Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley wants labour leaders to acknowledge the reality and outcomes of T&T's straitened circumstances and return to the Tripartite approach enabled by the Government, rather than rely on threats, bombast, finger pointing and insults.

Rowley was responding to the demand made on Friday by the Joint Trade Union Movement for a meeting with the prime minister within the next two weeks.

Read his full statement below:

STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
 
Far from the views expressed by some voices in the Labour Movement, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is not unmindful of the stresses and strains exerted on the national population, especially those who face inadequate income earnings or who encounter the prospect of reduction in employment opportunities.
 
It is, by now, common knowledge that these unfortunate circumstances are largely the effects and results of our country's loss of very significant oil and gas revenues which the market no longer afford us at this time and until such time as we can make alternative arrangements for increased revenue growth or the market situation is reversed we will be required to act responsibly and try to do more with less than we have been accustomed to.
 
It is against this background that the Government has been resolute in trying to maintain, as far as we are able to, employment levels in the public sector and to keep a large social support programme in place, funded from the severely depleted revenues.
 
This Government acknowledges and respects the Labour Movement as it steadfastly seeks to highlight the plight of workers and the unemployed under the current difficult circumstances. It is against this background and with this commitment to all workers and the wider national community that very early in the life of this administration, the Government took immediate steps to open the door to a collaborative platform of discussion and dialogue between Government, Labour and the Business Sector.
 
This Tripartite, civil approach through the genuine efforts of this body, should provide the most meaningful forum to address the myriad challenges which ALL parties must face as we seek to overcome and survive the current economic crisis to which we have been exposed since 2015 and which is very likely to remain a factor in our circumstances well into the medium term.
 
The Government, with a wider responsibility for the entire population, would hope that the workers representatives would acknowledge the reality and outcomes of our straitened  circumstances and return to the Tripartite approach enabled by the Government, rather than rely on threats, bombast, finger pointing and insults, since these invectives would do little to assist us in treating with the harsh realities of our current circumstances as a nation in the midst of an economic downturn which is driven largely by our location in external markets beyond our control.
 
The Government is confident that if we air and address the difficulties together so that the burden is equitably shared by all, we would give ourselves the best chance to overcome the pressures and build the bright future that we all want for ourselves and as well as all others in the nation of Trinidad and Tobago which we so love, in good times and in periods of hardship.
 
                                  
 

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley wants labour leaders to acknowledge the reality and outcomes of T&T’s “straitened circumstances” and return to the Tripartite approach enabled by the Government, rather than rely on “threats, bombast, finger pointing and insults.”

Rowley said this in a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, following a march by the labour movement on Friday ion Port-of-Spain, during which head of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) Ancel Roget issued an open-ended ultimatum to Rowley to meet with the unions within the next two weeks or else.

Failing this, JTUM has signalled its intention to intensify action following Friday’s united labour march.

JTUM head Ancel Roget also called for the immediate removal of the “four non-performing ministers”, among them National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, Finance Minister Colm Imbert, Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe and Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan.

Rowley’s call for the return of labour leaders to the “tripartite approach” comes months after union heads walked away from the National Tripartite Council (NTAC) established by the Government to facilitate discussions among labour, private sector and the Government on national issues.

In his statement, Rowley said the invectives from the union would do little to assist us (the country) in treating with the harsh realities of T&T’s current circumstances as a nation in the midst of an economic downturn which was driven largely by T&T’s location in external markets beyond the State’s control.

“Far from the views expressed by some voices in the Labour Movement, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is not unmindful of the stresses and strains exerted on the national population, especially those who face inadequate income earnings or who encounter the prospect of reduction in employment opportunities,” the statement said. The statement said Government acknowledged and respected the Labour Movement as it steadfastly sought to highlight the plight of workers and the unemployed under the current difficult circumstances.

“It is against this background and with this commitment to all workers and the wider national community that very early in the life of this administration, the Government took immediate steps to open the door to a collaborative platform of discussion and dialogue between Government, labour and the business sector.”

Natuc: We are ready

to meet with PM

National Trade Union Centre (Natuc) President James Lambert, in an interview yesterday, said a return of labour leaders to NTAC would form part of discussions if the Prime Minister acceded to labours request to meet within the next two weeks.

Lambert said it was necessary for Rowley to meet and have discussions and dialogue and then a decision can be made by the leaders of the unions.

