I do- My column 16 August 2011

Kitty and Geoffrey Inglefield enjoyed 64 years of marriage, both living into their eighties. How many of us will post those numbers? In fact are we even expected to post those numbers; are common-law relationships replacing marriages and for those who get married, will it be a few times in a lifetime? There are lies, lies and statistics so continue through this column with as much scepticism as you need.I knew the advertising agency which Kitty Inglefield founded but I did not know the couple personally. What caught me was the news of their passing within hours of each other and the 64 years of marriage. What a remarkable measure of love and stability and what an increasing rarity. Consider that it is getting more difficult to live to 64 much less be married for that length of time and to the same person. How difficult? Well let's face a few things. Latest UN figures show that life expectancy at birth for a Trini male is 68.5 and 74.3 for a female. Based on that alone, the average Trini male would have to tie the knot as a toddler if Kitty and Geoffrey are to be matched.

I don't know- My column for 9 August 2011

The column is really about things I don't know. About three things I don't know. Like I don't know whether the trade unions are negotiating based on what their members are valued in the labour market or against handshakes made prior to the May 2010 election. I don't know whether the Government understands that it cannot continue to hand out flat percentage increases in every negotiating cycle without distinguishing between its employees' individual performance and skills and value.
And while I know that some sectors have agreed to five per cent for everybody, I don't know whether the Government is any closer to recognising that some skills should attract better compensation to keep the skills loyal to country and the public sector in particular. Which leaves me only to wonder just how much thought is going into these negotiations and settlements and whether this is not a replay of the same old cycle of negotiations. Flat increases across the board could be the work of lazy unionists and employers: but I don't know.

Awaiting CAL's report on runway mishap- My column for 2 August 2011

There is usually a smattering of applause when a Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight touches a runway anywhere in the world. BW 523's runway mishap in Guyana will now increase the volume on CAL's flights, part gratitude part relief. Aviation incidents are usually related to human or mechanical issues or physical conditions: sometimes all three. This one will be figured out and ascribed a cause or series of causes. Even before that we learn a few things. CAL is not infallible and has a first major accident. Much can happen even after an aircraft safely touches down, so when you do applaud, stay buckled-in and keep in mind the job is not finished. We also know that Guyana is a lucrative market for CAL and not all airports are created equal. CAL needs some assurances in Guyana. It has to take stock of consistency in passenger and aircraft safety and emergency response. The initial sounds out of Guyana point to matters for concern and that is where the Prime Minister and Guyana's President will take the lead.

Diversity on Boards- written by Elizabeth Watson- Governance Expert

It has become well accepted that diverse boards, made up of individuals with a variety of backgrounds, skills and experience, make better decisions. Directors with different backgrounds bring different perspectives and are able to identify and debate all sides of an issue. This can prevent group-think, spark creativity, enhance risk review and lead to better decision-making. Diversity in this context includes diversity with respect to industry experience, functional expertise, market knowledge and leadership style, as well as community perspectives, culture and gender. In the case of an organization such as YVR, where so much of its business and clientele is international, it would seem counter-intuitive to restrict the board's ability to recruit individuals with international experience or perspectives and forgo any competitive advantage such a board might bring.

30 years down the road...My column 26th July 2011

With British Columbia's snow capped mountains for the background, the four women in our group posed for a photo. The camera was quick but the significance remains. No two are alike in this quartet bonded across generations by family, friendship and food. Yet, each is a true Trini. Diversity is our best asset, our collective smoothening of differences as we put all shades, colours and ancestry into one neat 4 by 6 photo frame. But that diversity is also about age and there's some work to do.

Having to write this column from the beautiful ski resort of Whistler, British Columbia, the five over 65 year olds on the trip with my family, tried to influence the column's subject and its contents. Long evenings covered wide-ranging matters, and great food and decent grog will do no harm to conversation and imagination. They succeeded in inadvertently becoming my subject, a reflection of their class, ease and grace. Thirty years on I want to be them.

Harry and the Hindu Credit Union- My column- 12 July 2011

Shorn of its religious façade and relieved of its socio-political tie-backs, the HCU complaints are rooted in simple fraud and deception. And like the CLICO matter which runs in parallel, it is not the work of the leadership only. Fraud was configured at the top but featured glib salesmen at the centre. It was fraud advertised and contracted, touted in three and four-colour brochures and peddled by men in suits. And at each stage of the con-job the divine path to financial freedom was buffeted by doses of spirituality and politics, all in equal measure, each one a little more daring.

Cabinet Reshuffle: Waiting and Watching- My column 5th July 2011

Having lit up the sky with a few bright spots from an otherwise dull cabinet reshuffle, the challenges are more obvious. After a series of financial and management experts as the Corporation Sole, a neophyte takes the job and embarks upon a steep climb. Brand new ministers take up major line responsibilities for Petrotrin, National Gas Co, T&TEC, Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) and the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT): are they too brand-new? And UWI economist Dr Patrick Watson, once touted as a Minister in the Ministry of Finance and potential Corporation Sole, exits the Parliament, most likely temporarily. How big is the loss?
The fixing of state enterprises has to happen against that backdrop. The challenge rests on the shoulders of a new Corporation Sole. And to do that the office of Corporation Sole must itself be fixed. Together with this new Corporation Sole, the new Minister of Public Administration and other new ministers will also have significant roles; can they deliver?