Trinidadians living in the United States are being forced to adjust their travel plans as their potent anxiety reached fever pitch in the wake of an announcement on Thursday by US President Donald Trump to roll out new immigration measures tailored to a federal court decision that blocked his initial travel ban.

A 60-year-old woman from Petit Valley, who asked not to be named, lived in the US for over a decade and was now in the process of trying to obtain her green card. “I don’t know what to expect now,” the fearful woman said. The lawyer responsible for handling her paperwork advised her to not even think about travelling outside the United States. “The lawyer who I’ve been dealing with said if I know anybody from Trinidad in my situation, tell them not to travel anywhere because you might not be able to get back into the US. I sincerely feel everyone should be scared because you just don’t know what could happen coming in,” she told the Sunday Guardian in a telephone interview.

Hundreds of Trinidadians normally flock to T&T for the Carnival season. Even those with plans for the Easter have been making adjustments to their travel plans.

She added, “Even though the courts blocked his ban the first time, he (Trump) is going to come with something else.” In response to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) national raid on undocumented immigrants that saw more than 683 being detained in the past week, the woman lamented that mainly black and Latino people seemed caught up in the sweep–a notion that 28-year-old Naisha Solomon of Arima agreed with.

Solomon, who has US citizenship and now resides in NYC, said her family’s plans of all living in the same country was now in jeopardy. Her mother, she revealed, had plans of moving to the US but was now reconsidering.

“My mom understands that ‘immigrant’ has a lot more to do with culture and race than documentation or legality for Trump. She had plans of migrating, but is concerned that those plans will be thwarted.”

Jacky Williams, 62, from San Juan and now a US citizen, spent her week comforting her friends about the situation. One friend in particular, she said, was deeply distressed because her green card was about to expire and she did not know what to expect when she went to renew it. “People are worrying about re-entry…even with citizenship! I don’t even know if Trump can revoke citizenship.” She added, “Trump is targeting coloured communities and they are coming after the West Indian community. A lot of people who were planning to go home for Carnival didn’t go.”

Undocumented Trini students vulnerable

Even some US colleges have been placed on high alert. Two school officials from two major NYC colleges, who spoke with the Sunday Guardian on the condition that their names and schools not be used, both confirmed that they were called into emergency meetings to come up with a plan to deal with ICE agents coming to their campuses. One of the officials said that while she was not authorised to divulge the number of T&T nationals or even how many undocumented students attended the school, the college started providing more resources to protect their students.

Chancellor of the City University of New York, James B Milliken issued a statement earlier this month reaffirming CUNY’s support for its students. “CUNY will take no action to assist in the enforcement of the immigration laws except as required by law,” the Chancellor said.

Undocumented Trinidadians would also not necessarily be protected under former president Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme. DACA prevented certain immigrants–known as Dreamers–who came to the US without documents as children, from being deported. But those protections have been called into question after ICE officials detained a 23-year-old Mexican born man who lived in the US since he was seven years old and protected under DACA.

Since 2012, among all African and Caribbean countries, only T&T, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Nigeria have ever made the top 25 list for DACA applications. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services accepted a total of 11,844 initial applications from these four countries, according to data in the Black Alliance for Just Immigration’s (BAJI) State of Black Immigrants statistical report.

Meetings teaching immigrants about their rights

Advocacy groups in the US clamoured this week to find ways to resist ICE’s crackdown and warned that the Caribbean community should take the recent actions by ICE very seriously. Some 41 people were arrested in NYC by ICE in the last week, two T&T nationals among them.

New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) spokesman, Thanu Yakupitiyage said the organisation–which boasts nearly 200 member organisations–was currently in the process of trying to get undocumented immigrants to meet with lawyers in advance to consider their options. “Recent ICE enforcement activities has a very serious impact on Caribbean communities because they are targeting people who may be undocumented or have some form of criminal conviction,” Yakupitiyage said.

But the ICE raids were not limited to just immigrants with criminal convictions in the past days and under current law, according to Bill Stock, president of American Immigration Lawyers Association, ICE was able to detain any undocumented person they came across in the course of their investigation, regardless of whether or not they are suspected of criminal activity, it was reported in the US media.

BAJI’s programmes manager, Carl Lipscombe, said while he could not independently verify reports of sweeps and checkpoints by ICE, BAJI got a number of phone calls reporting them. “So we are inclined to believe there was a presence even if there were no arrests,” he said. ICE has since issued a statement saying their actions were targeted enforcement of wanted criminals and not random stops on the street.

Lipscombe added, “It sounds like there is a unique focus on different groups but in reality the focus is on certain immigrants and black immigrants are more likely to be arrested by ICE.” He added, “I think there is a legitimate cause for concern. We don’t want to create massive panic in the West Indian community, but there is a reason to be concerned.”

BAJI was actively mobilising members to go out and raise awareness by setting up training sessions and organizing town hall meetings so that immigrants could know their rights, Lipscombe said.

​KYLE JEREMIAH

in New York

​Unless citizens are drinking directly from the Guanapo river itself, it is unlikely that they will be consuming water contaminated with lead and other metals.

These are the words of University of the West Indies lecturer Dr Denise Beckles, one of the authors of a report looking at the impact of the contaminants produced by the Guanapo Landfill on the Surrounding Environment.

The final report was produced in May 2016 and was shared with both the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Solid Waste Management Company Ltd (SWMCOL).

Solid waste disposal in T&T is accomplished via five landfills across the country—SWMCOL manages three in Trinidad, Beetham, Forres Park, and Guanapo.

The Borough of Point Fortin manages the Guapo Landfill, and the Tobago House of Assembly manages the Studley Park Landfill in Tobago.

Last week, during a Joint Select Committee meeting, officials at SWMCOL said the situation at the landfill where there were reports of dangerously high levels of lead which could be affecting the health of citizens.

In a telephone interview with the Sunday Guardian yesterday, Beckles confirmed that the study did find metals, including lead in the Guanapo river and around the landfill.

The Guanapo landfill sits between the Guanapo River and Petite Caigual, which flow into the Caroni River; which is itself a major source of drinking water.

She said what may have been unclear to the public was that before the water was distributed to the general public, it went through a strict treatment process by WASA.

“We were looking at the level of chemicals in the surface water. What WASA provides is a chemically processed product and the metals are removed during processing,” Beckles said.

