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We are part of the answer instead of part of the problem |
34 Dumfries Road La Romaine, Trinidad, W.I Tel/Fax (868) 652-8060 |
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We are part of the answer instead of part of the problem |
34 Dumfries Road La Romaine, Trinidad, W.I Tel/Fax (868) 652-8060 |
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Religious school board meets to discuss sexual misconduct by teachers
The Presbyterian School Board should be singled out for praise for deciding to meet to discuss the sexual misconduct and acts of violence by teachers of Presbyterian Schools. Other boards should stop hiding the truth and follow suit since some principals and teachers of other board schools had, in the past, been speared punishment, dismissal and even jail for acts of violence and sexual misconduct against minors and others.
CBTTtried in the past to highlight sexual misconduct by some teachers in the hope that the Ministry of Education would take note and make a more concerted effort to investigate and bring the culprits to justice. However, the deliberate cover-up by schools was responsible for keeping away such serious cases from reaching the Ministry as well as the media and public. As a result, many young children continued to become victims of lecherous adults posing as teachers and educators.
One teacher, who was, throughout his teaching career, accused by students of sexual misconduct, eventually ended up being a principal of a primary school. Another teacher from a board school, not affiliated with the Presbyterian, had a history of seducing his primary level students and even left his wife to marry one of them. Yet, this teacher became the principal of a religious school based solely on his length of service. We know of a teacher who was caught in a compromising position with his student on the school compound but was transferred to another school instead of being investigated and punished for his behavior.
Some teachers and principals in the past were suspended for years for sexual misconduct but were reinstated by the Ministry which cleared them of any wrongdoing. We wonder why they were suspended for so long in the first place.
Covering up the evils of a few teachers, just because their schools are religiously oriented and get super examination results, is an ungodly act in itself. Even if a teacher gets 100 percent passes for so-called prestige schools but are found to be guilty of fondling his students, he or she should be jailed for life without parole. Those who turn a blind eye to this evil act against our innocent children and so allow the victims no recourse have a lot to answer to the Almighty.
Most of our teachers have very high values and create a positive impact on their students. However, there are more than a few who have caused trauma and psychological damage to our children. Too many of us stood by quietly and pretended that sexual misconduct as well as violence by teachers were not major problems in our schools. For this, we shall continue to pay a dear price.
Life imprisonment without parole recommended for child sex offenders
Over seven years ago, we publicly invited the national community to join with Citizens For A Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) in praying for the abused children of the nation. Back then we were getting numerous reports of violence and sexual abuse against children by relatives, teachers and even owners of children's homes. We remember that many people criticised us then for making a mountain out of a molehill even though we were clearly stating the truth.
Today, the situation has to be much worse because very little has been done over the years to protect our children against abuse from sick perpetrators who are roaming our homes, schools and communities. Former Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs revealed some years ago that police had investigated 272 cases of sexual abuse among children in 1999, while in 2000, there was a startling 146 per cent increase, when the number rose to 617. After such revelations, we wonder why a more concerted effort was not made to address the serious problem of child abuse.
In our country today, there are more parties, rum drinking sprees, violence and bacchanal in the home and community than prayers and worship. As we stated before, even the highest educational institution in our land has a bar where some young university students can drink freely even before going to classes. We continue to make no apology for saying so.
Not all the abuse against children are alcohol and drug related, but our own investigation has shown that many of the perpetrators have a problem with substance abuse. In past years, CBTT could have reported many perverts to the police, but most of the victims were influenced by their mothers and other relatives to sweep the matter under the carpet.
CBTT has consistently stated that adults who sexually molest young children are criminals who should be shown no mercy. We find it very difficult to understand how some parents, guardians, teachers, counsellors and even spiritual leaders can abuse the very children who look to them for guidance, security and protection. We also wish to point out that many of the child abuse reports we have received involve stepfathers, so we plead with women to be careful of these men who profess to love them and their children.
We have pointed out that the majority of child sex abuse cases occur before the age of ten. That's why , we must be careful with whom our children associate. Today, we call for life imprisonment without parole, against those who are found guilty of sexually molesting these children.
Are police covering up Rajkumar killing?
Some months ago, Rishi Rajkumar was killed by an alleged drunk driver but so far no one has been arrested even though the perpetrator has been identified. We call on Police Commissioner Trevor Paul to investigate this matter since there seems to be a concerted effort by some police officers to protect the perpetrator. The top cop should clear the air on allegations made by friends and relatives of the deceased that a cover-up by police officers exists in this case.
Paul should know that among many good police officers there are also a lot of incompetent, inefficient and corrupt cops in his fold. The Rishi Rajkumar case is another opportunity for the Commissioner to find out why the driver who knocked down and killed Rishi, has not been called upon to answer serious charges levelled against him.
It's interesting to note that Rishi Rajkumar was robbed of his car sometime prior to his demise. We understand that no one was ever arrested for this crime even though the bandits were identified. One bandit even apologised for his part in the robbery. Paul should begin his investigation at the Freeport Police Station to find out if reports made on behalf of Rishi were properly dealt with by police officers.
By the way, we wonder if the Police Commissioner shares the view of a senior police officer who stated recently that some cops had become corrupted because too many citizens were willing to bribe these officers? Was this officer defending rogue cops who accept bribes from the public? We suggest that decent and law-abiding officers be allowed to set up sting operations against crooked cops so we can quickly get rid of the bad eggs from the Police Service. We doubt, though, that this suggestion will be taken seriously at this time. Maybe a new police head may get serious and place serious emphasis on wiping out the rogue element from the Police Service.
Depression caused by cheating and dishonest spouses
CBTT laments the large number of people who suffer from depression and suicidal tendencies because of cheating and dishonest spouses.This is what the group has discovered in its dealing with family problems over the past 15 years. However, we rarely hear the experts blaming cheating and other forms of dishonesty as major reasons for violence and suicide in the home. This fact may not go down too well with cheaters since the truth always offends some people.
While financial problems, loss of jobs, serious illness and loss of self esteem are causes for depression, the fact is that a loving and honest spouse can make a major difference to his or her partner when the going gets tough.
Another serious problem is the excessive jealousy by some husbands and wives. Many women are battered and confined by jealous men. There are also situations when males, fearing their jealous partners, are fearful of talking or even being seen in the presence of other females. Some partners commit suicide or kill because of jealousy. Others drink and abuse drugs. In some emotional and mental disorders, irrational jealousy is the first symptom to appear. Clearly, excessive jealousy is as a result of lack of confidence and poor self-esteem and is a serious illness.
CBTT believes that one of the best solutions to depression, mental disorder and suicide is for husbands and wives to do their part in creating a loving family environment.
Many of them pretend to be perfect mates and parents but the truth is that they create a lot of problems in their homes. In closing, we wish to state that social and religious workers, psychiatrists and counsellors, will make a difference in people's lives if only they themselves are honest in the home or society
T&T govt should intervene in deportee dilemma
The call by some citizens for a limited State of Emergency in certain areas in Trinidad to help curb crime is a clear indication that the anti-crime measures being adopted by our police and security agencies in areas such as Movant, Laventille and East Port-of-Spain have so far failed to get the desired results.
The wave of crimes in these areas did not surface overnight. Many residents who live there are aware that most of the gang related crimes are drug related. This drug culture has been passed down by many parents to their children.
Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) pleaded with the authorities years ago to introduce serious anti-drug programmes through community councils and other groups but these pleas were never taken seriously. Instead we were lambasted on many occasions by people who felt the organisation was making a mountain out of a molehill.
All kinds of courses are being introduced in community councils, which are admirable, but no genuine attempt has been made to highlight the grave dangers of alcohol and illegal drug abuse to family life. What is well-known about many of these community organisations is that they are very good at arranging regular functions with a well stocked bar where even minors are sold alcohol beverages.
I wish to point out, without any reservations whatsoever, that the La Romaine Integrated Educated Project (IEP) was the only community school in Trinidad and Tobago which had the foresight over 10 years ago to set up an annual drug awareness week in Trinidad and Tobago. It's is sad that the IEP's attempt was not taken seriously by other schools when it mattered the most.
The police must now rise up to the challenge in crime ridden areas and do what is necessary to help curb the gang violence which is becoming worse by the day. While we may be focusing on Laventille, Movant and East Port-of-Spain, more gangs are cropping up in other areas of the country. We may soon be calling for State of Emergencies in other areas as well if serious anti-crime measures are not put in place immediately.
Calls for change in T&T's education system
Sometime ago, CBTT's chairman Harrack Balramsingh wrote an article about the performance of government and denomination schools. It is interesting to note the comments from those who read the article. Sadly, they believe that the division which exists between the state run and denominational schools will continue for a long time to come. They are not happy that we continue to judge children by their academic success –as being "good" students and "bad" students- as well as by their success rates in external exams, so that we have "good" schools and "bad" schools. Clearly they believe that we should see students as our children, each one deserving the best that we can give him or her.
One gets the impression that it's all about "exam success" and not fully "academic success". You see, a person who achieves real academic success must not only be good at science, mathematics, computers, geography or history but must also be able to effectively communicate with others. He/she should be capable of working in culturally diverse settings, making responsible decisions and must display commitment to their families and communities.
One reader says that whenever the SEA, O'Level and A'Level results come out, we tend to place great focus on a handful of students and schools. People are not opposed to honouring sacrifice and hard work but who. can say that the 101st child or the 5650th child did not work or study or sacrifice as much or more than the child who came first?
Our primary school teachers are aware of the varying abilities and background of five and six-year-olds. And we haven't even started talking about those children who have hidden disabilities and who will never ever have these diagnosed, much less treated. They will go through their school life (and life generally) without the necessary help.
Some citizens point out that Christian, Hindu and Muslim scriptures advocate helping the poor, the disadvantaged and the needy. Yet, they believe that denominational schools (secondary) are firmly in the business of promoting educational "success" of a few while abandoning the mass of needy children who make their way through the government schools. One person asked: " Do you take in a child making 85% in the SEA, who is from an impoverished, single parent family or do you instead take in a child making 70% whose parents are willing to "donate" the sum of $10 000 to the school building fund?"
Certainly many people may not want to pen their names to an article with such statements; hence the reason, I am including their views in this letter. There is no need for us to become offended if we are truthful, honest and do not accept bribes from parents. One person said: "If the religious bodies are true to their respective faiths they would give up their privilege to choose the 20% intake at secondary schools and let the State allocate the spaces based on NEED (poverty, disability and other extenuating circumstances). By doing this, he adds, they fulfill their obligation to help the ones most in need of their "superior" organisation and years of expertise. Is this likely to happen? Probably never, according to most people.
