Bye Bye Bas
Well the Silver Fox is gone. Not gone as in dead, gone as in no longer in Parliament. This is the first time in thirty years that Basdeo Panday will not represent the constituency of Couva North in the House of Representatives.
I’ll be honest. To some tiny extent, I did like Basdeo Panday. He has a sense of humour that is unparalleled in politics. He is quick and witty and can dish out insults faster than other mortals. But that’s where my admiration for Basdeo Panday ends.
 |
| Basdeo Panday |
In today’s Guardian former Speaker of the House Nizam Mohammed is talking about how great a loss it is to the country that Basdeo Panday won’t be in the House any longer. I’m sorry, but did I miss something? Are we talking about the same Basdeo Panday here?
In Trinidad we such loyalty and dedication to people and parties over our own country that we tend to completely ignore their failings and instead sunbathe in some magic euphoria of what they did once upon a time.
Does no one become disenchanted anymore? When someone turns up with millions of dollars in a foreign bank account, doesn’t that turn you off a little? Why people still revere Bas I can’t understand. Why people blame the Government I can’t understand either. Maybe the Government was a little too enthusiastic in prosecuting him, but had Bas kept his nose clean, the PNM would have had nothing on him. However he screwed up, and the Government was all too happy to pounce on it.
Isn’t this what we’re supposed to do? Find the rotten ones and throw them out? And that’s what we did. So yay for us, Trinidad is a better place. The people won.
It was Bas’s Government that passed the Integrity in Public Life Act back in 2000. Bas knew what was going on, he knew what was expected of him and he knew the penalties. What’s there to feel sorry for? During the trial what was the excuse? It was scholarship money given as a gift to my wife on my daughter’s behalf. No your honour, I guess my wife forgot to mention it to me. Yes for three years, your honour. Yes, $10m your honour. No that’s not really unusual for her.
Right.
Occifah, daiz not my drugs. Daiz ah padna own. He jes tell meh hol’ dis bag fih he and I holin’ it fih he. Dah eh my gun neida. Daiz he own too.
Well you have to admit there are some similarities.
I won’t bemoan Basdeo Panday’s absence. I’ll bemoan the person he wasn’t but could have been. I’ll bemoan the scars it left on our country. That’s what I’ll feel sorry for. Not Basdeo Panday.
42 Responses to “Bye Bye Bas”
By Alexia on Oct 25, 2006 | Reply
Sometimes I really wonder bout we Trini - one minute we want to jail him for theifing and lieing and next minute we talking about how great a loss he will be to parliment???? OK then!!!!
By ttfootball on Oct 25, 2006 | Reply
Yuh know Trinis jes like to talk, whatever happen it must have commentary…altho I doh really see what this man REALLY do for us…well ah suppose he cause some excitement and entertainment (yuh see how ah find someting to say hehe)
By Chennette on Oct 25, 2006 | Reply
Yeah, Panday USED to be an interesting thing to watch in Parliament (whether he did anything or not) but seriously, even before he was out of Parliament because of the conviction - when last anybody remember him making any real contribution? any at all? All well and good if you organise the party that way, but not if you want to claim you are a great leader of some kind. And people still support based on some idealistic memory. Same way others support the current PM I suppose.
By skyedc on Oct 25, 2006 | Reply
Can I jus say that I sat in work and read every one of your posts. I have work to do, yes I know, but I couldnt help it. Its jus sooo good. I hope you are going to school to study something to do with journalism cause your humor and wit is ridiculous.
By skyedc on Oct 25, 2006 | Reply
I;ve been reading for 3 hours… lordie
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
One down…
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
skyedc, same thing happened to me first time I came across this site. Yuh read “dropping in on Lara?” Tears.
By but u serious on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
On 24th April 2006, Mr. Panday was found guilty on three counts of failing to declare a London bank account to the Integrity Commission for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively, contrary to Section 27 (1)(b) of the Integrity in Public Life Act 1987. The sentence handed down by Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls calls for two years imprisonment with hard labour on each of the three counts, which are to run concurrently.
