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OFFERED: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at PiarcoInternational Airport yesterday. Photos: Micheal Bruce

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N e w tw is t i n s a g a o f K a m la h i r in g h e r

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By Ria Taitt Political Editor

Story Created: Mar 14, 2012 at 10:53 PM ECT(Story Updated: Mar 14, 2012 at 10:53 PM ECT )

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar offered

to pay for her sister Vidwatie Newton on the first

official trip she made as Prime Minister shortly

after assuming office, high-level sources

revealed yesterday.

The Express learned the Prime Minister even

offered to tender a cheque to cover Newton's

travel expenses, but it was refused by a senior

public servant who argued it would set a bad

precedent which other prime ministers may be

obliged to follow. The senior public servant also

told Persad-Bissessar there was precedent for

the Prime Minister to have a travel assistant.

"It was in those circumstances that the Prime

Minister acceded to the (current) arrangement," a Government source said.

In July 2010, Persad-Bissessar went to Jamaica to attend her first Caricom Heads of Government

Meeting in Montego Bay.

The Express contacted the former public servant on the issue. The individual, who asked not to benamed, said Persad-Bissessar indicated in July 2010 that she needed assistance in travelling and

enquired about paying for the person who would be accompanying her, which she identified as her

sister.

"I understood fully what it was that she wanted. It was the first time that we were having a female

Prime Minister. Normally, a protocol officer would accompany the prime minister abroad. And one of

the things the protocol officer would assist the prime minister with is if the prime minister needed to

get his suits pressed or to get ready for his meetings, those kinds of personal things. The protocol

officer would usually assist the prime minister because you don't expect a prime minister to call room

service or the laundry.

"But, in this particular case, it was the first time we were having a female Prime Minister. The protocol

officer who was in place was a male, and the Prime Minister did not yet have any of her personal staff.

And you have to understand that for people to look after your personal needs, your clothes, et cetera,

it should be somebody that you are familiar with and feel comfortable with.

"If we didn't have someone to help herand I understood it fullysomeone was required to look after

her wardrobe, to help her get ready. Because if she unpacked her clothes and went looking rumpled

to a meeting, the next thing we would be seeing in the newspapers is, 'Look how the Prime Minister

appeared at this meeting'. It was something (a need) that was recognised," the former public servant

said.

The former public servant said she conferred with a colleague in the Ministry of Finance, and they

both understood the need to address the issue since this was the first female Prime Minister on her

first trip.

"We felt it was something that could be accommodated," the person said.

Recognising that Newton was not a public servant or an officer on contract, a recommendation was

made, subject to the approval of Cabinet, that she accompany the Prime Minister as a travel assistant,

the person said.

The individual added that the travel assistant would tend to those needs peculiar to a female, as well

as medication and other personal needs.

The Cabinet agreed to pay Newton's airfare and hotel accommodation and meals, "but she was not

treated like a public officer, and what was granted to her was actual expenses (as opposed to a per

diem which, in most cases, is based on a formula which takes into account things that someone on

official duty would have to carry out)".

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'S MONEY REFUSED | Trinidad Express Newspaper |... http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/PM_S_MONEY_...

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Comments (121)

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2 hours ago

My God Madame PM! me thinks the lady protest a bit too much! New

day full of new lies! Just return the funds please!! Enough is Enough if

you are PM and doing the Morally and Ethically correct thing there

ain't no Public servant who can Sway you!

24 replies active less than 1 minute ago

2 hours ago

So what is the Government paying LISA GHANY to do????Hold an appointment book?

1 hour ago

Kalamity K - "Doctor, what's wrong with me?"

Doctor Cassandra-

"Maam , you have a severe case of foot in mouth disease,

complicated by mental constipation.

Side effects, verbal diarrhea, hubris, and a powerful urge for

gazool"

1 hour ago

Isn't that Kamlamity PB? (not my words I saw someone use

that name)..lol. Everyday's a new scandal with them. I'm

awaiting the next one right around the corner LOL.

1 hour ago

Ain't Lisa the niece?

51 minutes ago

OK, I was confused because the niece (assistant) who was

allegedly car-jacked is also Lisa... my apologies.

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The same arrangement was used for the Prime Minister's trip to New York, USA. The individual

stressed that these arrangements were made in the unique scenario of a woman Prime Minister now

coming on board.

