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“It is sad and indeed ironic that those who have been accusing taxpayers of living off the fat of the land, are the biggest parasites of the offices which they occupy; doing all this while paying no taxes.”
The following Letter to the Editor on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s criticism of the public for its reliance on the government was submitted by Rudy Chato Paul, Sr:
(Courtesy Caribbean News Service)
So there I was, entertaining myself on Facebook—the only entertainment I can currently afford—‘mining’ people’s business, when up jumped the now infamous 22 second video of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
There he was, ranting like David Rudder’s “mad man”, boldly condemning citizens of this land for relying too much on government for having to build the nation’s roadways, health centres, schools “and every this and every that.”
By now, most would have seen the video and as such there is no need to quote him. I replayed the 22 second clip several times, just to be sure of what I was hearing and make sure I understood what he was saying.
I knew when it became the talking point someone strategically placed would be required to put positive a spin on it. And I was correct—again.
Apparently the PM is of the view that successive governments, for at least the last two generations, have been doing the people of this land a great disservice by providing roads, schools and health centres along with “every this and every that.” The various regimes have been busily moulding and shaping our entitlement mentality to which we have become so used that we now need to be “weaned off.”
Unfortunately, the goodly Doctor said nothing of the career political parasites who became fabulously wealthy simply by occupying the corridors of power—some for more than an entire generation—while their respective constituencies have been, and continue to be, systematically and intentionally neglected.
The PM’s logic explains the derelict condition of the roads in constituencies defined as ‘safe seats’ held by both of the major parties. Put another way, one may recall Peter Taylor, not so long ago, also accusing citizens of “living off the fat of the land.”
It is sad and indeed ironic that those who have been accusing taxpayers of living off the fat of the land, are the biggest parasites of the offices which they occupy; doing all this while enjoying exclusive tax breaks.
This means that the PM, who has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1991, who was also appointed as a Senator in 1987, has enjoyed certain benefits not shared with the ordinary taxman for the past 29 years. And he is not the only one.
Coincidentally, the current Minister of Finance (MoF) has also been an MP since 1991. Sadly, his portfolio has not the slightest relationship to anything resembling finance. And, like the others who occupy the corridors of power, he has been one of the biggest beneficiaries, since it is evident to all that he cannot survive in any other world—as was evident in his construction of stadium which subsequently collapsed.
For the people who came begging for our support just over a year ago, to speak to us as though we are all lazy and illiterate, accusing all of us of being dependent on the government is highly offensive.
In fact, the majority of this nation are hardworking people, making sacrifices, having been asked earlier to ‘eat cassava,’ while others sip on “Presidential Wine” and a political leader flies like a mosquito, from one nation to another, with nothing to show for his travels aside from accumulating frequent flyer mileage.
That the genius MoF saw it fit to raise diesel fuel three times in the last year, while fuel prices around the world have been falling, is a true reflection of his understanding of economics.
No one is denying that oil prices are down. But this insistance on financing mega projects through taxation on the middle class has managed to reduce them to the status of ‘the working poor.’
The science of reducing VAT to 12.5 % while adding it to most food items is another of the MoF’s genius ideas.
It is abundantly clear that the people who occupy the corridors of power are out of touch with the people whom they begged for support recently. Until the PM and those with whom he surrounds himself with understand the functions of government, reckless statements like the last one will continue.
(Copyright Andrea De Silva)
Let’s hope there’s a sequel to his book, which reads: “From Mason Hall to White Hall, and Back.”
Editor’s Note: MPs do pay taxes on their salaries. That error in the initial post was corrected.
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Rudy Chato Paul, Sr, is passionate about gardening, music and writing and boasts post-graduate certification in Anthropology, Criminology and Sociology. He also studied Theology, which is why he is actively seeking to make Trinidad a better place rather than waiting for divine intervention.
Allyuh vote for dat. And still wonder why some of us choose not to vote at all?
Trinidad and Tobago: a place where politicians and their friends and families can live luxuriously off the fat of the land but get vex when they see u living off the crumbs of the land.
Even long lost family..the ones they kept hidden from the nation for years.
Rose-Marie thanks for sharing the video.
I wanna see the whole video.
The video is in this thread. Or click link again. I have video added to bottom of story.
The government is saying tighten your belt but that is only for the small man. Why all of them in high office dont give up their ( TAX BREAK ) until things get better in the country, All they are saying they thief out the money , its been one year nobody is before the courts they are all jokers both sides come to fool their die hard supporters who dont know better?????
