Double Trouble
10-24-2007, 03:29 PM
Manning will also have you believe that he has never passed foul smelling gas in his life. Our "beloved" PM is always quoting from the bible, giving the impression that he is as clean as a whistle and pure as driven snow. Maybe his agents on this forum could comment on this little gem that I dug up.
In The Firing Line
http://www.tntmirror.com/friday/2005/nov18/column03.htm
More PNM corruption
By A. Anderson Morris email: postmaster@prs.gq.nu
“POLITICAL elites and their cronies continue to take kickbacks at every opportunity.
“Hand in glove with corrupt business people, they are trapping whole nations in poverty and hampering sustainable development.
“Corruption is perceived to be dangerously high in poor parts of the world, but also in many countries whose firms invest in developing nations,” said Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International, speaking at the launch of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2002.
Last week, we explored the levels of corruption that took place under the People’s National Movement (PNM) in the pre 1986 years.
Even some of my PNM friends thought it was an accurate portrayal of what actually took place.
They admitted to the corruption, but claimed that it existed in all governments.
Whilst this may be true, we have to look at the extent to which it does exist, and bring pressure upon the authorities to limit such nefarious activities.
The evidence suggests that the current Manning Administration is the most corrupt government ever to manage the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.
FRANKLIN KHAN.
DHANSAM DANSOOK.
ERIC WILLIAMS.
In the previous article, we explored corrupt activities that took place in the energy sector, Public Transport Service (PTSC), National Housing Authority (NHA) and several other areas of government activity.
Today, we move forward.
During the Manning administration of 1991 to 1995, we witnessed the questionable signing of the agreement with Severn Trent, mere days before the general election, to manage the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).
We also had the sale of BWIA to the Acker Group and managing control given to Edward Acker, a manager with the failed Pan American Airline.
He left Trinidad in early 1996 without explanation.
Then, we had a gym and new kitchen installed at the prime minister’s residence estimated at more than $600,000 (a substantial sum at that time).Yet these incidents seem quite petty considering what is taking place in the corridors of power these days.
According to Transparency International, Trinidad and Tobago’s ranking in the Corruption Perception Index has taken a drastic nosedive under this Manning Administration. In 2002, this country ranked 33rd in the CPI and scored 4.9 out of 10 -- 10 being evidence of very little corruption.
In 2003, Trinidad and Tobago dropped to 43rd after scoring 4.6; in 2004, further declining to 51st and a score of 4.2; and in 2005, this country now ranks 59th with a score of 3.8.
Morality and decency in public life has taken a nosedive under this administration, much like the nosedive (approximately 3,200 ft) Prime Minister Manning experienced on a Coast Guard plane whilst returning to Trinidad from Barbados on January 8, 2005.
The prime minister was reported to have said that he “prayed for the lives of all those on board”. Perhaps he needs to pray for some moral and spiritual values for his ministers, too.
Corruption is defined by Transparency International as the abuse of public office for private gain.
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is a poll of polls reflecting the perceptions of business people and country analysts both resident and none resident.
The 2005 Index draws upon 18 surveys provided to Transparency International between 2002 and 2004 by 12 independent institutions.
So let me show you instances of why Trinidad and Tobago is viewed as being more corrupted now.
After all the campaign about corruption under the United National Congress (UNC), the PNM has made them look like small timers. Petty corruption includes the obscene amounts of money spent on foreign travel by government ministers and officials and in one instance, the husband of a government minister being employed at a Statutory Authority in a senior position for which many say he is not qualified to hold.
The URP ghost gangs have been a major cause in the upsurge of crime throughout Trinidad with the criminal elements and so-called community leaders using this money to supply gangs with guns and drugs.
No significant explanation was given for the million dollars in cash found at the Ministry of Local Government in Kent House, Maraval as was reported in the TnT Mirror on April 29, 2005.
I wonder how it was divided up.
Even considered small is the impending construction of “Manning’s Palace” for a whopping $40 million.
The millions of dollars that was pumped into Community Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) is also a major form of corruption based on the fact that the companies being awarded contracts were only recently formed and have no experience in providing the services for which they were contracted to do.
Also noteworthy is the fact that a major stipulation for the awarding of a contract was that you were a member of the ruling party, a claim made by many, who have themselves tendered for contracts.
Let’s get to the more questionable transactions. Last year, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago incurred $110 million in debt.
Yet, it was still able to lease fast ferries and the Sophia for approximately US$20,000 per day.
Why didn’t they just buy the thing in the first place?
After attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on December 5-8, 2003, Prime Minister Manning went to Europe to hold “discussions” rather than negotiations with energy companies, Repsol and British Gas.
Both companies paid for Manning’s use of a private jet, a point which was initially denied by Repsol’s General Manager Pedro Vaticon.
It was interesting to note that the Energy Minister was not present for these discussions, this in light of the fact that Repsol had at that time tendered bids in an attempt to secure contracts from government for the exploration of offshore blocks for the hydrocarbon resources of Trinidad and Tobago.
What other gifts did the prime minister accept that we don’t know about?
Government’s monthly bill for rental of properties throughout the country runs into the millions.
