Unconstitutional elections?

November 29, 2008Posted inDemocracy
I have copies of two letters:One, by the Election Commission of Bhutan, authorizing the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement “…to issue directives to the relevant authorities to hold elections where the tenure of Local Governments has expired or expiring”.And two, by the Ministry of Home Affairs informing all 20 Dzongdags to conduct elections where the tenure of Local Governments has expired.Both letters are unconstitutional. The Constitution and the Election Act mandate and require the Election Commission to hold elections for Dzongkhag Tshodus, Gewog Tshogdes and Thromde Tshongdes. Clearly, the Election…

The end of school

November 28, 2008Posted inEducation
Galek, my daughter, age 9, class 4, finished her final exams yesterday.Today, her last day at school, is significant. It’s significant for me because she’s completed yet another year at school – a reminder that she’s growing up; that time flies.It’s significant for Galek too – today marks the completion of her first academic year since the introduction of democracy in Bhutan; the completion of one of the five academic years that we’ve given the DPT government to improve our education system.So I’ve been thinking: what has the DPT government done so far to improve the quality of education?…

Not if, but when?

November 27, 2008Posted inSecurity
I’ve just returned from a UN dinner to say farewell to the outgoing UNDP Resident Representative.In attendance were the prime minister, cabinet ministers, Speaker, Chairman of NC, secretaries to the government, constitutional post holders, heads of international agencies, and diplomats. As far as I could tell, this very distinguished group had assembled in a small room in the Hotel Riverview without any noticeable extra security arrangements.The terror attacks in Mumbai reminded me that this is not a good idea. Bunching our most important people together is risky. If we must, take the necessary precautions. Otherwise, sooner of later, we’ll…

Mumbai blasts

November 27, 2008Posted inInternational
I strongly condemn the indiscriminate attacks by terrorists in Mumbai, and offer my condolences, solidarity and support to the victims and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with the government and people of India.

A repeating problem

November 26, 2008Posted inGeneral
Jigme Dorji has a problem – he passed Class 12, but wants to repeat Class 12!He secured an overall result of 65% percent, including a high of 75% in geography, which, I think, is quite good. But he feels that it’s not good enough and insists that he needs to repeat, and get better results, in order to do well in life.To do well in life means to get a job in the civil service or, at the very least, a big corporation. For that he needs a bachelor’s degree.65% didn’t get him admitted to Sherubtse College, Gedu College…

Happiness for me

November 24, 2008Posted inGeneral
More than 90 scholars from 25 countries have descended on Thimphu to participate in the 4th International Conference on GNH. The conference, which is organized by the Centre for Bhutan Studies, was inaugurated this morning.Interest in GNH is growing. And every year, many more sociologists, economists, psychologists, politicians and even businessmen and women join the ranks of GNH believers. What do most of them do? They conduct study, research, survey, analyze, hypothesize, and propose theories. They publish. And we are blessed with a growing library on the important subject of GNH.Let me also share my thoughts – simple and…

HTMT Institute

November 22, 2008Posted inGeneral
The construction of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Training Institute is finally making progress.The institute, located in 16 acres of sprawling property in Motithang, is estimated to cost Nu 385 million. That’s a lot of money to convert what had earlier been used as the Youth Center and, before that, as a government hotel to a training institute.And that’s a lot of money to train only 50 people a year.The good news is that once the institute is in full operation it would offer two-year courses in tourism and hospitality leading to diplomas that may be offered jointly with…

Denmark for Bhutan

November 21, 2008Posted inInternational
Yesterday, I attended the event “Denmark for Bhutan” featuring the Danish film “Italian for Beginners” directed by Lone Scherfig. The film, a light hearted romantic comedy, was made in the dogme style using hand held video cameras, natural lighting and a small budget.The event was organized outdoors – in the clear, crisp Thimphu evening at the CICCC Ground. Well done. And very enjoyable.Many thanks to the Citizens’ Initiative for Coronation and Centenary Celebrations, and the Liaison Office of Denmark for last evening’s celebrations.To our film makers: would dogme work in Bhutan? It's cheap and simple. But without the bright…

Volunteers for Bhutan

November 20, 2008Posted inMonarchy
The Coronation was a grand success! The Coronation – our coronation – showcased Bhutan’s unique culture and tradition. It also put on full display the love, affection and reverence that all Bhutanese have for our monarch. I offer my heartiest congratulations to all the people responsible for making this historic national event a resounding success: The NSCCC, Zhung Dratshang, Home Ministry, Tourism Council, Protocol Department, schools, police, Thimphu Dzongkhag and City Corporation, hospital, media, City Bus, Department of Works and Housing, utility companies, DNP, and many others. And I pay special tribute to the countless volunteers who came from…

Why I’ve decided to Blog

November 20, 2008Posted inMiscellaneous
I've started this weblog to: interact with people more effectively encourage open debate on public issues share my ideas with the public accept public criticism for my ideas and actions encourage our youth to be more politically aware start a blog before my children do so