INTEGRITY ISSUE 3 • SEP 2013 IN ACTION A Newsletter of The Integrity Commission

INTEGRITY COMMISSIONERS:

(L - R) Standing: Mr. Deonarine Jaggernauth, Mr. Justice Sebastian Ventour (Deputy Chairman), Mr. Seunarine Jokhoo, Sitting: Mr. Kenneth Gordon (Chairman), Dr. Shelly-Anne Lalchan

Do Right Champions Competition 2013 The Best Short Story, Report, Monologue or Speech Band ROUND 3 wins IPad Minis and First Citizens nEo Accounts INTEGRITY ACTION IN Independence of the Integrity Commision

our members of the Integrity Commission the Integrity Commission: F were appointed by His Excellency Anthony • Justice Sebastian Ventour Thomas Aquinas Carmona, S.C. in a swearing-in (Retired high court judge) ceremony at his o ce on July 2nd 2013. • Mr. Seunarine Jokhoo “My gratitude and that of the nation to these (Reappointed member) four new members for making themselves • Mr. Deonarine Jaggernauth available to serve in public o ce, especially at • Dr. Shelly-Anne Lalchan a time when many qualified citizens pay lip-service to nationhood and to the spirit and “In our Westminster form of governance, one dictates of the Constitution and the law,” the cannot understate the importance of indepen- President said. dent Commissions as institutions undergirding The Commissioners took their Oath of O ce our democracy. These apolitical bodies have in the presence of Speaker of the House of been established in order to provide checks to Representatives the Hon. Wade Mark, Leader of the exercise of executive power within our state the Opposition, Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley, and to thereby promote transparency, account- Integrity Commission Chairman Kenneth ability and the general observance of demo- Gordon, their spouses and members of the cratic principles and values. News Media. Apologies for absence were “According to Section 5 (2) (a) of the Integ- received from the Hon. Prime Minister who was rity in Public Life Act, at the International Labour Organisation meet- ing of Caribbean Ministers of Labour at the “In the exercise of its powers and performance Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre and the of its functions under this Act, the Commission- Hon. Chief Justice Ivor Archie who was engaged (a) shall not be subject to the direction or in a major appeal involving counsel from abroad. control of any other person or authority.” President Carmona explained that the term of It is therefore noteworthy that while appointed four of the five members of the previously by the President, the members of the Indepen- constituted Integrity Commission (Madame dent Commissions are not “the President’s men Justice Gladys Gafoor; Neil Rolingson; Professor and women”. Their independence is sacrosanct. Ann-Marie Bissessar and Seunarine Jokhoo) came to an end on March 14th, 2013 - 4 days “All new members were comprehensively vetted before he assumed o ce. by the (Police) Special Branch and they have He added: “In the past several weeks and advised the President that “there is neither months, I have interviewed scores of citizens criminal nor adverse security information and have consulted the Hon. Prime Minister against any of the appointees.” They are there- and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition. I am fore, in keeping with Section 4 (1) of the Integ- today happy to be in a position to administer rity in Public Life Act, deemed to be “persons of the Oath of O ce to the four new members of integrity and high standing.”

Integrity in Action is published by the Communications Department of The Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago

2 THE COMMISSIONERS Mr. Kenneth Gordon assumed duties as Caribbean Communications Network (CCN). He Chairman replacing Dr. Eric St. Cyr in November was also instrumental in the establishment of a 2011. Mr. Gordon has had a long and number of regional media houses in Guyana, distinguished career in business. A former Jamaica and Barbados. A former Senator and a chairman of Neal and Massy Holdings he has keen sportsman he was once president of the had considerable interests in the media, West Indies Cricket Board. serving as managing director of the Trinidad Express Newspapers and CEO and Chairman of

Justice Sebastian Ventor has had a Disciplinary Committee. For the past 22 years distinguished 34-year legal career. He was Justice Ventor (retired) lectured at the Hugh Senior Partner at the law firm of Fitzwilliam, Wooding Law School. Stone, Furness-Smith and Morgan and a Judge in the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago for 14 years. He served at the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago, both as Secretary and as a Member of the Seunarine Jokhoo is a returning member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Institute of the Integrity Commission, having previously Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago and been appointed to serve a three-year term on has worked in the private sector as Financial March 15, 2010. A chartered accountant, he has Controller of Amar Holdings Limited, General a 35-year history of committed public service Manager and Director of the Citrus Growers from which he retired as Director of State Association and Executive Chairman of National Enterprises and Acting Permanent Secretary in Fisheries Company Limited. An avid farmer, he the Ministry of Trade and Industry. He is on has chaired and served on numerous State boards.

Deonarine Jaggernauth, a Petroleum and Member Award in 2005. A part-time Environmental Engineer, has given 33 lecturer at the University of Trinidad and years of service to the Petroleum Tobago (UTT), he is Vice President of the Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited TRINTOC Penal Credit Union and a (Petrotrin), formerly TRINTOC. He has lay-minister at the St. Benedict’s Roman published many papers and received Catholic Church. several awards including the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Distinguished

Dr. Shelly-Anne Lalchan a leading ophthal- career practising in the United Kingdom, she is mologist and surgeon, is a Fellow of The Royal currently in private practice. She is an Associate College of Ophthalmologists, Member of the Lecturer in Postgraduate Ophthalmology with American Academy of Ophthalmologists, the University of the West Indies at the Eric Member of the International Society of Williams Medial Sciences Complex. Dr. Lalchan Glaucoma Surgery and founder of the West is engaged in social work in her professional Indian Society of Glaucoma Surgeons (WINGS). area of expertise. Having spent the majority of her medical

3 ION T C A INTEGRITY IN LET’S DO THE RIGHT THING ALWAYS Send us your story

Maybe you've seen first-hand how misfortune and accidents can rip apart a family and a community. Or maybe you are concerned about the negative things you hear on radio or see on the television. The Integrity Commission invites you to make “doing the right thing always” a National Mission, one that resonates throughout our nation. Integrity cannot exist where there is corruption, and corrupt societies self-destruct. You are invited to share your story or point of view and inspire others to “do the right thing always.” Stories must not be more than 350 words. Please insert your name, address and telephone number. Join us in the call to serve this beautiful country of ours with all its transient controversy, its varied and talented people and its excitement and charm – let’s DO THE RIGHT THING ALWAYS.

