNC, NTA, and PEP all began hollering in reply.
Moonilal said, “The leader of the PNM is simply putting his charges on alert for the inevitable. I suspect he senses that the PNM is behind and needs to catch up.”
[…]
Griffith felt Rowley was “between a rock and a hard place,” as some may be advising him to call an early election because the UNC is presently divided, with the Rushton Paray faction and also with the “massive influence Jearlean John has on Kamla Persad-Bissessar,” in trying to influence her the that UNC must contest alone.
[…]
Alexander added, “If the UNC attempts it alone, they lose. All the third parties together in a three-way race hands PNM victory. There’s only one solution—we all need to put egos and past hurts aside like Rowley and Colm did, like Amery Browne and Rowley did, like Penny Beckles and Rowley did, and unite for T&T’s good. Anything else is chaos, and we’d be salting the fields for generations to come.”
Political leaders: PM’s ‘standby’ comment a desperate move. 25th June, 2024.
The sad irony is that, while Griffith and Alexander are not wrong about the benefit of an alliance, they may be missing the reason why the People’s Partnership was an effective one and how damaging the its subsequent implosion was to future alliances featuring the UNC.
A-A, We Could Wuk From Home Now?
You know what’s interesting?
Once upon a time, when someone asked our Prime Minister if the government had learned anything about traffic management from the pandemic, he said “that’s life.” Then he said. we weren’t ready for work from home because “some people not even working in the office.”
But it looks like somebody thinks we can handle it, because watch how de Minister of Rural Development and Local Government moving nice with his staff:
Al-Rawi said the ministry is mindful that far too many people spend a lot of time in traffic getting to and from work.
“For those who live in San Fernando, the testimony of spending two hours a day to get to work in Port-of-Spain and two hours back, four hours of life becomes nauseating and a waste of time. We have developed these projects and products already so that we can tackle the reduction of requests for accommodation space and specifically move once there is approval from the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Return of Personnel function can be documented accurately, we can move to online or flexi-time, working in those structures,” Al-Rawi said.
Local Govt ministry moving to implement work-from-home. 25th June, 2024. Guardian.
Dat is performance. Dat is productivity.
And dais why he have de best guns in Parliament.
Honey, We Have a Human Trafficking Problem
It’s nice and all that we got a better grade on the US Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, but it’s way too early to celebrate because:
However, while the report noted improvements, it also said the Government did not meet the minimum standards required in several key areas.
“Corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes by some in the police and national security services, including at more senior levels, remained significant concerns, inhibiting law enforcement action. Efforts to address alleged official complicity including trafficking of potential and actual victims at the immigration detention centres remained inadequate and resulted in re-trafficking.
“A lack of adequate screening of migrant workers likely resulted in inappropriate penalisation, including deportation, of victims of trafficking for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked,” the report said.
It added, “Victims were not consistently allowed access to a lawyer of their choice. Victim identification, referral, and protective services, along with interagency coordination and evidence-collection, while improved from the prior reporting period, remained weak and inconsistent.
“The Government did not report efforts to investigate a violent home invasion of an anti-trafficking NGO representative by police, or those posing as police.”
[…]
“Although the island of Trinidad remains the primary hub for most sexual exploitation in Trinidad and Tobago, traffickers move some victims to the island of Tobago during the tourist season…Some Trinbagonian fishermen have turned to migrant smuggling, which serves as traffickers’ primary method of transportation of victims from Venezuela. Traffickers also exploit individuals from Puerto Rico, the Philippines, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), India, Nepal, Kenya, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Seemungal, Joshua. T&T improves in US Trafficking Report… Notes security officials still complicit; Tobago now a hiding spot. 25th June, 2024. Guardian.
The most concerning thing to me is that none of this is news to our leaders. Once again, it turns out that they’ve been sitting in parliament pointing fingers at each other as the years go by and the victims pile up:
The 2022 report alleged the involvement of a senior government official in human trafficking, as the country was placed on a Tier 2 Watch List. It was that information that created a furore between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar last year, when he revealed that based on investigations, the official was not a sitting Government minister but someone in the Opposition.
Seemungal, Joshua. T&T improves in US Trafficking Report… Notes security officials still complicit; Tobago now a hiding spot. 25th June, 2024. Guardian.
Good job, guys.
…We Also Have a Gun Problem
Far be it for me to question the Minister of National Security (LOL), but shouldn’t he be able to say whether and how many customs officials are involved in gun smuggling?
Asked about the possible involvement of customs officers in the illegal importation of guns and ammunition, Hinds said he could not answer “truthfully” but would not be surprised if this was the case.
“We have found across TT, all occupations, including the customs and excise division, there are people who are sworn and paid to protect the people, but allow themselves to become dangerous to the people.”