“I don’t think we should return just because the Prime Minister asked that we return,” Lambert said.“We always acknowledge what the circumstances are. We are aware of what the economic situation is, but that does not deny the fact that we should meet and discuss.

“This is not the first time T&T has been in a situation like this and as trade union leaders we always resolve to meet amicably, take all into consideration and look for a solution. Let us dialogue and consult and communicate. Why is he afraid to do that? We asked and we are waiting on him to respond.”

Lambert said there were a number of issues which the unions needed to be addressed by the Prime Minister. He said labour leaders did not choose to withdraw from the tripartite council without good reason.

There were situations we felt were not in the best interest of the workers.

“The Prime Minister has to realise he is the leader, the PM of all the ministers. Natuc has written to him and gotten few responses. When he does respond he says meet with other ministers but we are ready to meet with the Prime Minister.

WHY UNIONS WITHDREW FROM NTAC?

The three trade union federations, the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), the National Trade Union Centre, and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (Fitun) withdrew from NTAC in March because of what Secretary General, Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) Joseph Remy described as “blatant disrespect and disregard” shown “to the entire trade union movement” by the Government’s decision to dissolve the Tourism Development Company (TDC).

WHY NTAC WAS FORMED?

The Mission of NTAC is to give effect to commitments, as articulated in the Official Policy Framework of the Government, with regard to facilitating tripartite engagement, dialogue and consultation and to promote consensus building and democratic involvement among key stakeholders on national development issues.

The Chairperson of NTAC was Minister of Planning and Development Camille Robinson Regis

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Terms of Reference of

NTAC included the following:

1. Oversight over Implementation of Government policy as enshrined in Vision 2030.

2. Identification and review of Sustainable National Development Goals.

3. Development of a culture of Innovation, Invention and use of Initiative.

4. Enhancing the level of productivity in all sectors of national endeavour.

5. Development of a national campaign on productivity and proper work ethics.

6. Creation of additional job opportunities.

7. Maximisation of the use of science and technology.

8. Focusing attention on the needs of the poor, the socially displaced and the most vulnerable in our society.

9. The maintenance of industrial peace and harmony nation-wide.

Chairman Clico Policyholder Group Peter Permell wants to know if Finance Minister Colm Imbert is targeting him after he raised concerns about the controversial deal transfer of No Man’s Land from Clico to the Government at $10 a square foot.

In a media release yesterday, Permell said “I have followed with great consternation and dismay the repeated attempts by Minister of Finance Colm Imbert to discredit the legitimate cause of the over 15,000 Clico EFPA Policyholders (including myself) who accepted the Government’s offer in 2012 in a Hobson’s choice take-it-or-leave-it scenario.

“Notwithstanding, the fact that all, we as policyholders are simply seeking to do is to get what is contractually due to us from Clico, not the treasury.

“This strategy has now manifested itself in statements made by him at the weekly post-Cabinet media conference held on August 3 and then repeated itself in an August 4 Ministry of Finance media release.

“It would appear that the sole purpose of this strategy is to target me, personally, as a citizen of this country with the goal of intimidating and muzzling me for speaking out and raising legitimate concerns about the controversial steal-of-a-deal transfer of No Man’s Land from Clico to the Government at $10 a square foot, among other things.”

He said, however, the bigger question for the national community and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was, “Did Imbert cross the line?

Permell said as an elected official of the Government, Imbert had now placed in the public domain, by way of media release, the private and confidential details of an ordinary citizen like himself by identifying not only the number of policies that he had with Clico but the payment made to him in respect of the Government’s offer, thereby not only placing him at risk but also the members of his family.

Permell said Imbert’s action had wider implications for members of the media and the country’s fledgling democracy.

He said if Imbert was allowed do this to him, citizens’ private and confidential information can also be compromised and end up on the streets.

Permell said in the public interest he had instructed his attorneys to look into this matter very carefully to determine if any of his rights as a citizen or policyholder had been infringed and what recourse, if any, he had under the laws of T&T.

For the second time this week, a man has been killed in a domestic dispute. This time the victim is 24-year-old Keston Knights.

According to reports, the young man was in the company of some friends when a woman he knew got into an argument with another man some time yesterday morning.

Knights is said to have intervened in the domestic dispute.

A short while later, a gunman approached Knights and opened fire. He was gunned down on First Avenue in Oropune.