ANSWERS TO Q&AYOUR QUESTIONS We have produced a Handbook entitled “Frequently Asked Questions” which provides answers to many of the questions likely to arise about the Integrity Com- mission and its operations. These handbooks are being widely distributed to schools, persons in public life, public ocers and interested parties. The Commission recently presented copies of the Handbook to Mr. Bhadase Seetahal-Maraj, Project Man- ager at the Ministry of Education for onward distribution to secondary schools. School Principals in need of additional copies may contact the Commission’s Communication Department at telephone 624-4736 or 625-2392 Extension 240 or 293. Do the right thing always… keep it as a way of life and let that be the guide as to how you live.

4 It is compulsory for all members and ocers of Persons in Public Life to fill KNOW YOUR FORMS: the Tobago House of out and submit annually by Assembly.” He added: “We May 31 a Form A and a Form PARTNER ask ourselves…is it that the B to the Integrity Commis- Integrity Commission sion. The necessity for the considers itself guardians Forms and how to fill them or partners in good gover- out pose a challenge to IN GOOD nance? Is the Integrity some persons and it is in this Commission an organisa- regard that the Registrar GOVERNANCE tion whose main purpose to and employees of the Com- catch persons doing the mission recently held a wrong things or collaborate series of seminars to appraise Persons in Public to ensure that we do the right thing always? Life of their obligations under the Integrity in That question is answered today as we Public Life Act, IPLA. witness the Commission disseminating and During the “Know Your Forms” seminars the sharing vital information in a manner that Commission’s Registrar Martin Farrell, Leigh- facilitates and synchronises expectations so Ann Benjamin and Christopher Ramsey of the we do not have unpleasant surprises. Expec- Compliance Division explained the process of tations can be met if in the course of the obtaining the Forms and the importance of journey we share information.” completing and submitting the Forms in a Mr London added: “it is interesting and timely manner. The annual requirement and perhaps fortunate that the “Know Your processing helps in ensuring compliance with Forms” session takes place “when there are no the requirements of the IPLA and emphasises Commissioners in the Oce of the Integrity the importance for all Persons in Public Life to Commission because a lot of time we judge act with integrity and to make ethical decisions the Commission by the Commissioners… we as trust and confidence is critical to success. get caught up in the personalisation of the “Know your Forms” seminars were held process and in that manner the role and recently at the Commission’s Oces and at the function of the Integrity Commission is some- Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain as well as at the times lost.” Coco Reef Hotel and Conference Centre in He lauded the Registrar and team on the Tobago. Over 133 persons attended the semi- manner in which the session was conducted. nars. Mr Orville London, Chief Secretary, He observed: “This is a session where we deal Tobago House of Assembly, led members of with the issues in a rational, unemotional, the Tobago House of Assembly and the Tobago depersonalise manner that helps us all. It Regional Health Authority at the seminar in means we are treating with functions rather Tobago. than breaches of the IPLA. We in the THA In welcoming the Commission’s representa- welcome this initiative and recognize the tives to Tobago Mr London explained that one important function of the Integrity Commis- of the fundamental reasons he and his team sion. It demonstrates that the majority of attended “is to determine the relationship People in Public Life are doing the right thing between us and the Oce of the Integrity and that we come away from this session Commission especially now that we have new knowing we are doing the right thing.”

5 INTEGRITY ACTION IN The Integrity Commission as seminar disclosed the “impor- the agency for monitoring KNOW YOUR FORMS: tance of submitting com- and providing guidance to pleted forms correctly and Persons in Public Life held a CLEARING timely.” Commonly, senior “Know Your Forms” Seminar members of the Commission’s at the Hyatt Regency in Compliance team meet with March. One participant new board members to emphatically stated that “all UP GREY provide guidance and infor- grey areas regarding comple- mation with respect to the tion of the declaration forms filing out these mandatory have been satisfactorily AREAS declarations. explained.” Another The Commission’s Compli- explained that “the seminars helped to shed light ance team gave an in-depth overview of the on how Persons in Public Life can help in the requirements of the forms and interacted with fight against corruption.” Declarants. Chairman Kenneth Gordon and (then) The Commission, as the leading institution to Commissioners Seunarine Jokhoo and Neil promote integrity and make this nation corrup- Rolingson reminded declarants that the declara- tion free is pleased whenever encouraging tion of their interests, income and assets are feedback is received from our ‘declarants.’ intended to deter the use of public oce for Often times we hear that the Declaration private gain. Forms A and B are challenging and as a result All Persons in Public Life and persons exercis- many persons fail to meet the annual May 31 ing public functions who fail to submit a com- deadline for the submission of information pleted declaration form and a statement of related to declarations of income, assets and registrable interests within the prescribed period liabilities as well as Statements of Registrable will have their names published in the Ocial Interests. The Commission, in recognition of this, Gazette and in at least one daily newspaper. The initiated a series of “Know Your Forms” seminars Commission may make an ex-parte application to to alleviate any diculties declarants may have. the High Court to secure compliance. Failure to Participants indicated that the seminars comply with the directive of Court is an oence “clarified a number of misunderstandings.” and a Person in Public Life is liable on conviction Another participant shared that presenters at the to a fine of $150,000. Annual Report tabled in Parliament The Registrar of the Integrity Commission has presented the Commission’s Annual Report to Parliament for the year 2012. The year 2012 was of special significance as the Commission celebrated its 25th Anniversary as “the leading institution to promote integrity and make Trinidad and Tobago corruption free.” The 40-page report deals with the activities of the Commission: meetings held, its functions, Compliance, Investigations, Public Education and Communications, Corporate Administration and Legal Matters. The Report is posted on the Commission’s website www.integritycommission.org.tt. For more information contact: The Registrar, Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, 4th Floor, UTC Financial Centre, 82 Independence Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad. Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Telephone: (868) 624-4736; 623-8305; 625-2392. E-Mail: [email protected]. ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT YEAR F OR T H E 2012

CH. 22:01) LIFEA CT, INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC SECTION 10 OF THE (PURSUANT TO 6 Sharpening the focus to prevent and detect corruption

