Warriors proclaimed ‘well-balanced’


Friday, May 19 2006 (Newsday)


TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Soca Warriors footballers have been proclaimed a well-balanced and mixed outfit by the British media.

It was a point made by team coach Leo Beenhakker when asked about Chris Birchall being the first white player to score for the country in 60 years.

“It doesn’t matter at all. It has nothing to do with if my players are red, white, black or yellow,” Beenhakker said at the team’s hotel in Manchester yesterday.

“It’s the same and I don’t base my selections on race or colour. Chris has been a good addition to the team and just like the rest of my players, once he can fit in and make the right kind of contribution then it’s good for all of us,” said the Dutchman.

He also said there was no difference in his job leading the Netherlands in Italy 1990 and Trinidad and Tobago in 2006.

“The place makes no difference whether it’s with a big club or a small country. I love it everyday until now. It’s football,” he said.

“The football in Trinidad and Tobago is based on a Caribbean and Central American style. With some days especially in our first days there, it was a little bit mixed up because there were guys playing all over.

“But we worked on it and we made important decisions. Actual football is more than ever a passing game with heavy patience and taking time to win the ball. It (TT style) is now a mixture of the talent and skills of the players and my idea of how to actually play the game,” Beenhakker added. Following an eleven against eleven session on the pitch, team chef Cecil Wint had the players smiling yesterday evening treating them to a well-balanced supper which also included stew chicken and ox-tail pelau.

First TTT play


Saturday, May 20 2006 (T&T Newsday)


Mr Sonny Rawlins, the general manager of Trinidad and Tobago Television — TTT, in one of his rare appearances on TV, forty years ago on Monday May 23, 1966 to be specific, made an historic announcement to the viewing public.

“Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, in a few minutes from now, you will see a play by a local writer, performed by local actors with all the technical work by our staff right here at our local station. This is no mean achievement for a television house that is not yet four years old. The experts will tell you that when you can produce a play live, you have arrived.

“We have to thank our programme director, Mr Barry Gordon, the director of our play — Farouk Muhammad and the writer, Freddie Kissoon. Please sit back, relax and enjoy the first play on TTT — Zingay.” His speech went something like that.

Farouk Muhammad was the main man in master control in Television House giving directions to camera men, “Camera 1: — Dolly in on ‘Doris’; Camera 2: Stand by for a wide angle shot to cover all characters; Sound: follow ‘Millie’ with the boom mike; Camera 1: Close-up of the door, ‘Man Man’ is about to enter.” And so, it went on for the half an hour programme.

I was sitting next to Farouk. My job was more or less finished at that point in time. The Strolling Players had rehearsed the play over and over again under my direction three times a week for months. When we arrived in the studio, the TV director became the man calling the shots — deciding what the viewers would see.

In those days, television was in black and white. We had only one boom mike which was kept about 14 inches over the actor’s head as he moved along. As the play was televisied live, it meant that the actors had to be word perfect and if anything went wrong, they simply had to cover up the best they could and press on. There was no question of coming out of character and relaxing for a few minutes to check the script or fix something on the costume etcetera. Even if part of the set had fallen, the players had to pretend it was part of the play.

Several months before, I had written a letter to Mr Gordon suggesting that it was about time, TTT televise a local play. He called me to his office to discuss the project. He wanted to be quite sure that the actors would know their lines and moves and everything would go smoothly without hitches. We had one dress rehearsal in the studio before the actual performance.

For that memorable occasion, Joan Telemaque played the mother — “Doris;” Cynthia Cambridge —the Barbadian neighbour — “Millie”; Wayne Richards — the boy “Sonny”; Peter O’Neill — the father ‘Paul’ and Nigel Waithe — the obeah man “Man-Man.” The last character was my role for five years but I passed it on to Nigel because for television Farouk wanted me to tell him what was the actor’s next move. Also I had to apply make-up to the players and check out facial expressions on the monitor. No one has the power of bilocation so I had to give up my role.

As I sat in master control, my mind flashed back to when I wrote Zingay. My maternal grandmother used to relate all those old folklore stories about soucouyant, La diablesse, mama G’leau, Papa Bois, douens, loupe garous, phantom and many more. I thought I would make up a story of a boy who was phantom and many more. I thought I would make up a story of a boy who was supposedly bitten by a soucouyant. The idea grew like a seed planted in fertile soil. I wrote and re-wrote until I was fully satisfied that I had given my best.

“Zingay” has been performed all over Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, Grenada, St Vincent, St Lucia, Antigua, Anguilla, Jamaica, New York, Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, London, Nigeria and Holland.

Mr Dexter Lyndersay was the moving force behind the performances in Ibadan and Calabar in Nigeria where he taught at the University of Ibadan for a number of years. He arranged to have the play televisied to millions on Nigerian television. Dexter also staged it at Laren in the Netherlands — Holland.