Pensioner, wife, robbed

Meanwhile, intruders tied up and robbed a 75-year-old man and his wife of a quantity of items, including their car, at their Barrackpore home early yesterday morning.

According to a police report, around 3 am four men broke into the couple’s Ramsabad Trace, Rochard Road, home and tied up the elderly man and his 55-year-old wife.

The thieves then robbed them of a quantity of Canadian currency, cellphones and alcohol. They escaped in the couple’s green Nissan B13.

Teen held with gun, ammunition

In an unrelated incident, two teenagers accused of having a loaded gun were arrested on Friday.

The police reports stated that around 12.05 pm, officers were on patrol when they observed the two men acting suspiciously along the San Fernando to Siparia (SS) Erin Road, Duncan Village.

The officers searched the men and found a Smith and Wesson revolver, while three rounds of ammunition was tucked in the pants waist of one of the men. The men, ages 18 and 19, were arrested and takento the police station where charges were expected to be laid against them.—Sascha Wilson

Keen observation by four police officers of the Sangre Grande Task Force, who were returning to the Sangre Grande Police Station after completing duty at Toco, resulted in the foiling of a robbery at a hardware at Paharry Village on the Toco Main Road. One robber was shot and killed, while a chase ensued with police and the two other bandits, which resulted in the men being captured after about a half an hour after a chase through the Paharry forest.

The dead man, who was shot about his body, is yet to be identified. He was found lying on his face on the roadway and was clad in a black T-shirt and black denim pants, and sported a rasta hairstyle.

The two other bandits, whose addresses were given as Maturita, Arima, are detained at the Sangre Grande Police Station and were being interrogated by investigators up to late last night.

Police believe these are the men who were plaguing residents of Sangre Grande and environs with robberies over the last two months.

According to police reports, the officers who were in an unmarked vehicle observed three men placing bandanna over their face and proceeding towards Paharry Village Hardware. PCs Nahoo, Charles, Williams and Rondell proceeded to the hardware where the gunmen who were inside the hardware opened fire on them.

The officers returned fire and one of the bandits was wounded. He tried to escape but collapsed and died on Seecharan Trace nearby, where the cash they had stolen spilled on the ground. A phone which was in his pocket continued ringing.

The officers called for backup and Sgt Harper and others responded. The officers went in search of the other two bandits who had escaped.

At the time, a church Family and Sports day was in progress at the Paharry Recreation Ground and police advise them to get into the pavilion as they gave chase and gunshots rang out.

After about half an hour and an exchange of gunfire, the two men were arrested and two guns were confiscated by police.

Employees of the hardware, who did not want to be named, said business was slow and they had decided to close when the three armed men entered the hardware and started demanding cash. “One of the men placed a gun on my chest, while another aimed at me with a shot gun,” one worker said. “They proceeded to search me, dipping their hands into our pockets. They relieved us of an undisclosed sum of money and our cellphones.

The owner of the hardware, who was able to retrieve some of the money stolen, said, “I am not concerned about getting back the money, but must thank God. When you pray God answers your prayer for protection, and this is an example of God at work, no one was injured or killed, police appeared from nowhere to save us.”

District Medical Officer Dr Chandu ordered the removal of the body to the Sangre Grande mortuary, from where it will be taken to Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy on Monday.

Visiting the scene were ASP Mario Robain, Sgt Douglas, Harper, Lopez, PC Sooklal and officers from CSI Eastern Division.

ASP Romain of Eastern Division commended the police officers for foiling the robbery and saving lives.

Sgt Harper of Sangre Grande CID is continuing investigations.

RALPH BANWARIE

“Hear this, I am not speaking about that, alright. I am not going to speak to you about that”.

This was the comment from Deputy Police Commissioner Harold Phillip last night in response to questions from the Sunday Guardian with respect to a letter sent to him by attorneys representing former investigative journalist Anika Gumbs.

Gumbs’ attorneys wrote Phillip accusing him of “misfeasance and/or misbehaviour in public office” as a result of what they claim was his “high-handed manner” in obtaining a search warrant for Gumbs’ home.

During a search of Gumbs’ home on July 17 her cellphone, laptop and “other similar devices containing various private documentation and material” were seized.

Gumbs’ attorneys are now calling form Phillip to return the items or face legal action.

