Moontown

Something was definitely happening when some 36 children from across the island took to the Island Safari Land Rovers for a tour to Hackleton’s Cliff which overlooks the entire East Coast and Bathsheba on Saturday, May 15.

The tour was organisedbyy real estate agent Julie Dash to treat children that have special needs or those that have contributed significantly to community work.

One of the judges, entertainer Mac Fingall said several entries were received for the competition from members of the public for children who should be worthy of the experience, but some 36 children fitted the criteria.

In addition to the tour, there were face painting, raffle and children were treated to a sumptuous lunch at Moon Town’s Restaurant, St. Lucy.

The children sang along the route and were educated about scenes by the tour drivers. Also making the tour were Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire and Maurice Norville of Starcom Network.

Vessels surround a drilling rig at the site of the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, May 6. - AP Photo

David Jessop, Contributor

When the oil rig the Deepwater Horizon sank in flames on April 20, few could have imagined that three weeks later, the well would continue to spew crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico and threaten the coastal economies of the southern United States and their reputations as holiday destinations.

Although the slick has not touched Caribbean shores because of the distance, prevailing currents and winds, what has happened has serious implications for the large number of nations in the region that hope strengthening oil prices will make viable similar deep-drilling operations within their own economic zones.

Broadly speaking and much oversimplified, the Caribbean sits on two main strata of oil-bearing rock and a number of tectonic faults where possibilities for the discovery of oil and gas are said to exist, often in very deep water.

Energy-led wealth

The consequence is that nations, including Belize, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Suriname and Guyana have seen an upsurge in geophysical research and exploration as rising oil prices and advances in technology have made possible, in theory, the prospect of a find leading to the type of energy-led wealth that Trinidad has seen.

However, events in the last few weeks in the Gulf of Mexico have raised questions about the future of exploration in very deep water.

As BP’s Chief Executive Officer, Tony Hayward recently told Bloomberg News, much depends on the company’s response to the present crisis: “If we deal with the situation in a way that minimises the environmental impact, it will cause some debate. If the environmental impact is serious, as a consequence, there won’t be much, if any, extension of offshore drilling.”

As is now well known, the Deepwater Horizon exploded, killing 11 workers. Since then, the rig’s owners, BP, who commissioned the drilling, plus those who manufactured the deepwater technology involved, have been trying, so far without success, to cap or seal the vents from which oil is erupting.

Ending the disaster, which took place at around 5,000 feet below sea level and involved a well being drilled to a depth of around 22,000 feet, is quite literally as difficult as operating on the moon, as the technology required and possible solutions are largely untested. It also involves huge costs and uncertainty and raises challenging political, jurisdictional, environmental and economic questions.

What would happen if such an event should occur in the Caribbean, or there should be some unforeseen accident or incident involving one of the shipments of radioactive waste that regularly passes through the Caribbean?

Implications of oil spills

If as recent indications suggest, oil beneath the Caribbean Sea at depths hitherto unviable or technologically too challenging can be recovered, how will governments balance economic need against the risk?

To illustrate the implications, imagine for a moment what might happen if Jamaica’s north coast or Barbados’s west coast were to see oil wash ashore from a similar high-profile incident.

The reputational damage would be enormous, and while the probability is that actual costs would be borne by whoever caused the event, the negative and less tangible effects would last for years. Under such circumstances, the requirement is to be proactive and respond effectively, as has happened in recent days in Florida, where changing weather conditions and a seasonal phenomenon relating to ocean currents look likely to propel residue from the slick into the Florida mangrove, onto the Florida Keys, and then towards Miami Beach and beyond. There, the administration has decided not to wait but to pre-emptively introduce a state of emergency and establish a campaign to try to reassure tourists and protect its US$65 billion tourism sector.

The Deepwater Horizon disaster raises other questions.

Do all Caribbean nations that are actively encouraging oil exploration have the necessary contingency plans, environmental legislation and the ability to monitor regulatory requirements to ensure that in the event of a crisis or threat they can respond, and that they have done everything necessary to offset the actual and reputational damage that would occur?

While some Caribbean nations, and most notably Trinidad and Tobago, have understood the need to develop better planning, legislation and an effective regulatory regime, it is apparent that few of the Caribbean’s tourism-dependent economies have as robust an approach.