Several drama groups have presented “Zingay,” notably The Siparia Village Council which won the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy under the leadership of Andrew Worrell. He told me that when the Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams saw the play, he laughed until he cried. Here is a verse from William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” to give us pause:- “There is a divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them how we may.”

Park to be built in Sean Luke’s honour


By Leah Mathura-Dookhoo (T&T Guardian)


The Government, in collaboration with the Sports Company of T&T, has announced plans to construct a play park in memory of Sean Luke, who was brutally murdered in March.

The park will be constructed on a piece of land in Orange Valley, not far from where the six-year-old lived. It is about 200 feet from where his nude, decomposing body was discovered two months ago.

Local Government Minister Rennie Dumas said it is hoped that the park would be used by families to strengthen the community in which they live.

He made the statements during a public lecture hosted by San Fernando mayor Ian Atherly and officials of the Couva/ Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation on Saturday night at Orange Valley Government School in Couva.

Initiated by Atherly, the lecture, which includes clinical psychologists, lawyers and medical practitioners, seeks to deal with the issues of the child’s horrific death and a way forward for villagers and the wider public.

Dumas said while the Government worked in tandem with citizens to enhance their lives outside the home, adults, guardians and parents needed to do the same thing within the confines of their quarters.

Atherly disclosed that while visiting Sean’s mother Pauline Lum Fai last month, the two spoke at length about the construction of a park for the children of the community.

Atherly said Lum Fai felt this would provide children with a safe and controlled environment.

He told the large gathering that after writing to several government ministers on the matter, he received positive feedback.

“Work has since started at the administrative level...Work on the site itself will begin in due course,” he said.

Days after the child’s murder, councillor for the area, Allan Seepersad, had called for the area in which six-year-old’s body was found to be turned into a memorial park.

Nanram Maharaj, principal of Waterloo Hindu School where Sean attended, said his staff had been liaising with a Canadian company to construct a play park for the infants’ department at his institution.

He added that although they held a successful march against crime a week after Luke was buried, teachers and pupils were now looking forward to constructing a fountain on the school’s compound in memory of the young boy. The fountain will be called the Shrine of Peace.

San Fernando West MP Diane Seukeran, who also addressed the gathering, said she believed that Luke’s destiny in life was to wake up the nation from the evil around us.

The lecture is the first in a series that will focus on the growing incidence of emotional and physical abuse on the nation’s children.

The next lecture, Atherly said, would be held in Marabella, where four-year-old Amy Emily Annamunthodo lived.

The little girl was beaten, buggered and raped on Monday night and died before reaching the San Fernando General Hospital.

The child’s mother, Anita Annamunthodo, 18, has appeared in court on charges of wilful neglect. Emily’s stepfather Marlon King, 40, has been charged with her murder.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Warriors star in Esquire magazine



T&T’s Soca Warriors, on the verge of playing in their first ever World Cup, have been featured in the latest edition of Esquire magazine.

In an eight-page pull-out, skipper Dwight Yorke and his teammates are photographed in suits showing off their ball-juggling skills.

Following initial set-ups by T&T Football Federation international relations consultant Mike Berry, Yorke, Chris Birchall, Jason Scotland, Kenwyne Jones, Brent Sancho, Dennis Lawrence and standby Hector Sam were all featured in the magazine’s June issue.

With England’s Joe Cole on the cover, the Soca Warriors also grabbed a sub-heading “T&T—meet the minnows taking on the three lions.”

The players were all outfitted in designer wear.

With their profiles also printed on the pages, among the questions put forward to Lawrence by Esquire was how would he celebrate if T&T defeated England.

“Just the same as if we beat Mexico or anyone else,” he said.

“The England game is not the only game we’re interested in winning…We want to win all the games we play.”

This is not the only promotional activity in which the Soca Warriors will be involved.

The BBC and the Daily Record will also feature some of the players doing World Cup diaries, while Scottish drink Irn-Bru has Jason Scotland involved in an advertising campaign.

E-Bay and Italian-based company Panini SPA have also signed deals to use the Soca Warriors as part of their World Cup promotions.

Berry said this was just part of what the team was picking up after booking their tickets to Germany.

“It’s not just Esquire, but you realise that a lot of publications are interested in the guys and it’s a whole different type of opportunity for them,” he said

“Obviously, the main focus is to get ready for the World Cup and play your hearts out, which is what the team is aiming for with all the preparations across here.

“But at the same time there are numerous bonuses for those involved within the set-up.”




©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Atherly warns drag racers


By Yvonne Webb (T&T Guardian)


Now that he has go rid of the vendors from the streets of San Fernando, Mayor Ian Atherly is now training his guns on illegal drag racers in the city.

As he opened a legalised vending area at Cross Crossing for 19 displaced Gulf View burger vendors on Thursday evening, Atherly told police to get cracking and stop the illegal drag racing which is taking place right under their nose at that same venue two days a week.

