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| A HOUSE FOR MS BISSESSAR |
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| Thursday, 03 June 2010 22:19 |
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IT WAS A completely Trinidadian moment - perhaps the defining Trinidadian moment - that instance about three weeks ago when, on the political platform, then Leader of the Opposition and now Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar solemnly promised not to move into that palace of the peacock Mr Manning built for himself, but to give it to the President of the Republic, who was then (and still is) living in the servants' quarters of the collapsing President's House. It was an absolutely Trinidadian moment because it was so obviously the right thing to do - or, more accurately, the right thing to say (which itself makes the moment even more profoundly illustrative of Trinidad, where the smallest action is easily replaced by grand speeches). The palace is the preeminent symbol of everything Mr Manning did wrong, of his & his PNM's complete disconnection from the Trinidadian reality and, when she promised not to move in, Ms P-B was promising that the old order would not corrupt the "New Politics" of the People's Partnership.And how they cheered, the assembled, loving masses; how overjoyed they were! How she shone, their leader, and how they, too, glowed, and that moment in time itself, how much sweet promise it held: all the good of Trinidad was captured in it. If you could freeze that moment, it would for all eternity reveal to any outsider what Trinidad is all about: because, before the weekend came ‘round, Ms Persad-Bissessar had openly reneged on that promise; and it is how that moment in time played out, in this, our future, which we make in our present, that made it so perfectly Trinidadian: because, even as she said the right thing and graciously accepted the commendation for doing it, even as she basked in the glow of our promise as a people, even as we celebrated all that we could be in that magical moment, there was probably no one in Trinidad, least of all Kamla herself, who genuinely expected her not to live in the palace. And, now that she is moving in - because, apparently, President Max Richards is content to remain in the cottage as long as he is not put in the doghouse - it becomes more difficult to imagine Trinidad & Tobago liberating itself from the un-freedom it has never been able to escape. I have seen nothing in the papers or on the blogs condemning this first betrayal; indeed, most people to whom I have spoken have declined to see it is a betrayal of her promise (or our potential) at all. "Wh'appen to you, man, BC?" they have whined. "You want she to rent a house? And the palace build for the Pee Em? And she is the Pee Em? Well, then! And she offer it to Max and is he who say no? Well, then! What you really want she do? Oh gorm, Give she ah ease, nuh, man! Why you have to so anti-, anti- anti-everything? It better she move een than the place stay empty, ent it?" To my way of thinking - which I concede is not the usual one in Trinidad - it would be better for the palace to remain empty or even be knocked down than Ms P-B move in; if I could, I would leave Mr & Mrs Manning there, as a permanent exhibit/reminder of how badly we can go wrong; perhaps, if Kamla had to look Patos in the eye on the threshold of the palace, she might see clearly what she should not become. As long as Kamla could discern that the palace represented Mr Manning and all he stood for, the People's Partnership had a chance of really being a partnership for the people; the moment Kamla began to see the palace as ‘a residence befitting a modern prime minister', she herself became changed; and I sensed another opportunity for greatness slipping out of her hands, and that of the people of Trinidad & Tobago. It is not enough for the electorate to have rejected the Manning PNM resoundingly - though it was necessary for them to have done it. Yes, there is encouragement to be taken from the fact that, with each general election, the voters of Trinidad & Tobago prove themselves to be more mature and less easily duped; but it is not enough for people to stain their fingers once every five years (or, if Mr Manning is the decision maker, once every 30 months). In small, half-made societies like ours, people must be willing to suffer personal loss or inconvenience so that principles by which we all can live can take root. The greatest enabling factor in the last, insufferable two-and-a-half years of the Manning PNM was an acquiescent public: Trinis put up with everything from the neophyte Cabinet through the Finance Minister taking a personal benefit from the CL Financial bailout to the sacking of Keith Rowley without lifting an eyebrow, a finger or a placard (except for Ishamel "Sledge" Samad, who tried to arrest Calder Hart personally). It took a $2M flag and then Sports Minister Gary Hunt's arrogance over it for people's backs to be raised; it took the discovery of the private church being built by Chinese workers on state land to raise the hackles on their necks; and it took a snap election for them to raise their fingers - but what will it take for Trinis to raise their fists? The palace in St Anns does not cease being the symbol of delusions of grandeur merely because another occupant moves in. The people around Kamla Persad-Bissessar should convince her that she should watch that palace like a month in jail. But already all responsibility and principle have been abandoned and the process of placation begun; what the palace stands for is clear, though; and anyone who deliberately chooses to occupy the palace necessarily assumes all its trappings. You can't play sailor mas and ‘fraid powder and you can't install someone in a palace and ‘fraid emperor.