Surprisingly too, few seem to have debated the inherent contradiction between the environmental imperatives of a region in which tourism underwrites most economies, and the interests of oil companies looking for new and more stable locations in which to operate.

Understandably, Caribbean governments have been driven by a desire to expand national wealth through the recovery of any oil and gas reserves that may lie in their economic zone, however, to do so without a clear framework or holistic view of the consequences of any disaster ought, at least, to give pause for thought.

Earlier this year, the same platform that is now on the ocean floor identified a vast reserve of oil at great depth beneath the Gulf of Mexico.

There, it found for BP the giant Tiber field containing between four and six billion barrels of oil at a depth of 35,000 feet, beneath 4,100 feet of water, and which present technology can only partially recover. This and other finds in the Caribbean Basin means that irrespective of present problems and protests, oil recovery in the region will continue to gather pace, and extraction will occur at ever-deeper levels and at the limits of technology.

This is potentially good news for some Caribbean nations, as long, that is, as Governments recognise the imperative of addressing the risks that go with the rewards. (Jamaica Gleaner)

David Jessop is director of the Caribbean Council. Email: david.jessop@caribbean-council.org.

Lorna Golding - File Photo

As the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips plot thickens, Lorna Golding, the wife of the prime minister, sought refuge at her regular place of worship, the Andrews Memorial Church yesterday.

However, her husband, under pressure and consulting on his next move, was not present.

During service, Mrs Golding was called up and prayer was offered for the Golding family.

Mrs Golding told the con-gregation that the family was hurting in the face of the deafening calls nation-wide for the prime minister’s resignation.

Though the church leaders prayed for the Golding family, Pastor Lorenzo King slammed the Government for its handling of the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips fiasco, demanding that the prime minister be absolutely truthful.

King, known for frank and scathing sermons, also called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission - akin to the one set up in post-apartheid South Africa.

In uncharacteristic involvement during his sermon, the choir was instructed to raise placards of protest demanding transparency and justice.

After the service, King told The Sunday Gleaner that the prayer was offered during this time of “special need” for the Golding family.

However, he was quick to point out that it was nothing outside of the ordinary, as Mrs Golding usually attended service on the Sabbath.

“She came to worship and we prayed for her as a member of our church. We surrounded her and prayed,” said King.

He declined to comment on whether Prime Minister Golding should resign. (Jamaica Gleaner)

• Go Now, PM

Jamaica Council of Churches, The Church of God in Jamaica, The Jamaica Association of Evangelicals, The Jamaica Association of Full Gospel Churches and The Jamaica Pentecostal Union

“We are deeply disappointed at the way in which events have unfolded and are of the view that the actions have done serious damage to his credibility as prime minister and to the name and image of our country.”

Jamaicans for Justice

“He has abused the trust of the citizens and compromised our standing in the international community. The fitness to lead of the prime minister and members of his government has been irretrievably compromised. A prime minister whose word cannot be trusted cannot remain in office. Jamaicans for Justice calls for his resignation.”

Families Against State Terrorism

“I believe Golding is his own problem and that he should leave before his reputation disintegrates any further.”

PNP Youth Organisation

“Understanding the Government is obviously void of morals, we are not surprised that the prime minister did not end his presentation with a resignation, but wish to recommend to the prime minister that this step needs to be taken with immediate effect.”

PNP Patriots

“The people of Jamaica need focused, capable, reliable and able leadership at this time, and a fresh mandate must be sought from the people as to who we believe is best able to earn and deserve our trust and confidence and to lead the country at this time. Contemporary democracy demands no less. Mr Golding should resign.”

Centre for Leadership

“We believe that the prime minister of Jamaica should resign with immediate effect. He no longer has the moral authority to govern or lead.”

Jamaicans United For Sustainable Development

“We join the call for the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding so that the country may begin to formulate a new and credible government to guide the country’s affairs through the immediate challenges that face us.”

PNP Women’s Movement

“The Women’s Movement is of the strong view that the prime minister has lost any moral authority to lead the campaign for responsible, accountable and transparent government and must do the decent thing and resign with immediate effect.”

National Democratic Movement

“The NDM is of the view that Golding’s admission that he sanctioned the engagement of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips on behalf of the JLP and yet was dishonest to the country in Parliament, and continued to do so for several weeks, he has compromised the integrity of the Government that he leads and deceived the people of Jamaica.”