He called on the police to be more vigilant, reminding them that “it is illegal to drag race on any street on T&T whether there are people on it or not.”

The mayor said more than 3,000 people gather around the Cross Crossing Intersection on Wednesdays and Saturdays to witness this activity.

He says while he loves drag racing, he is extremely sensitive about the nature of the sport in an area not designated for it.

“It is an extremely dangerous practice to be involved in this activity where there are no controls,” he said.

“In a controlled environment I support it fully, but on the streets of San Fernando, making donuts (circles in middle of intersection) I cannot condone that.”

Atherly added, “It is not safe for other road users who do not know what to expect and come suddenly upon them, people can loose it very easily.”

Understanding that San Fernando is starved for entertainment, Atherly said he intends to pursue vigorously an alternative site for the sport.

“I cannot make any further pronouncement on it, but we have to find somewhere suitable for drag racing to take place,” he said.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

PNM General Council:


SASCHA WILSON Monday, May 22 2006 (T&T Newsday)


In cases where allegations of child abuse are suspected the State should move to intervene, the PNM’s General Council said at a meeting yesterday.

The meeting was held at the PNM’s Constituency Office, Coffee Street, San Fernando.

Party vice chairman, John Donaldson said child abuse was not unique to Trinidad and Tobago or the Caribbean, noting that people used the Internet to get around those laws.

In an attempt to protect children from abuse, Donaldson said Manning told the members that Government intends to review the role of social workers in various communities in Trinidad and Tobago.

In expressing concern about the prevalance of child abuse in the country, Donaldson said members lamented the absence of male teachers.

Donaldson said members also addressed the question of corporal punishment and treating young people as adults in certain criminal offences. Asked whether they spoke about proclaiming the Children’s Authority Act, Donaldson said no, but added that Government would be addressing that issue.

He said Anthony Roberts, Minister of Social Services as well as other ministers were trying their best to come up with ways to deal with the problem of child abuse.

Donaldson made reference to Government’s appointment of retired judge, Monica Barnes, to head a committee to investigate the way the social services handled four-year-old Emily Anamanthodo’s case. She was raped and tortured and her step-father, Marlon King, has been charged with her murder.

Donaldson said, Prime Minister Patrick Manning in his address, also spoke about the number of political parties on the local horizon, some of which, he said, have began to merge.

In reference to local government elections, which are constitutionally due in July, Donaldson said, “ Manning told us that the bell will be rung.”


Picture

Our black Pearl

Keith smith


Thursday, May 25th 2006 (T&T Express)


"In August 1957 over 2,000 people arrived at Kennedy Airport to witness history in the making. The plane that had just landed was immediately cordoned off. Both crowd and press jostled for a better position; an excited buzz filled the air.

"Out of the plane bewildered passengers filed one by one and quietly crept down the stairs as if intruding on someone else's party. The dignitaries were next to descend and were ignored as necks craned to get a better view of the real "celebrity''. Then there she was; Pearl Marshall-Beard, the first black flight attendant ever to land on American soil, came into view.''

So wrote my ailing friend and colleague, David Chase, in an article all of ten years ago. I hope he is well enough to read this even if he may not be as yet alert enough to remember. Pearl, herself, explained:

"I was the first black person, literally in the world, except for certain parts of Africa, to fly as a flight attendant with an airline. Even Air India didn't employ dark Indians- they were all fair-skinned and blue-eyed.''

The airline that employed Marshall was BWIA, then a subsidiary of BOAC. "Around that time BOAC needed to, should I use the word, colourise their staff,'' Marshall reminisced for David with a wry smile.

She had been working for Radio Trinidad when she was approached by the late Sir Hugh Wooding, then chairman of the boards of Radio Trinidad and BWIA.

"When,'' David continued, "Sir Hugh approached Marshall, black consciousness and the question of segregation had become a matter of heated public debate in America. It was a time of great social upheaval and change within the black community and America as a whole. In 1956 Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were emerging as the key black civil rights leaders and events were taking place at a rapid pace.

"In 1956, Juanita Lucy Autherine became the first Afro-American ever admitted to a white public school or university. In less than a week she was suspended because her presence incited violence from a white mob. This was not just an isolated incident; similar scenes were being witnessed all over America. In 1957, President Eisenhower had to order the deployment of US troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to keep public order during school desegregation''.

No wonder Marshall's arrival in America, performing a coveted white girl's job, created such a stir. Again, Pearl picks up the tale:

"My being hired was important to the Afro-Americans because they were struggling for racial equality. It may sound conceited but I was sort of a messiah for the Black American and my coming to New York was very opportune for them. At the time Pan Am was in the midst of a bitter court battle. They had refused to hire a black girl, who, might I add, was extremely fair, as a flight attendant. They offered a multitude of reasons why she could not be employed but she stood firm and took them to court.''

In an interview in the Express in 1987, Marshall was to add, "My situation, I think, strengthened her case and I believe she eventually won out.''

