Dear Editor,
Trinidad Minister of Finance Colm Imbert said the Caricom Heads of Government Summit cost approximately $9 million and he said in a nutshell that if he had to wait for the approvals under the law they could not have hosted it. He has started to defend the Government’s decision to permit a three-month exemption governed by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Procurement Act, 2015.
Minister Imbert stated that he did not act alone in circumventing the current procurement legislation process, that he acted under cabinet approval and the attorney general’s advice. However, one must ask if this law is in place, passed in parliament and approved already, why bypass your own law to expedite the Caricom Heads of Government Summit’s cost without proper procedures of a law his own Government has proclaimed
On Sunday last week, MP Saddam Hosein called on Imbert for an explanation on this three-month Order which he used for the exemption from the procurement law, the provision of services for events associated with visits by these Caricom heads. Furthermore, Hosein is stating that it’s illegal since it lacks Parliamentary approvals. One must ask why the matter was not taken to Parliament ahead of time and although the media did ask these questions, Imbert's response was very feeble, insisting that not “every time you are presented with a difficult situation, that you would convene Parliament.”
Now after he has broken proper procedure he is claiming there is a need for “a properly thought-out amendment to allow the Government to deal with unforeseen events” which will take some time. How come now? After it was already approved and proclaimed in parliament and took eight years to get it approved?
Further, as MP Saddam Hosein implied, does it have some nefarious intentions to use this excuse to get funding and use it for the upcoming Local Government Elections, so there will be no accountability here as well?
Minister Imbert did not give any breakdown of the cost for the entertainment, the security for dignitaries or the cost of hosting the event at the Hyatt, the cost of meals and refreshments for all the guests and many other expenses that I can’t think of at the moment.
The question is not only about the summit, it’s the method used to fund the summit and bypassing a law that has been approved by this Government. To continue to pull the wool over the population’s eye, he did not give any information on if Caricom contributed as well and if so, by how much. He gave no breakdown on what was Trinidad and Tobago’s contribution to Caricom for the summit.
The intention of this law cannot be to ultimately allow the minister to make exemptions without parliamentary oversight, which has occurred here. Now, less than three months after the Procurement Act was passed, Finance Minister Colm Imbert is backtracking and stating there is a need to amend the legislation, which took eight years to enact. What a deception! The law is to ensure that our scarce public money is safeguarded especially from Ministers or Governments that can spend on contracts where they can somehow receive benefits in some way through family or friends that the public is not aware of. The act was long-overdue to protect the interests of all citizens and should not be bypassed in this way.
There seems to be more in the mortar than the pestle in this one and someone is putting pepper in our rice.
Dr. Neil Gosine
Port of Spain, Trinidad
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive. He is also the treasurer of the United National Congress and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies.
Dear Editor,
It was brought to my attention a couple of days ago that an article was published entitled “Negative for the image of St. Maarten”. The author being Mr. Robby Ferron. I believe he was commenting on article I wrote on debt cancellation. Had I seen it earlier I would have remarked sooner.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion and that is a given. I do maintain that the best thing for the Netherlands to do is to cancel the entire debt, not only that of the liquidity support but also prior loans. Although I would have liked to be the author of said statement, it was the International Monetary Fund that said, and I paraphrase, St. Maarten should not be given any more loans but these should be turned into donations or grants.
Mr Ferron also stated that every other developing country globally would like to have their debt forgiven. It would be interesting to know who coined the phrase developing country. I guess he meant colonized countries.
I will at present not go into any specific detail as to what he meant by his statement, and I quote, “When an MP of St. Maarten makes such a suggestion it might make sense to those whose economic thinking is simplistic. It is, however, highly negative for the image of the country” end of quote.
I will suffice by saying the following: I am happy to be placed in the category of one of the greatest leaders that graced this planet, the late President of Cuba Mr. Fidel Castro. He was very simplistic in his request when in 1985 he said, and I quote, “We realize that in the final analysis the watchword of debt cancellation was valid for all the countries of the third World” end of quote.
Another statement attributed to Mr. Ferron is that of developing countries being financed by rich countries. I think he meant the colonizers. One should not ignore the fact on how these countries became rich in the first place, the facts are glaring, or might I add, the evidence?
And if you look at the organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, these are controlled by Europe and the United States of America. I will not even go into organizations such as the “Paris Club”.
It is unfortunate that one chooses to justify the injustices of these countries and the manner in which they enriched themselves. The Slave Trade for one, (The French Colonial Tax) (The Berlin Conference) just to name a few.
The issue of the development goals just to name a few; 1. Eradication of poverty, 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, 3. Good health and well-being. (Source google.) Apparently It was first started in the year 2000 as the Millennium Development Goals now the Development Goals. The target date was first 2015 and now 2030 to eradicate the 3 points I mentioned earlier. But as long as the attitude towards the so called Developing Countries does not change I don’t think any progress in achieving the stipulated goals will be made, they will keep moving the goal post and soon we will hear that the year 2060 is set as a target date.