“Unless you are drinking water straight out of the river, it is unlikely that there is any lead in it. I am unafraid to drink tap water and I did the study.”

‘SWMCOL, WASA took appropriate measures’

She added that when the information in the study was taken to SWMCOL and WASA, both organisations took appropriate measures.

Beckles said the landfill was not the only source of pollution to the environment in Guanapo.

“Guanapo has a long history of lead contamination, so it’s not necessarily just the dump. There are also two quarries in the area which may also be contributing to the contamination.”

As to the environmental impact in the immediate area, Beckles said her team did not take samples of fish, plant or human impact.

“Based on what we saw was that rivers close by the landfill were contaminated and that it was seasonal. If we could stop the source material from coming there, that would go a long way from stopping the pollution.”

She said this was why one of the major recommendations from the study was to prevent electronic waste and treating the leachate that was coming out of the landfill.

The study did say, however, that the consequences of exposure to heavy metals in water could be very costly to health of the residents and the economy in the area.

The study said a properly designed and operated sanitary landfill may minimize the impact on the environment. It added, however, that this was not the norm in T&T and the wider Caribbean.

The study said the use of improper waste disposal methods can have significant impact to human health and the environment as the breakdown of waste material within the landfill produces air pollutants which are implicated in global warming.

Govt must look into health effects—Arima activist

Yesterday, member of the Jonathan Felix foundation, Michael Wong, who has been engaged in raising awareness about the health issues related to the Guanapo landfill for over ten years, said the Government needed to look into the health effects.

“Cariri has said they do not have enough resources to properly conduct tests and this is a national issue. It is an issue for the whole of T&T,” Wong said in an interview.

“We know WASA does not have the appropriate mechanism to test your water. WASA has never provided potable water for the people of T&T. It is just water to wash your car, clothes and bathe,” Wong said.

Angry residents in east Port-of-Spain disrupted the flow of traffic in an early morning protest yesterday over an alleged police shooting.

Dead is Mickel “Short Buck” Lancaster.

Residents placed an old, burning car in the intersection by the John John traffic lights and other debris in the vicinity of that area which caused motorists attempting to enter and exit the capital city through the Beetham flyover, Eastern Main Road and the Priority Bus Route to stall.

However, Deputy Commissioner of Police Wayne Dick, who later met with the residents, praised them for showing a certain level of tolerance, understanding and willingness to meet with himself, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, MP Fitzgerald Hinds and acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams later this week. Dillon and Hinds were on the scene.

Dick said there was no face-off or confrontation between the residents, police and the ministers.

Asked what the meeting would entail, he said, “I can’t say what but I suspect it would be issues affecting the area and issues of crime.”

Dick said it was reported that around 5 am yesterday officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force went on a police operation in the Laventille area.

“My understanding is that they went into a house in search of a man, as one of the officers entered, he was fired upon. The officers returned fire and the man was wounded.

“Police took the man to the hospital where he was sometime later pronounced dead.”

Dick said it was important to also give an account of what residents said. He said they claimed the police shot and killed Lancaster. He said he has invited them to come forward and provide information.

He said he guaranteed the residents the matter would be investigated “fairly and without bias”and that if anyone gave evidence that would lead to a police officer being prosecuted,”that we, the executive of the Police Service would make every effort that no harm is meted out to such an individual.”

The officer was relieved of his firearm on the scene by his seniors.

Another woman has been robbed, abducted and gang raped following a home invasion in San Fernando on Friday night. The 34-year-old woman, who was left in the bushes by her attackers in the Claxton Bay, was found by a passing police vehicle.

The incident took place hours after three men appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates Court charged with abducting a 26-year-old cashier after she boarded a car she believed was a taxi, taken to a lonely area where she was robbed, raped, buggered.

The latest attack took place around 10.45 pm on Friday. The woman and her husband went to visit her brother-in-law at his home. Police said the brother-in-law was sitting on the steps when four men, two armed with a gun, accosted him and took him inside the house.

They tied up both men and stole cellphones, a quantity of cash and jewelry. The assailants took the woman with them in her husband’s car to an isolated area where they took turns raping her. She flagged down a passing police vehicle which rendered assistance and took her for medical treatment. Her husband’s vehicle was found yesterday morning in the Arouca area.

“Call me RamKING Sharma,” Omardath Maraj, a joint winner of this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch, jokingly said as our interview was about to begin.

His Whatsapp picture also proclaimed the name change.

The name “RamKING Sharma” is a play on the name of the song that helped Maraj claim his first-ever Chutney Soca Monarch title.

Maraj’s song “Ramsingh Sharma” is arguably one of the most popular songs in T&T for this Carnival season.

Earlier this week, the Sunday Guardian sat down with Maraj to discuss his phenomenal season.

Q: How did you get involved in music?

A: My dad had a little group and I started off with them. I started off playing the harmonium and branched off into drumming. We used to lime and sing and beat tables and all kinda thing and the talent picked up from there. I used to play harmonium and sing, so this guy invited me to a wedding in St Helena and I went down with my organ and he organised a drummer and a guy to play the dhantal and we mashed up the cooking. I used to play Anand Yankaran’s “Nanda Baba” and, well, anything you doing you have to sing the latest songs because that is what people want, so I also used to do (Xtatik’s) “Music Farm” and “Footsteps” and other socas with the organ and we used to mash up the place.

The first gig I got I was paid $100, and then I worked for three to six months doing weddings. Then the payment increased from $100 to $150 to $200 and so it climbed the ladder. We real sacrificed, we real drag the road. I remember waiting at Arouca Junction after an event and putting the organ on top the pavement and waiting for a taxi until six in the morning and the sun rising when I reach home. And as we started to get more popular, we started to do more weddings and then in 2004, I decided to do my first album which was “Ring Bang Chutney” and that is when I sang “Ring Bang Ring Bang” and I have not looked back since.

Looking back at how it all began and now becoming Chutney Soca Monarch, how does it all feel?

It feels amazing to accomplish this. Since “Ring Bang” I have never really had a dip, my career just seems to be going up and up, I have been able to bring out songs every year and people have been loving the music. The songs have always been on par and the name Spread Pal Crew has become a household name. Of course, 2017 has been my best year so far in the music. In less than a month, “Ramsingh Sharma” has blown up so big that I think it could be one of the number one songs ever in the chutney arena, and the response I have gotten from the crowds has been amazing. It is a really great feeling to have been able to accomplish something like this. To win and all was amazing.

