Monday, November 10, 2008

Does Government understand economics?

By HERMAN ROOP DASS Monday, November 10 2008


THE Government is behaving as if they do not understand economics and could repeat the mistakes of the past, according to UWI economist, Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir.

“The way they have responded to the lowering global oil price could only be described as a foolish approach to the situation,” said Mahabir as he delivered the feature address during the 71 st anniversary celebrations of the All Trinidad General Workers’ Trade Union (ATGWTU) at Rienzi Complex, Mc Bean, Couva, on Saturday. 

During the function four members received awards for their contribution to the growth, stability and resourcefulness of the union over the years. 

The four awardees were : John Jaglal, Anand Tiwari, Sahadeo Seejore and Doobraj Ramroop. 

Mahabir said that the US Economy was feeling the pinch as already some ten million were out of employment, and by 2009 the figure should read 11 million. He stressed that Trinidad and Tobago would face a similar fate shortly. 

“Possibly there could be industrial unrest in our country,” he emphasised. 

He predicted that Trinidad and Tobago would lose some $5 billion during the next quarter as instead of collecting $40 billion they would receive $35 billion. 

“It would be an unpleasant surprise, and when this happens Government would be forced to cut back on expenditure,” Mahabir said. 

He explained that oil prices had now dipped to $60 US per barrel but this was “meaningless to our country.” 

Mahabir felt that the Government should be pumping extra cash into the Heritage and Stablisation Fund “instead of spending money as if they had won a lottery.” 

He was amazed to learn that Government’s spending had soared from $13 billion in 2001 to $52 billion in 2008, and predicted that “the real problem would arise when next year’s budget is presented and commodities remain as they are.” 

He pointed out that “revenues are expected to drop by a further five percent because of more falls in production and this would be coupled by oil companies seeking tax write-offs to compensate for dry wells and exploration.” 

He said that he admired Barack Obama, the US President Elect but was sympathetic that he had come at such a dismal time in the economic history of the US. 

“What a way to welcome him, but thank God he is technically competent,” he stressed. 

He told officials of the sugar union that despite unfavourable conditions of growth, they will survive. 

He said that every time there was a global recession the international economy becomes volatile. 

He felt that the manufacturing sector would continue to suffer in TT, but the agricultural sector would continue to perform even though it is dwindling. 

“As a conservative economist, we have been telling the Government to slow down and cut back and try to adjust,” he said.

UWI lecturer Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir fixes the mike during his address at the 71st Annual Conference of the All Trinidad General Workers' Trade Union (ATGWTU) at Rienzi Complex, Mc Bean, Couva, 

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Cabrera issues warning to media

Vincent Cabrera

Vincent Cabrera  : Freedom of expression in the media has been a hot topic this week, after Prime Minister Patrick Manning visited a radio station recently to complain about comments made during a newscast about a Government plan to raise the price of premium gas and promote CNG usage.

Now Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU) President General Vincent Cabrera is warning media workers that if they fail to join a union, do not expect to be defended when things go wrong.

Generally known as a plain-talking person, no matter the issue, the Union leader explained to the media why he kept quiet on the controversy surrounding Manning’s visit to the Boom 94.1FM radio station.

He was speaking at the 71st Annual Conference of the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union (ATGWTU) in Couva on Saturday.

His comment followed an earlier remark on the same topic, by president general of the union, rudy indarsingh.

This year's conference examined what decent work means to unions and the general workforce.

On this note, Cabrera said all union members should make the Decent Work Agenda their main priority.

The Decent Work Agenda is being supported, not just by local unions, but by the International Labour Organisation as well.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

the 71st Annual Conference


the 71st Annual Conference of the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union (ATGWTU)

Friday, July 18, 2008

Unions march today


Friday, July 18 2008


HUNDREDS of workers are expected to converge in Port-of-Spain today despite National Trade Union Center’s (NATUC) claim of intimidatory tactics by some employers to prevent workers from participating in the march.

NATUC 2nd vice-president Rudranath Indarsingh yesterday condemned statements by the Employers Consultative Association (ECA) that “shutting down” the country would not advance the labour movement’s cause. 

The ECA in a statement said that while the association was “not blind” to rising energy costs, escalating food prices and crime, shutting down the country would not advance any solutions to those problems. 

Indarsingh said the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union (ATGWTU) of which he is president general received information that human resource officers were using ‘covert’ tactics to gain information about workers’ participation in the march. 

He said the union had information that some companies had issued notices to workers that they would be subjected to ‘stringent measures’ should they attend today’s march. “Just this morning, I had to write a strongly-worded letter to one private sector company, telling them to withdraw their notice as this was against good industrial relations practices,” Indarsingh said. 

President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGOs (FITUN) David Abdullah said today’s march will see workers parading in their respective trade union colors and will begin at Queen’s Park Savannah opposite Memorial Park from 8.30 am. 

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Indarsingh supports Govt mega farms


Wednesday, May 7 2008


PRESIDENT of the All-Trinidad General Workers’ Trade Union(ATGWTU) Rudranath Indarsingh has lent his support to the Government’s move to build megafarms on Caroni lands.
Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Indarsingh, who represents the interests of ex-Caroni workers, said “we welcome the move to bring about this boost in the agricultural sector since it would mean utilising the land to grow food for local consumption.”

According to Indarsingh, ex-Caroni workers have been waiting on land from Government since 2003, following the closure of Caroni 1975 Limited. Since then these ex-workers have held onto false promises by successive government ministers.

Indarsingh said this should be given priority to ensure an increase in local food production and, ultimately, a solution to the food crisis currently plaguing the country.

He called on Government to develop the infrastructure on the lands to ensure that farmers can provide maximum output.

He said focus should be placed on the building of roads, drains and ponds for irrigation.