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Trinidad Guardian

May 25, 2010 by · Comments Off on Trinidad Guardian 

Trinidad Guardian:The roads are paved, water is flowing in pipes, tassa drums and rhythm sections are turning up the volume and the political temperature is rising in Trinidad and Tobago. All this can mean only one thing: election fever.

After Prime Minister Patrick Manning, surprisingly called for early elections on 08 April, kept the nation on edge for eight days – for reasons known only to himself, and if the naughty language is created, the person usually known as a woman seer its “- before announcing that general elections would be held on May 24.

Although many observers have been able to discern a significant strategic advantage in delaying the announcement of the date, the vaunted machinery of the holder of the People’s National Movement has already deployed in the action, detection and selection of candidates to contest Trinidad and Tobago 41 constituencies, and blows the election campaign with the sound and fury.

Mr. Manning have launched a crusade for personal vindication with liberal references to the Bible, and in telling his devotees that he is the most “maligned” the prime minister has had, he comes dangerously close to comparing himself to the martyrs pursued old times.

However, in recognition of how the country feels about it, Mr. Manning did not consider what could be the cause of such strong feelings. In fact, the Trinidad Guardian editorial of April 15 suggests that “engaging in some deep introspection during which he should ask why your leadership style and management of the country and generate negative feelings among many people.” And in the case of the prime minister is incapable of understanding the reality of his position, the publisher offers assistance in the list other possible reasons for the unpopularity of Mr. Manning: he is “disconnected” and authoritarian neglected human development and physical urban and rural poor, too many citizens lack basic needs, especially water, he has been unable to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil and gas, which has squandered the abundant financial resources, has allowed mismanagement and corruption, including the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, and has refrained from holding local government elections in four years. Others have also accused Manning and his government of mismanagement and failure to curb rampant crime.

What Mr Manning has certainly done is focus attention squarely on his leadership as Prime Minister in the last nine years and, perhaps most significantly, providing the opportunity for the unification of parts of the twin-island republic of fractious opposition.

On the night of Saturday, an opposition coalition was announced and a formal agreement was signed on Wednesday night. The United National Congress, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the People’s Congress, led by Winston Dookeran, Tobago People’s Organization, headed by Jack Ashworth, the National Joint Action Committee, a pioneer in the Black Power movement 1970 led by veteran activist Makandal Daag and the Movement for Social Justice, which includes prominent trade unionists under the chairmanship of former president of the powerful Workers’ Trade Union Reservoir, Errol McLeod, have agreed to participate in elections under the direction of Mrs. Persad-Bissessar. They are being presented in a common platform, with a joint manifesto, and the express intention of removing Mr. Manning and the PNM from office.

As expected, Mr. Manning and PNM are already attacking the alliance, noting that coalition governments have a dismal record of failure in Trinidad and Tobago, reminding the country of corruption under the government of the 1995-2001 UNC and even taking personal shooting of Mrs. Persad-Bissessar Dookeran, Mr. McLeod and Mr.

Mrs. Persad-Bissessar in turn indicated that “a common denominator in all coalitions” is no longer present. She did not name, but she was, of course, referring to the figure of division and manipulation of Basdeo Panday, who has finally read the writing on the wall and is not the same as offered for re-election. In addition, his daughter Mikela and Subhas brother and other loyal, Ramesh Maharaj and Kelvin Ramnath, are sure to be selected in the UNC line-up, as Mrs. Persad-Bissessar strives to present a new UNC to the electorate.

However, as The Guardian editorial of April 18 signals, the coalition “has much work to do to convince the public that it is a viable political alternative as a unified opposition force.” Moreover, the editorial argues that the coalition can not “rely on the results of the 2007 elections as any guide to its future prospects either. While the statistics of that election, which received 66 percent the number voters, suggesting that the UNC (29.7 percent of the vote) and CP (22.6 percent) two years ago would have been a potent force in combination against PNM (45.8 percent), that kind of arithmetic is purely hypothetical. ”

In other words, despite popular perceptions of the fallibility of Mr. Manning and the rhetoric of hope and change of the opposition alliance, the responsibility lies with the coalition-led UNC to present their leader as a credible alternative to Mr. Manning, with a manifesto clearly defined for better governance, transparency and accountability, and sustainable socio-economic development more equitable. And it remains to be seen whether the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago look beyond race and tribe, and vote on issues. Otherwise, do the electoral arithmetic may well return to past patterns, ie calculating the deciding vote in marginal seats.

Trinidad Express

May 25, 2010 by · Comments Off on Trinidad Express 

Trinidad Express:Good night from Santiago. Please log in www.trinidadexpress.com. Continue to log on for election coverage over the next five days.

Kamla is not ready – Manning.

If the outcome of the election was based on the fact that Kamla was a woman then she would win. If based on the beauty then it would be a little lower. However, she has not shown his leadership qualities, which she is not ready to be the owner of the nation.

Manning delivery ends with the reminder that when you go to the polls on May 24 to make sure and vote for the PNM.

