A Trini 2D Bone... Request for Help..

To Ensure Justice Be Served And The Guilty Sanctioned

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. -John Wooden

Below is a Facebook note written by someone I respect and admire for her dogged determination to assist in any way possible to eliminate all forms of corruption in Trinidad and Tobago. There are too many citizens who have become apathetic and accept viral programming like "we like it so" and "nuttin will change". Others just offer verbos protest while actually becoming a part of the problem.

Margaret Rose is different and this post is intended to support her. This is NOT her cause, it's the future of Trinidad and Tobago. That future is no longer in "bookbags of our nation's children" but now it rest plump in the hearts of people like Margaret Rose. Her note follows...

By Margaret Rose

Was having an early dinner with a couple of friends yesterday and as is quite predictable in these times, the subject of the UDeCOTT Commission of Enquiry came up. Once again I was regaled with the resounding and unwavering opinion that "NOTHING WILL COME OUT OF IT!!" "Margaret you are naive to think anything will come of this!".

I groaned internally as I felt the usual frustration that I feel every time I hear this sentiment expressed. I mean, that is not to say that I do not understand why people think so. We are completely disillusioned in this society. We feel because of what has happened in the past there is no way that something different could happen in the future. Sigh.. Here is what I think and I hope that you take the time to read this short note and to pass it on.

The purpose of the Commission

It is clear to me, as I speak to persons that there is a basic misunderstanding about the purpose of a Commission, and this misunderstanding then fuels unrealistic expectations and consequential disappointment. I wrote a piece on this in September 09 at The Corruption Blogspot when it was felt that the Commission had collapsed and I will just paste an excerpt from it below:

"In order to assess the success or otherwise of a Commission of Enquiry one needs to appreciate the purpose of such a body. Under the Commission of Enquiry Act Chap.19.01 the President of Trinidad and Tobago has the power to appoint such a Commission to enquire into the conduct of any officer in the public service in Trinidad and Tobago, the conduct or management of any department of the public service or of any public or local institution, or into any matter in which an enquiry would, in the opinion of the President, be for the public welfare.

Contrary to widely held belief, a Commission of Enquiry is not a body established to determine who is guilty of either a criminal or civil wrong. It is not a necessary precursor to charging someone and it does not result in charges being laid. Very simply a Commission of Enquiry is one which is established as the ultimate citizen's accountability mechanism to satisfy their need to know the facts on an issue which is of serious public concern.

After the publication of the report the executive may do with it what it sees fit. Neither the President nor the Prime Minister are statutorily bound to accept the findings or follow the recommendations. This factor seems to be consistently missed and this factor alone results in many of the uninformed expectations of a Commission of Enquiry.

A Commission of Enquiry must be distinguished from judicial proceedings or the criminal justice system and must never be viewed as a substitute therefor. Commissions are in fact largely viewed as inappropriate to investigate alleged criminal conduct.

.......Commissions can be particularly useful in uncovering the systems, methods and procedures used by corrupt officials which processes are usually not the focus of conventional criminal investigations which are more focused on obtaining proof of the illegal act itself. Commissioners are usually experts in the relevant fields and can give constructive recommendations to prevent the recurrence of the impugned activity. A Commission is expected to investigate and come to grips with what happened, why it happened and who is responsible for causing it to happen. It must do more than place facts on the table and consider the most appropriate remedy or solution to address the problem".

If one appreciates the above, then one will readily see that in commissions in the past and the present one, quite a bit has already been achieved. Facts have been unearthed, serious governance gaps and weaknesses have been demonstrated and it is now for each of us in the society to take what we have learned and apply it in our respective positions. We all have a part to play. It is the responsibility of each of us. Public servants can now see how their actions are viewed when a spotlight is placed on them and allow that to inform their future conduct.

Politicians can see the reaction and tolerance level of the citizens to the actions of their agents and also see where they need to strengthen their own ability to control their agents. Professionals can use the information when they advise their clients and citizens can use it in their every day lives interacting with public agencies and in exercising their democratic rights. A commission is a massive public awareness exercise - public education.