Additionally, he was fined TT$20,000 on each count and has to forfeit the equivalent of £159,600.35 (approximately TT$1,600,000), which represents the total accumulated year end balances in the bank account for the three years in question. He has indicated that he will appeal. Mr. Panday was ordered to pay the state about TT$1.6 million by way of forfeiture, representing the money Mr. Panday failed to declare to the Integrity Commission. The verdict marks first time in the history of Trinidad and Tobago that a former Prime Minister was found guilty of criminal activity and sentenced for a breach of the law.
Where you get 10 million from. Did he have it in special bank account or something.
By but u serious on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
Mani I heard last week that the COP have pulled all their paid advertising from power 102 because Anil Roberts keeps pounding Dookeran as a failure. This is according to Mr. Roberts.
By but u serious on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
The political landscape has lost a great person, a person who worked for the support of his followers and was not handed it on a plater. He spent some 30 years as a member of parliment. He fought for the sugar workers, I remember in 1978-1979 my grandparents bought the first television in our family because the increase in price of sugar cane. His five years as prime minster he did more than the 50years of PNM rule. He is a true leader, I salute you as such Mr. Basdeo Panday.
By Mani on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
Alexia - You and me both.
ttfootball - lol, well I’m glad you did
Chennette - I don’t get the whole leader/party worship thing we have going on here.
skyedc - Oh gosh, yuh want to make meh blush or what? Thanks much though.
Hottie - I agree. One down. It’s time to do away with old way of thinking. And thanks for your compliment too.
but u serious - It’s my bad, all my figures were wrong. I apologise to Mr. Panday for saying he lied about more than he actually did.
I heard that talk to about Dooks pulling his ads from Power 102 which I think is the stupidest thing he has done thus far. It’s almost Pandayesque. I do understand though why he would do that. Anil Roberts has launched this relentless campaign of criticism against Mr. Dookeran which I can’t undertand. Something about it seems incredibly disproportionate for the “wrongs” Mr. Dookeran has committed. The PNM of course has done more than it’s share of wrongs and gets criticized, but the UNC remains suspiciously out of Mr. Robert’s radar, and it’s sad because I always thought that Anil was even and balanced. So I undertand why Dooks would want his ads pulled, but I think it was an error to do so.
I would disagree with you that the political landscape has lost a great person. True leaders, and great people don’t lie about million dollar bank accounts. But do you honestly believe that Panday did more in 5 years than the PNM did in 50? Something about that statement strikes me as impossible. I mean, come on, let’s be honest. Outside of the planet Zealot, there’s just no way that’s possible.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
LOL! LOL! Boy, I made a visit to the planet Zealot once. Dem people EH EASY YUH KNOW! But lewwe not dismiss the man completely nah. Although the sad truth is that Panday’s behaviour in the last ten years has overshadowed and stained all that he was and accomplished before, the fact remains that he was an important part of the political landscape. ” From he who much is given, much is expected.” Panday should have remembered that. However, but u serious, don’t try to paint the man as no hero going gently into the night either. That’s just plain insulting.
By but u serious on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
Anil Roberts has launched this relentless campaign of criticism against Mr. Dookeran which I can’t undertand. Something about it seems incredibly disproportionate for the “wrongs” Mr. Dookeran has committed. The PNM of course has done more than it’s share of wrongs and gets criticized, but the UNC remains suspiciously out of Mr. Robert’s radar, and it’s sad because I always thought that Anil was even and balanced. So I undertand why Dooks would want his ads pulled, but I think it was an error to do so.
May be he is thinking of becoming a member of the UNC. A friend of mines saw him at one of the UNC Monday night meeting, oh he probably reconigised that the reason why the PNM will have a next 5 years of rule is because of Dookeran. I dont know.
He probably think planet Zealot is a nice place.
By but u serious on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
Hottie Hottie nobodys perfect.
After the 2002 election campaign, I thought he vacuum out the treasury.
I didn’t agree with his defence, that he didn’t know about the 1.6millions. But if back in 1997 that was public knowledge it would have been another 1990 coup. If it was scholarship it should have been more transparent. But again the media would have twisted that more than a ball of strings. Many other people in power have recieved same such grants from Clico (PNM Ministers) but nothing have come of it.