Many citizens believe that religious boards should not be given all of the top SEA performers. But they are of the view that this will continue because too many people have too much to lose. One man writes that parents, especially the middle and upper class will kick up the biggest fuss you can ever imagine. They know how the game is played and they have the resources. Others are of the view that some parents will not sit idly by and see their children being placed in schools with "them kinda people children". Then the denominational secondary schools themselves, according to one lady, will raise a hullabaloo because this gravely interferes with their plans for success five and seven years down the road. These needy children will bring down their pass rate and also they are not the kind to win scholarships, she says. One man puts it this way: "Change comes very slowly but there must always be advocates."
More lives will be lost in 2008
In its New Year message to the nation, CBTT lamented the high murder rate in the country as well as the increase in corrupt practices and other criminal activities. While citizens are being asked to lead better lives to combat crimes, the State must introduce effective measures in the New Year to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. At the moment Trinidad and Tobago is a very unsafe place because while criminal activities have increased by leaps and bounds, very little has been done by those in authority to make citizens feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.
Promises have been made by the authorities to deal harshly with criminals but most of these promises are taking too long to be honoured. In the meantime people are continuing to lose their lives and properties and are being told that they should not blame the Police or the Government.
While it is true that our people can contribute to a better and safer society by ensuring that they bring up law abiding citizens in their homes, the Police and the Government have a duty to serve and protect the people from criminals. This is clearly not being done in any serious way. Any layman can see that police patrols in the country are far from adequate. Added to this, the many promises to install cameras at strategic locations throughout the country have not been kept.
Even more crucial is the fact that corrupt policemen continue to thrive in the Police Service. While not all police officers are crooks, the fact is that there are many cops who are very corrupt and these include some members of the Regiment.
It seems that Commissioner Trevor Paul has never visited the United States, Canada, England or other first World nations and witnessed the efficiency of their police patrols on the streets. The Commissioner should be sponsored by Government to visit these places so he could then acknowledge the inadequate Police patrol system in Trinidad and Tobago. Paul is clearly not blaming himself or the police for the upsurge in crimes because he believes he is doing an excellent job in fighting crime.
Hundreds more citizens are, once again, going to lose their lives in 2008 with many others losing valuables and properties. This can be avoided if promises are kept to implement serious crime preventing measures in all areas of the country in the New Year. Talk and promises would not help. The authorities need to be told: "Action speaks louder than words."
Time for transparency from church leaders
"If all of us practise the teachings of Christ, we will have a more loving and peaceful society. " This statement is contained in CBTT's 2007 Christmas. We believe that the Church is an important institution which has a responsibility to encourage its members to make spiritual progress and to show their faith by their behavior, both through their ethics and their good works.
However, as we have stated before on numerous occasions, this cannot be done effectively if church leaders are not proper exemplars. While many people are very good at expounding the word of God to others, they have serious problems in their own lives because they do not practise what they preach.
The time has come for church members to demand transparency and acceptable behavior from their pastors, priests, pundits and imams because too many of them, by their actions, have caused the exodus of young people from the houses of worship. CBTT continues to receive numerous complaints about arrogant and non-exemplary Church leaders and administrators who believe it is more important that they appear righteous to others than whether they are really righteous or not. Some of these self-righteous people read opinion polls and then try to do and say things which would garner them the most respect. They even propagate AIDS awareness and the giving of hampers at certain times of the year, then heap congratulations on themselves for their wonderful deeds like the Pharisees of old.
The day is coming when hypocrites will be called to account for all their presumptuous intruding into gospel ordinances, and usurpation of gospel privileges. Those Christians who walk unworthy of Christianity, forfeit all the happiness they presumptuously claim. Christ was serious when he said: "Many are called but few are chosen." A lot of Christians are invited to the Church but only a few of those that have been invited meet the criteria of proper respect to be fully accepted by Christ. We are sure that in the true spirit of Christmas, true Christians will not be offended by these statements.
If Christ's teachings are adhered to, then we would not be experiencing the many poor services in the country. Certain people with the responsibility and the power to provide proper services for our people fail to do so because they have little or no concern for others. Yet, many of these people profess to have a personal relationship with God. In a country of plenty, people still have to tolerate poor roads, inadequate water supplies and other poor services. And they have been doing so for years while promises upon promises have not been honoured by officials.
CBTT's Christmas message also stated that murder and suicide in the family would continue at unacceptable levels until we seriously decided to allow God to be part of our lives. True Christians, Hindus and Moslems who follow the teachings of their scriptures do not beat their spouses or participate in any corrupt or criminal activities. This also applies to politicians, who seek office or positions of power and then fail to deliver on promises they make to citizens.
We wish to spare a thought for those who fearlessly speak out against the ills of society in spite of the threat of victimisation. This is a Christ-like act which deserves commendation. The time has come for church members to demand transparency and acceptable behavior from their leaders. " Be strong and of a good courage, Fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
Too many corrupt cops in T&T says senior police office
CBTT which for years has been calling for the removal of crooked and corrupt police officers, is not surprised by allegations of Police corruption from Supt Chandrabhan Maharaj, formerly of the Firearms Interdiction Unit, and the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit. Maharaj also contends that some rogue cops are involved in the drugs and arms trade.
Many other police officers have expressed similar sentiments but they refuse to go public for fear of reprisal. There are dedicated cops in Trinidad and Tobago but there are also criminals in the Police Service and this is one of the main reasons for many of the serious crimes in the country.
The leadership of the Police Service has not been able to stem the tide of rogue and corrupt officers within the rank and file of the department. Maharaj’s statement has not surprised the majority of the population because most citizens are aware that there are corrupt cops although some may pretend that this is not so.
CBTT has been saying over and over again for more than a decade that rogue cops contribute to many of the crimes in the country. They not only protect criminals but are themselves involved in serious crimes. On more than one occasion in the past, we were vilified by some people, including police officers, who probably believe that their crookedness would be exposed if serious investigations were made against corrupt police officers. CBTT reiterates that the longer we take to recognise the many acts of corruption, police brutality and victimisation of our citizens, the safety and welfare of our people will continue to be threatened. Criminal activities by officers have instilled great fear in many citizens including those cops who genuinely want to protect and serve their people.
We believe that if Supt. Maharaj had accepted his promotion, it would have been very difficult for him to bring rogue cops to justice especially when genuine support is not coming from the top. There must be a major shakeup at the administrative level before the situation can improve. Instead of getting any better, the number of criminals and rogues in the Police Service has grown to unacceptable levels. We again warn the authorities that unless we eliminate police rogues we are not going to encourage many qualified and honest young people to apply to become police officers. The youth of the nation have a very negative view of police officers because of those crooked cops who bring the Service into disrepute.
The time has come for us to do less talking and have an intensive investigation into the wrongdoings of police officers at all levels of the Service. We must ensure that corrupt cops are not appointed to investigate other corrupt officers.
Cleaners in denominational schools claim discrimination
CBTT has received numerous complaint concerning pensions for cleaners in denominational schools. They claim they work just as hard as their counterparts in the government schools yet their salaries are lower. Many of them are pleading for an increase in salary along with a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and a decent pension. Judging by the many complaints we have received it seems that many cleaners in denominational schools feel they are doing the exact work as their counterparts yet are treated quite differently simply because they are not employed in government schools.
Some say they don’t know if the fault lies with the Ministry of Education or with the various Boards or if the blame should be shared. But what they say is that cleaners in Denominational Schools operate under severe disadvantages. They claim they have absolutely no job security. They are hired and fired at the whim and fancy of the various Boards. They complain that they do not have the privilege of due process of law.
They are paid much less than cleaners in the Government Schools. One gentleman told me that he had witnessed personally, in the case of a particular Board, that when there was an increase in the Grant given to the Board for the cleaners, these unfortunate workers were not paid the full amount. Instead the Board unilaterally decided that this increase was too much money for the cleaners. He wondered what happened to the balance of the grant.
It’s unfortunate that after 20 to 30 years of continuous service they have no pension to collect. If they are given even a small gratuity then that constitutes a miracle. Their status is temporary in cases of up to 25 years. These people continue to complain that they are struggling to earn a living for themselves and their families, yet they are treated in the worst manner possible. Those who dare to complain are informed by the "religious" Board members that there are many people waiting for their job. So those who don't like it are shown the door out.
We are pleading with the people in authority to address the problems of these cleaners. It’s unbelievable no one has come out in the open and state whether these complaints from cleaners at Denominations Schools are true or false. Maybe a few principals of these schools could state whether cleaners at their schools are being treated fairly.
CBTT condemns vandalism of Siewdass Shiva Mandir
CBTT condemns the recent vandalism of the Siewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir in Waterloo, Carapichaima. The attack on the “Temple by the Sea” was not the first time that criminals had shown disrespect for places of worship. As a matter of fact, there are Hindus, Christians and members of other faiths who can attest to their holy places being vandalised in the past.
Citizens are being forced to hire their own security personnel to protect their lives and properties because the State has fallen short in this respect. Criminals are becoming more and more dangerous and church-goers will have to be extra careful to and from church. They may also have to protect themselves while inside their places of worship. Some religious leaders and their members have already adjusted their times of worship. Others depend solely on the Lord for their protection and safety.
Citizens may remember that some years ago, a bandit entered the Archbishop’s House in Port-of-Spain and tried to rob the late Anthony Pantin. The man was recognised by the Catholic leader who once helped him. So it is very possible that there are also bandits and other dangerous criminals inside our places of worship.
Trinidad and Tobago has become a very attractive place for criminals because they are able to commit serious crimes, day or night, knowing full well that a proper security system is almost non-existent in most areas of the country. We must be prepared to experience more vandalism, robbery, kidnapping, murder and other crimes in our homes, churches and streets until the authorities decide to implement serious measures to protect citizens.
Vandalism at the Siewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir is another wake up call for the State to place more emphasis on securing the lives and properties of all our citizens. Vandalising religious places is an attack on the rights of people to worship and must not be tolerated.
The open condemnation of serious crimes by the authorities is welcome but we plead with them to use their authority to provide more security for our citizens. Action speaks louder than words, so those who can make changes need to talk less and act more in order to fight crime effectively.
CBTT supports the government in all its anti-crime measures. We wish to see a safer Trinidad and Tobago for all our citizens. That’s why we plead with the authorities, once again, to introduce more police patrols all over the country as well as the implementation of cameras and other crime fighting devices to help catch the perpetrators.
CBTT commemorates 14th anniversary.
...and pledges to continue the fight against domestic violence, substance abuse, incest, child abuse, discrimination and corruption which exist in society.
In commemoration of the 14th anniversary of Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) on August 1, 2007, we wish to remind the national community of our continued commitment to help eradicate many of the social ills affecting the nation. CBTT will continue to do all in its power to fight against domestic violence, substance abuse, incest, child abuse, discrimination and corruption which exist in society.
In our 14 years of existence, people have come and gone for one reason or the other. Some wanted to be associated with us but opted out when we insisted that we must be neutral in all our undertakings. It is well known that many people are not comfortable in organisations that place great emphasis on accountability and transparency so they leave in a hurry before their dark secrets are exposed.
