A Mother's Plea to the Electorate of Trinidad and Tobago

[Sumana]

Dear voter,


Please allow me a few minutes of your time.

My name is Nalini Suratsingh. I am a 29 year-old professional and a mother of a one year-old. It is as a mother that I am driven to write this email. Over the past six years I have observed the deteriorating state of this country and its democracy. I have been concerned, but now, as a mother, my concern is one hundred fold. Our country is in a crisis and this election will determine whether or not we will make a turnaround, it will determine the path that this country's future will take and more personally to me, what path my daughter's future will take.

This is why I write this email. I have been thinking about my daughter's future. Over the past few days I have been thinking about what the country would be like if the PNM retains power. I imagine my daughter one day asking me how come things are so bad. I imagine her asking me what did I do to fight the doom. I imagine telling her that I voted against the government, and I hear her ask " Was that all that you did Mummy?" So I am sending this email, as my stand against the doom.

I am not a party fanatic nor do I come from a family of party fanatics. In fact I am not a member of any political party. I consider myself to be reasonable, logical and unbiased in my decision as to which political party to support. In fact, my training as an accountant is to prepare objective information for decision-making.

It was after analysis and thought about the current state of this country, its history - political and otherwise that I decided to support the UNC Alliance. I now wish to share with with you some of the facts and issues that have lead to my decision and why I feel that the UNC A is the best and only solution for this country.



Performance

1.
The UNC was the only government that has strived to improve the standard of living of the people of Trinidad & Tobago. In 1995, under the PNM, old age pension was $356.15. Back then I worked as a teller in a bank, and every month my heart ached for those pensioners. Can you imagine that? How could a senior citizen buy food, medication and pay bills off such a meager amount of money? It was a UNC government that gave the elderly some dignity by raising not just the level of old age pension but also the NIS retirement benefit. Today, with the current level of inflation, the pension being paid is like the $356.15 paid 12 years ago. This is so sad - many of these people worked hard and contributed to the development of this country in one way or another. Yet the government, which can fritter away so much money says it cannot afford to raise the pensions. On the other hand, it is the UNC A that is promising to raise it to $3000 and reduce the pensionable age.
2.
As a teller, I was also astounded by the number of young people who would come to the bank and could barely fill out a withdrawal slip and sign their name. There are so many people who are barely literate because of the failure of the education system. There are many people that I know of who failed the Common Entrance Examination and were forced to stay home from the tender age of 12. It was the UNC that abolished that system which denied so many of our nation's children the opportunity to obtain a secondary education, by introducing the SEA examination and implementing a "NO child left behind policy." The UNC built both primary and secondary schools, locating many secondary schools in rural communities so that parents would not have to bear the burden of transportation. It was also the UNC government that that expanded the School Feeding Programme, ensuring that the under privileged children of this country obtained the relevant level of nutrition.
3.
The policy of the UNC government was to provide the much needed amenities and infrastructure to the citizens of the country,by striving to extend the water supply to every household, improving the electricity supply, repairing and building bridges and roads - this is what people needed to improve their standard of living. The high rise buildings currently being constructed in Port of Spain, Smelter plants and the many big projects will not improve the day-to-day standard of living of the people of this country. In fact, in most instances, they will make it worse.
4.
The UNC government embarked on a mission of health care reform, improving the facilities at many hospitals and health centers and building new facilities as well. Today, our health care system is in shambles. I had my daughter by C- Section at a private institution - it cost me $12,000. I sacrificed and paid it, because of the horror stories about Mt. Hope - stories not just from the news, but also from friends and relatives. Our heath care system is an absolute mess. My great grandfather died three years ago of renal failure. We couldn't afford dialysis. The PNM has promised dialysis centers, where are they? Instead, all I see are the numerous full-page advertisements of the Ministry of Health.
5.
I, like so many others, put myself through college to study Accounting. I got some relief when the UNC government recognised the burden of Tertiary Education and gave assistance by first implementing tax breaks for expenditure on Tertiary Education .They subsequently introduced the Dollar for Dollar Programme. Yes, the PNM introduced GATE, but that was just a development of the UNC initiative. Additionally, there are many problems associated with the GATE system, which are not being addressed.
6.
With the country in the state of crisis that it is in, we cannot take a gamble by voting for the COP and hoping for the best, we need proven, not potential performers.
7.
The list of reasons related to performance go on and on, but I'll stop here.



Leadership

I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Panday. A few days ago, I saw a letter to the editor in one of the daily newspapers which stated that Mr. Panday is not a good role model for the young people of this country. I could not disagree more. Here are the reasons why:


1.
Mr. Panday has been consistent and true to his principles. When the Queen visited Trinidad, Mr. Panday, as Leader of the Opposition boycotted all State functions as a mark of protest against Britain's position with respect to the Apartheid system in South Africa. Britian could have stood against the Apartheid system and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. In fact, Britain could have used its influence to abolish Apartheid and free Mr. Mandela.
2.
Kwame Ture, a Trinidadian by birth, who was involved in the Civil Rights movement in the US and the Black Power Struggle here in Trinidad, was exiled from this country by the late Dr. Eric Williams, it was Mr. Panday who lifted the exile and allowed Ture to return to Trinidad before his death.Ture gave lectures at UWI and his contribution to the Black Power struggle was recognised.
3.
Mr. Panday has always stood for equality. He gave a Holiday to the Spiritual Shouter Baptists, people who were persecuted for practising their religion.Not only did he give them a holiday, but he also gave them a voice by appointing Barbara Burke to the Senate.
4.
Mr. Panday continuously give a voice to the people struggling in this country. He appointed a poor female cane farmer to the Senate. Look at the UNC A's slate of candidates, look at the number of candidates who have been working on the ground to assist their communities - Fitzroy Biche, Lennox Smith, Juliet Davies, Andy Williams, "Smally", Jennifer Jones- Kernahan, to name a few. These are people who know what struggle is, they are in touch with the needs of the people. Which COP or PNM candidate has worked at ground level to help the people? Many of the COP candidates are professionals, who are paid - well paid for any work that they do. The value of any pro-bono work that they do is but a drop in the barrel compared to their earnings. I remember working as a Loans Officer in a bank, and attending to a customer who needed to borrow $15,000 for his daughter's surgery. I needed proof of purpose for the loan, and asked him to get an invoice from the surgeon. When he brought it, he told me that the doctor charged him $150 for it. That doctor is a leading COP supporter. These professionals will never know what struggle is - they may have ideas of how to solve the nation's problems, but they lack true understanding of the peoples' problems. Whilst we need qualified individuals to run this country, common sense beats book sense any day. Many of the professionals I know send their children away to university at 18, to start a new life, indeed many of them have properties abroad and the option of migrating or sending their families away. Though I have no doubt about the desire of the COP professionals to work to improve the country, I question their level of commitment and sincerity, since they seem to have one foot out the door. Many of us don't have that option. As for the PNM candidates, they have neither a history of struggle nor qualifications nor the heart to deliver this country.
5.
Mr. Panday is the only leader with the testicular fortitude to save this country. He stood up to Abu Bakr. I always recall how the Anti-Crime talks between the Government and Opposition came about. In parliament Mr. Panday made an impassioned plea for the talks and he said the only thing to prevent him from meeting with the government was if he was dead, and if he was dead, he would be there in his coffin. I can still hear the conviction in his voice. Many people have found fault with some of the things he has said over time, however in my humble opinion, no one is perfect, if fact Mr. Panday will probably be the first one to admit that. He has publicly admitted some of his errors in judgement. It is the level of boldness in Mr. Panday that we need from a leader to deliver this country from its current state.
6.
Mr. Panday has always been about equality. It was the UNC that introduced the Equal Opportunities Legislation which the PNM has been against and refused to implement. When he became Prime Minister, much to the displeasure of some of his grassroots supporters, he addressed the problems of the non-UNC communities, demonstrating that his responsibility was to the country, not just his supporters. He appointed the first female Attorney General and the first female to act as Prime Minister.
7.
People have criticised the UNC A for involving foreigners in our internal politics. However, look at the people that the Alliance has sought to obtain advice from - Reverend Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, Nelson Mandela, these are high caliber individuals who could have only made a positive contribution to the initiatives of the party. Mr. Panday and Mr. Warner are themselves statesmen, their actions have demonstrated to me their openness to dialogue, guidance and suggestion from other experienced leaders who have shared similar struggles. It seems to me that they are committed to finding the right solution.
8.
Mr. Panday has time and time again shown himself not just as a brilliant political strategist, but also as a visionary in his ideas for agricultural reform, the education system and so many other areas. Mr. Manning has presented us with vision 20:20 but that is where he wants the nation to go, it is totally out of sync with the needs of the people. As for Mr. Dookeran,he has no history of ever standing up for or standing against anything except Mr. Panday. He is always vague about his ideas for the country so nobody knows what his vision is, or if he even has one.
9.
Many people describe Mr. Panday as being power hungry. However, it was Mr. Panday who dissolved the ULF and along with his team of candidates joined the NAR. The canditates who came from the ULF won the majority of seats in 1986 election. Yet ANR Robinson was appointed leader of the NAR and became Prime Minister. In 1996, when the results were 17-17-2 Mr. Panday appointed Mr. Robinson, a man who had stabbed him in the back, to the Highest Office in the land. In 2000 when there was an 18-18 tie, he was willing to form a coalition with the PNM. He then peacefully accepted the decision of Robinson to hand power over to the PNM, although Robinson's decision ignored the fact that the UNC obtained more votes in total than the PNM and Mr. Robinson's reasoning was not based on who would obtain the majority of support in parliament, but instead based on "moral and spiritual reasons". Mr. Panday appointed Winston Dookeran as Political Leader of the UNC. Mr. Dookeran's failure to lead was not Mr. Panday's fault. A leader is someone who has supporters. Whilst Mr. Dookeran had legitimate power or the position of political leader, Mr. Panday had referent power - he had the hearts of the UNC supporters. Mr. Dookeran did nothing to win the support and respect of the UNC membership. For those who say that Mr. Panday should have left politics after appointing Mr. Dookeran I say this: After struggling for 40 years and building as party, should he have just appointed Mr. Dookeran without holding on to see that the transition was smooth? And I say, based on what later transpired, itsn't it good thing that he did stay? From all indications there was a group of people in Mr. Dookeran's circle who wanted to take over the UNC - to transform the party. The problem therein was that the membership of the UNC were not asking for their party to be transformned. To me, it seems that Mr. Dookeran's advocates saw a ready-made party that appeared to be there for the taking, and a leader in Mr. Dookeran who would subscribe to their agenda of re-inventing the UNC. This was wrong - it was not what the UNC membership wished for. Based on how quickly the COP was formed, it appears that Dookeran and his group had two options - plan A was a UNC coup and plan B was the formation of the COP. The sequence of events surrounding the split of the UNC and the formation of the COP have therefore left me very doubtful about the "integrity" of the COP leadership.
10.
There are many who find Mr. Panday unattractive as a leader because of the allegations that have beeen made against him. Remember - a man is innocent until proven guilty and to date Mr. Panday has not been found guilty of anything (remember also that his conviction in the integrity trial has been overturned). Additionally, I urge you to take Mr. Panday's arrests into perspective. He is the only man who has been able to challenge the PNM. Do you remember the election of 2000? 18-18. Check your history, all of the times that a real challenge was put up against the PNM and all of the times it was defeated, there was always one common element- Basdeo Panday. He has been and is a real threat to the PNM.After the PNM won in 2001 they had to do something about Mr. Panday and the UNC, they had to secure their place in government. The PNM's strenght in this election springs from the offshoots of the allegations made against Mr. Panday. All they could have come up with is his failure to declare the London bank account, and charges of corruption, not a single conviction. Could it not be possible that the PNM sought out to destroy its political nemesis by tainting his character and making him and his party politically unattractive with false allegations and bogus charges? Inshan Ishmael is an example of what the PNM does to its political enemies. If they could have arrested Inshan as they did, on such a riduculous charge (distributing handbills without naming the publisher) why not Panday? Think about it - could the PNM have tried everything in its power to discredit and destroy Mr. Basdeo Panday and the UNC? Whether you believe in Mr. Panday's innocence or not, you know that the answer to the question is yes. That being the case, shouldn't we be more cognisant that a man is innocent until proven guilty and therefore be slow to form judgements on Mr. Panday's innocence?


To all of the young people and professionals - I know that you are under a lot of pressure to support the COP. I work amongst professionals. Sometime ago, one of my professional colleagues (who is a COP supporter) commented "The people who support Panday and the UNC are ignorant jackassses!". Yesterday a friend of mine, another professional commented that I was the only intellectual that he knows who is supporting the UNC A. It seems that the COP is a movement of the elite and is "the place to be". One may easily feel like a misfit for supporting the UNC A. I say to you, my fellow voter, do not be sidetracked. Focus on the issues, do not be naive - life is not black and white, experience will teach you that the integrity you search for is elusive, it cannot be found in man, only God posseses it. If you place your hope in man you will surely be disappointed. And truthfully, there isn't a politician that will not disappoint you in some way or another. Therefore, do not bury your head in the sand. Integrity in public life is very important. However, you should not allow yourself to be distracted from the real issue- delivering this country from the hands of the PNM. With that in mind, the UNC A is the only party that save our children's future.

As I close, I need to address the COP supporters. Please, search your hearts, you know that the COP cannot win the elections. This country is in a state of crisis. Are you going to allow your dislike for Mr. Panday and your unwillingness to forgive Mr. Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj keep the PNM in government? Think about your sons, your daughters, your babies, your grand children, what will you tell them when they ask you how come the country is in such turmoil? Can you live with yourself if you wake up on November 6th to a PNM government because you split the vote? This is not the time to try something new - this is the time for the tried and true. My daughter's future, your children's, your grand children's future is at stake. You know in your heart that if you vote for the UNC A the PNM will be defeated. Therefore, call on your leader for unity. Call on your representatives for unity. If they fail to unite, then the rest is up to you .The only option is to vote for the UNC A.


If you have read this far, I thank you for taking the time to indulge me. I urge you to forward this email to any undecided voters you may know and your friends and colleagues who are COP supporters. We cannot split the vote. I thank you for allowing me to share what is in my heart.

My best wishes to you. May our country's future be saved.


Nalini

[King B]

The UNC - where gimmicks take precedence over policies. :roll:

[peanut]

I've been getting something similar from the COP :mrgreen:

[Solachica]

For a woman with a 1yr old child she have plenty time to sit and think and type oui.

But I in Oropouche West and UNC does win here no matter who they put up so all tht ent matter oui. The old people especially luv Panday.

[vaio]

That only makes sense to UNC ppl...her points are valid to an extent...but i agree with sola, she have too much time..

[cm103]

Peanut get a similar letter on how the COP managed the country when they were in power?

[skl]

Many people describe Mr. Panday as being power hungry. However, it was Mr. Panday who dissolved the ULF and along with his team of candidates joined the NAR. The canditates who came from the ULF won the majority of seats in 1986 election.

Nope only 8 of the winning 33 candidates were from the ULF Interestingly enough the other 7 candidates were Dookeran,Humphrey, Sudama,Govindra Roopnarine ,Nizam Mohammed who are all in COP, Palackdarysingh (sp?) who recently resigned from the UNC whem Kamla wasnt appointed leader, and Kelvin Ramnath who was kicked out of the UNC in 1991 and only reconcilled in 2001 when Panday needed somebody to replace RLM in Couva south.


Yet ANR Robinson was appointed leader of the NAR and became Prime Minister. In 1996, when the results were 17-17-2 Mr. Panday appointed Mr. Robinson, a man who had stabbed him in the back, to the Highest Office in the land.

Robinson stabbed Panday in the back when ?

In 2000 when there was an 18-18 tie, he was willing to form a coalition with the PNM. He then peacefully accepted the decision of Robinson to hand power over to the PNM,

Like she forget when afterwards Bas call for his supporters to shut down the country and nobody listen to him

[deathwinger]

She is a realist and I sympathize with her. If you vote COP in the marginals and PNM wins, you will bawl and cry about the bad treatment you will be getting for the next 5 years. COP will dissolve and when you look back on it you will think that it was a quick leave of the sense on your part, and your false hopes and illusions shatter in a second when the barrel of a gun is pointed at your head, you are thrown in a car, held for ransom, raped, and if not tortured before you are killed, released, strip naked of your dignity, only told by the present government to go and wash yourself off, sit down, shut up, and wait for the next kidnapping.


