Live Wire

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s high-profile ally was left vowing to rebound from the anguish of a humiliating public defeat yesterday. But enough of soca star Machel Montano and his plea for empathy to “Fêteology 101” partygoers. What about TOP leader Ashworth Jack and his resounding defeat in the THA elections? …

Trinidad and Tobago soca stars Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez and Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez might have executed a daring daylight escape from indentured servitude yesterday, right in the land of their birth. Locals might have heard of the alleged labour racket by another name. Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF) chairman William Munro …

“Take my wife… Please!” It is one of the most memorable one-liners of the 1960s and was a catchphrase for late British-American comic Henny Youngman. However, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar believes her husband, Gregory Bissessar, had only the best intentions when he asked her to stay in …

The Integrity Commission has finally agreed to investigate TOP leader Ashworth Jack’s “nice house” after a 16-month delay since THA field liaison officer Moses Thomas initially asked the body to look into the matter. Integrity Commission chairman Ken “Absolutely-Not-Flash” Gordon told the Trinidad Express that Thomas’ report did not satisfy …

TOP leader Ashworth Jack, the hero of pumpkin and cucumber farmers worldwide, yesterday gave more information on his controversial mansion to Tobago voters. Jack, who is vying for the post of THA Chief Secretary, revealed that it was a “nice house” and far superior to anything that Orville London and …

A trio of lion cubs drew a record crowd at the Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain on Sunday as an estimated 10,000 persons came out to see Mufasa, Scar and Kovu, who flew to Trinidad last week from Texas, US. The crowd created a massive traffic pile-up as …

The three candidates for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary post turned up and there was a respectful tone with no cross-talk. Otherwise, the THA debate was as illuminating as a campaign advertisement and all candidates coasted through with the facilitator, Ronald Ramkissoon, interested in little besides the …

The Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) has alleged that THA Deputy Chief Secretary and PNM representative Hilton Sandy told a political gathering “if you bring the wrong results, (a) Calcutta ship is coming down for you.” If the allegation is true, Sandy not only needs a lesson in racial sensitivity …

The superb timing of Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Darren Bravo’s strokeplay has already won him global attention. His “tweets” aren’t bad either. Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) Azzim Bassarath is not a fan, though. Bravo recently posted two unflattering photos of the dressing room used by national players on …

Scene: Cabinet Christmas party (Kamla and Jack small-talk next to the rum punch). Kamla: “Jack, I’m a little disappointed in this year’s party.” Jack: “Yes, I know, I really think we should get rid of Moonilal and Ramlogan. They’re getting to be a little too mannish.” Kamla: “No Jack, I …

MP Herbert Volney tried a classic “Jack Warner defence” yesterday in regards to the on-going Section 34 controversy that has already done for his Cabinet career and threatens the credibility of the People’s Partnership government. The Jack Warner defence, named after the colourful National Security Minister, is famous for its …

National Security Minister and ex-FIFA vice president Jack Warner yesterday claimed FIFA’s inability to raise new evidence against former presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam as personal vindication. “Because of the false allegations, my family and I were the subjects of much harassment and persecution, which unfortunately continue to this day,” …