Christian Khabay's blog

Former Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert (Retired)

September 2, 2010 by Christian Khabay

With all this talk as to why Mr. James Philbert was fired, my own belief that we are a nation of imitators and followers is being proven each additional day this issue continues to hog headlines. One commentary says:

Whatever Mr Philbert's failures in his stint as police chief; he cannot be accused of conducting himself unprofessionally.

The commentator in his own words has acknowledged “Mr. Philbert’s failures…” but his professionalism is sound. So, based on this are we to conclude that once you perform professionally but fail in performance you ought not be fired? As likeable, approachable and media–friendly a CoP is, he’s being paid by the state to perform his duties effectively and deliver positive results. Under Mr. Philbert’s watch the bad has significantly outweighed the good. The simple fact is that given Mr. Philbert’s seniority in the TTPS (and he is the most senior) his competencies are not in line with the escalating demands of the office of CoP. This in itself justifies this administration’s and the previous one’s decision to expand its search for someone who has the capacity and experience to deal with this virtually impossible situation.

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Happy Independence to our Republic!

August 31, 2010 by Christian Khabay

Pomp, pageantry, fire-works and scared dogs. Not necessarily in that order of merit but essentially the Order of Trinidad and Tobago (formerly the Trinity Cross). The recipients of this year’s National Awards are:

 The Order of Trinidad and Tobago

Kamalludin Mohammed

Karl Hudson-Phillips QC

Pundit Krishna Maharaj (posthumously)

Wahid Ali (posthumously)

CHACONIA MEDAL GOLD

Executive director Gregory Ramkissoon (Community Service)

Retired banker Ronald Harford (Business)

Masman Brian Anthony Mac Farlane (Culture?)

Head of Maha Sabha Satnarayan Maharaj (Religion)

Retired biologist Prof Julian Stanley Kenny (Environment Conservation)

Former MP and Minister Errol Mahabir (National Service)  {Read more}

The New Mimic Men (Part 1 1/2)

August 31, 2010 by Christian Khabay

1. Latoya Woods
2. The Prime Minister’s Top Ten ranking.
3. The CoP’s salary.

The New Mimic Men (Part 1)

August 23, 2010 by Christian Khabay

“His Excellency, PNM Leader for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Executive {Insert past despot’s name} Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea, and Conqueror of the Panday Empire in the Caribbean in General and Trinidad & Tobago in Particular", said the Clerk of the House on introducing Trinidad's Executive President {Insert past despot’s name}. What's strange about him though is that new Mugabe-ish / Hitler-esque moustache as well as the pink balisier adorned ascot around his neck. Icy scenes as his 40 MPs pound the desks and bow in reverence to usher him into the hallowed chamber.
 
Massive motifs in his likeness plaster the country's streets obsequiously foot noted with special purpose company UDeCOTT's logo beneath. Just one of their latest projects to beatify the country. The largest though, saved for the grounds of the pastor's church in Guanapo.
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A Change in the Force

August 17, 2010 by Christian Khabay

When Jedi Master Yoda sensed a shift in the force, he attributed it to the snuffing out of millions of lives in that instant. When Mr. Shan Ali  (father of murder victim Neeshad Ali) declared "I am convinced there is a change in the force right now. Even the CID were very anxious to have some closure in the matter, but I only hope that they follow through, and quick justice is served," his own sense of anguish and devastation would have been somewhat diminished for him to find comfort in the professional and efficient approach of the TTPS. Impressive is the only way that I could find to describe the actions of the TTPS in this case. Although Neeshad is forever lost to his loved ones the expectation that justice is not far around the corner can only help mitigate the grieving process.

Whilst there is still a lot rotten in the state of Denmark the signs are encouraging that indeed (slowly though) we are coming to a point that reclamation of our Republic is a real possibility.

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Justifying Lawlessness

July 31, 2010 by Christian Khabay

There has been public dissent with the announcement of the impending legislation regarding use of cellular phones whilst driving. $5,000.00 and/or 6 months (Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill, 2010) is the penalty being proposed. Of all the many varied reasons being proffered for its harshness only one has sounded reasonably apposite.  By attaching a possible jail sentence seems most oppressive and really inappropriate for this calibre of "criminal".

In criminalising an act, legislation to enforce it should by right not be comfortable to the potential offenders. In order for this particular legislation to be effective the normal law-abiding public should be sufficiently deterred by the inherent harshness of it rather than feel that they can afford a ticket thereby render the law ineffective.

The fact that people have a problem with the fines means that they are prepared to break the law at a lesser price. This being the case and our audacity to say it openly further means that, as a society we're not really serious about dealing with crime and any hope of turning it around is almost non-existent. This is essentially the societal attitudinal shift that is required that no government could affect, it's up to us all. {Read more}

Anand's Bazaar

July 27, 2010 by Christian Khabay

Politics and by extension political office, carries with it onerous burdens that more times than not is thankless. When considering running for public office one must consider this seriously and the public should also have this awareness and admire those who do. It never, ever ends well and the final price is usually public shame, ostracization, jail and sometimes, death. Just ask Bas and Patos.

Prior to the General Elections I was disappointed to see the now honourable Attorney General unceremoniously leave the COP and cast Mr. Dookeran in a discourteous and tasteless light. I saw his move as one rooted in opportunism and betrayal. Had he not done so I believe he would have still been made Attorney General.

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Please Help: The Life of Mr. Robert Cummings (Updated)

July 8, 2010 by Christian Khabay

Local Government Structure; Trinidad

June 23, 2010 by Christian Khabay

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Forging a Meritocracy

June 20, 2010 by Christian Khabay

1. The vacancies arise.
2. The positions are advertised with relevant qualifying criteria.
3. Applications are filed.
4. Sorting of applicants into a shortlist is done.
5. Invitations to interview for the positions are sent.
6. Interviews are conducted.
7. Evaluations of the candidates are made.
8. Recommendations made based on final evaluations.