Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Corruption or carelessness?
So hot hot story is the issue with the PS of Agriculture and his company that sells goods to his own Ministry for exorbitant prices. I watching it on news right now.
It is high time that a rule be put in place in relation to matters like this -
Whether or not Allan Alexander really upped the price for items sold to his own Ministry is not even the key issue - why is it even possible for any person (high level or low level) in the Public Service to create a business enterprise/company that makes its profit from the Public Service itself?
What happened to transparency? What happened to plain honesty?
Why is this an occurrence, oftentimes leading to corruptible circumstances on a repeat performance on the national landscape? In and of itself, is there not an obvious conflic of interest?
Like the allegation that Glen Beache has set up a marketing company to do all the business for the Tourism Authority? Or that Dr. Rudy Matthias incorporated a company that made huge real estate deals with the IADC?
I am not against a legitimate transaction between a business/company in which a public official has an interest and a government ministry/department. But it should be done in a transparent manner, where independent assessment is undertaken to ensure that there has not been an exploitation of authority and that the deal is indeed a beneficial one for the government.
But this is what I am not certain about - do any of our leaders see this as being a fault in the government system or are they merely content to ensure that the purses are not bursting but just filled to capacity?
It is high time that a rule be put in place in relation to matters like this -
Whether or not Allan Alexander really upped the price for items sold to his own Ministry is not even the key issue - why is it even possible for any person (high level or low level) in the Public Service to create a business enterprise/company that makes its profit from the Public Service itself?
What happened to transparency? What happened to plain honesty?
Why is this an occurrence, oftentimes leading to corruptible circumstances on a repeat performance on the national landscape? In and of itself, is there not an obvious conflic of interest?
Like the allegation that Glen Beache has set up a marketing company to do all the business for the Tourism Authority? Or that Dr. Rudy Matthias incorporated a company that made huge real estate deals with the IADC?
I am not against a legitimate transaction between a business/company in which a public official has an interest and a government ministry/department. But it should be done in a transparent manner, where independent assessment is undertaken to ensure that there has not been an exploitation of authority and that the deal is indeed a beneficial one for the government.
But this is what I am not certain about - do any of our leaders see this as being a fault in the government system or are they merely content to ensure that the purses are not bursting but just filled to capacity?
Monday, December 6, 2010
This is what it boils down to?
The battle faced by ethnic and gender minorities within the last century so as to gain access to the ballot box is nothing short of historic yet it seems that little regard is given to the prize - the democratic right to vote in a general election.
The exercise of my vote has been reduced to the following:
(1) Misrepresentation by the ULP on their project achievements by omitting the fact that mu ch of the funding came from the negotiating work of the NDP (e.g. the Ottley Hall debt relief or the EU funding for many of the new schools within the last 10 years.)
(2) The absence of a future planning outline by the NDP, despite their clarion calls for reinstatement.
(3) The ad by Eloise Gonsalves, in which the same amount of expression that is used to state how much she loved her husband was also seen when she stated how disgusted she was by the NDP's vicious lies against dear Ralph not to mention the eyes following the blown-up script behind the camera. (Hope she cut a cheque for that).
(4) A Green Party representative for East St. George, who could not remember the name of her constituency.
(5) The I-hate-Ralph Gonsalves tirade - there is a limit as to how far negative energy will propel you.
(6) The laptop per school child fallacy - the only way I can describe the selling of the idea that laptops brought in for primary students would also be suitable for tertiary level students. (By the way - do we have 2000 children in the school system or am I that clueless?)
(7) The uncertainty as to whether Arnhim is always tired or he genuinely believes that his consistently depressed tone of voice does any good for his campaign.
(8) The personal belief that the ULP mounting/painting/staining/plastering etc of their party colours was done in a way to ensure no/little space to the NDP (or maybe conveniently rejected planning permission).
(9) The throwing around of legality in a seemingly concerted effort to continue ruining the public perception of law and justice in the country.
(10) The NDP ads that encourage us to "accept their (the ULP) bribes but vote them out". What the hell happened to the Representation of the People's Act and the criminal offences?