Any way if it was more than a scholarship why did they only charge him for not declaring and not accepting bribes.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
A famous politician (O’Hallaron) once said, when accused of stealing and bribery, “All ah we tief.” Panday was just unfortunate to be caught. If we henging one Mani, we henging all. As I said earlier, one down… ALL de rest a dem to go.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
And that foes to you too but u serious
By but u serious on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
O Hallaron stole from the public purse, correct me did Panday do that.
By but u serious on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
Lock them all up not just one. Hang them in Woodford Square. But dont take one down because you afraid of him. Lock up all of them.
By Alexia on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
but u serious…how u like Bas so much boy like d man put ah spell on u ah wha..for some reason that man can’t do no wrong in your eyes. You are a true believer!!!
doh take me comment d wrong way eh.
By Mani on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
Hottie - Oh I agree he made some contribution to Trinidad and Tobago. My problem is the person he turned into when he got some power and I’m having a hard time understanding why serious keeps defending him tooth and nail.
Oh gosh, yuh went Zealot gyul? I hear the best place on Zealot is Club Denial, lol. But yeah the res ah dem what tief have to go too. You see how money spending fas, fas out the treasury? Think about how much corruption going on there.
but u serious - Well I don’t know that his presence there means he is supporting them, but if Anil is backing the UNC, I think it’s a mistake for him to do so, but I won’t be surprised if he is. If he was backing them, I wish he’d enunciate it.
The only reason why the PNM will have another 5 years is because of Dooks? Yeah ok. That’s the reason why. It’s not the corruption, the internal elections fiasco, or the backbiting. It’s Dookeran. Gotcha.
I didn’t agree with his defence, that he didn’t know about the 1.6millions. But if back in 1997 that was public knowledge it would have been another 1990 coup. If it was scholarship it should have been more transparent. - I really don’t know what you’re trying to say here.
Well they couldn’t charge Mr. Panday with corruption because there was no paper trail to trace the money in the account back to the treasury. However it’s understood to be a corruption charge as undeclared funds is understood to be from ill-gotten means. That’s why it’s confiscated. By the way I don’t think you have any proof that Gov’t ministers have received money from Duprey. Let’s stick to the facts if you wil.
Alexia - I’m as puzzled as you.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 26, 2006 | Reply
Mani, how come yuh eh check meh tuhday? Or yuh check meh and decide to be smart and stay away!?
By but u serious on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
alexia said…
but u serious…how u like Bas so much boy like d man put ah spell on u ah wha..for some reason that man can’t do no wrong in your eyes. You are a true believer!!!
doh take me comment d wrong way eh.
To be honest, I heard some of his speeches when I was young and I still believe in the vision. What he did with respect to the 1.6 million was wrong. To say that his party the UNC was corrupt and vacuuming out the treasury to me is old talk. Yes their was some corruption I dont deny that and I dont defend that. The party was working towards providing for all. If you look at what is being done today with the PNM I am willing to give that vision a chance.
Mani is willing to give Dookeran a chance im not. I actually believe in changing the political landscape but the solgan New Politics is another wolf in sheep clothing.
By Alexia on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
but u serious what Vision??? if he in deed had a vision for trinidad I think it was stealing that money….
Don’t get me wrong when they was in power we could ah walk the streets and not worry bout being rape, shot, & murdered. But seriously u really think they shld be back????? Big mistake!!!
U seem to be well verse in the politics and know bout the in’s & out of the corrupted past & now gov’t, but if u willing to give Panday vision a chance i think you shld give Dooks a second look.
And if plenty ppl thinking like u then Trini will take any shitown in parliment. (no offence)
For eg the current PM he ani’t doing shit for the county, but ah bet come elections he go be back. I hope not.
As I said b4 I rather give Dooks a chance than but back DUMB (UNC) & DUMBER (PNM) back in power I know what they gave and what they will give for the future…NOTHING!!