What inspired the creation of Ramsingh Sharma?

I was coming back from a wedding in South in the wee hours of the morning around 3 am and I dropped out everybody and I was passing by Grand Bazaar and this song just came into my head, I started to sing “Ramsingh Sharma, the wetman from San Juan, he have them girls and they give him ganga channa.” And I twisted it around and I called a song writer and he said that song was not good, that it would not make.

And then I continued playing with it. I took it to the studio where we do dubplates but the fellas there could not come up with anything. And I studied what the song writer said that the song would not make it, that played on my mind.

Then I went on a tour in November with Crazy and I told him about the situation and he told me about a fella named Tempo living Morvant. I went down there and I asked him what he thought about the song. So he wrote something for me, I took his lines, and I took my lines and I switched up everything and I made up three verses. Then I went down by Raymond (Ramnarine) and them and I told them we had “Devanand,” we had “Balkissoon” and so now I bringing this one for you, and it all happened from there.

You said since 2004 your musical career has not dipped. What do you attribute to your success?

One of my successes in the music comes from honouring my parents and going to my temple. I really pray hard and God has truly blessed me. Last year, he blessed me with “Balkissoon” and now he has blessed me with “Ramsingh.” Honouring your parents and honouring God are roots to be successful. It is easy, it is simple, it is all written in the scriptures since way back.

One of the issues that surrounded the Chutney Soca Monarch is the fact that there was no female representation in the finals two years in a row. What advice would you have to female chutney soca artistes?

Well, there are not much females in the business. There are only a few and my advice to them is to keep working hard, try and come up with songs, watch what is going on in the country and write something that you think could hit the market. People are saying that there were no females in the finals but if you do not have a big song, then how can you make it? They are picking the best ten songs and in my view, they were the ten best songs in the final.

So what is the next step for you?

Right now, I’m just turning with joy, my goal is to represent T&T at the highest level. I love soca, I love chutney music. I feel like 2016 was mine and that 2017 will be mine also. My thing is to keep the flag flying high for T&T. I will be performing in Machel Monday and that is probably the biggest stage locally, so that says it all. But this year has been truly amazing. I went Ladies’ Night Out and if you heard how those people chanted “Balkissoon” and “Ramsingh.” When I watched back the video I cried looking at how the crowd was chanting the songs. It was amazing. And then in the Chutney Soca Monarch from the time they announced my name the crowd just went wild too.

The T&T Stock Exchange (TTSE) is now trading with similar leading-edge technology as other emerging market exchanges.

TTSE chairman Ray Sumairsingh confirmed this in a press release on Friday.

The state-of-the-art trading system—Avvento Trading Platform—represents a major milestone in the plans to transform the TTSE into a best-in-class securities exchange.

The new system is more efficient, scalable and flexible, and is in line with the TTSE’s strategic intent of introducing new products and making the system more accessible to local investors and in time, international investors.

The new system for the trading platform went live on February 6.

The first week was used to iron out teething problems however, after five days of live trading, the exchange is functioning normally.

The release stated, “The new trading platform represents a significant step in the TTSE’s strategic vision to move from a stock exchange to a broad-based securities exchange.

“It also seeks to further the opportunities for integration of the region’s stock exchanges as both Barbados and Jamaica have simultaneously launched the new trading platform.”

Activist Verna St Rose Greaves stormed the stage at the T&T Red Cross Children’s Carnival at the Queen’s Park Savannah yesterday.

Like a form of ambush marketing or ambush masquerading, a stark reality among the gaiety and innocence of children playing “pretty mas”, was the former Child Development minister’s grim portrayal of a bride in full bridal train holding a rag doll and carrying a sign to get her social message across: “No Child Marriage.”

The announcer said she was not competing in the six-nine category. Greaves disappeared after her dramatic entrance on stage.

In the aftermath, the sun was not at its fiercest to beat down on the babies, toddlers and teens crossing the stage at the 61st edition of T&T Red Cross Children’s Carnival: One Big Playground.

Approximately 259 junior revellers took advantage of the subdued sky and were spared being buffeted by strong winds that occurred last year.

The mini masqueraders’ vibrant costumes captured the light of the sun as they paraded on stage for the audience in the Grand Stand and in front the judges.

Thirteen-year-old Aaron Duncan performed three songs that had the audience singing along— “Mega Vibes,” “Born Ready,” and “Can You Feel It.”

Patron of the event, Reema Carmona, wife of President Anthony Carmona was met by Lister Ramjohn, president of the T&T Red Cross Society and Priya Singh, wife of George Singh, the promoter of Chutney Soca Monarch, whose company Southex promoted this year’s Kiddies’ Carnival.

‘Creativity phenomenal’

Speaking to the Sunday Guardian during the proceedings, Singh said he was surprised by the turnout, the size and quality of the bands.

He said that the creativity was very phenomenal and the quality of the costumes could compete in the Kings and Queens’ category at the senior level.

Regarding security, Singh said this year measures were done “a little bit different”.

He said the Drag area was locked off and the bands were placed in the back of the North Stand.

Singh said that was done deliberately to make sure the entire venue was secure and for the safety of the children, plus there was ample security.

He said the Band of the Year Award was named after Rosalind Gabriel in recognition for her service to children’s Carnival.

Singh said this was the first year Gabriel did not bring a band and she wanted to donate the trophy and she was in the Grand Stand to make the presentation.

Also present was Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly.

She has not heard from her son since last October.

It is the longest stretch that there has been no word and by now, Joan Crawford is not sure Shane Crawford is still alive. But she has resigned herself to what may lie ahead.

“I used to hear regularly from him, but this is the longest I haven’t heard. My belief though is if anything happens it’s by Allah’s hand,” Crawford said last Friday.

“Allah loaned me my children for a certain time. When he’s ready to take them, he will. They’re his—whatever comes, I’m prepared.”

For her, that includes tougher anti-terrorism amendments laid in Parliament last Monday.

She believes this may scare away nationals “overseas” (in conflict zones) who may consider returning. But she doubts any, including Shane, are interested in coming home.

Shane (aka Asadullah) Dominic Crawford’s mug shot and background is listed as number one on a security intelligence document on 105 people reported to have left T&T for Syria over 2013-2015.