Gumbs’ attorneys claim that Phillip’s actions exhibited a “complete contempt and disregard for the sanctity of press freedom” as it was aimed at discovering her source for an article on witness tampering allegations made against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan.

Gumbs’ source is revealed in the letter sent to Phillip.

However, in keeping with the tenets of journalism, the Sunday Guardian newspaper will not reveal that source.

The four-page letter sent to Phillip is erroneously dated ‘June 28th, 2017’ (sic) and was signed by attorney Kiel Taklalsingh”.

In addition to Taklalsingh, Gumbs is being represented by attorneys Stefan Ramkissoon, Criston Williams and Jagdeo Singh the letter stated.

The issue of witness tampering allegations against Ramlogan has been in the national spotlight since 2015 but came to the fore again following the raid on Gumbs’ home last month.

Taklalsingh claimed that upon the execution of the search warrant, Phillip “failed and/or neglected and/or refused to either particularise” Gumbs on the “basis for this warrant or provide to her a copy of same that would have enabled her to understand the reasons for the said search”.

I have been cooperating with the police, says Gumbs

Taklalsingh said that Gumbs had been assisting Phillip with the police investigation in the witness tampering case against Ramlogan.

“Specifically, you requested from my client the source of her information regarding certain newspaper articles which she authored with respect to this topic in her then capacity as a journalist with the Trinidad and Tobago Express Newspaper,” the letter stated.

Gumbs resigned from the Express on August 7, 2015.

“Throughout this purported investigation, my client has fully cooperated and has voluntarily provided to you detailed, cogent and compelling evidence, in the form of WhatsApp messages and contemporaneous notes of conversations with (prominent public official named), which pellucidly demonstrate to any reasonable investigator acting in good faith that the said (prominent public official named) was the source of the information provided to my client,” the letter stated.

“The evidence provided arguably demonstrated that it was the said (prominent public figure named) who orchestrated the flow of information to my client for the content of her article inclusive of information provided by Mr David West in an interview which has been electronically recorded by my client through a tape recorder device,” it stated.

Taklalsingh said Gumbs did not give Phillip her recorder because it contained “sensitive interviews and /or information”.

“My client, at the material time, did not proffer this device to you as she indicated there were other sensitive interviews and/or information contained in that device and as such required some time to consider if she could legally and ethically provide you with same,” the letter stated.

“As it therefore stood at this time, you were seized of sufficient information and evidence with respect to the inquiries made of my client and as such there could have existed no reasonable basis for the procuring of a search warrant in relation to her private premises,” the letter stated.

Taklalsingh said that legal principles suggest that the execution of a search warrant is “a highly intrusive affair which involves the incursion into a citizen’s constitutional rights to the enjoyment of property and/or right to privacy”.

“In the circumstances therefore, given that my client has been fully cooperative with your investigation and has further supplied you and/or was willing to supply you with all material evidence concerning the allegations under investigation, the procurement and execution of this warrant against my client seems to have been seated in malice and bad faith constituting an abuse of power,” the letter added.

Taklalsingh said Gumbs will hold Phillip “personally responsible” if any of her “confidential and/or private” information is leaked.

“Indeed, despite my client alerting you to the fact that the items which you proposed to seize contained information from journalistically protected sources in relation to unrelated matters and/or other personal data, you took no precaution and/or made no request of my client to produce the particular species of information relevant to your investigation,” the letter stated.

“Instead, you arrogated unto yourself an unlawful power to seize my client’s property unfettered by the requirements of proportionality and/or reasonability which undoubtedly evinces your complete contempt and disregard for the sanctity of press freedom. On this issue, please note that my client will hold you personally responsible as the custodian of the items seized should any confidential and/or private information belonging to my client be disseminated in the public sphere.”

Gumbs is now calling for Phillip to return all of her items that were seized.

“Having regard to the high-handed manner in which you have sought to utilise this search warrant, my client is forced to question the bona fides of same as your actions seem to demonstrate an intention to deprive my client of politically sensitive information rather than pursuant to any genuine investigation into the truth of the aforesaid allegations,” the letter stated.

“This bring into question issues of misfeasance and/or misbehaviour in public office wherein you may have exercised the power entrusted to you, by virtue of the office which you hold for unlawful purposes”.

“I further call upon you to immediately return to my client all items which you have seized pursuant to the execution of this search warrant as the return of same may allow you to mitigate the damages which my client has suffered and perhaps persuade my client to not embark upon legal proceedings against you,” it stated.