IF YOU LIVE IN A MARGINAL, VOTE UNC-A.

[JPersad]

Dear Ma,
Before you vote ,ask yourself why the PNM is in power today .
Ma , It was we who stood with Panday from 1975 until recently .Back then Panday stood up for all of us .For that we are grateful .Ma ,
you know how proud we all felt when Basdeo Panday became Prime Minster of our beloved country .You were crying with tear of happiness.Pa was so happy , I did not get buff for the entire week !
We had patience in the beginning .After all we knew that Panday had more important things than to look after we needs .But then the patience began to run out.
He did nothing for us ma.Look at Caroni 1975 Ltd .
But that was just the beginning .Panday forgot all about us and the same people who he tell us to stay away from , was the same people who he was seen with .
The parasitic oligarchy ma .Dem Knife and fork people ma .
Ma you knew what happenned after.In the UNC 2nd term ma , look who arrogant Panday become .Ma , he refused to investigate alll them talk about the bobol that was taking place in the party .
Ma , it was you who told us never to betray somebody trust .
And there was Ramesh .
Ma , you know how I loved Ramesh .
Ma , You know always used to say Ramesh will straighten out the country and put us on the road to riches and glory .
Well you know Ma , Istod up for Ramesh when he left Panday because Panday refused to accept him as the Deputy Leader for the UNC .Pa does always tell we respect the wishes of the majority , whether or not we like it .But Panday never did .
You know what happenned after ma .
Because they could no longer get along , Ramesh left because Panday would not listen .They forgot all about us as they started to fight each other .And I sided with Ramesh ,because I thought he was doing the right thing .
Yes ma, because oftha fight , because Panday and Ramesh could not conquer their abhimaan for the good of the nation , the PNM came right back into power .
Ma , remember what yuh used to tell us about thiefing ?
Yes ma, they arrested Panday because he had ah million dollar bank account in London which he could not account for .Ma , we thought the PNM was on a witch hunt .
But slowly we began to question the honesty and integrity of Panday .
But we will jump to now ma .
How did you feel when you found out that it was Ramesh who gave dem pictures of Panday's London penthouse to Manning ?
Ma that hurt , much a I did not support Panday anymore .
Ma , and look at what they tried to do to Dookeran .They make him the leader of the UNC , thinking he was have been a pupet for Bas .And ma you kow Dookeran had patience with all of them .
They insulted him at every chance they got .Then Pa get fed up .
Pa picked up the pone and called me .I thought something had happenned to you .But Pa was vex ! He had enough of Panday
Ma , even you used to say how nice and quite Dookeran is .Remember the time when Pa had a aland dispute with Caroni 1975 Ltd ,and Dookeran came home and promised to help .Ma ytou always know Dookeran is ah humble man
Ma , you always said to do the right thing , no matter what .
Well ma , I listened to you .
I am voting for the COP because I believe they will best serve the nation .
I am voting for COP because I think they will best serve your community.
I am voting for COP becuse they will look for yours and the rest of my family interest .
Ma , I know how you feel about Panday .We all used to feel the same way .So Ma , even if you vote for him, I will not vex with you .But before you do that think about your grandchildren and thier future .
Pa and all the rest of us voting for COP .
But Ma no matter what happens , I will always love you .
Always
JP
PS: Is ah long timeI eh eate somebaigan choka and sada roti .When I come home ..PLEASE .

[vaio]

vote COP!!!

[snowbird]

It would have been nice to hear from this woman some time in the past five years when her taxes were paying the salaries of the Honourable Opposition, only there was none. The UNC were too busy infighting to bother to seek the interest of this young mother or the country, there job was to hold the current government accountable, all they did was fight over 'who is leader'.

In the middle of an election campaign, instead of facing people like her, and telling her what they have planned for her and her daughter, they are off to Africa to see if they could buy some more 'smoke and mirrors' to continue to fool her.

If she is as passionate as she professes to be about her country and her daughter's future, she would hold her elected officials (Government or Opposition) accountable every single day, not just at election time when her concerned can be misconstrueded as 'election propaganda.

[JPersad]

Nalini Suratsingh is very likely a fictional character .
Just check with the EBC .

[Sumana]

Would you like her email address? :roll:
U ain't even in Trinidad to vote, you don't count where this letter is concerned. Go find something else to do.

[vaio]

even if she is a real person...and i am not saying either way...the facts are onesided...

[Solachica]

Aye JP get banned.

[vaio]

OMG!!! :o :shock:

[JediKnight]

Dear Ma,
I am voting for the COP because I believe they will best serve the nation .
I am voting for COP because I think they will best serve your community.
I am voting for COP becuse they will look for yours and the rest of my family interest .
Ma , I know how you feel about Panday .We all used to feel the same way .So Ma , even if you vote for him, I will not vex with you .But before you do that think about your grandchildren and thier future .
Pa and all the rest of us voting for COP .
But Ma no matter what happens , I will always love you .
Always
JP
PS: Is ah long timeI eh eate somebaigan choka and sada roti .When I come home ..PLEASE .

Nice one JP.

[Somebody007]

Aye JP get banned.


Ah sorry he get banned for a month.

[vaio]

me too! :cry:

[littleone]

sorry to spam, but what he get ban fuh?

[vaio]

i think his comments were too personal and of bad taste!

[Parsifal]

...so Vaio if I get banned, along with my suicidal, gun toting cat, you would cry for me too?

I am just working all of the angles...... :lol:

[vaio]

...so Vaio if I get banned, along with my suicidal, gun toting cat, you would cry for me too?

I am just working all of the angles...... :lol:

Of course, i'll cry...i look forward to your comments...even if i don't agree with you at times... ;)

[JediKnight]

...so Vaio if I get banned, along with my suicidal, gun toting cat, you would cry for me too?

I am just working all of the angles...... :lol:

Should that have been "angels" and not "angles"? Ah just had cause to buff yuh in ah next thread.... leave de women and dem alone :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: That said... Vaio ah seein yuh tomorrow in de square?

[vaio]

How you mean JK...look out for meh...ah wearin a COP jersey!!!! ;)

[JediKnight]

How you mean JK...look out for meh...ah wearin a COP jersey!!!! ;)

Yeah, me too! Ah go look for yuh. Ah walkin wid a placard though ... "R U Vaio?" :D

[vaio]

ah walkin with one too 'R U JK'.... :mrgreen:

So who else i seeing tmrw........ :?:

[Parsifal]

...you mean to say ALL of the nice ladies gone ForCop?

There was a thread started some time back showing some of the COP ladies....somewhere along the line the Goat thing came along and messed it all up. STEUPS!

I should have realized that Dooks was on to a good thing!

Dang it!

So Jedi it looks like "All is Yours". Go strong bro! Make sure the Light Sabre well powered up (don't read anything dutty into that eh!...really try hard and don't okay?) and May the Force be with you! :mrgreen:

Have fun guys.....I will be up in Eddie Hart lobbying for a UTT contract with Prof. Ken! :lol:

.........jeeeeez when did I become so damned cynical?

[bluemellow]

ah walkin with one too 'R U JK'.... :mrgreen:

So who else i seeing tmrw........ :?:

me me me!!!! :D

[JediKnight]

ah walkin with one too 'R U JK'.... :mrgreen:

So who else i seeing tmrw........ :?:

me me me!!!! :D

Aye BM cool yuh self... see you all on Tuesday.

[vaio]

Have fun Parsi...

Lookin fwd to seein you Blue...

[cm103]

So wait...allyuh not going to the UNC free concert?

Brace for one set of crowd size story tomorrow. I hear the UNC stage bigger than the savannah so it go be pandemonium with people all on d road and ting. :mrgreen:

Macco et al. before the monkey glands jump up, relax. I just kicksin. Hope all the rally's go off without incident tomorrow and everyone enjoys themselves at the same time.

[vaio]

same here...no incident of violence.....and hope all the supporters enjoy themselves...UNC, COP and PNM.... :D

[lou_uk]

Allyuh done with de woman letter? Well is either of two things: de bin or RTS..

[Sumana]

So wait...allyuh not going to the UNC free concert?