He said transit sheds have proven to be the most vulnerable point of entry for illegal guns and ammunition into TT.
“These are facilities authorised by the control of customs to assist the state with the smooth importation of goods with a focus on the ease of doing business. We have found that those have been the most vulnerable.
Mc Burnie, Gregory. PM praises US: Gun violence a health emergency. 26th June, 2024.
…Especially if he’s suggesting that he needs more resources to address the smuggling?
“Given that fact and the seriousness of what we have to contend with, I venture to say that whatever we have in place is not enough. But it always has to do with the question of resources and the allocation of same. But a lot of other weapons and ammunition are discovered across the country, otherwise may have passed through the port and then get inland and detected accordingly.”
“So yes, there are resources in place at our borders and we continue to apply them to detect them at the ports and if it passes there, to detect them otherwise. But we are quite close to the source and we are also quite clear that our legal ports of entry are indeed a very threatening opportunity against us in respect of the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.”
Mc Burnie, Gregory. PM praises US: Gun violence a health emergency. 26th June, 2024.
Florida… Person Jailed for Gun Smuggling and I Have Questions
On a related note, the Guardian copied this press release from the US Attorney’s Office in Florida:
A U.S. District Judge sentenced a 39-year-old man from Kissimmee, Florida to three years and one month in federal prison for smuggling firearms internationally.
Chrissie Fier Williams pleaded guilty on January 2, 2024.
According to court documents, on five separate occasions from January 28, 2021, through October 4, 2022, Williams prepared packages with household items to be sent to Trinidad and Tobago.
Williams was said to have concealed firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition inside packages.
The packages contained completed pistols and AR-style rifles, parts that could be assembled into completed guns, extended magazines including a 65-round drum magazine and a 100-round drum magazine, and ammunition to match the firearms being smuggled.
Willians[sic] was said to have prepared fake shipping manifests to conceal the contents, and paid “straw shippers” to deliver the packages under their names.
Haynes, Kejan?. Florida man sentenced to three years in prison for smuggling firearms to T&T. 24th June, 2024.
And I have questions:
- To whom was Williams shipping these weapons? This article suggests that some items made it to T&T successfully, so, to whom were they addressed?
- What’s a “straw shipper?” It was in the original release and the only relevant term I could find is “straw purchasing,” which is when someone buys a gun on behalf of someone else. Does that mean there were other individuals shipping them down (and if so, who were they)? Or does it refer to skyboxes (which, as far as I know, deliver packages in the purchaser’s name)?
- Why we publishing other people’s press releases nearly verbatim without credit?
- Did the Guardian want to make a “Florida man” joke so badly that they misgendered poor Chrissie?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
No big analysis for these next few, I’m just noticing a disturbing trend of how long our judiciary is letting cases languish.
For example:
This one, in which a man was sentenced to death even though eyewitnesses didn’t see the killer 14 years ago and the conviction was based on since-recanted testimony about a confession:
The witnesses in Gumbs’ trial included Richards’ younger sister, who was 12 years old at the time of the shooting, and Richard’s daughter, who was in the apartment with her mother.
Both confirmed that they knew Gumbs as Richards’ companion, but her sister could not remember if she saw him on the day of her murder.
Richards’ daughter claimed that she was watching television when she heard her mother speaking to someone at the front door.
She claimed that shortly after she heard a volley of gunshots and then found her injured mother.
However, she admitted that she did not see who her mother was speaking to or who shot her.
One of the main witnesses was Gumbs’ neighbour who he allegedly confessed to.
However, when he took the witness stand in the trial, the neighbour claimed that he was pressured by homicide detectives into signing a statement implicating Gumbs.
Justice Ramsumair-Hinds relied on the statement in deciding the verdict as she said she believed the police officer, who allegedly took the statement and claimed that the neighbour gave it willingly.
Achong, Derek. ‘Worm’ sentenced to hang for ex-girlfriend’s murder. 25th June, 2024. Guardian.
And this one in which the victim died in the nearly 16 years since the attack took place and the defendant was acquitted because of investigative inconsistencies and implausibilities.
Prosecutors had to rely on the statement that Gabaro gave to the police after the incident as he passed away before the case went to trial.
While being cross-examined by Rodriguez’s lawyer Michelle Ali, of the Public Defenders’ Department, PC Joseph Lambert was accused of performing an incomplete investigation as he only relied on Gabaro’s claims and did not take a statement from Rodriguez, who was willing to give his version of the events.
In her closing address before the jury, Ali highlighted numerous inconsistencies and implausibilities in the case including the medical reports, which did not correlate to Gabaro’s claims over the attack.
Achong, Derek. Moruga man acquitted of chopping neighbour in property dispute. 25th June, 2024. Guardian.