Taklalsingh is now requesting a copy of the search warrant, and documents used in applying for the search warrant.

The Sunday Guardian called Phillip last night but he refused to comment on the situation.

Attempts to contact acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and Head of Corporate Communications at the T&T Police Service (TTPS) Ellen Lewis for a comment on the situation proved futile yesterday.

FLASHBACK

On January 25, 2015, the Express newspaper published an article written by Gumbs which claimed that six days before David West was appointed as director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Ramlogan telephoned him and asked him to withdraw his witness statement in a defamation lawsuit between Ramlogan and then opposition leader, now prime minister, Dr Keith Rowley.

The defamation lawsuit stemmed from statements Ramlogan claimed Rowley made during a news conference on November 8, 2011, relating to Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh’s ruling in which he quashed the Attorney General’s decision to order the extradition of Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh, arising out of the Piarco International Airport enquiry.

Ramlogan strongly denied the accusations.

On January 29, 2015, West reported Ramlogan to the police for alleged witness tampering.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams immediately launched a probe and Phillip was appointed to lead the investigation.

On February 2, 2015, then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar called on the President Anthony Carmona to rescind the appointments of Ramlogan and then national security minister Gary Griffith, who was a witness in the matter against Ramlogan.

On August 7, 2015, Gumbs resigned from the Express newspaper.

While the damage from Tropical Storm Bret is still racking up a bill, approximately $9 million dollars in grants have already been paid by Government to assist citizens in the aftermath of the storm, which pummelled the nation in June.

The grants have been paid mainly by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and the National Commission for Self Help Ltd.

The commission, in responding to queries from the Sunday Guardian, said it had approved payments totalling $2.47 million to 20 affected constituencies, with Diego Martin Central receiving the highest number of grants given, 18 at a value of $330,000. While questions were sent to Judith Khan at the Social Development Ministry on August 2, no information was forwarded.

However, the Guardian was reliably informed that between June 30 and July 24, grants with a total value of $6,256,000 were approved and distributed to 951 people affected in the 14 regional corporations.

During that period, a total of 202 people from the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation, 142 people from the Couva Tabaquite Regional Corporation, 191 people from the Sangre Grande, and 114 people from the Siparia Regional Corporation received grants, among others.

The grants distributed were in many cases, far less than the number of people affected, but the Guardian understands the process, which includes verification of claims, is ongoing.

While the Penal-Debe Regional Corporation forwarded a list of 307 people to Self Help and 977 people to the Social Development Ministry, less than one-eighth of applicants have been assessed and assisted so far. Out of those applicants, 83 people received grants as of July 24.

In an interview in July, Chairman of the Princes Town Regional Corporation Gowrie Roopnarine said after Tropical Storm Brett, his corporation had received 167 reports of cases where people would have been flooded out.

“When we did our checks, the number of people who received damage to property due to that flooding was 68. We submitted that list less than a week after the announcement was made. (In mid July) I was in the Williamsville area where many people were badly affected and residents were telling me they had received no help.”

The Guardian understands that 104 people in Princes Town received grants ranging between $1,000 and $10,000 which, according to Roopnarine’s figures, was more than listed by the corporation.

‘People sent

fake reports’

Head of the Disaster Management Unit at the Port-of-Spain City Corporation Keith Cooke, in a telephone interview, said there were a number of people in the city who submitted reports which were not valid.

“A lot of people when they heard $30 million was put on the table by the Prime Minister, sent in all kinds of applications, which when we did our checks were not valid,” Cooke said.

He said the city corporation had eventually submitted a list of 12 people in June and had met with the Social Development Ministry to follow up on those applications on two occasions. As of last week, Cooke could not confirm whether any Port-of-Spain residents had been assisted.

Point Fortin Regional Corporation Chairman Abdon Mason said he sent a list of 18 people and confirmed that they had all received attention.

According to information obtained by the Guardian, all 18 people received grants with a total value of $81,500.

Social Development Ministry must work closer with Local Govt

Chairman of the Siparia Regional Corporation Glenn Ramadharsingh told the Sunday Guardian he was concerned over a lack of feedback from the Social Development Ministry.

He said while his corporation had submitted a list of 300 people who required assistance, they could not say whether anyone had actually received grants.