By Mani on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
Hottie - Hottie gyul, I would have had words with some of the people commenting there. So I decided to stay away. I can’t remember the last time I saw such stereotypes being flung around like that. It actually saddened me to think that some were saying I am a bad choice just because I’m a black man.
but u serious - You amaze me. You are like, yes there was corruption, yes the $1.6 million was found, but I’ll still vote them. You believe in changing the political landscape but you want to re-elect the corrupt ones. Why not give Dooks a chance and see what he can do? Nobody says the whole party was corrupt, but when you have ex Prime Minister Basdeo Panday being brought up on corruption charges you have a serious problem man. That was out Prime Minister man, the top guy, the head honcho. If he’s corrupt, then what about the rest of the party? Doesn’t that worry you even a little? Let me ask you again: What does it take for you to become disenchanted.
Alexia - Alexia you hit the nail on the head. If this is a snapshot of our electorate, then I fell sorry for Trinidad. This is why Governments get into office and won’t do shit, because no one sees it fit to send them a wake up call every now and again by voting them out. That’s why they feel entitled to office and not privileged to be there. We have to know that they are lucky if they are elected and that they better perform. But then you have some people just screwing up the formula and voting them in again when they do shit. I just can’t understand.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
I know eh Mani. I mean, alot of it is true and based on the commentor’s personal experience but coming up here you realise that the it’s mostly a problem of caste not colour. Unfortunately, that caste in our society consists primarily of one colour. But you should comment, have a male input. I’d like to know what you think. Yuh cud email meh if yuh want. Yuh know yuh’s my boy and I value your opinion.
Alexia - touche (ah kyah get the accent over de e)
By Alexia on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
Hottie - touche?????? clue meh in nah
Mani why they saying u r a bad choice cause u r a black man? R u running for gov’t???
And whoever saying that they need some common sence slap into them. Cause just from your writing u seem to be an upstanding citizen who truly cares bout his country.
PPl does just get me….. they want honest ppl, then when u try to do yuh best they finding fault in yuh color. All ah them could go to hell.
U can tell I am mad with whoever tell yuh that. Boy…boy..ah really don’t know end ah the times as my aunt say everyday end ah the times….
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
No Alexia, he talking about my blog. Check out my post on Just Plain Hot. And touche as in good point.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
And since when EVERYBODY pick up my sweet name for Manicou!!!!!?? Look, get allyuh own BLASTED name eh!!!!
And Mani, you self, yuh eh saying nuttin!
By Alexia on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
Oh Yeh Hottie now I remember- touché, senior moment my pronunciation was wrong…
And I luv to say Mani - it rolls off the tongue and the keyboard very nicely
Mani..Mani…Mani
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
HAUL YUH ARSE before I show yuh de correct circumstances to use the word touche (still kyah get the accent on the e)
Btw, Mani, how tall yuh is…?
By Alexia on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
hottie what d hell now what did I do??????? girl… dye why the ppl them luv yuh…u is to much!
It damn cold today!
Mani how’s the whether down day boy…nice and sunny.
Ah guessing yuh 6 ft 1
What size shoe yuh does wear??? - 10.5
You get culry or straight hair???
my guess spike
Nice size well buit with broad shoulders
Hottie ah just playing the fool now…
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
Grrrrrr….. LOL! Yuh know ah just playing de ass.
Mani, yuh’s 6ft 1?! I LOVE a tall mah yuh know…
By but u serious on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
You amaze me. You are like, yes there was corruption, yes the $1.6 million was found, but I’ll still vote them. You believe in changing the political landscape but you want to re-elect the corrupt ones. Why not give Dooks a chance and see what he can do? Nobody says the whole party was corrupt, but when you have ex Prime Minister Basdeo Panday being brought up on corruption charges you have a serious problem man. That was out Prime Minister man, the top guy, the head honcho. If he’s corrupt, then what about the rest of the party? Doesn’t that worry you even a little? Let me ask you again: What does it take for you to become disenchanted.——
Who say that I am not disenchanted. Bro.. The same people of the COP was holding Panday on their shoulder a few months ago. You all sound like if Dookeran is made prime minister everybody will somehow miraculously change and with a wave of perfection every thing will be right. I seen to much to believe in that. If you look at the parlimentary hansards Dookeran contributions was scarce and his attendance as well, he never really cared…..OK no problem with that.
In the recent Barrackpore protest he came one night when a couple of the guys were arrested and in typical politician style posted the bail. The facial expression of the man showed no concern for the people their, it was like you know I have to be here, but I wish I was home. I know I was there.
