Baffle them with...

The vulgar and obscene spending spree by the Manning administration has taken a twist for the worse. Millions of dollars are being wasted on an advertising frenzy, utilising taxpayers’ money in a last-ditch attempt to win votes. Full-page coloured ads by ministries and state enterprises flaunt their many “achievements,” while a dazed and indifferent body politic “steups” in bewilderment and amusement. Does this violate the election laws? It is certainly immoral and unethical, because it contravenes the spendin

g limit of $5,000 per candidate. Can it be justified on the basis that it is the government, as opposed to the PNM, that is doing the advertising? No; because it is naked political campaigning by a political party that is dipping into the state’s coffers to finance its campaign. Its action and conduct transgressed an important line that demarcates the ruling political party vs the government.

The election strategy seems clear: if you cannot get around the two big “Cs” of corruption and crime, bombard them with advertisements boasting about your accomplishments. This strategy seems set to backfire, though, as irritation is turning into outrage as people realise it’s our money that is being wasted, while hospital beds are scarce. If you can dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with...

Of course, if the ads in the print and electronic media don’t work, there’s always the good old tactic of a good party and fete. Thus, the PM has been busy hosting parties and meeting the people. Last weekend, Manning hosted a function for teachers, principals and youth groups at his residence. Expensive Johnny Walker Blue and Gold Label whiskey flowed like water. Live entertainment accompanied the event, and many partied the night away late into the night. Cascade residents are up in arms over the intrusion.

The traffic jams around Queen’s Park Savannah caused by guests of PM frustrated everyone. Apart from the noise of the events, residents were upset over the disruption to their lives caused by the mass of cars descending on the relatively small area of the President’s Grounds, contrary to the President’s Grounds Rules and Regulations. The spending spree by the PNM must be a cause for national concern. Respected former Independent Senator Prof Julian Kenny has submitted a complaint to the Integrity Commission on this matter. His quite simple contribution to transparency did not make headline news, but

I wish to reproduce the text of his letter (permission obtained), in the hope that it will enlighten us and prompt action by the IC:

"In accordance with the provision of Section 32 (1) of the Integrity in Public Life Act 2000, which Act has been in force since November 6th 2000 (Legal notice 265) I wish to make a complaint to the Commission that the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is collectively in breach of Section 24. (1) (a) in unfairly using public resources to promote the current administration in the 2010 general election and (b) in affording undue preferential treatment to itself over other contending groups and Section 24. (2) (c) in using public property or services for activities unrelated to official work.

“My complaint is based on observation of numerous full-page advertisements in the three daily newspapers, all bearing the coat of arms of our country, the Vision 2020 logo, the names of the ministries, and slogans such as “Under the current Administration led by this Prime Minister”, “Moving in the Right Direction” or “Moving forward together”. “Some time ago, when I investigated advertisement costs, it was approximately $7,000 dependent on the day of the week. I assure you that I am fully aware of the electoral law of the country and the limit imposed on individual candidates, and, that in this law there is no restriction placed on political parties, groups or other individuals.

I have also noted numerous other political party advertisements that also appear in the same newspapers and accept that the parties are acting within the law, given that there is no restriction placed on them. “There may perhaps be other dimensions to the format of these advertisements that may become apparent to the Commission, particularly the authenticity of the statements and the intended targets. “Enclosed please find a sampling of these advertisements that have recently appeared in the daily newspapers. “I trust that in due course after consideration of my complaint you will advise me of the decision of the Commission.

Yours faithfully
Julian Kenny"