David, in his turn, was to note that "Marshall's own initiation into BWIA was less sensational but comparatively just as traumatic, facing racial prejudice on her own turf...

"She had an interview and was offered the job. But the local flight attendants had other ideas and refused to train her because of the colour of her skin. 'They didn't want to accept me because I was black; they were a bunch of bigots,''' Marshall told David with "a venom'' that he found "alien to her normally serene, easy-going nature.''

"'They refused to train me and nearly lost their jobs because of it. Until my arrival, BWIA had been their private domain. They were from all over the Caribbean, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and some from Canada and the UK as well but they were all Caucasian. But it was the local so-called whites, the French Creoles that were kicking up the fuss.'''

"Eventually,'' wrote David, "one of the girls from Barbados, Pauline Fitzgerald, intervened and said she would train Marshall, one on one''.

She began training in 1956 and shortly after began flying to other Caribbean countries. Marshall remembers:

"When passengers boarded the plane, the fact that there was a black flight attendant on board was completely new to them, you could see them take a step back, a lot of them were very aloof but I had been sent to do a job. I wanted to do it to the best of my ability and take care of all my passengers. I was always respectful and polite. I never crossed the line. I was always taught not to be rude; I hate rudeness in anyone.''

It was this strength of character which made Marshall an obvious choice for Sir Hugh. "I had the kind of personality that was needed, I wasn't just simply a token black for the airline to parade out.''

In 1957, the airline deemed Marshall ready for the flight to New York. As the plane taxied to a halt, she was asked to remain inside the craft until everyone, including the other flight attendants disembarked; Sir Hugh waited with her. She was unsure of the reception she was about to receive and when the time came she stepped out into the sunlight and nervously faced the crowd. They were ecstatic. People were clapping, cheering, reaching out to shake her hand and congratulate her. She breathed a sigh of relief.

The reaction she got knocked her for six. "I didn't know what to expect, I didn't fully realise what an achievement it was to be the first black flight attendant in the USA.'' She was a newsworthy event. "All the black publications were there and other newspapers and what seemed like a hundred microphones were pushed in my face. There was no hostility, only curiosity, people were generally interested.''

Magazine and radio interviews followed, and in the press conference the next day she told avid reporters that "I grew up in a country where we go to school with whites, we have white friends; segregation doesn't exist. But I made it quite clear that I was chosen because I had certain qualities needed for an introduction as the first black person in an international airline service.''

I have never seen Pearl Marshall-Beard anywhere without acknowledging her and going up to pay my respects. Never.

Culture contingent released


Joan Rampersad Saturday, May 27 2006



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The long awaited final list of artistes to form part of the national cultural contingent to perform in Germany, during the World Cup finals 2006 next month was finally released yesterday by the Culture Ministry.

Among the artistes are Calypso Queen of the World, Calypso Rose Mc Cartha Lewis, 2006 National Calypso Monarch, Luta (Morel Peters), 2006 Soca Monarch and Road March winner, Shurwayne Winchester and 2006 National Panorama Champions, Phase II Pan Groove.

Single pan band Playboyz, which has accompanied the Soca Warriors throughout its campaign to Germany has been omitted in favour of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment pan-round-de-neck band.

Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams reasoned that the type of flooring where the band has to perform more suited the army band because they have to carry their intstruments during their entire parade performances.

The contingent leaves for Dortmond, Germany on Monday June 5, with a hectic schedule ahead of them. On the eve of the first match of the Soca Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago will host a four-hour show at what is called a “Fanfest.”

Each German city where World Cup games are being played, has been mandated by football governing body FIFA, to hold a “Fanfest,” where giant screens showing every game “live” will act as the focal point for entertainment and activity for fans living in, or visiting those cities.

TT’s cultural night starts one hour after the Germany vs Costa Rica match starting at 8.30 pm and ends at 12.30 am.

Apart from performing at the fanfests in Dortmund, Nuremberg and Kaiserslautern, the cultural contingent will also be taking part in street parades in each city featuring traditional Carnival characters, and modern mas costumes, to the accompaniment of the pan-round-the-neck steelband music from the TT Regiment Steel Orchestra.

German schoolchildren will also be part of the TT team when they carry the one hundred other TT Carnival costumes that are being taken to Germany. The Roy Cape All Stars and Phase II Pan Groove will be stationed at the start and finish points of the one-mile parade routes. Other singers bound for Germany are Neil “Iwer George, Stalin (Leroy Calliste), Superior (Andrew Marcano), Kees Dieffanthaller, Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal) and Skatie (Carlos James). They will all perform at the fanfests before, half-time and after games during their stay in Germany. And to further market TT a booth titled “Soca Caravan” will be stationed at fanfests in the three cities where Soca Warriors will be playing, for the purpose of highlighting tourism, sports, culture, trade and investment opportunities in TT.