BC Pires is homeless
Comments (24)
  written by Wesley, June 04, 2010
My friend, she is moving in. I agree completely with BC. Sadly, so many other Trinis are "impressed" and still dazzled by the campaign lights that the moment of betrayal has been missed. Very, very bad sign. Of course it is difficult to say this in Trinidad without being branded "a PNM" or as being "anti-Indian". What a place!
 written by in the sauna, June 04, 2010
did not know this one. i've found that any question or criticism of the PP results in angry ppl calling you a pnmite. hopefully ppl will wake up and start noticing things, like the return of carlos john
 written by far away, June 04, 2010
"people must be willing to suffer personal loss or inconvenience so that principles by which we all can live can take root"
A crucial opportunity missed. Until such a time, until Trini's are prepared to move out of their comfort zone and embrace change as a means to the future, the temptation to lapse back into 'old rhythms' will be too hard to resist. This simple act has already lowered expectations and inflicted disappointment.
 written by PsychDoc, June 04, 2010
i disagree. She did offer it to Max as she promised. But now that he has declined use should be made of it by Kamla. No sense throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Plus she has further promised to open it up to the public. She hasn't spray painted 'Kamla's house' over the doorway BC
 written by ella P, June 04, 2010
While I did notice, and wondered whether anyone else had noticed the moment of truth/deception - let us look at it this way: Perhaps, just perhaps, when she thought the residence was a 20 room palace she made her grand statement, and perhaps, now that she realises that despite the grand proportions of that monolith-in-a-moat, the residence is in fact merely a 5 room apartment that shares some common areas hotel-style with the rest of what is in essence The Hyatt Part Deux. Combine that with the logistics of bringing a security cortege through morning traffic from the East or South and you understand why leaders live in or near their offices.... it may just be a calculated decision made by problem-solvers. Hopefully she will address the flip-flop herself and shut us all up. Fabulous title BC.
 written by Liza John, June 04, 2010
The First Betrayal - Jack Warner: "I will not accept a Cabinet position". Who is now the Minister of Works? On TV every night playing heself! - Imagine, if a project costs $10.00, he will tell us it costs $100.00. He has to get back all his money he spent on the UNC
 written by Sherwade Myers, June 04, 2010
BC, as usual you are right on the money. Somehow being "overseas" has not affected your awareness of the politics of the land. I see many things occuring since the PP took office and I wonder if it is naivety on the part of the new MP's on how things work or is it that the former administration just didn't know how to get things done. The statement about being flip flops will always arrise as politicians continuously adjust themselves to the reality of Governance and their ability to deliver. I hope that the status quo doesn't return but I wouldn't be too suprised if it did. It is early days still, lets wait and see.
 written by Norris Blanc, June 04, 2010
BC, I couldn't agree with you more!! I had exactly the same sense of dejection at this decision when the COP failed to win a single seat at the last election. What exactly is the point of opening up the palace to the public anyway, other than just for maco value?? Did anything historic or noteworthy happen there, other than vast ego mania? In fact, they should open up the Presidents House to let people see just how decrepit it had become, and how neglected and marginalised the institution of the Presidency had been. The mind set that accepts this decision without a whimper is the same one that says we shouldn't have an inquiry into the 1990 coup.
 written by Touche, June 04, 2010 Campaign cost PNM $480,000,000.00 PP $260,000,000.00 Not sure how accurate these figures are but even if we double them and assume Jack paid the entire bill for BOTH parties, and Jack is paid back in full, Trinidad still save Billions on that deal.
 written by Nicole Poyer, June 04, 2010
I do agree that the PM should have steered clear of the place, not only to fulfill a promise but because of everything else that this particular 'Palace' symbolises. Since the President has refused her offer for reasons best known to himself perhaps some other use could have been forn for it rather than have it stand empty which further adds to the waste in my view. As far as her personal living quarters go, I don't think anyone in this country would begrudge her, if she chose to look for something nearer and modest to be able to discharge her duties. The entire thing begins to stink of an "Animal Farm" type scenario. Soon we'll all be chanting our own version of "Four legs good, two legs better" while living in the farmer's house.
 written by c. mendes, June 04, 2010
good article BC, except for one thing: people really did think she wouldn't move in. you see, because of what happened in the states with Obama, people here created their own version of Obamamania, and deluded themselves into thinking that real change would come. "Oh look how progressive we are" they thought, "we will have a woman PM."
Obama - Yes We Can Kamla - We Shall Rise ha ha ha ha ha.
 written by Chau, June 04, 2010
I was really hoping she wouldn't move in... Wasn't there a PM's residence before the mansion? I'm sure they can put it to some other use...