The Integrity Commission is sharpening its scrutiny. It provides also a means for monitoring focus and strengthening its ability to prevent inconsistencies or irregularities in o cials’ and detect corruption. declared income and assets and for detecting The Commission is working diligently to and avoiding potential Conflicts of Interest. revise the prescribed forms used to capture a Indeed, the requirement to submit these decla- public o cial’s income, assets, liabilities and rations by May 31st each year is in itself an significant interests. This is in response to the eective reminder of the duty to accountability challenges expressed by many regarding the that comes with public o ce. A duty that di culty, repetitiveness and length of the maybe in itself is a brake against doing the current form. The aim of the review is to simplify wrong thing. the declaration form. This will significantly The requirement for persons who are reduce the error rate and improve detection. entrusted with leadership positions and those The Commission has made recommenda- controlling state funds to submit annual declara- tions for refining processes to allow for the tions is not unique to Trinidad and Tobago. In electronic submission and processing of decla- fact, the World Bank conducted and published ration forms and implementing a materiality in 2012 the findings of its analysis of 87 countries limit for the disclosure of income and assets. that have successfully implemented income and The Integrity in Public Life Act stipulates that asset disclosure systems. Many of these coun- each Person in Public Life must submit a Decla- tries which have implemented disclosure ration of Income, Assets and Liabilities and a systems have been responding to regional Statement of Registrable Interests to the Integ- trends and enacting provisions of international rity Commission by May 31st of each year. anti-corruption instruments. In recent times, there has been public debate International Conventions include: and opinion about the value of this process. • The United Nations Convention against Some argue that it is a waste of the Commission’s Corruption (UNCAC) which was ratified by 165 time and resources. The Commission reempha- countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. sises that this is not so. • The Inter-American Convention against The requirement that public o cials declare Corruption (IACAC) which emphasises height- their interests, income and assets is quite simply, ened government integrity and transparent intended to deter the use of public o ce for bookkeeping. Article III requires that member private gain. states: As a corruption prevention mechanism, the “create, maintain and strengthen... systems for disclosure system provides timely and much- registering the income, assets and liabilities of needed guidance to Persons in Public Life about persons who perform public functions in certain the principles and behaviours of ethical conduct posts as specified by law and, where appropriate, and reminds that behaviour is subject to regular for making such registrations public.”

7 Sharpening the focus to prevent and INTEGRITY ACTION IN detect corruption continued In its current form, the Integrity in Public Life Act does not now allow for the sharing of THE WAY FORWARD information. The Commission recommends Based on our experience and research, to be truly that systemic arrangements be made to e ective, the declaration forms must be analysed facilitate the exchange of information between alongside the data submitted to other regulatory the Board of Inland Revenue, the Police bodies such as the Board of Inland Revenue and Service, Customs, Immigration and the Finan- the Financial Intelligence Unit. A comparative of cial Intelligence Unit. Access to these informa- the information received at each Agency will be tion sources will allow the Commission to extremely useful in determining legitimate cases of monitor changes in the value of assets, income illicit enrichment. This approach, when combined and liabilities and facilitates the checking of with the existing review processes of comparing the accuracy of the declared value of the asset declarations for changes or inconsistencies over against land and property registries, tax and time, checking for consistencies between the banking records. Completing the Declaration declaration and the statement of registrable inter- form does not have to be a challenge. The ests and following up on allegations of conflicts of Commission’s team of highly qualified Ana- interests, will result in a more accurate assessment lysts are available and willing to assist all of a person’s net worth and whether there is any Persons in Public Life and those persons who intention to conceal his interests, assets and liabilities. are responsible for State resources. WE CANNOT LEGISLATE FOR INTEGRITY

Chairman Kenneth Gordon SAYS CHAIRMAN KEN GORDON The Integrity Commission does not usually make The Newsday on June 22nd was deliberate public statements to explain its position on issues mischief for it was carried in inverted commas which are before it or on which it has been forced and repeated on 3 other occasions in the same to act. But, as a result of the media frenzy that edition of the paper. Our request for an apology followed the Commission’s Chairman meeting with has been ignored and gone unanswered. the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Keith Rowley on Q Are there guidelines for the manner in which a May 15, 2013 Integrity In Action put a series of sole Commissioner with or without a consti- questions to Mr. Kenneth Gordon, Chairman. This tuted Commission should deal with the type interview clarifies all the pertinent issues which of situation with which you were confronted? have been raised. A The IPLA guides the conduct of the Commis- sion and by extension it’s Commissioners. Q You have been reported in the Newsday as Clearly every eventuality cannot be anticipated saying "I have the power of the Integrity but the dominant guideline is that the Com- Commission." Is that correct? mission is not subject to the direction or control A No, most certainly not. I never made any such of any other person or authority and that it is statement. That headline on the front page of free to do all such things as it considers

8 necessary or expedient for the purpose of circumstances which existed. carrying out its function. On May 15th we were Q The charge has been made that the meeting in uncharted waters. Nonetheless we were was secret and held to plan a political required to function on a day to day basis and conspiracy. we did so short of taking policy decisions in A A wild and irresponsible charge without an the absence of a constituted Commission. iota of truth. A secret meeting would not One had always to be "mindful" of the regula- have had an Aide Memoire immediately tions of the IPLA and whenever indicated act prepared of what had transpired and handed in general accordance with them. I have to the Registrar the following day. There was always sought to do so. nothing secret about the meeting. We were therefore able to carry on with Q Why was there need for an Opinion from valuable preparatory work to facilitate the Senior Counsel? No one had raised any issue decision making process once the new Com- of jurisdiction. mission was appointed. A That is not correct. The Commission sta has Q But many who understand the Commission's a responsibility to prepare documentation independence remain concerned that the based on which Commissioners take decisions. venue of the meeting was your home. There is an established process for dealing A I understand that. In the perfect world that with matters before they are presented to the meeting ought to have taken place at the Integrity Commission. This includes seeking Integrity Commission with an o cer present. legal guidance as necessary. In this instance But it is apparent from the terms in which the the Commission's in-house Counsel advised IPLA's independence are framed that Com- on May 23rd that the Commission had the missioners are expected to carry out their required jurisdiction. Because both the Prime functions even where the perfect world does Minister and the Attorney General (both of not exist. What is also inherent in the IPLA is whom are S.Cs.) are on record as stating that the confidence which is reposed in the Integ- the Integrity Commission had no such juris- rity of the individual Commissioner. If he can diction (see Hansard and newspaper clipping), be entrusted to honour the Oath of Secrecy we therefore decided to obtain an Opinion he or she can be trusted to faithfully report on from Senior Counsel on May 27th. The Attorney what transpired at a brief meeting with a General has since publicly denied that anyone public o cial. If the Commissioner had failed ever questioned the Integrity Commission's to take immediate steps to ensure transpar- jurisdiction in this matter. That is demonstrably ency, then it could be argued that he had not true. failed the confidence which had been reposed Quotations from: in him. But this Commissioner did not do that. (1) The Express of May 24th: He reported what had transpired in an Aide "Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Memoire and the next day handed it to the Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said the Registrar sealed to be placed in the vault to Commission is not the competent authority for await the incoming Commission. such as investigation. But Rowley is calling for the Q Why was the Registrar not invited to the Integrity Commission to investigate the matter." meeting? (2) The Guardian of May 24th: A The meeting was not anticipated. Arranged at "The Prime Minister and Attorney General say approximately 6.00 p.m. it took place between the IC's powers do not extend to criminal 6.15 to 6.30 p.m. The Registrar lives in the East. matters such as those which may arise out of It was impractical to have him present in the the issues in the e-mails."