“When these grants are dispersed one would expect it would be wise to ensure the people deserving would get it. The Prime Minister said to us, to make sure the people who needed it would get it the most. Up to this time, we have not heard of anybody getting grants because there has been no communication from the ministry.

“This was not the way we expected the assistance to persons to be delivered, because Local Government is the first responder we expected Local Government to be informed of the full process.”

He said if grants were being distributed, he doubted it was being done on a critical needs basis.

“An 84-year-old pensioner got her home damaged and she is using her pension money to pay the hardware. I do not believe it is that they don’t want to help. I spoke to the Prime Minister twice and on both occasions he responded with deep interest and concern but certainly at the end of the day, the intervention has not been made well.” The lack of communication from the Social Development Ministry was also a concern echoed by Chairman of the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation Henry Awong, who said a lot of people were calling the corporation saying they had not been given any assistance.

“I am not in a position to understand what was submitted. We have no information as to who gets and who is on the waiting list. We are not getting feedback. We would have done the groundwork, the people would have seen us and so they see us as the people who they think would be helping them, but we do not have the answers for them.”

Calls and a text message to Social Development Minister Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn went unanswered.

Tobago police are probing the circumstances surrounding a suspected drowning at Stone Haven Bay, Black Rock, on Friday.

Dead is Vijay Jaglal, 38, of Mary’s Hill. According to reports, the incident occurred around 3 pm. Jaglal was at the beach with his wife, Michelle Rivers, and three step children, Saran Ali, Ashley Rivers and John Pantin.

Jaglal was observed entering the water with Saran and Ashley however, some time later, Rivers was alerted by her son John that Vijay, Saran and Ashley were experiencing difficulty in the water and an alarm was raised. Reports stated that Abdul Lasheen, an American citizen vacationing on the island, and Susan Hirschmann, a scuba instructor of Sou Sou Lands, Tobago, saw the commotion and went to assist.

They were able to save Saran and Ashley, but by the time Jaglal was brought to the shore, he was not responding. Jaglal and the children were rushed to the Scarborough General Hospital for treatment via an EHS ambulance, but Jaglal was pronounced dead while undergoing emergency treatment.

An autopsy is expected to be performed this week. Old Grange police are continuing investigations.

The strategy by the Ministry of Works, regional corporations and first responder agencies to locate heavy earth moving equipment on ground zero in Maracas has paid off with faster response time to clearing a landslide on the North Coast Road that completely blocked the road leading to Las Cuevas and Tyrico beaches on Wednesday.

When the Sunday Guardian visited the area on Friday, the road was clear of fallen debris, but there were small intermittent mounds of loose rocks, mud, broken trees and bamboo stalks lining both sides of the road.

Motorists wending their way up the North Coast Road leading to Maracas drove slower than usual anticipating that the road would be covered in debris, navigating gingerly around two water-filled areas of the meandering road and cautiously watching out for several fallen trees dangling precariously overhead on power lines and one downed power line.

A Ministry of Works crew with equipment was busy with ongoing clean-up operations, removing debris from the side of the road. Maracas Bay, one of the tourism highlights of T&T, earmarked for the $60 million Maracas Beach Redesign and Restoration Project, was covered in billowing dust clouds from the construction work and passing vehicles. Two Coosal’s Construction Company Ltd water trucks were futilely attempting to keep the dust down.

The public bathroom facilities were surrounded by stagnant water caused by the grading of the road as part of the beach restoration project. Richard Ferguson, owner of Richard’s Bake and Shark said the bake and shark vendors feared that the contractors were cutting the projected completion date too close within three to four months for the cruise ship season which opens in October.

Works Minister Rohan Sinanan said: “Once a landslip was reported we move immediately. This is our new strategy we have put in place to have equipment on the ground.

“In this way we don’t have to spend whole day mobilising and just have to get drivers to reach the spot and equipment is now deployed in this way throughout the country in strategic locations.”

He said the ministry’s communication department also monitored chatter on social media about emergencies and responded accordingly.

Sinanan said the ministry received information from the public in this way and responded to a trees falling incident in Sangre Grande, Thursday night.

He said every district had a head reporting in real time any problems, relaying and coordinating with local government ministers, the various divisions were working together and getting the job done.

Sinanan said he requisitioned a National Security helicopter to survey any landslips or emergency situations that may occur in the country from the air for the weekend.

