Christine Kangaloo – right President to ensure PNM control of independent institutions

Rowley’s choice of a known, vocal and active PNM supporter, Christine Kangaloo, for President of T&T is the latest in his obsessive desire to cement T&T forever as PNM, cleverly ensuring PNM control of all independent, oversight institutions until 2028.

Kamla Persad Bissessar may win in 2025 but, even with a landslide, the PNM in general and Rowley in particular will effectively run things.

Rowley, having installed a pliant puppet can sleep satisfied knowing even if he loses the next general election, he still retains de facto control essentially cementing three straight PNM terms in office from 2015.

Enough time to cement PNMs desire to recreate TT fully in PNMs image and likeness.

Under Kangaloo, we will have a Chief Justice appointed by the PNM and 9 PNM appointed “independent” Senators. Other institutions over which Rowley will exercise indirect control include: the Service Commission, members of the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Integrity Commission and Judicial and Legal Services Commission, and most importantly the EBC.

What could Rowley want better than that?

To hell with the country, democracy and constitutional niceties. Those are for losers according to Rowley’s way of thinking.

Arguably, Rowley’s psychology does not allow for an independent, principled President.

Manning told us that Rowley cannot tolerate opposing views. He now espouses a Cosa Nostra mafioso code and demands unyielding allegiance to the PNM.

Let us not waste time trying to get Rowley to do the right thing by TT.

Under Rowley’s administration, we witnessed the collapse of the Police Service Commission, the infiltration of the EBC and other independent agencies like calypsonians, LATT, the IRO, the Trade Union movement, various Chambers of Commerce, the Bankers Association, you name it.

Keith Rowley and his Government have no intention of appointing an impartial, unbiased, even handed and completely principled citizen as President.

Rowley, a ruthless pragmatist, is not known to govern by principle.

At 73, he just cannot change. Power and control are all that matter.

Now more than ever, we see the importance of the Privy Council as the only independent institution, apart from the UNC, looking out for our democracy.

The day we remove the Privy Council, we could literally hand the keys of TT governance to Balisier House.

If Ms. Kangaloo has any integrity, morality, patriotism and shame, she would decline this nomination, knowing fully well that she will not, under Rowley, be allowed to perform her duties fairly and independently.

Being a known spreader of the PNM gospel, however, she most likely will clearly and willingly choose the interests of herself and her beloved party in whom apparently she is most pleased.

In all the circumstances, SC Israel Khan is by far the better choice.

Rodney Charles
MP for Naparima