Richard celebrates COP’s victory

Posted on by dthurton

While some PNM voters still have election tabanca, supporters of the People’s Partnership are  celebrating their party’s victory. They relish the change they hope the coalition party will bring. One such person is Richard Mural, a member of the COP’s Youth Congress.

Less than three hours after the polls closed, I rushed to the Queen’s Park Savannah to deliver a brown sealed envelope to the COP  tent pitched near Citibank.  Songs like Vote Dem Out and our popular campaign song Manning Must Go blared from underneath the camp. I quickly maneouvred myself through the crowd asking whose hands this confidential package must land in. In it were the election results for the polling station I monitored that day.

Mission accomplished, I listened to the results as they started to trickle in from a television setup underneath the tent. Some friends and I soon went over to the COP  flagship house on Traggerete Road. There, everyone’s eyes were also on the television, and soon including myself. I was  extremely anxious  from the time I entered the doors  of the COP’s house.  My inner voice told me, “Richard you have done it. You have worked extremely hard now. Now it’s the time for change.”

My history and reasons for joining the COP began in 2006. That’s when it was first formed. The moment I read about them they stood out to me immediately. I sensed a community of love there. But it was one Saturday morning when I was walking through Sweet Briar Road, St Clair, I saw their booth.  I learn’t about what they stood for as a party. The people’s warmth and hospitality confirmed that I wanted to be in this party, that I wanted to support them. The first person I met and became friends immediately with was Ryan D’arcy . He encouraged me deeply to be a part of the party.

I was convinced. I joined the Youth Congress. And in this election worked in the Port-of- Spain South Constituency and in the Diego Martin Constituency. On the campaign trail I saw many youth follow disciples Jack Warner and Winston Dookeran.  These men have been two great inspirations towards us. Every time there was a walk about in the depressed areas we always had a large turn out . In every campaign rally there was always a strong message to carry back home with us and they were often packed with persons.

I chose to do this. I felt it’s my call to bring peace and stand for the rights of the citizens of my country, bringing light to to this nation and the entire world. There is so much I know I can offer. And I want to do so with humility. Too often I have seen people become leaders, but they have failed miserably. They love power and they love the limelight . I often dream about becoming a leader for this country of Trinidad and Tobago. But it’s important to start from small things.

Almost six hours after polls closed the election results were clear. The COP together with the People’s Partnership one the election. People cheered and ran into the streets announcing victory for the COP. I was happy. I had tears running down my eyes. It was a moment of joy. I partied until 2 am.

Currently  the future for Trinidad and Tobago is on the steps of advancement  and we are reaching the goals of the 2020 Vision. I am beginning to see areas being addressed which were never touched before, such as flooding an issues we’ve faced for decades.

Unity is the only option…let’s work together

Posted on by dthurton

So election results are in. And feting done. Now let’s work together.

Regardless of who’s at the helm of our government. We as a nation have to return to our jobs, our classrooms, universities, churches and communities. And we have to do so working together.

Come May 25th, the day after the election, we’ll still have issues plaguing our nation. Crime won’t be reduced. We won’t suddenly recover from our fossil fuel addiction. It will still take forever for cases to trickle through our courts. And local government elections will still be outstanding.

Now is not the time to be sad that your party loss.

What matters is if we as a nation are willing to work together with our new Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Biessessar, her Cabinet, the opposition and all our country’s diverse ethnicities, cultures and religions in a way that leaves no one behind.

Because Trinbago cannot succeed, unless we work together.

Jack Warner says it.

“Kamla will not succeed if the nation is divided. We can only build a nation if we build it on our collective efforts,” said Warner at Rienzi Complex on election night.

And the new prime minister elect realizes this too.

“Everyone man, woman and child will come together with us,” Persad-Bissessar said in her first speech as the country’s first female prime minister.

And she must. It would be absolutely neurotic to believe that the People’s Partnership, as the synergy of other party’s, with a multi-racial mix, can govern without governing for all.

Despite the mother party’s unofficial 30 seat win, its coalition’s other seats can easily defect and join the PNM. And while this won’t be enough to form government with the PNM. It would certainly tighten the UNC’s reins and constrict this party with a strong Indo-Trinidadian base to certainly govern for all.

In other words, it’s not Indian time. It’s Trinbago time. And we must work together.