The rest of the cultural contingent comprises the Eagle Boys Tassa Group, four African drummers, 25 dancers taken from all over TT, eight traditional mas characters including pierrot grenade Felix Edingborough, contemporary mas kings and queen like Earl Thompson, Lionel Jagessar and Anra Bobb, and six moko jumbies to complete the 129-member contingent. In the event that the National Football Team goes on to the second round of competition, Williams said that the chartered BWIA plane will be asked to pick up the artistes at a later date.

US$83m to come from Ansa McAl



Ansa McAl chairman Norman Sabga, second from left, signs the final project agreement for the First UAN complex at Union industrial estate in La Brea. At left is Energy Minister Lenny Saith. Signing documents is Frank Look Kin, president of the National Gas Company, while Prakash Saith, president of the National Energy Corporation, reviews his documents.


Photo: Brian Ng Fatt


BY ASHA JAVEED (T&T Guardian)


It took more than five years of negotiations for local corporate giant Ansa McAl, along with its two US-based partners—Terra Industries and CF Industries Holdings Inc—to arrive at Tuesday’s signing of the project agreement which signals the imminent start of construction for the petrochemical complex in La Brea.

First UAN, as the fertiliser complex which it intends to build will be called, should start production by the first quarter of 2009.

Norman Sabga, Ansa McAl chairman and a director of First UAN said now that an agreement has been reached with T&T Government, the National Energy Corporation and the National Gas Company, it can raise the required capital to complete the US$830 million dollar complex—30 per cent of which will be funded by equity and 70 per cent by debt borrowed from the international market.

This means, in effect, that Ansa McAl, the parent company of Trinidad Publishing Company, the publishers of the Guardian newspapers, will contribute US$83 million to the project.

In total, it is expected that US$747 million in project financing and equity contributions will be raised from foreign financial institutions and the US equity partners.

The fact that foreign companies are willing to invest US$747 million in T&T is a vote of confidence in the economy, said Sabga, speaking to reporters at Tuesday’s simple signing ceremony at Energy Minister Lenny Saith’s National Library offices.

Sabga said, “We do have the ability to raise what is necessary and the group does generate significant amount of cash,”referring to his company’s US$83 million equity investment. This “milestone investment” will be sourced by a combination of retained profits and loans, he said.

Sabga said First UAN signed a gas supply contract with NGC in December 2004 to be supplied with 75 million cubic feet a day.

“If we didn’t think the gas price was effective, we wouldn’t have made the decision,” said Sabga, explaining that the gas price would be linked to the world market price of the company’s product.

First UAN comprises five chemical plants—one plant each will produce urea, ammonia and nitrate while the other two will use those chemicals to make urea ammonium nitrate, or UAN, a chemical used to fertilise crops and flowers.

Saith explained that while the price of natural gas in T&T was competitive, he preferred not to use the word “cheap” because Venezuelan gas was cheaper.

Saith said the price that T&T sells gas to investors interested in monetising the commodity takes into account how many jobs will be created in the country and the effect it would have on downstream industries.

Best value

He said the Government sought to give the best value and “can’t sell at a price which does not make it viable.”

And the benefits given to the companies—such as VAT and custom duties exemption—was consistent with the viability of the project, said Saith.

The project will not benefit from income tax relief, as the government had taken a policy decision recently on the issue of fiscal incentives. The State will also benefit from lease and port payments as well as fees for the supply of electricity and water as well as the taxes paid by the workers in the complex.

The National Energy Corporation will provide all the necessary facilities- it has already allocated 26 hectares of land at the Union Industrial Estate and will facilitate water and electricity for the complex. The NEC would act as a “transport corridor” said Saith, as the development of a port would facilitate import and export during the construction of the project and aid in trade when completed.

“What drives the economics of this business is the price of gas which is available in Trinidad versus the price of gas in the open market, the stability of the country, the ability to raise the finance and the ability to manage these projects with local talent in the market,” said Sabga.

But while the project would benefit from attractive gas prices, he observed that the cost of construction had increased significantly most notably the price of steel.

Construction, set to begin in September, will employ about 2,000 workers with 125 permanent jobs being created when completed in 34 months.

Sabga explained that most of the equipment for the complex would be imported from Europe and with the euro being a volatile currency, its value at the time the equipment is purchased would have an impact on the final price of the project.

And while he acknowledged that Ansa usually sought the controlling interest in their business ventures, the size of the project made First UAN different.

“We have just had another investment in a clay roof factory where we have a 50 per cent ownership. So whereas in much smaller investments we would like to have the majority interest, the sheer size of the project meant that we needed to share the risk with other partners,” said Sabga.

Saith stressed that the plants in the complex would operate to internationally-accepted health and environmental standards and he commended Ansa McAl for its initiative to invest in the energy sector as it was one of several local entities making substantial investments.