His date of departure was listed as November 2013. He was then 27.

His address was Wallerfield and status was “Confirmed in Syria.”

In case anyone doubted, his mother said a video of him bathing in the Euphrates River subsequently emerged. She did not know he had left T&T.

“He called me from there and said, “This is it—you will not see me in this life again. We’ll meet in Jannah (paradise) Insha Allah.”

“He knew he wasn’t coming back. The first set (those who left) had no intention of returning.

“He used to tell me when someone enters a house and kills a family, Allah allows it. Whatever happens in life, Allah allows. When we were in a car once, I said he was driving fast, he said he’d never die in a car accident.”

‘Better a bomb drop and kill you’

Even if he lives a long life, she knows she won’t see him here again.

“Never! Never! Never,” Crawford said firmly.

“I wouldn’t want him to return after being branded a terrorist. Better he stay where he is.”

Actually, is better a bomb drop on you and kill you than to come back and go to prison here.”

Crawford, who had a record of alleged crime, left for Syria not long after being detained in the 2011 state of emergency, among 15 involved in an alleged plot to assassinate former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. No charges were laid.

“What else you could do if they brand you a terrorist?” his mother asked, citing reasons for his departure.

“When Muslims were oppressed, it saddened him. Wives may have wanted to follow husbands...

“He was a blessed child, I really miss him and I love him.”

She wishes she could see Crawford’s two other children who were born after he went to Syria, where his wife and first son joined him.

She hopes there would be a way for widows and children of deceased fighters to return.

But whether killed in recent months or alive, she accepts she would never see him here again.

“...Especially because of this proposed law—nobody coming home for fear of being locked up,” she added.

Clauses in the new bill

The 31 clauses target direct and indirect involvement in terrorist activities, seeking to close T&T’s “gate” on people desirous of emulating Crawford and others “overseas.”

Proposals were announced after National Security Minister Edmund Dillon recently confirmed 130 nationals are involved in terrorist activities overseas.

He cited 72 adults and 58 family members.

Dillon’s figures over April to August 2016 also ranged between 100 to 120—and now 130.

Proposals target those going to conflict zones—including under guise of “study”—becoming radicalised via electronic media and collecting money for travelling to commit terrorist acts.

Also targeted is financing of terrorists through third parties, and taking children to conflict zones.

Another segment will stipulate certain areas regarding which travellers to those places must inform the State of their departure/return. But travel is not restricted.

The bill allows Government to make requests to the Isis or Al Qaeda Sanctions Team international bodies for listing of people/entities.

If there is information a person is suspected of meeting criteria on these lists, the State can seek police probe concerning the person.

Proposed penalties include a maximum of 25 years in jail and $5 million in fines.

Another segment—to be finalised soon—targets returning terrorist fighters.

This involves accepting nationals back, though detention and subjection to the legal process may follow, officials hinted. It may also apply to spouses who were with fighters.

Two people from T&T targeted

The global issue of terrorism has increased urgency for Government to erect stronger operational and legislative fences for T&T which occupies a unique connection between the Americas, Europe, and the region.

Local courts have listed and recognise 333 terrorist entities/individuals—mainly international entities and a couple locals. This lays the groundwork for future action on alleged local culprits. Among those listed was T&T-born Kareem Ibrahim whose property was seized by the State.

Soon, Government is going to court on several local matters, listing three more entities. Nine others are in the works.

...Moreso, the State is going after two particular targets, alleged to be in the Middle East, viewed as “persons of interest”, following video footage reportedly of two T&T nationals.

Both allegedly have criminal backgrounds, being involved in thuggery as “bad boys.” International states as well as T&T have “eyes” on both.

Legal follow-ups regarding key personalities alleged to have gone to Syria, and their connections are also ongoing.

Overall, amendments to Mutual Legal Assistance treaties are being considered. Assistance has come from foreign counter-terrorism experts, some of whom met with Muslim community members via a government outreach.

Prior to Dillon’s figures, UNC MP Roodal Moonilal last April disclosed 400 in T&T were radicalised by Isis and men, women and children had left for Syria. Government believes that figure was based on Suspicious Transaction Reports from financial institutions.

The intelligence report subsequently obtained by the Guardian listed approximately 105 nationals leaving T&T—destination Syria—over 2013-2015. This included men, women and 43 children, among several groups.

Government considers much of the information—beyond the two cases at current focus—largely “circumstantial” and is examining material, including ‘intel’ of those reported dead.

Up to when proposed amendments were laid, Government could not give an official figure of who is dead among those who have left.

Continuing TOMORROW—Who’s going...

Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park was as dull as the rainy weather which pervaded yesterday afternoon in San Fernando.

There was excellent delivery from Terri Lyons who sang “The Phrase” and satire and humour from Heather Mc Intosh who sang “Games,” but the sting and tongue-lashing, the baptism of fire reserved for politicians were sadly missing.

The majority of the 41 calypsonians steered clear of bashing the Government. Even when there was criticism, it was so masked that anyone could have easily missed it.

The theme was more nation-building by contenders who demonstrated their patriotism by wearing the national colours for their performances.

Even two-time monarch, Roderick “Chucky” Gordon, deviated from the biting commentary fans came expecting from him. Four-time king, Weston Rawlins, “Cro Cro,” a known supporter of the current administration chose to do a tribute to the late prime minister Patrick Manning.

Lady Gypsy, whose real name is Lynette Steele sang in position number three before a sparse audience. She delved deeply into the way die-hard supporters of the ruling party were being treated. Outfitted in a red body suit with matching red boots and long, gold plaits, she rang her bell, summoning past leaders to change the behaviour of its current leadership.

Even though he resigned from the United National Congress and realigned himself to the People’s National Movement, the Skinner Park crowd, which had grown by late evening, was still unforgiving of Winston “Gypsy” Peters.

Singing in position number 31, the toilet paper came out for him as he delivered “Angry Land.”

At the end of his performance, Gypsy noted the toilet paper which he addressed extempore style.

Spotted in the crowd was public relations officer of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation, Ras Kommanda, who cheered on while Joanne “Tigress” Rowley performed.

Kurt Allen put a satirical spin on the state of the country with “My Corn Tree” in which he, as a farmer, sought answers as to who was “forking up” his corn tree as soon as it started to produce good fruit.