If an examination were done of who owns these buildings that government rents, one would realise that it makes for interesting reading.
Corruption doesn’t only involve money.
It can be construed as corrupt when the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) chairman, Louis Lee Sing, of Citadel (i95.5FM) and a known supporter of the ruling party can be granted a license to operate a radio frequency in a matter of weeks and before the Maha Sabha, even though the latter’s application was submitted long before.
What is even more striking is the fact that the son of the Health Minister has entered the pharmacy business.
Isn’t it curious that out of all the business that he could have gone into that he chose this particular field?
I wonder what would have happened if is father was at the Agriculture Ministry?
It should be noted that Joseph Rahael, son of the Health Minister John Rahael has been listed as a Director and Secretary of Endeavour Holdings Limited of No. 1 El Socorro Extension Road, San Juan, with the other director listed as John Aboud.
Shareholders of the company are listed as Broadway Properties Limited and Amalgamated Security Services Limited, with the Incorporator listed as Christian Mouttet, who was recently fired as chairman at Telecomunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).
On May 7, 2004, 2 Kairi Road Limited was registered with the Incorporator listed as Endeavour Holdings Limited Liability Company by Joseph Rahael.
The directors of this company were listed as Anthony and Joseph Rahael and Michael and John Aboud (Company No. T-4168 (95)).
This company then bought a piece of land on Kairi Road, Valsayn from Mohammed and Saffina Salim, which is soon to be the site of a Super Pharm outlet.
How interesting!
I am not saying that this is corruption, but isn’t it a little curious to you? It’s already a mess heading into Valsayn South.
I would like to see how they would cope with the traffic congestion …
The Integrity Commission let off Housing Minister Keith Rowley lightly, but I couldn’t help notice how he was abandoned in his hour of need by the other members of the government in relation to an inquiry into the controversial removel of material from the Scarborough Hospital project the private Landate development site in Tobago, owned by the Rowley and his wife, Sharon.
The most celebrated corruption case is the one involving local government councillor Dhansam Dansook alleging that he paid bribes to both Energy Minister Eric Williams and Works and Transport Minister Franklin Khan.
Khan resigned on May 8, 2005 after these allegations surfaced in Parliament, but given the way things are done in Trinidad, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is also swept under the carpet.
This government stinks from corruption and the whole world knows it.
This is also why, with all the money floating around, people are still suffering in Trinidad and Tobago.A few people, under the guise of service, rob the Treasury blindly, and we the taxpayers are left to pay for their extravagant lifestyles.
God and the people will not be kind to these plunderers of the peoples’ purse.
One word of caution to them: Every dog has his day and it wouldn’t last for ever
__________________________________________________ _________________________________
In The Firing Line
http://www.tntmirror.com/friday/2005/nov18/column03.htm
More PNM corruption
By A. Anderson Morris email: postmaster@prs.gq.nu
“POLITICAL elites and their cronies continue to take kickbacks at every opportunity.
“Hand in glove with corrupt business people, they are trapping whole nations in poverty and hampering sustainable development.
“Corruption is perceived to be dangerously high in poor parts of the world, but also in many countries whose firms invest in developing nations,” said Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International, speaking at the launch of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2002.
Last week, we explored the levels of corruption that took place under the People’s National Movement (PNM) in the pre 1986 years.
Even some of my PNM friends thought it was an accurate portrayal of what actually took place.
They admitted to the corruption, but claimed that it existed in all governments.
Whilst this may be true, we have to look at the extent to which it does exist, and bring pressure upon the authorities to limit such nefarious activities.
The evidence suggests that the current Manning Administration is the most corrupt government ever to manage the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.
FRANKLIN KHAN.
DHANSAM DANSOOK.
ERIC WILLIAMS.
In the previous article, we explored corrupt activities that took place in the energy sector, Public Transport Service (PTSC), National Housing Authority (NHA) and several other areas of government activity.
Today, we move forward.
During the Manning administration of 1991 to 1995, we witnessed the questionable signing of the agreement with Severn Trent, mere days before the general election, to manage the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).
We also had the sale of BWIA to the Acker Group and managing control given to Edward Acker, a manager with the failed Pan American Airline.
He left Trinidad in early 1996 without explanation.
Then, we had a gym and new kitchen installed at the prime minister’s residence estimated at more than $600,000 (a substantial sum at that time).Yet these incidents seem quite petty considering what is taking place in the corridors of power these days.
According to Transparency International, Trinidad and Tobago’s ranking in the Corruption Perception Index has taken a drastic nosedive under this Manning Administration. In 2002, this country ranked 33rd in the CPI and scored 4.9 out of 10 -- 10 being evidence of very little corruption.
In 2003, Trinidad and Tobago dropped to 43rd after scoring 4.6; in 2004, further declining to 51st and a score of 4.2; and in 2005, this country now ranks 59th with a score of 3.8.
Morality and decency in public life has taken a nosedive under this administration, much like the nosedive (approximately 3,200 ft) Prime Minister Manning experienced on a Coast Guard plane whilst returning to Trinidad from Barbados on January 8, 2005.