Many people are offended by the truth but we have always maintained that the truth shall prevail even though some may be offended by it.
We have consistently spoken out against some pastors, priests, pundits and other religious officials who care only about the monetary gains they receive from their members. We have had numerous complaints about certain religious officials who pretend to serve God in spirit and in truth but who are serious sex molesters to our children. On the other hand we have paid glowing tribute to all religious, social and community leaders who help in no small way to make Trinidad and Tobago a better place in which to live.
We have voiced strong objections to those politicians who swear they love and cherish people but fail our citizens when they finally get into positions of authority. We publicly stated over the years that there were some arrogant and corrupt officials in our schools who did as they please. On numerous occasions, we never hesitated to publicly express disgust against teachers who pretended to be role models when in actuality they were perverts.
Time and time again, we called on the relevant authorities to wage a serious battle against corrupt and evil police officers who helped bring the Service into disrepute. We have been criticised and chastised by some people including police officers for making these frequents calls. However, the vast majority of citizens agree with us that the Police Service consists of more than a few officers who are involved in corruption and other serious criminal activities.
CBTT with the help of other organisations pleaded for the past 14 years for the breathalyser to be introduced to help lessen the carnage on our roads. . We also called for a ban on all alcohol advertisements. Today we hear that alcohol is a major problem among police officers. The fact is that excessive drinking is also a serious problem among doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals. There are numerous citizens who can bear witness to this.
We also called for the removal of the bar at the University of the West Indies because we felt that the University should be setting an example to the nation’s youth. We were chastised for making such a call by people who saw no wrong in the university approving the sale of liquor during school hours. Years ago, we pointed out that indiscipline and violence were related to alcohol abuse among students but we were told that we were making a mountain out of a molehill. Today, the situation is worse because more of our children are abusing alcohol and drugs.
Genuine groups don’t sweep problems under the carpet; instead they recognise that the wrongs in society must be brought out in the open before they can be corrected. At the same time we admit that those brave enough to speak out against the social ills in society must be prepared to face victimisation especially from people with too much “cocoa in the sun”.
We have not won many of our battles against the ills in society mainly because we must depend on people in authority to help us. However, at least we have attacked with full force those perpetrators who pose a danger to others and by extension to our beautiful Trinidad and Tobago.
Finally, CBTT wishes to thank all those who have helped us to help others. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for the kindness they have shown to their fellow citizens especially the underprivileged as well as the victims of physical and sexual abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
High-level officials must set an example for the workforce
Some time ago a former Correction Commissioner in the State of Maryland, USA was fined $500 for allowing three correction officers to repair his swimming pool. This leaves us to wonder how many high-level officials in Trinidad and Tobago would have been fined for entering into business or financial relationships with subordinates.
There was no indication that the Maryland Commissioner William Fraser coerced the officers in this case but according to the Conflicts of Interest Board, high-level officials must set an example for the workforce.
Fraser told investigators that when he was assistant chief of department several years ago he "mentioned" to the correction officers that his above-ground swimming pool had a leak. He claimed they repaired it on their own time and that he reimbursed them for labour and material. Fraser may not have engaged in a corrupt act but he did admit to violating the City Charter provision which prohibits officials from entering into business or financial relationships with those under their charge. Why can't we have a similar provision in Trinidad and Tobago?
In this country, there are instances when government workers are allowed time off from their jobs to do special favours for their bosses. Some officials even divert materials and other valuable items brought for government buildings to their homes or other private properties. We know of school principals who give teachers time off from their classes to do private jobs for them.
The time has come for us to demand high standards from all heads of department in our Public and State enterprises. We must also deal severely with all those people in authority who believe that those under their charge must cater to their sexual demands.
Many government workers are not happy at being used by officials who believe that their positions of authority permit them to do as they please. In closing, we must admit that arrogance and abuse of power are rampant among many high-level officials here. We need to be thankful to those who are meek and humble in our midst since they are the ones who bring some level of sanity to our country.
Make all our public high schools in T&T prestige institutions
It's unfair to compare the "so called" prestige schools in Trinidad and Tobago with the senior, composite and other government's secondary schools. It is well known that the Education Ministry sends the top performers in the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination to schools run by religious boards, so clearly these schools are supposed to perform academically superior to most government colleges.
What is difficult to understand is why governments after governments have not seen it fit to send the best SEA students to their own schools. Clearly we have been brainwashed into believing that our children will not perform as well in public schools as they do in schools run by religious boards. Queen's Royal College is a good example of a government college that has produced some of our greatest scholars. It must be remembered that some of our best primary-level students went there.
Once we place our top students in some of our best managed government schools, we are willing to bet that these colleges will gain prestige status in a very short time. You don't even have to change the teachers at these public schools because they possess many capable and efficient teachers. Of course there are the bad eggs that should be removed forthwith.
We wish to make it clear that we fully support schools run by religious boards but they should not be given all the top SEA performers. If these schools are good at handling delinquency and violence among our students, then they should be able to do an excellent job with some of the students who create serious problems at the junior, senior and composite schools. There are very good teachers and principals in the board schools so it possible that many of our students who turn out to be delinquents at the government secondary schools may instead become role models in the "so called" prestige schools run by religious boards. At least this is the view of ardent supporters of our board schools. We need to find out if this is really true.
It seems that the people who run our education system have no confidence in most of the government schools here, hence the reason for sending the vast majority of our top students to colleges managed by religious boards. It is well know in this country that we have always had problems with many institutions managed by the State. The Iron and Steel Company of Trinidad and Tobago (ISCOTT), Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), Caroni Limited, British West Indian Airways (BWIA) are some that come to mind.
This article may not go down too well with people who oppose change. Their wish is for the Ministry of Education to continue sending the best students to schools run by religious boards in order to preserve the status quo.
In closing, we wish to salute the many graduates of junior, senior and composite secondary schools who are making sterling contributions to the nation. These are the people who have brought a degree of prestige to many of our government secondary schools and for this we owe them and their teachers a great debt of gratitude.
15 year-old pastor's daughter engages in sexually explicit dance with Akon
Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) pointed out repeatedly over the years that minors were being allowed to enter bars and clubs. I wonder why a concerted effort was never made to punish the perpetrators. If the 15 year-old pastor’s daughter was not caught on film engaging in a sexually explicit dance with Hip Hop singer Akon at Club Zen recently., the chances are that this grave sin committed by bar and club owners may have continued to go unnoticed. We wonder if anyone has ever been fined or imprisoned for permitting minors into their clubs and bars.
CBTT has been repeatedly calling on the relevant authorities to enforce stiff penalties against all those who permit minors into their rum shops and clubs. We also pointed out that many of our students under the age of 18 could be seen drinking in clubs and bars as well as school functions and community events. This did not go down too well with many of the perpetrators including those rum shop owners who allow their very young teenage children to sell alcohol to adults and other minors. We have been severely criticised and cursed by some of these perpetrators whose main aim is to continue to exploit our young teenagers.
Many citizens will remember CBTT’s unrelenting fight against principals who permitted the sale of alcohol to students at school functions. After years of complaints from us and a few other citizens, the Education Ministry finally decided last year to stop the sale of alcohol to students at school functions. We salute the Ministry for taking such action although it should have been done years ago.
CBTT has been stating over and over again that pastors, preachers, pundits, imams and other religious heads cannot be effective if they are unable to control their own home. It’s amazing how many of them boast of creating a better society when in fact their own homes are in shambles. While we try to seek answers to the increasing indiscipline and violence among many young people, the fact is that many of us contribute to the poor behaviour of children because we are far from being role models and good managers in our homes.
We wish to point out that our society will continue to deteriorate rapidly if we are unable to supervise our children properly from an early age. The best home supervisor is the parent who practises what he or she preaches to children. This is the true secret to a better Trinidad and Tobago and by extension a better world.
Lewd wining should not be part of our culture.
Senior Magistrate Cheryl-Ann Blake and the Appeal Court comprising judges Ivor Archie and Allan Mendonca were right to refuse dancehall and liquor licences to promoters of the annual Ash Wednesday cool down in Manzanilla in light of the lewd behaviour of some patrons in the past. In the first place, our courts should not be granting liquor licences in public places like the beaches unless the area is blocked off to facilitate only the party-goers. Not every citizen wants to be associated with the wining and jamming and drunkenness associated with some of these fetes.
We have pointed out on more than one occasion in the past that many people lose their mental faculty when they overindulge in alcohol and as a result engage in abnormal behaviour. Many children who are exposed to this type of behaviour emulate adults by drinking, wining lewdly and even having unsafe sex.
There are some male students even at the primary school level who get the impression that it’s all right to wine on their female classmates during their school’s carnival jump-up. There are students who have objected to this type of behaviour and reported it to their parents. What is unfortunate is that the affected students and parents are afraid to report such matters to the school authorities for fear of victimisation. I hope the Ministry of Education takes note of this article because it seems that for the past 14 years we have been pointing out problems in the school system that the Ministry may not have been aware of.
Schools should be allowed to have carnival celebrations to highlight festival’s great cultural aspects. However, jump-ups and wining should be discouraged. Lewd wining should not be part of our culture. There are thousands of people who dissociate themselves from carnival because of the behaviour of lewd revellers who bring this great show into disrepute. I know of students who have never been part of the carnival celebrations mainly for this reason; yet they are forced to write essays on the topic because some teachers don’t give them any options.
CBTT is happy that calypso and steelpan have become accepted even in the churches- a far cry from the days when they were not even heard at Lenten season.
The time has come to talk less and act more on crime
CBTT has always believed that action speaks louder than words. Many of the people who can help make this country safer for our citizens have been promising to get tough on criminals for years now. The more they talk, the more the crime rate continues to climb. Even marching and protesting by concerned citizens have not been able to convince the authorities that they must act quickly in the best interests of our people.
Police Commissioners and others in authority have been threatening criminals. Clearly, they think that words are more important than action. Any viable poll will show that citizens don’t believe that the authorities have really waged a serious battle against murderers, drug lords, crooked cops, corrupt people as well as perpetrators of domestic violence, incest, child abuse and rape. The time has come to talk less and act more so that our citizens will feel safer than they do now.
It is true that there are crimes and murders in all countries but we must admit that per capita, we have one of the highest murder and kidnapping rates in the world. Some of our own citizens are running scared to North America and they swear they feel safer there than they do in Trinidad and Tobago.
We need to point out that people who beat their spouses, sexually abuse their children and other minors have no authority to speak on the crime situation facing us because they themselves are criminals. We must be peaceful people in our own homes if we expect others to follow our lead. The fight against criminals must begin in our homes.
Serious and honest prayers will help both our family and country but God will never help us if we don’t help ourselves. The Church can assist but too many of its leaders are running people away from their places of worship because of greed and lack of accountability.