Brace for one set of crowd size story tomorrow. I hear the UNC stage bigger than the savannah so it go be pandemonium with people all on d road and ting. :mrgreen:

Macco et al. before the monkey glands jump up, relax. I just kicksin. Hope all the rally's go off without incident tomorrow and everyone enjoys themselves at the same time.

U done start making excuses for what's going to be UNCA's massive crowd? How sad.

[vaio]

calm yuhself sumi, cm was jus jokin!!

[cm103]

LOL, go back daddy Sumana and have a good time...

[Sumana]

You shouldn't be tellin me anything, you can't even get your stories right, now run along :roll: :arrow:

[cm103]

Is times like this I really wonder why they stop capital punishment in schools...

[Parsifal]

Is times like this I really wonder why they stop capital punishment in schools...

Not capital punishment.....corporal punishment.

Capital punishment is when you want to hang dem high like Dole and de boys! :mrgreen:

[Sumana]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH Remember, that's the same man who can't even get his damn story straight and want to come attacking me, but I guess it's easy to attack someone who doesn't hide behind a screen name unlike same person who can't get his story straight.


Come again cm103 :arrow:

[bluemellow]

So wait...allyuh not going to the UNC free concert?

Brace for one set of crowd size story tomorrow. I hear the UNC stage bigger than the savannah so it go be pandemonium with people all on d road and ting. :mrgreen:

Macco et al. before the monkey glands jump up, relax. I just kicksin. Hope all the rally's go off without incident tomorrow and everyone enjoys themselves at the same time.

U done start making excuses for what's going to be UNCA's massive crowd? How sad.

ok so answer me this- why does the UNC"A" feel the need to bring these acts to a POLITICAL rally?
is it because they themselves aren't confident of the crowd they will draw if they didn't provide such elaborate entertainment?

[Sumana]

And why can't they NOT, again I say it i'm certain if COP had the money (although they sayin they have none but they buying out every blasted radio station and TV Station) they wud be doin the same damn thing.

[vaio]

why are you so angry about everything....? :?:

[bluemellow]

And why can't they NOT, again I say it i'm certain if COP had the money (although they sayin they have none but they buying out every blasted radio station and TV Station) they wud be doin the same damn thing.

What place do FOREIGN acts have on a TRINIDADIAN political platform???????
if the cop this... if the cop that. the cop DIDN'T. it is funny- you UNC "A" people keep saying COP not winning a seat and are not a factor, yet, you are comparing yourself to them for every single thing.
but back to the issue. what is with the wine and jam politics of the UNC? weren't they the same ones who were condemning the PNM for that same thing last time around?

Lord have mercy... wake up. Don't be so BLIND!!!!!

[Sumana]

Why don't you stop being so blind and recognise a campaign by international standards right before your very own eyes. N o but wait if COP doh do it it not right.

[cm103]

Is times like this I really wonder why they stop capital punishment in schools...

Not capital punishment.....corporal punishment.

Capital punishment is when you want to hang dem high like Dole and de boys! :mrgreen:

I stand corrected. Thanks man.

[bluemellow]

international standards do not translate to international acts and entertainment.

[Sumana]

:roll: :roll: :roll: why even bother to when you're to blinded to see anything other than what you want to :roll:

[bluemellow]

Why don't you stop being so blind and recognise a campaign by international standards right before your very own eyes. N o but wait if COP doh do it it not right.


and thanks eh- but i not blind. i can see when somebody riding my back for his own gain, thank you very much.
oh and by the way- does this "campaign by international standards" of which you speak include doctored photos? and t shirt wearing goats?

[bluemellow]

:roll: :roll: :roll: why even bother to when you're to blinded to see anything other than what you want to :roll:


that;s exactly how i feel whenever i read your posts here. :D

[cm103]

I remember some UNC supporters running up here complaining about Sizzla with the PNM and asking about whappen to local artistes.

When their party do it though then they good though.

International standards my foot. A set of glitz and the same old mud slinging.

[Solachica]

Aye allyuh stray from de Topic lol
I ent care nuh. Come tuesday every1 wud have to get back to reality and live with one another.
I am just facing reality at home much hate for other people some of those pnm supporters have. Especially when listening to 91.9fm. The kinda things being allowed to be said. I guess those people just tolerate us.

[sohari]

International standards , Sumana?

Let's discuss some "international standards in politics", touching on women's rights and then let's talk about how UNCA has lived up to International standards... ( incidentally, international standards is not equivalent to boarding a plane for south africa or using football money in campaigns, or even better, selling your soul for your daughter to get educated in England- if it were, then yes I would agree UNCA is top of the list).

1/ Saying Hulsie face big ( Is this part of Hindu philosophy - to denigrate women?)
2/ Kelvin Ramnath's gutter comment concerning Ganga Singh's wife....will you Sumana, raise your child to speak like that? Would you like it if someone referred to YOU and your mother/sister/niece in that way?
3/ Relegation of Kamla to the political dustbin- did your parents educate you my dear, to take a backseat to men?
4/ Wining on Denise Belfon...interesting... would Panday wine in a temple? Doubt it..so how is it decent or moral or respectful to wine on a platform?


There are some half-educated people who like to refer to "international" this and that. My dear, before further embarrassing yourself , kindly research the politics of Europe and Canada. International standards of the kind you've described would be laughed off the stage even more than the PNM's soup &soca philosophy.
Persons of intellect , dignity and competence who wish to see the same qualities reflected in their Government, do not engage in the foolishness that is the UNCA concert. Their audiences are people who are interested in issues, discussion and plans. If they want to go to a fete, they don't have to wait every five years for their political party to throw them a pity concert.

I urge that foolish sentiment be separated from real discussion, but it is too late. The UNCA has shown that it is possible for a whole new stereotype of Indian people to develop...and not a flattering one at that.

[lou_uk]

Aye allyuh stray from de Topic lol
I ent care nuh. Come tuesday every1 wud have to get back to reality and live with one another.
I am just facing reality at home much hate for other people some of those pnm supporters have. Especially when listening to 91.9fm. The kinda things being allowed to be said. I guess those people just tolerate us.

Hate from where? What are you listening to? PNM/UNC/COP are all allowed a voice there even though the station is pro PNM. UNC also have a segment from 4pm - 7 or 8pm - have you heard it?

Come on now, be fair..

If I ever come across as some kinda respectable person as I thought you were and walked down the road, spread a rumour for the first time, most people would take it "from a reliable source".

[BW]

Dear voter,


Please allow me a few minutes of your time.

My name is Nalini Suratsingh. I am a 29 year-old professional and a mother of a one year-old. It is as a mother that I am driven to write this email. Over the past six years I have observed the deteriorating state of this country and its democracy. I have been concerned, but now, as a mother, my concern is one hundred fold. Our country is in a crisis and this election will determine whether or not we will make a turnaround, it will determine the path that this country's future will take and more personally to me, what path my daughter's future will take.

This is why I write this email. I have been thinking about my daughter's future. Over the past few days I have been thinking about what the country would be like if the PNM retains power. I imagine my daughter one day asking me how come things are so bad. I imagine her asking me what did I do to fight the doom. I imagine telling her that I voted against the government, and I hear her ask " Was that all that you did Mummy?" So I am sending this email, as my stand against the doom.

I am not a party fanatic nor do I come from a family of party fanatics. In fact I am not a member of any political party. I consider myself to be reasonable, logical and unbiased in my decision as to which political party to support. In fact, my training as an accountant is to prepare objective information for decision-making.

It was after analysis and thought about the current state of this country, its history - political and otherwise that I decided to support the UNC Alliance. I now wish to share with with you some of the facts and issues that have lead to my decision and why I feel that the UNC A is the best and only solution for this country.