9 INTEGRITY ACTION IN (3) Newsday of May 25th: A There were strong dierences between the "Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, at the Prime Minister, Attorney General and the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, said the Opposition about whether or not this matter Integrity Commission does not have powers fell within the jurisdiction of the Commission. under its statute to probe criminal oences (See Hansard quote page 140-141. Also quote such as murder. Prime Minister Kamla Persad- P.M. from Hansard statement.) So the issue of Bissessar on Wednesday said the Commission, jurisdiction became one of national impor- as a creature of statute, is not able to investigate tance. It is part of the remit of the Integrity matters beyond its remit." Commission under its public education Contrary to the Attorney General’s state- programme to address such matters. ment that the Integrity Commission had no Q Meeting held in the dead of night like jurisdiction in this matter, the conflict on this Dracula. issue could hardly be more clearly spelt out. A The meeting commenced at approximately Attached as an Appendix is an extract from 6.15 p.m. and ended at approximately 6.30 p.m. Hansard which also quotes Prime Minister Why do you believe you should not tender Kamla Persad- Bissessar’s position. your resignation? It was considered desirable to release the Part II Section 5 (2)(a) and (c) make it clear that information given in the Opinion to clear up the the Integrity Commission is not subject to the widespread uncertainty, as a matter of Public direction or control of any other persons or Information. You may recall that we also sought authority and that it has the power to do what permission from another Senior Counsel some it considers necessary or expedient. It must months earlier to make sections of his Opinion also be understood that whether or not a available to the complainant at the time of the “constituted” Commission had existed on May matter related to the Prime Minister’s sister 15th, the day of the meeting, the identical Vidwatie Newton. There was no complaint at circumstances could have occurred. My that time on any front. This was done in response would almost certainly have been the response to a request from public commenta- same except that I might have immediately tors for more information about the basis on called one or other of the Commissioners on which the Commission’s decision was made. It the phone on Dr. Rowley's departure. Without was emphasized to Senior Counsel at the time the full Commission in place I did the next best that this was likely to be passed to the media. thing and immediately wrote an Aide Memoire It was, and was published in the media. In both which was typed the following day. For the instances the information released was record let me state that the act of resignation restricted to the conclusions of the Opinion. holds no dragons for me. I have resigned from This appeared to be a welcome develop- 4 previous national appointments under 3 ment and it is now part of the practice of the dierent Governments. In each instance it was a Commission to share more information with principled position against what I considered to the public wherever this is consistent with our be wrong. These are all matters of record. What policy particularly on national issues. I will not do is to be stampeded into taking Moreover there was a clear onus on the such action for the wrong reasons. Commission's Secretariat to have the issue of Holders of oces such as Commissioners of jurisdiction cleared up as part of its preparation the Integrity Commission are required to be for the incoming Commissioners. independent and strong and should not bow to Why did the Integrity Commission publish public pressure to step down especially when Q the summary of the Peake's Opinion? it comes from those with political agendas,

10 whatever the persuasion. To do so would be to meeting that afternoon. Equally in the light of compromise the independence of the o ce. what has transpired I would do everything Q Did Dr. Rowley mislead you and lead you into possible to ensure that I had a clearly spelt out a trap? remit for the o ce of sole Commissioner. A Not at all. He was brief and to the point and so Q Would you recuse yourself from this matter if it was I. In fact my response to him that the comes before the Commission? matter was not before the Commission because A Our former Commission decided that good the Commission was not as yet constituted was corporate governance should be the bench mark not news. That was public knowledge and I had for the practices of the Commission, and has made similar public references earlier when been guided by such principles. Recusal is a explaining the status quo. The meeting lasted matter which has implications for the full Com- no more than 15 minutes from beginning to end. mission and this has been reinforced by Justice Q Was the meeting in violation of the ethical Kokaram's recent Judgment. Our former Com- rules that guide the Commission? mission has been guided by the importance of A Most certainly not. public perception in all matters of recusal and I Q Will this controversy discourage prospective feel certain that the New Commission will be Commissioners from joining the Commission? similarly guided. On the occasion when the A There will always be controversy surrounding Commission took a decision on recusal the High the work of Integrity Commissions for its Court gave useful guidance to the Commission decisions aect the lives of people. In the end for the future. Public perception will therefore be the Commission will earn respect if it is consis- an important part of any decision the Commis- tently fair. Unfortunately some in society use sion takes on recusal. Having said that let me add these dierences to promote partisan agendas. that I recused myself from this matter at the very If prospective Commissioners are not prepared first meeting of the new Commission on July 4th, to accept this tough but necessary responsibil- 2013 some 8 days before any request that I do so ity they should not make themselves available was received. for o ce. Q Mrs. Gafoor has made a number of uncompli- Q If the circumstances were repeated tomorrow mentary remarks about you. Will you respond? would you act di erently? A I have no comment to make about this good lady. A What I would do dierently is to ensure that I Justice Kokaram’s Judgment in the matters she had a fuller understanding of the nature of the brought against the Integrity Commission last URGENCY which existed before arranging the year says all that needs to be said.

The Commission does not in the normal way make public statements to explain its position on issues which are before it or on which it has been forced to act. We have done so in this instance because of the significance of the particular matter. Kenneth Gordon, Chairman, Integrity Commission Do the right thing...regardless of the consequences His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona ORTT, S.C. The necessity of doing the right thing even His Excellency said: “to be honourable requires when no one is watching was emphasised by that one commit to always doing the right thing President Anthony Carmona in an address to because it is the right thing to do, regardless of Parliamentarians at the Ceremonial Opening of the consequences and ignoring the potential the Fourth Session of the Tenth Parliament of rewards of doing otherwise. It is honour in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on leadership that will inspire confidence in our August 2, 2013. people and result in the stability of our nation.” continued on p13