Now that I’ve listened to the whole speech, my what a completely different picture is revealed. Having first hand experience with the racist and political agenda of the head of news at CNC3 I can safely say there is mischief in the way the news clip was edited. The PM may have a case here for his lawyers to look into.
Yes….I understand what you saying. Really different when you listen to the whole thing. There is nothing wrong, not the tone nor content, in what he said, in MY opinion. In fact, he is totally correct, and I agree with him.
Too many Pontius Pilates in our Trinbago society.
Brilliant analogy. Because that would mean Dr Keith Rowley is Jesus Christ right? Freudian slip?
If that’s your interpretation Sir, so be it.
Would you explain your reference of Pontius Pilate here if you have an alternative view then? Or have you said too much?
Where were you when Kamla was being crucified? We not taking crap from any of them. Those days are over. When you say you red and you ready, you’d better be. The same goes for the other party and its leader. We angry for being blamed for the mismanagement and corruption of these politicians while they live high off the hog and get away scot free with “bad business decisions”.
Boy fire for this bald head fool yes
So a career politician thinks that Trinidad and Tobago’s real problem is that taxpayers expect too much from the government. And not that government corruption and mismanagement has put us on the brink of bankruptcy.
Now I can understand why career politicians would think so. What is harder to understand is why some taxpayers would agree with that conclusion.
It takes a special skill to get turkeys to cheer for Thanksgiving.
??
Lolololol – we have a special breed here – The Illiteratti
I must think that you heard what you wanted to hear Lasana – or is the speech you linked here a different one?
Long time people would take this shit for the first two years and when the govt release in year three to election they was happy , This generation not forgetting yuh eh !
Annette, listening to the entire speech did provide some context. And he did say some sensible things.
But the 22-second clip was directed at the citizens. So he was not sold short there. And I think his statement was unfortunate.
Worse, I think it follows a new trend by the current government where taxpayers are blamed for all the ills of the country and picked on disproportionately.
That’s like Jesse James telling the Dalton Gang to quit robbing banks.
Lasana, We will have to agree to disagree here. I honestly expected to hear him lambaste the citizens as I read over and over, and was grateful for the opportunity to hear for myself. Am I offended? NO WAY. To the contrary the context was right – we are not the USA with a Federal Reserve where, when we go bankrupt, we can go print another billion or two! That was the context – some businessman criticism that the government did not provide a ‘stimulus package’!!! It’s time for Trinidad to take stock – we are in deep debt and must work towards clearing it all!
I am not dealing with what he said to the businessmen. I’m offended by his manner of speaking to me the taxpayer and his interpretation of what represented a gimme gimme attitude.
Annette Dopwell First of all it was the manner in which he said it. Second it was the PNM who created the dependency syndrome under Eric Williams to secure votes and if you know your history you will know which ethnic group became dependent on the government. Third it was this same prime minister who demanded backpay for work he ostensibly performed while suspended from parliament. Yet threatened workers who actually worked that if they kept demanding their backpay they will wake up the next morning to find they have no jobs. That citizens should be weaned off government is a noble sentiment. It’s a pity it must come from the mouth of a man who does not know how to speak to people.
I was threatened for asking that backpay be paid .
Gerard Johnson I totally forgot that the PM asked for his backpay .
Jimi Jorsling The man lacks class. Remember how he dealt with the purchase of a new Benz and the reason he gave for needing a new one. Also his crass comment about his friend saying he ent letting no man push he finger up in my bottom. He speaks like he’s on a street corner talking to his wajang friends except when he goes down Westmoorings and Glencoe, then he’s like a kitchen mouse when the lights turn on.
That’s true. The “vomit comet”. And somehow he ended up referencing Sharon’s panties too in his response to nosey reporters.
You really have no problem with your PM making public remarks like that Annette?
He plays golf in the early morning @ the Moka Golf course. I am glad he is finding time for himself & addressing his health with good clean air & exercise.
Undeniably the man has balls, Kathryn.
Kathryn, reading all the negative comments I had to take the time to listen for myself. I am offended by anyone finding fault with Dr. Rowley stating, within the context of providing ‘stimulus packages’ for businessmen, that the Government must provide and maintain roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and in the downturn of our economy, cannot – as America did after the Wall St. crash – go to their ‘Federal Reserve’ and print billions of dollars! This is such a timely intervention in Laventille – I’m just surprised.
one of the first things this parasite did was buy a brand new top of the line Mercedes Benz with I am sure all the extras…who the fuck is he to accuse me of being dependent on the government?
i.e. We are not here to work for you so get used to it.