And this one, where a man has just been convicted of assaulting an 8-year-old 14 years ago. She’s 22 now.
Given how heavily many of our cases rely on witness testimony, it seems like shooting oneself in the foot to wait until witnesses and victims die before going to trial, but what do I know?
Beetham Continues to Suffer, Nobody Cares
We really don’t care about the people of the Beetham and Laventille and we’re not shy about showing it:
The problem began on June 21 when employees at the Coconut Growers Association (CGA) in Laventille identified a chemical leak coming from company’s refrigeration system.
[…]
Speaking with Newsday on June 25, one resident who preferred to remain anonymous said the stench is making the community feel unwell.
Compounding their distress, Beetham Gardens has also been dealing with ongoing water and sewage issues for months.
Last month residents held a peaceful demonstration to highlight the ongoing issue of sewer lines leaking and overflowing onto the roads and into people’s homes.
Meanwhile, two significant leaks in the Hollis 24-inch water main have left many homes without a reliable water supply.
“We are unable to get water to our houses and WASA trucks just drive by on the bus route, see the leak and do nothing about it,” one disgruntled resident said.
Residents says calls to the local councillor and member of Parliament have gone unanswered, adding to their frustration.
“We have to rely on a nearby standpipe and carry water by hand to provide for our families.
“When water does come through the pipes, it’s brown,” another resident shared.
Residents say children in the community have fallen ill from drinking the contaminated water and developed sores from bathing with it.
When Newsday contacted WASA on June 25, representatives responded saying they were previously unaware of the leaks but promised to address the issue.
Deonanan, Josette N. Beetham residents protest water crisis, ammonia stench. 26th June, 2024. Newsday.
No one should have to live like that. Ever. And, when the inevitable happens, we’ll whine about it as if these people haven’t been unfathomably patient. You can find out what I think about that here.
A Stopped Clock is Right (For the Wrong Reasons)
The Police Social Welfare Association (PSWA)’s president is not happy about the idea polygraphing the TTPS, but not for the right reasons.
He stressed that police officers are the primary entity responsible for investigating corruption and murders, and officers are not the main contributors to issues facing TT.
Dickson described the move as perplexing and said police are often singled-out when greater emphasis should be placed on criminals and equipping the TTPS with resources to find solutions to “the most significant problems in TT society.”
“Police officers are not the main contributors to the two main prevalent issues facing TT – corruption and murders. It is strange that every time, the police are singled out as a soft target, to bring about remedying what are the greatest issues in TT.”
Bartlett, Joey. Police Service union considering legal options…Polygraph tests may infringe rights. 26th June, 2024. Newsday.
You only have to scroll up a bit to see that the problem isn’t the focus on the TTPS. It’s the tool and here’s where the stopped clock gets to be right:
Dickson, who throughout his voice notes referred to polygraph tests as a pseudo-science, questioned the accuracy of such a test and called for other professionals including politicians, magistrates, judges and doctors, to also be tested.
He said if it was “genuinely accurate,” it would be used more often and play a greater role in determining someone’s guilt or innocence.
Dickson believes the focus should be on addressing the root causes of crime and corruption rather than implementing “symptomatic responses.”
He called for more collaboration with those who have a “genuine desire to change the current trajectory of crime and criminality.”
Bartlett, Joey. Police Service union considering legal options…Polygraph tests may infringe rights. 26th June, 2024. Newsday.
Polygraphs are notoriously controversial and not legally admissible in T&T anyway, so what precisely is the point of the testing? If we’re going forward with it anyway, I totally support his call to slap a little lie detector on government officials as well. Maybe we can finally get some long-overdue answers…
Opposition Leader is Very Concerned about Corruption Charges… Sometimes
While I, too, would like to know why our government isn’t doing a little Google search before meeting with folks they don’t know, I feel like perhaps our Opposition Leader should sit this one out.
On Monday night, Persad-Bissessar showed a release from the Ministry of Energy’s website which indicated that Energy Minister Stuart Young had met with Jindal on March 27, 2023.
She noted the caption which stated that Young, along with deputy permanent secretary Karinsa Tulsie, had received an introductory courtesy call from Jindal at the ministry’s office at the International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain.
“Over 15 months ago and you now come to tell me that you didn’t know this man on corruption charges? You had a whole year and more to do due diligence, you bring this man in the (Diplomatic) Centre to make a pappyshow and a fool of yourself! And embarrassing Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.
Ramdass, Anna. Kamla and PM row over Jindal: Indian billionaire eyes refinery. 26th June, 2024. Express.
Yes, I want to know how our government intends to proceed now that they know about homie’s corruption charges, but Ma’am. That proverb about how those living in glass houses should refrain from throwing stones? It was written for thee.
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