Senator Danny Montano may not have made a racist statement in the
Senate....but....he sailed perilously close to bigotry’s wind.
See below for full Editorial from NEWSDAY June 20th, 2005
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Media statement: Trinidadians abroad speak out about crime in Trinidad

CONCERNED TRINIDADIAN NATIONALS LIVING ABROAD

E-mail: trinidadcrime@hotmail.com
June 30, 2005

MEDIA STATEMENT

Trinidadians living abroad have spoken out openly about their fear of visiting their home country, their concerns about the safety of relatives, and their disgust at out of control crime and kidnapping. Many of them were strongly critical of the Trinidad  government for its poor handling of crime and lack of concern for Indian Trinidadians being targeted by kidnappers.

Messages and e-mails from dozens of Trinis living in Canada, the United States and Europe of to Concerned Trinidadian Nationals Living Abroad were read out to supporters at a Toronto meeting on Wednesday evening. The group had gathered to discuss the worsening crime situation and ways in which they could help to make things better.

The following describes email responses sent to trinidadcrime@hotmail.com following the protest held in Toronto on June 18, 2005 against crime and Kidnapping in Trinidad.

“I too am in agreeance that action needs to be taken immediately - I am a Canadian born citizen but my parents are from Trinidad and as my Dad stated I could of lost them down there last holiday. I love Trinidad and Tobago as I have been there a few times to visit family and just enjoy the beauty of the country but it saddens me that I may not be going back there again for a long time. The crime seems to be deterring a lot of people from visiting especially Trinidadians I speak to here in Canada. What does that tell you when your own people are scared to come back to their homeland for a visit?” said one Trinidad national living in Canada.

“Thank you for doing something to bring attention to a huge problem. I am a Trinidadian and my children and myself are petrified to visit our country. Please count on me for support,” said another Canadian Trini.

“I would like to commend you guys for taking part in the protest outside the hotel in Toronto.One of my cousin's sons has been kidnapped and so far it has been over two months and he has not been found. I have no respect for that existing government. I feel that I have gone back in time to Uganda, when Amin threw out all the Indians and took all of their possessions. It seems that Trinidad is heading in the same direction, “ echoed another Canadian Trini.

“I am Indo- Trinidadian and am from Central Trinidad where most of these kidnappings have been taking place and it also scares me to think that my family are possibly targets because most of them have business and the government is doing nothing about it, the police themselves have hands in it.



“Some of my relatives are forced to seek protection from the Jamat since they are said to be the head of kidnappings but what do they say if you can not beat them you have to join them which is not morally right. Anyways I myself is sometimes scared to think what might happen if I go home for vacation because once they know that your a visitor you are a prone target,’ e-mailed a Trinidadian living in Toronto.



Another Toronto Trini wrote,” I am proud of the action your group have taken and would like to know via email when is your next protest, together with some of my friends we also would like to contribute to this, for our relatives are being raped of justice, and the escalating high kidnapping and crime in the country have also deter us from visiting Trinidad and even we live in fear for the plight of our relatives.”



An American based Trini said, ”I am also concerned about the crime in Trinidad & Tobago. I usually go to visit twice a year, but I am not going to go to a place where my kids and I are unsafe. We (my family) loves what we called home. My kids were born here in the U.S., they are upset we cannot go there anymore. Something got to be done. I think the previous Prime Minister did a great job. Please do something and call for a re-election for the safety of my people. T&T People.”



“I agree, the crime rate is extremely high in Trinidad . I am very worried about my family members who live there. I live in New York, I think it's safer to live here than back home. Please, continue with the work started,” was the view of a Trini from New York.



A Trinidad national living in South Florida stated,” I too am nauseated and feel totally helpless by the goings-on in Trinidad. I migrated to the USA from St. James some 20 years ago in the hopes of better opportunities for my young children, with every intention of returning to my birthplace paradise.