Performance

1.
The UNC was the only government that has strived to improve the standard of living of the people of Trinidad & Tobago. In 1995, under the PNM, old age pension was $356.15. Back then I worked as a teller in a bank, and every month my heart ached for those pensioners. Can you imagine that? How could a senior citizen buy food, medication and pay bills off such a meager amount of money? It was a UNC government that gave the elderly some dignity by raising not just the level of old age pension but also the NIS retirement benefit. Today, with the current level of inflation, the pension being paid is like the $356.15 paid 12 years ago. This is so sad - many of these people worked hard and contributed to the development of this country in one way or another. Yet the government, which can fritter away so much money says it cannot afford to raise the pensions. On the other hand, it is the UNC A that is promising to raise it to $3000 and reduce the pensionable age.
2.
As a teller, I was also astounded by the number of young people who would come to the bank and could barely fill out a withdrawal slip and sign their name. There are so many people who are barely literate because of the failure of the education system. There are many people that I know of who failed the Common Entrance Examination and were forced to stay home from the tender age of 12. It was the UNC that abolished that system which denied so many of our nation's children the opportunity to obtain a secondary education, by introducing the SEA examination and implementing a "NO child left behind policy." The UNC built both primary and secondary schools, locating many secondary schools in rural communities so that parents would not have to bear the burden of transportation. It was also the UNC government that that expanded the School Feeding Programme, ensuring that the under privileged children of this country obtained the relevant level of nutrition.
3.
The policy of the UNC government was to provide the much needed amenities and infrastructure to the citizens of the country,by striving to extend the water supply to every household, improving the electricity supply, repairing and building bridges and roads - this is what people needed to improve their standard of living. The high rise buildings currently being constructed in Port of Spain, Smelter plants and the many big projects will not improve the day-to-day standard of living of the people of this country. In fact, in most instances, they will make it worse.
4.
The UNC government embarked on a mission of health care reform, improving the facilities at many hospitals and health centers and building new facilities as well. Today, our health care system is in shambles. I had my daughter by C- Section at a private institution - it cost me $12,000. I sacrificed and paid it, because of the horror stories about Mt. Hope - stories not just from the news, but also from friends and relatives. Our heath care system is an absolute mess. My great grandfather died three years ago of renal failure. We couldn't afford dialysis. The PNM has promised dialysis centers, where are they? Instead, all I see are the numerous full-page advertisements of the Ministry of Health.
5.
I, like so many others, put myself through college to study Accounting. I got some relief when the UNC government recognised the burden of Tertiary Education and gave assistance by first implementing tax breaks for expenditure on Tertiary Education .They subsequently introduced the Dollar for Dollar Programme. Yes, the PNM introduced GATE, but that was just a development of the UNC initiative. Additionally, there are many problems associated with the GATE system, which are not being addressed.
6.
With the country in the state of crisis that it is in, we cannot take a gamble by voting for the COP and hoping for the best, we need proven, not potential performers.
7.
The list of reasons related to performance go on and on, but I'll stop here.



Leadership

I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Panday. A few days ago, I saw a letter to the editor in one of the daily newspapers which stated that Mr. Panday is not a good role model for the young people of this country. I could not disagree more. Here are the reasons why:


1.
Mr. Panday has been consistent and true to his principles. When the Queen visited Trinidad, Mr. Panday, as Leader of the Opposition boycotted all State functions as a mark of protest against Britain's position with respect to the Apartheid system in South Africa. Britian could have stood against the Apartheid system and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. In fact, Britain could have used its influence to abolish Apartheid and free Mr. Mandela.
2.
Kwame Ture, a Trinidadian by birth, who was involved in the Civil Rights movement in the US and the Black Power Struggle here in Trinidad, was exiled from this country by the late Dr. Eric Williams, it was Mr. Panday who lifted the exile and allowed Ture to return to Trinidad before his death.Ture gave lectures at UWI and his contribution to the Black Power struggle was recognised.
3.
Mr. Panday has always stood for equality. He gave a Holiday to the Spiritual Shouter Baptists, people who were persecuted for practising their religion.Not only did he give them a holiday, but he also gave them a voice by appointing Barbara Burke to the Senate.
4.
Mr. Panday continuously give a voice to the people struggling in this country. He appointed a poor female cane farmer to the Senate. Look at the UNC A's slate of candidates, look at the number of candidates who have been working on the ground to assist their communities - Fitzroy Biche, Lennox Smith, Juliet Davies, Andy Williams, "Smally", Jennifer Jones- Kernahan, to name a few. These are people who know what struggle is, they are in touch with the needs of the people. Which COP or PNM candidate has worked at ground level to help the people? Many of the COP candidates are professionals, who are paid - well paid for any work that they do. The value of any pro-bono work that they do is but a drop in the barrel compared to their earnings. I remember working as a Loans Officer in a bank, and attending to a customer who needed to borrow $15,000 for his daughter's surgery. I needed proof of purpose for the loan, and asked him to get an invoice from the surgeon. When he brought it, he told me that the doctor charged him $150 for it. That doctor is a leading COP supporter. These professionals will never know what struggle is - they may have ideas of how to solve the nation's problems, but they lack true understanding of the peoples' problems. Whilst we need qualified individuals to run this country, common sense beats book sense any day. Many of the professionals I know send their children away to university at 18, to start a new life, indeed many of them have properties abroad and the option of migrating or sending their families away. Though I have no doubt about the desire of the COP professionals to work to improve the country, I question their level of commitment and sincerity, since they seem to have one foot out the door. Many of us don't have that option. As for the PNM candidates, they have neither a history of struggle nor qualifications nor the heart to deliver this country.
5.
Mr. Panday is the only leader with the testicular fortitude to save this country. He stood up to Abu Bakr. I always recall how the Anti-Crime talks between the Government and Opposition came about. In parliament Mr. Panday made an impassioned plea for the talks and he said the only thing to prevent him from meeting with the government was if he was dead, and if he was dead, he would be there in his coffin. I can still hear the conviction in his voice. Many people have found fault with some of the things he has said over time, however in my humble opinion, no one is perfect, if fact Mr. Panday will probably be the first one to admit that. He has publicly admitted some of his errors in judgement. It is the level of boldness in Mr. Panday that we need from a leader to deliver this country from its current state.
6.
Mr. Panday has always been about equality. It was the UNC that introduced the Equal Opportunities Legislation which the PNM has been against and refused to implement. When he became Prime Minister, much to the displeasure of some of his grassroots supporters, he addressed the problems of the non-UNC communities, demonstrating that his responsibility was to the country, not just his supporters. He appointed the first female Attorney General and the first female to act as Prime Minister.
7.
People have criticised the UNC A for involving foreigners in our internal politics. However, look at the people that the Alliance has sought to obtain advice from - Reverend Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, Nelson Mandela, these are high caliber individuals who could have only made a positive contribution to the initiatives of the party. Mr. Panday and Mr. Warner are themselves statesmen, their actions have demonstrated to me their openness to dialogue, guidance and suggestion from other experienced leaders who have shared similar struggles. It seems to me that they are committed to finding the right solution.
8.
Mr. Panday has time and time again shown himself not just as a brilliant political strategist, but also as a visionary in his ideas for agricultural reform, the education system and so many other areas. Mr. Manning has presented us with vision 20:20 but that is where he wants the nation to go, it is totally out of sync with the needs of the people. As for Mr. Dookeran,he has no history of ever standing up for or standing against anything except Mr. Panday. He is always vague about his ideas for the country so nobody knows what his vision is, or if he even has one.
9.
Many people describe Mr. Panday as being power hungry. However, it was Mr. Panday who dissolved the ULF and along with his team of candidates joined the NAR. The canditates who came from the ULF won the majority of seats in 1986 election. Yet ANR Robinson was appointed leader of the NAR and became Prime Minister. In 1996, when the results were 17-17-2 Mr. Panday appointed Mr. Robinson, a man who had stabbed him in the back, to the Highest Office in the land. In 2000 when there was an 18-18 tie, he was willing to form a coalition with the PNM. He then peacefully accepted the decision of Robinson to hand power over to the PNM, although Robinson's decision ignored the fact that the UNC obtained more votes in total than the PNM and Mr. Robinson's reasoning was not based on who would obtain the majority of support in parliament, but instead based on "moral and spiritual reasons". Mr. Panday appointed Winston Dookeran as Political Leader of the UNC. Mr. Dookeran's failure to lead was not Mr. Panday's fault. A leader is someone who has supporters. Whilst Mr. Dookeran had legitimate power or the position of political leader, Mr. Panday had referent power - he had the hearts of the UNC supporters. Mr. Dookeran did nothing to win the support and respect of the UNC membership. For those who say that Mr. Panday should have left politics after appointing Mr. Dookeran I say this: After struggling for 40 years and building as party, should he have just appointed Mr. Dookeran without holding on to see that the transition was smooth? And I say, based on what later transpired, itsn't it good thing that he did stay? From all indications there was a group of people in Mr. Dookeran's circle who wanted to take over the UNC - to transform the party. The problem therein was that the membership of the UNC were not asking for their party to be transformned. To me, it seems that Mr. Dookeran's advocates saw a ready-made party that appeared to be there for the taking, and a leader in Mr. Dookeran who would subscribe to their agenda of re-inventing the UNC. This was wrong - it was not what the UNC membership wished for. Based on how quickly the COP was formed, it appears that Dookeran and his group had two options - plan A was a UNC coup and plan B was the formation of the COP. The sequence of events surrounding the split of the UNC and the formation of the COP have therefore left me very doubtful about the "integrity" of the COP leadership.
10.
There are many who find Mr. Panday unattractive as a leader because of the allegations that have beeen made against him. Remember - a man is innocent until proven guilty and to date Mr. Panday has not been found guilty of anything (remember also that his conviction in the integrity trial has been overturned). Additionally, I urge you to take Mr. Panday's arrests into perspective. He is the only man who has been able to challenge the PNM. Do you remember the election of 2000? 18-18. Check your history, all of the times that a real challenge was put up against the PNM and all of the times it was defeated, there was always one common element- Basdeo Panday. He has been and is a real threat to the PNM.After the PNM won in 2001 they had to do something about Mr. Panday and the UNC, they had to secure their place in government. The PNM's strenght in this election springs from the offshoots of the allegations made against Mr. Panday. All they could have come up with is his failure to declare the London bank account, and charges of corruption, not a single conviction. Could it not be possible that the PNM sought out to destroy its political nemesis by tainting his character and making him and his party politically unattractive with false allegations and bogus charges? Inshan Ishmael is an example of what the PNM does to its political enemies. If they could have arrested Inshan as they did, on such a riduculous charge (distributing handbills without naming the publisher) why not Panday? Think about it - could the PNM have tried everything in its power to discredit and destroy Mr. Basdeo Panday and the UNC? Whether you believe in Mr. Panday's innocence or not, you know that the answer to the question is yes. That being the case, shouldn't we be more cognisant that a man is innocent until proven guilty and therefore be slow to form judgements on Mr. Panday's innocence?