11 ION T C A INTEGRITY IN THE INTEGRITY COMMISSION RESTRUCTURES The Integrity Commission has been mandated remain consistent with those established in the via Cabinet Minute #591 (2nd Session) dated Terms of Reference, and are attained in the 2010 August 26 to establish a permanent stipulated time frame. The Consultancy is structure for the Commission. The new structure expected to be completed later this year. would enhance the e cacy of the Commission’s The sta members on the Steering Committee operations thereby ensuring it attains all its include Mr. Kenneth Gordon, Chairman, Miss Lisa organizational goals and objectives and sustains Ann Phillips, Deputy Registrar, Mr. Davy Rajah, the Integrity Commission’s organisational vision, Director, of Corporate Administration, Mr Christo- that of, ‘promoting integrity and making Trinidad pher Ramsey, Senior Compliance O cer and and Tobago corruption free.’ Miss Candace Young, Human Resource Specialist. In order to monitor this process the Commis- The Organisational Consultancy is being sion established a Steering Committee that is undertaken in three phases; (up to the time of busily working with Organisation Development publication the following is the status of each (OD) Consultants to ensure that the deliverables segment):

PHASE ACTIVITY STATUS

A preliminary assessment designed to establish 1 an understanding of the operating context of the Completed Commission

2 An in depth organisational assessment and On-going institutional benchmarking

Development of the proposed recommendations 3 with respect to the legal/organisational form, sta ng To be undertaken structure and related compensation programme.

Emily receives her $400 Book Voucher from Chairman Kenneth Gordon Twelve-year-old Emily Bhola, the St Andrews Anglican student who copped first place in the 2013 Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination in Tobago partici- pated in the Commission’s inaugural 2011 Do Right Champions and topped the Tobago district in the Drawing Category. Emily’s dream is to be an Electrical Engineer. We wish Emily the very best in all her future endeavours!

12 Chamber Dictates Business Direction It is often the Chamber of Industry and Com- and we are leaving a legacy for our children to follow.” merce that dictates the direction in which Sabga says the world has become riskier and “each businesses will go in Trinidad and Tobago. The person in our nation at all levels – whether an adult, Chamber’s President gives direction and leader- or the young school child – must be able to know the ship toward the achievement of business dierence between right and wrong and to act mission, goals and objectives. according to what is not just legally, but morally Success depends on the Chamber President’s right.” ability to think strategically, to spot threats on the As he moved from serving two years as President, horizon and to convince others to buy in to the plan. Sabga commended Chamber members who It was therefore no surprise when Andrew “worked in partnership with the Caribbean Corporate Sabga, in demitting o ce as Chamber Presi- Governance Institute (a new regional organisation) dent, said “there is one message that I would and the T & T Stock Exchange in developing a like to leave and that is to encourage all of us National Code of Corporate Governance. This, he today to “Do the Right Thing – Always.” explained “will become a pro-active voice in improv- “I want this to be the slogan that our businesses ing transparency, accountability and good gover- promote and use on a day-to-day basis,” Mr nance within our businesses, and eventually within Sabga told business leaders at the Chamber’s our government agencies.” 134th Annual Business Meeting at the Hyatt Chairman of the Integrity Commission Kenneth Regency on April 24. Gordon invited the Chamber earlier “When we aim to always do good, even when this year to join in the battle against corporate no one is looking, even when we think there are corruption by promoting the message and communi- no consequences to our actions, we are building cating the words “do the right thing always” in their a culture that has a zero tolerance for any crime, media and other promotions.

The right thing…even when no one is watching “If we cannot, my fellow Parliamentarians, then He reminded Parliamentarians, all of whom we have not done as we have sworn to do. We took an oath to “bear true faith and allegiance are in breach of our contract with the citizens of to Trinidad and Tobago and to conscientiously the nation. What our nation needs at this time is and impartially discharge the responsibilities to a return to honour. the people of Trinidad and Tobago (that) it is “Honour cannot be legislated. It is honour in time to consider whether they are in contraven- leadership that will inspire confidence in our tion of the oath taken, whether (they) have people and result in the stability of our nation. fallen short.” He questioned: “Is our greatest Our nation is depending on honourable leaders in allegiance to our country or are there compet- Parliament to demonstrate the understanding ing allegiances? Can we say that we are that they are called both to lead and to serve and discharging our duties in a manner that is that it is in faithful and conscientious service that “scrupulous, painstaking, principled and honour lies. Leadership must be inspired and governed by conscience? inspiring.”

13 ION T C A INTEGRITY IN

Helping Others By Selena Mohammed, Standard Four St. Peter’s Primary School, Trinidad “Retard!” “Dummy!” came the cries of giggling Unexpectedly the boy lunged forward and fell children huddled in an unruly crowd in a into the drain, blood gushing from his head. secluded corner of the play park. It was lunch “God, please let him be okay,” I prayed. Fortu- time and I was skipping happily back to my nately his teachers came running towards us. I classroom impatient to sink my teeth into explained what had happened and our Princi- mom’s delicious pizza. I rushed over to see what pal, Mrs. Jones expressed her disappointment in all the commotion was about. I pushed my way our school. After calling on emergency assem- through the rowdy group only to be mortified bly, she suspended Terry for two weeks. by the sight before me. I thought that his punishment was fair, but There on a wheelchair sat a dierently abled the other students who looked on were just as boy from the special school next door. Tears guilty. I decided to motivate others to always do rolled down his frightened face as the ruthless the right thing so I formed a group and went children taunted him. “Stop!” I screamed at the from class to class telling them more about top of my lungs but no one listened. My heart people with disabilities and how they were very broke and I could not believe the cruelty of the special human to whom we should be kind. children. I grabbed the wheelchair and wheeled When I explained to them that what they him out of the crowd. As I was on my way to the had done was wrong, they felt guilty and Principal’s oce the meanest boy in school, apologised to the boy whose name was David Terry, grabbed the wheelchair and pushed it in and became friends with other special students. circles. The trembling child, shrieked helplessly After that day, I knew that I had taken a step in protest. Anger welled in me as I pushed Terry forward in making our country a better place away frantically. for everyone.