NEW NATIONAL AWARD

PM appoints committee to change Trinity Cross title

Richard Lord


Saturday, June 3rd 2006


A new national award replacing the Trinity Cross is expected to be in place by August 31.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning yesterday bowed to the wishes of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and other non-Christians who have demanded that the country's highest award, perceived to be a Christian symbol, be replaced.

"Mr Speaker, the Government is determined to conduct the exercise of National Awards this year on the basis of new and more acceptable arrangements," Manning said in the House of Representative.

Manning said Cabinet has appointed a Committee to be chaired by Prof Bridget Brereton of the University of the West Indies to "review all aspects of the nation's highest award and also to examine such other national symbols and observances which may be considered discriminatory and make appropriate recommendations to Government."

Other members of the committee are designer Gillian Bishop; political analyst Prof Selwyn Ryan; lawyer and businessman Devanand Ramlal, business leader Gregory Aboud; head of the Arthur Lok Jack Institute of Business Dr Rolph Balgobin; Anselm Richards of the Tobago House of Assembly and Sandra Marchack, head of the Public Service and Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Manning said the Committee "will report its findings on the matter of the Trinity Cross by the middle of July this year and on its larger mandate by the end of September 2006."

Following announcement of the names, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar was heard shouting that the committee did not have any Muslim members on it.

In a statement in the House of Representatives yesterday-one day after the matter was discussed in Cabinet-Manning said that the "anomaly" of the Trinity Cross will be removed. He said this was being done in the wake of a recent High Court ruling which found that the symbol was "indirectly discriminatory against non-Christians."

Maha Sabha General Secretary Sat Maharaj had taken the matter to court and yesterday Persad-Bissessar presented a petition in Parliament on behalf of Maharaj asking that the Trinity Cross be replaced as the country's highest award with the Order of Trinidad and Tobago.

But minutes later Manning assured: "We shall do it. At the same time, we must not lose this excellent opportunity to examine any other similar situation which has been allowed to persist to the discomfort of any section of the national family."

Manning added: "We have reached a defining moment in the history of our country. I am convinced we are on the way to the greater enlightenment and refinement of our civilisation. In the final analysis it will lead us to a better understanding of life and improve our capacity to benefit the dynamic diversity of Trinidad and Tobago."

Manning said the decision was taken to set the example that not even the Government was above the law and to ensure that there was spiritual harmony in the country.

AIDS deaths down by 60%

Anna-Lisa Paul


Saturday, June 3rd 2006


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John Rahael...spoke at UN.



The AIDS mortality rate for Trinidad and Tobago is down by 60 per cent, while the incidence of AIDS and HIV cases is down 48 per cent and 16 per cent respectively, from peak levels.

These figures were revealed by Health Minister John Rahael as he addressed a high level meeting on HIV/AIDS at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, yesterday.

Rahael boasted that government's decision in 2002 to offer free anti-retroviral treatment for those in need had been largely responsible for this decline. Other factors include greater mobilisation of financial, technical and human resources, improved facilitation and coordination across all sectors, and strong public and private partnerships.

Stating that the country was a small island with a population of 1.3 million people, Rahael said since 1983, approximately 15,000 HIV cases had been detected on both islands. He admitted that across the Caribbean region, the first two decades of the epidemic had been marked by increasing mortality and morbidity due to AIDS.

Describing the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) as "a truly multi-sectoral body with strong representation from civil society, persons living with HIV, youth groups, and faith based organisations", Rahael said both the private and public sectors had thrown their support behind the committee.

The NACC was established in 2004 under the auspices of the Office of the Prime Minister, to manage the ministry's five year HIV/AIDS strategic plan for the nation.

Rahael said government had recognised that there is a need for a sustained and comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS if the country was to realise its economic and social prospects.

Claiming that Trinidad and Tobago was facing special challenges in its fight against the disease, Rahael reiterated government's commitment saying that stronger efforts were being made to combat stigma and discrimination against the infected, further expansion of treatment access in all districts, attention on improved sexual and reproductive health of citizens, and inclusion of infected persons in the response.

Rahael said the ministry was engaging the services of its national icons to instigate positive behavioural changes in its fight against the epidemic which is still a "clear and present danger".

Small country, big passions


PM pitches a civilised way forward for plural Trinidad and Tobago



Sunday, June 4th 2006


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Prime Minister Patrick Manning during his address in Parliament, Port of Spain, on Friday.



Prime Minister Patrick Manning, treating with the question of whether Trinidad and Tobago should retain the Trinity Cross as Trinidad and Tobago's highest national award in the wake of a High Court ruling that it discriminated against non-Christians, delivered in Parliament on Friday what some political observers has described as a landmark address on the challenge of managing diversity-ethnic, religious, cultural-in what, after all is, avowedly a secular State. It is against this background that we publish the Prime Minister's speech in its entirety:



'Throughout human history, the management of diversity has always been a great challenge for government and society. Racial and religious differences have been at the root of many of the most horrendous conflicts of human civilisation. This did not happen only in the distant past. It transpired with some of its worst consequences as recently as during the century just ended.