Kamla had alcohol accusations, Keith have this with more to come.
James, did you LISTEN to the speech? Tell me please, AFTER you listen – what did he say wrong? Don’t just read comments – they do not speak to the fact!
The role of the state is to provide public infrastructure and security. And the role of public servants is to serve us, the public. If that’s no longer on the cards, WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?
Another one who did not bother to listen OR read!
Did both. Evidently I’m not as easily inspired as you. Good luck Annette.
so Mr McNeil, you “didn’t hear anything condescending”? Every once in a while something takes one by surprise….This was not one of those times.
No
Is it the word wean you find offensive
Nope; what I find offensive is his audacity in telling me that OUR infrastructure, paid for by OUR taxes & patrimony are “handouts” whilst using said monies to buy benz fir himself, feed the many outside chirren he is now accepting responsibility for AND gallivanting all over the globe!!!
Btw, you don’t find that offensive?
I jes wha know how idiotic your thinking is nah?
First he call we chirren names and now he on we – de man mad!
Shawn Mc Neil No. In fact I did not even see the word “wean” in your post. But your judgement that you didn’t hear anything condescending in what the PM said. Highly questionable judgement in my opinion. Makes me think you must be one of those for whom the PNM can do no wrong. And before that irritates you, I am fully aware that the other rabble have their blindly faithful supporters.
I’m consider myself a dispassionate individual for starters. I too believe as a nation we too spoilt on a gimme gimme culture and I believe it is counter productive to growth. As for Dr Rowley speaking style, by now we must be aware of it and not be overly sensitive.
Shawn Mc Neil Clearly he could do with more supposed “dispassionate” individuals just like you. As for his “speaking style”, he needs to be reminded seemingly that he has pride of place at the public trough, and the electorate are his hosts and hostesses, NOT the bus boys.
Shawn Mc Neil who are the beneficiaries of this “gimme, gimme” culture? Are those the ones who are being taxed to the hilt? Are those the ones who get up in the wee hours of the morning, slug through the traffic, have to carefullywatch everyone around them to make sure they are safe, fight to put food on the table for their children and still have NO benefits under this government?
Kindly note that is the majority of our population, eh!
I probably to dispassionate to be bothered by politicians comments. Trump has gotten to me lol
That could happen. Amazing though that so many millions globally accept that out of 320 mill in the US it has had to come down to those two.
Shawn Mc Neil heheheheheheheheheee
Misty Autumn Dey GO and LISTEN AGAIN! You apparently listened – not to Dr. Rowley – but to your own thoughts or the thoughts of others!
Annette Dopwell I listened alright to unmitigated arrogance; to a PM talking to his audience as tho he thought them complete fools; as tho he couldn’t be bothered to explain reality to them and gave them the proverbial electioneering “pat on the back” – yuh know is allyuh poor people we care about, inno; dem rich people wha handouts from we buh we giving allyuh we attention and leadership – buh we jes eh have no money tuh give allyuh nah
AFTER he had BIGGER budgets than the last government, took away most of the assistance to the poorest in society, paying he rich friends millions tuh – hear this – powers wash a stadium, he buying benz an ting …. Buh, he eh have no money?
Sheesh – Did YOU listen to that BS? What did YOU take from it?
Mussee me, yes, oui
I didn’t hear anything condescending, the state can no longer support a welfare, freeness mentality. Time to get serious peeps. Far better economies than ours support their populations less.
Roads, health centers and schools…that is what he cited. If he had said CEPEP or other welfare items it would be quite understandable…even jobs. If you can’t see the distinction then I can understand why you said what you did.
The PNM’s first budgt was BIGGER than ANY of KPB’s and this year it is BIGGER than her first three?
