Presidential Election Update – Republican Perspective

October 11th, 2008

I will definitely admit that the Sarah Palin pick by John McCain was quite a surprise on my part. I was really thinking it would have been Romney or a woman – other than Palin. Senator Hutchinson, Fiorna and Whitman were on my list above Palin. I think that the pick is purely a political one – of course one can argue Biden was a political pick as well. However, in Obama’s case Clinton would have brought him clear victory. In McCain’s case he simply wanted to bring in some sparkle into his campaign and he did.

Palin has definitely gone through a number of stages since being selected. She experienced a “fairy tale” campaign in the early stages. The media didn’t know who she was and they were giving her the benefit of doubt. Then came UN week where she refused to take questions from the media. When she actually did, with the Katie Couric interview, she was an embarrassment. I am of the opinion that this was done on purpose. The VP debate was within a week therefore, it could have been an attempt to lower expectations. Hence she didn’t have to do much to pass the VP debate – even if she didn’t win.

The VP debate was quite a debate. What is somewhat interesting is that the debate was probably more appealing than the Presidential debate. The two candidates were quite engaging and charismatic. Palin was as the media has said “quite folksy”. She even gave a shout-out to an elementary class. This is where I think people take Palin’s pick for granted. Logistically, all people should follow the rational voter theory where voters make their pick after considering all the issues. However, that is rarely ever the case. Many Americans will simply vote on emotions and character opinion rather than on issues. And this is something that happens across the globe. In Trindad and Tobago, one person might say that they voted for Dookeran because they liked him better than Panday. So Palin is indeed quite appealing to women especially mothers in America. She’ll get votes simply because she is the first of that particular demographic – woman, mother of five, soccer mom, multi-tasker and working mom. On character it is quite difficult to attack her. Look for example the mix-up on the part of the Obama campaign. Their first quote that she was just a mayor of a small town and horribly lacks experience was taken back for a more positive response. Since did at least out of the mouths of Obama-Biden, they have not attacked her. Palin has since taken the role of attack dog, which again is appealing.

McCain has a tough race ahead still. Palin can only do so much. It’s still the top of the ticket that matters. I knew that the Rev, Wright issue would be re-raised closer to the election. They have decided to do it now with William Ayers. While, I definitely wouldn’t agree with the tactic it is going to be effective. There is a large amount of Americans still not satisfied with the Rev. Wright issue and this just reminds them. The problem for McCain is I don’t think that the number that this will be effective with is enough to earn him the support he needs to keep himself in the race. McCain needs to begin doing some positive campaigning and leave the attacks to Palin. When he also involves himself in the attack he diverts attention from himself to Obama. This works in favour for Obama because Obama does the defence thing well. Better yet, it allows Obama to continue the positive campaigning he has been doing. This allows people to know him better than McCain.

Even though Obama might be leading in the polls it is still too far away to predict a win for him. McCain has plenty of time to eat into his lead because a day in politics is enough to end a campaign.

This election still leaves much to be desired. I dread the coming of November 5th, 2008. Indeed people will have a huge void to fill.

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Presidential Election Update – Democratic Perspective

August 31st, 2008

Congratulations to the official Democratic nominee Barack Obama. I must say that I am proud of the accomplishment and not simply because he is a black candidate. I believe too often discussion of race continues to do nothing for race relations. We need to get to a point where race is not a factor or point of discussion for anything but simply individual character of a person. I say this in the same regard that Obama stated in the 2004 Democratic National Convention that there are no blue or red states but purples states. This is one of the reasons I think Obama has been so successful. He has divorced himself of simply being a black candidate and portrayed himself as an American candidate. In the same regard if he is elected he will be an American president and not a black one. I feel the need to continually stick that point in because race talk continues to be so dominant.

In my previous blog post I hinted that Clinton may have been the VP pick. I can’t say I was wrong a great deal. I believe many people will admit that Clinton would have ensured victory for Obama particularly as McCain continues to try and swipe her supporters to attempt to win some key battleground states. Obama made the choice on chemistry and of pure contrast to himself. The truth is the chemistry between the Obamas and the Clinton “ain’t all that great”. Secondly, having people who have tasted the real deal in a second spot is a risky thing to do. Biden was a well thought out decision and as I stated provides real contrast to Obama. Biden can be considered Obama’s absolute opposite. He has a wealth of experience that adds weight to the somewhat weightless, in a sense, visionary revolution Obama has invoked. But as someone pointed out to me Obama’s pick of Biden tells us even more of his character. He would rather maintain his integrity than make decisions that question it but ensure benefit to himself. On a policy and leadership perspective Biden is the better choice I believe. Clinton and Obama are fundamentally the same candidate with the main difference being race and gender. Biden as I stated before is a whole different dynamic.