It is only natural that criminals, rapists and those involved in shady deals will be critical of us and others who try to recommend tough measures to help our nation. We will continue to plead with this government and all future ones to act quickly and appropriately in the best interests of all our citizens. As a matter of fact, CBTT has been doing so for the past 14 years.
3-year-old child dies after routine hernia operation. Faulty equipment blamed
CBTT is hoping that there is no cover-up in the unfortunate death of 3-year-old Faith Williams after a routine hernia operation at the Mt. Hope Hospital. The time has come to expose and punish those in the medical fraternity who treat patients with scant courtesy.
This unfortunate incident has again exposed the problems of health care in this country. It’s not the first time that someone in Trinidad and Tobago has died because of faulty equipments or poor medical practice. This situation surrounding Faith’s death seems to be a very scandalous one and must be fully investigated and brought out in the open. If the medical equipment used in the operation was faulty then why wasn’t it checked before? For too long now citizens have been complaining about the poor health care in the country and it’s time that more pressure is brought to bear on those responsible for this serious problem.
Many Trinidadians living abroad, especially those with a history of medical problems, are afraid to return here because of our less than efficient public hospitals and health care system. Many of them believe that they will die early if they return to reside here. They love their country but hate the health services we provide here.
We should be able to boast of one of the best health systems in the world because we have the funds to do so. Instead we have many people, including politicians, going abroad to seek medical attention for cases that can be done here. You cannot blame them for doing so especially when they consider the fate meted out to Faith Williams and others before her.
CBTT calls on the Williams family to pursue the matter in court. Pressure must be placed on people who continue to bring our health system and by extension our country into disrepute. We wish to state that CBTT will not be party to any cover-up. We seek the interests of our nation and will continue to speak out on matters of national interests with the hope that patriotic citizens will support us.
Police officers in United States cannot absent themselves from cases like some officers do in Trinidad and Tobago.
Unlike our Police Service, the New York City Police Department is much more equipped with the tools necessary to combat all types of crimes including drunk driving. The New York murder rate would have many times its present level if the Police Department there were in a similar situation as its counterpart in Trinidad and Tobago.
In New York City today, there are more police officers on the streets than previously. Police vehicles can be seen patrolling the streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx regularly-24 hours a day. Policemen, on foot, can also be noticed everywhere. Do we see the same here in Trinidad?
How do we expect to reduce crime in TT when we fail to do the same? That’s why CBTT has been pleading for more police patrols throughout Trinidad and Tobago on a regular basis because it’s one of the major ways to help reduce the escalating crime rate in the country. We have no doubt that many murderers, kidnappers and other criminals would have been caught if we had more Police patrols throughout the country. Lange Park, Chaguanas residents are not the only citizens complaining about lack of proper security in their area. People all over the country are expressing similar sentiments as those living in Lange Park.
Vindra Naipaul- Coolman and other kidnapped victims may have been safe and alive today if we cared more about our people’s lives. Crime detection is too low in Trinidad and Tobago, so it’s time we do the basic things necessary to protect the lives of people. Serious crimes are on the increase in TT because perpetrators are aware that citizens are not properly protected by the Police. Then again, we have to deal with the rogue cops and soldiers. We wish to point out that the Police officers, who are hired by the New York City Police Department and other Police Departments in the United States cannot absent themselves from cases like some officers do here.
The recent threat and attack on politicians must be a worrying factor because it’s not a good sign. It may get worse if we continue to turn a blind eye to the many criminal elements in the country. Actually we are paying a dear price for our failure to act when it most mattered. It’s not too late but the situation is likely to get worse before it becomes better.
The same CEPEPP and URP projects which are assisting some people are now adding to some of our crime worries. It seems that many people are demanding regular and permanent work in these projects because it’s a far cry from putting in a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. CBTT believes that government should get our support in the fight against crime but the government must act quickly in the best interest of the country’s citizens.
Students in TT prestige schools also being bullied and beaten
CBTT laments the increased violence and indiscipline in our nation’s schools. CBTT has been consistently calling on the relevant authorities for the past decade to implement tough measures to combat violence and indiscipline in schools As a teacher, I warned time and again that violence and indiscipline will get out of control if we don’t act with haste. Too many irregularities in our schools went unnoticed for years and as result we are today paying a dear price for our failure to act quickly and decisively when it mattered the most. Instead of trying to solve the problems, some principals did all in their power to cover up the problems at their schools. Students and teachers who dared to expose the irregularities at their schools were both victimised and treated with scant courtesy by administration.
We cannot solve problems by covering them up and pretending that all is well. At some point in time, the evil will be exposed but not before the situation gets worse. This is what is happening today. The media is helping to highlight many of the problems in schools. However, what is reported in the electronics and print media is only part of what is really happening in our schools. The truth is that indiscipline and violence among students is a lot worse than reported.
Some administrators are poor leaders even though they have taken courses to help them with administrative duties. They have created more problems than solutions by their poor leadership skills. A poor principal is one that fails to be transparent and accountable in dealing with school funds. He/she does not set a proper example for teachers and students and does not treat all members of staff equally. I wish to point out that you cannot get the best performance from your teachers if you are arrogant, unfair and corrupt.
I wonder if the Education Ministry is aware that some teachers are actually abandoning their classes to pursue postgraduate degrees. These teachers, some of whom are heads of department and deans, may even be promoted ahead of their more dedicated colleagues. People have a right to upgrade their qualifications but not at the expense of the nation’s students. A few teachers are even more committed to their private evening and weekend classes. The abandonment of classes by some teachers for one reason or the other has contributed significantly to the violence and indiscipline in schools.
I wish to point out that indiscipline, violence and bullying also take place at some prestige schools. Recently, a student from a prestige boy’s school had to be transferred to another prestige boy’s school because he was badly bullied and beaten by classmates for no apparent reason. The situation was so bad that the victim had to be taken to a therapist abroad. The affected student was subsequently transferred with the assistant of the school supervisor and principal to another so-called prestige school. I doubt that the Minister of Education Hazel Manning is aware of this situation.
A few years ago, I pointed out publicly that even security guards were being attacked by students. so clearly violence in schools has been a serious problem for a long time now. As a teacher, I tried to get the Education Ministry to prohibit the sale of alcohol at school functions. It was only recently that the Ministry implemented a new policy prohibiting the use of tobacco and alcohol at our schools. A lot of damages had been done by this practice over the years, so a lot of damage control is now needed.
There are instances when students have taken guns to classes. We are very fortunate that they did not hurt or murder anyone. Guns are easily available everywhere in the country and many teenagers are in possession of them. As a result, we must be vigilant.
CBTT recommends that School Boards be given a little more clout. They should be able to point out to the Education Ministry the problems that exist in the schools and not just concentrate on school repairs. There are some very ineffective boards which cannot get a quorum at some of their meetings. There are also boards that are headed by teachers of the school. Someone should be appointed by the Ministry to determine the effectiveness of these boards and how often they attend meetings. After all they are paid a stipend with taxpayer’s money.
I wish to reiterate that if we don’t solve our problems at the top first, then it’s hardly likely that indiscipline and violence in schools will decrease. As I have said on numerous occasions, the situation in our schools will get worse before it improves. And it will only get better if the Education Ministry and the various stakeholders act with haste. In closing, I wish to plead with delinquent teachers and parents to get their act together. Our children are looking at us and will more often than not follow our lead.
A textbook containing foul language being used in classroom
CBTT supports those groups and individuals who have come out against the use of the book The Humming-Bird Tree in our nation’s classes. Such a textbook should never have entered our classrooms because it contains graphic foul language. The panel of teachers who selected The Humming Bird Tree to be used by minors in the classrooms, have clearly embarrassed the Education Ministry and have irritated and angered the majority of parents in the country.
Even though children may be exposed to obscene language in taxis, maxis and other places outside the classroom, they must be taught to eliminate foul language from their vocabulary. We are well aware that many adults including parents and teachers use obscene language regularly but that does not mean that our young children should follow their lead. We know of principals and teachers who use foul language in their schools and other public places but are quick to condemn and punish their students for the same sin.
In spite of the support of The Hummingbird Tree as a school textbook by some educators, we should not introduce such materials in our schools when other options are available. The Humming Bird Tree was introduced in the classroom like a thief in the night. In future, textbooks containing graphic foul language must first be made public so that we can decide if the majority of us approve of such materials in the nation’s classroom.
There are people out there who believe that the book is the work of prose and literature and should be allowed in the classrooms. Many of these same people use ‘cusswords’ in their conversation to others, which is not only breaking the law but also setting a poor example for others to follow. I wonder if they believe that their constant “ cussing” is also the work of prose.
Honour late President Noor Hassanali by building centre in his name
We should honour the late President Noor Hassanali by building a centre in his name to allow present and future generations to research the life and times of our Heads of State.
CBTT made the request in 1997 at a Republic Day function in honour of Hassanali. The late Head of State would have been delighted if such a centre was built while he was alive. However, it would still be a great honour to a great President if we fulfilled one of his wishes.
All of our Heads of State have served with great distinction and I am sure they will feel very honoured to have a centre where people can go for information on them.We should remember that President Hassanali crossed all racial barriers and truly dedicated his life to our country; so he deserves due recognition
CBTT supports the Education Ministry's new policy prohibiting the use of tobacco and alcohol at the nation’s schools.
CBTT will like to commend the Minister of Education Hazel Manning and her Ministry for implementing a new policy prohibiting the use of tobacco and alcohol at the nation’s schools.
For more than a decade, CBTT had been trying to encourage the Ministry of Education and principals to adopt a no-nonsence approach to alcohol and illegal drugs in our schools. Eight years ago, CBTT's chairman Harrack Balramsingh joined with members of the Board of Education of the La Romaine Integrated Education Project (IEP) to initiate an annual alcohol and drug awareness week because he wanted to highlight the negative effects of alcohol and illegal drugs in our society. He pleaded with the authorities, year after year, to place a ban on the use and sale of alcohol at all school activities. That’s why CBTT owes the Minister of Education, Hazel Manning, and her Ministry a great depth of gratitude for heeding our call. Our work was not in vain.
As a teacher, the CBTT Chairman spoke out on numerous occasions against the sale of alcohol to minors but hardly anyone listened since certain principals and teachers continued selling liquor to students at bazaars and other school functions without considering the ill-effects of their action. On one hand these educators were preaching values to their students and on the other hand they were contributing to a grave social ill in society. Teachers and principals are forever under the microscope, so they need to gain the respect of their students by setting proper examples in their schools.
It is not uncommon for teachers and support staff to plan private drinking sessions on the school compound. Some male and female teachers drink at nearby rum shops during recess and lunch times and then proceed to teach their classes under the influence of alcohol.
It has taken us a long time to recognise that many of the violence among young people in our schools and communities are drug and alcohol related. The Ministry’s Policy on illegal drug abuse will be effective if it is able to find the culprits who sell drugs to the youth and proceed to deal swiftly with them. The Education Ministry with the help of principals and teachers must identify the drug traffickers among students and encourage them to expose the person or persons who provide them with the drugs.