Political clothes line by Nicholas Ho Koon

UNC’s energy manifesto offers much more than PNM’s

Posted on by dthurton

Guest blogger Devendra Rajcoomar returns this Thursday to continue his analysis on the energy policies of the two main political parties. Wednesday he analysed the PNM’s energy election policies. And now he focuses on the UNC’s or what’s called the People’s Partnership. Rajcoomar is a Trini-to-d- bone Consultant Fluid Drilling Engineer for the international firm Mi Swaco.

My initial reaction after reading the People’s Partnership manifesto’s first paragraph is that this has been written by someone who has experience working in an international oil company. The energy section in the PNM’s Manifesto sounds like it was written by an OJT in Petrotrin. Only the People’s Partnership immediately highlights the truth of the industry’s declining resources. And they go on to “comfort” us by saying they have a plan to deal with this in an environmentally safe manner, unlike the PNM’s manifesto which never stated this fact. Kind  of wonder if the PNM is trying to hide something from those who don’t know better. Here’s what I think of the People’s Partnership’s energy manifesto.

  1. Developing a Gas Pricing Policy. And round one goes to the People’s Partnership. Not only have they immediately identified that it’s GAS NOT OIL that is driving the economy, but they are ready to adjust prices. Excellent! Time for BP to pay for the natural resources of countries and stop destroying them by spilling oil all over the Gulf of Mexico.
  2. Ensuring gas projects are public and we the citizens are in the know. Good. Don’t tell us that we need a smelter when major countries around the world deny approval of these plants because of the adverse environmental damage. The People’s Partnership is not going to dictate gas projects they’re going to consult the communities.
  3. The  promise of a comprehensive review of taxation, policies, laws and regulations. Very much welcomed. Because these foreign oil companies can become very comfortable and feel like they can hold us to ransom. Remember what Chavez did recently? He actually locked out these foreign oil companies from their offices in Venezuela until they agreed to do what he wanted. And guess what? They did, because they need the oil and gas so badly. They are addicted. Don’t be fooled. It’s good to review these policies to keep the oil companies on the edge of their seats so that they will use better technology, environmentally friendly procedures and prices. We need  to review not just the production sharing contract, but our packages of policies to these foreign oil companies.
  4. Continuous expansion of energy skill sets. Education, university etc…10 points. Remember it was the  UNC who introduced Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology (TTIT) which is now University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). Many of us, including myself, are results of this institution and are succeeding in very high levels throughout the industry.
  5. Ensuring gas allocation and energy security by analysing the true potential of our reserves and ensuring it’s put to the best use in the country. Fantastic. We need to quote more realistic numbers for our reserves and not over-estimate their volumes. However, the People’s Partnership doesn’t go into much detail as much as the PNM. They don’t disclose how they’re going to allocate our reserves. All they said is they’re going to evaluate it.
  6. Incentive program for companies considering development of renewable resources. Unfortunately not much detail. Again we need to be hearing more about this from all parties. Where are the windmillS and solar panels? At least the PNM is looking to develop some green energy policies.
  7. The increase in local content. Great. Two main things for me are the participation and ownership in energy projects. Why can’t we have more local owned energy companies? Is only mass costume and townhouse we know to build? And the resolution of the outstanding issues in the Caribbean and Latin America– Petrocaribe and CSME? The People’s Partnership is again stepping forward in reviewing these agreements. Why can’t Caribbean islands make a deal with Trinidad, and not Chavez, to satisfy their energy needs. There must be some way Trinidad can supply our neighbours and make some money from it. And it’s good the People’s Partnership is looking into this.

Conclusion

Basically, the People’s Partnership manifesto highlighted and reminded us that energy resources are on the decline and we need to manage it properly. They correctly identified gas is the bread winner of our economy and promised to look at gas pricing. They also said gas pricing, the policies, regulations and taxation of gas will be reviewed. Good idea. Again, GAS NOT OIL, as not emphasized on by the PNM, is our main focus.

Although, the People’s Partnership lacked detail on its incentives or enhanced oil recovery projects, there was some mention with it being necessary.  That’s good. We need to continue our efforts to retrieve oil from existing fields, but please do not make it the frontline act. The People’s Partnership is also willing to re-look the position in the Caribbean with the CSME and Petrocaribe. I’m not sure of the details of this agreement. But we definitely need to rethink this agreement.

Again these are all promises. And whether they’re going to be fulfilled this is unclear. But the fact the People’s Partnership is expressing these views and the PNM is not, says something. The PNM’s manifesto only highlighted four main pain policies. The People’s Partnership offered much more.