WHAT exactly did the last government cause? AND what exactly did this government do with ALL that money in the last financial year? I can tell you what they didn’t do:
1) They took away almost all of the help for the most disenfranchised in this country – buh dem fixing stadium with de power washing costing millions
2) They are not paying workers (the next poorest in the society) their hard earned backpay (But dem buyng pictures and new cars)
3)They are taking away ALL the help for students (so dat dey people can remain illiterate)
4) They have NO bail outs (KPB had two) but dem still eh kow how tuh service we debts
5) They are causing a lot of businesses to fold because of a lack of stimulation in the economy – putting even MORE POOR people on the breadline – whilst big business sitting pretty and getting “power washing” contracts
6) They are taking the food out of the mouths of single mothers but have money tuh give cruise liners AD hear this to cruises that do not even come to T&T
Maybe you cus say what it is they are ding – instead of just crushing black people to death
We will nt talk about Health (with no medicine) education – mentoned briefly or CRIME – de PNM favourite ting (ah mean dem get THREE whole Ministers, eh)
Ah fuhget – they did put wifi in some ten buses or so? Yayyyy
I usually stay away from religious and political conversations because folks tend to become very passionate in their responses but most 1st world country has road tolls for maintenance of the roads. Health care comes at a cost in most countries also despite paying taxes and free education up to tertiary level is unique to Trinidad. So if it ain’t the norm in better economies than ours what’s wrong with saying we to may have to go in that direction
Bye guys, I’m out. Peace!
Road tolls are taxes just like the 5% road tax on fuel
Every country has some public Healthcare even the poorest and the richest because governments recognize that providing basic stuff with taxpayers monies is a minimum leadership standard
Shawn, you see the state of the roads they will paying people to drive on? And at speed limits designed in the 1970s to boot? That’s laughable.
Also when you HAVE to pay the toll, that’s a tax. Londoners can afford to leave their vehicles home because they have an efficient bus, subway and rail system.
Tax away once you have achieved that and commuters have those options. Otherwise you must understand the strain being put on citizens who are trying to get to and from work.
Shawn Mc Neil free tertiary education is NOT unique to T&T, eh; where you hear that? Propaganda much?
http://europe.graduateshotline.com/free-education.html#.V_QA3Y-cHIU
There are many such articles – go and Google it
Shawn Mc Neil and apart from ALL our other taxes we pay health surcharge and have NO kinda health care in this country – down to urgently required drugs unavailable
Are you from T&T???
And why is this so and when did all this woe befall us? Change is coming Misty adjust.
Sham Boodram Did you LISTEN to the speech – or are do you not comprehend the english language. Dr. Rowley’s speech is 100% on target – and it is worthy of praise.
Annette Dopwell to your first question yes. ..your second no…and to your imputation look up two terms “sycophant” and then “ad hominem”.
What bull shit..he insulted me he nation..it is not his tax dollar..it is ours ..to look after the country..
Sham Boodram lol
Shawn Mc Neil all this “woe” befell us when Rowley assumed office. The question was asked already but do you live in T&T? “Free education up to tertiary level is unique to Trinidad” who tell you that? Where are you gathering your information? You are clearly being misguided sir.
I don’t know what is worse….. this man to say that schools and health centers are not the responsibility of the government or you people defending this asinine statement. Little history lesson…..it was the PNM that started this dependency syndrome, Kamla and the UNC was not around for 55 years and did not hold office for 40+ of those years. The PM office said that his statements were misinterpreted…….did they bother to interpret it for us? I’m no university graduate or anything like that so if he was on a higher level can you dumb it down for me?
Lol Arnold Pariag..all the dependency issues started in 2010
Rowley could spit out dirt from his mouth and you will say this is good. Most idiotic and foolish statement. Rowley said people want free Healthcare. Since when people should beg for health.
Thank you Lasana. I’m so happy to have listened to Dr. Rowley’s speech at the Launch of the Primary School’s initiative. To have read ALL the negative reactions is sad. Have we NOT listened to the context within which he spoke of the fact that the Government has to build and maintain roads, schools and hospitals, but CANNOT provide a ‘Stimulus Package’ as called for by the Business community! And here I am reading that Dr. Rowley “talk down to them and to tell them they are lazy sobs for expecting the govt to provide roads and schools”? Sorry! Trinis need to go back to school if that is what they received. To be honest I totally endorse EVERY WORD that was said by Dr. Rowley. I too, HATE that people from Laventille are stigmatised by all and sundry – – especially when I have friends and families whose children today are doctors, engineers and lawyers! Not when in our Young Artist Collective there are beautiful, disciplined, talented children from Laventille. And I applaud Dr. Rowley for supporting this initiative and for appealing to the community – parents, teachers and church leaders – to make of the schools in Laventille one that other areas would want to emulate!
The office of the Prime Minister should take out a full page ad in the papers in order to clarify any misinterpretation in his address ….. like Carmona did! Hahaha
They did send out a release yesterday. But even that was kind of poor in my opinion.
Oh God
Please don’t tell me.they bought ad space in the papers.
I not sure. I saw it online. I hardly buy papers.