Government sources disclosed yesterday the entire Cabinet had advised the Prime Minister to put

Newton on staff.

But at the time, there were persons occupying positions on the staff of the Prime Minister's residence,

and the Prime Minister was reluctant to release them.

One minister, speaking on the condition of anonymity, commenting on the issue, said yesterday: "She

tried to do the right thing. She didn't fire anybody (to create an opening for Newton)."

The minister added further: "The last time the Prime Minister travelled with someone (else), security

found the person going through her purse and cellphone. And this is one of the reasons why her sister

looks after those kinds of things."

ON DEMAND


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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1 hour ago

Seeingeye, isn't this laughable! They seem to be managing

scandals now daily. Please allyuh give we ah break already nah

and start governing positively if we cyar get ah snap election to

vote allyuh out. Thanks!!!

1 hour ago

anothrr day another story . All yuh please stop asking her about

this before she say god made she do it

1 hour ago

Bad precedent?

When Hamza Rafeeq went abroad for heart surgery, he was told

by Panday that he was 'entitled' to take his wife along for support

and aid.

Rafeeq told Bas, "Shedoesn't work for the Government, I do. Pay

for my expenses if you want, but she is my responsibility." Rafeeq

then paid all expenses for his wife to accompany him, out of his

own pocket.

So what nonsense Kamla coming with? Precedent (which she

loves) had already been set.

We will take the money now, if you please.

1 hour ago

Offer to pay!!! Please just ah smoke screen. They think we

stupid. They ain't paying JACK! Pardon the pun.

1 hour ago

Pun pardoned. (^_^)

54 minutes ago

LMFAO! Is pure cobeaux politricks with these embiciles

we....SMDH,

48 minutes ago

corbeaux* (French)

imbeciles** (a lil short fella aka Tattoo)

Just saying...

41 minutes ago

LMFAO!

1 hour ago

KAMLA AH WANT BACK MEH MONEY-ALL OF IT!!! I dont care

for your sister...this is unacceptable. Stop papyshowing the tax

paying persons of tnt..u boldface with ppl money!!!!! use ur own.

shux!


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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1 hour ago

Very CREATIVE WRITING! It's a shame that since this story broke

that this is the HOGWASH that the writer could have come up with.

What the hell are you people allergic to the darn TRUTH!

KEEP IT UP until the whole damn population less the UNC/PP

blind loyalist grow to dislike you and your administration more and

more each day for insulting their intelligence.

What a SHAME! Wasting a perfect opportunity to govern this

country...

46 minutes ago

nah nah... doh blame the writer. The writer merely reporting the

story fed to the masses.

1 hour ago

The insincerity of this woman is ASTOUNDING.

6 minutes ago

She have more balls than a man in ah similar position,oui.

55 minutes ago

If you look at the Mirror's website....see the newest headline story:

"Sister Act: Wattie's family living at the PM's official residence as

Kamla moves out"

According to article when you read enlarged page image, from top

left corner -

Sister's family has been living at the Official residence of the PM at

considerable expense to the State, integral to the PM's function as

the country's chief executive.

37 minutes ago

You people talking so much stupidness. This is not the PM

speaking but someone who is in a position to talk. The stupidness

you are talking... didn't she offer to pay the money?

Nothing she does will be enough

SUCK IT UP

26 minutes ago

I know we are outnumbered on this blog so PNM people. bring

it on. Vote downs but no reply... DUMBkOFFS

8 minutes ago

Ah,, Green Pepper, it isn't about PNM people. It's about

right-thinking people.

7 minutes ago

AH HAH! YUH LOOKED AT MY AVATAR... cool


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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5 minutes ago

No, I deducted from the name. Spanish isn't difficult. I

remember enough from high school (30 odd years

ago)

2 hours ago

This thing like a tv series staring Kamla. Every show is a different

story.

3 replies active 1 hour ago

2 hours ago

monkey see monkey do.........something like "LOST" a new twist a

new drama everyday......but like this pardnership really lost

1 hour ago

HOGWASH

4 TIMES in this short article it is stated

"It was the first time that we were having a female Prime Minister"

as if to justify the nonsense we read yesterday!!!!

Notice no one wants to be named in this scandal.

This story is as contrived as Julie Browne's recommendation letter

for reshmi.

So let me ask one question.

After the first trip, when she acquired new staff , why are we still

paying for her sister???