(11) SVG TV and their blatant bias in favour of the ULP regarding campaign coverage.
(12) The stories of alleged illegal voter registration and the apparent need to mount independent vigils at polling stations on election day to ensure fairness.
(13) The new roads that are being excavated in my neighbourhood - which will not be complete by December 13th 2010 but are being vigourously pursued despite existing roads being in a terrible state.
(14) The obsession with dialect in the campaigns - that is supposed to appeal to who exactly - the uneducated, ignorant, unwashed footed masses who understand nothing but bad english?
(15) The easy entry of ULP candidates into the primary school system, whipping them into childish frenzy chanting "Labour now" or playing tennis with Luke Browne.
(16) The soft openings throughout the nation of projects that happen to be completed in time for elections. Has it been over a year and I ain't reach in the new Library yet?
(17) The obvious lack of proper campaign management of the NDP - which could be their demise.
(18) The fact that a few selected individuals are going to have a financially rich Christmas, regardless how the vote turns out - I can think of a comedian and a cartoonist, what about you?
(19) The possible reality that the ULP has used their power to refuse permission for the NDP to use any Kingstown venues (but yet was able to suddenly relocate their manifesto launch to the Victoria Park after the rain turned Argyle into a slushy mess.)
(20) The lack of investigative, analytical reporting by the media leaving the comparative work to the social commentators.
(21) NDP's criticism of the padded electoral list - despite their failure over 17 years to put a system in place to avoid this.
(22) The vehemence of a particular party and their supporters and despite the media coverage, it is not the NDP.
(23) Anthony Astaphan. I will say no more.
This is what our X, our stained finger (ruining manicures nationwide), our right to vote has been reduced to.
The exercise of my vote has been reduced to the following:
(1) Misrepresentation by the ULP on their project achievements by omitting the fact that mu ch of the funding came from the negotiating work of the NDP (e.g. the Ottley Hall debt relief or the EU funding for many of the new schools within the last 10 years.)
(2) The absence of a future planning outline by the NDP, despite their clarion calls for reinstatement.
(3) The ad by Eloise Gonsalves, in which the same amount of expression that is used to state how much she loved her husband was also seen when she stated how disgusted she was by the NDP's vicious lies against dear Ralph not to mention the eyes following the blown-up script behind the camera. (Hope she cut a cheque for that).
(4) A Green Party representative for East St. George, who could not remember the name of her constituency.
(5) The I-hate-Ralph Gonsalves tirade - there is a limit as to how far negative energy will propel you.
(6) The laptop per school child fallacy - the only way I can describe the selling of the idea that laptops brought in for primary students would also be suitable for tertiary level students. (By the way - do we have 2000 children in the school system or am I that clueless?)
(7) The uncertainty as to whether Arnhim is always tired or he genuinely believes that his consistently depressed tone of voice does any good for his campaign.
(8) The personal belief that the ULP mounting/painting/staining/plastering etc of their party colours was done in a way to ensure no/little space to the NDP (or maybe conveniently rejected planning permission).
(9) The throwing around of legality in a seemingly concerted effort to continue ruining the public perception of law and justice in the country.
(10) The NDP ads that encourage us to "accept their (the ULP) bribes but vote them out". What the hell happened to the Representation of the People's Act and the criminal offences?
(11) SVG TV and their blatant bias in favour of the ULP regarding campaign coverage.
(12) The stories of alleged illegal voter registration and the apparent need to mount independent vigils at polling stations on election day to ensure fairness.
(13) The new roads that are being excavated in my neighbourhood - which will not be complete by December 13th 2010 but are being vigourously pursued despite existing roads being in a terrible state.
(14) The obsession with dialect in the campaigns - that is supposed to appeal to who exactly - the uneducated, ignorant, unwashed footed masses who understand nothing but bad english?
(15) The easy entry of ULP candidates into the primary school system, whipping them into childish frenzy chanting "Labour now" or playing tennis with Luke Browne.
(16) The soft openings throughout the nation of projects that happen to be completed in time for elections. Has it been over a year and I ain't reach in the new Library yet?