To all of the young people and professionals - I know that you are under a lot of pressure to support the COP. I work amongst professionals. Sometime ago, one of my professional colleagues (who is a COP supporter) commented "The people who support Panday and the UNC are ignorant jackassses!". Yesterday a friend of mine, another professional commented that I was the only intellectual that he knows who is supporting the UNC A. It seems that the COP is a movement of the elite and is "the place to be". One may easily feel like a misfit for supporting the UNC A. I say to you, my fellow voter, do not be sidetracked. Focus on the issues, do not be naive - life is not black and white, experience will teach you that the integrity you search for is elusive, it cannot be found in man, only God posseses it. If you place your hope in man you will surely be disappointed. And truthfully, there isn't a politician that will not disappoint you in some way or another. Therefore, do not bury your head in the sand. Integrity in public life is very important. However, you should not allow yourself to be distracted from the real issue- delivering this country from the hands of the PNM. With that in mind, the UNC A is the only party that save our children's future.

As I close, I need to address the COP supporters. Please, search your hearts, you know that the COP cannot win the elections. This country is in a state of crisis. Are you going to allow your dislike for Mr. Panday and your unwillingness to forgive Mr. Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj keep the PNM in government? Think about your sons, your daughters, your babies, your grand children, what will you tell them when they ask you how come the country is in such turmoil? Can you live with yourself if you wake up on November 6th to a PNM government because you split the vote? This is not the time to try something new - this is the time for the tried and true. My daughter's future, your children's, your grand children's future is at stake. You know in your heart that if you vote for the UNC A the PNM will be defeated. Therefore, call on your leader for unity. Call on your representatives for unity. If they fail to unite, then the rest is up to you .The only option is to vote for the UNC A.


If you have read this far, I thank you for taking the time to indulge me. I urge you to forward this email to any undecided voters you may know and your friends and colleagues who are COP supporters. We cannot split the vote. I thank you for allowing me to share what is in my heart.

My best wishes to you. May our country's future be saved.


Nalini

You know, for every person who has the money, time and desire to write something like that, there are a dozen others who will never have that opportunity. There are people who could not get a job without the PNM. There are people who could never afford a home if it wasn't for the PNM. There are people right now, who are the first in they family to get tertiary education, thanks the PNM. The PNM is giving people hope. The PNM is making people's lives better, one day at a time.

Here (http://www.pnm.org.tt/content/press_ads/article_id=354.shtml) is the view of two young people, who are now well on their way to fulfilling their career goals, thanks to the PNM Government.

>>As students together at Presentation College, Chaguanas, we always dreame of going to university but we knew that our families really could not afford it.

Then the PNM introduced GATE.

Now I'm pursuing a 3-year diploma in Petroleum Engineering at UTT."

Khemraj Lakhan
University Student
Couva

"And I'm in my second year of a double major (Biology & Environmental Management at UWI."

Amall Ali
University Student
Couva

----
I'm not trying to detract from anything she said. I just want to point out that the life experiences she has had, might not reflect what the rest of Trinidad and Tobagonians are feeling. The PNM's policy of social development is making an impact for the bulk of the population, no matter how much those in woodbrook call it a "waste of money".
---

Here (http://www.pnm.org.tt/content/press_ads/article_id=353.shtml) is view of a mother of three. That's right, THREE children. She outranks you! ;)

>>"As a person who has always worked for the betterment of my community, I am proud to see the improvements that have been achieved through the programmes and skills training provided by this PNM government.

Women in particular have benefited from non-traditional skills training such as agriculture, landscaping, welding and woodwork. many of them are single mothers who are now much better able to maintain themselves and their families.

Their smiles, their obvious pride in their new abilities and their improved self-esteem are what make me proud of this government's efforts... proud to be PNM."

Caloutie Boodlal
Barrakpore
Mother of three
Community Activist


Did you read those words? Pride. Self-esteem.

These people might not be professionals or have big education, but their views are just as relevant and just as important as anyone else's. Trinidad is a democracy, and it doesn't matter if you are a CEPEP worker or a millionaire; one man, one vote. This is the great equalizer. Come election day, the poor people will know which government will take care of them. They know because they have felt it, first hand.

Great is the PNM, and it shall prevail.

[deathwinger]

He got banned for being selfish obviously.

He is putting pride before country and that attitude will cost us concerned citizens the elections.

[sohari]

To anyone who bleats " Great is the PNM and it shall prevail", I invite you to come and talk to secondary school students who were educated in primary schools in the Morvant/San Juan area and in areas throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Ask them how they managed to reach high school and still can't spell their name or the town in which they live, cannot spell " bread" or "money" or even "church". Ask them what the PNM, through education, is doing about these lost children, who spend 5 years of their lives learning nothing.
Explain to them why attending a Government primary school could not guarantee that they would be able to read and write basic sentences.
Then tell them that , no worries, you will still have CEPEP, you will have dignity.
It's either one of two things brother.
Either the PNM cares nothing about its own people and the future of these children, or they've made the decision that these children are too dumb to be educated like their own children are. Perhaps Febeau & Laventillec children, in the eyes of the PNM, are only good for 10 days and CEPEP, because that is exactly what they are being "educated" to become.
Maybe for you, it's ok to watch a small child going to school and KNOW that their potential is completely wasted, that they will grow up to sell KFC and pull weeds, not because they WANT to, but because that's all they qualify to be.
If you are proud of the legacy the PNM is leaving these children ( come and spend some time in the Croisee and by Morvant junction) , if you can watch these young people and still bleat your chant, well so be it. That's on your conscience, not mine.

[BW]

^^And voting for the UNC or COP will change things, how?

I don't deny there are problems in Lavantille or Morvant. But let's not act like nothing good comes out from those systems. The schools are just as good as anywhere else, the only limits are one's own motivation. Maybe you forgot, but can you tell me who were the President's Medal winners this year? What schools did they come from? Maybe one of those you claim doesn't teach them how to "spell their name or the town in which they live"?

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl ... =161219158 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_opinion?id=161219158)

We can well understand the plaudits that have come the way of Jamelia Harris, the latest winner of the prestigious President's Medal given as an award to outstanding young scholars in the country. But Ms Harris will be the first to protest the idea that, coming from Morvant as she does, she runs counter to the prevailing ethic in that community.

