Should the PNM continue Children's Life Fund when in gov't?

[UML]

Since it is a PP initiative, they dont contribute, they dont support it and sickness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Do you think it should be continued by the PNM when in government? Or will it die a political death?

MACHEL’S GIFT
Soca superstar gives $100,000 to Children’s Life Fund
By Ria Taitt Political Editor

Story Created: Jun 4, 2013 at 10:04 PM ECT

Story Updated: Jun 5, 2013 at 6:39 AM ECT

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan yesterday thanked soca superstar Machel Montano for the generous contribution of $100,000 donated by his band, Xtatik Limi­ted, to the Children’s Life Fund—a brainchild of the People’s Partnership Government.

Khan also revealed the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) contributed zero to the fund, which was established in 2010 to provide life-saving medical treatment overseas to sick children.

But the minister disclosed the lion’s share of the $75 million in donations to the fund came from the Trinidad and Tobago taxpayers, who, through the Government, donated $60 million as at January 31, 2013.

Thirty million dollars was paid in October 2011, and $30 million in December 2012.

Government ministers donated $1.4 million, paid through salary deductions, while the financially-challenged State-owned Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) contributed US$199,975 (TT$1.24 million).

Khan was responding to a question in the Senate yesterday.

PNM Senator Fitzgerald Hinds asked whether CAL gave the money after it became cash-strapped.

Hinds also asked whether the $100,000 donated by Montano might have been offset by the $5 million which the Government gave him “for an album we have never seen”.

The Government had given Montano $5 million to produce the Going for Gold album. The album was, in fact, launched last year.

Khan told Hinds he would not answer a question that imputes improper motives to people.

Montano’s mother and manager, Liz Montano, told the Express her son had given the $100,000 to the Children’s Fund long before the Going for Gold project was on the cards. She said it was when he went to London in 2011.

Machel Montano, along with fellow artiste Denyse Plummer and T&T businessmen, had accompanied Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to London, England, to showcase Trinidad and Tobago during Commonwealth Week.

The Going for Gold project took place last year and an album was produced by Montano.

Liz Montano said her son had told the Government he did not want any returns, and the Government should put any profits made on that project into the Music Development Fund and the Children’s Life Fund.

PNM Senator Pennelope Beckles asked whether the $60 million submitted by the Government was budged for in the last Appropriation Act.

Khan said it was, under allocations to the Ministry of Health.

Hinds, apparently stung by the minister’s revelation that the PNM had given not one cent to the fund, said $60 million meant every single citizen, including members of the Opposition, contributed to the fund and he called on Khan to acknowledge this. But Khan fought back.

“The Member of the Opposition is grasping at straws, caught behind the wicket with a question he presented. The Government is not the Opposition.

“The monies ($60 million) came from the coffers of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. And we are grateful that the people of Trinidad and Tobago can donate to the Children’s Fund.”

Among the other organisations contributing to the fund were the Consular Corps of Trinidad and Tobago, which gave $100,000.

The Trinidad and Tobago Consulate General in Toronto and New York also gave contributions.

When Hinds asked whether these donations came through salary deductions, Khan said he was amazed someone who didn’t give a cent to the fund was asking questions.

Among other contributions, over-the-counter bank donations accounted for $203,757.03; the Prime Minister’s Golf Classic ($100,000); ABM Ltd ($100,000); Bombay Dreams ($75,000); National Energy Corporation ($150,000); and Indian High Commission Women’s Group ($25,000).

[rfari]

Since it is a PP initiative, they dont contribute, they dont support it and sickness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Do you think it should be continued by the PNM when in government? Or will it die a political death?

When the pnm get back in govnt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

[UML]

Since it is a PP initiative, they dont contribute, they dont support it and sickness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Do you think it should be continued by the PNM when in government? Or will it die a political death?

When the pnm get back in govnt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

but no contributions?

[j.o.e]

Who has benefited from withdrawals from the fund? I am glad there is some transparency with the deposits...but if people benefited I think it would be good to know. Always hearing about sick children and that's a lot of money that could help.

[rfari]

Since it is a PP initiative, they dont contribute, they dont support it and sickness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Do you think it should be continued by the PNM when in government? Or will it die a political death?

When the pnm get back in govnt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

but no contributions?

What about the chirren? Thts whats more imprtnt? U gonna take that away from the chirren? U want to play politics with chirrens lives when pnm get re-elected?

[DionYorker]

Since it is a PP initiative, they dont contribute, they dont support it and sickness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Do you think it should be continued by the PNM when in government? Or will it die a political death?