Where was Mr. Manning before the mansion? I wonder why Mr. Richards chose not to accept it? He's living far below the status of the President of an "almost-developed" country (I use that description loosely). His residence is dilapidated and he is living where? In the servants quarters? I think the PM's residence should be the President's residence... The PM may be the head of Government, but the President is the Head of State. This is quite disappointing... I didn't expect miracles from her as so many other ppl did... however, it would take NO miracle for her to simply not move in... this simple promise is one I would have hoped she would keep...
 written by raynier, June 04, 2010
BC, I agree with you 100% (for once). KPB should never move into that palace, not only because of what she said on the campaign trial but because of the wanton wastage it symbolizes. The palace might be better served as purely a diplomatic centre to receive and keep visiting heads of state and other dignitaries overnight (or even to take some overflow from the nearby Mad House), while KPB finds herself new digs, possibly at rented or purchased accommodations at nearby Federation Park. I am sure there will be little or no fuss from the people over the cost of the latter once they understand her reasons for doing so. She needs to get this right the first time out -- Trinis have been through enough to offer second chances. I hope she changes her mind, or at the very least read your blog to get an honest, unbiased view of what the people are thinking.
 written by Curious George, June 04, 2010
BC,
Not only is it being reported that the PM is staying in Pasea at Present but also it should be noted that the President has opted to stay at his private residence in St Joseph and NOT in the cottage at the President's residence as stated. The PM has spoken publicly at length on this turn of events and has stated the following: 1. The house was in fact offered to the President for his use until such a time that his official residence could be renovated. 2. The President has since opted to continue to stay at his private residence in St Joseph 3. The renoavtion works at the President's residence will finally receive the priority it deserves. 4. The PM has stated that it was a pointless waste of public funds to construct an alternative residence for the PM 5. She has also indicated (and this is a bold and I believe correct step) that the PM's residence will now become the People's Residence and will become a working building in much the same way that 10 Downing St and the White House are utilized at present that will on some scale be opened to the use of the public at large. (How this will work is yet to be seen.) All told this is a huge improvement over what pertained previously. The previous resident held his cabinet meetings there, met foreign dignataries there, and feted his minions there - and still found the need to take possession of a six storey building in St Clair for the Office of the Prime Minister - but only after he sidelined the historic White Hall. Lastly, in response to Chau - the PMs residence was located on the same site as the new structure. The (old) PM had it demolished and rented a home in Federation Park for well over $100K per month for the 18 months it took to have the new palace constructed.
 written by Tomorrow Today, June 04, 2010
I like you article.
You are right. Trinidadians and Tobagonians are getting more mature as a people - but still half baked. They are also getting wiser. Many people will realise that Kamla is really the lead actress/diva, Jack Warner - producer/executive producer/director/character actor, Dookeran - support actor and the rest of them - extras in a Jack Warner's production. Trinidad always had a flair for the theatrical and wanted to get into the movie business. I am sure that you can find an apt name for this new reality TV series. May I suggest "The Rising" You can probably make some money off it writing a "the making of ...."
 written by kappa, June 04, 2010
It seems so Trinidadian to find a fault in almost everything. I suppose, because the PNM overspent and corruptedly also built the fly-over at Grand Bazaar and the Hyatt and Brian Lara Stadium and NAPA, and because the PP exposed a lot of it, they should not put any of it to use? Rubbish. It's our money they use anyway, even if they tief some or they overspent, we have a right to use it. The bigger shame is if we do not use it, like the PNM's Caroni Racing Complex which was halfway built and abandoned, after spending hundreds of millions and never put to use. I guess some people would prefer that. Kamla should close down de damn flyover tomorrow, and see who go complain now.
 written by Lana, June 05, 2010
I remember hearing Kamla say early in her election campaign that the PM's residence will be converted into a senior citizen's home, hospice or extend the POS hospital....it is amazing how we have ten minute memories in sweet TnT!!!
 written by alisha, June 05, 2010
any one who take's what bcperies write , as fact , is crazy , like him, or just plain stupid.the man is a nerd.
 written by hello, June 05, 2010
Hi Lana,
Can you provide a reference wrt to that about the conversion to a senior citizen's home, etc? Thanks.
 written by Maggy, June 06, 2010
BC, I absolutely agree with you! It would be better for the 'palace' to remain empty than for Mrs P-B to move in. But we never really expected that she wouldn't move in, did we? She said all the right things and won over the masses. Now her defenders would say it is better she move in and use it than it stand empty, after all, it was paid for with our money.
I would like to tell these people that principle cannot and should not be sold so cheaply. We voted for what they promised: honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, good governance (Lord ah fed up hearing dat phrase)and the first promise has been reneged on. The next obvious question is which promise will be reneged on next? And what justification will be given for it? And no, I do not think we should just stop using everything the PNM built or put in place while they were in power; that would be asinine. But the PM's official residence was and is a sore point with many people and much noise came from Mrs P-B and colleagues about it during and after its construction and during the elections. She made a promise that seemed based on principle and now she is doing a 180 and it just does not sit well with me. To Alisha: Dearest child, it is clear that you are not intellectually mature enough to handle critiques, debates or comments at this level so why don't you go back to just reading the comics and posting your childish rants to your facebook friends.
written by curiousgeorge, June 08, 2010
For the record, the PM's residence remains unoccupied. You have told us every reason why she shouldnt live there - now tell us what the appropriate alternative should be.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,122086.html
written by Chau, June 12, 2010
Thanks for the info.
All I'm saying is that if she made a promise to the nation NOT to move in, then she should keep it... it's not a difficult promise to keep... If she made no such promise, THEN the argument of "why waste it" would hold...
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