Selvon Noel, aka Mistah Shak, singing in position number two, put a new twist on the social ills plaguing the country and the world, believing that we were living in a “Twilight Zone,” the name of his composition, based on the strange happenings internationally.

Tobagonian contestant Lady Baynes, sang “Tighten Yuh Belt Is Guava Season.” Dressed as a farmer with branches of guava laden with leaves stuck in her clothes, she gave a good delivery of the recession the country is facing.

But what could not be missed was the recrimination levelled at the Head of State, President Anthony Carmona. From his breach of protocol in addressing his wife as Her Excellency, to the Presidential Wine controversy, housing allowance and his “powers you think I have” speech, came in for blows.

Maria Bhola dressed as the President, walked her First Lady on stage, surrounded by a strong showing of security guards, to gave a stinging criticism of his breach of protocol at the official funeral for the late Patrick Manning when he gave salvation to his wife Reema, in her contribution My First Lady.

“I want to know who is the know it all who say that I breach protocol,” she sang, as she gave his explanation, that who want to vex could vex, that he does not want to be compared with his predecessor as in protocol and fashion they are in a different class.

“Public life is temporary, marriage for me is permanent, who trying to make problem with diplomacy cause me long term strife. Four words I live by is happy wife, happy life,” she sang to the delight of the crowd under umbrellas.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have agreed to engage the services of lobbyists at a cost of US$240,000 to deal with the issue of the loss of correspondent banking facilities currently facing the region, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has said.

Rowley made the statement yesterday at the Diplomatic Lounge of the Piarco International Airport following his return to this country from the Intersessional Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government held in Guyana.

Rowley said the issue of de-risking in the banking sector was one of “great interest” and “strong concern” at the CARICOM meeting.

“The other area which was of great interest and I would not want to say alarm but strong concern is the whole question of the threat to our banking system and the threat that this poses to economic collapse in the region if we are in fact to find ourselves determined as a high risk area and lose our correspondent banking facilities,” he said.

According to a report by the International Monetary Fund correspondent, banking with global banks allows smaller banks access to the international payments system including the facilitation of money transfers and currency exchange.

“Without these banking relationships, businesses are cut off from international trade and financing, families are unable to collect remittances from relatives working abroad, and foreign investors may be unwilling to invest if there is a risk they will be unable to repatriate their profits,” the IMF stated.

A survey conducted by the Caribbean Association of Banks shows banks in T&T are among 12 countries in the region who have experienced loss of correspondent banking.

Rowley said Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne presented a report on the issue at the CARICOM meeting.

“It (the report) maintains that we are at great risk and a decision was taken at this meeting to encourage all countries to move with great urgency to ensure that we pass the necessary legislation to ensure that we are compliant with the international standards demanded of us and that we ensure that we make every effort to lobby in the relevant quarters so that our case is made known and we do not get treated adversely by accident,” he said.

“Against this background the work of the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda indicated that he identified by that effort adequate lobbying arrangements in place but there was a cost to that and the cost is US$240,000 and the heads agreed that that cost should be incurred and the lobbyists should be hired and put to work to join the efforts made by CARICOM to ensure that we stave off any further de-risking or loss of correspondent banking access because we at the level of CARICOM understand the devastating effects that that is having on those territories which are already exposed to it and could have to those countries which may fall to be de-risked or who may lose their correspondent banking business,” Rowley said.

T&T has also been selected to host the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) 2019.

“We will immediately commence preparations so when the time comes we will give a good account of ourselves hosting the region in Trinidad and Tobago,” Rowley said.

After two years of being the bridesmaid in their attempt to regain the junior Panorama title once more, St Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School did so in fine style yesterday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, copping their tenth win in the competition.

The young pan players scored 277 points, three more than second placed St Paul’s Boys’ Anglican and 3.5 more than third placed St Mary’s Government Primary School.

Last year, the Belmont-based school placed second and with nine wins prior, they were hungry for the tenth in their 15-year in the competition. As they were announced the winners, a clear favourite by the crowd, the youngsters, bolstered by their parents and teachers, shrieked with joy.

After the joyful storm, principal Colette Perez said her school had been looking for the elusive tenth win since winning nine consecutive years beginning in 2006 and ending when St Paul’s Boys’ Anglican beat them by 20 points in 2015.

Perez said although they were dethroned back then, they had always in the top three since, so it was still comforting to know that her boys were making an impression.

That impression, according to former teacher Jacqueline Moore-Henry, is that when it comes to primary schools, St Margaret’s is the school to beat having set a high standard. Past student now arranger Carel Taylor said the win was as a result of hard work and focus. In his second year arranging for the school, he said he wanted something different and chose 5Star Akil’s Different Me.

Taylor and Moore-Henry added that what made the school unique was the fact that they have been playing on the same pans since they began competing in the event, with just one or two improvements.

Last year’s winners, Tacarigua Presbyterian, placed eighth.

Like the primary school category, yesterday’s winner of the secondary school competition, St Francois Girls’ College, had vowed to return the trophy to their school.

Supported by Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr Nyan Gadsby Dolly, a former student, they did just that with a sixth lien on the title.

With just three weeks of training, the girls were able to rack up 275 points, beating out the nearest contender, Bishop Anstey and Trinity College East (BATCE) Steel Orchestra by nine points. Defending champions St Joseph’s Convent, St Joseph, took third spot with 258 points.

St Francois drill master Aaron Pereira said his students were sceptical at first, but after two days they began to see progress and with the support of relatives and teachers they put in endless work to retain the title. The college also boasts of being the first ever winner of the secondary school Junior Panorama in 1979.

Handing over the trophy to principal Jennifer Gittens, arranger Peter Aleong said he was fulfilling a promise to give her five wins. He did so from 2011 to 2013 and again in 2015. Placing fourth last year, Aleong improved on the girls skills and with the help of Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung as flagman yesterday, won with Gee Gee Ree, also sung by Crazy.

Captain of the team, Nefetari Bacchus, said she felt honoured to be the one who led the team back to the top spot, while Gittens thanked Ayoung for his commitment to the team. But Aleong said now that he had fulfilled his promise of five wins, he was not sure if he would remain at St Francois for another year.

The winners of the competition for both categories won $20,000 and a challenge trophy. Second and third place won $18,000 and $16,000 respectively, while the remaining places each took home $6,000. In all, 21 bands participated, 12 primary schools and nine secondary schools.