(17) The obvious lack of proper campaign management of the NDP - which could be their demise.
(18) The fact that a few selected individuals are going to have a financially rich Christmas, regardless how the vote turns out - I can think of a comedian and a cartoonist, what about you?
(19) The possible reality that the ULP has used their power to refuse permission for the NDP to use any Kingstown venues (but yet was able to suddenly relocate their manifesto launch to the Victoria Park after the rain turned Argyle into a slushy mess.)
(20) The lack of investigative, analytical reporting by the media leaving the comparative work to the social commentators.
(21) NDP's criticism of the padded electoral list - despite their failure over 17 years to put a system in place to avoid this.
(22) The vehemence of a particular party and their supporters and despite the media coverage, it is not the NDP.
(23) Anthony Astaphan. I will say no more.
This is what our X, our stained finger (ruining manicures nationwide), our right to vote has been reduced to.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Are you genuinely willing?
We voting, Abeni says it well enough for all of us in our lil blogging community.
But allow me to tackle an issue that existed as a "wonder if" thought frame prior to Sunday night which has now been transformed into a current reality. Last year, our PM marched up and down the country's byways and highways asking for a yes vote in support of the Constitution Bill 2009. One of the major features of the Bill that he pushed was the lessening of the powers of the PM (I am not entering into a debate as to the substance of those provisions) but I must make reference to the power of the PM to call elections at anytime, during the constitutional tenure of that governing party.
Dr. Gonsalves once said (if memory serves me correct) and I agree, that any politician worth his weight should function in a state of readiness for several months prior to the constitutionally due date. But he insisted that he believed that this ability to call elections at the whim and fancy of any PM to be excessive - Vincentians were pleaded with to lessen that power (was there a feeling that his leadership was not dependent on such 'mere' tactical moves?)
About a week or so ago, the PM sat in a press conference and declared that he offered up this power as one of the elements of the 2009 Bill, but "they said no" - insisting that he had already set the date for the elections but it was not time for it to be revealed.
Was this a realigning or re-embracing of this limbo environment - where everyone sits in poised anticipation, alert to every hint, suggestion, breach of confidentiality or slip of the tongue (or wrongly inserted date LOL)? Or was this simply a statement of how 'insignificant' that provision was to him?
So there we have it - less than a month in which full-fledged campaigns can take place - sweeping the nation in red and yellow, with hints of green - overwhelming us with their voices that shall surely be louder because the time is shorter.
So I must ask and I wish I could get an answer - Was the Honourable Prime Minister ever serious about limiting that power and effectively setting a constitutional date as to when elections would be held? Was he genuinely willing to relinquish it?
It would seem to me that if he was indeed desirous about limiting that power, he would not await the inclusion of such provisions in a Constitutional Bill - but would rather conduct himself in a manner that would imbue the 'spirit' of that limitation that he purported to 'desire' last year, around this exact time. But maybe that desire was for a season - one that has faded away - one that the majority of Vincentians said no to - one that has only a similarity in calender dates.
Even though, strategy-wise calling quickie elections makes sense, I hoped the exercise of our civic duties, would meet us at a more settled state as a nation rather than having such pertinent issues pending - like the NCB sale, the Argyle airport, or even a return to some semblance of normalcy for the persons displaced by Hurricane Tomas. (I am sure you can add to the list ) Is this my treasured naivete speaking or am I realistic in wishing that our PM acted in a more statesmanlike manner by adopting one of last year's highlights?
But here is my hope, my epiphany:
But allow me to tackle an issue that existed as a "wonder if" thought frame prior to Sunday night which has now been transformed into a current reality. Last year, our PM marched up and down the country's byways and highways asking for a yes vote in support of the Constitution Bill 2009. One of the major features of the Bill that he pushed was the lessening of the powers of the PM (I am not entering into a debate as to the substance of those provisions) but I must make reference to the power of the PM to call elections at anytime, during the constitutional tenure of that governing party.