Thanks Devendra for your insightful views. Readers can read Devendra’s full analysis of the PNM’s election policy here.

PNM’s energy policy out of gas

Posted on by dthurton

Dasheen bush. Ochro. Pumpkin. Coconut milk. And Magi Flavour D’Pot, if you please. These are all essential ingredients to a good Sunday Callaloo. But if it wasn’t for the blue flame raving beneath granny’s charred coal pot, these flavours would not create this Creole masterpiece. So too with Trinidad’s economy where oil and natural gas are its currency.  Guest blogger Devendra Rajcoomar analyses the energy policies of the two main political parties in a two-part entry. Rajcoomar is a Trini-to-d- bone Consultant Fluid Drilling Engineer for the international firm Mi Swaco.

Revenue from oil and natural gas account for over 50% of Trinidad and Tobago's GDP

The PNM’s 2010 election manifesto points out the importance of energy to the Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, with it accounting for 50% of our  GDP, and the need to sustainably manage this resource.

They also outlined 4 main areas that they would place their energy focus:

  • Fiscal terms/contracts
  • Prioritizing the use of gas
  • Petrotrin improving oil production
  • Renewable energy

    1. Fiscal terms or Production Sharing Contracts will essentially give tax breaks to companies who decide to revitalize old oil fields so they can have money to explore and drill. Good idea. However, this particular policy seemingly targets companies who are producing oil and not gas. But over 10 years now there has been a need to review the gas taxation policy as this is our country’s bread winner now. NOT OIL
    2. Prioritising of Gas, basically they are only saying how they intend to divide the gas being produced in Trinidad between the existing petrochemical industries and future ones; including the aluminum smelters. There was no insight on how they intend to increase sales of  gas on the international market. Especially considering how our major market, the Eastern US seaboard, does not get 75% of its gas import from Trinidad anymore. Basically we need to establish new international markets for our gas. This is our mainstay at the moment. NOT OIL. Trinidadians need to realise that although the price oil is so high, the actual oil Trinidad produces doesn’t sell for the odd US$60 a barrel market value. It sells for almost half that.

      Aerian view of Atlantic LNG courtesy http://www.atlanticlng.com/default.aspx
    3. Petrotrin, they are asking the state owned oil company to utilise the 3D survey data they have deployed to discover new oil potential which in return should result in increased oil production. However, all the pundits, even company Ryder Scott who compiled an independent energy report a few years ago, have all suggested that worldwide oil production is on the decline if it hasn’t already. This is true globally and more so in Trinidad. In his book Peak Oil Paradigm Shift, Bilaal Abdullah, argues that the world’s oil production has plateaued, and it will never reach production levels that it has in the in the past. And so it’s misleading to expect Petrotrin to single handedly boost its oil production significantly through new discoveries. Again, OIL IS OUT, and GAS IS IN. And foreign oil companies will not consider any new ideas into new oil in Trinidad either, at least not on the scale the PNM is asking.
    4. Renewable Energy, probably the biggest concern globally, has been spoken of last. And other than a few promises of developing policies and partnerships with the US, they have not clearly stated what they intend to do. Why aren’t we envisioning windmills and solar panels? Basically, I believe they have only inserted this item in here to calm the environmentalist. I for one do not expect any serious drive to a solution for this anytime soon. Pursuing a renewable energy policy doesn’t mean we abandon oil and gas production.  These green energy sources go hand in hand with oil and gas discovery. Even Barack Obama has said the US will accelerate its oil and gas discoveries and alongside its renewable energy breakthroughs. Soon they might be drilling off  the entire US Eastern Seaboard. I might be flying to NY, getting into a chopper and going to the rig. Why then should we expect anything different from Trinidad? And if the PNM pursued both policies, I could also be flying  from Movie Towne past a windmill farm Down De Islands to an offshore rig in the Gulf of Paria.

    Read Devendra’s views on the  energy manifesto of the coalition of  the People’s Partnership here.

    Trinbago Votes 2010- Is abortion an election issue?

    Posted on by dthurton

    Abortion shot into Trinidad and Tobago’s headlines this week as a minister said his government was committed to protecting the life of all babies. The minister also demanded that the country’s first female opposition leader disclose her position on women’s reproductive health as well.

    Here in Canada, the Conservative government has also cut funding to international groups that fund abortions in the developing world. Many see this as merely a political move by the Tories to agitate their right wing base.

    Regardless of geography, the public must view these political moves suspiciously as possible attempts to further fracture voters along party lines.

