Former, Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

 "Politics Has A Morality Of Its Own" Basdeo Panday

Let's start by sending out condolences to the family of the late Dr. Basdeo Panday, a former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and a lifelong politician.

Today, I woke up with no feelings about Dr. Panday, I agreed that he should get a State funeral, I agreed that he was a man of the people and should be recognized for his contribution to the development of the country.  

Dr. Basdeo Panday passed last Monday, January 1st, 2024 and he was awarded by our Prime Minister, Dr. Rowley, the honor of a State funeral.  That means he will go out with all the pomp and pageantry of an honorable man, someone we should look up to.  

Basdeo Panday, the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, served in that capacity from 1995 to 2001. While opinions on political figures can vary, here are seven positive aspects of Basdeo Panday's tenure as Prime Minister:

Here are a few of his accomplishments while in office: 

1. Economic Policies: Panday's administration implemented economic policies that contributed to stable economic growth during his time in office. The country experienced positive economic indicators, including increased GDP and foreign direct investment.

2. Social Programs: The government under Panday's leadership initiated various social programs aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. These programs addressed issues such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

3. Infrastructure Development: Panday's administration invested in infrastructure development projects, enhancing the country's transportation and communication networks. Improved infrastructure can positively impact various sectors, including business, tourism, and overall connectivity.

4. Diversity and Inclusion: Panday, as the first person of Indian descent to hold the position of Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago, contributed to greater diversity and inclusivity in the political landscape. His election symbolized progress toward a more inclusive representation of the country's diverse population.

5. Foreign Policy Initiatives: Panday actively engaged in regional and international diplomacy, fostering positive relationships with neighboring countries and global partners. Diplomatic efforts can contribute to economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and political stability.

6. Education Reforms: The Panday administration introduced education reforms aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of education in Trinidad and Tobago. These reforms included initiatives to enhance both primary and secondary education systems.

7. Empowerment of Women: Panday's government demonstrated a commitment to gender equality by appointing women to key positions within the government. This emphasis on inclusivity contributed to breaking gender barriers in political leadership roles.

While these points highlight positive aspects of Basdeo Panday's tenure, it's essential to consider a comprehensive evaluation of his leadership within the broader context of Trinidad and Tobago's political and social landscape during that period.

And there was the bad. A friend forwarded a message on WhatsApp and it changed my mind about the man.  It brings into question the values we hold as a nation and a people. What we do is who we are.  Questions get answers.

The answer can be found in our culture.  We have a cultural tendency to praise and admire con artists and charlatans.  We have a respectable name for these people; we call them "smartmen". These are people {men and women) who smile in your face while dipping deep into your pockets. White-collar criminals live among us, especially in the political arena. 

Please understand, that it is not being imputed here that Dr. Panday was a white-collar criminal.  The message shared the facts, let them speak for themselves.  .  . 

We don't want to speak ill of the dead but some things we need to be remembered.

His tenure as Prime Minister was riddled with scandals:

1 The Inncogen Deal

2 The unnecessary Desalination plant

3 The Piarco Airport corruption scandal where he was implicated led to the fall of his administration 

4 The rice imported by the National Floor Mill from India was not fit for human consumption that had a bicycle in the shipment.

5 The license that was given to Indian Bank Bank of Baroda to operate in Trinidad and Tobago

6 The use of Indian company Dhanpur Mills to conduct maintenance of Caroni Ltd sugar factories- they supplied faulty and used parts that made the factory inoperable. 

7. Voter padding in the General Elections whereby UNC voters in predominantly rural East Indian areas were brought by maxi taxis to vote in marginal seat areas.

8 The appointment of his wife's brother  Canadian Bill Chetan as a Minister in the Ministry of Energy who then proceeded to enrich himself.

9 The appointment of the corrupt Finbar Ganga as  Minister of Energy where he enriched himself. 

10 The introduction of Ghost Gangs in the public works program to buy the votes of Abu Bakr and the Muslimeen triggered a wave of murders to secure a larger portion of the money.

11 The removal of the strict physical requirements in police recruitment saw an influx of East Indian police.

12. The rape allegations brought against him by Pamela Seepersad. 

13. The appointment of Ganga Sing as Minister of Public Utilities who publicly voiced there were "too many niggers" in the public Utilities and there was a head count reduction of Afro-Trinidadians replaced by East Indians.

14  As per UNC financier Unanan Persad he contributed $50,000 US dollars to the UNC that Basdeo Panday kept for himself.

15. The appointment of Dhanraj Singh as Minister of Local Government who stole monies for the renovation of the Chaguanas Market and when confronted by Basdeo Panday told Panday to return the party contribution made by Unanan Persad which led to the victimization and maligning of Singh where all manner of corruption changes were brought to bear on him which lead to him dying from a massive heart attack because of the stress and political pressure. 

