National shame.

This was how deputy political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) Prakash Ramadhar described Sport Minister Gary Hunt’s defence of the $2 million giant national flag at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

’It is a sad and disgusting day in Trinidad and Tobago... to drape corruption in our flag and then call it national pride, it is nothing short of national shame when a child is dying for the want of $1.2 million. You can’t tell me about national pride when you allow children to die from lack of Government support,’’ slammed Ramadhar.

He was speaking at a news conference at the Normandie Hotel, St Ann’s, yesterday.

COP political leader Winston Dookeran also criticised the high-priced flag, saying it was evident Government’s priorities were in the wrong place. ’What adds insult to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, now we are hearing that they will have additional flags. It is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and we must now put a stop to it,’ said Dookeran.

Ramadhar also expressed concern over profiteering with respect to the contract for the flag.

He said the evil taking place in this country was when money was being spent without any recourse.

He said the relevant institutions need to be strengthened and made efficient to ensure there are proper checks and balances and the interest of the people are best served.