I knew you had sense! LOL
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=V9siY9Qf1qE
Thanks. Will listen.
But that excerpt from the speech IS directed to citizens Rose-Marie. He said so. I’m listening to it again.
I think there were good things said in his speech. But that excerpt was not one. One might argue that it was merely clumsy. Or one can counter and say it was a freudian slip.
I can’t listen to it now, but to whom was the excerpt directed, the general citizenry?
The 22-second clip was at the general citizenry. He said some sensible things overall. And then undid much of it with that.
Thanks for sharing. Puts a diffrent spin on the clip. I now get and agree with what he said.
I tried listening to the speech again before I went to exercise Lasana and I couldn’t locate the dam part?. On another note I bounce up we PM heading up Chancellor as I was walking down and “we eye make 4”?. Rowley looking fit.
Rose-Marie, he offered bodyguard services? ??
Lasana I finally had a chance to listen again and you’re absolutely right. Just after he spoke about the criticism of the lack of a stimulus package, he extolled the budget as a real opportunity for partnership and participation with the people. All good..but then amazingly he open up his mouth and talking DIRECTLY to the people of Laventile and the citizens of the wider community, he talk that stupidness! As if to make sure Laventille people know is dem he talking too. That was such a bad idea…Laventille being in many peoples mind the epitome of dependecy syndrome. Sigh…a public relations nightmare. If only he could take back those few lines ..the rest of the speech was great!
I think he has a problem He likes to speak from the cuff but he always runs into problems. He tries jokes from time to time and he just doesn’t have the knack.
More worrying is that those unguarded moments betray his true thoughts.
I listened to the whole speech as it was posted in the other thread. I do remember seeing other parts of it on the news ..not just the clip that CNC3 posted on Facebook. Having listened to the speech it seems like that part about the roads etc may not have even been directed at the general public. I’ll have to give it another listen when I have time but I got the impression that he was really shouting at the business community and possibly contractors in general. If so then he should have made that type of speech at the chamber of commerce budget forum or a grouping of business people. It looks like he was talking about the dependency on government contracts. But again …..in a forum of students and parents in a Laventille setting where people always “bouffin” about dependency….I eh know if that was the best forum nah.
The Peter’s Principle is evident here. I had wished Dr. Rowley well for the sake of T&T…..but the pressures of the job is making him mis-step and mis-speak
When u under d pressure is when we will see what d pm is made from but when he spoke about depending on who like he was drunk we all see that he is not pm quality
Neither was your former lady leader PM quality leadership material either, as evidenced in Parliament recently, O member of the waterfront possie. Doh let the presumed “St. Bernard” facade of our present PM fool you! You’re outa place!
Not worthy of a respose. Idyat!
Ms Robinson miss KPB is a better leader than all of the pnm pm put together and if u want i will explain it to u as to (o member of the water front possie) explain that for all that u commented on all i could say is u sound like a dunce “pls reply” so i can educate u
Julissa, I would have told you “f..k you” but Facebook might suspend me. I have however, elected to do the honourable thing and ignore you.
Not one of you racist “scuddasmonts” listened to that tape first hand but you’re here bumping your gums.
MPS can afford to drive Porshe and Benz while the rest of us struggle to afford a b14 as they do not have to pay taxes on vehicle purchases.
That’s who allyuh voted for; doh complain now
Doh worry bout who we vote for, study Hillary or trump lol ???
Nah…I pay neither of them any mind….. both are….******
That’s how politics is, who u really gonna trust to lead u? Stuck between a rock and a hard place!
I don’t deal with it period! I lead myself; none of those 2 punks leading me hoss…
Who else you suggest were we to vote for on September 7, 2015? Nobody??
Ainsley lives abroad. Lol. I’m with you Hermione.
Anybody have the entire speech?
I don’t have it. Can you share it?
Marlon Rampersad – you have the whole speech?
But ….. for all who are saying “Context” I am not sure what more context you can want
De man say: roads, schools & community centres, inno
He say dem is handouts, inno
He is a fracking madman, inno
Sheesh
No i dont and i hear enough to know he damn right
The PM that is
We do know your thoughts, eh!
hehehehehehehehehehe
What if he meant that the govt must build roads schools etc and allyuh greedy ass still want more freeness? Look, allyuh leave me out of this never ending nonsense yes
I love how it went from: We will rebuild the country together, save money through competent government and chase the billions embezzled from the public purse…
To: It’s all the fault of the greedy asses who just voted us in!