When the pnm get back in govnt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

I agree is not like the PNM does go out of there way to provoke racial injustice and discrimination. Its just unnatural to think that they will ever waste money on trivial concepts while children die....Mr Rowley is a fine example of a leader....he says what he has to....never mind it doh make any sense...

PNM+In government= Jostiss.....

Bring back the ole time days ah being duncy....

[UML]

Since it is a PP initiative, they dont contribute, they dont support it and sickness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Do you think it should be continued by the PNM when in government? Or will it die a political death?

When the pnm get back in govnt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

but no contributions?

What about the chirren? Thts whats more imprtnt? U gonna take that away from the chirren? U want to play politics with chirrens lives when pnm get re-elected?

tell dat to baby Marissa Ramlal. yuh want to stop now? cause this thread have licks right through it

Since it is a PP initiative, they dont contribute, they dont support it and sickness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Do you think it should be continued by the PNM when in government? Or will it die a political death?

When the pnm get back in govnt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

I agree is not like the PNM does go out of there way to provoke racial injustice and discrimination. Its just unnatural to think that they will ever waste money on trivial concepts while children die....Mr Rowley is a fine example of a leader....he says what he has to....never mind it doh make any sense...

PNM+In government= Jostiss.....

Bring back the ole time days ah being duncy....

Due to lack of funds, baby Marissa dies

Thursday, October 30 2008

As her family struggled to raise funds for life-saving liver transplant surgery, baby Marissa Ramlal simply could not hold on. She died on Sunday at her family’s home at Scott’s Road, Penal. Her funeral is being planned for Saturday.

Ramlal was in critical condition and suffering the effects of a damaged liver. Her family had to raise $1.8 million for surgery in the United States. They had accumulated more than $500,000 through fundraising activities and donations.

Whatever hope the family entertained that help would come from the Health Ministry was dashed. “They don’t care,” a relative of Ramlal said yesterday.

Dr Navi Muradali, Chairman of HealthCare Watch (a group of doctors and nurses monitoring the delivery of health care) last week sent a letter to the Health Minister Jerry Narace and Social Development Minister Dr Amery Browne about establishing a unit to co-ordinate activities for children requiring medical attention abroad, and a state fund for support cases.

In an interview yesterday Muradali said there has been no response.

Muradali said Ramlal’s death reinforced the need for the unit. “We hope that another baby does not die because something is not done.”

He said Ramlal’s death was a tragedy which was preventable because surgery is available.

Muradali said “the incidence of babies being born with congenital defects is on the increase.”

With healthcare costs increasing globally, he said the same set of donors cannot be expected to give all the time. “This reinforces the need for the State to get involved.”

He said even if the Government set up a fund with $25 million, the interest could be used to help fund surgeries abroad.

Muradali said there were TT specialist doctors working abroad who have not returned home. He said they should be given incentives to work locally in specialised programmes.

Last Friday HealthCare Watch and Congress of the People delivered a letter to House Speaker Barendra Sinanan asking him to use his position to “place on the Order Paper” the establishment of the Children’s Unit as a matter of urgent national importance.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,88934.html

[zoom rader]

^^^ heartless PNM

[DionYorker]

^^^ heartless PNM

The comforts and trappings of power
By IRENE MEDINA Friday, August 31 2007

click on pic to zoom in

IT'S WORKING: After the power outage debacle at the PM's Residence on Wednesday, this magnificent chandelier in the Ante-room of the Diplomatic Centre...
« prev photo next photo »
A MAJESTIC waterfall, an inviting pool, a water channel which snakes through the grounds providing some ease to the stress of running a country, several saunas, bath-tubs in every room, a beauty salon, a bar, a chapel, a gym and expansive family rooms are what is in store for Prime Minister Patrick Manning and his wife Hazel, when he moves into the Official Residence and Diplomatic Centre at St Ann’s.

Yesterday, even as the media was invited to tour the controversial $148.1 million premises (where unlike an aborted tour on Wednesday there was no power outage) which stole part of the playing field of the entire St Ann’s community for its car park and grounds, no-one could say when the Residence would be ready for occupation.

Several of the rooms, were in varying stages of in-completion and none of the officials on hand could say what complement of staff would be needed to manage the affairs of the facilities and just how soon they would be placed.

And even as the Banquet Hall was being prepared for today’s President’s Awards ceremony, scores of Chinese workers were seen scurrying around putting finishing touches to the grounds and water channel. Two black dogs had also strayed onto the compound and were seen bathing in the water course.

In fact, several sections of the grounds were bare of grass and flowers and some rooms, like the PM’s kitchen area and bar as well as the gym, were still to be completed. For the most part, all the rooms are painted in pastel colours of beige, lime green, soft yellow and white, while most of the floors are done in varying shades of cream, off-white and some areas have a mahogany wood effect.