14 The Folk Tale of the Integri-Tree by Treverra James Standard Five Shirley’s Sea Prep Class - Tobago My granny always told the story of a little girl who lived Sometime later, the tree turned purple and had the most in Delaford who ensured integrity flourished to poster- disturbing odour. She was mortified. Her Dad asked if she ity. She woke up one day full of effervescence. It was had followed the instructions. She said, “Yes! Of course I did.” the day her parents were going to buy her a seedling The tree swayed and the branches trembled violently. Then that she hoped would grow into the most magnificent of all the unexpected things, it spoke! It said: “No sir! I have Samaan tree. In it her dad would build the most not seen her for days. I got no water, no fertilizer and she did intricate tree house. not take out the weeds. Last week, she pulled off some of They were quickly off to the plant nurseries where my leaves and threatened me if I didn’t grow faster.” Her Mom made the purchase. The manager’s instructions heart thumped like hundreds of Les Coteaux drums. Her jaw for the care of the plant were, “water it twice a day, dropped. She was speechless. Her dad couldn’t believe that fertilize it and pull down weeds once a week and mulch she had lied and that the tree could talk. it once a month.” Her dad reminded her that what is done in secret will one When she got home, she excitedly transplanted and day come to light. Eventually she transplanted the tree on watered it. She followed the directions for months. the hill at Fort King George overlooking the hospital for Then she got tired and stopped because the tree was posterity. The Integri-tree continues to flourish reminding growing too slowly. There was no more fertilizing. She every child who is born there and any who make the watered it whenever she remembered and just couldn’t pilgrimage to see the tree…that truth and honesty is what be bothered. you do always. Long live the Integri-tree.

15 INTEGRITY ACTION IN BATTLING THE DEMONS By Rinaldo Ramkisson, Form Three Student St. Stephen’s College, Trinidad

I stared at the smooth, cold and watched her writhe in pain. “My, dark counter. I could not resist my medicine,” she groaned. the temptation as it lay there, Wisdom abdicated its throne deserted and unattended. and emotions flamed as I Morbid thoughts raced through smashed the empty bottle of my mind as I knew I absolutely painkillers. “I’ll get the medi- needed it and it was so easy to cine!” I vowed as I locked my take. It was indeed a battle jaws in anger. between good and evil. The I burst through the pharmacy conflict that existed within my doors, exhausted and out of mind was too much to bear. I breath. Ideally, the drug lay on sank to my knees in tears, the counter. It was tempting. moaning, “I can’t…” I could only “Snatch it! No one’s looking!” reflect on what had happened. my heart throbbed. The scruples My mother and I lived in a of my mother, who had raised small, wooded house at the me to always do what is right, edge of Port of Spain. She was wrestled my mind. I could hear the sole breadwinner of our her voice scolding, “What shall it family. My father had aban- profit a man to gain the world doned us when I was three and lose his soul? Don’t you years old. Life wasn’t the best know that man dies but his for us but nothing could have name lives on?” I cringed on the made me happier than the floor, attempting to battle my richness of the love which my inner demons. mother and I shared. She would “I can’t!” I wailed as I try to satisfy my every whim in succumbed, victoriously. order to make me feel comfort- “Can’t do what, son?” the owner able in what we called a home. hugged me trying to bring Life continued to dish out solace. unfairness when my mother “I can’t-I can’t steal it- and- I was left grappling with a brain can’t pay for the drugs, but my tumor. The illness had vacu- Ma is in pain- and she needs it,” I umed her bank account and she wept uncontrollably. was left incapacitated and “Take it son. Take it to your restricted to her bedroom. Ma. Money can buy medicine That evening her shrill cries but your good character is sliced my heart as I helplessly priceless.”

16 President’s School Challenged to “Do the Right Thing Always” Students of the Santa Flora Government competition. Keiann produced the best Short Primary School had special reason to celebrate Story among all Standard Five Primary School Easter 2013. students in the St. Patrick Education District. Students dressed up in Easter Bonnets and Her achievement epitomized the schools’ motto- dazzled visitors and parents with beautifully “Nothing but the best” and made the entire decorated clothes, hats and baskets of polished school very proud. eggs. School Principal Patricia Bissessar in welcoming Prior to the Easter parade the school was the Integrity Commission’s team explained that the focus of much media attention. Trinidad the teachers and students are building a reputation and Tobago's fifth President, His Excellency for “doing the right thing.” She complimented Anthony Carmona is a former student of the Integrity Commission on its annual Do Right Santa Flora Government Primary School. Sixty Champions Competition. students and their teachers were invited to The Commission’s Communication Ocer the Hasley Crawford Stadium where they Mervyn Crichlow told students and teachers that participated in the gala inauguration ceremony the Commission will continue to support and of President Carmona. motivate them to make good choices and “do During the Easter parade a team from the the right thing because it is the right thing to Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago do.” He challenged students to prepare and visited to celebrate with students and teachers participate in the Short Story category of the the victory by student Keiann Ayres in the 2013 Do Right Champions Competition that will Commission’s annual Do Right Champions commence in September.

PHOTO: Students of Santa Flora Government Primary School pose with their Principal Ms. Patricia Bissessar after the school’s Easter Bonnet Parade.

17 INTEGRITY ACTION IN It’s all happening in the November 8th 2013. Integrity Commission’s Principals must verify third annual “Do Right DO RIGHT that the entry is the Champions” competi- original work of the tion from September student(s). Each entry to November 2013. ROUND 3 must be accompanied Every Primary by a Registration Form. School student has a The best Short Story, Report, Monologue The entries will be story to tell. Tell us how and Tobago Speech Band earns judged on creativity, your ethics saved the iPad Minis and First Citizens nEo originality, interpreta- day and you could be a accounts containing a bonus tion of the Integrity winner! cash starter. theme and the clear Secondary School students in Trinidad who and positive message it depicts. Special awards capture the theme of Integrity in a Monologue will be presented to teachers who facilitate the and Secondary School students in Tobago who competition. register to perform in the drama of a Tobago The Integrity Commission sees the competi- Speech Band are eligible for valuable prizes. tion as a fulfillment of its mandate “to carry out School Principals should forward the best public education initiatives to foster an under- entries and registration forms no later than standing of the standards of integrity.” THE COMPETITION RULES 2013

• The most important criteria remain the • Each entry must be attached to a Regis- creative interpretation of INTEGRITY in tration Form that states the following: Short Stories, Monologues and the Name of school Tobago Speech Band. Name of student • All entries must be sensitive to our Standard/Category diverse culture and ought not to deni- Principal’s signature grate or in any way offend. School stamp • Submissions in each category must be • All entries must be received at the Educa- the original work of the student(s). tion District Office no later than Friday • Plagiarism is not accepted. November 8th 2013. Guidelines

PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPETITON – Trinidad and Tobago The Primary School competition is open to students of the class/level below. School Principals are encouraged to organise competitions among students and to submit the best entry in each category along with a Registration Form.

STANDARDS 2 – 3: Short Story Students at all Primary Schools in Trinidad and Tobago are invited to do the following:- a) Write a 700 word narrative or descriptive Short Story about the day you had super powers and were able to help people in your neighbourhood. You must include the following: • What super powers you had, and how you got them • What good deeds you did with your powers all day • How you felt when you helped others

18 OR b) Write a 700 word story about the day you had to make the right decision although your friends at school tried to persuade you not to. You must include the following: • Describe the place in which the action happened • Who was involved and what they did • How did you make the right decision?