Dr. Gonsalves once said (if memory serves me correct) and I agree, that any politician worth his weight should function in a state of readiness for several months prior to the constitutionally due date. But he insisted that he believed that this ability to call elections at the whim and fancy of any PM to be excessive - Vincentians were pleaded with to lessen that power (was there a feeling that his leadership was not dependent on such 'mere' tactical moves?)
About a week or so ago, the PM sat in a press conference and declared that he offered up this power as one of the elements of the 2009 Bill, but "they said no" - insisting that he had already set the date for the elections but it was not time for it to be revealed.
Was this a realigning or re-embracing of this limbo environment - where everyone sits in poised anticipation, alert to every hint, suggestion, breach of confidentiality or slip of the tongue (or wrongly inserted date LOL)? Or was this simply a statement of how 'insignificant' that provision was to him?
So there we have it - less than a month in which full-fledged campaigns can take place - sweeping the nation in red and yellow, with hints of green - overwhelming us with their voices that shall surely be louder because the time is shorter.
So I must ask and I wish I could get an answer - Was the Honourable Prime Minister ever serious about limiting that power and effectively setting a constitutional date as to when elections would be held? Was he genuinely willing to relinquish it?
It would seem to me that if he was indeed desirous about limiting that power, he would not await the inclusion of such provisions in a Constitutional Bill - but would rather conduct himself in a manner that would imbue the 'spirit' of that limitation that he purported to 'desire' last year, around this exact time. But maybe that desire was for a season - one that has faded away - one that the majority of Vincentians said no to - one that has only a similarity in calender dates.
Even though, strategy-wise calling quickie elections makes sense, I hoped the exercise of our civic duties, would meet us at a more settled state as a nation rather than having such pertinent issues pending - like the NCB sale, the Argyle airport, or even a return to some semblance of normalcy for the persons displaced by Hurricane Tomas. (I am sure you can add to the list ) Is this my treasured naivete speaking or am I realistic in wishing that our PM acted in a more statesmanlike manner by adopting one of last year's highlights?
But here is my hope, my epiphany:
We have been hearing, listening, learning and analyzing for the last couple years -
we have become aware of many things, essential, trivial and in-between, seeing the change in our nation, our leaders and ourselves -
may we take these lessons, remain firm in our stand to better beautiful Uromai, make the decision that is reasonable in our own minds and prepare to embark on a continuation of our independence journey, while respecting each other.
ARE YOU GENUINELY WILLING?
may we take these lessons, remain firm in our stand to better beautiful Uromai, make the decision that is reasonable in our own minds and prepare to embark on a continuation of our independence journey, while respecting each other.
ARE YOU GENUINELY WILLING?
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dream on
I am a couple years away from 30 and I have found myself settling into a routine that is comfortable but pulsing in my sub-conscious (with occasional thrusts forward) is that desire for thrill -because like many persons, my life is spent doing what I love but sometimes don't like.
I recently created a list in my mind of the things I want to do - maybe perfect them or just try once. Some are feasible, while others border on shaky ground. Most are possible and a couple may cause a questioning of my sanity.
So rather than wait until I am approaching 60 and creating a bucket list of regrets, I thought I would dub this "the list of the evolving me".
1. Bungee jumping.
2. Learn how to play the classical violin/cello/piano.
3. Write a novel.
4. Play mas in Brazilian Carnival, with just body paint.
5. Backpack through Europe.
6. Ride a Harley-Davidson across the US.
7. Meet Oprah Winfrey.
8. Go to the Amirita Spa in Canouan and soak in a hot tub - facing only the ocean.
9. Eat sushi in Toyko - low couches, sake, chopsticks, wasabi, soy sauce all of it.
10. Visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
11. Live in Greece for an entire year ((preferably while doing 3).
12. Own a wardrobe of Michael Kors clothing only.
13. Dive on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
14. Surf in Chile (but I have to learn how first).
15. Host a social commentary interactive programme in SVG.
16. Visit every jazz festival in the Caribbean.
17. Create a regional organ donor programme.
18. Reach a place of spiritual fulfillment.
19. Design and own my dream home.
20. Host bi-monthly dinner parties for friends and family.
21. Have a mural wall by my fave Vincy artist, of course in the dream home.
22. Own and manage my consultancy firm.
23. Retire before 50.
24. Learn to belly dance.
25. Experience genuine, intimate love with a beautiful man - however brief or long.
I know I am missing some stuff but this is my way of reminding myself and hopefully you to continue dreaming - never fails to be a fun experience.