National Carnival Development Association president Mahindra Satram Maharaj yesterday admitted that its been slow going with Carnival ‘mas band registrations, plus there’s been reports of people selling costumes on social media.

“We’ll know later this week, how good or bad the situation really is, but we’re seeing something we’re not accustomed to—the ‘fever just isn’t there,” Maharaj added yesterday.

“It may be picking up, but the comfort zone will be by weekend on whether it’s worked out well. But this isn’t the normal scenario.”

NCDF represents the majority of big bands as well as some small and medium-sized ones.

Maharaj spoke as collection week began for masqueraders, who’ll be picking up costumes from various bands this week for next Monday and Tuesday’s “national street fete.”

While the T&T Hotel, Restaurants and Tourism Association recently reported positive trending —almost 200 per cent projected for this week into the next and full occupancies in hotels in and around the capital— Maharaj said it’s another story so far for some bands.

“The economic situation locally, as well as crime, seem to be the major bugbears, with US’ immigration crackdowns, a secondary issue,” he said.

“We’ve received reports of people—from abroad—for instance putting up their Carnival costumes for sale on social media and offering by phone messaging also, as they aren’t coming to T&T or playing mas. They’ve advertised costumes with an asking price.

“Several bands aren’t yet sold out. But that’s a relative term, as you can reduce band numbers and get the lesser number sold out. Many bands also need support, since sponsors are at a premium now—corporate T&T is hesitant to put out as usual and it’s affecting bands leaders who are still nevertheless, committed to Carnival.”

Maharaj added, “Some are making sacrifices to ensure Carnival gets the best showing, so that a masquerader can get to play in a band and the band leaders themselves don’t run into financial problems by overextending.”

Also contacted yesterday, T&THRTA CEO Brian Frontin reiterated statements he gave last week’s Business Guardian, including that the 2017 Carnival looks good for hotels.

“We’ve had no major cancellations and didn’t see any cancellations due to the US travel ban,” he added.

But T&T Tour Operators Association head Lauren Pouchet said so far, incoming statistics to her organisation shows less activity this year than the last couple years.

“Information is still incoming but it doesn’t look very good to date. Most of the people who come are Trinis living broad and new arrivals are people who’ve never come here,” Pouchet said.

“Feedback to date seems to be the crime situation may be among deterrents. The global economic situation may be a factor also as well as US (immigration) issues.”

A secondary school student is now suffering from partial memory loss after he was knocked unconscious during a fight with another child in a classroom last Tuesday.

The relatives of the 14-year-old Form Two San Fernando West Secondary School student have reported the incident to the police, and are now demanding a full investigation by the Ministry of Education.

A video of the fight, which has been circulating on Facebook, shows the two boys fighting in the classroom when the victim hits his head on the wall and falls to the ground unconscious.

Speaking at their Williamsville home yesterday, the boy’s grandmother, Bina Pancham, said she was not pleased with the way the school handled the situation. Pancham said they do not know what led to the fight, because her grandson, who plays cricket for the South Zone Under-15 team, cannot remember anything.

“Right now my grandson like a vegetable. He cannot remember anything or anybody,” adding the child cannot even remember relatives and people he has known all his life. “He don’t even know who his grandfather is. He don’t even know his mother, he did not even know he had a brother.”

She said her grandson spent the night at the San Fernando General Hospital after the incident and was discharged the following day. But they had to take him back the next day because he was experiencing severe head and back pain.

“He could not walk, they had to be toting him as a baby whole of last week.”

She said the doctors at the hospital said he suffered head trauma, but no CT scan was done because the machine was not working. However, she said the parents of the other boy paid for a CT scan for her grandson at a nursing home and the results were normal.

However, she said the child’s uncle paid for another CT scan and an MRI at another nursing home. The MRI showed nothing was wrong with the child’s spine, but the CT scan showed his brain was swollen and this may be the cause of his memory loss.

Recalling the incident, she said the principal called and told her the child had fainted. Pancham said she told them to call the ambulance. When they were about ten minutes away from the school, she said the principal told her the ambulance came and a teacher was going to the hospital with him.

“He was admitted to the ward on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning when his mom went to tidy him up he had one set of bruises on his skin. This child did not remember he was in a fight. This child did not remember anything.”

She said they made a report to the police station and to the ministry and went to the school, but she claimed the school was playing down the incident.

“Suppose this child got a lash and fall down and the children panic and leave him and he died?”

She said she was in communication with the other boy’s parents, but they have now referred them to their lawyers.

“The police not doing anything, the ministry not doing anything, because the ministry supposed to get back to us, up to now we have heard nothing.”

Pancham said her grandson never complained before about being bullied in school.

“I want some justice for this child,” she said.

Pancham said she was now considering applying for a transfer because her grandson is afraid to return to school. She called on the ministry to implement measures to eradicate bullying in schools.

Contacted by telephone yesterday, the grandfather of the other child said the family was not at home. However, he said the matter was in the hands of their lawyers and the police. Last month, a nine-year-old boy had to undergo surgery to repair the bones in his right elbow after he was allegedly beaten by a bully in school. However, a subsequent report provided to the ministry said the boys may have been involved in a play fight while imitating wrestling moves.

Editor’s note: The T&T Guardian is deliberately leaving out the name of the boy in this incident to protect his identity in compliance with our policy on matters involving minors.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and United States President Donald Trump yesterday agreed that both administrations will continue to strengthen the relationship which exists between the two countries.

In a release yesterday, the Office of the Prime Minister said the pledge came after Rowley had a conversation with Trump around 4.40 pm yesterday.

The release said Rowley and Trump “spoke about a number of issues of mutual interest to Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.”

It added, “The leaders agreed that both administrations would continue working together on matters including security and trade. It was acknowledged that both countries have had a close working relationship which will continue to be strengthened.

Rowley is just back from the 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in Guyana, where regional leaders discussed several issues, including a draft roadmap for the region’s single Information and Communications Technology (ICT) space and the establishment of an Interim Tourism Working Group; an update on the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela and Barbados plans for the 13th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA).

One day after a police killing in Laventille sparked protest by residents, police shot two other men, one of whom died, in separate incidents in south Trinidad yesterday.

In the first shooting around 2.45 am, police responded to a call about a crime in progress at the FuJian Supermarket in the Ste Madeleine area.

