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Us Elections Kidnapping

15,000 special voters begin voting today

By Earl Manmohan

Nearly 15,000 special voters will begin casting their ballots from today for next Monday’s General Election.

The offices of the Returning Officers in the 36 constituencies will be opened from 9 am to 3 pm from today to Sunday to facilitate voting. In addition special polling stations have been set up at the EBC Port-of-Spain offices at Scott House, Frederick Street and its Tobago Registration Area Office at 11 Hamilton Street, Scarborough. These offices will be open from tomorrow to Friday at the same time.

Special electors include members of the protective services, polling day staff, polling agents, candidates and their spouses, flight crew of an aircraft, offshore petroleum workers, prisoners serving short sentences, patients of public hospitals and persons unable or likely to be unable to go in person to the polling station at which he is entitled to vote unless he travels between Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the 14,814 special electors, 657 are from San Fernando West, 646 from Arouca North, 620 from Ortoire/Mayaro and 598 from Arouca South.

However, the PNM has expressed concerns about the special ballot papers being in the hands of the special electors. It has called on the EBC to draw the attention of all such electors of the harsh penalties stipulated in the Representation of the People Act for election offences, particularly the fraudulent use of ballots.

The party said in a press release yesterday that the request to the EBC applied to the tampering of ballot papers and the sale, destruction or giving away of them. The fraudulent use of special elector ballots carries a fine of $7,500 and six months imprisonment.

The PNM also requested the EBC to publish the warning in the media and to attach it to the special elector envelope. It further asked that the special voter be requested to open the envelope with the ballot in front of the Returning Officer at the time of voting.

Meanwhile TTPost said yesterday that more than 58 percent of election poll cards have already been processed by its staff at the National Mail Centre and home deliveries have started. It added that the operations are progressing smoothly and on time and on target. Two shifts have been introduced for the processing.

Kidnapping / Elections / Help Us! Caribbean / Tobago & Trinidad

Soldiers on streets for election day
By Darryl Heeralal

THE army has been called out to do patrols alongside the police on election day October 7, while all police officers on leave have been summoned to work on polling day. Army sources told the Express yesterday that while soldiers were usually confined to camp during elections it was the first time since 1971 that soldiers have been called out to do patrols.
In 1970, Trinidad and Tobago was convulsed by the Black Power upheaval. The Express understands that Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Ancil Antoine, and Police Commissioner Hilton Guy agreed to put soldiers on the streets on election day as an added security measure. Police Special Branch have uncovered a plot to disrupt voting in the five marginal seats on Monday. Guy confirmed that he has met with head of the Special Branch, ACP Joey Ledgere, and expects to receive a report on the matter from Ledgere by today. Yesterday the police executive met and finalised plans for security on Monday. “We have put in place adequate security to deal with any contingencies that may arise,” Guy told the Express yesterday. “The army will be there to support and conduct patrols in strategic locations.” Chief Election Officer Howard Cayenne said he was confident the police would be able to handle any incidents that might arise on election day but added that he did not expect any major or unusual disruptions.

Page 7 Us Elections Kidnapping

Prepare for red October - Another election tie may mean no $ to run the country
By SHERRY ANN SINGH

Another inconclusive election has the potential to plunge this country into economic and social crisis, economists are warning. As the nation prepares to take to the polls again Monday, the latest surveys suggest a second election gridlock is not unlikely, though it’s a scenario that could lead to financial chaos this time around. The reason: The fiscal year ended on September 30, leaving Government with the authority to disburse funds only up until October 31. A new budget is required but in the absence of a clear majority, Parliament will not be able to function and it would be impossible to present a Variation of Appropriation Bill necessary for a budget. In other words, no money can be constitutionally spent after October 31. Public servants will not be paid; neither will suppliers of goods and services. All government and associated activities would grind to a halt. This is the likely, but not unavoidable scenario, economists indicate.

They say it is imperative that good sense prevails among politicians to avert such a disaster. To economist Dennis Pantin, the situation is clear - the existing budget runs out at the end of October and no money can be constitutionally spent after that. If there is another election stalemate, he said, the only option is for the major parties to agree to form an interim government which can convene Parliament and pass a budget. Such a government will serve for a short period, during which time there should be constitutional reform.  “The onus is on the electorate to put some fire behind the parliamentarians to form a government so they can get paid,” he said. Economist Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir agrees that consensus is critical to avoiding chaos. “We don’t know if there’s going to be another stalemate but it’s going to present a most difficult situation for Trinidad & Tobago because the current appropriation bill will definitely expire October 31 and we must have a Parliament in place to ensure another bill is placed,” he said.

