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“On the heels of the disappointing hands-off approach taken in the matter of the sexual harassment allegations levelled against Government-appointed Angostura Chairman Dr Rolph Balgobin, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and Minister Stuart Young have sought to robustly though ill-advisedly justify the alleged use of public funds to settle a matter in which there is a non-disclosure agreement and have refused to answer questions as to whether Sports Minister Darryl Smith is named in the matter.”
The following statement regarding sexual harassment allegations against Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith, was submitted to Wired868 by Fixin’ T&T:
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
The Rowley-led Administration continues to demonstrate its insensitivity and lack of commitment to effectively treating with women’s issues.
On the heels of the disappointing hands-off approach taken in the matter of the sexual harassment allegations levelled against Government appointed Angostura Chairman Dr Rolph Balgobin, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and Minister Stuart Young have sought to robustly though ill-advisedly justify the alleged use of public funds to settle a matter in which there is a non-disclosure agreement and have refused to answer questions as to whether Sports Minister Darryl Smith is named in the matter.
FIXIN’ T&T questions the commitment of Dr Rowley et al to effectively treat with allegations of sexual harassment by alleged sexual predators. While they pay lip service to the matter, there seems to be no appreciation for the link between sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Why has legislation to proactively deal [with] sexual harassment in the workplace not yet been introduced?
FIXIN’ T&T maintains our insistence on the removal of Dr Rolph Balgobin as Angostura Chairman pending the outcome of a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations levelled against him. Further, FIXIN’ T&T now calls on Dr Rowley to:
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
- Instruct AG Faris Al-Rawi to immediately publicise the details of the NDA. The people’s money was allegedly (mis)used!
- Immediately remove Sports Minister Darryl Smith pending the outcome of a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations surrounding him (the Minister).
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WOW, everyone is now a moralist. Before you call me a PNM sycophant. Let me state from the get go I AM NOT. and i am certainly NOT a dan of Darryl Smith . That being said But Fixin T&T head has an agenda and a axe to grind against the Rowley led government/Administration. I just want him to state his political agenda and preference. We all know he is no saint. Just like Stephen Cadiz was; another closet opponent of this government once they don’t get to dip their hands in the country’s coffers …All will reveal itself in time. Watch, listen and learn
All them big fellers getting away with sexual harassment no wonder the country in a state
The UNC was like Ali Baba thieving and giving away but what they use to be giving away and nothing is the same
I can’t believe Alyuh put them there and complaining now we culture what killing we pnm and unc is the same type ah ppl same culture so how can we see we way
so sorry too say before the five years up there will be no Ministers
Thanks for this updated list. Waiting for more sites…
One cannot help but wonder at Rowley’s ineffectual leadership. He is leading a ship whose crew is wayward, doing their own thing, and lacks the necessary discipline to work as a unit.
Say what you will about Kamla, and I pounded her endlessly for stupid decisions, she did the right thing – belatedly on some occasions – when she fired 16 Ministers for various ethical transgressions. Some of those transgressions might be considered ‘minor’ by the PNM standards, which are at an all-time low.
One cannot help but compare the two styles of ‘leadership’.
I will not be ‘popular’ for saying this but another difference I have observed is this: Under both UNC administrations, Panday’s and Kamla’s, there was corruption, which I disagreed with vociferously, but the country did gain many tangible and intangible benefits. Sadly, under the PNM, I am still looking, after nearly 3 years, to see what benefits the country gained. So far, the sea-bridge has collapsed, the crime rate is still going up, the police are still leaderless, the Sports ministry is a personal playground for a sex pest and many more… but money is being spent and certain people are getting richer.
The PNM is run along the lines of a closed cult, and what is inside stays inside.
I have found you to be generally a very balanced, fair-minded commentator but I’m afraid that, not for the first time, your UNC slip is showing here.
Your comment reminds me of Desmond Cartey’s much-quoted affirmation that “All ah we tief!”
I am also reminded of the story about the Bajan and the Trini who had together robbed a bank and were subsequently splitting their loot:
Bajan: (counting) One for you, ten for me, one for you, ten for me.
The Bajan is, as you might have guessed, the rapacious UNC but the Trini is not, as you may be thinking, the bungling PNM but innocent T&T.
Horror of horrors! UNC slip? First time I’ve ever been accused of that… lol.
But I stand by my observations. Granted, I have not been back to Trinidad often but I recall last time I visited, hundreds of roads were paved under the UNC, that piece of road in front of the Old San Fernando Technical Institute that was terrible for over 40 years, was finally fixed, under a UNC government.
Schools were built, many more repaired… Things like laptops given to students… now, I am not saying that the PNM didn’t do stuff in the last 3 years. I’m not seeing it. Enlighten me.
Mister, you’re missing my point. I am no defender of Rowley and his bungling PNM Govermnment. All I am saying is that your presentation of the facts gives one the impression that Kamla and her bunch of crooks were, if not good FOR the country, at least good TO the country..
Nothing could be further from the truth!
And that is the only point that I wish to make here. In the race for contribution to country over the last eight or so years, both the PNM and the UNC tie FOR LAST!
Whatever the ‘presentation’ of the facts, remember they are indeed, facts. I hold no brief for either party – I think of myself as an equal opportunity basher, throwing calpet around to anyone who deserves it.
The point I was trying to make was that for all her faults, Kamla would have sacked this minister by now. Rowley’s dithering is doing no favours to either himself or the PNM.
Remember, whether we like it or not, Trinidad and Tobago does have a 2-party system, and if Rowley wants a second term, he is going about it the wrong way. The question will be: vote for corruption but get something in return? Or vote for corruption without anything in return.
A hanged man relies on every breath he can ‘tief’, so the population that is being ‘strangled’ will indeed go to where they can get ‘air’. Sad, yes, but true.
In your terms, the alternatives are either vote for corruption but get something in return or vote for corruption without anything in return. In my terms, it’s a choice between voting for a bunch of thieves or voting for a bunch of bunglers…or NOTA.
I’m not sure what my choice will be but I’m damn sure which it WON’T be. Option One.
And my instincts tell me that many, many others have the exact, same dilemma.
Sadly, neither your opinion, nor mine will count, come voting time.
Regardless of political affiliation, race or physical appearance, misuse of power at the expense of subordinates is just wrong. The government needs to lead by example.
Nah boy! Not the ghost of a second term for all you nah! Too much nonsense and a weak Prime Minister to deal with! Bye Bye! to the political graveyard for a rest!
Never again UNC this l know for sure
Theresa, and I most certainly share your wishes, but in a “potato” country like ours where, because of the ethnic divide we are faced with two parties, what can I say. I for one will not be casting any vote as I am disgusted, disappointed and despise all those pappy-show people who believe they are politicians. Tribalism seeking survival on the masses strength.
Mike Penco i agree with u. I cant say who was worse tho. Unc or pnm. The bullshit was the same but i feel living conditions was a lil better under the unc. Ppl were less lawless too. Could be thay regardless of government tje society would have spiralled downward. But as it is, lofe was better 5 yrs ago, even better 5 yrs before that. And blessed 15 to 20 yrs ago. Maybe i getting old. Lol
I respect your honest assessment and at times think almost the sam as well.
Kirk, are you trying to bring the government down? Or do you not think Darryl has enough ammo to carry out his threat so to do?