Many people's lives are changed by commissions. Mr.Victor Hart, Chairman of TTTI, who was a Commissioner in the Piarco Airport Development Enquiry was so impassioned about anti-corruption by his experience as a Commissioner that he pledged his support and became a member of Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute and has since then worked tirelessly to raise public awareness and contribute to the strengthening and reform of our laws relating to procurement and anti-corruption.

My own story is similar, after being appointed counsel to the said Piarco enquiry, my passion and calling in the law became clear to me and since then, I too joined the Transparency Institute, committed to anti-corruption work, co-founded the Caribbean Procurement Institute and the Caribbean Association of Procurement Professionals and we have been training public sector officials throughout the Caribbean and now Africa.

Victor and I are not unique individuals whose life course was significantly impacted by a Commission of Enquiry. Since then Civil Society voice in TT has developed tremendously,Governments changed and many many people (too numerous to mention) are working tirelessly and faithfully behind the scenes trying to build a better TT. Trying to be part of the solution as opposed to adopting a defeatist attitude.. ahh nothing will come of our efforts..

All of that to say - what is really the true purpose of this note - we have the power to change our circumstances in Trinidad and Tobago. If we look around us at the society that we have built - every single aspect of it, from the buildings we live in, the clothes we wear, the schools we attend, the businesses we build - all of it starts with someone thinking it can be done this way. Every single thing starts with a thought.

We, the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are co-creators of our society. Every time someone says "Nothing will come of this enquiry" that is exactly the future that that person is creating for themselves, our country and our children, because someone with that view, will act accordingly. This makes it so much more difficult for those of us who are trying to make a difference and create a different society.

The bible says lest you become as a child you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus Christ said that the kingdom of heaven is right here within us and if we have faith as little as a mustard seed we can move a mountain. Let us move our mountains with faith in ourselves as co-creators of our society. We are not powerless. Our actions today will dictate our future.

And this is not about Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, New Age. The fact that each of us is a co-creator of our society and that our actions are first dictated by our thoughts are not biblical principles only but universal spiritual principles across all beliefs. Even an atheist accepts his own power to make choices and create one's own future.

I encourage all in TT - to please stop saying nothing will come of the Commission of Enquiry into UDeCOTT and the construction sector. Every time you say it - thats is what you are putting out in terms of creative energy. It makes it all the more difficult for those of us who are trying to create a different result. We need an overwhelming surge of positive energy (critical mass) in respect of the COE from everyone in society or at the very least as much of it as we can get - because we are fully aware of the energy certain other elements of society, which are fully resourced, are putting out to make nothing come of it.

If some of us had held to the view that nothing would come of it - we would not have even accomplished what we have done so far. It was during the cross examination of Calder Hart by Gilbert Peterson SC on behalf of Dr. Rowley that the fact that Calder Hart's fax number was on the CH Development letterhead and used to indicate acceptance of the 368M contract, came out.

If you are a patriot of TT and desirous of a better future - please help us to continue to bring to light critical information which can be used in subsequent investigations by having faith that evil does not always triumph over good and that you are NOT powerless in the face of it.

Our country is at a critical point in its history. What will you accept? What choice will you make? Please pass this note on.

Thank you

Margaret Rose


Thank you Margaret for being in the frontline of the fight. We are with you.

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What You Must Know About Telephone Providers In Trinidad and Tobago

In this information age, the truth will always save you money

Without a doubt, many companies in Trinidad and Tobago operate in a market where there seems to be very little concern for consumers. In one of the most progressive island in the Caribbean consumers’ intelligence and common sense is constantly being disrespected and challenged. In our colloquial tongue its said; “they taking anything”.

Customer service is synonymous with lip service, drivel that repetition validates as company policy. Unsupervised customer services representatives with an if-you-don't- like-it-go somewhere-else-with-your-business attitude. Unfortunately, with only one or two providers there is no where else to go. You pay their fee, do what they say and must stay with them or don't have service. Soon you forget and try never to put yourself in the same position. The only thing you can do is tell your friends who sympathizes with you but cannot help.