Mahabir said there are several options in an 18-18 situation. The first is for the incumbent PNM government to remain in office (because they’re likely to have already prepared a budget) and obtain permission from the President to continue to spend, based on the doctrine of necessity, which can be invoked to ensure the continuance of government. He said this should be a temporary solution and should not last beyond six months, when another election should be called.  Spending during this period will be audited at the end of the fiscal year. “The doctrine will act in lieu of the Appropriation Act and all other Acts will remain enforced. There will not be parliamentary scrutiny but that does not mean government will be spending without audit,” Mahabir explained.  He adds: “It’s an imperfect situation, but it’s workable. You can’t do better than that in a crisis situation.” The economy will not escape unscathed, Mahabir continued, but calamity will be avoided if the doctrine is invoked with a provision for elections a few months later. “We’ll suffer the long term prospects – growth will not be as fast and domestic and foreign investment will not be what it should be. We won’t be impoverished but we will have what is called a sub-optimal economy.”

The second option, according to Mahabir, is for the political parties to get together and enter into a power-sharing arrangement. He says this would be along the lines of a national unity government espoused by the United National Congress, with the members of Cabinet being picked by the leaders of both the UNC and PNM. However, he discourages such an approach. “It’s not going to work very well… It’s a recipe for chaos,” he said. Mahabir says there is one other option, which he views as the most desirable. This too involves power-sharing, but of a different nature. It has to do with splitting up governance into two different periods of time (say 24 months in each case) during which time each party will be given an opportunity to govern. This method was successfully applied in Israel during the period 1984-1988.
“This is the most suitable option because one does not wish to go back to the polls,” Mahabir said. It is also the option more likely to work since the PNM has rejected the idea of a mixed Cabinet. And Mahabir adds that there should be a seamless transition from one stint to the next since the parties have very similar economic policies.

In any event, the economist’s advice is that no one should pack up and run. Even if the doctrine of necessity is invoked and there is a government but no Parliament, “business confidence will not be unduly undermined.” However PNM and UNC political leaders Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday will ultimately have much to answer for. “They’re going to be held responsible for any debacle. Whatever they decide will chart the economic course for the next decade. Both will have to change and ensure power is shared.” That view is also shared in the capital market. Investors will be hoping for a clear victory come Monday. “Once we get a result, and I’m pretty confident that we will, the stock market will do very well,” stated Peter Clarke, managing director, West Indies Stockbrokers. Another gridlock will lead to heightened uncertainty and depressed market conditions. So far, Clarke says, the market has not suffered too much because of low interest rates and excessive liquidity.  “It’s capable of moving up a lot more,” he said, citing a buoyant economic outlook for the next few years and proposed tax cuts that will free up more disposable income.  However, he stressed that will only occur if there is a functioning government, which will require both parties to act responsibly in the event of a stalemate.

Us Elections Kidnapping

Time for presidential system says CA
By GIZELLE MORRIS

Trinidad and Tobago should adopt a presidential system of government, Citizens Alliance candidate for Diego Martin Central Jo-Anne Hosein said yesterday. Speaking on a political platform at the Starlite Shopping Plaza car park, Hosein said the Westminster system of governance has failed and there is need for reform. “The two recent general elections have exposed the flaws inherited in the Westminster system,” she said. “It is high time Trinidad and Tobago adopt the presidential system of government, as exists in the US. It’s time to give Trinidad and Tobago a makeover.” Part of Hosein’s makeover kit included a proposal to establish a Constituency Administrative Centre. She said the centre, headed by a constituency governor who would also be an elected parliamentary representative, would house offices of T&TEC, WASA and other government agencies and would generate jobs.

Addressing the existing healthcare systems, Hosein said the potential for health centres has not been fully exploited.
“Health centres should be refurbished, expanded and upgraded to deliver a 24-hour service to their community,” she added. On the issue of education, Hosein said all junior secondary schools should be converted to five-year institutions, with additional schools being built to “absorb the overflow.” The crowd applauded lustily. “Yes, we need more schools!” one elderly man shouted encouragingly. Hosein, energised by the applause, urged the crowd to vote for her party.
Also speaking at the meeting was candidate for Diego Martin West, Rocky Garcia. In his maiden address, Garcia said CA has come up with a National Youth Development Policy. He said a CA Government will assist youth with training in exchange for their time and working in other communities to help other youth. Garcia said they would also introduce a volunteer system with the Defence Force, where youths 17 to 30 will sign up for two years and be paid $10 per hour with a $3 per hour saving plan. In a vibrant, spontaneous 10-minute presentation, CA candidate for Diego Martin East, Johnny Laquis, thundered that the country is in crisis. He said at present there is no hope, especially for the youth.