The prime minister was reported to have said that he “prayed for the lives of all those on board”. Perhaps he needs to pray for some moral and spiritual values for his ministers, too.
Corruption is defined by Transparency International as the abuse of public office for private gain.
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is a poll of polls reflecting the perceptions of business people and country analysts both resident and none resident.
The 2005 Index draws upon 18 surveys provided to Transparency International between 2002 and 2004 by 12 independent institutions.
So let me show you instances of why Trinidad and Tobago is viewed as being more corrupted now.
After all the campaign about corruption under the United National Congress (UNC), the PNM has made them look like small timers. Petty corruption includes the obscene amounts of money spent on foreign travel by government ministers and officials and in one instance, the husband of a government minister being employed at a Statutory Authority in a senior position for which many say he is not qualified to hold.
The URP ghost gangs have been a major cause in the upsurge of crime throughout Trinidad with the criminal elements and so-called community leaders using this money to supply gangs with guns and drugs.
No significant explanation was given for the million dollars in cash found at the Ministry of Local Government in Kent House, Maraval as was reported in the TnT Mirror on April 29, 2005.
I wonder how it was divided up.
Even considered small is the impending construction of “Manning’s Palace” for a whopping $40 million.
The millions of dollars that was pumped into Community Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) is also a major form of corruption based on the fact that the companies being awarded contracts were only recently formed and have no experience in providing the services for which they were contracted to do.
Also noteworthy is the fact that a major stipulation for the awarding of a contract was that you were a member of the ruling party, a claim made by many, who have themselves tendered for contracts.
Let’s get to the more questionable transactions. Last year, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago incurred $110 million in debt.
Yet, it was still able to lease fast ferries and the Sophia for approximately US$20,000 per day.
Why didn’t they just buy the thing in the first place?
After attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on December 5-8, 2003, Prime Minister Manning went to Europe to hold “discussions” rather than negotiations with energy companies, Repsol and British Gas.
Both companies paid for Manning’s use of a private jet, a point which was initially denied by Repsol’s General Manager Pedro Vaticon.
It was interesting to note that the Energy Minister was not present for these discussions, this in light of the fact that Repsol had at that time tendered bids in an attempt to secure contracts from government for the exploration of offshore blocks for the hydrocarbon resources of Trinidad and Tobago.
What other gifts did the prime minister accept that we don’t know about?
Government’s monthly bill for rental of properties throughout the country runs into the millions.
If an examination were done of who owns these buildings that government rents, one would realise that it makes for interesting reading.
Corruption doesn’t only involve money.
It can be construed as corrupt when the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) chairman, Louis Lee Sing, of Citadel (i95.5FM) and a known supporter of the ruling party can be granted a license to operate a radio frequency in a matter of weeks and before the Maha Sabha, even though the latter’s application was submitted long before.
What is even more striking is the fact that the son of the Health Minister has entered the pharmacy business.
Isn’t it curious that out of all the business that he could have gone into that he chose this particular field?
I wonder what would have happened if is father was at the Agriculture Ministry?
It should be noted that Joseph Rahael, son of the Health Minister John Rahael has been listed as a Director and Secretary of Endeavour Holdings Limited of No. 1 El Socorro Extension Road, San Juan, with the other director listed as John Aboud.
Shareholders of the company are listed as Broadway Properties Limited and Amalgamated Security Services Limited, with the Incorporator listed as Christian Mouttet, who was recently fired as chairman at Telecomunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).
On May 7, 2004, 2 Kairi Road Limited was registered with the Incorporator listed as Endeavour Holdings Limited Liability Company by Joseph Rahael.
The directors of this company were listed as Anthony and Joseph Rahael and Michael and John Aboud (Company No. T-4168 (95)).
This company then bought a piece of land on Kairi Road, Valsayn from Mohammed and Saffina Salim, which is soon to be the site of a Super Pharm outlet.
How interesting!
I am not saying that this is corruption, but isn’t it a little curious to you? It’s already a mess heading into Valsayn South.
I would like to see how they would cope with the traffic congestion …
The Integrity Commission let off Housing Minister Keith Rowley lightly, but I couldn’t help notice how he was abandoned in his hour of need by the other members of the government in relation to an inquiry into the controversial removel of material from the Scarborough Hospital project the private Landate development site in Tobago, owned by the Rowley and his wife, Sharon.
The most celebrated corruption case is the one involving local government councillor Dhansam Dansook alleging that he paid bribes to both Energy Minister Eric Williams and Works and Transport Minister Franklin Khan.
Khan resigned on May 8, 2005 after these allegations surfaced in Parliament, but given the way things are done in Trinidad, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is also swept under the carpet.
This government stinks from corruption and the whole world knows it.
This is also why, with all the money floating around, people are still suffering in Trinidad and Tobago.A few people, under the guise of service, rob the Treasury blindly, and we the taxpayers are left to pay for their extravagant lifestyles.
God and the people will not be kind to these plunderers of the peoples’ purse.
One word of caution to them: Every dog has his day and it wouldn’t last for ever
__________________________________________________ _________________________________