• Stay, PM

Generation 2000

“Having laid the cards squarely on the table, the prime minister has reopened the door that holds full honesty and transparency. The positive direction that can now be achieved for Jamaica is profound, and his honesty and forthrightness have ensured that Prime Minister Bruce Golding continues to enjoy the full support and endorsement of G2K.”

Women’s Freedom Movement & National Organisation of Women

“The rebuilding of Jamaica must not be stalled. The WFM and NOW place the full weight of their support behind Prime Minister Bruce Golding and call upon all well-thinking Jamaicans to put the interest of our country first, and to maintain focus on laying a firm foundation for a prosperous and secure Jamaica.”

Government senators

“As government senators, we remain convinced that Prime Minister Bruce Golding’s leadership of the country is required to continue the turnaround of the Jamaican economy, which is taking place, and to put Jamaica on a safe path for the future.”
middle of the road

Jamaica Chamber of Commerce

“The nation has been misled, and as a result, the prime minister has lost our respect and confidence. In order to commence the extremely difficult task of restoring that respect, confidence and honour, the prime minister should start with an apology to the nation.”

Lawyers Christian Fellowship

We truly pray that our leaders will be humble enough to seek God so that God may grant to them true wisdom, which only comes from Him, and that justice and truth will become our vanguard in this Jamaica, land we love.

• Yet To Decide

Private Sector umbrella group

“In light of the recent developments surrounding the extradition and Manatt affairs, the organisations this morning asked for a suspension of today’s PFT meeting agenda in order to canvass their members to decide on the way forward.”

Jamaica Employers’ Federation

“What we believe, in light of what happened a few days ago, is that the groups need to consult their members, because there are some strong feelings on what has happened.”

Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions

“The JCTU executives will meet on Monday to discuss the implications of all that has transpired as it relates to what we are trying to achieve under the social partnership.” (Jamaica Gleaner)

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

AN ANXIOUS nation waits to exhale today as Prime Minister Bruce Golding - besieged by a crashing crescendo of calls for his resignation - winds up consultations with members of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to determine his political future.

Golding is scheduled to face the party’s powerful Central Executive in Ocho Rios, St Ann, today after meeting, over the past two days, with JLP officers, leaders of his West Kingston constituency, and the party’s parliamentary caucus.

It has been a trying time for the prime minister since he admitted in Parliament last Tuesday that he sanctioned the hiring of United States law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips in his capacity as JLP leader.

Golding’s unapologetic stance in Parliament, after initially hinting that he had no knowledge of the engage-ment of the American law firm, stunned and angered many Jamaicans.

Five tumultuous days have passed, but the unprecedented flurry of demands for Golding’s resignation seems unending.

Golding’s tribulations were reflected in the cancellation of planned social-partnership talks with private-sector and trade-union leaders, and the called-off important meeting with church leaders.

Private-sector leaders backed away from Golding, while the prime minister bailed out on the church leaders.

A mere 32 months ago, Golding was swept to power by the tide of overwhelming support from some of the very organisations that are now demanding his resignation.

He had enjoyed the full backing of power brokers, including some of the private-sector leaders now calling for his head.

The vast and influential church community, as well as human rights organisations Jamaicans for Justice and Families Against State Terrorism have also joined the chorus.

Political observers and analysts appear to be in harmony that Golding will be hard-pressed to avoid handing his resignation to the governor general.

For once, the voice of the main opposition, the People’s National Party (PNP), has not been as thunderous as the deafening demands of the non-political organisations, which want Golding’s resignation.

The feeble voices of support from JLP stalwarts and affiliate organisations can hardly be heard over the din.

Olivia Grange, the minister responsible for culture, youth and sports, claims that the prime minister will not call it a day.

She asserted on Friday that Golding enjoyed her full support, a sentiment that has been echoed by Information Minister Daryl Vaz and the 13 government senators.

“We remain convinced that Prime Minister Bruce Golding’s leadership of the country is required to continue the turn-around of the Jamaican economy, which is taking place, and to put Jamaica on a safe path for the future,” the government senators said in a release late Friday.

The entire Cabinet is also reportedly backing Golding, but Vaz and Grange were the only government ministers to face the media during Friday’s slew of meetings at Vale Royal.