Substance abuse is doing untold damages to our society. That’s why the Minister of Education and her Ministry must be lauded for their bold and fearless initiative in banning alcohol and tobacco use on school compounds as well as prohibiting principals and teachers from accepting gifts or sponsorship from tobacco and alcohol companies. The Ministry of Education must penalise all those principals, teachers and support staff who fail to abide by the rules if its new school policy on drug abuse and prevention is to succeed
Why delay the breathalyser?
We are in dire need of legislation which will allow police officers to obtain breath and blood samples from drivers suspected to be under the influence of alcohol. Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) is trying to highlight, once again, the importance of the breathalyser in light of the continued delay by the authorities in implementing it.
The vast majority of our citizens believe that it should have been implemented decades ago. People continue to lose lives and limbs at an alarming rate, yet we cannot seem to give priority to this very important legislation. Promises after promises have been made over the years to implement the breathalyser. CBTT laments these broken promises. One of our major problems is that we take too long to act on many matters of public importance.
CBTT and many other groups have been lobbying for years for the introduction of the breathalyser to be implemented to help reduce accidents on the nation's roadways but with no success so far. The continued delay in dealing with drunk drivers has been a major blow to our nation’s road safety campaign.
It’s sad when the people we chose to represent us cannot do what is necessary to help protect innocent lives by recognising that a great number of road accidents are alcohol-related. We have no doubt that the breathalyser will eventually be introduced in Trinidad and Tobago but not before more lives are lost. Many people who have been fortunate to survive alcohol related accidents are physically handicapped for life.
In the meantime, over 90 percent of our citizens continue to wait patiently for this important legislation to be passed. It seems clear that a small minority of citizens, some with great influence, have been successful, so far, in delaying the implementation of the breathalyser.
Trinidadians proud of the Soca Warriors
CBTT believes that the members of the Soca Warriors deserve the monetary award as well as the Chaconia Gold Medal given to them by the State because of their achievement on the football field. Millions around the world, who were unaware of our small country, now know a lot more of Trinidad and Tobago because of the effort of the Soca Warriors. The major reason our citizens here and abroad felt so proud to be a Trinbagonian was that our country was being showcased around the globe like never before. We must also be very thankful to coach Leo Beenhakker, FIFA vice president Jack Warner as well as all those who contributed to our team going to the World Cup for the first time.
Sports are of utmost importance to a country. That’s why CBTT has been pleading for recreation grounds to be made available to all communities and villages in Trinidad and Tobago. Many youths who may have been stars in the sporting arena never had the opportunity to do so because of inadequate facilities in their communities.We must also remember that a recreation ground can also be used to keep citizens –both young and old- physically fit since regular exercise is a pre-requisite for good health. Since many areas do not have this facility many residents are forced to exercise on the roads which can be very risky at times.
Now that many more people have become aware of our small country, they may want to visit TT on vacation or do business with us. It is important, therefore, to do all in our power to decrease the crime rate. We do not want countries to put out a travel advisory that warns their citizens about visiting here.
The patriotism we showed for our deserving Soca Warriors must also be displayed in our homes, communities and workplaces. We cannot be true patriots if we hate or envy our neighbours, friends and relatives or if we discriminate against others based on race, religion, colour or gender.
CBTT pleads with murderers, rapists, corrupt officials and perpetrators of domestic violence to repent for the good of the country if they really want to demonstrate patriotism. True unity is treating others with respect and dignity at all times.
CBTT wishes to thank the Warriors for the part they played in promoting our country and unifying our citizens. At the same time, we must never forget our 1973 football team which would have gone to the 1974 World Cup had it not been for the unfair decisions of the referee. He was later banned for disallowing the goals we scored against Haiti. It was a great injustice to a great team.
Some schoolteachers administrators guilty of child sex abuse
CBTT is not surprised by the revelations of sexual abuse against children at the Cry Foundation Home in Claxton Bay and at many of the nation’s primary schools. As a matter of fact, these revelations should have been made a long time ago. However, better late than never.
The problem has been allowed to reach epidemic proportions because for some unknown reason, we failed to act when it most counted. CBTT has been trying unsuccessfully for years to get the attention of the authorities by constantly mentioning in its reports that many of our children were being sexually abused by some teachers, parents and family friends.
As a teacher, the CBTT's chairman Harrack Balramsingh tried to expose acts of indecency against students but support was too slow in coming. The culprits got away with their evil acts and this accounted for the escalation of child sex abuse against young students. As we have stated before, some teachers who sexually abused children even went on to become administrators in our schools. We know of two primary school teachers who molested their female students, yet they went on to become principals of religious board schools. Both of these perverts had problems with drinking. Fortunately for our children they have both passed away. Even a few people who became supervisors were accused of disrespecting our students. If these child victims decide to speak out against their perpetrators, the country's citizens will receive the shock of their lives.
We need to wipe out all the heads that are rotten in order to have effective schools... Ministry records would show that a small number of school administrators had been suspended in the past for sexual indiscretions but hardly anyone of them was ever punished. It’s difficult to believe school principals and supervisors who claim they never received reports of serious sexual misconduct at their schools. They must have been sleeping on the job because even teachers are aware of this disgraceful behaviour by some of their principals and colleagues. However, they remain quiet for fear of reprisal. In the past, many supervisors, principals and heads of children’s homes never wanted to bring shame and disgrace to their institutions so they kept covering up the sex crimes committed against our young children.
CBTT has called on more than one occasion for a hot line to be set up by the Ministry of Education to listen to complaints from teachers, parents and children, but this plea has never been taken seriously. Maybe the Education Ministry can allow us to set up a hotline on its behalf, once it’s is serious about acting against those who are messing up the system. CBTT indicated on many occasions that the country would be stunned at what was taking place in many of our institutions. Readers would remember that we also called for a Commission of Inquiry to help investigate irregularities and other serious problems in our schools but there was no response to this call from the authorities
There is nothing wrong with children’s homes being set up all over the country but they must be monitored properly because it is well known that perverts are everywhere including these homes. We also have to keep watch over the homes that are church related because too many adults use the church to cover up their evil acts.
The media must be highly commended for exposing criminal acts against our children. The report on the sexual misconduct of people at the Cry home and at many primary schools in the country has been a surprise revelation to many but the reality is that the situation is much worse than reported. We must continue the momentum against child sex abuse in society if we truly want to protect our children.
The Integrity in Public Life Act 2000 is one of the best laws ever
It seems that more officials are obeying the Integrity Act, which clearly indicates that if the laws that exist in Trinidad and Tobago are seriously enforced, more people are likely to obey them. A sample of declarations filed by ten top public figures including nine politicians, according to one report, showed that they had avoided making the blatant omissions which occurred last year when at least eight Government Ministers submitted incomplete declarations. The eight Ministers had failed in some way to send in a full four-page declaration form containing a proper date and signature.
It is unfortunate that former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday had to set a precedent. Politicians and other public officers, who are required to comply with the Integrity in Public Life Act 2000. will be more careful when filling out their declarations.
Some of the officers, who did not comply in the past with the Public Life Act, must count their blessings for not getting similar treatment to that of the former Prime Minister. We need to make sure, though, that the law applies to all because people here and abroad will get the impression that the country is riddled with discrimination.
The Integrity in Public Life Act 2000 is one of the best laws that has ever been enacted in this country because it clearly requires more transparency and accountability from politicians and other high ranking public officers. CBTT has no doubt that more officials in our schools, Public Service and State Enterprises will be transparent and accountable if leaders in these departments are hurled before the courts and charged for corrupt practices.
There are perverts even in our churches
CBTT laments the increasing murder rate in the country. Our failure to put appropriate crime-fighting measures in place when it mattered the most is the major reason why this once safe country is now at the mercy of so many dangerous criminals.
Long before 6-year-old Sean Luke’s buggery and murder happened, young boys were being sexually molested by male perverts, some of whom were close to the victims. What is very unfortunate is that young boys are now buggering other young male children. It seems clear that if the perpetrators cannot lure young girls into their trap, they will instead perform their wicked sexual acts on young innocent males. Pornography is today easily available to kids from a very young age and this coupled with poor examples by some parents and adults have helped create many young perverts in society.
We wish to point out that the internet is extremely useful to students but it can also contort the minds of our young people if not properly monitored. The internet contains thousands of X-rated sites some of which promotes buggery of young boys and girls.
Times are such that we cannot even trust some relatives and friends with our innocent young children. We need to be careful with some principals, teachers and guidance officers as well because there are instances when they have sexually molested those under their charge but few if any have been punished for the offence. There are some perverts even in our churches and other places of worship, so we need to learn how to distinguish the good from the bad.
CBTT laments the number of females who wine and gyrate on television in full view of our young boys. The persons who allow these people to do so should be held responsible for some of the problems in society. Adults who wish to wine indecently and have a good time during carnival could do so but not on national television when our children are viewing the greatest show on earth. Greater emphasis should have been placed in our communities and schools years ago to help keep more people away from alcohol and illegal drug abuse. We wish to reiterate that many of the crimes in the nation are related to drugs and alcohol, yet many of us continue to ignore this fact.
We are paying a dear price for sanctioning so many rum shops in our villages and communities. Some villages have many bars but no recreation grounds. How sad! We wonder why this has gone unnoticed for all these years. This is, however, not surprising when we consider that after almost 44 years of Independence, we are yet to pass the breathalyser which is supported by the vast majority of our citizens.
We wish to point out that the drug trade has become very popular among many of our young people. We cannot now correct the situation overnight but we can start by doing all in our power to get more people to live sober lives by waging a serious and permanent battle against illegal drugs and alcohol abuse.
Complaints of victimisation nepotism, favourtism and lack of accountability in the workplace.
CBTT has received numerous complaints of victimisation from police officers, teachers, civil servants and other workers. While we are unable to assist them directly, they expect that this matter will be discussed publicly so that it can be addressed by the relevant authorities. Many of them are even contemplating going to court because they believe that they have been unfairly bypassed for promotion, while others have complained that the authorities have in the past failed to act against employers who pay them under the minimum wage and fail to forward their National Insurance deductions to the National Insurance Board (NIB).
Nepotism and favoritism are rampant in many Government and State offices and must be addressed by the authorities in order to ensure that productive, efficient and deserving people are not deliberately bypassed for promotions in favour of those who simply tow the line or are relatives and good friends of the authorities with the power to hire, fire and promote workers.
If workers complain that their employers underpay them or do not forward their deductions to the National Insurance Board, then they are usually threatened or fired from their job. Ministers of Government have in the past promised to take action against delinquent employers but those promises have remained just promises.
