DPTT says no to the new national award

The Government must be aware that for every action there is a reaction. The decision to change our nation’s highest award from the Trinity Cross to a secular symbol is an action whose reaction might be more than we catered for.  

As a politician who aspires to one day lead this nation, I make no apology for saying that I sincerely believe in God and I think that it is a mistake to go down the path of secularism.

I do not think it is coincidence that a nation named after the Trinity whose highest award acknowledged its spiritual history has been prosperous and protected from natural disasters. There are lessons to be learned from other countries.  

The USA has on its dollar bills “In God We Trust.” Is it coincidence that since the introduction of the one dollar coins without the “In God We Trust” that there is a decline in the US dollar worldwide? Is it coincidence that many of the European countries that openly acknowledge their spirituality (like England where the Church of England plays a critical part in the structure of its leadership) seem to be politically stable and relatively prosperous? What about our experience locally where the religious-based schools seem to produce better balanced students?  

As we rush to join the bandwagon of secularism we should take time to ask ourselves if the decisions we make are best for our nation. I find it strange that the Prime Minister who claims to be a spiritual man is unaware of the stories in the Bible where God has intervened in the politics of countries from the choice of kings, David and Solomon, to the destruction of nations, Sodom, Jericho, Babylon and Jerusalem. 

Perhaps the greatest lesson for the Prime Minister is in the book of Daniel, chapter 5, where the king was removed for not respecting the sacred vessels of the temple.  

Our nation has a history of spirituality; we participate in the celebration of Christmas and Easter and the wonderful experiences of Eid and Divali. Our nation has grown with the drums of the Orisha, the bells of the Baptists, the songs of full gospel evangelists, and the melodies of bhajans. Our spiritual experience has served us well.

The Trinity Cross is not a symbol of Christianity or a religious symbol. It is our nation’s highest award that recognises Columbus’ spiritual experience at a time of hopelessness. As our nation goes through its dark hours of daily murders, high food prices and deteriorating infrastructure, now is our time to hold on to that which is sacred.

It is easy to go along the path of least resistance. Taking a spiritual stand in the face of rising secularism worldwide demands strong leadership. A word to the wise.

Steve Alvarez , Political leader, Democratic Party of T&T

Big crackdown on crime coming

Mark my words! The Government is about to embark on a crackdown on gangs and other criminals or introduce some punitive measures to deal with the escalating crime situation (especially the upwardly spiralling murder rates).

It should be noted that Martin Joseph, Minister of National Security, made comments to the affect that the Government was studying a proposal to outlaw gangs. This was “a test balloon” to gauge the public’s reaction.

They are hoping that no one would cry foul (about civil liberties, freedom of expression, right of assembly) and other constitutional rights that may be curtailed. They are “testing the waters” of public sentiment to what may shortly be necessary if we are to get a handle on this runaway freight train.

This might include curfews in certain areas, imposition of roadblocks and searches, and other intrusions into people’s civil liberties.

I say this because there is no way that the Manning administration can sit idly by and allow this wanton slaughter to continue without at least appearing to be doing something about it.

So a warning to the wise: watch out, big changes are coming!

Kelvin C James, Sr

Via e-mail

Don’t mess with our football

In light of all the hardships the population is living with, one would think cultural events would not be hindered by the Government.

However, Sports Minister Gary Hunt seems purposeful in proving a point to Jack Warner about who’s the bigger boss.

It’s one thing to mess with Warner for whatever reason, but it’s another thing to mess with the cultural identity of the people. Who do you think gets hurt by being unaccommodating to local football’s dreams of a World Cup shot?

This reminds me of the playground kid who took his ball and ran away because he couldn’t get his way. Welcome to the Muppet Show.

Marty Raymond

Via e-mail

Focus on these areas instead, Mr PM

Open letter to the PM Manning:

Your Vision 2020 for T&T could more be likened to that of a man who had too many drinks.