    An ideological battle over abortion may be emerging as Trinidad and Tobagonians go to the poles.

    It’s easy as a Catholic, myself, to be swept up in such rhetoric and then base my vote and political support on a political party whose manoeuvres pander to my religious views.

    A blog entry by the head Salt and Light Fr Thomas Rosica reminds us that being pro-life is not the activity of a political party. Moreover, being pro-life cannot be limited to opposing abortion.

    Pro-life means understanding that other circumstances also deny persons their dignity and their right to a full life. Issues like lack of access to proper education, health care, adequate nutrition and dignified work are some on the list. Rosica said:

    “

    We must avoid the sight impairment and myopia that often afflict people of good will who are blinded by their own zeal and are unable to see the whole picture.

    “ Father Thomas Rosica, CSB,  CEO Salt + Light Catholic Television Network

    In my view, “the whole picture” many Trinidadians must discern is whether political parties truly want to uplift our nation.

    As the nation goes to the polls on May 24th, we must ask: Which political party’s policies and actions truly recognize, yes, the unborn, but also the dignity of our elderly.

    Is anyone caring for the single mother or the rural community that doesn’t have water or an electrical supply?

    Does anyone care about the continued destruction of the nation’s natural resources.

    And speaking of the unborn, which party has a plan that will ensure mine and your grand-children can enjoy the same standard of life that we enjoy today.

    Who has a realistic plan to reduce the murder rate. Let’s focus on the real issues.

    TTC horror stories: The Blond Dragon

    Posted on by dthurton

    Every Torontonian who takes the TTC on a regular basis has their own horror stories. I too have mine. But it’s not as great as one passenger’s encounter with the “Blond Dragon” published in  Tuesday’s Toronto Star. The account is but one of hundreds of complaints the Star got hold of after a freedom of information request from the TTC.    GET THE STORY

    “

    I became the target of her vileness … I always try to be courteous and exit via the rear doors (but) my position on the car this morning had me directly beside the front door, so I decided to exit via this way instead of pushing my way through other passengers. Well I guess this made her day because it allowed her the opportunity to yell … she yelled at the top of her lungs four times … ‘EXIT AT THE REAR DOOOOORS!!!’ …I turned around and calmly asked her, ‘Why are you such a bitch to the passengers’ Her loud reply: ‘BECAUSE I ENJOY IT!!!’ … I do have to say that the majority of the TTC employees I encounter on a daily basis are courteous and a good number of them are downright friendly. What a delight! But not the Blonde Dragon!

    ”

    Many Torontonians rely on the TTC's fleet of buses, trains, and/ or this Queen street car to get to work. By David Thurton

    Eyjafjallajökull…what the??

    Posted on by dthurton

    Eyjafjallajökull. Easy to read, but not easy to pronounce if you’re a broadcast journalist reporting on the Icelandic volcano causing havoc for European air travel. Apparently the volcano is pronounced:

    Aye – ya – fyah – dla – jow – kudl

    Ok say that three times. Or this video may help.

    A house for M.r. E.J. Lennox

    Posted on by dthurton

    David Thurton, 2nd Year Feature Writing

    E.J. Lennox built Toronto’s first skyscraper and its Old City Hall, yet he never constructed a house for himself. That was until billionaire Sir Henry Pellatt sanctioned Lennox to build his castle: Casa Loma. It was as if the freedom to create a fairy-tale released in Lennox a suppressed yearning to titillate his own design fetish. And so in 1905 Lennox bought three acres of land beside the castle and designed his residence. A quarter of a million dollars later, a 21 room mansion appeared that resembles a Swiss chalet garnished with a red terra cotta roof.

    Lenwil; the house designed and formerly owned by E.J. Lennox

    Today both Lenwil and Casa Loma have become fraternal twins looming over Davenport Road. However, despite the two houses’ close association, Lenwil hasn’t resonated as one of city’s architectural wonders. In the summer, tourists flock to Casa Loma like wild ants swarming a caramel toffee left on the ground. Lenwil, however, languishes, forgotten by Toronto.

    Read More

    Discovering God’s plan for new relationships…

    Posted on by dthurton

    Relationships… from David Thurton on Vimeo.

    Al Jazeera English – Fault Lines – Haiti: The politics of rebuilding

    Posted on by dthurton

    Selfless Humanitarianism for Haiti or Neo Liberalism?

    Al Jazeera English – Fault Lines – Haiti: The politics of rebuilding.