Sheer, white drapery provide the backdrop of the majority of the rooms of both buildings providing easy view of the imposing fountain,while varying shades of burgundy, pistachio green, and gold and tan coloured drapery complete the decor.

Sparkling chandeliers hang cosily from the ceilings from every single room, with the most impressive one in the Ante-room of the Diplomatic Centre, the very first room to which diplomats and dignitaries would be taken. The red and white flowered oriental-type rug adds a special touch. This room has special security features.

Media personnel were yesterday debarred from seeing the room in which their Prime Minister and his wife would sleep, and several doors remained closed for “security reasons” according to UdeCott Project Manager Karen Medina, who conducted the tour.

The tour started shortly after 10 am. The media was warned early that it would be debarred from some rooms including the PM’s master bedroom for security reasons and Medina explained that it was “a policy decision that I have to abide by.” She added that she was not there to explain the “reasons ‘for certain decisions’ but merely to explain the purpose of the buildings.

Pressed further on the issue, Michael Zhang managing director of the Shanghai Construction Group interjected, “the facility is to secure the Head of Government.”

The Diplomatic Centre is built on 20,084 square feet while the Residence occupies some 35,797 square feet. The Centre is to be used to host special and international and regional functions, accommodate foreign heads of states, a venue for hosting national functions, has its own ballroom, army post, and a media briefing room.

The Residence on the other hand comprise a ground floor where foreign guests would be accommodated in three standard hotel-type bedrooms complete with bathroom and toilet facilities.

The top floor is where the PM and his family would be living.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/print,0,63344.html



All ah we is one Family

[ronsin1]

UML you is the fella that does be on the morning panchite on 106 or how come you does only post questions from there

[rfari]

The baby died. Im sure she is in heaven now. What about the others that received funding? Pnm will put good use to the clf. No worries

[civicman]

Typical If you so concerned about citizens
Contribute something nah
That shows the level they willing to sink
NO damn shame they ent contribute but
questioning every body else contribution

[hustla_ambition101]

Isn't there a state of the art Hospital being built for children, hopefully in the coming years children can get treated right here.

civicman, everyone who has paid some form of tax has contributed to the fund, so that argument is invalid

[bluefete]

^^^ heartless PNM

Agreed. Too many children died, needlessly, under the PNM due to lack of funds to send them abroad for medical attention. But the big shot PNMites made sure to take care of themselves and their children. All this while they were spending $1 billion on a stadium no one can use today.

It would be interesting to know, however, how many children of relatives and friends of the PP have benefitted from the CLF.

That $60million is sure to water the eyes of some greedy people in the PP and I am sure they will find a way to draw down a lot of that money before 2015.

[bluefete]

Isn't there a state of the art Hospital being built for children, hopefully in the coming years children can get treated right here.

That would depend on whether they start training specialists pediatric medicine and children's diseases (juvenile diabetes for ex) from now. Otherwise we will end up with a big expensive hospital with money in the hands of PP contractors or the Chinese gov't and long waiting lines of sick children because we did not plan properly for specialist care.

[civicman]

What rubbish
by that argument the Govt MPs need not contribute as well

[TRAE]

ah find you rel believe dem going back in power---- we getting rob normal normal with this government but rowley go finish pound the nails in we coffin

[Crackpot]

Mis-Direction thread

Just checking een in another 102.7 sponsored post

[shogun]

Should the PNM continue the Children's Life Fund when in government?

*rubs eyes*

[hustla_ambition101]

Should the PNM continue the Children's Life Fund when in government?

*rubs eyes*

even UML acknowledges it, I shocked it hasn't started snowing in T&T yet

[toyota2nr]

IF the pnm get back in govt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

Please tell me you're joking dude.......

[rfari]

IF the pnm get back in govt i dont see any reason not to continue the fund. Not like rowley issa malicious person

Please tell me you're joking dude.......

Im just going with uml's thoughts buddy

[Crackpot]

I wonder how much dese guys does get pay to try to change the issue on online forums boy hmmm

Should Rowley also try using a toupee to pander to the east indian vote when elections are called?

Or maybe the PNM should continue to mismanage the economy, national security and international diplomacy

Should the PNM choose a Jack Warner look alike for the Chaguanas West seat to confuse the electorate

What about PNM hosting International Meetings with foreign dignitaries from Rowley's home in Diego instead of the diplomatic centre?

[toyota2nr]

Due to lack of funds, baby Marissa dies

Thursday, October 30 2008

As her family struggled to raise funds for life-saving liver transplant surgery, baby Marissa Ramlal simply could not hold on. She died on Sunday at her family’s home at Scott’s Road, Penal. Her funeral is being planned for Saturday.