However, Vaz seemed openly nervous about Grange’s decision to speak publicly, and feverishly sought to lure journalists away from her at the entrance to Vale Royal.

Vaz asserted that Golding had taken the calls for his resignation quite seriously.

“There is no hiding it. The calls for the prime minister’s resignation have to be placed squarely on the table,” said Vaz.

He said the resignation demands had precipitated the series of meetings that climaxes today with the JLP Central Executive - the highest decision-making body of the party outside of annual conference.

Jamaica to hear results

The information minister and JLP deputy treasurer promised that Jamaicans would hear definitively from the prime minister following the consultations.

“The prime minister and the party and the Government will communicate to the country the result of these consultations,” Vaz told journalists.

Vaz seemed particularly disturbed about swirling rumours that Golding had resigned, with Dr Ken Baugh selected to replace him, and appealed for patience.

“I am calling for calm and responsibility from those who report in the media,” the information minister added.

Vaz also warned that speculation, sensationalism and rumours could disrupt what he described as the economic gains that had been made over the past year. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Sateesh Maharaj and Wayne Bowman sateesh.maharaj@trinidadexpress.com wayne.bowman@trinidadexpress.com

You no longer have to be a tekkie to keep up with the silly season as it exists in cyberspace. The various parties have been making good use of this, posting videos on the internet using sites like Facebook, YouTube and Jib Jab. These sites are so popular that they’ve accumulated hundreds of thousands of hits, which makes cyberspace the most effective tool for getting the massage across to as many as possible.

All of the political parties are using the internet as a platform from which they spew their respective rhetoric. Ardent supporters of both parties have also posted custom made videos featuring music videos, parodies of soca, reggae and other popular music, comedy sketches and other postings that are attracting from schoolchildren to senior citizens daily.

One of the popular videos on Youtube is titled, I Love Manning and it features a supposed vagrant expressing his appreciation of what he believes the Prime Minister has done for him. ’Mr Manning is the best prime minister, vagrant Martin say. Because everything going up and cocaine remain five dollars a ball.’ This video has garnered 30,402 hits up to May 14.

Another video on Youtube features the music of ’My Money Ha Ha’ by Jamaican dancehall trio Merital Family in which the faces of Manning and Calder Hart are featured along with images of newspaper headlines and other items accusing the PNM administration of corruption. The comical video is edited to make it seem that the Manning face is the one saying, ’My money ha ha,’ while the Hart face says ’Ha ha ha.’ To date this video has attracted 23,911 hits.

Supporters of the ruling party hit back with a montage style video also on YouTube that looks at statements made by Jack Warner during the UNC internal elections attacking Kamla Persad-Bissessar. It features as well things said by Bissessar on the hustings and Warner’s woes with British journalist Andrew Jennings. In one image Bissessar’s face is superimposed on a camel and in another a snake.

IN SYNC: Parodies of Gary Hunt and Colm Imbert on the Chippendale’s dance video created on the Jib Jab site.

These videos are all very hilarious, no matter which side of the fence you sit. A visit to the site, Jib Jab shows a post which uses the Chippendale’s template to create a parody of Manning, Colm Imbert, Hart, Marlene McDonald and Gary Hunt striptease dancing. It’s very funny. The site provides the music, very buff bodies and a programme you can use to paste faces of your choice.

In the way of original music videos there is one on YouTube posted by a group calling itself, Anti-Everything. The song is titled ’I’z De Man’ and it is about a man boasting of the things he has done even though the majority of people he leads have objected to his actions. ’Vizion 2020 have cokey eye,’ sings the vocalist who continues, ’I’z de man, nobody know about my foreign bank account, cuz I’z de man who does lime with Calder Hart who get inside contract from UDeCOTT.’

Then there is the pair of socks singing a hard rock song ’Kamla 2K10’ also on YouTube. One sock sports a weave and the other a beanie hat as they visit various locations singing, ’We backing Kamla to the very end.’

There is also a newly uploaded video on YouTube titled Corruption Parody, a video montage using a recent Machel Montano song for a slide show of photos and video footage in a parody of Jack Warner. The wining stick figure in this is side-splitting. These videos are a good reminder to keep a sense of humour in this silly season. (Trinidad Express)

Kristy Ramnarine kramnarine@trinidadexpress.com

Abortion is not an option said Prime Minister Patrick Manning as he delivered the feature address at the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) youth rally at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, yesterday.