I now understand my previous blog entry in another sense. Obama basically assimilated Clinton’s campaign to grab her supporters. And how else to do that by always mentioning that Clinton had sound ideas and advisers on issues like healthcare. I believe Obama will continue to mention Clinton’s name throughout the campaign.

I find myself becoming more and more interested in what Obama has to say. The Democratic National Convention was quite a spectacle. I think Michelle has finally begun to be broken out like a cricket bat or a baseball glove. She has slowly been able to soften her image and present herself as a first lady. The Clintons dominated as expected but in a sense that definitely would have helped Obama-Biden. Biden speech was well received. Biden obviously isn’t the spectacular speaker as say Obama or maybe even Clinton but this obviously plays well for him. He’s a man of real substance and experience that will well benefit the post of Vice President. Obama has caused people to look beyond oratory talent for the many other qualities and elements that are fundamentally required for political leaders. Nevertheless Biden has an excellent quality of getting to the point!

Obama’s acceptance speech was again a shift from the norm. Just as he stated before delivering the speech that he was not going for high rhetoric but a labouring speech dishing out the details. His speech was just that. It will not be known by famous quotes from it but for the real content. He laid out his plan for his presidency. It was pretty much a state of the union speech. In this, the speech was inspiring as sometimes people get fed up of just more talk. This speech was not just talk about a labouring talk that laid a blueprint. I look forward to the fall campaign. It will really be interesting especially as McCain has made his VP pick.

Comments of McCain and his VP pick will follow as of course objectivity is important to true analysis. Objectivity should be mandatory for voters. At the end of the day you may like a candidate but the ideas of another may be better benefit you and those around you – such as the idea of the rational voter theory.

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President Obama? Vice President Clinton?

July 15th, 2008

Firstly, I would like to extend congratulations to Barack Obama on becoming the presumptive nominee. I think that he ran a plausible primary campaign and has seen success for it. I am not discrediting his presidential qualification but I believe that the novelty of a black president seemed to have given him the edge over Clinton. It is definitely not fair to simply make such a statement because Clinton has the novelty of being the first female. Both Obama and Clinton are extremely qualified and can suitably fit the presidential role. Clinton’s association as the experience – establishment candidate simply did not match up against a message of ‘hope and turning the page to a new chapter’.

I believe that Clinton had better policies – particularly with regards to healthcare. As she continually stated her policy covered everyone. And it pretty much did. So much so that Obama has now adopted Clinton’s healthcare policy as his own.

Barack Obama wants to offer tax breaks to small business to encourage them to provide health insurance to their employees which if awfully similar to Clinton’s plan which called for small businesses to earn a refundable credit of up to half of the premiums they pay for their employees.

Policy isn’t the only area that Obama has decided to adopt as his own. Obama has hired Clinton campaign’s director of national security, Lee Feinstein. He also hired as foreign-policy advisers Mara Rudman, the deputy national security advisor under Bill Clinton, Robert Einhorn, a former assistant secretary for nonproliferation at the State Department and Stuart Eizenstat, an international-trade specialist who was policy director for Jimmy Carter’s 1976 campaign according to the Jason Horowitz of the New York Observer.

One other important position that was filled was campaign manager for Obama’s eventual VP nominee – Pati Solis Doyle, former campaign manager of Hillary Clinton. Many media houses stated that this could possibly mean Clinton would not be on the ticket. It is assumed Doyle left the position at Clinton not in good terms. I disagree.

Obama has continually stated that he will not discuss the VP pick publicly. Yet the campaign makes such a bold public decision. I believe it was to end the hype of the VP pick and reduce the view that he had to pick Clinton. Despite the downfall of having Bill Clinton around Hillary is the most viable pick. Her pick would automatically bring in her donors as well massive support. Think about the double novelty effect that would help persuade voters to vote their way. Hillary would add experience to the ticket.

Obama has already basically assimilated Clinton’s campaign into his campaign. He would have a VP that would already be up-to-date for a general campaign. There is no doubt a strategy to beat McCain was already devised by the Clinton campaign. Clinton as VP would basically lay the path for Obama to jog to the white house. Of course he has to worry about being overshadowed but think about it has Cheney overshadowed Bush. Despite the talk about Cheney as well as Karl Rove’s influential role in the white house Bush is still the one in charge.