1 hour ago

Its called "Lifestyles of the Rich, Corrupt and Shameless!"

2 hours ago

New twist in saga is correct. Maybe she did try to do the right thing,

but at the end of the day, the advice she got from the 'former public

servant' to not pay her sister's way only served to make the hiring of

her sister appear as blatant nepotism. Can't nobody come clean on

this issue?

5 replies active 8 minutes ago

1 hour ago

but A A... 'subject to Cabinet's approval'... who controls the

Cabinet?

1 hour ago

Notice they never stated if cabinet approved it, or if it was ever

presented to Cabinet. they surely know everybody and their dog

will ask to see the note in the name of transparency. This is a

big joke, that is becoming bizzare, the more they comment on

the issue.

1 hour ago

Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to

deceive


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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A sound head, an honest heart, and an humble spirit are the

three best guides through time and to eternity

Sir Walter Scott

25 minutes ago

You always have a relevant quote off the bat, Mr.

JumbiesWatch. You're good, and that is so true.

8 minutes ago

Thanks (^_^)

My name is Jumbie... my website is Jumbie's Watch...

but the Intense Debate format doesn't allow the

apostrophe or space.

2 hours ago

Who was this former public servant? Why was the PM following

advice from this person and not other advisers or current public

servants? What kind of advice was that - setting a bad precedent for

her to pay for her sister's way? Up to now we haven't heard of which

other past Prime Ministers who had 'travel assistants' before. The

term 'protocol officer' was mentioned here as the people who

performed the duties Ms. Newton is doing now.

5 replies active less than 1 minute ago

1 hour ago

let me outline some of what I see wrong in this story:

1) "The protocol officer who was in place was a male, and the

Prime Minister did not yet have any of her personal staff." ~ I

guess it would have been verydifficult to get a female protocol

officer from the same source as the male who was in place, huh?

2) "Recognising that Newton was not a public servant or an officer

on contract, a recommendation was made, subject to the approval

of Cabinet, that she accompany the Prime Minister as a travel

assistant, the person said. " ~ So a former public servant is to be

blamed for this nepotism? Is this how it is being played out?

3) "subject to the approval of Cabinet" ~ Who controls the

Cabinet?

4) "One minister, speaking on the condition of anonymity,

commenting on the issue, said yesterday: "She tried to do the right

thing. She didn't fire anybody (to create an opening for Newton)." ~

So she preferred to 'waste' State money to pay her sister who is

doing the job, not one but two persons, are already being paid to

do?

Am I the only person seeing the jiggery-pokery here?

27 minutes ago

1) Yah, seems very, verydifficult to hire a female protocol

officer.

2) Always blaming someone else. Nothing new here.

3)Good point.

4) Very good point.

NOPE. YOU ARE NOT ALONE SIR

31 minutes ago

If she pays, there is a problem. If she does not pay there is a

problem. What do you all want?


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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7 minutes ago

Hi verde. Uh I would think her paying for her sister's expenses

would have simmered down this debate a bit. I know where

you're coming from but remember she had stated some time

ago that

"...She clarified that Newton is not employed or paid by the

government. I do give her some of my own money because she

has to live..."

So now this proverbial molehill is transforming into a mountain

of excuses and stories, all of which get more and more

confusing by the day.

less than 1 minute ago

My question to you is this:

Why are you so all-fired up to defend this obvious jiggery-

pokery?

2 hours ago

The PM has betrayed the trust that the citizens imposed in her on

May 24th, 2010. Over the last two years the country has been taintedinternationally by the political shenanigans of the UNC government.

Indeed, the country was warned of the ineptness and lack of foresight

of Kamla but the majority was so consumed with hate for the PNM

they could not see beyond Kamla's deceit. Now that the dust has

been cleared and the hate has dissipated, we are realizing the

mistake made.

This beloved country of ours cannot move forward with the likes of

Kamla and her minions. We can recall that when in Opposition Kamla

was very vocal and by extension was alluding to the fact that the

country was fed up with lack of development, with crime, with

corruption etc. But what have we seen since she assumed the reigns

of government? The situation has gotten worst that it was.

Now we have to say to Kamla, WE ARE FED UP WITH YOU.

Peace.


2 hours ago

This smells rotten.

If there is an instance wherein the individual needed a female aide,

then it was simple. create a position. There is no need to fire anyone.