’Young women, two pieces of advice I want to give you. The first one is to be careful with your sexual behaviours. If you get pregnant, if you get pregnant, then abortion is not an option. Not an option.

’The second thing I want to tell you, young women; I want to beg you; do me one favour, stay away from married men,’ Manning said.

The statement was met with loud cheers and support from the youth present.

Last Monday, Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert called on United National Congress (UNC) political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to state what her position on abortion was.

Youth power: Prime Minister Patrick Manning is pulled by supporters as he greets them during the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) Youth Rally at the Queen’s Park Savannah yesterday. -Photo: CURTIS CHASE

The party’s Diego Martin North East candidate, addressing supporters during a political meeting in Princes Town, said: ’I have one thing to say about Kamla Persad-Bissessar-does she stand for abortion? Is she promoting abortion? If she becomes prime minister, will she legalise abortion? She is keeping the company of people who are promoting abortion.’

In a telephone interview yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said she will not give a political view on the issue.

’That is an area which has to be answered by the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and that is why I have called for constitutional reform,’ she said.

Asked for her personal view, she replied: ’Life is sacred.’

At the PNM’s youth rally, Manning, also, used the opportunity to ’pull up’ the young men in society, even advising them on how to treat women.

’I don’t know if you all have studied women, but let me tell you a couple things about women. (When) you see women, you are moved by what you see. So you see a sexy lady walking down the road, that attracts you. That don’t attract women, eh. You know what attracts women, the way you treat them, your attitude towards them. And I will tell you something else; if you treat a women well, you will get out of her far more than you would ever hope to put in,’ he said, causing an uproar.

Manning then called on the men in society to be more responsible.

’The young men have to understand that you have to be responsible in your sexual habits. Men and women. And if you are not ready for parenthood, and I talk about a psychological readiness. If you are not ready for parenthood, my dear friends, please stay away from sex,’ he said.

’The ideal situation is that there should be no sex outside of marriage, but I know how you all are. Right or wrong?’ he asked.

He added: ’What do the women say? Oh, you not saying anything. The men don’t have sex with themselves, you know. You understand?

’So there has to be responsibility in the conduct of your sexual behaviours. Remember two things; one is that pregnancy is no respecter of person, nor is HIV/AIDS. It can happen to anybody and especially, if it is HIV/AIDS, it is a dangerous thing to have contracted that. What it does to you, it affects you psychologically, my dear friends, and puts you in a situation where you cannot maximise your full potential, especially the opportunities presented to you by the PNM Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.’ (Trinidad Express)

Akile Simon akile.simon@trinidadexpress.com

WORKERS OF the Ministry of Works and Transport Highways Division, accompanied by five police officers, yesterday broke down the gate to a private property in an attempt to remove a People’s Partnership digital billboard at the Country Club’s Saddle Road, Maraval, entrance.

For several hours, there was a stand-off with the police and members of the Partnership, including its candidate for the Diego Martin North East constituency, Garvin Nicholas, who demanded the police and the ministry workers leave the property since they were trespassing.

According to Nicholas, the police, who were being used as ’political scapegoats’, seemed unaware of the status of the land. He said after (Club manager Joseph) Fernandes’ refusal to enter into an agreement with the State over the land, the matter went to court.

Nicholas accused Works Minister Colm Imbert of using the high arm of the State to intimidate members of the Partnership. ’Imbert is prepared to use the State resources to fight the election. Because it’s not a PNM (People’s National Movement) billboard, it was not okay to leave it. It is absolutely insane, and we will not tolerate it no more,’ he said.

He said Imbert and the director of the Highways Division, Roger Ganesh, were fully aware the land matter with the owner of the land was before the court, and the ministry had no legal authority on the compound.

Moved: The People’s Partnership digital billboard at the Country Club’s Saddle Road, Maraval, entrance of candidate for the Diego Martin North/East constituency, Garvin Nicholas which was at the centre of a controversy yesterday.

’Yesterday (Friday), I spoke with Mr Ganesh and he informed me that there was an issue, and I told him that the ministry had no legal standing on the property. It remains private property because the Government has been unable to acquire it and yet still, they decided to act in this high-handed manner.