My prediction is that Clinton will be the VP pick. On McCain’s side the obvious pick of Mitt Romney will play out. Romney’s advantage is his fundraising ability and his own personal wealth. This will match up well against the mega-fundraising ability of Obama. Imagine a Clinton-Romney debate: that would be gruesome.

Nevertheless we have a good number of weeks to wait before we find out who the VP picks are. Quite an interesting wait that will be full of speculation.

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Robert Mugabe: The Permanent Zimbabwe Institution

May 7th, 2008

Robert Mugabe

President (at least by his merits) Mugabe seems to be living in the past. His arguments of colonialism from the British to win support over his opponent is comical at best. But one must wonder what drives him to make this argument.

Let’s have a look at the setting of 2002 for the presidential election. President Mugabe passed laws restricting public rallies and expressing criticism against the government. His government began scare tactics.

“Facing the toughest electoral challenge of his 22 years in office, Mugabe clings to the belief that Zimbabwe cannot achieve its goals without him. He paints the election as a choice between continued black independence and the handover of power to the country’s white minority, which backs his opponent.” – Chicago Tribune

Let’s examine the system of colonialism. Most colonies had little say in their affairs. In slave societies there was greater restriction to sleep and work – very apparent in the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries’ experienced independence in the latter half of the 20th century. These colonies ater the end of slavery existed in a society where political representation was still not possibility. The plantocracy and later Crown colony system never benefitted the majority of inhabitants. We can understand this as a reality and look at the Morant Bay rebellion (1865) and the water riots of the 1930s as an example. Of course British measures were all described as what is best for the colony – to save the colony from demise. Similarly later down the line when the United States adopted the colonial master role for the Caribbean.

Let’s get back to Mugabe on this issue. Mugabe’s argument is that the British will have a greater influence if he is not there and seek their own interests. As it turns out many are of the opposite opinion simply because Mugabe is a colonialist master over his own country. It is ironic that Mugabe will deny the political rights of those that live in his country. Even though it is same thing he using as his arguments against the opposition. Furthermore, one might recall the impasse involving Mugabe doing away with white farmers since 1999. It is interesting and again ironic that in 2006 he reversed this policy to help save Zimbabwe’s crippling economy. A move that can be compared to Benito Musolini’s Fascist Regime.

In 2005 he won re-election solidfying 25 years of power over Zimbabwe. There were many accusations of the elections being rigged. “The opposition and some democracy advocates contended even before the election that the ruling party had rigged the vote. While they monitored the actual voting, election observers could not verify either the number of ballots printed or the accuracy of voter rolls, which are widely reported to be padded with vast numbers of dead or nonresident citizens.” – New York Times

Regardless, we must question how much Mugabe is actually right. In Trinidad and Tobago for example we are quite free in one sense but not so much in another. Our elections are generally free of corruption and there are avenues for fairness to be exercised. Since World War I when our oil resources were used by the British the country has had foreign influences profit from its resources. This is something that is happening in many third world countries.

Nevertheless as always a ruler doesn’t often stand alone. In this 2008 election Mugabe has had support from his party and continues to gain support. It may be clear that Mugabe is determine to fulfill his wish to be President until 2014. However, the 2008 elections might prove a difficult election to pass over. It is widely believed that he lost the election already having lost the parliamentary elections. He does have a tough road ahead as more opposition and attention seems to be coming his way. British Prime Minister accused Mugabe of ’stealing the election’ on April 18th, 2008.

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Laptops in Parliament

May 7th, 2008

Use of Laptops in the Legislature

Recently Trinidad and Tobago’s Leader of the Opposition was suspended from parliament for improper usage of a laptop. The proper procedure is one that a member of parliament must request permission to use the laptop from the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday vehemently refused calls by the Speaker to follow the ruling against the use of the laptop that was in his possession.

This is a very interesting issue indeed. Should laptops be allowed in the legislature? One can argue as did Basdeo Panday that the refusal of laptops is a refusal to embrace the advances of technology. This is a logical argument. Wouldn’t it be easy for representatives to get accurate statistics or resource material? The paper load that they normally have to carry would be reduced by a great deal. If you are an environmentalist then you may be particularly in agreement with the use of laptops. Dana Seetahal has argued for the use of Powerpoint presentations especially in the case of the budget presentations. This is a further valid point that would increase the attention and foster richer debate.

