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TOBAGO AUTONOMY & TRINBAGO POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

If a UNC-led government were to approve Tobago’s autonomy, it could fundamentally shift the political landscape in Trinidad and Tobago particularly by undermining the PNM’s electoral advantage. For decades, the PNM has counted on Tobago as a stronghold, consistently winning both of the island’s parliamentary seats. In close general elections, those seats have often tipped the balance in favour of the PNM. But if Tobago were granted autonomy and ceased participating in national elections,…

PaulSarran

May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM

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If a UNC-led government were to approve Tobago’s autonomy, it could fundamentally shift the political landscape in Trinidad and Tobago particularly by undermining the PNM’s electoral advantage. For decades, the PNM has counted on Tobago as a stronghold, consistently winning both of the island’s parliamentary seats. In close general elections, those seats have often tipped the balance in favour of the PNM. But if Tobago were granted autonomy and ceased participating in national elections,…

By: Paul Sarran

The selection of candidates for general elections is a critical process for any political party, as the individuals chosen can impact the party’s success and reputation. A screening committee evaluates candidates based on their qualifications, leadership abilities, and personal backgrounds. Among the most scrutinized factors are a candidate’s family background and any involvement in criminal activities, both of which can significantly affect public perception.

A candidate’s family background often reflects their character and values, influencing how voters view their integrity. A stable, respected family background enhances a candidate’s image, suggesting that they come from an environment grounded in responsibility. When a candidate’s family is well-regarded within the community, they are more likely to be seen as trustworthy and reliable, qualities essential for public office. However, if a candidate’s family has been involved in unethical or criminal activities, it may damage their reputation. Negative family associations, such as financial scandals or corruption, can raise concerns about the candidate’s judgment. The screening committee must carefully assess whether these issues pose a significant risk to the candidate’s credibility and the party’s reputation.

Equally important is the candidate’s own legal and ethical record. A clean criminal history is essential, as any past involvement in criminal activities can undermine public trust and their ability to govern. The committee conducts thorough background checks to ensure that candidates have no history of violent crimes, fraud, or other illegal behaviour. Even minor offenses can raise concerns, especially if they suggest a pattern of poor judgment or unethical conduct. A criminal record can be politically damaging and selecting a candidate with a compromised legal history risks alienating voters.

The committee also evaluates a candidate’s associations with individuals or organizations involved in criminal activities. A candidate’s relationships reflect their judgment and integrity, and maintaining ties with known criminals can be damaging. If a candidate is connected to people with a criminal background, it may indicate a lack of discretion or complicity. Such associations can lead to negative media coverage and public backlash, harming the party’s image.

Family members’ criminal involvement is another concern, as public perception often links a candidate’s character to their family’s actions. Although candidates cannot control their relatives' behaviour, negative associations can still affect how voters view them. If a candidate’s family members are involved in criminal activities, it may raise doubts about the candidate’s ability to lead with integrity. The screening committee must assess how the candidate has managed these relationships and whether they have taken steps to distance themselves from negative associations.

The committee looks for candidates who have demonstrated ethical behaviour and transparency, especially if their family background or personal history involves controversial issues. Candidates who proactively address their past and show a commitment to ethical leadership are more likely to be viewed favourably.

Family background and involvement in criminal activities are vital considerations in the screening process. The committee must carefully evaluate these factors to ensure that the party selects candidates who uphold its values and maintain public trust. By ensuring candidates have a positive family background and clean criminal records, the party can avoid scandals and select individuals who are capable of governing with integrity and transparency.

Political party screening committees place significant importance on a candidate's family stability, including their marital or common-law status. A stable family background is seen as an indicator of responsibility and reliability, essential qualities for leadership. Candidates in stable marriages or long-term common-law relationships are often viewed as emotionally mature and capable of handling the pressures of public office. For example, Caribbean leaders like Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who maintains a solid family foundation, are often seen as trustworthy and relatable by voters.

On the other hand, candidates with a history of unstable relationships, such as multiple marriages or public separations, may raise concerns about consistency and decision-making. Similarly, common-law relationships may come under scrutiny, especially if they involve public controversies. Another example would be Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, whose strong family-oriented values contribute to his leadership style and public perception.

The screening committee also looks for candidates who maintain respectful, balanced relationships with their partners, as this reflects positively on their character. Ultimately, a stable family life is associated with loyalty, collaboration, and emotional maturity—traits essential for political leadership. The goal is to select candidates who can lead with integrity and build public trust.

Paul Sarran is a Political Science student at the University of the West Indies Global Campus in St. Augustine.

Farewell to Fitzgerald Hinds

By Paul Sarran

After 30 years of dedicated public service, Fitzgerald Hinds has announced his departure from political life. His decision, confirmed during a Senate session, follows decades of representing Laventille, first as MP for Laventille East/Morvant from 1995 and later Laventille West from 2015.