’Today (yesterday) is a red-letter day in our history in campaigning in the Diego Martin North East. Colm Imbert has one more week to be the MP for this seat,’ Nicholas said.

Acting Sgt Diaz of the Belmont Police Station informed Nicholas she received instructions the property belonged to the ministry and repeatedly asked Nicholas and his supporters to leave the premises. They refused and shortly after, head of the Port of Spain Division Snr Supt Paul Rodriguez arrived at the scene and made several phone calls, seeking to get clarification on the matter.

In the end, Nicholas said, the billboard was temporarily removed further into the property to avoid a confrontation with the police.

In April of 2007, Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced Government’s plan to build a five-star hotel at the site of the privately owned, exclusive club.

However, Fernandes, responding to Manning, not only disclaimed knowledge of the Government’s plan but declared he had his own development in mind for the 12-acre site that would include residential apartments. Fernandes also accused the MOWT of trespassing on his property in order to expand the Saddle Road from two to four lanes. (Trinidad Express)

Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday produced documents purporting to show a direct connection between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and former UDeCOTT executive chairman Calder Hart in the design and construction of the Lighthouse of the Lord Jesus Christ Church at the Heights of Guanapo, Arima.

Persad Bissessar said she will send these documents, together with a request for an investigation into possible criminal conduct by the Prime Minister under section 3 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, to the Commissioner of Police (CoP) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

She also intends to write the Integrity Commission on the matter.

UDeCOTT, in a release to the press last, night denied any involvement in the church. (See Box)

Manning’s spiritual adviser, Juliana Pena, was listed on the documents as being one of the owners of the controversial multi-million-dollar church which is being constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) on State lands.

‘Evidence’: Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and United National Congress (UNC) chairman Jack Warner show pictures of the Lighthouse of the Lord Jesus Christ church at the Heights of Guanapo, Arima during a press conference at the Opposition leader’s office on Charles Street, Port of Spain yesterday. -Photo: ANISTO ALVES

Persad-Bissessar, at a press conference yesterday at the Opposition Leader’s office, Port of Spain, presented a bundle of letters as well as architectural drawings which, among other things, showed an ’Outdoor stage project of Prime Minister’s House’ as part of the design.

She also provided documents from Town and Country Planning which showed that approval for the construction of the church was made on the same day Manning named the date for the general election, on April 16.

The documents Persad-Bissessar produced yesterday goes against statements made by Manning as well as Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Teshiera that UDeCOTT was not involved in the construction of the church.

She reminded the media that UDeCOTT had insisted that it had absolutely no involvement in the design of the building or in the construction site and that Nunez-Teshiera, in the Parliament, said that neither UDeCOTT nor NIPDEC had any involvement in the church.

Persad-Bissessar gave the media letters showing otherwise. One set of letters showed architect Stephen Mendes writing to Hart in his capacity as UDeCOTT chairman, outlining details of the church construction.

One of Mendes’s letters, dated February 26, 2010, to Hart showed that Hart had introduced Mendes to Pena in 2005 and that Mendes agreed to do the design for the church, pro bono.

In a letter dated May 2, 2006, from Mendes to Hart, Mendes indicated that he had finished and submitted the architectural/engineering drawings for the church.

In that letter he wrote, ’The structural drawings developed to date are not in accordance with the recent changes made to the architectural drawings as a result of recent PM’s requests. Additionally, they need to be developed in far greater detail’

’Additionally, the consultants need to develop and finalise their general arrangement drawings due to the recent changes called for by the PM, including those related to the residential component appended to the church.’

Persad-Bissessar said to the media:

’Just for clarification, PM means the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Patrick Manning. According to this letter then, the Hon Prime Minister was providing direction and guidance in the preparation of the architectural/engineering drawings, including a residential component.’

She also provided documents which showed that though Mendes had written to Hart indicating that he had completed his services on the project, his name (Mendes) was used on the application for planning permission for the church.

Persad Bissessar also produced a letter in which Mendes pointed this out to Hart.

’It appears then that somebody fraudulently placed Mr Mendes’s name on the application form and submitted it to the Town and Country Planning Division for approval. That is fraud, another illegal act in Trinidad and Tobago,’ said Persad-Bissessar.