“I am terrified to return home with the mindset being, if you've come from abroad, you must have Fort Knox in your pocket, and are therefore open prey to anyone. That paradise fantasy is quickly fading for my husband and I who read the online news daily and see nothing but crime, murder, kidnapping, drugs, mental instability, prejudice and ineffective government. Is there any good news that comes out of Trinidad????? We both have many family members back home and feel deeply saddened at the situation, say nothing of the wrought iron home prisons.” Most of the overseas Trinis were angry and disgusted at the rampant crime, kidnapping, and lack of effective action by the government and police. A Trinidadian living in Edmonton, Canada wrote,” My wife and I now residing in Edmonton Canada recently made a visit to Trinidad (Trinidadians). We had the unfortunate and traumatic experience of a close call with robbers/kidnappers at a supermarket in Balmain. We were very fortunate to be alive and the police responded from the Couva police station and in the ensuing chase shot and killed one of the three bandits. I concur that Indians are the targets. The country is very poorly run the management team lacks basic managerial skills, vision and creativity. They talk about Vision 2020 but they are dreaming in Technicolor.” A New York Trini said, “I wish to commend your protest. I feel more protest has to come especially since it involves one specific ethnic group at the mercy of criminals in Trinidad. The worst part is the current ruling Government of Trinidad have been rendered ineffective at reducing crime which promotes the onslaught and assault faced by the Indian community. As though crimes does pay especially when Indians are the victims, is this what P. Manning means by unemployment is going down? I myself refuse to go to Trinidad because of a lack of freedom to move around the island the at ones leisure due to the fear of being a victim. I don't want to take that chance!” American Trinis spoke out strongly and pledged support for anti crime protests. “ I am from Trinidad and now living in the US. I am proud of you for standing up and letting your voice be heard. Oh if only I were there to stand with you. My heart hurts when I read the news (Guardian, Express & Trinidad news) and listen to the different radio news and talk programs as to what is being allowed to happen in our small island. .If I have the opportunity I will get out there with my placard. Blessing to you and prayers that the criminal activities will end now,” said one US based Trini.



“I am appalled by the lack of the government actions towards the escalating crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago, and more so ashamed of what was once a land of good morals and integrity is now on the world static's as one of the most dangerous place to live. As a matter of fact, I have read where there are a number of Indo-Trinidadian kidnapped and killed. I understand it might be easy to shove the blame on the gov't, or the protective services.



“I can not help, but ask myself what has the newspapers done regarding the criminals of my country. I would like to see the faces of the kidnappers pasted all over our TV screens and newspapers and not a one column, or two sentence airtime over the local radio stations. My suggestion to the newspaper is to publicize the criminals and let it them be known. Their faces should be pasted and publicized for society's awareness. I am ready to fight for the welfare of my people, and citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, “ said another American Trini.



A Trini based in Massachusetts, USA, said bluntly, “ It was really good to read about the stand Trinidadians in Canada are taking to bring awareness of the worsening situation in Trinidad and Tobago. I too have cancelled a family trip because of the situation there. How can we in the U.S. help? What about donations to start a movement to bring international awareness to the state of the country? The T&T gov't must know that we who are abroad will not stand by and be silent any longer. The tide must turn for Trinidad and Tobago !! The gov't must be held responsible and action must be taken yesterday to curb the kidnappings and murders. Maybe international exposure will shed some light on the situation. Our families back home must not be forced into a life of fear and frustration. International coverage may wake up the P.N.M from the sweet slumber they are in. Our families are being held to ransom... Let us help them! !”



“Would appreciate to be kept up to date with your fight for a lost paradise; I honestly do believe that things would have been different by the ruling party if another ethnic group was targeted; this situation is very similar to what Hitler did to the Jewish people, Idi Amin and the Indians in Uganda and the issue with Indians in the Fiji islands,” stated another American Trini.



From Hamburg, Germany, came this comment,” Hallo, I am a Trinidadian living in Hamburg Germany, and normally I return to Trinidad at least once a year. Now I am afraid to go to Trinidad because of the crime situation. The last time I was there was 2 years ago, and I feel that the crime situation in Trinidad has been escalating through the past years. The Government has only been talking about doing something about the crime, but that is all. The country has become a state for criminals, and hanging people is not the solution.“



From Denmark came this no-holds barred statement, “ I am a Trinidadian citizen presently spending some time in Denmark. I fully support your cause in trying to bring international attention to the crime situation in Trinidad. I agree 150 percent.... your belief, that there is a form of ethnic cleansing taking place.