On arriving, the officers were involved into a shootout with two men. One of the men was shot and killed while his accomplice escaped. Up to late yesterday the deceased had not been identified.

In another incident, around 12.30 pm the police went to arrest a 32-year-old man in connection with several crimes, including larceny, in the La Romaine area. When the police tried to detain him there was a struggle and the man allegedly bit an officer on his arm and ran off.

The officers called for back up. But with the assistance of villagers, the police went to the back of a resident’s home where the man confronted them with a cutlass. The police warned him to drop the cutlass, but he advanced towards them and was shot in his upper body.

The police took the man to the San Fernando General Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and remained warded in a critical condition under police guard last night. The officer who was severely bitten also sought medical attention.

Yesterday, a relative of the injured man agreed with some residents that he was no saint and had been in and out of jail. However, he claimed the man was not armed and the police should not have shot him. San Fernando police are investigating.

Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams yesterday said Saturday’s shooting of Mickel “Short Buck” Lancaster in Laventille had put a damper on the relationship police had been able to build with residents in the community.

“We have been having a lot of progress with the Laventille community and that is obvious, anyone looking at the crime in Laventille, especially the murders, the shootings, the woundings, we have had a lot of progress throughout 2016 and we have had similar progress in 2017,” Williams said after an interfaith service hosted by the Southern Division in San Fernando.

“That event pushes back the relationship and I am aware of arrangements being made for us, the representatives, Minister (Fitzgerald) Hinds and myself to meet with the residents. At that meeting we will engage the residents, because we really have to find ways and means to, if we cannot eliminate, to minimise the violence and we have seen progress. So the people have been doing positive things to improve their community and the police service has been working with them towards those goals.”

Williams said he will continue to work with the residents to make Laventille one of the safest places in T&T. SW

First time Calypso Monarch finalist Rondell Donowa says he is thrilled to make it to the big stage on Carnival Sunday.

“I’m really excited to be a part of the Calypso Monarch Finals. I gave it my all at the semis, so I see this as the culmination of all the hard work I’ve put in,” an elated Donowa told the T&T Guardian yesterday.

Donowa, whose rendition is titled Lip Service, was among 15 finalists named by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisations yesterday, following Saturday’s semifinal at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

The 30-year-old attorney added that being in the final was the fulfilment of a dream he had since he was a young performer.

He said: “I’ve been performing now for 25 years and have won junior titles along the way. In 2013 and 2014 I was crowned the South Calypso Monarch but to make it to the finals is a real joy. Spectators could look forward to an enhanced performance come this Sunday. I intend to give the crowd a real treat.”

Another southerner, Terri Lyons, who has also enjoyed a good season on the soca scene this year, is also making it to the final for the first time with her rendition The Phrase as is Tobago’s Lady Adanna.

Several former champs, including Winston “Gypsy” Peters, who received the toilet paper treatment from the Skinner Park fans as he delivered Angry Land, Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins, Kurt Allen, Roderick “Chucky” Gordon and Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool, also made the cut.

The finalists will all be attempting to dethrone reigning monarch Devon Seales for the prestigious crown.

Finalists

1. Cro Cro

2. Gypsy

3. Queen Victoria

4. Terri Lyons

5. Sasha Ann Moses

6. Rondell Donowa

7. Chucky

8. Miguella Simon

9. Lady Adanna

10. Fya Empress

11. Kurt Allen

12. Karene Asche

13. Heather Mc Intosh

14. Chalkdust

15. All Rounder

Lady Gypsy (Reserve)

The wanton violence permeating society is an obvious reflection that some of this country’s parents are continously failing their children.

The issue was brought to the fore during a panel discussion, titled “Crime and Violence in Relation to Social Justice—The Role of the Church,” at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-of-Spain yesterday.

Elizabeth Sealy, a trained moderator who also works in the area of human trafficking, bemoaned the fact that more teenagers, especially boys, were gravitating towards gangs.

“Why is it that the gangs seem to be more attractive to these young persons than perhaps church activities? There is a lot of decline in the youths attending church,” Sealy said.

“It begins at the home and we need to befriend these children because this is what the leaders of the gangs are doing. They are offering sympathy and comfort and sometimes we as parents are too busy and therefore the gang leaders look particularly for those that are vulnerable.”

She called on parents to examine their role as nurturers, adding they must also be part of their children’s schooling.

“They must be interested in what their child does at school because at the schools now there are also gangs,” Sealy said.

She said in cases of misbehaviour, the parent must instill appropriate discipline, saying the “authoritarian style” was not always the answer.

“Age appropriate-style discipline is important, especially for teenagers and we need to look at privileges and that would affect the way in which they respond to discipline,” Sealy added.

It is also important for children to be praised as this helps to build positive character, she said.

“When children have low self esteem the gang leaders step in ... they praise them and then encourage them to get involved in nefarious activities,” Sealy said.

The church’s interim rector Fr Carl Williams, who echoed similar sentiments, said within recent times he had to bury several young men who were murdered.

Describing the situation as unfortunate, he said he has personally been going to hotspot areas to encourage troubled youths to turn away from a life of crime and violence.

“A lot of these persons are angry and frustrated and what is happening in society is some of them are committing suicide and we need to reach out to them and we have a responsibility to commit to them ... it is not only about giving food and clothes,” Williams said.

PARENTS NOT HEEDING AUTHORITIES

Probation officer and social worker Marianne Taylor says parenting skills must be “top on the agenda” in any society, if the problems of crime and violence are to be effectively addressed.

Questioning how boys were being raised, Taylor said, “We need to instill strong values for positive development so that we could have responsible citizens who respect themselves and the community.”

Taylor, also a member of the Rape Crisis Society, also dealt with the issue of proper parenting, saying if parents were involved in criminal acts it was obvious their children would follow that pattern, thus perpetuating the cycle. If such parents also do not view education as important, then their children would not be encouraged to pursue proper schooling and create a better future for themselves, she added.

On domestic violence, she expressed concern that some still did not see this as a crime again, resulting in the perpetuation of violence, especially when children are exposed to this.

“This therefore becomes the norm for children. So when children go to school and the teacher says something to them, their immediate response is to lash out and when they grow older they become involved in other acts,” Taylor said.

“We are seeing a number of murders which are a result of domestic violence.”

Regarding the role of the church, she recommended educational and other outreach programmes.