If the original aide was a male and that male could not effectively

perform the task, then he is not needed, but since she did not want to

fire him, then keep him on to play cards and pay him tax payer dollars

for doing nothing - don't mind that people hungry.

In the meantime, if she really needed an aide that was female and

there was no woman on staff that was qualified ( this I cannot

believe), then she could readily hire her sister on a temporary basis

and create a contractual position for a temporary aide and

simultaneously, the cabinet could have created a work request for a

suitable aide for her.

A job opening would have been created and specifics addressed as

per qualifications desired. Interviews would have to have been done.

Argue that the sister was the best choice, at least fool the public by

creating the job and hold some faux interviews for record purpose and

to CYA. Instead she took in her sister in an act of blatant nepotism.

The individual who refused the payment should be held accountable

since it is illegal for the TT Govt to use taxpayer dollars for someone

who is not working for the TT Govt in this instance - this is big. The

fact that she complied and did not pay, implicates her in grossnegligence and misconduct - she is supposed to be a lawyer right?

She knows this and cannot feign ignorance.

This is just blatant lies and BS. She is lying, and she is robbing the

coffers.


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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Time to put a motion in court to arrest the woman for fraud.


2 hours ago

The senior public servant or the Cabinet members should pay for

Vidwatie's expenses out of pocket and not the taxpayers of TnT since

they are the ones causing Kamla to break the law.

2 hours ago

I anxiously await Friday to see what the new story will be. It is

changing daily.

2 hours ago

People ...ah tell yuh .....allyuh making the advisors work overtime

....yet another twist......oliver twist can do this.....yesterday it was over

624 comments 95pcnt not favorable...so they coming from another

angle.....transparency and integrity....at its best kamla...shame shame

shame.

2 hours ago

If everything is above board and within protocol, then why this big

secret about a "mysterious senior public servant"? Let him / her come

forward and face the public and explain to us:

1. why the sister of the PM got $233,000 for dressing the PM and

giving her tablets, while a minister of the govt on more critical

business got only $50,000?

2 can a person, not employed by the govt , be paid a per diem using

state funds?

3 why did the govt announce in parliament that a per diem was being

paid, and now we are hearing the PM sister was paid for her

"expenses". Has the story changed since the govt realised it has

breached the law by paying per diem to a person not employed by the

govt ?

4. is T&T the only country in the whole world that has a female PM?

Why is it that other countries have protocol officers; and only in T&T

that our govt has to pay a PM's sister hundreds of thousands of

dollars in state funds to accompany her on trips.

They say "former senior public servant" , has this person left the

service? This entire populations demands answers from this "public

servant" and it is the duty of any PM that has integrity to do so. I won't

hold my breath though, having seen what the PM has done in similar

circumstances in the past.

2 hours ago

This reading more and more like a cooked up story.

A government source..... a former public servant...... one minister

speaking on the condition of anonymity....

No names.

Like Ria Taitt got a bligh for this?

She has been known in the past to compromise herself for politicians.

2 hours ago

Yes Ozzy... very important question, who is this senior public servant.Given the gravity of this situation, this person's name is critical to your

credibility madame PM. It appears that she is no longer a Public

servant, so then why the secrecy.

Remember, in another line of defence past PM Robbie's name was

called. Name the public Servant.


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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1 reply active 58 minutes ago

2 hours ago

in China they are celebrating the year of the dragon! while we in

trinidad have the YEAR OF THE LIAR!!


2 hours ago

There is absolutely nothing wrong in having her sister with her,

especially since she is a qualified nurse who has the PMs best

interest at heart. The PM is representing this nation with elegance and

sheer pride and there is no need to make such a racket about having

her sister accompany her. Keep leading the State with strength and

lawfulness Hon PM. TNT is proud of you!

1 reply active 1 hour ago

2 hours ago

Now it is said that 'actual expenses' (as opposed to a PER DIEM

which was reported ad nauseam before) were granted to her. The

more explanations are given here, the more confusing it gets.

2 hours ago

The PP partnership equates TRUTH with NARCISSISM.

2 hours ago

Kamla, of course your cheque was refused. It was imaginary to begin

with!

2 hours ago

Stuppes..

2 hours ago

Regardless of what is said the PNM is now on a witch hunt and will

blow the smallest issue out of proportion. This is really all they can do,

because with Zero corruption, reduced crime, a flourishing economy,

and a working government the opposition is tapped out of things to

oppose, so we can brace for more of the same from them. However

the PP will not be demoralized by these petty issues and will continue

to deliver superior governance to the Citizenry of TnT.


