It is the opinion of this writer - and I daresay - a lot of other people, that the PNM is a corrupt engine of change. I follow the goings on of Calder Hart, Monteil, Uthara Rao among others, and I can see that the lack of accountability has made these people laws onto themselves.
Now the government wants to hold the one 'checks and balances' meetings in private, out of sight of the public eyes.
The Constitution Amendment Bill of 2001 mandates that the JSC meetings be held in public, unless there is an order of the House or resolution of a committee that states otherwise.
"Government is undermining the democracy and trying to impose secret government," he (Ramesh) said. "When this happens there is every opportunity for Government to be corrupt. We condemn it. We oppose it," he said, pointing to what was happening at UDeCOTT and Government's refusal to have that body investigated.
Since before the elections of last year, I have been predicting actions like these that would break the back of Trinidad and Tobago. I foresee a lot worse happening, and either a sweeping change will be necessary (which may come in the form of revolution - hopefully not violent), but only after the people can't take it anymore and get into action for change.
That would take a lot, given the Trinidadian mentality for apathy. When the pot boils over, it may not easy.
In the meantime, Pa-trick continues his autocracy and tramples over the people, the opposition, the fellow ministers, - well, literally everyone.
But as one response in the Express clearly states:
When secrecy begins, we must all take stock of what's going on. It raises questions of cover-up, mismanagement, misbehaving in office, and serious decision making that will most likely be detrimental to the public. T.T. is a democracy and our government's operation should be open to scrutiny so that we are fully aware of how they are managing our country.
Whether they are operating according to approved guidelines or violating them. Airing these sessions via the airwaves, and open to the public, we can ensure that ethical behaviour in public office is followed.
If not, then in a democracy, we can question wrong-doings, and challenge the appropriate officials to correct same. If you are going to do work approved by the government on behalf of the people, and paid for by the taxpayers, then you must be prepared to be called up to answer questions and explain your operational practices.
We will accept no secrecy in this country. When these 'appointed' personnel are placed in the 'hot seat' and are unable to justify their operations, they go crying to the P.M. and he honours their desire for secrecy, disregarding the public's right to know.
I could not agree more. If in fact the Prime Minister sees this as the way to go, I cannot help but think that there is much to hide. And I now wonder if the claims in the famous Calder Hart email are true. If so much corruption is rampant, and passing in full view of the public, how come Pa-trick is not aware?
Is he then really turning a blind eye for a 60% cut? Just a thought.