And it could happen again. Ethnic conflicts continue to simmer today in various global flashpoints; and some thinkers increasingly proffer the view that a clash of civilisations is at the heart of the new wave of international terrorism that we are now experiencing. It is clear that notwithstanding tremendous material, scientific and intellectual progress, human society has not completely eliminated those prejudices that stem from differences in culture, colour, race, religion and place of origin.

Since Independence, almost fifty years ago, Trinidad and Tobago has continued to be a shining example to the world, of unity in diversity. This is to the eternal credit of our people whose innate rationality and deep commitment to harmony have been of foundational importance in the building and sustenance of our nation. It has been paramount in resisting all attempts to create fissures in the society. Consequently, divisive demagoguery of all kinds has so far failed in this country. The people have not been as combustible as some would have liked.

We are therefore able to eventually make the right decision when difficult choices arise as a consequence of our plurality. We have one such choice now before us. Do we keep the Trinity Cross as the nation's highest award or do we not?

As you know, Mr Speaker, this is not a sudden development. For some time, arguments have emanated passionately on this issue, from various vocal and influential sides of our multi-religious spectrum. It is most noteworthy, however, that on a matter which can generate much emotionalism, never have we reached the point where there arose any cause for alarm.

This is a tribute to our country. We are a nation of great cultural and religious diversity. Our constitution affirms our belief in God as the creator of all and as a guiding principle for the conduct of national affairs. Religious beliefs and practices are a most integral part of the lives of the vast majority of our citizens.

We have, with justification, been described as a very religious people. In fact, it is part of the folklore that because citizens of one religion or the other are in fervent prayer at different times of the year, ours is a nation in constant worship of God and thus able to sustain the Grace of the Almighty through thick and thin for the benefit of all our people. Our good fortune has even produced the saying that 'God is a Trini'.

This is not being frivolous Mr Speaker. The point I am making is that passions run high in this country where the matters of prayer, religion, worship and moral values are concerned. In the final analysis, the issue is not limited to the appropriateness of the Trinity Cross as our nation's highest award. It goes deeper than that. Among other issues, it points to the role that religion should or should not have in the conduct of our national life. Large questions, Honourable Members. Managing diversity is no ordinary matter.

You can see, therefore, Mr Speaker, that as a result of our social and cultural milieu, there is, understandably, considerable difficulty in arriving at decisions or embarking on action that could offend the religious or cultural sensibilities of any group, however, large or small, in our plural society.

This is the challenge that any Government faces. The history consequently shows that the country's political directorate previously examined the issue of the Trinity Cross and with clearly good intentions. During the Administration of those opposite, for example, a committee was established, headed by a former Chief Justice, to make recommendations on the way forward. The committee completed its assignment, but no further action was taken.

This is not a criticism. We, who are also engaged in the political management of diversity, recognise that whatever decision is taken in such a situation could cause disenchantment on one side or the other. You run the risk of inflaming passions. You need to tread sensitively, carefully, almost tentatively. Religious beliefs are very close to the heart. No Government wants to alienate any section of the population, however large or small, through any decision it takes on a matter like this. It is not in the national interest. Our observers and analysts should therefore not be too short-sighted in their armchair assault on perceived political decay.

However, Mr Speaker, we must state that, as we on this side first observed the unfolding of the drama and then became directly involved in it, one fact always remained supreme and unassailable in our minds; and it is this. Triidad and Tobago is a secular democracy.

But M Speaker, as our Constitution declares, ours is a society founded on the recognition of a supreme being. This country, therefore accepts the existence of Almighty God. It is well known that there are several religious interpretations of this very concept of the one God. It must therefore follow that a religious interpretation of the concept of Almighty God cannot be the basis on which the society advances. This would be too divisive and could lead eventually to the fragmentation of the society and even anarchy. Yet, at the same time, the Constitution guarantees that each individual is free to pursue the religious interpretation of his or her choice.

We must ensure that we do not endanger the future of this diverse society nor replicate the traumas of unmanaged plurality that have been experienced elsewhere. This beautiful, harmonious Trinidad and Tobago would then be no more. I am sure that no right-thinking citizen of this country would want that eventuality.

The Government has a responsibility yo ensure that no such dire prospect is ever on the national horizon. And so I must point to the other unassailable fact by which this country is governed. This is the rule of law. This is the foundation of the order and organisation through which we continue to build this country. Without it there would be utter chaos; our freedoms would vanish, included our cherished freedom of worship; and we would be faced with the most devastating consequences to our stability and security from which it would be most difficult, if not impossible, to recover.

No one, including the Government, is above the law. This Administration must therefore adhere to the rule of law. One of our main responsibilities is to set the example.

The Court has now ruled that the continued existence of the Trinity Cross as the nation's highest award is, indirectly, discriminatory against non-Christians. My Administration therefore has an obligation to comply with the ruling and remove this anomaly from our national life.