STANDARDS 4 - 5: Expository Report a) Write a 500 word explanatory or descriptive Report on something that happened in school which made you understand the importance of having good ethics. You must include the following: • The place and time the incident occurred • Who was involved? • What happened? • Why is it important to have good ethics? b) Write a 500 word Report to your teacher about a situation where you displayed Integrity in your school. You must include the following: • What you understand by the word “Integrity” • How is having Integrity important to your school life? • Have you encountered a situation at school where your Integrity might have been compromised? • How did you overcome your adversity in dealing with this obstacle?

SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPETITON – Trinidad Only (Monologue) Students attending all Secondary Schools in Trinidad are invited to enter a Monologue competi- tion on the theme of Integrity – “Do The Right Thing Always.” Students submitting the best Monologue script in each Education District will be invited to present Monologues before a panel of judges. A good Monologue is a speech that has a clear beginning, middle and a conclusion. It must be able to stand on its own as a performance. When performed Monologues should not exceed the following: Students of Forms 1 – 3: Monologues should not exceed 3 to 5 minutes when performed. Students of Forms 4 – 6: Monologues should not exceed 5 – 7 minutes when performed. Principals are advised to organise Monologue writing competition among students and to submit the best entry in each Form category along with a Registration Form to the Ministry of Education’s District Education Office. Scripts or entries that state student’s name, school or identity marks on the scripts will not be entertained by the adjudicators.

SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPETITION – Tobago Only (Tobago Speech Band) Students attending Secondary Schools in Tobago are permitted to enter a Tobago Speech Band competition on the theme of Integrity – “Do The Right Thing Always.” The Tobago Speech Band is a spoken word tradition, often with a humorous or satirical twist, from the pantheon of Tobago Carnival traditional characters. It consists of 4-6 players accompanied by a band of musicians. Speech Bands may consist of students in the following categories: (a) Form 1 – 3 (b) Form 4 -6 continued on p23

19 INTEGRITY ACTION IN What is a Short Story? A short story is, in some ways, like a photo- definitive. In addition, while it is the audience graph- a captured moment of time that is that supplies the back story for a photo, it is crystalline, though sometimes mysterious, the writer who must give the audience a arresting, though perhaps delicate. But while a beginning, middle, and end of a short story. photo may or may not suggest consequences, Without that structure, the piece is not a short a short story always does. In the story's story at all but a scene, a vignette, a moment of time something important, some- fragment-evocative, yes, but not emotionally thing irrevocable has occurred. The change or psychologically satisfying. (Marilyn Singer, may be subtle or obvious, but it is definite and "The Magic Bow" (Stay True) What is a Monologue? A monologue is a speech in which only one is normally either (a) an extended section of person speaks. In a play this can be where a script in which one character speaks or character speaks aloud his thoughts or emo- lectures without others interacting, or (b) a tions, advancing the story without "action." speech, varying in size, that an actor recites at An example of a monologue is the well-known an audition so that the auditioners can get an speech from Shakespeare's Macbeth that idea of their talent, usually taken from 1 begins, "To be or not to be..." (http://wiki.answers.com). In the theatre the definition of a monologue What is a Tobago Speech Band? The Tobago Speech band is a spoken word musicians playing the fiddle, the tambrin hand tradition from the pantheon of Tobago Carnival drums and a triangle. traditional characters. This masquerade consists of 4-6 players accompanied by a band of (www.harbourfrontcentre.com/summer/festivals).

LEFT - RIGHT: Harmony Farrell of Holy Faith Convent, Penal performs a monologue on the theme of integrity at the inaugural launch of the 2011 Do Right Champions • Members of the Bishop Anstey High School, Tobago Speech Band perform at the inaugural launch of the 2011 Do Right Champions • Dr. Verleen Bobb-Lewis has always been an ardent supporter of The Do Right Champions

20 LEFT - RIGHT:

Director of Compliance Mrs Leigh-Ann Benjamin-Campbell explains the importance of the Forms A and B to declarants at the Know Your Forms Seminar which was held on May 24, 2013 in Tobago.

A winning student receives her prize from former President Professor George Maxwell Richards.

Registrar Martin Farrell greets Kelvin Charles, Presiding Officer of the Tobago House of Assembly.

Students get ready to receive their awards at the 2012 ‘Do Right Champions’ Award Ceremony held on March 05, 2013 at NAPA South Campus.

(L-R) Assemblymen Joel Jack, Sheldon Cunningham and Huey Cadette participate in the Commission’s ‘Know Your Forms’ Seminar in Tobago.

Students learn about the role and function of the Integrity Commission at the 2012 Do Right Champions’ Award Ceremony.

Student of Curepe AC Primary School asks questions about the Do Right Champions during the Caravan's visit to the school.

Another proud winner receives his prize from First Citizens’ Representative Lyndon Balkaran.

21 ION T C A INTEGRITY IN

Keisha Baisden, a music therapist won second place in an essay competition sponsored this year by Transparency International and the Thompson Reuters Foundation of the United Kingdom. A graduate of Bishop Anstey High School and the University of Miami (Music Therapy/Psychology), was among 1,400 young people ( age 18 and 30) from around the world who depicted corruption and how to combat it. The competition was judged by Thomson Reuters Foundation, Transparency International and professional journalists and photographers. Making music has the power to change lives By Keisha Baisden I am a music therapist. I use music to help When people have lost empathy and con- people achieve their potential, to see the good sciousness, greed and lust for power take over. in themselves and others, and to accomplish To stop corruption in all spheres, we need a things they never thought were possible. I spiritual revolution. We need to expose people have seen lives changed, connections formed, in authority as no di erent from others. We and spirits renewed, all through music-making. need to inspire communities into togetherness. This is why I believe that we can use music to This is why every country has a national address social ills such as corruption. anthem, for example, to encourage a united Corruption comes not just in action, but as a spirit, to support equality, and to inspire result of polluted hearts, minds and spirits. community. Research has shown the benefits continued on p23