2 hours ago

You could fool some of the people ... some of the time , but not all the

people.... all the time!

2 hours ago

These people need to stop judging! The PM was not wrong in carrying

her sister. Obama hired close family members to babysit his children!

Also, any man in power would have carried his wife to take care of

him! This is a sexist accusation, it seems. The PM represents our

country each and every day and we are proud of her for that. These

accusers need to get something else to gossip about!


2 hours ago

The economy, cost-of-living, construction industry, labor industry,

roads, crime, etc. is in turmoil and this PM, sister and several others

are enjoying tax payers money without any accountability. Why?

Because some Trini's like it so!


f 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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The PM, her sister or the high ranking public official should be held

accountable and citizens must demand that they pay back the money

spent. To spend so much money on ya sister is outrageous. "A honest

day's work for a honest day's pay"

2 hours ago

And express, you should limit the Number of reports a single user can

send. This blog has been compromised by a small loophole.


1 hour ago

"...And you have to understand that for people to look after your

personal needs, your clothes, et cetera, it should be somebody that

you arefamiliarwith and feel comfortable with. - NONSENSE since

this only leads to the situation Kamla found herself into - NEPOTISM!

"But, in this particular case, it was the first time we were having a

female Prime Minister. The protocol officer who was in place was a

male...."- So where is he now? When he was being replaced WHY,

wasn't the position advertised transparently to find other interested

persons, especially interested females????

"The minister added further: "The last time the Prime Ministertravelled with someone (else), security found the person going

through her purse and cellphone. And this is one of the reasons why

her sister looks after those kinds of things."- This sounds like a story

Minister Herbert Volney or Gary Griffith would come up with to

justify the nepotism!


1 hour ago

How is it that everyone is speaking on condition of anonymity; even a

Government Minster. I can understand the Editor's right to protect the

source, but a Government Minister ought not to be speaking on

condition of anonymity in a matter such as this; nor a former public

servant for that matter. Even the naivette of the comments by these

sources has me amazed

What is the Minister of Finance doing to address these oversights of

the financial regulations. The Auditor General must surely investigate

these breaches and bring it to the attention of Parliament in the

Auditor's Report on the Government of T&T's Consolidated Accounts.

Is this PM any different than the last one or is arrogance a

pre-qualification for the office of Prime Minister.

"Those whom the Gods wish to destroy they first make mad".


1 hour ago

The conniving and the fable telling is overwhelming.......

1 hour ago

Deceptions, Deceptions, Deceptions is the watch words of this

administration.

Allowances for overseas travel for non-public officers where the

Government is required to meet all costs, such as in cases where the

Government specifically requires members of the private sector to

accompany public officials on a trade or cultural mission for the

purpose of ENHANCING the skill set or expertise available to the

delegation. What skill set did this individual have to enhance the

delegates on the trip???

The question that must be answered is why is the Government

required to meet these costs in this specific case???

The payment of overseas travel costs associated with a close relativeis justified in limited situations, such as trips abroad for medical

attention, and NOT for general business travel. Politically speaking, it

would have been best if the Prime Minister had hired a trusted

associate, who is not a relative, as a personal assistant. This would

have averted signs of nepotism, as such.

Again, from the PM's response or lack of any, deception seem to be


of 15 15/03/2012 06:08


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the watch word.

1 hour ago

If she is not capable of making the proper arrangements to have a

personal assistant, would she be capable of running a country. The

evidence speaks for itself.

We must not be unkind, the baby needs her bottle and who best to

feed her than an english trained nurse.

1 hour ago

Dam Express, already my comment has gone missing in action.

Had the PM done this legally her sister wouldnt getting all the extra

perks.


1 hour ago

It would appear that each day, a different version of the Prime

Minister's actions is presented to the public, and raises more

questions, it would appear that there is a confusing context,that is at

the core behind the transaction set in motion to have her sister as herPERSONAL VALET to keep,under wraps certain types of indiscreet

habits within the family circle .As a new PM not versed or practised in

the protocols of a travelling Prime Ministers._It would seem that the

office of the PM, would draw from the military the appropiate

personnel who would have the skills to provide the various functional

services for the PM . Normally this would be formally documented

even prior to leaving T&T to ensure that the PM's personal effects are

included in her travel baggage, even to the details of any medication

that is required. the sister explanation is a Lawerly concotion, which is

failing the smell test, it opens the door for citizens to pose the

question why avoid the most easily available Military trained

personnel for these State travel events. The PM as a lawyer, should

recognize the damage to her credibility by the daily changing

explanations.