You might as well say greedy STUPID asses and done. The same greedy STUPID asses who voted you into office and have been paying you a salary since 1981.
Maybe they really are greedy stupid asses. Because they’ve been voting blundly for decades demanding freeness (scraps) and supporting their respective cults no matter what. Whilst ither greedy bright asses enters the back room to collect.
The Truth offends.
Haters can only hate as they can never be objective.
Kylon they lying on the pm. He is the best ever. How blind can one be. Let’s look to see what excuse we can make for this obnoxious character. Great is the ……
i saw a video posted will watch it later
Editor’s Note: MPs do pay taxes on their salaries. That error in the initial post was corrected.
One correction though. As far as I know, Members of Parlaiment, and Government Ministers pay taxes on their salaries, and allowances (apart from transport0. I could be wrong. If so, please correct me, with source.
First he call we chirren hooligans – or some such; now he calling us lazy SOB;s; hmmmmmmmmmmm
In answer to a paraphrase of “Will you respect me in the morning”? the answer is clearly, “No, screw you. I don’t respect you now”.
Vagabonds.. Hyenas in the African jungle..those are the thngs he called the nation children
Well said and perfectly factual. Where do these parasites think “govt funds” come from? The taxpayers of course. And if the system needs changing, as it obviously does, then let the govt get their hands out of the country’s pockets and initiate some changes to OUR benefit.
In the said speech he said he’s going to address all Laventille students as a group in a rally. Oh, no one saw that because CNC3 didn’t tell us.
He was preparing the Laventille students for a future filled with disrespect from politicians? :-/
Speeches and statements by politicians are defended or criticised depending on which side of the political divide some people belong. Time for us to be objective.
Listen to the speech, Lasana.
Can you share it here Richard Zen O’Brien? But I do have a problem with his tone eh. We have been overlooking that for too long. That’s just for starters.
I’ll share it later..of course the ‘tone’ is problematic..an entire dialogue is taking place on an irrelevant, ill conceived topic and my tone is the issue…my bad
In any service industry Richard Zen O’Brien, tone is definitely important. I bet if the restaurant, hotel or hospital where you were spending your money spoke down to you or was rude, you would immediately feel affronted.
But this is not about tone alone. During Rowley’s election campaign, he said we will go after the misuse of public funds wherever evidence existed. And he said we will turn the country around together.
In power, we are seeing precious little in terms of going after embezzled funds. And we getting bouffed like children and told that (I am paraphrasing) it is our fault that the country is in a mess, so don’t run crying to them.
That is the man tone. He never was and would never be warm and fuzzy.
Imbert not warm and fuzzy. But even he never referenced his wife’s panties in a press conference. Smh.
You know what considering we had a drunk PM in a polka dot dress singing 1 luv on her 1st Caricom meeting the panty comment did not affect my richter scale. It did not move. What I want from this government is reduction in corruption and policies that would make people’s life better. So the draws comment while inappropriate made me loose no sleep. We have bigger issues to deal with than the PM being classless. Classless and getting the country back on track I can live with. Drunk like a skunk and being advised that Reshmi is qualify to head our National Security is my issue.
Dude has an editorial on a 22 second clip from a 24 min video. That’s a little frightening ESPECIALLY given what the entire speech was about. Shame.
Hillary: Trump doesn’t pay taxes. Trump: Because I’m smart.
Sometimes you can learn quite a lot from a sound bite.
In Hillary’s defense, that sound bite wasn’t taken from a speech, it was the entiretyof his response.
Lol. True.
Not the politicians…their CONCUBINES are tge greatest freeloaders
Wow !
Well Dr. Rowley, if we taxpayers depending on the government for the basic things like roads, schools, hospitals etc, then LET’S JUST NOT PAY TAXES AND WE WILL BUILD OUR OWN ROADS, SCHOOL, HOSPITALS ETC… it’s that’s simple!! cause I don’t see politicians driving through flood waters, I don’t see their kids going to no ordinary schools and when sickness comes, they could fly out of Trinidad and get the best medical care, so in others words, I paying taxes for politicians to live nice!! HELL NO!! Dr. Rowley rewind and come again!! you all are aggravating this society!! and then want to come back and say that’s not what they meant!!
Preach
Ask yourself do you really know what people do or just babbling like the uniformed crew. The politicians are from this society. What you write is how you will or behave. Do your work Dr Keith Christopher Rowley. Do not be side tracked T&T is a part of the global village. Things are always shifting. At your age you have experienced a lot and you love your country.
well said mr Lawrence Benjamin ….on point!