We shall do it. At the same time, Mr Speaker, we must not lose this excellent opportunity to examine any other similar situation which has been allowed to persist to the discomfort of any section of the national family.

I therefore wish to announce that the Cabinet has agreed to establish a committee to review all aspects of the nation's highest award and also to examine such other national symbols and observances which may be considered discriminatory and make appropriate recommendations to Government. The Committee will

be chaired by Professor Bridget Brereton of the University of the West Indies, and its membership will comprise Ms Gillian Bishop, designer; university professor emeritus Dr Selwyn Ryan; lawyer and businessman M Devanand Ramlal; business leader Mr Gregory Aboud; Dr Rolph Balgobin, Head of the Arthur Lock Jack Institute of Business; Mr Anselm Richards, Head of Policy Research and Development of the Tobago House of Assembly and Mrs Sandra Marchack, Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and Head of the Public Service who will be Secretary and member of the Committee.

In undertaking its assignment, the Committee is expected to take into account the work of any other Committee on related matters. The Committee will report its findings on the matter of the Trinity Cross by the middle of July this year; and on its larger mandate by the end of September 2006. Mr Speaker, the government is determined to conduct the exercise of National Awards this year on the basis of new and more acceptable arrangements.

Mr Speaker, we have reached a defining moment in the history of our country. I am convinced we are on the way to the greater enlightenment and refinement of our civilisation. We are opening the national mind even further and putting to the test the understanding of our history and our much vaunted appreciation of variety. In the final analysis, it will lead us to a better understanding of life and improve our capacity to benefit from the dynamic diversity of Trinidad and Tobago. Let us therefore go forward on this course of strengthening national harmony.

Warriors head for Germany


Sunday, June 4 2006 (T&T Newsday)


"Little TT" to welcome our heroes.


TRINIDAD and Tobago’s footballers will keep their heads up and enter Germany with pride and big ambitions despite a 3-0 defeat to Czech Republic yesterday.

This was the message from captain Dwight Yorke after his team conceded three first half goals in their final warm-up international before their opening 2006 World Cup fixture against Sweden.

The Soca Warriors will depart Prague early today and will pass through Frankfurt on the way to making an official arrival as a World Cup team in Bremen at around 10 am (4 am TT time). The team will then journey by bus and escorted by Mayor Detlef Eichinger for about 40 minutes to Rotenburg.

A big welcome is expected for the team in Rotenburg which will check in at the Landhaus Wachtelhof Hotel.

With Rotenburg virtually transformed into a “Little TT”, the mayor will then host an official welcome reception later in the evening at the City Square.

Looking back at what was a third consecutive defeat for his team, Yorke said it was only obvious to be disappointed but once again he felt the team had no cause for major alarms.

“Obviously it was a disappointing result for us but this is not going to take away too much from us because we have three bigger matches to play in Germany and we will go there tomorrow with all the ambition,” Yorke said shortly after the match in Prague.

He said the match was a worthwhile exercise a week before his team faces Sweden in the opening Group “B” match of the World Cup Finals in Dortmund.

“I think that is right. The manager said he was the one that prepared the matches and this is one he wanted us to have. This is exactly it and one thing we can take from this is that in the first half we were taught a football lesson.” And Yorke said England and Sweden should not start counting their goals.

“If we think for a moment that England and Sweden are going to beat us 5-0 then we might as well not turn up. What we have to ensure is when we go to play on June 10, 15 and 20 is that we can give a good account of ourselves,” Yorke added. In spite of the loss, Beenhakker was not disturbed.


“I was very happy with the match and I will explain why. My players are not used to this way of football, this way in Europe. It’s much more faster and physical. So it was my choice to have very tough matches for them versus Slovenia and the Czechs — one of the best teams in the world actually. “So we knew it would be very difficult but I prefer to have the problems now and at least they have the experience as to what they can expect in the World Cup and I prefer they are surprised now instead of next week after the Sweden match,” he said. “The problem is not how good the opponent is.

The problem is how good we are and how many mistakes we make and that is the big battle with this team.

“The question is whether we are good enough to go with the opponents on this level and I can assure you we have learnt enough. Whether it’s good enough well we will find out,” he said. Beenhakker doesn’t think today’s scoreline should mean that TT should forget all about causing an upset or two at the Finals. “We always have a chance. You never know who to put your money on. Football always has surprises and that’s the beautiful thing about it,” he said.

And finally, when asked whether he heard about the England 6-0 win over Jamaica, Beenhakker added: “Oh! But come on. This is Jamaica we are talking about against England. England are preparing for the big stage and that result is not in any relation to us and how we will prepare for our matches and how we will play in the World Cup.”

Following the 3-0 loss, there were no major injury worries with midfielder Densill Theobald nursing a knock to the ankle but he will be able to train as early as next week while Cyd Gray suffered slight damage to a finger tissue.



Team picture