1 hour ago

If Kamla Persad-Bissessar says 'it is raining', go outside and make

sure yuh getting wet..........

1 hour ago

the problem with Kamla is that she started lying,and didn't expect her

lie to be scrutinized. She was so caught up in not appearing to have

employed her sister as her advisor/maid/nurse that she quickly

pointed out that her sister was not being paid by the state. Unknown

to her, this means that her sister would not have been entitled to

having the cost of her travel covered by the state.

Now she'll stop at nothing to avoid admitting she erred yet anothertime. She was even willing to implicate our former President and PM

in her schemes, as well as to seek sympathy based on her gender

1 hour ago

People watch out this story is going to come full circle...that her sister

has been in the employ of the state from day one!

I'm keeping a watchful eye and a keen listening ear.

1 hour ago

It Was a unique need at the time as FEMALE PM was introduced and

as such had unique needs. If she offered to pay and money was

refused that just goes to show that her sisters support is not even

calculated in dollars. This is love . What a wonderful role model the

PM is


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1 hour ago

Um....

As an attorney, the PM should know to present...

the dated, signed "advice" of the "senior public servant".

Where is it?

Caught at odds with the truth again? Good work "SC"!!

1 hour ago

Pathological Sociopath

The situation is dire

1 hour ago

As the most Senior Public Servant in the country, the Prime Minister

should have done the right thing and not take such stupid advice, but,

this is just par for the course with Kamlawati our Dalit queen. Stupid is

as stupid does.


1 hour ago

Any foreigner who read this article then read all those foolish

nonsensical comments will feel that we are a bunch of unpatriotic

fools.

Dont matter how much you dislike a person there must come a time

when you will give them credit for something they do.

It makes me wonder if any of you all have a family cause if this is your

attitude on this blog i can only imagine the breakdown in your family

life with fighting and cussout everyday. Because if there is no logic in

your words i dont believe there's any in your actions.

The PM might of make a few errors in the past but i cant understandthe rational behind all this hate you all are spewing out everyday even

when she try to do the right thing.

But im glad she dosnt read blogs so all your venom for her will have

no value and she will continue stressing you all out maybe for another

15 or more years.

If you all are the voices of the PNM you are just doing the party an

injustice with your unpatriotic foolish talk. Thank God its only about 30

of you and the rest of the country are right thinking people.


1 hour ago

glampolitics and earlgittens I often wonder from under which rock yu

all have crawled....the new twist seems to be n imputation that a

public oficer was caught by security going thru the PM's purse...just

now you would be hearing all kinds of new tales to justifydotishness...not me and the New Monarchy that Queen KPB trying to

create

1 hour ago

YUH F'ING LIE! STUEPSSSSSSSSSSS. WE TIRED AH ALLYUH

WE.

53 minutes ago

The senior public servant also told Persad-Bissessar there was

precedent for the Prime Minister to have a travel assistant. Does the

senior public servant have a name? Is the tail wagging the dog. She is

the boss, she should have insisted and paid for her sister, then if

necessary, get refunded. That would not have caused the

embarrassment to her and the government now.


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51 minutes ago

Speaking of repaying the miss use of the coffers of the treasury of

Trinidad and Tobago, what of the Pundit and his wife who joined the

extensive entourage to India some days after their departure, to the

tune of $300 000+, first class all the way ofcourse.

A TOTAL ABUSE OF STATE FUNDS, REPAY THE MONEY FOR THE

UTTER EXTRAVAGANCE OF A FETE FOR A SELECT BUNCH

NOW.

50 minutes ago

We are descending into a thought pattern of absurdity, so Madam

Bissessar determines who she is comfortable with for a travelling

companion, lets project this as setting prescedent, so we have a

single PM, and he will like to have women companion who can make

him comfortable and look after his meals and needs because of his

position. and being a single man with special needs. Is this monkey

business or what.