I recently created a list in my mind of the things I want to do - maybe perfect them or just try once. Some are feasible, while others border on shaky ground. Most are possible and a couple may cause a questioning of my sanity.
So rather than wait until I am approaching 60 and creating a bucket list of regrets, I thought I would dub this "the list of the evolving me".
1. Bungee jumping.
2. Learn how to play the classical violin/cello/piano.
3. Write a novel.
4. Play mas in Brazilian Carnival, with just body paint.
5. Backpack through Europe.
6. Ride a Harley-Davidson across the US.
7. Meet Oprah Winfrey.
8. Go to the Amirita Spa in Canouan and soak in a hot tub - facing only the ocean.
9. Eat sushi in Toyko - low couches, sake, chopsticks, wasabi, soy sauce all of it.
10. Visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
11. Live in Greece for an entire year ((preferably while doing 3).
12. Own a wardrobe of Michael Kors clothing only.
13. Dive on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
14. Surf in Chile (but I have to learn how first).
15. Host a social commentary interactive programme in SVG.
16. Visit every jazz festival in the Caribbean.
17. Create a regional organ donor programme.
18. Reach a place of spiritual fulfillment.
19. Design and own my dream home.
20. Host bi-monthly dinner parties for friends and family.
21. Have a mural wall by my fave Vincy artist, of course in the dream home.
22. Own and manage my consultancy firm.
23. Retire before 50.
24. Learn to belly dance.
25. Experience genuine, intimate love with a beautiful man - however brief or long.
I know I am missing some stuff but this is my way of reminding myself and hopefully you to continue dreaming - never fails to be a fun experience.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I received a message from a colleague of mine, asking for a boycott of Trinidadian products since the PM of Trinidad and Tobago has stated that any assistance offered to CARICOM must involve benefits to Trinis. I would honestly say that I am not surprised. Persaud-Bissesar is the product of circumstance rather than experienced merit.
So before I began a Kingstown Tea Party, I had check out the media coverage of the comment - first to ensure that it was even made and second to comprehend the context in which it was made.
[check out the Trinidadian Express and the Guardian newspapers].
So, she made the statement. But Rowley, the Opposition Leader is faulty for refusing to participate in discussions relating to determining what aid should be given to CARICOM. The basis of his refusal is that the condition attached to the yet-to-be determined aid is "backward", "colonial" and basically an attempt to thwart any relationship favoured by his party - formerly led by Patrick Manning.
I was saddened by her words - the second such statement by her within recent times but I am in two minds or should I say seeing both sides of the coin.
The reality is any diplomatic offering, whether it be humanitarian aid, regional investment or otherwise always comes with strings attached, whether it comes from a developed country or developing nation. Maybe Kamala has simply not realised that such declarations are better not made in the public forum, limited only to confidential discourse among regional peers. After all her rise to leadership involved a battle within her own party and nation, the lack of interaction among CARICOM leaders now showing face.
The other aspect of this is the callousness of the statement. How dare she rank the desire to ensure the benefit of her nationals in the same category of the families, villages and communities that have been ravaged by Tomas? Has she seen or was she even cognizant of the dire needs not trivial wants of St. Lucia, Barbados and our very own Hairouna? I spoke to a close Trinidadian friend of mine and she had seen pictures that I had not even seen of my own country and that was on Monday.
As I sit here, uncertain if my internet connection would even allow this to be posted, our own PM must be applauded for his response to the comments - stating that he does not respond to comments made by PMs that are communicated to him via the media. I wish we could see that level of reasonable logic from him and others on a consistent basis.
I wonder what were the conditions that Haiti (earthquake 2010), Grenada (Ivan 2005), or South-east Asia(tsunami 2004) had to agree to so as to ensure that food, water, tents, medical aid, and clothing could be received. Indonesia is currently experiencing a volcanic eruptions - what will they have to promise to get masks to prevent inhalation of ash and smoke?