Middle managers at the T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC) are threatening to withhold their enthusiasm after their salaries were not adjusted in line with the recent union agreement for workers in the collecting bargaining unit.

The senior staff members are now calling on Government to make the necessary salary upgrades in a bid to avoid any fallout, noting they are now very disheartened that junior staff are making more money than them.

The T&T Guardian understands that following the latest union agreement, junior workers’ salaries were almost matching those of middle management. The grades for junior staff run from 1-13 and, for example, a grade II driver now earns $15,935 whilst an engineer II Grade 12 earns $23,018 to the nearest dollar. The starting salary of a middle manager is $18,250, which is at its lowest grade. Middle managers are graded B7 to B2, B2 being the highest grade.

But according to an official of the Senior Staff Association (SSA), negotiations for 2012-2014 have stalled.

“The Commission indicating that it has no money to pay its managerial group of less than 175 professional staff,” an SSA member and senior T&TEC official, who wished not to be identified, told the T&T Guardian.

“It is very unfair, where a situation has been created where managers are now earning less than the staff they supervise. Imagine, an engineer straight out of university is earning much more than an engineer with ten years’ experience,” the official added.

SSA members include senior engineers, technical assistants, systems analysts, human resource officers, system administrators, commercial officers, accountants, corporate communications officers and legal officers.

T&TEC employees who are Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) members include Engineer I and II, software developers, area administrative officers, supervisors, clerical and field workers.

On November 2, 2016, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced that Government would settle the T&TEC wage negotiations for the collective period 2012-2014, based on a three-tranche pay schedule for back pay at 10 per cent, a cost to the state of over TT$500 million.

It is now feared that this disparity between the different categories of workers can result in organisational collapse, disharmony and low morale among the senior staff.

“This agreement between T&TEC and the OWTU has resulted in a dysfunctional organisation, with a driver, telecoms operator, mechanic, senior clerk, among others, earning as much as a middle manager,” the SSA member said.

“While the SSA has no issue with its juniors receiving an increased remuneration package, the fact is that the Commission cannot increase the salary for one group and disregard the other group.”

Contacted for comment on the issue last week, T&TEC chairman Keith Sirju said he will be meeting with the SSA on the matter, but admitted he was unclear about all the facts.

“The conversations are quite premature. The country has problems that generally, most of the state enterprises and companies are going through a significant problem with their income and there would be difficulties, but we must find a common ground and positive way to move forward,” Sirju said.

“Dialogue is the only way. The country belongs to all of us and everyone has to understand where we are and how we can adjust in an equitable and fair manner.”

An SSA member confirmed they met with GM Kelvin Ramsook on Thursday, but were again told T&TEC had no money and it would be up to the CPO to decide on their fate. The SSA reportedly asked Ramsook how come junior workers got their increase and they were told T&TEC had made provisions for this.

A fisherman who was caught by police with a loaded gun tucked in his pants in Marabella is expected to appear before a San Fernando Magistrate today.

According to a police report, around 1.30 pm on Friday officers received information which led them to a white Nissan Lancer parked along the Southern Main Road, opposite Mona’s Roti Shop.

On seeing the police, the front seat passenger got out the car and began to run. PC Rampersad ran after him and held the man a short distance away.

After searching the suspect, the police found a .38 revolver and six rounds of .38 ammunition tucked in his pants waist, as well as 1.8 grammes of marijuana.

The 22-year-old man, of Plaisance Park, Pointe-a-Pierre, has been charged with possession of a gun, ammunition and marijuana.

Also arrested were a 54-year-old labourer of Diamond Village for marijuana possession and a 20-year-old Point Fortin man on an outstanding warrant.

The arrests were part of an exercise coordinated by Snr Supt Mohammed, ASP Ali Mohammed, Insp Gajadhar, supervised by Sgt Ramroop, Cpl Bacchus and including Sgt Joseph, PC Thorne and Task Force officers.

In an unrelated incident, police are also still working on several leads as they hunt the three men who robbed, abducted and gang-raped raped a woman following a home invasion in San Fernando on Friday night.

The 34-year-old woman, who was left in the bushes by her attackers in the Claxton Bay area, was found by a passing police vehicle.

The attack took place around 10.45 pm on Friday after the woman and her husband went to visit her brother-in-law at his home. Police said the brother-in-law was sitting on the steps when three men, two armed with a gun accosted him and took him inside the house.

They tied up both men and stole cellphones, a quantity of cash and jewellery.

The assailants took the woman with them when they left in her Almera car and her husband’s vehicle.

She was taken to the isolated area where the men took turns raping her. She later flagged down a passing police vehicle and officers took her for medical treatment. Her husband’s vehicle was found Saturday morning in the Arouca area.

A vendor was fined $9,000 last week after he admitted he mistook a bag containing a loaded gun for a bag of marijuana.

Brandon Dalzell, 24, of Belmont, appeared before Senior Magistrate Nannette Forde-John and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and 17 rounds of ammunition.

As he begged for leniency, he told Forde-John that he was going to sell the marijuana to purchase more goods to sell. He was charged alongside Moruga PH taxi driver Ricky Ayres, 59, who pleaded not guilty.

Ayres told Forde-John that he was just working taxi and picked up passengers. Ayres had no previous conviction or pending matters and was granted $85,000 bail or a $12,000 cash alternative. His matter was adjourned to March 17.

Forde-John read the charge that last Wednesday, while on High Street, San Fernando, the men were found in a possession of a firearm and 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Prosecutor Sgt Cleyon Seedan said around 11.45 pm, police were on mobile patrol along Lower High Street when they observed the vehicle parked on the roadside. Ayres was in the driver’s seat, Dalzell in the front passenger’s seat and other occupants were in the rear seats. In the centre console, the officers found a firearm and a magazine containing the ammunition. All occupants were taken to the San Fernando CID where they were questioned. Ayres and Dalzell were then charged.

Agreeing with the prosecution’s charges, Dalzell told Forde-John that he does not trouble anyone and only had one other case for trespassing.

“I promise today that you if you give me a chance, you will never see my face in this court again,” Dalzell said.

“I sell ground foods and eddoes. I found it (gun) in a bag and I thought it was marijuana. I wanted to take it to sell so I could buy more goods.”

He was fined $7,000 for possession of the gun and $2,000 for possession of the ammunition and was ordered to pay within 30 days or faced 33 months with hard labour.