16. The forgiving of the debt owed by Guyana because Basdeo Panday was born in Guyana and came to Trinidad as a little child.

17 During the 1990 coup by the Muslimeen because he had fallen out with Prime Minister ANR Robinson when asked about the coup his famous quip was "Wake me up when it's over".

18 He did not attend the funeral of ANR Robinson because he was incensed during the 18-18 tie ANR Robinson brokered it in favor of the PNM led by Patrick Manning. 

19. He brought Kamla Persad Bissessar into the UNC party because in the 1991 General Election Kamla Persad Bissessar contested the Siparia seat on the NAR ticket and lost.  He gave her a safe seat and that launched the political career of Trinidad and Tobago's most racist, inebriated, incompetent, and corrupt Prime Minister.

20. Basdeo Panday did not attend the funeral of his Chief of Staff Noel Penco who was killed in a love triangle with another army officer  Lance Corporal Anthony Caesar and Panday's wife Oma.

21. He refused to allow Sundar Popo to perform at any UNC rallies or functions because Popo was a paid performer at a PNM rally.

22. The Afro-Trinidadian-owned TJ's By The Sea in South Trinidad was blacklisted by Basdeo Panday during his term as Prime Minister because the owner was a financial contributor to the PNM so no UNC or government functions were held there. 

23. To become the President of the All Sugar Estate and Factory Workers Union he and his supporters made death threats and intimidated the previous leader who feared for his life and relinquished the leadership of the union.

24. ⁠I forgot to include when Mickela Panday was studying law in England she lived in a luxury condo rent-free owned by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who company just happened to be running the operations of the Iron and Steel Company of Trinidad and Tobago (ISCOTT) at the time.

25. He was the only Prime Minister of this country to spend time in jail for something he did while in office. 

Good or bad, or ugly, may he rest in peace. 

A Call for Equitable Resolution in the Venezuela-Guyana Conflict Over the Essequibo Region

An Alternative To Violence

The South American continent has been marked by historical legacies, geopolitical intricacies, and territorial disputes. One such conflict that continues to simmer is the disagreement between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region. Let's delve into the historical roots of this dispute, understand the perspectives of both nations, and propose a call for mediation with a fair and equitable solution — a division of the contested land.

Seeds of Discord in Colonial Shadows

The origin of the Venezuela-Guyana conflict can be traced back to the era of colonialism. Venezuela, a former Spanish colony, and Guyana, a British colony, were both shaped by imperial powers that drew arbitrary lines on the map without consideration for the indigenous populations that inhabited these lands for centuries.

This is very similar to the results we are seeing between Israel and Gaza.  Britain established Israel in 1948 by displacing the Arabs, now we have what is occurring in Gaza.   

The Essequibo Region: A Land of Dispute

The focal point of this conflict lies in the Essequibo region, a vast and resource-rich area that both nations claim as their own. This dispute is not merely about territorial boundaries; it embodies the echoes of colonial histories that continue to reverberate in the present.

Venezuela's Claim: A Historical Perspective

Venezuela's claim over the Essequibo region finds its roots in historical records that date back to the colonial period. Spanish explorers and settlers were among the first to establish a presence in the region, laying claim to vast territories. However, the border delineations between the Spanish and British colonies were, at best, ambiguous.

Guyana's Position: A Legacy of British Colonialism

Guyana, on the other hand, draws its claim from the era of British colonialism. The territorial demarcation lines drawn by the British Empire often overlooked the complexities of the regions they sought to control. The result is a modern-day conflict where two sovereign nations assert their rights over the same piece of land.

The Indigenous Perspective: Forgotten Stakeholders

Amid this geopolitical struggle, the indigenous populations of the Essequibo region often find themselves overlooked. Their ancestral lands, the true inheritance of South America, have become bargaining chips in a larger political game.

Mediation: A Call for Equitable Resolution

The international community must recognize the historical complexities that underpin this conflict. As a neutral third party, the call for mediation is essential. A resolution that considers the interests and historical injustices of both nations is imperative.

A Proposal for Equitable Division

To bridge this divide, a proposal emerges — the equitable division of the Essequibo region. Recognizing that both Venezuela and Guyana have legitimate historical claims, a compromise that allocates specific portions of the land to each nation could pave the way for a sustainable resolution.

Indigenous Rights: A Paramount Consideration

Crucially, any resolution must prioritize the rights and well-being of the indigenous populations. The true custodians of these lands deserve not only recognition but also active participation in the decision-making process regarding the future of the Essequibo region.