Councillor: The area

was not neglected

Councillor for Maracas Bay/Santa Cruz/La Fillette Lyndon Lara said some areas were without electricity since late Thursday, but was restored by T&TEC.

He said apart from landslips and several tree falling on power lines, he wanted to commend the Ministry of Works and their response on behalf of the residents on the North Coast area. Lara said it did slow down operations. On Tuesday morning, the Maracas Health Centre was affected in responding to residents.

He said residents called him Tuesday morning, he relayed the information to the Ministry of Works and the roadway was cleared by 4:30 pm Wednesday.

He said one excavator was lodged at the Maracas Police Station after preparation for tropical storm Bret and other equipment were deployed rapidly.

When Lara was asked about some residents’ claim that the area was neglected for 18 months which contributed to the landslides, he said that was not true, Maracas had a facility that was frequented by the whole country and international visitors.

He said it was not something that was left by chance, as soon as a landslip occurred the Ministry of Works will respond. Lara said after the passage of Tropical Storm Bret on June 20, there were many trees that needed to be cut and may have taken a “little time” but was done last month.

He said the North Coast Road had been passable for local and international visitors for some time.

Lara said in terms of responses they have been quite prompt, construction activities had initially slowed down and they had to change contractors, but roadworks continued in the community.

MP: Serious challenges with landslides along the Saddle, North Coast roads

Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, MP for St Ann’s East, whose jurisdiction Maracas falls under, said she had to compliment the San Juan-Laventille Regional Corporation, T&TEC and the Ministries of Works as well as Local Government for their efforts to assist in this rainy season.

She said residents and administrators had and will continue to have serious challenges with landslides along the Saddle and North Coast roads.

Gadsby-Dolly said she kept in contact with them on a regular basis as they faced the challenges the rains were causing throughout the constituency of St Ann’s East.

Education Minister Anthony Garcia says there is no need for any investigation into statements made last week about an alleged rampant drug trade in primary schools.

He said the statements were erroneous and people should refrain from trying to cause any harm to the education system.

Garcia told members of the media yesterday: “In the school system, we are monitoring the behaviour of our students. We have our teachers, we have our teams, we have our principals and our vice-principals. In addition to that, we have our school supervisors who visit our schools regularly.

“As a result of all these things, they are able to monitor the performance and behaviour of our children so therefore, there is absolutely no need to launch any investigation into an erroneous statement.”

Chief executive officer of Mothers Against Drug Abuse, Eshean Arjoon made the claim last week. However, Garcia said while there were some challenges with “one or two students” in secondary schools his ministry has been able to deal with that effectively.

He was speaking to the media at yesterday’s launch of the Arima Volunteer Network at the Arima Borough Corporation carpark. The volunteer network is a programme under the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government. Asked about preparations for the reopening of the new school term, Garcia said: “To answer your question very simply, we are looking good.”

He said in the last five terms, the ministry ensured that all schools were able to their doors when the new term started.

He said there have been daily meetings with the relevant authorities such as the Education Facilities Company Ltd to ensure students “have access to the quality of education we are determined to provide.”

At age 27, barely able to spell more than his name, John Bascombe made the decision to go to Adult Literacy Tutors Association (Alta) classes. Just eight years later, the Crown Trace, Enterprise, Chaguanas resident has completed the Alta programme, passed CXC and CAPE exams and has been accepted to law school and will begin his first classes in September.

Prior to attending Alta classes, Bascombe describes his education as “a mess.”

“Before Alta, growing up I needed to see my name somewhere in order to write it. I could do basic things like fill out forms but I couldn’t do much else.

In terms of letters and essays I couldn’t do that at all,” Bascombe said in an interview with the Sunday Guardian.

Bascombe attended Lendore Hindu School in Chaguanas, but never went to secondary school.

“My mother died when I was almost nine and my father left me and my brother when I was 12 and my brother was 20 years old. When he left, my brother didn’t really know what to do with me so I had to stop going to school.”

For three years, Bascombe spent his time playing in the streets in his community and interacting with what he described as “negative influences.” He started doing odd jobs in order to get money and while working on a farm in Carlsen Field at age 15, a good Samaritan sympathised with him and signed him up to attend a trade school to study masonry at the Chaguanas Trade Centre.

As life progressed, Bascombe held a number of jobs, mostly entry-level labour positions and while not satisfied with his life, had come to accept it.