On the contrary, laptops could interfere with the integrity of proceedings. Speaker Barry Sinanan said this on the matter:”what would prevent 41 members from using laptops during the sitting? One doesn’t know if they are looking at pornography or chatting on-line” (Saturday, March 29th 2008, Trinidad Express). This is also a valid point that laptops may indeed bring further distractions to the sittings. Representatives are to be listening to contributions so as to effectively contribute to the proceedings. Laptops are also not permitted in most legislatures in the world such as the United States. Senator Robert G. Torricelli, a New Jersey Democrat, argues that allowing laptops on the Senate floor would ”inevitably lead to staff instructions on voting and the scripting of all remarks.” (August 12, 1997, NY Times Editorial). While I do not see a great deal of this occurring in Trinidad and Tobago there will still be the option.

Where do I stand on the issue? I believe that there should not be the use of laptops in the legislature. Well, I’m no totalitarian so to put it in better words there should be restrictive usage of it. And this is exactly what the Speaker has sought to do. Dana Seetahal makes an excellent suggestion that laptops be used for power points in making major presentations. Other than those occasions, ultimately there should be no use of laptops. The local parliamentary sittings are generally once a week. Parliamentarians have lavish time to acquire the information that they need for the next sitting. To make this a greater possibility all representatives were provided with laptops. There would simply be too many distractions: the internet is endless in its possibilities.

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The US Presidential Elections

March 7th, 2008

I think it is time I posted something on the US presidential election. I have been avidly following the election since Obama announced way back when. It is a very interesting election. However, it is by no means unique – forfeiting that we are dealing with a black man and a woman. Democratic primaries have lasted this long before. In the past the nominee was decided at the convention.

It is definitely too late to give commentary on the Republican primary. It was rather unpredictable in the early stages though. The field was packed with big-hitters: Guiliani, McCain and Romney. There was the possibility of two jumping in – Gingrich and Bloomberg. In the end McCain took the big slice. While it is not clear whether the entire GOP community will rally behind McCain, as a presidential candidate he is definitely appealing. He is a compromiser – willing to cross the floor as was the case with McCain-Feinstein and McCain Kennedy. His collaborations with these two, considered liberal, democratic senators will make him appealing to independents. How will this come up against Obama for example who has advocated for crossing the lines throughout his campaign? McCain has the experience of bipartisanship, Obama has the talk. How will the American voting, if they had to vote. In the case of Clinton-McCain, the both will have to focus on differentiate themselves from the other. Opponents of bth of them have accused them of having similar stances hence affecting there party base support.

The democratic race has definitely hit a stalemate at this stage. The onslaught of the Pastor Wright Issue for Senator Obama and gaffs and increasing calls for concession against Senator Clinton has caused a stalemate. Obama’s credibility has taken a serious hit. While there doesn’t seem to be evidence that Wright has had an influence on Obama’s politics, voters hardly ever dig that far into an issue. His chances in the general election have taken a blow. While Obama needs to get this issue past him he must push to promote his ethical values to differentiate from Wright. If he is nominated that will not be the end of the issue so he constantly needs to promote those values. I believe he still stands a decent shot at getting the nomination. Analysis talk about momentum closest to the convention will be important. I don’t see it like that. Obama has the lead and the popular vote and that is what will matter at the convention.

Clinton is pretty much in the race. She has had it tough from her announcement to now. The press definitely tended to lay it on her. It is very interesting that she has failed to gain considerable ground from Obama’s major fall. It shows that people have already made up their mind about her. This supports the constant descriptions by political analysts that she is polarizing. Clinton is sound on policy and needs to get back on the policy promotion road. She seems to have greater support from the democratic establishment which is a plus for superdelegates. Polls have her ahead in the upcoming primaries such as Pennsylvania. So she is still in this thing.

I look forward to the conclusion of the democratic primaries. McCain is constantly capitalizing on the time he has for positive campaigning and character promotion. Nevertheless, he has a long road. Odds have it that a Democrat will win the presidency so McCain has a big task ahead. This election has definitely grabbed the world’s attention.

On a local note, for cynics who don’t believe this has anything to do with them, it does. Depending on who is elected foreign policy will inevitably be affected. In the Caribbean, there is the Caribbean Basin Initiative to consider. To the wider world there is climate change and NAFTA that will be influenced by this election.

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Pre-election Analysis – Trinidad and Tobago

July 5th, 2007

A previous blog entry dealt with the constitution draft of Trinidad and Tobago. These days that issue is no longer on the front burner. Prime Minister has however stated that he’d pursue after gaining the particular votes after election.