Listen to his speeches ….may exerts from his speeches can be found in the UNC manifesto of 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Look at his team…..Same faces, old politicans and some family and friends……Whats the new vision….
The corruption allegations in the UNC can find its roots in the COP. So what you want to do give these men a chance because they with Dookeran. I listen to Nirad Tewarie and hes worst than Panday, for such a young person and with no respect for any body. Where shall we put him.
Jack Warner was Dookeran biggest champion during the Yetming he\she say fiasco what happened.
I could go on………
Panday was charge for not declaring his bank account by the Interity Commission, by a law implemented by the UNC—The Interity in Public Life Act. He was not charge for accepting bribes or vacuuming the treasury. Until then we will see.
You say the same corrupt people who else is their. Brian, Finbar, Carlos, Sadiq, Gangar are no longer members of the UNC.
By Mani on Oct 27, 2006 | Reply
Hottie - yeah I think I’d rather stay away all the same. Some of the people talk about it are speaking like they are speaking Bible truth…and well I can’t argue with someone who is unlikely to admit they may have it wrong.
About the name “Mani” I real like it and I have you to thank. But is ok if other people want to call me that too, lol. I even changed the name in my profile to Mani. Is ok, I’ll still give you the credit for coming up with it. Sorry I’m not 6′1″ though, I’m just 6′. To get the accent over the e, you have to go to Start|All Programs|Accessories|Character Map. Select the character and copy and paste it.
Alexia - As I told Hottie, I’m 6′. Allyuh want my shoe size too? lol. well yes. Alexia, it’s a hot day today and I’ll post some pics of the sky for you….just cuz you asked.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 28, 2006 | Reply
Yawn. Morning Mani. Yuh’s is 6?! Hmmm…tall, intelligent…yuh have a woman?! LOL!!!!Thanks for the tip but I eh going through all that nuh. How are you today? Boy,I play fas’ with mehself and went out dancing last night from 9 to about 4 in a pair of high heel boots. Nearly cripple mehself oui. Plus I wake up at 2 today. I getting too old for this. What are your plans for the weekend?
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 28, 2006 | Reply
“yeah I think I’d rather stay away all the same. Some of the people talk about it are speaking like they are speaking Bible truth…and well I can’t argue with someone who is unlikely to admit they may have it wrong.”
I hear yuh
Maybe next post? I missing yuh over on my side.
P.S. Glad yuh like de name.
By Hottie Hottie on Oct 28, 2006 | Reply
Wait. Mani. Yuh know, ah getting the feeling like I know you yuh know. Ah will send yuh a email.
By JohnBoy on Oct 28, 2006 | Reply
I have a question. And it’s just a question so nobody doh get they jockeys or bingo bags in a twist. When allya say d govt aint doing nutten, what exactly does that mean? Or better yet, what exactly is the expectation? So is the country just sailing along on auto pilot? Everything such as schools, and all other govt services are just happening by magic?
By Mani on Oct 28, 2006 | Reply
but u serious - you have some questions to answer for me before I reply to you.
By JohnBoy on Oct 29, 2006 | Reply
Ok Mr. Manicou. Point taken. That now making sense to me. I agree that something needs to be done about crime and food prices. As a matter of fact, living overseas and watching the recent unbelieveable price of oil, I would think that Trinidad would be thriving now because the last budget would have been based on oil prices significantly lower than what it turned out to be in the end. But believe me, the education infrastructure especially with regard to technical training and tertiary opportunities are probably the best in the Caribbean right now. Both the present and previous administrations had some role in that. Crime is really ridiculous now though. The funny thing is that some of the crimes like murder suicides, what can a government really do about that? Anyway ah going on too long now but just my thoughts……..
By Mani on Oct 30, 2006 | Reply
Well I believe wholeheartedly that successive Governments have put a lot in place in terms of the development of education in Trinidad…whether or not the people actually use it is another thing altogether.
I agree there are just some things that we can’t expect the Government to stop, but I think most people are concerned with getting guns of the street and a higher detection rate.
Good to hear from you.
By Anonymous on Dec 10, 2006 | Reply
Duprey and Panday will be making jail together. Duprey because he pay a bribe and screwing up clico in the process