Female abundance ambassadors – Manning says

Mr. Manning says he is proud to announce that a total of 15 posts of ambassadors, the PNM government has appointed 10 women. Furthermore, of the 41 candidates for the election, 16 are women. She also took the opportunity to point out that 18 of the PNM candidates are East Indian descent.

He gave some advice to men in the audience, saying that if you want to turn a woman normally has to treat her well.

Manning to speak.

The final speaker tonight is none other than Mr. Manning himself. Their presence serves to help transform what was practically a ladies night. It is expected that take the stage after the performance of Charles Eddie.

Increasing employment through Govt. interjection.

McDonald stated that due to strong macro-economic programs implemented by the Government has produced a 2.2% increase in employment among men and an increase of 2.8% among women.

No political party can speak of their wives as the PNM can. So what Kamla, and they have to talk.

McDonald – PNM does not condone abortion.

He claims that the policy of his government national project on gender issues does not support abortion, same-sex union and homosexuality. We are firm in our belief in the moral and ethical behavior, says McDonald.

The policy addresses issues that affect men and women.

In fact, the development agenda of the UN has called T & T 14 on the world when it comes to implementation of gender policies. This ranking is the highest for any country in our region, and these facilities more developed countries such as Austria and others, says McDonald.

McDonald said opposition running scared.

South Port of Spain candidate Marlene McDonald says the opposition is running and they are feeling the loss.

“They are resorting to all kinds of dirty tricks to discredit me,” says McDonald.

Then a poster with a vastly more weight women in a bikini bearing his face.

Is that what the opposition has come to, he asks to McDonald. Considered that the attack on it as an insult to all women in society, and attacks by Kamla allow denigration of women.

Employment growth is coming soon – Ince.

Ms. Ince tells us that NIDC has initiated a program for economic development. This program will be the creation of 95,000 jobs in the construction industry and some 54,000 in the service industry and materials.

We have already begun the process of employment record and has been doing quite well. In fact, the employment record has presented many perspectives Trinidadinas showing love to work.

Guest speaker supports government program development road.

Ms. Trisha Ince welcomes the new government road and transport development program. He said this will improve the lives of users of public transport.

It also supports the introduction of water taxi service, calling it a success and some national T & T should be proud.

Annwarie Ramkissoon – We want a land of pride and purpose.

Princes Town Annwarie candidates Ramkissoon says as a nation we want a land of pride and purpose. We want a land of achievement, opportunity and promise.

“What do you want for your children?, He wondered.

We want a land that is stable, a society that is unified, unlike what the opposition is promising. They are only talking about unity, but are not united.

Mr. Manning duplicate McIntosh

Port of Spain North / West St. Ann candidate, Ms Patricia McIntosh, made a female version of its leader, referring to members of the audience as “my friends.” She uses this phrase in almost every sentence he utters.

Warner, Kamla is not ready for me – McIntosh.

McIntosh said she is a strong woman PNM, and that the presence of God in her makes her invincible. So any attempt by Warner and Kamla to assassinate his character is useless.

Opposition incompetent newcomers – Nathai-Gyan

She labeled the opposition as incompetent newcomers and told the public not to give them another chance in the government because they are unworthy of it.

Nathai-Gyan-PNM only a heartbeat away.

Candidate Horquetta / Talparo, Ms. Nadra Nathai-Gyan, said just five days to go, it’s only a heartbeat away from the return of the PNM government.

Urges women in the audience to stay strong, because his wife, more than any other group, to help shape the society we live in.

Look carefully what the opposition is saying, and when you go to the polls vote for what is safe.

‘The opposition can not guarantee a lot of social services has launched the PNM, “he adds.

I LOVE T & T – Sing Lee

I love T & T said Lee Sing. I firmly believe in the people of this nation.

I am in favor of youth. I support the people of Arima

Lee-Sing denounces abortion.

Arima A candidate strongly denounces abortion and Kamla Persad-Bissessar hits for his stance on abortion. It says that the leader of the opposition’s position is just a farce.

It also adds that it is an insult to all mothers and all pregnant women like her and Annwarie Ramkissoon.

PNM team has a plan – Thomas

“We have a plan. Equipment is PNM collection teams. So open your heart tonight and listen, and love, and learn,” says Thomas.

Thomas offers a welcome waving to the audience.

Ms. Thomas offers a stirring welcome predominantly female audience. Start your welcome with singing “to vote for yuh.

Thomas – PNM full slate of talented women.

Ms. Thomas stated that the board PNM is a privilege to have gifted 16 women.

I had to pause during his speech to allow the arrival of the political leader of the PNM, S-EX-. Patrick Manning.

Welcome and first speaker.

The reception is to be delivered by Ms. Joanne Thomas, candidate for East St. Ann’s, while the first speaker on the platform will be the candidate of Arima, Ms. Laurel Lezama Lopez-Singh

Welcome to the National Women’s Movement of the People’s Platform, live from Santiago, Trinidad.

Tonight, the platform will be graced with some of the outstanding ministers in the PNM / speakers.

Stay tuned for updates.

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