The issue is whether that is a feasible goal. It seems attainable simply because of the disarray the opposition party is at this stage. We have the spit of the United National Congress seeing the creation of the Congress of the People.

The election date is still a mystery and it may be a bit early to begin serious political analysis but this is the current run down as I see it.

PNM: The PNM, the current government of TnT does seem very strong in the upcoming election. There lies no doubt in my mind, as of now, that they will win the national election. The current boasts of PM Manning is that they expect a sweep in the election. I don’t believe this will happen at all.

There still remain the great inadequacies of the current government. And while the party gains massive support, it is in my opinion simply because of the lesser of two evils system. The PNM have made no instrumental improvements to Trinidad and Tobago and see no indication of a future plan to do so.

Imagine the Education Minister appeared on the TV6 morning show some time ago and boldly stated that the ministry has been spending lots of money and have been seeing no improvements in the state and quality of education. And mind you, there are plenty problems regarding policy, students and teachers. Isn’t it simply amazing that a Minister can come on television and basically say that nothing has been accomplished in five years? While improvement will definitely not happen in one instant, adequate measures will ensure you get there whether slowly or not.

Crime continues to be a major problem and again no significant measures have been put in place. The legislation in parliament shows no signs of truly addressing the problem. The public should demand that the government state their plan for crime for the next couple months because as it is there is no holistic approach probably because the government continues to feel there is no real problem.

The PNM have done a number of things that manner. The economy is pretty steady and shows progress of really booming further. Business is booming. However, another problem is the real selling out going on by the government. Too much money is leaving Trinidad and Tobago from our resources. Too many deals being made with companies like Alutrint etc. Where the government gain a meagre percentage of profits. That is not a positive move towards Trinidad making a mark internationally. We must establish our own national companies to compete with the world.

The flat tax that the government introduced at the last budget was a commendable move. They have instituted a system of what I will call “Universal Tertiary Education”.

However, despite whatever good measures might have been put in place I don’t the PNM is in a position to woo votes from non-PNM supporters. They simply have not done enough. PM manning has also caused a division with the Smelter issue – which secures a number of persons he will not get votes from.

My initial prediction is that the PNM will gain only a 1-5 seats than they currently have. This is more so because of the additional constituencies involved in this election. Having said that the Government has a couple months to change their image and try to appeal to the undecided voters who probably won’t vote the PNM way.

UNC: The UNC is by no way in a position to challenge the PNM unless their situation changes. They have involved in too much internal strife to be a force to be reckoned with. HHhh However, they have been doing a decent job in the opposition. They have been challenging the government left right and centre. They have pressuring the government to get some things done. They have been putting forth their own solutions and making agreements with the government though nothing much ever happens from this.

Despite this, the UNC will by no means gain undecided voters neither PNM supporters. The corruption hangs terribly over the entire party’s head as their political leader has the issue still tied to him.

Most people will remember the whole argument with Gillian Lucky about “politics having a morality of its own.” Sadly enough this is often the reality. Political parties make political moves, moves that will help careers. But the mere fact that Mr. Panday was willing to admit that caused a great loss in credibility for him.

My prediction is that the UNC will win only the current seats they have in parliament, with the risk of losing one or two to the PNM or COP. The chances are very slim of the UNC picking up any more seats either from the PNM or COP. The additional constituencies are up for grabs though.

COP: Winston Dookeran’s break off party seems to be doing well. On their creation there was a lot of hype. It seems that their support continues to rise. The fiery Gillian Lucky is definitely a plus to the party. While I haven’t gotten a chance to really look at the party’s proposed policies – listening to some speeches made by party members does keep hope in mind for them. They are promising.

However, they will now have to face the difficulty of being new. Trinidadians are very sceptical to anyone new, especially the claim of a new kind of politics.

I really can’t say that much about this party but my eyes remain open and alert towards them.

My prediction is that they will retain all current seat with a high probability of them picking one or two more seats due to the additional constituencies.

In general, this election season should be very interesting and activity filled. The PNM push eagerly on in an attempt to win unconventional seats as seen by their current activity in these unconventional areas. The UNC continues to fight hard to recuperate and have been keeping active and rallying their party base. The COP still new have more or less reduced the level of activity they started with. I can’t guess the reason for this but I hope it is only temporary.

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Social Structure In Trinidad and Tobago

August 5th, 2006

The structure of our social divisions in Trinidad and Tobago is labile at best. There is a shortage of social workers and a number of other problems that exist. These problems cause our orphanages to be ill-represented. It causes children like “Amy” to be ill-fated. Too many people live under the poverty line.