Kidnapping / Elections / Help Us!

National policy for aged a priority, says PM
By Orion Ganase

By 2020, 15 per cent of the population will comprise persons over 60 years old. This is due primarily to a transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.  The statistics were released by the Ministry of Social Development and are the basis on which a national policy on ageing is being developed. Prime Minister Patrick Manning, speaking on Tuesday at a consultation on the ageing policy at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce headquarters, Westmoorings, said there were several politicians over the age of 60 who considered themselves “viable” and therefore nothing less should be expected from regular citizens. Manning said this was the first time in the country’s history that a consultation was being held to discuss the challenges, prospects and policies affecting the elderly. He said his government had launched a war on poverty and among the most vulnerable groups was the elderly, including pensioners and a large section of the ageing population with low fixed incomes or none at all. Describing the development of a policy as an urgent priority, Manning said what was needed was “a national policy aimed at addressing the pressing needs of the aged and ageing among us”. According to Manning the measures needed to address these needs included new and updated legislation, enhanced pension and national insurance packages, free and affordable health care, affordable housing and accommodation, and the development of recreational and social interaction facilities.

Kidnapping / Elections / Us - Page 7

PM: Social services officers to fight crime
By LOUIS B HOMER
South Bureau

Prime Minister Patrick Manning intends to deal with poverty and crime by appointing several social services officers to work in communities . “The officers will be trained in sports, youth affairs, culture, the environment and community relations,” Manning told supporters at a PNM meeting at Mayaro junction on Tuesday night as the party’s campaign for Monday’s general election continued.  Manning said as part of the Government’s crime prevention programme, Cabinet has approved the appointment of a Sporting Commission to oversee the development of sports.  Additionally, he said: “A national sports institute will be set up at the University of the West Indies where students could gain their academic qualification as well as one in sports.” He said: “Part of the programme for the development of sports will be the setting up of a National Playfield Council to advise the Minister of Sports on the selection of sites to construct playing fields.”
Manning said Cabinet had already accepted a new sports policy which would soon be implemented...He said reducing the age for pension from 65 to 60, as proposed by the UNC, was unrealistic. “The country just cannot afford that,” Manning said. He accused the UNC of copying the PNM manifesto “except for the portions dealing with $1,500 for new born babies and a reduction in VAT”, which he described as ridiculous. Health Minister Colm Imbert told the crowd the UNC’s money for babies plan was an attempt “to buy babies”.“They trying to buy the babies from you, but you won’t see any money for 18 years,” said Imbert.

Kidnapping / Elections / Us Trinidad & Tobago / Caribbean - Page 7

Cabinet size stays - PM
By Gail Alexander

The next PNM Cabinet will be the same size and structure as the current 25-member team, with changes in only two Ministries, if the PNM wins Monday’s election, Prime Minister Patrick Manning has announced. He was speaking at yesterday’s final Cabinet meeting, where he also indicated Parliament would be convened by October 17 and the 2003 Budget may be presented by the week of October 21. This election was not his toughest, Manning added, but was “certainly the most interesting and most intriguing”.  He said he hadn’t planned to tell Whitehall staff goodbye. If the PNM loses, he added, he would return and bid them farewell. Manning projected that if the PNM wins, the party would spend all of next week appointing a Government. He said they would also undergo a team-building exercise over the two-day weekend period.

Portfolios will remain the same, he said, adding that he will retain the Finance Ministry. Changes would only be made in National Security and the Social Development Ministry, he said.  The latter Ministry would become a full portfolio. He did not reveal the change of form for the National Security Ministry. Asked if Education Minister Hazel Manning would be returned, he said: “Well, she didn’t tell me she intended to go anywhere”.  Manning again stressed the PNM didn’t anticipate a tied result: “It’s not a realistic figure, it doesn’t arise so why are we harping on it? ... We worked very hard and we don’t expect there will be 18-18 , we expect to win and therefore we’re not prepared to waste time.”
Manning was silent on the Nacta poll which indicated the UNC was gaining in some areas.  Instead, he said he’d received PNM’s latest poll yesterday which “says something very different”. He declined to reveal it.

Nor would he say if the Jamaat issue had had an adverse effect on PNM’s campaign. He said he preferred to wait until Monday to ascertain that. He also repeated that he hadn’t felt comfortable with the last electoral list and did not feel comfortable now either.  He said the PNM has new arrangements for the polls in which they have greater confidence.
On the recent altercation between Fyzabad UNC and PNM supporters, he said the PNM is concerned about the entire situation of potential violence and does not condone this.  He said the party has warned candidates to conduct themselves properly.  As National Security Council chairman, he said he had no official report of threats to disrupt the election with bomb threats.