Ramlal was in critical condition and suffering the effects of a damaged liver. Her family had to raise $1.8 million for surgery in the United States. They had accumulated more than $500,000 through fundraising activities and donations.

Whatever hope the family entertained that help would come from the Health Ministry was dashed. “They don’t care,” a relative of Ramlal said yesterday.

Dr Navi Muradali, Chairman of HealthCare Watch (a group of doctors and nurses monitoring the delivery of health care) last week sent a letter to the Health Minister Jerry Narace and Social Development Minister Dr Amery Browne about establishing a unit to co-ordinate activities for children requiring medical attention abroad, and a state fund for support cases.

In an interview yesterday Muradali said there has been no response.

Muradali said Ramlal’s death reinforced the need for the unit. “We hope that another baby does not die because something is not done.”

He said Ramlal’s death was a tragedy which was preventable because surgery is available.

Muradali said “the incidence of babies being born with congenital defects is on the increase.”

With healthcare costs increasing globally, he said the same set of donors cannot be expected to give all the time. “This reinforces the need for the State to get involved.”

He said even if the Government set up a fund with $25 million, the interest could be used to help fund surgeries abroad.

Muradali said there were TT specialist doctors working abroad who have not returned home. He said they should be given incentives to work locally in specialised programmes.

Last Friday HealthCare Watch and Congress of the People delivered a letter to House Speaker Barendra Sinanan asking him to use his position to “place on the Order Paper” the establishment of the Children’s Unit as a matter of urgent national importance.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,88934.html

If we had that fund under the PNM that child could have been saved. Where was Rowley then? rfari do you know? These are the people you and Habit7 wanna put in government. People who let a little innocent child die because she was from an opposition constituency. We the people must never forget the evil that took place.

[Crackpot]

^^ It is also "evil" to waste $6 million on a fire tender that could have gone to saving other lives fingerpointer.

[rfari]

Due to lack of funds, baby Marissa dies

Thursday, October 30 2008

As her family struggled to raise funds for life-saving liver transplant surgery, baby Marissa Ramlal simply could not hold on. She died on Sunday at her family’s home at Scott’s Road, Penal. Her funeral is being planned for Saturday.

Ramlal was in critical condition and suffering the effects of a damaged liver. Her family had to raise $1.8 million for surgery in the United States. They had accumulated more than $500,000 through fundraising activities and donations.

Whatever hope the family entertained that help would come from the Health Ministry was dashed. “They don’t care,” a relative of Ramlal said yesterday.

Dr Navi Muradali, Chairman of HealthCare Watch (a group of doctors and nurses monitoring the delivery of health care) last week sent a letter to the Health Minister Jerry Narace and Social Development Minister Dr Amery Browne about establishing a unit to co-ordinate activities for children requiring medical attention abroad, and a state fund for support cases.

In an interview yesterday Muradali said there has been no response.

Muradali said Ramlal’s death reinforced the need for the unit. “We hope that another baby does not die because something is not done.”

He said Ramlal’s death was a tragedy which was preventable because surgery is available.

Muradali said “the incidence of babies being born with congenital defects is on the increase.”

With healthcare costs increasing globally, he said the same set of donors cannot be expected to give all the time. “This reinforces the need for the State to get involved.”

He said even if the Government set up a fund with $25 million, the interest could be used to help fund surgeries abroad.

Muradali said there were TT specialist doctors working abroad who have not returned home. He said they should be given incentives to work locally in specialised programmes.

Last Friday HealthCare Watch and Congress of the People delivered a letter to House Speaker Barendra Sinanan asking him to use his position to “place on the Order Paper” the establishment of the Children’s Unit as a matter of urgent national importance.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,88934.html

If we had that fund under the PNM that child could have been saved. Where was Rowley then? rfari do you know? These are the people you and Habit7 wanna put in government. People who let a little innocent child die because she was from an opposition constituency. We the people must never forget the evil that took place.

Thats really sad. As i when when pnm gets back into office the clf should be continued so that little chirren wouldnt suffer

[Rooki3]

^^ It is also "evil" to waste $6 million on a fire tender that could have gone to saving other lives fingerpointer.

[TRAE]

rowley wasnt there partna he was in the back room, it was manning --- plus we all know rowley only good for opposition---- where in government or out---- he a kant

[Crackpot]

^^ It is also "evil" to waste $6 million on a fire tender that could have gone to saving other lives fingerpointer.

[pioneer]

typical pnm mentality...not paying for anything

Gotta love Khan doh, he looks quiet but pwnin man from ah side

inb4 sixtuplets cousin