Mr. Manning you have done plausible things as Prime Minister and I commend you. Your reform of the tax system would indeed help the situation of Trinbagonians. But when we have food prices soaring and inflation happening so rapidly that your accomplishments sum less significant.

While the Education sector has been making strides it continues to fluctuate in many areas. A number of our schools need serious improvement. Grades are dropping lower than ever, security is under threat, quality teachers are numbering fewer and morality is at an all time low. Schools are constantly asking for more money and in fact money is being spent. But then again in your last budget you did promise to pump more money into the social and educational sectors and I am sure you probably have but allow me to make a point. It should always be necessary to compare how problems are being dealt with in first world nations. In the United States the Democrats call for similar plans for their failing public education system: more money!

I am sorry but I am never that enticed with promises for higher funding – whether fulfilled or not. This is the same problem one can acclimatize with Haiti or in Africa right now: “If you add more money to a failing system then that money will be added weight to a sinking ship.”

We must reform and if money need be spent, spend it on commissions for social, economic and educational solutions. Look at the Moyne Commission initiated by Britain prior to federation. One may say that we already have commissions. That may be true but we must question who runs these commissions and whether the members are copacetic.

It is a shame there continues to be talks of aluminum smelters and stadia whilst our people continue to suffer. Why is our country so focused on economic growth whilst social factors are not considered that much? I believe Trinidad and Tobago is doing great fiscally and it is now time to put people first. The implementing of smelters and stadia would open the employment field. However, we must question how many of those positions would be obtained by our citizens. There must be a greater move to educate and train the proletariat and equip them for the global economy.

So those in government, who continue to be epicures of fine living, please take a greater interest in the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Until then our appetites will continue to go un-satiated.

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Draft Constitution Comments

July 5th, 2006

I must commend the direction in which the country is going by seeking to reform the constitution. The current constitution has been in place for a long while without any significant changes. It was one put forward to please the British in order to acquire independence. I believe that with this move we can begin to see a better Trinidad and Tobago. We can witness better governance and have our voices, our views, our opinions augmented.

One of the first things the draft constitution does is to replace the position of Prime Minister with the position of an executive President – a position to be decided by secret ballot in the House of Representatives. I must agree with the Opposition Leader in her disagreement with this process. This is a process that should be fully open to the public. I would support any move to amendment the draft to change this process. The Opposition Leader also believes that the current Government will have the opportunity to become an absolute regime with this draft. I cannot agree with her here. The constitution speaks about a maximum of two terms for the President and offers a plausible motion of no confidence. If you ask me, I believe this move will curb any opportunity of a Government becoming a totalitarian regime.

I have longed for an elected Senate as the Senate plays a significant role in the Upper House of Parliament. I believe this move gives the people of Trinidad and Tobago a chance to have greater representation. It will give us a chance to better know the people who eventually become Senators. I would only hope that the election of these Senators can somehow occur outside of the General Election. For I believe, with individual elections, it will give people the chance to focus on the issues of the area and not the goals of a party on a whole. Too many times during general elections people neglect the individual candidates and focus on the party. Most people cannot give a detailed reason why they voted for a representative and, sadly sometimes, even the party they voted for.

The draft also divorces the country from the Privy Council, allowing the Caribbean Court of Justice to be our final Court. I support this move as we must become independent as a people. However, we must do all we can to have a separation of powers. No Government must influence the CCJ. The institution must maintain a level of impartiality which I believe it can.

The Cabinet suggestion has an issue I would like to address. I quote from Prime Minister’s remarks to parliament: “It would comprise the President, Vice-President and up to twenty-five members, of whom not more than six would be appointed from the House of Representatives and three from the Senate. The rest of the Ministers would be appointed from outside of the Parliament.”

My issue rises from the rest of Ministers that will be appointed from outside of Parliament. This cannot see any fruition. If we are to allow this to happen, it must be done in a similar fashion as in the United States. This would require the President to nominate someone to be agreed upon by the Senate. It would prevent cronyism and nepotism that is rampant in our country.

The draft has excellent recommendations for the Public Service Commission that will effectively battle corruption and irregularities. I believe that my suggestions would make effective amendments to the constitution draft. I urge the members of Parliament to review these comments and consider it. I encourage the people of Trinidad and Tobago to get involved in the debate of the draft as it affects all our lives. I commend Sir Ellis Clarke and others responsible for the draft; it is a document that will effectively contribute to our eventual developed nation status.

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