Thanks David!!
I wish more people can see things like you do.
Well said bro
Go and listen to the WHOLE SPEECH yourself
Oh boi….
Yes …..so true, they are the biggest crooks…..the truth does offend!
It is what the people wanted… people wanted to give him a chance…. ? well I hope they are happy to give him a chance to talk down to them and to tell them they are lazy sobs for expecting the govt to provide roads and schools ??
To take s sound bite of 12 seconds of an entire speech to convey a particular opinion an meaning is misleading CNC 3 is famous for this
Lolol..well listen to the whole speech, then make up your mind
Btw, this was a letter to the editor
I think you can tell something from a soundbyte if you consider the tone though. Is that the tone of a public servant advising the people who pay his salary?
Your comments seem to imply that you are not in favour of the PM’s advice or commentary. If indeed so, perhaps you can share with us what are your expectations of our leaders.
As far as i am concerned, Dr. Rowley has departed from the standard in telling us what should be told and not what we want to hear. I give him full marks for that!
For too long we have had leaders who are only politicking and not leading us. I am not one of Dr. Rowley’s fans but I do hope he maintains a realistic outlook, although unpopular it may be.
Trinidad and Tobago needs a fiscal reprieve. T&T’s treasury is dying for a break from corruption, from financial mismanagement, from poor taxation practices, and especially from businesses that do not forward to the government taxes that their customers paid while purchasing products and services. We must stop relying on oil prices of which we have no control to determine our budget. We need to diversify, be vigilant in tax collection, adhere to sound accounting practices, hold the corrupt accountable, and take action when the auditor general audit report highlights discrepancies.
I am sure u have been saying this for years. It not complicated….but who listening?
Ah getting tired of saying the same thing over and over…
They capitalise in good times but want us to socialise in bad times.
Yep
Vernal Damion Cadogan I understand your view. While what you say is valid in relation to some sections of our society (which our PM would have been well advised to use as context in his statement), what you speak of is the result of social conditioning that is the by-product of our politics that buys votes by taking care of their own respective fascist supporters ie nepotism and make work programs. On the other hand, the PM is wrong to cite basic infrastructure that is the government’s responsibility. Finally, his remarks fly in the face of every study in Economic Development Planning that reveal that no local, regional, national or international Economic development is possible without the government playing a catalytic role.
Citizens need to get active in governance. As Akins implied, we should know what is in the budget before it is presented in Parliament. It should not be like an election date. The budget should be a statement shaped by the people and for the people.
Yes he was definitely wrong for citing basic infrastructure as some sort of freeness. Even I had to ask myself “what do he?”
And going on about roads and hospitals, which are basic services that everyone should have access to, but still giving away millions for religious celebrations and festivities.
yes. that.
65 million for donations was allocated to the OPM in the Budget according to a newspaper!! What is that about? Is that how to tighten your belt?
They abandoning the MDGs
You sure you saw right Lester Logie?
I hope it was a misprint.
Beg and lie.They pulled a Bush 41 on we ass.Read my lips…….TAXES
I am sorry for my pnm People .I know that was coming ..
I saw that video, and though I agree that his tone was harsh and his words seemingly illchosen, the video was too short to give much context as to what he actually meant to communicate.
That being said, I don’t think anyone can deny that this is a society that has become addicted to “freeness”, particularly in light of the fact that tax collection is inefficient at best, and especially since elected leaders pay no taxes. We’ve all seen the public giveaways, hampers, homes, lands upon which many a recipient has squatted ….. it would have been better had he pointed out these things. Indeed even our monied elite make their fortunes off of welfare for the rich.
Tell you what Vernal Damion Cadogan… Try telling any business in the service industry that “tone” doesn’t matter.
That isn’t something to be glossed over. Just for starters.
But I think the author is on solid ground when he says that these people lecturing to us are the last people to make sacrifices. Same for their fat cat friends who get state land, contracts and more for a song.
I think that’s important context here too.
Who suffered more than the people from corruption and incompetence in government?
I agree, he should not have said what he did.
And it’s the tone… We kinda turned a blind eye to it during the campaign. Even though he went overboard at the “ignore she cyat” bit.
But the manner in which he, a public servant, speaks to we, the electorate, is really off-putting. He really needs to check himself on that.
Why can’t he just talk to voters like adults?
But isn’t that how public servants usually speak to the public?
It’s not right, but it is what we’ve tolerated for the longest time.