“Everyday I go online to the Guardian and Trinidad Express and read about the appalling crimes committed and the spate of kidnappings being perpetrated against our race. (Incidentally I am Indo Chinese) It is amazing how the Gov't does not see it fit to employ or finance the necessary tools to fight against the atrocities taking place against our people. Our fellow folk are helpless against the onslaught of these evil minded people. It really is a plot to drive us out. I see Trinidad becoming a lil Haiti or Jamaica soon. The brain drain has already started. Our young future leaders are scared for their lives and families are departing by the plane loads!



“Please continue your fight...you have the support of many in Trinidad and those Trinis abroad in many countries. We need to highlight this plight and yes...get the United Nations involved! Good luck to you and believe me you have the support of my many European friends who hate to see our lovely country turned into a crime haven for criminals.”



One individual who described himself as a self imposed exile stated, “I too had to flee from Trinidad for the safety and security of my family. The terror and fear became too much when 2 neighbours were kidnapped within months of each other.



“Its more than 1 yr. since I had to close my business and 'flee' from my beloved homeland. I silently cry for my country as daily it is being allowed to sink into the pits. From this distance and from the actions of the present government, it is clear that the govt. is allowing this situation to continue, for their benefit. Think of all the excuses given for the kidnappings. and all the crime plans. the blame game and passing the buck. They are in bed with the criminals and police who helped them to win the government. Look at the pictures during the last election and the night of the victory celebrations.



“People are leaving by the droves, especially Indians. Those who can’t will have to bow to the will of a fast becoming dictatorial govt. More than that, is the blatant racial discrimination being practiced by this P.N.M govt. Political patronage and corruption is rampant. Hand-outs and dependency is at its worse. The head takes free plane rides, forgive an oil company a $250 M penalty, yet the media paints him as clean and born again. Even the press is being bought with all the centre fold colour ads. What is there to show for all the oil revenues they have collected since in office? ($90 billion). This is a deliberate plan; a political and psychological war with racial overtones! We have to "SAVE T&T".



Several e-mails coming from Trinidad were also read out to the meeting of Concerned Trinidadian Nationals Living Abroad.



One Afro Trinidadian commented, “I applaud your efforts in trying to put pressure on the government to address the crime situation. I am of the view that not enough is being done, and that the government has been insensitive to the kidnappings especially as it relates to the East Indians. However, as an Afro-Trinidadian I think that your cause would be better served if you portrayed all Trinidadians as victims of crime instead of just East Indians. As I said before, the Government has been insensitive to the kidnappings, but Afro-Trinidadians have suffered at the hands of the criminals as well with many of the murders being committed by Afro Trinis on Afro Trinis.” Another argued, “ When I first read the article about your protest in today's Trinidad Guardian I did not want to respond, but after listening to i95.5FM a couple minutes ago, I decided to let my voice be heard. The article may have been printed incorrectly, but the way I read the article it seems that you all are indicating that crime in Trinidad is being mostly perpetrated against the indian community. I wish to differ. As I see it every one is being affected. My mother lives in Belmont, and she is just as scared as those who live in Goodwood Park, Cascade or Penal.” Others Trinis spoke of the reality of life in Trinidad under a wave of crime. “Thank you all for trying to bring the crime situation to the attention of the international community. As a returning resident to Trinidad from Canada, it's is devastating to live like animals in cages here in Trinidad, no longer can we look at beautiful houses without seeing the burglar proof, no longer can we walk the streets or even the beaches past sunset. The current government is trying to run an evolving country with all its modern day improvements including crime with archaic laws and mentality. With so much oil money in this country it's a crying shame that barely any of it is going towards the improvement of our once beautiful country, billions being spent, but there are still places in Trinidad that does not have pipe borne water, bad roads galore, hospitals looks like dog pounds, crime in schools are increasing and the list goes on” said oneTrini at home. Another home based Trini said, “Congratulations on the protests you have organized to highlight to the TnT government and the rest of the world how wicked they are with their master plan to get rid of the decent hard working people of TnT and create a stinking PeeNM hell hole controlled by terrorists...the hard core base of the PeeNM. Keep up the work as for far too long we watch and stay quiet.” One young man made a plaintive cry for an escape from Trinidad, “I really agree with u guys for doing this to Trinidad. u are still concern for the crime here... I’m living in Trinidad. I’m 18 yrs and no one are doing nothing for this. I wish someone could help me get out of this country soon and earn a living like u guys. u did the best thank u for the march.” Canadian based Trinis present at the Toronto meeting said they were very encouraged by the responses from other Trinis living abroad, and vowed to continue their efforts to put the international spotlight on the crime crisis in Trinidad. End For info please contact: trinidadcrime@hotmail.com