Many police officers, teachers and other State employees complain that they have been bypassed for promotion in favour of those who have less seniority and qualification than they do. Some of them are given low grades in their confidential reports just because they are a threat to others or because they refuse to tow the line. They are victimised if they speak out on nepotism, favourtism and lack of accountability in the workplace. It is well known that some people get their jobs and promotions because of political affiliation and they remain in their position regardless of how they perform and how many people they help destroy.
My colleagues and I predict that many more employees will take the State to court for unfair treatment and most of them will be victorious. The time has come for us to declare war against those who support nepotism, victimisation and exploitation in the workplace. We need to be careful that we don’t deliberately ignore deserving workers because it may lead to anger and frustration which may cause even normal and peaceful people to act differently. If we want to create peace in our country we must ensure that workers get what is due to them.
Police Commissioner underestimates crime in TT
Police Commissioner Trevor Paul’s recent admittance that he underestimated the crime situation in the country was unfortunate because he more than any other citizen should be aware of our crime situation. The Police Service will continue to have problems reducing the murder rate and other serious crimes in the country unless it is given the manpower, equipments and technology to combat crime effectively.
Paul stated during a meeting of the Joint Select Committee headed by Professor Ramesh Deosaran, that he was committed to creating a safer society for all citizens. More than a year later the murder rate has reached unprecedented levels. Many people are even speculating that this year may be the worse ever.
What is needed is for government to provide funds to the Police to purchase more cars as well as all the modern equipments necessary to deal with criminals. Citizens all over the country are complaining that there are insufficient police patrols in their community and they continue to wonder when the Police will be provided with enough vehicles to do so. People are also anxiously waiting for surveillance cameras to be placed at traffic lights and other strategic locations in the country.
Commissioner Paul has the Herculean task of removing bad eggs from the Police Service. As long as we have rogue cops, prison officers and soldiers around, the more difficult it will become to reduce crime in Trinidad and Tobago in any meaningful way. Police officers who repeatedly absent themselves from cases involving fellow officers in the hope that the rogues will go free, must be removed from the Service. It’s taking too long to deal with the criminal elements in the Police Service, which is not helping to improve the image of this important institution.
It is well known that for many years, people entered the Police Service because only a primary school education was required to do so. The Service may have attracted more citizens if the prerequisite had been on par with that of the Civil Service. Many bright young people with the physical requirements never bothered to become police officers because they felt that the Police Service was reserved for people who did not do well at school. People are also hesitant to join the Police Department even today because of favourtism, nepotism and other problems.
Some officers in the past were not promoted even after many years of dedicated service and no one could give them a valid reason for this. Many qualified young people will also continue to shun the Police Service unless it deals with rogue cops and is give the latest technology and equipments to police the country more effectively In closing, CBTT wishes to point out that if proper facilities are made available to the Police and crimes continue unabated, then the Police Commissioner should be forced to resign. However, at present it will be unfair to ask the Commissioner to do so because he is working with limited resources.
Take THE DEOSARAN FILES seriously
The Deosaran Files: Two Decades of Social and Political Commentary”, Volumes 1, 11 and 111, were officially launched on December 12, 2005 at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port of Spain.
Anyone reading the Deosaran Files, edited by Ms. Vidya Lall and Mr. Ian Ramdhanie, will discover that many important social and political issues discussed by Professor Ramesh Deosaran over a decade or two ago have not been seriously addressed until this day.
The Independent Senator has been calling for Police reform, the implementation of the breathalyser and more transparency in public affairs but the powers to be have been taking too long to answer these calls.
For several years Professor Deosaran had pointed out the irregularies among teachers and school administrators as well as the increasing indiscipline and violence among the nation’s children. If his comments and recommendations were taken seriously, we may not be experiencing today many of the social problems in our schools and the society as a whole.
President Maxwell Richards’ presence at the launching of the Deosaran Files was a clear indication that the holder of the nation’s highest office was concerned about the serious social problems confronting our society and was prepared to support any initiative to make our country a safer and better place for all our citizens.
Support blood donation drive
CBTT pleads with citizens to support a blood donation drive to help save precious lives.The drive is in recognition of International Volunteer Day (IVD) on December 5, 2005.This day belongs to all those volunteers who have made sterling contributions to society. We must remember that volunteers are special people who contribute to a better society for all of us.
A meeting chaired by Hazel Brown of the Network of NGOs was held on Monday (14-11-2005) at the United Nations House on Chancery Lane, Port-of-Spain to discuss the activities marking International Volunteer Day as well as the establishment of a Volunteer Centre in Trinidad and Tobago to cater for the needs of more than 500 non-governmental organisations.
There are people in this country who want to be volunteers, so this is an opportune time for them to come forward and contribute to the uplift of society. The proposed Volunteer Centre will come to fruition if the project receives greater support from the national community.
People who are interested in donating blood can contact Rosemary Anatol of the Informative Breastfeeding Service (TIBS) at 628-8234; Elisabeth Spencer of Families in Action at 622-6952; Harrack Balramsingh of CBTT at 652-8060 or Jacquie Burgess of Women Working for Social Progress at 678-7549. Anyone who is able to assist us is welcome to join the Blood Donation Committee. There will also be another blood donation drive in January.
Apart from the blood donation drive, the local chapter of the United Nation’s Volunteer Committee will embark on a clean up campaign. in recognition of IVD. In light of volunteers’ contribution to these efforts, there will be a recognition ceremony and cultural event on December 5th in the AV room of the National Library.
Good Cops in TT want war to be declared on their rogue colleagues
The Joint Select Committee (JSC) headed by Professor Ramesh Deosaran has been able to bring out in Parliament many of the irregularities in the Police Service It is now up to the authorities to act with haste in getting rid of the officers who bring the Service into disrepute. It is unfortunate that the JSC meetings in Parliament have not been carried live by the electronic media in order for citizens to become more aware of the many irregularities in the Police Service.
Allegations about a senior officer involved in kidnappings have been brought up more than once in Parliament but these have been vehemently denied by Police authorities. There have also been allegations against many other officers. Rogue cops are normally suspended with full pay even though it is obvious that they have committed a serious offence. The suspension in many instances goes on for years at the end of which most of the offenders are reinstated for one reason or the other.
CBTT is sure the JSC will recommend in its final report the removal of those who fail to act in the best interest of the Police Service. The problem is whether the Government and the Parliament will act quickly and decisively to clean up the Police Service of rogue elements. It will be a tough task since many of the corrupt cops will do all in their power to defend their turf. However, CBTT encourages the authorities to show strength and make the appropriate decisions without fear or favour.
Many decent and qualified cops are frustrated that the rogues among them continue to do as they please. These good officers in the Police Service are likely to be victimised, discriminated against or even murdered if they squeal on their corrupt colleagues. CBTT has been encouraged to write this article by some policemen who want war to be declared on their rogue colleagues.
Over the years, some senior officers have come to the defence of rogue cops by frequently denying that many of them are involved in corruption and other criminal acts. However, the information coming out of the JSC meetings in Parliament, which CBTT has attended, prove otherwise. Professor Deosaran and his committee members should be praised because they are not in the business of any cover-up. They want rogue cops removed from the Service but they must get support from the people who can take appropriate action against these officers. The authority must act now or face the consequences of increased crimes caused by corrupt cops.
The Balram Singh Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Balram Singh Memorial Scholarship fund is legally registered with the Ministry of Legal Affairs. It was incorporated on June 7, 2005. The fund will assist students from poverty stricken homes continue their education.
The scholarship is in honor of Balram Singh who passed away last September at the age of 79.He was well known for his religious, social and community work which spanned five decades.
He was a Minister of Religion for almost 40 years and was a founding member of CBTT. He was also President of the Rambert Village Council in the 1960s.
He was denied the opportunity to attend schools of higher learning because of poverty. However, he demonstrated through his love for reading that one can attain a very good standard of education even though one may not have had the opportunity to attend traditional colleges and universities. He felt that while he was denied a chance to attain higher educational qualifications through traditional means, others should not suffer the same fate. That’s why the Balram Singh Memorial Scholarship Fund has been set up in honor of this exemplary citizen who touched many lives both in Trinidad and Tobago and abroad.
Stop teachers from drinking before going to classes
In its draft policy, the Education Ministry plans to create a smoke and drug-free environment in all its buildings, offices, schools and vehicles. It also plans to approve the use of alcohol only in certain instances. However, we wish to point out that alcohol is the most used drug on the school compound and must be banned from all school functions. Principals and teachers found selling alcohol to minors must be charged for breaking the law. These offenders have done untold damages to society over the years by encouraging drinking by young children.
Students of both primary and secondary schools have repeatedly reported to us that some of their teachers drink alcohol before attending classes. That’s why we have often called on the Ministry to prevent teachers from drinking during school or lunch hours before attending classes. We cannot remember any Ministry official condemning this behaviour and taking appropriate action to correct it.
The Education Ministry should implement this plan in time for the new school year which begins in September. Many citizens are shocked that such a plan was never introduced many years ago. Public record will show that CBTT has been recommending a similar plan for over a decade now. However, better late than never.We wish to reiterate that while the draft plan has called on all school administrations to treat the possession of tobacco and illicit drugs as a serious violation, the fact is that the possession of alcohol by students must also be made a serious offence.
While there are several reasons for the increase in student violence and criminal activities, the fact is that alcohol and illicit drugs are two of the major ones. CBTT calls on those responsible for implementing the plan to act with haste and not wait for more problems to occur before doing so.
CBTT pleads for deportees
CBTT is pleading for help for displaced nationals of Trinidad and Tobago and the region. Many of our citizens have been deported back from North America for petty crimes even though they have lived there as permanent residents for decades. CBTT has been assisting some of these deportees to fit back into our society. However, they need more help from individuals, organisations and government to ensure that avenues are made available to them to secure jobs, so they can survive here.
While many of our citizens may be quick to condemn deportees for even petty crimes committed, it is important that we understand that many of them were forced to leave spouses and young children even though they were penalised for their crime This is very destructive to family life for these people.
I wish to point out that domestic violence, rape, abuse of minors as well as corrupt practices are all regarded a serious crimes in North America, which could cause people to be deported back to their native countries. It is well known that these crimes are committed by many citizens living in Trinidad and Tobago but the law is much more relaxed here so many of the perpetrators are never fined or jailed.
CBTT is lobbying with organisations like Displaced Nationals in Crisis Coalition (DNICC)—a support group for deportees- headed by Trinidadian Marlene Jaggernauth to try to influence the American Government through the Congress and Senate to allow some of them to return to their families in the United States. Through the initiative of Ms. Jaggernauth and others, the US Congress has decided to address the problems of deportees.
Many of them are treated with scant courtesy by American and Canadian officials and are sent beck with little personal possessions on their return here. On many occasions they have no one to receive them at the airport since they have no family ties in this country. CBTT has helped some of them but many others remain unemployed even though they are willing to accept employment of any type.