How could you possibly think a developed nation means tall buildings? There are so many areas to focus on apart from monstrosities with cornerstones saying “opened by Patrick Manning.”

n Health: hospitals for Point Fortin, central (Couva preferably because of the close proximity of Point Lisas which can have a major disaster at any time) Mayaro, and Tobago.

n Roads: development of roads throughout the length and breath of the two islands to absorb some of the thousands of cars sold daily with no place to drive them.

n Agriculture: well you don't have to buy food so your vision towards agriculture is totally diminished.

n Sporting facilities: mini-stadiums for Point Fortin, Princes Town, Mayaro—not two in Marabella a stone’s throw from each other and many in Port-of-Spain.

Almost all T&T’s revenue is made in the South yet there is nothing meaningful for southerners who have supported you tooth and nail.

To think that you alone can develop a country in so few years is absolutely ridiculous. Developed nation status means a better quality of life for all citizens, not 6,000 vagrants on the streets and shabby shacks overlooking the city, the wharf area in San Fernando and the promise of water taxis.

Come on, Mr PM, wake up from your slumber or move aside.

Derek J Rabathaly

Vistabella

Minister Hunt undermines himself

The mere fact that Minister Gary Hunt did not request a single VIP ticket for the Bermuda match, as opposed to the 100 he requested for the England match, is proof enough that even he understands the relative status of these two matches. So how come the other conditions for rental remain the same? And he’s not playing politics?

As a Fifa vice-president, I must accept Jack Warner’s word, and it seems reasonable, that an opposing team must be given at least 14 days notice of the venue for an international match. So what part of “14 days notice” does Minister Hunt not understand?

Why make a pappyshow three days before the match about offering the Hasely Crawford Stadium as a venue, free or not? Does he think the population is so stupid that we won’t see through his nonsensical, gratuitous offer?

I used to think that Gary was short for Garfield but now I’m convinced it’s short for Gallery.

Noel Kalicharan

St Augustine

Down on Trini Complaining Street

The dexters and others you meet

Every day they come to Complaining Street.

An island of no-one-is-satisfied

An ocean of discontent surrounding all sides

They growl at dat an they groan at dis

Whatever dey get, something’s always amiss,

And whether they’re mighty or humble,

They have to gripe and love to grumble.

The rain too heavy and the sun too hot

In this land of “fateeg” and “s--t talk”

If everything pleases them, there’s no doubt

They will find something to protest about

With guestses all seated awaiting breakfasses

And news of policees making arrestses

But nothing goes right with the folkses you meet

Down on that Trini Complaining Street.

So what is the fusses really about

You know what ah mean, there’s no doubt

But the bestest thing is to keep your feet

From wandering down Complaining Street

And if things sometimes go wrong

Walk the walk with calypso and song

And if your station is high or humble

You’ll never belong to the nation of grumble.

Frank Seyon

Via e-mail

Hope will live

on in T&T

Where there is Hope, there are sunshines. Where there is Hope, the birds sing. Where there is Hope, there are rainbows. Where there is Hope, people continue believing and dreaming. Where there is Hope, there is beauty. Where there is Hope, there is a future. Where there is Hope, joy will be found. Where there is Hope, there will be smiles that brighten our days. Where there is Hope, friendships will be meaningful. Where there is Hope, there will be heroes.

May God continue to strengthen and comfort the family and friends of Hope Arismandez through this difficult time. Hope will always live in our hearts as a nation. Hope will be our inspiration to go on as a nation. May the fires of Hope continue to burn in our souls.

Marlon A Fraser

Port-of-Spain

Doctors not always at fault

With in recent times we have seen medical professionals being sued for malpractice. I understand from sources within the medical sector the surgical procedures and the doctor’s technique are brought into question.

However, no one, not even the lawyers and the families of the patients who take the matter to court, questions the sterility of the surgical equipment used. For example, who cleaned it, what up-to-date scientific procedure was used to prepare the instruments, who certified the people who prepare the instruments, and how qualified and trained are those in charge of sterilisation facilities?

Some close friends in the medical field, both in the UK and the US, informed me that in all medical cases that are brought before the court, sterility procedures are a main concern, because sterility procedures, training and qualifications are governed by law.

So lawyers who have malpractice cases before the courts, start now to do your research on sterility and check the qualifications of the people who sterilise the equipment.

The doctors are not at fault all the time.

Ingrid Persad

Princes Town

Talk your mind

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