I am tempted to blog on the possible effects of this Hurricane on the political landscape but I shall refrain while I pray and do my best to bring our nation back on its feet.
So before I began a Kingstown Tea Party, I had check out the media coverage of the comment - first to ensure that it was even made and second to comprehend the context in which it was made.
[check out the Trinidadian Express and the Guardian newspapers].
So, she made the statement. But Rowley, the Opposition Leader is faulty for refusing to participate in discussions relating to determining what aid should be given to CARICOM. The basis of his refusal is that the condition attached to the yet-to-be determined aid is "backward", "colonial" and basically an attempt to thwart any relationship favoured by his party - formerly led by Patrick Manning.
I was saddened by her words - the second such statement by her within recent times but I am in two minds or should I say seeing both sides of the coin.
The reality is any diplomatic offering, whether it be humanitarian aid, regional investment or otherwise always comes with strings attached, whether it comes from a developed country or developing nation. Maybe Kamala has simply not realised that such declarations are better not made in the public forum, limited only to confidential discourse among regional peers. After all her rise to leadership involved a battle within her own party and nation, the lack of interaction among CARICOM leaders now showing face.
The other aspect of this is the callousness of the statement. How dare she rank the desire to ensure the benefit of her nationals in the same category of the families, villages and communities that have been ravaged by Tomas? Has she seen or was she even cognizant of the dire needs not trivial wants of St. Lucia, Barbados and our very own Hairouna? I spoke to a close Trinidadian friend of mine and she had seen pictures that I had not even seen of my own country and that was on Monday.
As I sit here, uncertain if my internet connection would even allow this to be posted, our own PM must be applauded for his response to the comments - stating that he does not respond to comments made by PMs that are communicated to him via the media. I wish we could see that level of reasonable logic from him and others on a consistent basis.
I wonder what were the conditions that Haiti (earthquake 2010), Grenada (Ivan 2005), or South-east Asia(tsunami 2004) had to agree to so as to ensure that food, water, tents, medical aid, and clothing could be received. Indonesia is currently experiencing a volcanic eruptions - what will they have to promise to get masks to prevent inhalation of ash and smoke?
I am tempted to blog on the possible effects of this Hurricane on the political landscape but I shall refrain while I pray and do my best to bring our nation back on its feet.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
March 20th 2010 - read it
March 20th, 2010 I wrote a blog about the whole Anesia Baptiste position - I just discovered the last comment - read it. It completely justifies my perspective on these people. Religious fervour at its best and hilarious too. Apparently, I will fail and fall and all other horrible things for speaking out against the prophecies that Anesia will become the first female PM.
Maybe I should be worried because I am not certain as to how far their passion will carry them but I am cracking up in my porch. These people are outrageous - if you are going to battle me with words - come good baby. I got a dictionary and an appreciation for Shakespeare. I got a sermon - all that was missing was the Scripture but of course there is no Biblical foundation for their energy apart from carefully selected verses and their ordained interpretation thereof.
By the way for the Thusians reading this, I respect that you have a firm belief in God but I do not appreciate your disdain for other beliefs. I may not be the holiest person out there and God knows I fall short many a time but I do believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so say what you have to say - Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon formed against me shall prosper" despite my non-traditional ways of self-expression.
This bitch is out....Peace and freedom y'll.
Maybe I should be worried because I am not certain as to how far their passion will carry them but I am cracking up in my porch. These people are outrageous - if you are going to battle me with words - come good baby. I got a dictionary and an appreciation for Shakespeare. I got a sermon - all that was missing was the Scripture but of course there is no Biblical foundation for their energy apart from carefully selected verses and their ordained interpretation thereof.
By the way for the Thusians reading this, I respect that you have a firm belief in God but I do not appreciate your disdain for other beliefs. I may not be the holiest person out there and God knows I fall short many a time but I do believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so say what you have to say - Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon formed against me shall prosper" despite my non-traditional ways of self-expression.
This bitch is out....Peace and freedom y'll.
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