A few deportees have had to change their name in order to hide their true identity because people here are quick to condemn a deportee even though they may have been wrongfully jailed or committed a petty crime. Too many people behave as if they are without sin even though they are not, yet they are quick to condemn others who have repented and clearly need a second chance.
We plead with the governments of the Unites States and the region to address this issue more seriously. Many deportees are skillful people who can make a meaningful contribution to society. Let’s give them an opportunity to redeem themselves and not condemn all of them as hardened criminals.
Improve health, transportation and security systems before building $850 sports complex
Many citizens are not convinced that $850 million should be spent on a sports complex at this time especially when so many of them are complaining about high food prices as well as the country’s health and transportation systems. Money is also urgently needed to build new police stations across the country and to repair and upgrade some existing ones. We need to purchase more police vehicles to facilitate police patrols on a 24-hour basis. The police also needs modern technology to help combat crime.
Commuters using the country’s public transportation system complain all the time about the long hours they spend waiting for buses to take them home after work. It’s time we come to the aid of these frustrated citizens. Visitors and patients to our public hospitals wonder why those in authorities cannot upgrade these institutions and build new ones in strategic areas of the country. That’s why spending $850 million in a sports complex at this time will not go down too well with many people.
Some of the money can also be used to provide recreation grounds in all communities so that more young people will be encouraged to participate in sporting and other recreational activities. This may encourage them to keep away from criminal activities and substance abuse. If there are no recreation grounds for young people to take part in sports, the likelihood is that they may frequent the rum shops as a form of recreation. As a matter of fact, this is already happening.
Too many people in Trinidad and Tobago live in poverty, so it’s going to be very difficult for them to accept an $850 million sports complex at a time when they are unable to feed their families properly. Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) advises that we should allocate some of the money to subsidise food as well as provide poor people with food stamps to help them feed their family.
Part of the money could also be used to upgrade the existing sporting grounds in the country so as to facilitate warm-up matches during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. CBTT is not against the building of a super sports complex. However, priority should be given at this time to the country’s health, transportation and security systems. We must also not forget the poor who are struggling for survival.
Why head scan was not performed on Keith Shepherd
It’s very difficult to understand why a head scan was not performed on Keith Shepherd, the late TNT Mirror Newspaper editor, after he fell and injured himself during a football game. Any good hospital would have performed a head scan on Shepherd as soon as he entered the institution. Once a person suffers injury from a fall, a scan should be done to determine whether or not he/she suffered any brain injury. This should be a basic procedure in any hospital.
Many people are blaming the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for Keith Shepherd’s death because of its failure to perform the scan as soon as the late newspaper editor was admitted to the hospital. Maybe his untimely death will help others since doctors and their staff may now wake up to the fact that they must first perform a head scan on all patients who are admitted to our health institutions after suffering a fall. Apart from Keith Shepherd, CBTT wonders how many others have died because of our hospitals’ failure to act appropriately.
Why do we have to treat people who go to our public hospitals as second class citizens? Why do we have to tolerate the shortage of beds and other supplies? Why don’t we upgrade our present hospitals and build a few modern ones to help our citizens? We are pleading with the government to use some of our oil wealth to bring our health facilities on par with those in places like the United States, Canada, Great Britain and even Cuba to name a few.
Religious heads should be like the Pope
CBTT calls on all religious leaders to emulate the exemplary life of Pope John Paul II who died on April 2 at the age of 84. The late pontiff, who headed the Roman Catholic Church for over 26 years, was revered the world over because of the quality of life he lived and the efficiency by which he carried out his work as leader of his church.
The only religious leaders that people respect are those who practise what they preach. Too many people who head religious organisations fail to live up to their religious calling and as a result have caused many people, especially the youth, to turn away from God and head down the wrong path.
Crime and delinquency among our young people would have been at a minimum today if heads of all religious faiths and homes had the respect and admiration of those under their charge. The late pope will be remembered as one of the greatest religious leaders of his time because of his significant contribution to peace among people of all races and religions.
All of us are also capable of helping to create a safer and more peaceful society if we truly practise the teachings of our various religions. Unlike some religious and other leaders, the late pontiff never lost the common touch—a quality which distinguishes great leaders from poor ones. Too many people suddenly become arrogant when they assume positions of power. They fail to recognise that great leaders like Pope John Paul II and Gandhi never lost the common touch. One only has to look at our schools where some leaders, who should be setting good examples for the children, are not making any difference to society because of their arrogance, inefficiency, and failure to treat everyone fairly.
In paying tribute to Pope John Paul II, CBTT pleads with citizens to practise humility, righteousness and fairness in dealing with others. If we do so, we will become good leaders, parents and teachers.
Gov't to Crack down on delinquent employers
CBTT welcomes the increase in the minimum wage to $9 an hour. We are pleased that the government plans to put systems in place to ensure that employers comply with the new increase. Increasing the minimum wage is all well and good but if employers bluntly refuse to pay their workers what is due to them, then it’s the duty of the government to take legal action against the offenders.
This was never done in the past with any degree of urgency; so many employers were able to cheat their workers and get away with it. There were instances in the past when poor workers were dismissed from their jobs for demanding that they be paid at least the minimum wage. Many others, who are paid below the minimum wage, remain silent because they need the meager wage in order to support their family. It’s a real tough struggle for them.
CBTT hopes that Minister Anthony Roberts’ promise to crack down on offenders will come sooner than later since many of the affected workers are struggling to make ends meet. We also hope that the Labour Minister will take legal action against all those employers who deduct National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions from their workers but fail to forward these monies to NIS.
CBTT recently made a formal complaint to the Minister against an employer who pays workers under $6 an hour. This was done after officials of the Labour Inspectorate were unable to help the affected workers for nearly two years. The Inspectorate got promises from the employer that the approved minimum wage would be paid but the promise was never kept. Minister Roberts has acknowledged our complaint, so we now await the outcome of his investigation which we hope will not be a long drawn out one. The Minister should ensure that there is no cover-up in this matter.
Injustice is being done to certain poor workers in the country and the time has come to demand that they be treated with dignity and respect.
Many Trinis living abroad in love with T&T
Many of our citizens living abroad are very much in love with Trinidad and Tobago and will like to return to make a meaningful contribution to their country. However, they are hesitant to do so because of the kidnappings, high murder rate and other criminal activities in their native country. Many of them are fed a regular dose of negative reports about this country from fellow citizens.
Trinidadians live in almost every corner of the globe and many have developed great skills which can be of tremendous benefit to their country. Some who left many years ago because of economic hardship, have worked hard to become successful corporate citizens while others have attained very high academic and technical skills.
It’s unfortunate that while many of our citizens abroad are expressing a desire to return to their homeland, others, including some of our businessmen, are leaving because of the fear of kidnappers and murderers. We admit that kidnappings and murders are of grave concern to many of our citizens. However, most of these crimes are committed by a small minority who seems to elude the Police more often than not.
CBTT has pointed out on numerous occasions that many of the crimes in the country are alcohol and drug related. That’s why we have repeatedly called for a more concerted effort by all stakeholders to deal with this grave social problem.
Many citizens who live abroad as well as here are very critical of our Public health and transportation systems which they believe should be upgraded. Commuters including many of our public servants who use Public transportation complain regularly that they must wait in line for hours before getting transport to their homes after work. It is not uncommon for a worker from the South to leave home at 5 a.m. and reach back after 7 at night. This is unacceptable and places great strain on our people’s lives. The Productivity level is also affected as well.
The time has come to hold people in our public service, schools, hospitals and State enterprises responsible for mismanagement, corruption and poor services... Certain corrupt people in TSTT, WASA, PTSC, the Police Service and other Government agencies must never again be allowed to bring the good name of these institutions into disrepute. When we provide better services for our citizens, we will make them happy and contented and encourage them to remain here, if they choose to do so. Improved services will also attract many visitors who are likely to promote the country abroad in a very positive way.
Population saddened by closure of Trinidad and Tobago Television and NBN radio stations
CBTT is saddened by the closure of the National Broadcasting Network ( NBN) which served the nation well for more than four decades. Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT) along with radio stations 610 AM, 100FM, 98.9 FM. and 91.1FM made an excellent contribution to culture and national development since Independence in 1962. The closure of this long standing media outfit, which produced many outstanding journalists, has left a void which must be filled immediately.
Citizens all over the country are mourning the loss of NBN. Many of its supporters wept when TTT and its radio stations were shut down on Friday January 14, 2005.
TTT and its radio affiliates have educated many of us as well as provided great entertainment over the years. For this, we must be thankful to the entire staff who served at NBN. They deserve our best wishes for the future especially since many of them are now unemployed.
Declare war against criminals in 2005
A serious effort must be made in 2005 to put measures in place to deal with murders, kidnappings, domestic violence, child sex abuse and carnage on the nation’s roads. The murder rate has reached unprecedented levels with 260 people losing their lives through violent means. This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue in the New Year. Guns continue to get into the hands of many delinquent young people. That's why a more concerted effort should be made by the authorities to bring to justice those who are importing these illegal weapons into the country.”
Promises in the past to implement the breathalyser have not been kept. In the meantime, the carnage on our roads continues to a great extent due to drunk driving. We cannot tackle road safety effectively without passing laws to prevent motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol.Instead of continuing to protect drunk drivers, there should be an all out war against drunk motorists in 2005, but this can only be done if the breathalyser is introduced.
Two thousand and five should be a year of action against criminals. It should also be the year when we begin a more serious campaign against corrupt cops, murderers, kidnappers and perpetrators of domestic violence and child sex abuse.
If New York City can have less than a dozen murders per million people - which was achieved in 2002 - we can do the same. However, tough measures must be implemented even though they may not go down to well with some people.
We must equip the Police Service with the latest technology in order to effectually fight the war against criminals and delinquent motorists. It must be done immediately if we are serious in tackling crimes and road accidents in Trinidad and Tobago.
CBTT calls on TT Prime Minister to proclaim a Family Day
CBTT calls on Prime Minister Patrick Manning to proclaim a special family day in Trinidad and Tobago so that more emphasis can be placed on family life. Serious thought should be given to the idea because we need to begin a national effort to find ways to reduce substance abuse among young people and promote regular family activities.
A family day will do wonders for our nation’s parents and children because it will focus on families playing, praying and communicating together. This may eventually spill over to other days of the year, thus bringing families closer together and by extension strengthening family life.
The most effective way to reduce criminal activities and substance abuse is to focus on family values. This can be achieved to a great extent by proclaiming a family day that promotes in a big way the importance of the home as a solution to our many social ills.
We plead with the government to consider CBTT's recommendation for a special family day to be proclaimed in Trinidad and Tobago. At the same time, we volunteer our services in promoting such a day to ensure its success, so that the best interest of family life and safety for all citizens will be served.
The Balram Singh Memorial Scholarship Fund to help poor and deserving students
A Memorial Scholarship Fund will be set up in the name of the late Balram Singh, a founding member of the non-governmental organization Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), who died over a month ago in Trinidad.