43 minutes ago

This is incredible! So this foolish woman has been caught LYING yet

again, of the hundred or so times, yes people, are so much nonsense

she is still PM, unbelievable! And now everyone is gunna LIE for her,these anonymous persons, and what's with this stressing of first

femlae PM! Is that some sort of excuse?!! Imagine Hilary Clinton

trying to pull that crap during the democractic debates?!!! Kamla,

worst that the worst.... plain failure, I don't think there are enough

superlatives to explain how abysmal this woman is.

Onto the bigger picture, WHAT HAS THIS GOVERNMENT DONE IN

ALMOST 2 YEARS!!!!!! NOTHINGGGGGG!! and everyday its some

bachannal in which they must lie, disjointedly and uncoordinatedly, to

try to have it hopefully blow over by the weekend. Everything this gov't

does is a problem! Disgusting... how can people still support such

utter trash!!

This episode is only the latest in how many? I've lost count! kamla is

lying blatantly, it was a joyride for her sister. She used taxpayer

money. They know they can do whatever they want when you have

persons willing to back them to the wall, like sheep.

36 minutes ago

93 posts, 86 against 7 for. T&T rising slowly people seeing the light.

The senior or senile public servant who advised the PM hopefully is

close to retirement.

Nepotism is nepotism and the public is wary so why continue to fan

the fire? Let Mrs. Newton payback the monies minus the airfare and

ride out. 5 trips averaging 200.000.00 per trip makes her a millionaire

off of the nacks of taxpayers.......Inland Revenue please take note.

29 minutes ago

my thoughts on this

question.....if a person works in an organization somewhere and i

dunno brings his or her child to work and the child helps the person

out....could the person go to his/her boss and saysir/miss my

son/daughter helped me,now pay him/her....would the boss take

him/her seriously?hope ppl understand why i made this story

"The Express learned the Prime Minister even offered to tender a

cheque to cover Newton's travel expenses, but it was refused by a

senior public servant who argued it would set a bad precedent which

other prime ministers may be obliged to follow. The senior public

servant also told Persad-Bissessar there was precedent for the Prime

Minister to have a travel assistant."

ladies and gentlemen......pay attention to the word precedent.....the

precedent(at least in my humble view.....i mean i aint any minister,justa youth)refers to trying to get her sister if normally this personnel is

catered to you.......oh and by the way (cont)


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27 minutes ago

All I want to know is: what are the procedures to impeach this PM.

There must be a cut-off point for all this illegal and unethical

behaviour. They need to forget the procurment bill, since they have no

intentions to follow any rules, regulations or protocol. BTW is there

only one employee on the Protocol staff? So when the wives of the

previous PM travelled along with their spouses, weren't there any

female protocol officers to assist. If not, methinks there is need for

some gender balance in that position, en't Nizam?

22 minutes ago

Lies, Lies, and more Lies!!! So the new story now suggests that she

offered to cover Newton's expenses and was refused and this Senior

Public Servant suggested the position of Travel Assistant. That's it?

So why de hell this was not stated initially??? Why the excessive

meandering before we arrive to this????? We are all tax payers and

citizens. We were not born on the eighth day of the week, nor the

367th day of the year at the 25th hour. We are not flicking

CHUPID!!!!!! This is the third version of "the truth". People do you

think that Obama, Bush or Clinton could have offered these versions

of " the truth" to the American people and survived? They would have

been screaming for impeachment. But we sit by and accept this load

of crap from an unnamed Government Minister and an unnamed

former Public Servant. We are really a flicking BANANNA

REPUBLIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

21 minutes ago

cont from above ................who is barry paradath and lisa ghany, arent

they already advisers to the pm......and normally i read that these

advisor personnel are supposed to be defense force

personnel.....could somebody confirm or answer any of this?

2 side notes....1,who is kurt ramdial in connection to udecott and 2,

love jack warner and how he doged those german reporters.....very

classy

16 minutes ago

So this arrangement was done since the PM did not want to let staff

go. However, it came about because the security found the official

person going through the PM's purse and cell phone.

The PM offered to pay for her sister's travel arrangements on the first

trip because she felt that was the right thing to do. However, her sister

now gets a heavy per diem in addition to those expenses being

covered. Why did she not refuse the per diem?

The logical reasoning is not working for me. Having found someone in

violation of trust was enough grounds to let them go and there would

have been a vacancy. It is contradictory to want to pay for travel

expenses when she was aware of the per diem.

15 minutes ago

we live in a modern world time to evolve there is always a 1st for

everything any ways did manning come back as yet

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