 

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Monday 20th June 2005 Montano crying wolf Government Senator Danny Montano may not have made a racist statement in the Senate last Tuesday but, in asserting that the United National Congress had deliberately engineered racial quotas at tertiary education institutions, he sailed perilously close to bigotry’s wind. In his former and brief capacity as Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, Mr Montano claimed that he had discovered a “diabolical plot” whereby the Dollar-for-Dollar plan was “very carefully designed to assist what I would cautiously describe as the natural UNC constituency.” We are glad Mr Montano was cautious, for the mind boggles at what he might have said had he thrown caution to the winds. And, when challenged by Independent Senator Dana Seetahal to say whether he meant Indo-Trinidadians in speaking of a natural UNC constituency, Mr Montano suddenly became coy. “I will not be baited into making any racist statement,” he said. Mr Montano was also shy about the details of this “diabolical plot”, and we suspect his reticence was quite deliberate. Because, had he been forced to back up his allegation with hard fact, it is likely that his own agenda, diabolical or not, would have been exposed. Consider, after all, the assumption behind Mr Montano’s statement. He is in effect asserting that Afro-Trinidadians did not have the matching dollars required for the UNC plan, whereas Indo-Trinidadians did — and that was why the UNC hatched this plot. But even if the average Indo-Trinidadian household is better off than the average Afro-Trinidadian one — and Mr Montano would be hard put to find any statistics proving this — then the penury of Afro-Trinidadians is hardly a credit to the PNM government to which Mr Montano belongs. However, since this is not the case, the only alternative explanation, if Mr Montano is speaking the truth, is that the UNC administration turned down Afro-Trinidadian applicants in droves. But, if this was happening, why did those turned away not voice their complaints at being rejected? As it turns out, Mr Montano’s sole “evidence” for the diabolical plot was that 70 percent of the student ppulations at UWI and the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology were of Indian descent. That there exists a racial skewing in higher education is undeniable. But there is also a skew in terms of achievement at the primary school level, since the students who top the Secondary Entrance Assessment Examination come mainly from Hindu and Presbyterian schools. Or would Mr Montano also characterise this as a UNC plot? If the top 100-plus SEA students are mainly Indo-Trinidadian, then this naturally translates into over-representation at tertiary level. Besides, similar imbalances exist in many other societies where there is an Indian-descended populace - Fiji, Malaysia, South Africa, Guyana and so on. This is because, for reasons of culture and the immigrant ethos, Indo groups often place a higher value on educational attainment. And that, rather than any political or racial plot, is likely to be the true reason for any racial skewing in tertiary education. However, the PNM regime is apparently convinced that the Dollar-for-Dollar disadvantaged its own “natural constituency”. For this reason, they have replaced it with the GATE programme, in which students will not have to match the government’s dollar. But we doubt this will correct any racial imbalances, unless the Government makes the great mistake of implementing some kind of affirmative action quota system. What does matter is that students who have the ambition and itelligence to pursue higher education should be given every opportunity to do so, regardless of race or any other irrelevant factor. And Mr Montano, newly appointed as Minister of Labour, should avoid raising racial bogeys as a method of demonstrating his solidarity with the PNM’s natural constituency.

PLEASE !   SIGN the ANTI_ CRIME PETITION   !!!!