22 of communal music making. This simple act the most energy, the most time, and the impa- encourages understanding and promotes tience needed to make changes to our own empathy. When we sing together, the rich societies. We often forget this, however, and man is no better than the poor man. that’s where musicians come in. Jimi Hendrix, I also believe that one of the main causes Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, etc., all of corrupt behaviour is a lack of empathy and have their places in history because of the way understanding. If one cannot see the damag- they were able to unite generations and inspire ing ripple e ects of one’s behaviour, one feels through their music. We need young musicians no guilt. This is another way in which music to fill their shoes and to rally us together to can be a great equaliser. We can use music to make the change. tell the stories of those who have lost their Most cultures have used music throughout voice in a hierarchal society. Musicians, apart history to teach ideas and concepts. From from being entertaining, have a responsibility, learning the alphabet through song, to learning like all other artists, to make people uncom- patriotism, to understanding religious concepts, fortable. We have an obligation to cause music plays a huge part in learning. Why not use thought. Telling the stories that people would it to teach moral and ethical principles? It is rather not hear is our duty. e ective because one can use music to present The music of a generation is its stamp on ideas in a simple, repetitive manner. Young history. As young people, we use music to musicians should be creating music with posi- define ourselves, to express our deepest tive messages to help address the moral degra- longings and darkest secrets, and we depend dation that causes corrupt behaviour. on it to comfort ourselves. We must therefore Corruption has become so pervasive that we use it to rally ourselves. Many revolutions cannot address it simply through legislation or have started on the guitar strings of bare- lectures, though these things will always be backed, peaceful rebels. The revolution important. A new approach requires innovation against a world of corruption, dishonesty, and and passion. Young people wishing to join the greed can use voices of hope. fight must use the tools already in their arsenal Every businessman worth his salt knows to do so. Music has always been a part of that that the support of youthful consumers can arsenal. We must explore the true capabilities of make or break a business. We have a great our voices. deal of buying power and influence. We have Source: Transparency International

continued from p19 The format should include the following: i. An opening speech (introduction) ii. Four to six speeches (body of presentation) iii. A closing speech (conclusion) iv. Maximum number of students in each Speech Band – Six v. Time limit for each performance – Five minutes. vi. Costumes and props must be kept to a minimum.

Students of schools in Tobago who register in this competition before November 8th 2013 will be invited to present their Speeches before a panel of judges. On the date for the Tobago Speech band competition the Integrity Commission will provide a band of musicians (strings and drums) to accompany the performances.

23 INTEGRITY ACTION IN PROFESSIONALS MONTH APRIL 2013 Honouring the o ce professionals who make o ces work By Gemma Viechweg

I attended a two-day workshop on “HANDLING DIVERSITY IN PEOPLE, assertive person was identified as having the ability to express SITUATIONS & TASKS” at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of feelings and assert rights while respecting the feelings and rights of Business on April 18-19, 2013. others. On the other hand, the aggressive person asserts rights This highly interactive workshop sought to empower administra- ignoring the rights of others. One demonstrates empathy while the tive professionals to better communicate with others; to compe- other does not. tently manage diverse tasks; and to handle conflict with diplomacy. The Administrative professional is rational. She understands The presentation covered topics that challenged participants to office politics. She is creative and open to finding new ways to be their best – innovative, assertive, professional – and to manage achieve desired results. stress, goal achievement and their time-management skills. The Administrative Professional possesses excellent communica- We discussed the importance of values in achieving desired tion skills. Her interpretative and listening skills are critical to goals. For instance a person who employs dishonest means to maintaining harmonious relationships in and out of the office. The achieve goals would ultimately reap sorrow. The truism ‘what you administrative professional is therefore challenged to be conscious of sow you will reap’ applies. her own dominant mode of communication, at the same time The Administrative Professional exudes professionalism. Most of seeking to understand communication styles of others. In any us would agree that first impressions are lasting, particularly in the organization the power of rapport among colleagues is essential. work environment or at an interview when competing with others In light of the afore-mentioned, participants of the workshop for a particular position. People form opinions of others from their received hand-outs detailing the characteristics of the undermen- outward appearance. Consequently the administrative professional tioned communication styles: [i] DRIVER—the person who takes should ensure that her dress code is above reproach and her charge and wants solutions. [ii]ANALYTICAL—the person who values mannerisms inspire confidence in those without whom she interacts. accuracy and details. [iii] EXPRESSIVE—the idea person. The Administrative Professional is versatile. She manages [iv]AMIABLE—the person who prioritizes relationships. multiple tasks in an efficient and timely manner. She communicates The facilitator conducted an informal survey made up of eighteen with her superior on assignments and thereafter list tasks in order of questions to determine which of the four communication styles priority. She notes her ‘high-energy’ and ‘low-energy’ times and applied to an individual. I found this exercise most informative and carries out her tasks during the period (be it early in the morning or enlightening. later in the afternoon) she is most productive. One pitfall she avoids Overall the workshop was both interesting and informative. is procrastination; the thief of time and the contributor to undue It served as a mirror through which I was better able to identify pressure that leads to stress. strengths and weaknesses and also served as a catalyst to enable me The Administrative professional is assertive. Being assertive is a to maximize my potential and better understand modes of communi- skill that is fundamental. Participants deliberated on the difference cation, personality types and how to adjust and adapt in challenging between an assertive person and an aggressive person. The environment.

24 Drums of Emancipation By Asha Julien

The festival of Emancipation was celebrated “A Slave’s Dream” by Henry Wadsworth Long- in gala fashion at the o ce of the Integrity fellow and a presentation entitled “An Appre- Commission on July 31. Items from our rich ciation of Freedom” by Kerry Zita Thomas. African heritage – on the theme of Unity and Auzensky Morrison provided a detailed history Togetherness – were displayed in the Lobby of Emancipation and an entertaining session area. There was a reading of poems, including on drums and the proper way of playing a the recitation by Margaret Lessey-Legall of drum.

Members of the Commission’s sta celebrate 2013 Emancipation

25 ARTWORK:

INTEGRITY ACTION IN DO THE RIGHT THING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW - Sherese Webb, ASJA Girl’s College, Barrackpore, Form 2 MAKE INTEGRITY YOUR BEST QUALITY - Kristi Baig, Fyzabad Anglican Secondary School, Form 5 INTEGRITY - HONESTY: HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY - Saajidah Mohammed, ASJA Girl’s College, San Fernando, Form 1

24 25 THE INTEGRITY COMMISSION The Logo symbol is a 4TH Floor, UTC Financial Centre three-bar symbol representing 82 Independence Square, Port of Spain. three areas of human society in Republic of Trinidad and Tobago which Integrity is fundamental: • SELF Telephones: (868) 623-8305; 624-4736; 625-2395 • COMMUNITY E-mail: [email protected] • CIVILIZATION Website: www.integritycommission.org.tt