Throughout his career, Hinds served in multiple ministerial roles, including Youth Development, Public Utilities, and most recently, National Security. His leadership extended beyond the Cabinet, as he chaired critical parliamentary committees focused on public accountability and national security.

Unlike many in the political arena, Hinds' career was never defined by bacchanal culture. Instead, he maintained a straightforward and disciplined approach to politics, prioritizing the interests of his constituents and the nation above all else.

Despite receiving overwhelming support from 37 party groups and the constituency executive, Hinds opted not to seek re-election, citing personal reasons. His presence in Parliament will be missed by both Government and Opposition members, including Opposition Senator Wade Mark, who acknowledged Hinds as a valued colleague and friend.

Hinds’ legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and commitment to public service. As he embarks on a new chapter, we thank him for his contributions to Trinidad and Tobago and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Paul Sarran is a Political Science student at the University of the West Indies Global Campus in St. Augustine.

COMMENTARY: Urgent Plea for Intervention

By: Paul Sarran

November 19, 2024

I am writing to urgently seek the intervention of the officials at the Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank (TTMB), formerly the Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance Company Limited (TTMF), in resolving a deeply distressing and ongoing issue. I appeal to Chairman Patrick Ferreira, Deputy Chairman Jennifer Lutchman, and Managing Director and CEO Robert Green for compassionate consideration and immediate action regarding the current legal proceedings against me for possession of my mortgaged property.

TTMB’s recent position involves applying to the High Court in San Fernando for a writ of possession, which threatens to render me homeless. This legal action follows a pre-action protocol letter I received earlier this year, which highlighted arrears on my mortgage account. However, I was never offered a payment plan, despite my consistent communication with TTMF explaining the financial hardships I faced due to unforeseen circumstances.

I Paul Sarran in August of 2017 was wrongfully dismissed from my position as Operations Manager at the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Port of Spain. This abrupt job loss created financial instability, and the competitive job market at the time made securing new employment exceedingly difficult. Despite these challenges, I made a lump sum payment of $10,000 TTD toward my mortgage account just one month after my termination, demonstrating my commitment to maintaining good payment patterns.

Unable to secure traditional employment, I started a small consultancy service offering visa application assistance. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my business, as my clientele was primarily travel-related, forcing me to close down.

In 2008, under the Housing Development Corporation’s (HDC) random selection process during Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s tenure, I was allocated housing in Piarco. In 2015, I transferred to a more suitable development in San Fernando, where I felt secure. When HDC offered clients the opportunity to convert their housing arrangements to a mortgage loan with TTMF at a favourable 2% interest rate, I accepted, as no other financial institution provided such terms.

Despite my efforts, including sporadic payments during unemployment, arrears accumulated to approximately $60,000-$70,000 TTD. By February of this year, a judgment was passed in the High Court in San Fernando, requiring me to pay nearly $300,000 TTD to avoid further legal action.

Throughout this turmoil, I sought advice from attorneys, but the high retainer fees—starting at $25,000 TTD—made hiring legal representation impossible. Representing myself, I ultimately lost my case. Recently, I secured an attorney willing to plead on my behalf to prevent the loss of my home, but the threat of homelessness remains imminent.

I reached out to Minister of Housing Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, Junior Minister at HDC Adrian Leonce, and my Member of Parliament Hon. Brian Manning. While Mr. Manning genuinely intervened and communicated with TTMF’s leadership team, leading to assurances of an arrangement, no tangible resolution has been achieved to date.

I am now employed with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services as a Citizen Engagement Support Officer I, a role I have held since April 2024. This year, I have paid approximately $13,000 TTD toward my mortgage account. Despite these efforts, TTMB’s attorney is pursuing a Notice of Application for possession of my property, with a court hearing scheduled just one week before Christmas.

I am also a final-year Political Science student at the University of the West Indies, pursuing my degree at the Global Campus in St. Augustine. This situation has already caused me to take a leave of absence earlier this year, delaying my studies and affecting my mental health. The potential loss of my home adds immense stress and threatens my ability to continue my education.

I am urgently appealing to TTMB’s leadership to consider my circumstances and implement a reasonable payment plan that reflects my current financial capacity. Furthermore, I am willing to explore refinancing options for my mortgage loan or even switch to a different mortgage provider, as I have several individuals willing to serve as guarantors for this arrangement.

I respectfully request that TTMB file a Notice of Discontinuance for this matter to allow me to stabilize my life and preserve my home. With both my parents deceased and no family support, I face this battle alone. I cannot afford to lose my home and be left homeless in Trinidad and Tobago.

Your intervention can not only save my home but also restore my ability to move forward with my life and continue contributing to society as an employed professional and a student nearing graduation. I remain open to discussions and sincerely hope for a resolution that reflects compassion and fairness.

(Paul Sarran is a Political Science student at the University of the West Indies Global Campus in St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.

He is currently in his final year of college and has intentions to become a Political Scientist or an Independent Senator)