If these G7 or G20 are serious about helping to clean up the mess that they made in these countries they should start with debt cancellation. I am a firm believer that if we can work together, if we can get the support of the masses it can be achieved. To support this statement, let me finally close with a quote from the late President of Cuba Mr. Fidel Castro, “If this struggle continues, if the masses become aware, if each citizen of our countries understands the problem and the possibility of attaining a favorable solution – because a single government cannot wage a struggle – then they could be influenced in their decision to meet and adopt a policy and preliminary consensus.
In other words, we have to come together to get the job done.
George Pantophlet
Member of Parliament
~ With record-breaking heat and the risk for increased natural disasters ~
Dear Editor,
The Caribbean, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cultures and diverse ecosystems, faces an unprecedented threat: climate change. As global temperatures break records and natural disasters become more frequent, Sint Maarten and the entire the region must take decisive action to mitigate these impacts and safeguard the future of Caribbean people. By adopting proactive strategies and fostering regional collaboration, the Caribbean can chart a course toward resilience in the face of this mounting crisis.
Investing in resilient infrastructure is crucial for Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean to withstand the growing threat of natural disasters. Governments and regional organizations should prioritize infrastructure projects that consider climate change projections, including elevated sea levels and intensified storm activity. By implementing stringent building codes and regulations such as mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments, we can minimize the damage caused by hurricanes, floods, and other extreme events.
Sint Maarten’s and the Caribbean's heavy reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change but also leaves the region vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Embracing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security. Governments should incentivize investment in renewable infrastructure, explore innovative financing options, and collaborate with international partners to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Additionally, the Caribbean's unique ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and rainforests, provide invaluable natural defenses against climate change impacts. Efforts to protect and restore these ecosystems must be intensified. Strengthening protected areas, implementing sustainable fishing practices, and promoting reforestation initiatives are key steps toward preserving biodiversity and enhancing resilience. Moreover, partnerships between governments, NGOs, and local communities are vital for successful conservation efforts.
Also, timely and accurate information is essential for effective disaster management. Strengthening and expanding early warning systems across the Caribbean is crucial to ensure that communities receive timely alerts about impending hazards. Investing in advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and real-time monitoring, can enhance forecasting capabilities and improve emergency preparedness. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate citizens about the significance of early warnings and their role in disaster response.
Finally, it must be understood that climate change knows no borders, and no single country can tackle its challenges alone. The Caribbean should leverage its regional strengths and collaborate with neighbouring countries, international organizations, and the global community. Sharing best practices, knowledge, and resources can lead to innovative solutions and strengthen the region's collective capacity to mitigate climate change impacts. Regional platforms and partnerships, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), can play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration.
Climate change poses a grave threat to the Caribbean, with record-breaking temperatures and increased natural disaster risks becoming the new norm. However, by taking bold and collective action, the region can build resilience and mitigate these impacts. Strengthening infrastructure, embracing renewable energy, preserving ecosystems, enhancing early warning systems, and fostering regional collaboration are key steps in this journey. The time to act is now, for the Caribbean's sustainable future and the well-being of generations to come. Let us rise to the challenge and chart a path towards a more resilient and climate-conscious Caribbean.zio Bervoets
Conservation professional
Dear Queenie,
My son gave his father, my ex-husband, a fancy shirt for his birthday. I recognized the shirt because it was one I had given my son for Christmas a couple of years ago and I had taken a lot of time trying to find one I thought he would like. I didn’t say anything about any of this, but it’s not the first time he has passed on some gift we have given him. Once he even gave my husband, his stepfather, something I had given him previously.
Queenie, I find this insulting. Should I say something, or just stop giving him things?—Offended mother
Dear Mother,
Your son may have forgotten who gave him these items, or he may be short of money to buy something when he wants to give a gift. Look at it this way: If you had given him money as a gift, would you be offended if he spent the money you gave him on a gift for you or for someone else?
If you want to make sure he cannot re-gift whatever you give him, give him something he cannot pass on to someone else, like a fancy dinner at a restaurant or a night with you at the movies or some other event.
Dear Editor,
Everyone uses Fort Willem as a short cut.
If Great Bay and a new hotel or development, Fort Wheel – the first middle class neighborhood will need assistance. The very least that must be done is to remove the car wrecks that have been there since Irma.
There are too many car wrecks left over from the hurricane to navigate the roads safely.
1. The car wrecks inhibit ambulance, police and fire vehicles from getting through the neighborhood.
2. Non-residents and residents use them for multiple nefarious purposes. (It’s a predatory environment for young women).
3. Residents can’t park in front of their own homes due to wrecks that have been there since 2017.
4. Increased high volume and speed traffic from the Prince Bernard Bridge to Great Bay and Little Bay make driving hazardous.
All the wrecks need to be removed.
Add more speed bumps, as the area is a pass through from the bridge of Little Bay Road.
Remove commercial vehicles that are parked on the government road.
Concerned citizen
Name withheld at author’s request.