It is true that Morvant, or Laventille for that matter, does not churn out President's Medal winners by the score. But which community does? Ms Harris may have been exceptional in this regard but she is certainly not the exception to the rule except the one which perceives the area to be largely inhabited by lazy layabouts or worse.

The enduring truth is that most of the residents of this area are as hardworking as other Trinbagonians, with the Laventille/Morvant crescent having produced any number of scholars over the years who have gone on to be credits to their chosen professions, with some making their marks in law, medicine, engineering, education, languages and journalism, simply to single out a few fields of endeavour.

Moreover, any number of talented artisans have come from this area, with the country continuing to draw from its existing pool of welders, carpenters, masons, seamstresses, tailors, bakers, designers, plumbers, the so-called dependency syndrome illustrated in URP and CEPEP limited to an unskilled and, perhaps, even unambitious small minority.


Read that little quote again. Make sure you understand every single word.

Is it that you prefer not to acknowledge these things? Or are stereotypes about "their people" more convenient?

Besides that, why not talk about the people in Barrackpore or Debe, or any other poor area? The PNM legacy is reflected by anyone in this country who can now elevate themselves out of poverty and depression (no matter their skin color or hair type).

Housing, employment, and education are the fundamental pillars for building a developed nation. PNM is addressing all those areas, and they have my full support.

[kemist]

You know, for every person who has the money, time and desire to write something like that, there are a dozen others who will never have that opportunity. There are people who could not get a job without the PNM. There are people who could never afford a home if it wasn't for the PNM. There are people right now, who are the first in they family to get tertiary education, thanks the PNM. The PNM is giving people hope. The PNM is making people's lives better, one day at a time.

Here (http://www.pnm.org.tt/content/press_ads/article_id=354.shtml) is the view of two young people, who are now well on their way to fulfilling their career goals, thanks to the PNM Government.

>>As students together at Presentation College, Chaguanas, we always dreame of going to university but we knew that our families really could not afford it.

Then the PNM introduced GATE.

Now I'm pursuing a 3-year diploma in Petroleum Engineering at UTT."

Khemraj Lakhan
University Student
Couva

"And I'm in my second year of a double major (Biology & Environmental Management at UWI."

Amall Ali
University Student
Couva

----
I'm not trying to detract from anything she said. I just want to point out that the life experiences she has had, might not reflect what the rest of Trinidad and Tobagonians are feeling. The PNM's policy of social development is making an impact for the bulk of the population, no matter how much those in woodbrook call it a "waste of money".
---

Here (http://www.pnm.org.tt/content/press_ads/article_id=353.shtml) is view of a mother of three. That's right, THREE children. She outranks you! ;)

>>"As a person who has always worked for the betterment of my community, I am proud to see the improvements that have been achieved through the programmes and skills training provided by this PNM government.

Women in particular have benefited from non-traditional skills training such as agriculture, landscaping, welding and woodwork. many of them are single mothers who are now much better able to maintain themselves and their families.

Their smiles, their obvious pride in their new abilities and their improved self-esteem are what make me proud of this government's efforts... proud to be PNM."

Caloutie Boodlal
Barrakpore
Mother of three
Community Activist


Did you read those words? Pride. Self-esteem.

These people might not be professionals or have big education, but their views are just as relevant and just as important as anyone else's. Trinidad is a democracy, and it doesn't matter if you are a CEPEP worker or a millionaire; one man, one vote. This is the great equalizer. Come election day, the poor people will know which government will take care of them. They know because they have felt it, first hand.

Great is the PNM, and it shall prevail.

But really, why boast about things that any government is expected to deliver?

Thats like boasting about going to work and reaching on time. (lol, with all this traffic, i guess that is something to really boast about oui).

I am happy for those students and the mother and her kids. I just hope they can afford to eat (with food prices spiraling out of control) and i hope they can survive the out of control crime wave to reap the benefits of their sacrifices.
And to the two students, kemraj and amall, as soon as yuh finish yuh degree, pack up an leave this place, because when yuh start making money, all yuh might get kidnap ( :roll: )

[BW]

But really, why boast about things that any government is expected to deliver?

Please, don't act as if the UNC and COP weren't critizing every move made by the government. There's only one party which is committed to social development, the PNM.

[Solachica]

I getting free tertiary education. I happy. :D When I started uwi I paid $10 000+ a semester and gate was supposed to start in 2007-8 so I happy they start it early oui :mrgreen:

Am not a follower of the political radio programs...just when driving at any hr I channel surf :mrgreen:

[Solachica]

Lou I apologise if I came across as unfair to 91.9fm
But to be honest tht girls voice in the evening does kinda irritate my ears so I don't especially listen then.
But I does switch on and off to listen to Gladiator oui...I moved from 102.1 to 91.9 with him :lol:

[brag]

The matter of unity is as simple as Mr. Panday and Mr. Ramesh Maharaj stepping aside, and allowing the votes not to be split. These two men are the major stumbling blocks to unity between the UNC and the COP. It is not too late for these two men to step aside and demonstrate selflessness, and so allow unity to be one of the factors in sending the PNM into the opposition.

The COP refused to join with the UNC on the basis of only two men remaining in the UNC. Just think what it means when only two men hijacked unity, and these same men complain that it is the COP that is splitting the votes. One must ask how many candidates are in the COP because of these two men? Wouldn't refusal to step aside by only two men be called selflessness in the best interest of a nation?

True leaders lead from in front and not from behind. Taking the lead, and practicing what one preaches would be a true demonstration of good intentions; otherwise, they can be misleading to the electorate, and seen as an indication of a possible repeat of past behaviors under the same UNC leadership. The UNC once severely traumatized the electorate of T&T. Any well thinking person will never subject him/herself to a repeat of such a trauma.

True advocacy for unity can be a challenge for the demonstration of true, selfless leadership. It requires true leadership only from the front, for the best interest of the nation and the electorate. Can the behaviors of the UNC leadership, to date, remind anyone of selfless service to the nation?

Until early this week, high ranking members of the UNC were still holding out for unity with the COP, while at the same time attacking and berating candidates of the COP. Now think about the hypocrisy of asking for unity and extending deadlines for unity, while continuing to attack COP candidates with the worst language of the UNC leadership.

Who else, but a person of untrustworthiness can behave in the manner demonstrated by only two candidates of the UNC ledership by not volunteering to step down in the best interest of unity? Besides, the COP would be most accepting of unity under the leadership of Mrs Kamla Persad Bissessar of the UNC. This would clear the way for true unity between both parties.

Let the ink on the fingers of all voters glowe with love and contentment as each one leave the voting booths on Monday. Let us meditate on the future of T&T for good governance by true and unselfish leadership for all with a refreshing change in leadership.

[jigger1]

WAAAAWWW ...girl yuh have time on yuh hand to write all that oui. A good read though. Good luck to unc but I think COP will take the UNC place ... I still think PNM will win.. their supporters are like the democrat supporters in the USA.

[JediKnight]

International standards , Sumana?

Let's discuss some "international standards in politics", touching on women's rights and then let's talk about how UNCA has lived up to International standards... ( incidentally, international standards is not equivalent to boarding a plane for south africa or using football money in campaigns, or even better, selling your soul for your daughter to get educated in England- if it were, then yes I would agree UNCA is top of the list).

1/ Saying Hulsie face big ( Is this part of Hindu philosophy - to denigrate women?)
2/ Kelvin Ramnath's gutter comment concerning Ganga Singh's wife....will you Sumana, raise your child to speak like that? Would you like it if someone referred to YOU and your mother/sister/niece in that way?
3/ Relegation of Kamla to the political dustbin- did your parents educate you my dear, to take a backseat to men?
4/ Wining on Denise Belfon...interesting... would Panday wine in a temple? Doubt it..so how is it decent or moral or respectful to wine on a platform?


There are some half-educated people who like to refer to "international" this and that. My dear, before further embarrassing yourself , kindly research the politics of Europe and Canada. International standards of the kind you've described would be laughed off the stage even more than the PNM's soup &soca philosophy.
Persons of intellect , dignity and competence who wish to see the same qualities reflected in their Government, do not engage in the foolishness that is the UNCA concert. Their audiences are people who are interested in issues, discussion and plans. If they want to go to a fete, they don't have to wait every five years for their political party to throw them a pity concert.