Cut your losses is all you can really do. You will spend more time and money contesting a charges or outright fund seizure. The sole authority mandated to regulate the telephone industry was founded to minimize conflict in a market where the industry was monopolized. The rights of the Trinidad and Tobago consumers were not, and still are not a priority when this organization was founded. How in the world could the government and the people (same thing) in Trinidad and Tobago allow this to happen?


My unscientific theory is that TnT is a secular society where religious fibers run deep, touching every citizen at some point in their lives. As such, there exist an unquestioning respect and adherence to anything that represents authority. This respect extends itself in the business world where institutions and companies are never questioned. They make the rules and the consumers accept without protest. They may be lobbying behind the scenes to block any regualtion to this industry. Then again, the government is the majority share holder in the largest telephone company. That's just the way it is here.

Therefore, it’s no big surprise that two newcomers to the telecommunication industry are disrespecting consumers' intelligence and common sense. Yes, it’s strong language but when you read what is considered normal business behavior and policy, you may even want to use stronger language. Let's first take a look at the background of telephony in Trinidad and Tobago for the uninitiated and the diaspora around the world.

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The Players In TnT Telecommunication Field
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There are three providers of telecommunication services, the Telephone Service of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), the largest and moldest company in Trinidad. Flow Cable Company a cable company cum telephone provider and Digicel Trinidad an international cell phone company based in the UK.

TSTT which the TT government owns 51% and Cable and Wireless International owns 49% of the company. This company has monopolized the telephone industry for as long as most Trinidadians wish to remember. It was still the only company in TnT when the tidal wave of cell phone technological swept across the world. Many locals would remember the absorbent rates this company charged citizens for cellular services. But that was the old days and they have been forgiven. That's easy to do when no one else provides the same service.

It was only a few years ago that the Digicel Group, initiated operations in 16 Caribbean countries, covering a total population of 14 million people. Incorporated in Bermuda and operating in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Curaçao, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.

When this company came on the scene it was a blessing for local Trinidadians, it changed the cellular phone market. Competition works and shortly after cell phone rates began to fall; except in cases where calls were made across the two networks. Consumers are still paying for these companies in their market share war. That is the reason why visitors to this country are often astounded when they realize that most locals carry two cell phones. Something about having less and needing more.

And then there is Flow Trinidad, an international digital cable TV provider licensed here to provide a cable TV network to the population. As a very profitable after thought they decided to merge into the telephone business. Now they offer Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephone service at what can be considered very exorbitant rates. They are in direct competition with the master, TSTT, for land line service.

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Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
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Regulating these three telephone companies is a government body known as the Telecommunication Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). This Authority is an independent regulatory body, established by the Telecommunications Act 2001 Amended by 17 of 2004, with responsibility for the liberalization and regulation of the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. The Authority became operational on 5th July 2004.

It is this body that should have the power to regulate the abuses that I am about to share with you. What you are about to read are not occurrences that were researched, they are personal experiences. You be the judge check the facts and if I'm wrong I will gladly take it all back.

SIDE BAR Take a look at the Authority's whooping four most frequently asked questions (FAQ). The last question asks “What if I’m not happy with my mobile provider?. The response; first complain to the provider, then if not satisfied, complain to the authority. End of answer to that question. Is there something missing? Yes, wait for a couple years.

OK here is what I learned from actual experience with these providers:

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TSTT (The Gran Daddy)
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For land line service TSTT offers a service package they call “Smart Choice”. Join that program and you get a specified number of free minutes on local land lines, cell phones and international calls. For that you pay a flat fee (about $250TTD a month), any call above the specified minutes results in an additional charge. The company provides no way for you to determine minutes used leaving you guessing as to whether you are over the limit or not. Guaranteed, you will go over the stipulated minutes and there will be an additional charge for your "Smart Choice".

Got me. their smart choice is smarter for them than it was for me. After a few months of being out smarted I had enough. I decided to end the service. That's when I realized just how smart they were, there was a $25 fee to disconnect that service. That was their policy, their rules.