This was revealed recently (October 30) by the group’s president Harrack Balramsingh while speaking at a memorial service at the Church of God of Prophecy building in Rockville, Maryland USA for the late CBTT member.The scholarship fund has been set up in recognition of his life and work of the late Singh who served as a social, community and religious worker for five decades. The memorial fund will assist on an annual basis a very poor and deserving young person to pursue higher education. The annual amount donated will be US$2,000.00.
Many nationals from the United States, China, Nigeria, England and various West Indian Islands residing in Maryland, USA attended the Memorial Service for the late CBTT founding member who made many friends during his regular visits to the State of Maryland over the past 33 years.
Many of the speakers, including Americans David Daniel, Kerry Cox, St. Lucian Jemma Mills as well as Balram Singh's children Pastor Robin Balram, Kenrick Balram and Kashmatie Balram Sankar referred to the late CBTT founder as a remarkable person.
The Memorial Scholarship Fund is one of the major tributes being paid to the late CBTT member for his contribution to the uplift of society.
CBTT has lost Balram Singh, a great person and foundation member who touched numerous lives.
CBTT wishes to pay tribute to Rev. Balram Singh, who died September 19, 2004 at the age of 79 after serving his country as a social, community and religious worker for some 50 years. This foundation member of Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), who was also a minister of religion for over 40 years, was successful in changing thousands of lives, both here and abroad, because he lived what he preached.
Many remarked about the positive influence he had on their lives but none said it better than the head of the Rambert Village Mandir, Freddy Balraj, who remarked that Balram Singh was the greatest person he had ever come in contact with.
He served CBTT from its inception in 1993 until his death, with great distinction. President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Professor George Maxwell Richards and his wife First Lady Mrs. Jean Richards encouraged us to find comfort in the knowledge of his contribution and support as a member of CBTT. We will always remember the advice from Their Excellencies and try as much as is humanly possible to emulate the late CBTT member.
Until he fell ill recently, Balram Singh was part of all CBTT’s programmes and initiatives to help build a better Trinidad and Tobago. What is noteworthy is that he worked with CBTT among Hindus, Christians, Muslims and members of other religious faiths to help the sick, needy and other disadvantaged people in society. He was also responsible for helping many couples with marital problems.
Today it would be wise for other ministers of religion to emulate him. He changed people’s lives mainly by the quality of life he lived and not only by his fire and brimstone preaching. He was a man of high principles, a man of God, and a man of his family. He hated discrimination, racism, and corruption and often spoke out against these ills. He was not the type of person to sweep evil deeds under the carpet.
Three years ago, his wife of 58 years died. I made it my duty to visit him daily, not only to keep his company, but also to seek his advice on important matters. I admired him for the impact he had on people’s lives. He treated all as if they were his own children.
Today, members of CBTT do not say “goodbye” to this great social, community and religious worker who for five decades helped make Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the world a better place in which to live. We say "farewell", in the hope that one bright day when we cross that crystal river we will see him and together praise our God. Well done, Balram Singh, “thou good and faithful servant.” Listen here to a song in hindi by Rev. Balram Singh
Police absenteeism, so many cases thrown out.
The contents of the Reports of the Police Service Commission for the years 2001 and 2002, which were discussed in Parliament on 27-08-2004, contain very important information which, if heeded, will improve the Police Service and by extension lessen the crime rate considerably in Trinidad and Tobago.
Members of CBTT were present in Parliament and I must confess that after listening to the comments made by members of the Joint Select Committee (JSC) and the Police Service Commission as well as Police Commissioner Trevor Paul, we have become even more convinced that changes are urgently needed to help improve our Police Service.
It’s time that we recruit better qualified citizens to become police officers. We agree with comments made in Parliament on Friday that those wishing to enter the Police Service should come under public scrutiny. Photos of people wishing to become police officers must be placed in public places so that citizens can identify their previous activities which may make them unsuitable to become law enforcement officers.
Absenteeism among police officers was also discussed. It is not uncommon for many criminal cases to be thrown out after complainants fail to repeatedly turn up in court. It was revealed in Parliament that one police officer was absent on 18 occasions.
The national community is baffled over the many police officers who are exonerated from serious disciplinary charges brought against them. A large number of our citizens are interested in knowing the identity of the people who prosecute these offending officers.
The Report of the JSC, headed by Senator Professor Ramesh Deosaran, must be acted upon with a sense of urgency if we wish to have a better Police Service to fight lawlessness in our society. The committee has been appointed to inquire into and report on Municipal Corporations and Service Commissions with the exception of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
CBTT's recommendations to fight crime in T&T.
CBTT wishes to place on record its plan to help fight against the escalating crime rate in Trinidad and Tobago. We have been making viable recommendations for more than ten years but many of them are yet to be implemented. We more police patrols on a 24-hour basis commencing immediately. There should also be more than one police vehicle patrolling a community so that officers can respond to citizens’ complaints in the shortest possible time. We are sure that many kidnappers and other criminals will be apprehended more often than not, if police officers respond more promptly to emergency calls for help. This can only happen if our cops have more vehicles at their disposal. Aircrafts must also be readily available to help search for criminals and their victims.
Give Police the equipments necessary
The Police must be given the equipments necessary to assist them in the war against crime. We recommend that hidden cameras be placed at strategic locations to help identify criminals. At the same time, there should be a massive campaign to get rid of bad eggs from the Police Service because corrupt cops definitely contribute to more crimes in society
Tackle illegal drugs, guns and alcohol abuse
A concerted effort must be made to prevent illegal drugs and guns from coming into the country. There are too many drug lords, traders and people with illegal guns in this small country. Unfortunately, most of them are never caught. We have not been vigilant enough in the past. As a result, certain individuals have been able to import these illegal goods freely. People, including customs and police officers, who aid and abet these criminals must be severely punished.
CBTT has mentioned time and time again that many crimes in the nation are drug and alcohol related. The fight against crime will not succeed fully if a serious effort is not made to help citizens lead more sober lives. We recommend the early implementation of the breathalyser to help reduce the carnage and murder on the nation’s roads. Drunk drivers have killed many innocent people. This amounts to murder especially since it is illegal to drink excessively and drive. Substance abuse is also a major contributor to incest, rape, child sex abuse and domestic violence, all of which are serious crimes.
There should be a major campaign against substance abuse beginning in our schools homes and communities, otherwise the already serious situation will get even worse. CBTT believes that all alcohol advertisements should be banned immediately. Gas stations must also be prevented from selling liquor. No new liquor licenses should be issued to open bars in our villages and communities because there are already too many of these.
Increase age of consensual drinking to 21
The age of consensual drinking should be increased from 18 to 21. Those found selling alcohol to minors must be charged for this serious offence. This has not been happening often enough and as a result substance abuse among young people has increased greatly. Many of them even blame their addiction for crimes they commit. CBTT also recommends a ban on all alcohol sales at school bazaars and other functions. These measures, if implemented, are sure to contribute to a decrease in substance abuse and by extension many of the crimes in society.
Corruption is a serious crime
CBTT wishes to point out that kidnappers, murderers and perpetrators of incest, rape, and child sex abuse are not the only criminals in society. Corruption is also a serious crime. That is why we must insist on accountability and transparency at all times from all politicians, supervisors, principals and other officers attached to the public service and State enterprises. Close to 25 percent of citizens live in poverty in Trinidad and Tobago and funds misappropriated or stolen from our treasury can assist these unfortunate people to live a better standard of life. We emphasise that corrupt people will have a difficult time helping to solve crime in the country because they are part of the problem.
Provide more employment for citizens
We must provide employment for our people. In doing so, we must encourage more corporate citizens. Our tourism and agricultural sectors should be expanded to provide jobs for thousands of our citizens. People must be able to provide for themselves and their families. Employers must not be allowed to underpay their workers or collect National Insurance from their employees and refuse to send these funds to the National Insurance Board. Poverty may lead to crime and that’s why it’s important to implement measures to ensure that poor people enjoy the basic necessities of life.
The fact is that it will take a lot of strength from the authorities to implement our recommendations. However, if we want to make this nation a safer place, we must take actions which are in the best interest of the country in spite of how unpopular they may be. We stand ready and willing to help the authorities implement them if given the opportunity to do so.
CBTT commends the government’s plan to assist students with their tuition especially at the tertiary level. This is a very good gesture which is certain to assist many disadvantaged children obtain a higher education. We are all aware that some poor children may be enticed into a life of crime so it’s necessary that we help them to become successful citizens and even future leaders of our nation.
We must remove rogue cops as part of the battle against crime.
CBTT wishes to reiterate that no attempt to fight crime in Trinidad and Tobago will succeed if a concerted effort is not made quickly to remove rogue cops from the police department. Unlike what some people may think there are officers in the Police Service who are involved in serious criminal activities. Their colleagues protect many of them. That’s why it may not be a bad idea to bring in foreign experts to investigate crooked cops. What we don’t want is corrupt police officers being investigated by other rogue cops.
We know of many decent and law abiding cops who complain regularly that too many of their colleagues are rogues. They insist that these officers must be removed if the fight against crime is to succeed. Crooked officers and their cohorts will certainly object to the views of these good cops because they want to continue to use the Police Service to perform their evil work.
If we did not care for our country, we would have remained quiet on this issue for fear of reprisal. However, we refuse to do so in spite of the consequences. We will continue to speak out against people who bring this country into disrepute and we hope we get the support of many citizens.
A good police service will make a country safer. The fight against kidnappers, murderers and other criminals depends to a great extent on the effective work of our police officers.
More than a dozen people have called CBTT over the past week to complain about police brutality. They want justice against the perpetrators. Sometimes we wonder why rogue cops have been allowed to remain in the Police Service for so many years without being punished for their evil acts.
We wish to warn, once again, that as long as corrupt cops are allowed to remain in the Police Service the more the crime rate will escalate. It has already reached unprecedented levels and threatens to get worse because of our failure to deal harshly with those who take the law into their own hands. On behalf of all our law-abiding citizens, we, therefore, plead with the relevant authorities for the 100th time to act quickly in removing bad eggs from our Police Service.
Drug trafficking is a major business activity in T&T
We were in New York recently to attend a conference on drugs and the family when we heard the shocking news that intelligence officers had intercepted a package of cocaine that arrived at the Trinidad Consulate
A few days earlier, CBTT's head, Harrack Balramsingh had informed Trinidadians living in the Brooklyn, New York area that drug trafficking was a major business activity among many citizens but some were critical of his comments.CBTT has no doubt that these critics would have supported him if the incident at the Trinidad Consulate had taken place before he spoke to them.
We have noticed that many people involved in illegal drugs are always critical of people who speak out against this grave social ill. They feel threatened, so they go out of their way to protect their turf. They don’t care about the drug addicts they help destroy because they are only interested in making huge s