I urge that foolish sentiment be separated from real discussion, but it is too late. The UNCA has shown that it is possible for a whole new stereotype of Indian people to develop...and not a flattering one at that.

Ah notice dis one gone unanswered. I am interested in knowing what the female UNC supporters think about (2) above. Ganga's wife stays out of the politics and cannot defend herself on a platform. I am prepared to accept the attacks on Gillian and Hulsie because they are in the game, but someone who does not mount a platform? Let me hear you all on this. And it is interesting that the hierarchy in the party, including Kamla, has not condemned this ranting mad man. But I say go brave, you are sure attracting the votes now. :o

[lou_uk]

Lou I apologise if I came across as unfair to 91.9fm
But to be honest tht girls voice in the evening does kinda irritate my ears so I don't especially listen then.
But I does switch on and off to listen to Gladiator oui...I moved from 102.1 to 91.9 with him :lol:

No need to apologise to me as my credibility is not at stake. What could say is, if you're a PNM and you listen to Gladiator he is most likely to give you a headache at least twice a week. Creates too much unnecessary anxiety. Sometimes listen to Iesha (maybe her you mean) who has a kinda ringing voice but comes across as pleasant, then to the PNM train and since Assam is no longer, tried the UNC's war room. One day of that was enough, as they unleashed an unprovoked and vulgar attack on a female PNM candidate, (a guest on the show before them). Clearly dem fellas have no mothers, sisters, wives or daughters. The most amazing thing about that afternoon was that Rupert Griffith sat right there saying nothing, but continued to participate with a blind eye.

.. but this thread is really bout the lady letter .. :arrow:

[Solachica]

Yea:)
I think her name is Ayesha.
I does listen to 102.1 on evenings sometimes. I like listening to Sprang.
Ok back to the letter. :lol:

[bluemellow]

International standards , Sumana?

Let's discuss some "international standards in politics", touching on women's rights and then let's talk about how UNCA has lived up to International standards... ( incidentally, international standards is not equivalent to boarding a plane for south africa or using football money in campaigns, or even better, selling your soul for your daughter to get educated in England- if it were, then yes I would agree UNCA is top of the list).

1/ Saying Hulsie face big ( Is this part of Hindu philosophy - to denigrate women?)
2/ Kelvin Ramnath's gutter comment concerning Ganga Singh's wife....will you Sumana, raise your child to speak like that? Would you like it if someone referred to YOU and your mother/sister/niece in that way?
3/ Relegation of Kamla to the political dustbin- did your parents educate you my dear, to take a backseat to men?
4/ Wining on Denise Belfon...interesting... would Panday wine in a temple? Doubt it..so how is it decent or moral or respectful to wine on a platform?


There are some half-educated people who like to refer to "international" this and that. My dear, before further embarrassing yourself , kindly research the politics of Europe and Canada. International standards of the kind you've described would be laughed off the stage even more than the PNM's soup &soca philosophy.
Persons of intellect , dignity and competence who wish to see the same qualities reflected in their Government, do not engage in the foolishness that is the UNCA concert. Their audiences are people who are interested in issues, discussion and plans. If they want to go to a fete, they don't have to wait every five years for their political party to throw them a pity concert.

I urge that foolish sentiment be separated from real discussion, but it is too late. The UNCA has shown that it is possible for a whole new stereotype of Indian people to develop...and not a flattering one at that.

Ah notice dis one gone unanswered. I am interested in knowing what the female UNC supporters think about (2) above. Ganga's wife stays out of the politics and cannot defend herself on a platform. I am prepared to accept the attacks on Gillian and Hulsie because they are in the game, but someone who does not mount a platform? Let me hear you all on this. And it is interesting that the hierarchy in the party, including Kamla, has not condemned this ranting mad man. But I say go brave, you are sure attracting the votes now. :o


... and still there is silence.

[Scorpio]

Aye JP get banned.

:shock: :shock: :shock:

[Solachica]

:shock: :o
Yuh didnt know :?

[Scorpio]

No, I just read the Hall of Fame, but liek is just for 1 month so he will be back. :D

[Solachica]

:mrgreen:
Yea. temporary nuh :D

[Scorpio]

^^^JP just got a little bit carried away. :)

[ISME]

International standards , Sumana?

Let's discuss some "international standards in politics", touching on women's rights and then let's talk about how UNCA has lived up to International standards... ( incidentally, international standards is not equivalent to boarding a plane for south africa or using football money in campaigns, or even better, selling your soul for your daughter to get educated in England- if it were, then yes I would agree UNCA is top of the list).

1/ Saying Hulsie face big ( Is this part of Hindu philosophy - to denigrate women?)
2/ Kelvin Ramnath's gutter comment concerning Ganga Singh's wife....will you Sumana, raise your child to speak like that? Would you like it if someone referred to YOU and your mother/sister/niece in that way?
3/ Relegation of Kamla to the political dustbin- did your parents educate you my dear, to take a backseat to men?
4/ Wining on Denise Belfon...interesting... would Panday wine in a temple? Doubt it..so how is it decent or moral or respectful to wine on a platform?


There are some half-educated people who like to refer to "international" this and that. My dear, before further embarrassing yourself , kindly research the politics of Europe and Canada. International standards of the kind you've described would be laughed off the stage even more than the PNM's soup &soca philosophy.
Persons of intellect , dignity and competence who wish to see the same qualities reflected in their Government, do not engage in the foolishness that is the UNCA concert. Their audiences are people who are interested in issues, discussion and plans. If they want to go to a fete, they don't have to wait every five years for their political party to throw them a pity concert.

I urge that foolish sentiment be separated from real discussion, but it is too late. The UNCA has shown that it is possible for a whole new stereotype of Indian people to develop...and not a flattering one at that.

You sound like an educated closet racist!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :roll:

[scrunter]

for true jp got banned?

Yesterday I was talking to one ah meh pardners and he was telling me dat he duh support meh pardner ganga and dem...so we carryon a bit and den he left...as I was leaving to go to wuk two other pardners???/ who were chatting nearby made de comment dat he and he pardner not supporting COP dem supporting UNCA.So ah really answered very sarcastic dat dat is meh right.Yuh know one ah dem say dat he duh really ask people who dey voting for he does just ask dem what is dey educational background an he could tell who dey voting for...dat man is a UWI professor ...now ah really cyar say what ah was going to say because ah might get ban like JP but the truth be told I really did not say more on the topic then because come Tuesday all of us still have to live in this blessed country regardless of the outcome of the elections.

[kemist]

But really, why boast about things that any government is expected to deliver?

Please, don't act as if the UNC and COP weren't critizing every move made by the government. There's only one party which is committed to social development, the PNM.


Well one thing the PNM is good at, is setting low expectations of what a government should do.

The standard probably starts with CEPEP, so to PNM supporters, the PNM probably look like gods when they introduce any ideas or programs that are better than CEPEP.

In this day and age, for any country with our present economy, tertiary education (or education on the whole) and job training, are recognized to be essential by world leaders and funding these things are standard practices. There are many successful models and methods to follow from around the world, so it doesn't take a genius to implement such programs.

So if carrying out standard practises is all the PNM has to boast about, that itself is evident of their lack of foresight and incompetence in tackling the more difficult issues.

With a new slate of candidates, there is promise for the PNM, but i'm sorry, i cant support them as long as manning is still leading.

[peanut]

Kemist, the same goes for me .. AS LONG AS MANNING IS THE POLITICAL LEADER i WILL NEVER SUPPORT THE PNM! :mrgreen:

[Solachica]

Yuh know one ah dem say dat he duh really ask people who dey voting for he does just ask dem what is dey educational background an he could tell who dey voting for...dat man is a UWI professor

many of the UWI lecturers have COP stickers etc on their cars. Noticed tht in the carpark.

[snowbird]

Would you like her email address? :roll:
U ain't even in Trinidad to vote, you don't count where this letter is concerned. Go find something else to do.

Doh worry Sumana, ah tink it nice an warm where JP is right now :lol: who knows, he may even fine ah beach :lol:

[snowbird]

Would you like her email address? :roll:
U ain't even in Trinidad to vote, you don't count where this letter is concerned. Go find something else to do.

Doh worry Sumana, ah tink it nice an warm where JP is right now :lol: who knows, he may even fine ah beach :lol: dey hav dem in Jersey?