According to a friend I was lucky because at one time once you signed up the company would not allow you to cancel. Plus, if your phone was disconnected for any reason you would still have to pay the Smart Choice fees for the month. Talk about insulting intelligence.

Of course I could complain to the TATT or the Public Utilities Commission but it was easier and quicker to pay for the lesson. I’m sure it was in the fine print somewhere when I signed the agreement, they are right, why should I have a none penalized right to disconnect their service? Where else in the world would you have to pay when you get smart?

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FLOW CABLE (TTD$ are flowing out)
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Now here is my problem with Flow, well I have more than one but this one that peeves me the most. Here is a company that is raking in millions of dollars monthly from the sweat and tears of Trinbagonians while dispensing services that leaves so much to be desired.

I can only attest to the office where I pay my bill in Tagarigua, that place is deplorable. Stained patched up ceilings with not enough people to handle the flow of clients resulting in endlessly long lines. The lines are like the banks but in this case nothing can be withdrawn, only payments.

Very customer unfriendly, where you can be entertained by a small 13” color television mounted on the wall. But that’s not all, if you dare make an inquiry you are subjected to an antiquated queuing system. In brief, the security guard hands you a small card board cut out with a hand written number, instructs you to take a seat and wait your turn. There are no quick questions or inquiries you either look at the small TV or at people go by paying their bills. Geez, we are not expecting pool and ping pong tables to pass the time but at least spend the money to fix the place where you are collecting millions of dollars.

Somehow this company was able to secure the rights to operate like a phone company. With little or no customer service infrastructure in place they are becoming a thorn in the side of TSTT land line business and a trickster to TnT consumers.

The unregulated advertising industry allows FLOW Trinidad to publish misleading advertising that promises clients free talk with only a small fee for calls to TSTT phones and an extravagant per minute charge for cell phone calls. Its free if you call another FLOW Trinidad customers. What they neglect to say is that there are only a limited number of FLOW Trinidad land lines and if TSTT has it's way, there will be less.

The result is that you end up paying for each call you make, fees add up quickly and soon you are paying for that free ride you thought was free. The bad news is that Flow should never have been given permission to provide phone services if they were unwilling or unable to provide the facilities and the infrastructure for their clients. You can easily get the service they provide if you sign up with a VOIP company like Telespire Package8 which can be used internationally. OK, so buyers beware but is that not one of the reasons we have the TATT?

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DIGICEL GROUP (We Expected More Than Skulduggery)
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Now here is a stranger that is quickly wearing out its welcome. This company was initially welcomed in Trinidad and Tobago because it existence forced TSTT to lower their high per minute rates but here is what we found out, again from personal experience.

Digicel has an unwritten policy that if your cell is not used in 30 days all funds on the phone expires. Does that surprise you? Plus, if it is not used in 90 days the sim card expires. At a cost of $50 to replace, it's what is called back end profit in marketing.

I have yet to find in the company's literature any mention of this policy. Their employees seem to be quite conversant with that policy. Take a look at their terms and conditions for prepaid accounts, it mentions nothing about funds or sim card expiration.

Under normal circumstances this would not be a problem, phones are used every day but with the use of accessories like GPS devices in automobiles it becomes a major problem. There is no need to call the device every month. It happened to me,

My vehicle is equipped with a Tramigo T22 which came with a Digicel SIM card. One day I sent an SMS message to the GPS number and did not receive a response. I knew there was money on the card because I distinctly remember going to the Digicel office to top. At the time, I needed the service so to resolve the issue quickly, I decided to top it up again. To my surprise, I was unable to so do, the SIM card was expired.

Another call to the Digicel call center confirmed my fears, I would spend more time waiting for a refund and a SIM card than it takes to turn a big ship around. This pratice should certainly be looked at by the relevant authority. What am I saying there is none but...

Nobody, company or person should be allowed to seize your funds because you neglected to use their services. If that's not total disrespect for the citizens of this country, then what is?

OK, now you see why the language was so strong. Share your experience, you may have to pay but you still have an opportunity to say. Share your experience so that the world may know. I may be all wrong but I’m willing to bet that if you live in Trinidad you have had similar experience. Over to you for quick comments.