The Path Forward: Collaborative Stewardship

In envisioning a shared future for the Essequibo region, Venezuela and Guyana could embark on collaborative stewardship. Joint efforts in environmental conservation, resource management, and cultural preservation could transform a historically contentious area into a symbol of cooperation.

A Future Built on Equitable Foundations

The Venezuela-Guyana conflict over the Essequibo region is deeply entwined with the shadows of colonialism. A call for mediation, rooted in the principles of fairness and justice, can pave the way for a future where both nations coexist with shared responsibility. In recognizing the legitimate claims of each party and giving due consideration to the indigenous inhabitants, a resolution can be crafted that not only ends a historical dispute but lays the foundation for a harmonious future.

 

Indonesia Secret War Against The Papua People

Unjust, Unfair and Inhumane And Should Not Be Ignored

This got this video from a friend on Google+ and after looking at it knew that I had to share it.  Because I think and you might agree with me:

It's Unjust:  I think it was Brother Malcolm X who said that when people are enslaved anywhere, they are enslaved everywhere.

It all boils down to control of resources, real today alive and living colonialism.

This is one secret the world should know about. More people in the world need to know about this.  After all is said and done; Indonesia is a member of the United Nations.

Frankly I wish we could stat a Khony2012 campaign on this issue because it is worse than what he was doing in the Congo and Uganda. , Everybody in the world needs to know about this.  Guyana has raised it's hands in defense of these people and so should every country in the Caribbean.  Which of the islands will be the first to show support for these people.

They are surviving in the face of bold naked repression, state sponsored thuggery and global indifference these people are crying for independence.  


If not here then where?  If not now then when?  If not me then who?

It is time that injustice and oppression in such a raw form be addressed. 

View the video...

If this touches you; share with your friends, do your part against this injustice

Share with your friends. 

Marketing In the Caribbean

We Are Still Babes In The Proverbial Online Woods

Nations, like men, have their infancy.
Henry Bolingbroke

Without a doubt the intellectual level of people in the aggregate living in Trinidad and Tobago is comparable and may surpass that of more developed countries. This intelligence has transferred itself to the Internet even though the growth of internet users in this country is small, (22-30%), we still have a solid presence. But we do have our weaknesses.

Site content is important but ultimately it has to support a business model that generates leads, conversions, some type of free subscription to a newsletter, announcement list or anything that can be perceived by the visitor as valuable.
It makes absolutely no sense to buy, push or beg for traffic and not have a mechanism in place to capture visitor information.

No business site should be online without a request for visitors’ information. This is important so let’s repeat it; every business web site must have a strategy to capture visitors information. If you have a site now that does have one, revisit it and consider the purpose.

Even with the right target market only a few would eventually convert to sales. It is a filtering process that seeks only the people who are interested enough to take an action,

Let us take a look at one of the better known web sites in Trinidad and Tobago, The Trinidad Express Newspaper online. (A friend of mine once told me that I should never mention names because I could be sued.) Is that really possible?
Ok, the Express needs no introduction in T&T.

But it’s not the Express Newspaper site we will look at. It is a subsidiary site; ReachCaribbean.com CCN, their advertising arm.

Take a minute and look at the site and their unique selling proposition “The Premium Media Hub For Advertising In the Caribbean”. And a head line that reads “Reach over 6 million new customers easier than ever before… One place, On Currency, One System.

ReachCaribbean mission is to provide the advertisers with a regional reach connections in every island in the Caribbean and Guyana. Their advertising resources include newspaper, radio, TV, magazines and web advertising.

They cover islands from Jamaica to Trinidad and Guyana with a market of approximately 6.9 million people of which 5.5 million are adults and a GNP per capita of $3500 to $36,000 USD and the age range of 15-64 numbering 4.2 million people.

It did not say how many of these people are online and the Web advertising link only provides links to other Caribbean newspapers.

In all fairness, they did provide an explanation on their “About us” page. The reason they gave is valid because there is a peculiarity of Caribbean culture with respect to sharing business information. In their words:

“The task of obtaining information on the Caribbean is a difficult one. We will be the first to confirm that to you. The region's business culture does not encourage the sharing of sales information, consumer insights and advertising spend.

Why? For one, most of the companies invest great sums of money privately to obtain research to either confirm their hypotheses about their target market or to find out new insights into their lifestyles today.

So to put it in a nutshell information reports like the TOP 100 advertisers of the Caribbean and the biggest earners of the year are just not published and updated annually. ReachCaribbean hopes to influence this practice in years to come.“


Agree with it or not, this is the environment in which we operate.

Tomorrow we will step inside the ReachCaribbean web site and examine their online business assumptions, model and strategy.

Check the post out tomorrow.

We are still seeking responses to the Fan Survey, it only takes two minutes.

Be well.