Sharma’s karma: Bharath looks at another disgraceful exit from a PP Minister

If you are from South Trinidad, Pundit Chandresh Sharma isn’t a new name to you.

And you’d also be very familiar with the numerous stories that fly around about infidelities, outside children and even less than kosher behavior in public office. None of the rumors particularly recent.

Photo: Ex-Tourism Minister and Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma.
Photo: Ex-Tourism Minister and Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma.

But let’s not dwell in the realm of rumors. Let’s deal with the tangible story that the Trinidad Guardian, of all newspapers, spilled all over our laps this week.

You may well question my skepticism of the Guardian. With Dr Hamid Ghany, politics lecturer and close colleague of the People’s Partnership, at the helm of their editorial decisions, it struck me as interesting that the newspaper would have scooped the Trinidad Express on this particular story.

Not that the Express didn’t carry the story early enough; they just didn’t have as much juicy details. And considering the flagrantly obvious modus operandi of the Guardian since Walk Out Wednesday 2013 that involves more governmentt friendly coverage, it intrigued that they had the better story.


But back to the main story. In 2010 it was woman power; remember that? Vaguely?

I do. And ironically, or maybe justifiably, since Kamla’s tenure has done nothing to improve the lot of women, it seems that women are going to be the downfall of her government.

Last week, it was Glenn Ramadharsingh, the Hamper Man, breaching civil aviation rules, threatening a CAL flight attendant and grabbing at her breast in the process of issuing his threats. His excuse; fatigue. Yes Glenn, all tired men, small or grown, does reach out for tot tots.

This week we have an equally lurid scandal downing Sharma.

Sacha Singh, his now ex-girlfriend, forced a confrontation between Sharma and a woman with whom he allegedly had a relationship and a child. The child is now 12-years-old, and the implications are that he has not met his responsibilities where the child is concerned.

Photo: Sacha Singh (Courtesy Damian Luk Pat)
Photo: Sacha Singh
(Courtesy Damian Luk Pat)

You have to pause for a moment and understand the shame this must be causing the orthodox Hindu community and UNC supporters. For the orthodox Hindu community, it is knowing that a pundit, indeed, a self-proclaimed Brahmin (imagine in the Caribbean Brahmin and caste are still used), fell from such a great height. Theirs is a community known for publicly espousing strong family values and kin ship ties. Note I said publicly.

For UNC supporters it is something far more base. You see, much of their chatter on their walls centers around attributing particular traits to persons of African descent. In fact, to give you a brief glossary of terms for a UNC wall, PNM is a word that has little to do with a political party and everything to do with race and bigotry.

So it’s not so much PNM policies that are ever discussed, but slurs that are tossed. So on a UNC wall when you see the word ‘PNM’, it’s normally used euphemistically to mean black, criminal, worthless, poor, uneducated, etc.


 

Editor’s Note: Click HERE to read the conclusion of Rhoda Bharath’s blog on her website, Eternal Pantomime.

More from Wired868
Ford: Panday’s trying to rewrite history with “maliciously misconstrued misstatement” on Dr Williams

“[...] Dr Eric Williams was referring to people who preceded Basdeo Panday that were moving mountains to divide the country Read more

Daly Bread: Into the political hereafter; as Opposition Leader shows up Govt response to Privy Council

There is a new example of political truth being stranger than fiction. It is that it takes two very wobbly Read more

Daly Bread: Was AG looking for VAR? At least, Prime Minister responded sensibly

As football fans know, VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee. This is the additional refereeing team that uses technology located Read more

Dear Editor: Home invasion laws need upgrading, and PNM and UNC MUST work together on crime

“[…] Both parties have now dug their heels in, and would regard any compromise on this matter as a sign Read more

Daly Bread: Has Farley caught the maximum leadership disease?

Despite the short-sightedness of those who should be deploying our artistic and cultural output to diversify the economy, my depictions Read more

Vaneisa: Proposed crime solutions like “stand your ground” out of touch with reality

Within a few days of dismantling his family home across the street, Bob began rebuilding. First was the painstaking task Read more

About Rhoda Bharath

Rhoda Bharath
Rhoda Bharath works as a lecturer by day and remains obsessed with politics by night. Follow her blog here: https://rhoda-bharath-jxtv.squarespace.com/

Check Also

Ford: Panday’s trying to rewrite history with “maliciously misconstrued misstatement” on Dr Williams

“[…] Dr Eric Williams was referring to people who preceded Basdeo Panday that were moving …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.