| April 15, 2009 issue |
Readers' Response |
Poll shows slip in popularity for UNC's Deputy Leader |
Dear Editor:
The findings of the latest NACTA poll conducted in late March show a slip in popularity for Siparia Member of Parliament and UNC Deputy Political Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar primarily because of her strong support for her political leader Basdeo Panday. Voters are also disappointed over the actions of Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira in the CLICO controversy. However, opinions on Minister Nunez were mostly along partisan party lines while voters from across all parties were critical of Kamla’s siding with Basdeo Panday relating to the call for leadership change within the UNC. The findings show most voters back the RamJack dissident team in their call for change and the holding of internal elections in the UNC. They also opposed Panday’s dismissal of his Chief Whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj.
Voters also express mixed feelings on T&T hosting the Summit of the Americas with supporters of the opposition parties describing it as a waste of limited resources that should be spent on other priorities while supporters of the PNM see it as a positive development.
The latest opinion survey was conducted by the NACTA polling organization to find out peoples' views on current controversial issues. The poll interviewed 462 individuals reflecting the demographic composition of the population.
Asked if they think the Finance Minister, Karen Nunez-Tesheira, should resign over the CLICO matter, 44% said yes as opposed to 40% who said no and 16% offering no opinion. Responses were mostly along party support line with Karen receiving strong defense from among PNM loyalists.
Asked if they support the government’s hosting of the Summit of the Americas, 47% said yes with 41% saying no with people taking a position on partisan lines. Opponents feel the money spent on hosting the summit would have been better spent on more important projects to improve peoples’ lives while defenders feel the summit will enhance the image of T&T through free international publicity. People also like the idea that U.S President Barack Obama will visit the country and are looking forward to welcoming the US African-American President.
Asked if they support Kamla’s position siding with Panday in the internal conflict in the UNC, only 11% answered in the affirmative. Respondents express disappointment in Kamla’s support for Panday saying Kamla’s popularity will tank if she continues to ally with Panday against the dissidents who are calling for reforms and leadership change. Some 83% of the respondents say there is virtually no chance of the UNC returning to office with Panday as leader. Some 87% endorse RamJack's call for free and fair internal elections to choose a new executive of the UNC.
Asked if they think the Chief Whip, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, should be replaced, only 6% said yes. Voters say Ramesh has been the best Chief Whip the country has had and that Panday should be thankful for Ramesh’s services especially getting him out of legal troubles. Voters also say Panday has been ungrateful to Jack Warner who financially supported him during all of his legal and political problems over the years.
Vishnu Bisram, New York
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Domestic violence not just 'their' business, it's everybody's |
Dear Editor:
We are very disturbed after reading the articles in the Kaieteur and SN, dated Thursday April 2, 2009, about the 38-year-old Vreed-en-Hoop mother of four who was killed by her lover.
It is very disgusting to hear neighbours/relatives saying after the incident occurred that they would usually hear the couple quarrelling or fighting or “he does always beat she up”. What is the point of saying that? What good will that do after the woman is dead?
Relatives, neighbours and friends should be more on the alert and supportive. The excuse shouldn’t be that “I didn’t try to help because I was afraid that he would turn on me instead.” What happened to calling the police? Many deaths as a result of domestic violence could be avoided if relatives, whether in-laws or blood-related, and the community members acknowledge domestic violence as totally unacceptable and see it as their business to assist the victim in whatever way possible.
The Police on the other hand have to act promptly when alerted either by the victim or anyone else and should proceed with the matter; charge the abuser and put him before the courts even when the victims say that they don’t want to proceed.
Some of our police officers need to take the issue of domestic violence more seriously.
They should not be telling women who make reports to “go home and make it up with your husband”. Sending these women back home could be detrimental, and it often is.
In the 33 days from March 1 – April 2, 2009 we found out from the newspapers that the number of abused women/girls was 14 as follows: 2 murders, 12 physical assaults. Two out of 14 women faced death. This is becoming an overbearing nightmare. Almost five months ago Ms. Patricia Rose was brutally stabbed by her ex-boyfriend and is at present still fighting for her life at the GPHC.
We call on all citizens to be more vigilant on the issue of domestic violence and not see it as “their business” but as “Everybody’s Business”
Ramratie Budhan, For Red Thread Drop in Centre
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Essequibo ferry service a nightmare, return trip by car takes about one week |
Dear Editor:
The ferry service to the Essequibo Coast is a nightmare. A car has to be at the stelling from as early as noon the day before to catch next day’s ferry.
This still does not guarantee you a space on the boat. If you don’t get to go, the next ferry is the following morning. It is very frustrating, and sheer punishment, especially if you’re travelling with your family.
This situation stagnates Essequibo and discourages anyone who may want to visit relatives, or do business, or even tourists. The Government wants to construct airstrips at Wakenaam and Leguan, but I would like some of the ‘big ones’ to take a trip on this ferry and see for themselves how distressing it is.
Essequibo has two airstrips, but how many people use them? A trip to the Essequibo Coast and back with a car takes about a week! The newspapers should send reporters to see the large amount of vehicles and disgruntled drivers that are left each day. After all, Essequibo is part of Guyana, and at the least we should have a reliable and up to date ferry service to connect us to the rest of Guyana. Essequibians have been silent for too long on this scourge.
M. S. Baksh |
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