To stress her point of Manning’s involvement with the church, Persad-Bissessar provided drawings prepared by a firm named as the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tongii University (Group) Co Ltd. These drawings identified the general contractor as SCG International (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd, Shanghai Construction Group, the company currently building the church.

’What is of great interest to me is the client. The client is listed as UDeCOTT,’ said Persad-Bissessar.

’In other words, the construction drawings were prepared for UDeCOTT and for the use of Shanghai Construction Group! There should really be no surprise there since Shanghai Construction Group was brought into the country to construct buildings for UDeCOTT,’ she added.

She said the church project is listed on the drawings as ’Outdoor stage project of Prime Minister’s House’.

Persad-Bissessar recalled that the Prime Minister’s St Ann’s residence was built by Shanghai Construction Group, and the client then was also UDeCOTT.

’It appears then that the drawings provided here for the ’Outdoor stage project of Prime Minister’s House’ to be built by the Shanghai Construction Group constituted part of the larger plan for the Prime Minister’s residence, as initially designed,’ said Persad-Bissessar.

She said this addition was not built at the Prime Minister’s residence in St Ann’s, instead another outdoor stage building was constructed there by the same Shanghai Construction Group, at a cost of $10 million in 2009.

Persad-Bissessar said she had the drawings and photographs analysed to confirm that the building described in the plans done by Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tongii University (Group) Co Ltd is exactly the same as the building on the site at Aripo, the site of the Church of the Light House of the Lord Jesus Christ Church.

’I have already established that the plans done by Mendes was for a church and that the Prime Minister was involved in its design. The Prime Minister has also admitted to visiting the construction site of the church during construction. Further, I have established that the local plans are mirrored by the comprehensive construction plans done by Tongii University,’ she said.

Persad-Bissessar questioned how a design for a church became the design for an outdoor stage project of Prime Minister’s house, designed by the same company that designed the Prime Minister’s house.

Persad-Bissessar said this was a very serious matter ’which suggests criminal conduct and the abuse of State funds and lands by the Prime Minister of this country for personal gain’.

She also made it clear that contrary to what her opponents were saying ’my stance against Manning’s apparent corruption today is not a negative stance against the Born Again Christian faith, or any other religious denomination for that matter’.

She said there is no truth to allegations that the Christian community will be discriminated against by a People’s Partnership government.

’For the record, I remain now and always, committed to the freedom of speech, freedom of worship, of all my brethren, in every church, mosque, temple or home. I am willing to defend that freedom with my life, ’ she said. (Trinidad Express)

WHOSE IS IT? England captain Paul Collingwood (left) and his Australia counterpart Michael Clarke holding the World Twenty20 Trophy at Kensington Oval yesterday.

by HAYDN GILL

FOR THE SECOND TIME in three years, the eyes and ears of the cricket world will be on Barbados and Kensington Oval.

A packed ground of 14 000 and a global television audience of more than one million viewers will turn their attention to the finals of the ICC World Twenty20 today.

A short, snappy tournament packed with drama, intrigue and excitement on the field and filled with entertainment, energy and enthusiasm beyond the boundary
will climax with decisive matches in the men’s and women’s competitions.

After 40 games spread over 16 days at four venues, there was a huge sense of anticipation yesterday in the build-up to the day of decision.

The men’s final, which bowls off at 11:30 a.m., is a showdown between awesome Australia and title-starved England in a match where no one will dare call a winner because of the unpredictable nature of the shortest form of the game.

At 4 p.m., the women’s final will be a battle between Trans Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand.

While Kensington, which was also the venue for the World Cup final three years ago, was going through its final preparations, those involved in the action were waiting for the moment.

Paul Collingwood is leading an England side which has never won a global title.

“This is literally the ultimate. You’ve got through to a World final, you’re playing against the old enemy Australia. It doesn’t get much better than this,” he said.

England were losing finalists in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 World Cup finals and the 2004 Champions Trophy. Victory here will mean the world to their many supporters.

In contrast, Australia have an outstanding record - having won the last three World Cups and two Champions trophies.

The only missing piece of the puzzle for Michael Clarke’s team is a World Twenty20 title.

“It would be fantastic [if we won]. We came here to try and win. We haven’t won it before. We’d be much happier leaving Barbados with that one last trophy,” Clarke said.(Nation News)