Vernal Damion Cadogan…never in my experience. Learned helplessness (nothing I/we can do to help; its the system) maybe but outright rude? Not very common if it happens.
Very true Vernal. And he is now embodying that as the chief public servant.
I have seen what Vernal said many times Nerisha.
Lasana Liburd… oh my. Sad if so. I hope you get people’s names when they are outright rude to you and write to the PS. All the complaints about poor customer service in the public service and no Minister wife have a company or could set up a company to conduct training on customer service? Lol…
I’ve personally witnessed public servants tell citizens “Miss, yuh know I doh ahadda help you?”
For the PS to steups? Lol. Good point though Nerisha.
Vernal Damion Cadogan…and these ppl did not write a lovely letter of complaint? Lol…and that is the problem…we accept it and complain in a forum where nothing can be done. Lasana Liburd…once they do it behind closed doors where I can’t hear but because it is in writing, they need to deal with it. Else…next step up to complain.
I didn’t know the woman Nerisha, it was at the T&T consulate to NY a few years back. The woman had been complained about having to wait on line in the cold with her two small children from 4 am in order to get their passports.
Wow….did not know u all had the same problem as here. And I meant the person on the receiving end of such poor service should write to complain.
She should have, I was behind her and was about to cuss, but then I realized Ineeded my passport too! LOL
The pm and his people have to be very careful. If a narrative takes root about you (true or not) it is very very hard to shake. I watched his Fatca press conference last week where he was ‘hoggish’ with kejan haynes and now this apparent talking down to people. Hubris, arrogance and stubbornness took down our last 3 prime ministers so don’t be surprised if it’s his undoing as well.
clock’s ticking maybe? hmm
can someone explain how come this government has not prosecuted the allegedly corrupt people from the last government and retrieved what they stole and gave away? Because these politicians are really pissing me off right now.
..NONE of these people grasp the idea that they are supposed to be OUR SERVANTS..
It has to do with how the law is written. Because of the “evidence” already accumulated, it’s not “enough,” and/or concrete enough to prosecute.
This whole idea of politicians being mini-gods who speak down to their children. That’s them exploiting our colonial history I think. Everybody wants to be father or mother of the nation when that is not why we elected them.
I still shudder at the memory of that poor old woman bowing at Moonilal’s feet and trying to kiss them after getting a government house. Sigh.
Not sure if it’s our history but it’s still being perpetrated by our education system and in some families. U don’t question ur elders-just regurgitate what u learnt-and children are to be seen not heard. But suddenly in tertiary education u start to think critically. And did he not study away? He should have grown and learnt from that experience. Example for other ministers to follow.
Lasana Liburd you said it !!!!!
Thanks for posting! This writer articulates how I feel. Allegations of corruption aside, it took another administration to come and put a highway for the constitutients of two of the longest serving MPs to ease the daily traffic. And put a proper health centre in carenage. And build a primary school in the area. So was that a not so subtle blow to constitutients to not expect same performance? Not everything u think needs to be said. And if it’s said and u need a translator to clarify what is meant…hmmm…
I would love to see his receipts for the tolls and construction costs he paid to use the roads that he did to get to the various educational institutions (all private of course) that led to his getting a PhD.
Who are you referring to?
Really? ?
The Prime Minister.
Lol. Might have been Imbert. 🙂
Imbert have a PhD too?
I heard Imbert has degrees like the beach has sand.
Not that I know of.
But he went CIC.
Hahaha. Low blow Chabeth. Quite uncalled for.
Lol..allyuh mad yes
He’s so old Lasana? ?
“This means that the PM, who has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1991, who was also appointed as a Senator in 1987, has paid no taxes for the past 29 years. And he is not the only one.
Coincidentally, the current Minister of Finance (MoF) has also been an MP since 1991, thereby paying no taxes.”
Rudy, are you sure of your oats here? Does the mere fact of being an Mp mean that you pay no taxes AT ALL or that you pay no taxes on your earnings AS AN MP?
You had better not be right – AGAIN!
As far as I know, the salaries and allowances of Ministers and MPs are NOT exempt from taxation… it may be that “extra income” derived from office may be though…
I have been told that only the President’s salary is exempt from tax. So we have adjusted that. MPs obviously enjoy exclusive tax breaks with the importation of motorcars being one example. But they pay taxes.
The President and judges
Sooooo we pay taxes …. Our oil and gas revenues are to do what ??? Apparently not for roads etc … ?