In 2009, he left Trinidad to visit his cousin in the UK and while there he recalled meeting a disabled woman, who could only communicate by writing.

It troubled Bascombe that this woman who had a physical disability could read and write well and he could not.

When Bascombe returned to Trinidad, he already knew he wanted to improve on his education.

In spite of the poor attendance at Pan Trinbago’s Annual Interfaith Service yesterday, officials are being urged to set aside internal biases and concentrate on working together to improve and promote the organisation’s public image.

Urged to channel efforts into the promotion of the steelpan as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of the declaration of the steelpan as T&T’s national musical instrument, Interim Rector at the Trinity Cathedral, Port-of-Spain - Fr Carl Williams said petty squabbles often generated conflicts that distracted from the mission of the organisation.

Urging persons to learn from the mistakes of the past and build on them moving forward, Williams said while there was a perpetual temptation for both Pan Trinbago and the Church to stick to the institutionalisation of the past, “The past is not bad but we have to learn from it and move on.”

Williams advised, “God has designed the universe in such a manner that time marches on and moments of glory fade and exciting previews of coming attractions must end so that the real story can begin to unfold.”

Acknowledging the national contribution of the steel-pan thus far since it became an instrument in the 1930’s, Williams said Government’s support and the declaration of the steel pan as a national instrument had given it a pride of place and prominence within society.

With the steel-pan now an instrument worldwide, Williams offered some recommendations on how to further promote its use and inclusion throughout including Pan Trinbago nominating someone from the pan fraternity for a national award yearly; reintroducing the innovators and inventors awards programme; creating a “Panipedia” featuring pan facts/history/innovations; encouraging the use of pan in the education system; opening every show particularly those with an international audience with a pan version of the national anthem; engaging a variety of bands in shows; providing more support for community based music programmes and workshops; formulating workshops during school holidays; organising workshops/training in management, marketing, finance to make the management of steel-bands more professional; employing effective marketing strategies to create real economic generating opportunities; and completing the head quarters of Pan Trinbago to establish a permanent home for the instrument and a base for all pan knowledge/ facts/innovations/history/research.

Calling on Trinbagonians to rally around this cultural symbol which was central to T&T’s culture and carnival, Williams was equally critical as he said, “Now the international fraternity of pan are validating our pan and it seems it always take a foreigner to praise us. Is it a cultural weakness or a lack of faith?” he asked.

He went on, “Have we become frozen with the past glory to the extent that we cannot see that there is a new thing developing? Have we become so caught up with what is past that we cannot see a future with new possibilities.”

Pan Trinbago president, Keith Diaz, echoed similar sentiments when he addressed the small congregation as he said the steelpan had proven to be an influential tool in drawing persons away from a life of crime and criminal activities.

He said while other sectors of the economy continued to struggle, attention needed to be paid to three areas - Carnival, cocoa and steel-pan - as the lifelines needed to propel T&T out of this current economic quagmire.

Diaz said while it would take the cooperation of the public and private sectors, individuals and organisations to make this become a reality - he appealed to the relevant agencies to step up and fulfill its obligations to ensure the rest of the world did not steal the credit for the creation of the steel-pan.

Regarding the poor showing at yesterday’s service, Diaz said even though people continued to demonstrate their lack of attention to God and the Church within recent times, he could only pray for them and hope they would find their way back to the this sanctuary in time to come.

As the second Inter-Island Ferry, the “Ocean Flower 2” is expected to arrive in the country today, former minister of transport, Devant Maharaj, is calling on the Integrity Commission of T&T to commence a Commission of Enquiry into the procurement process by the Port Authority of T&T (PATT).

On July 19 at midnight, the first vessel leased by the T&T Government to service the Inter-Island Ferry Service arrived in Port-of-Spain. Both, the Cabo Star and the Ocean Flower 2 were leased from Bridgemans Services Group of Vancouver, Canada, at a daily cost of US$22,500 (around TT$157,500) and US$26,500 (TT$185,500) respectively.

They were brought in to fill the transportation gap created when the Super Fast Galicia left these shores in April after a contractual fallout with PATT.

The Cabo Star will cost the Government TT$4,725,000 per month and the Ocean Flower 2 TT$5,565,000.

In a nine-page document dated August 4 which was sent to the Integrity Commission’s chairman, Justice Zainool Hosein. Maharaj said that upon analysis of information surrounding the provision of ferry services for both cargo and passengers between T&T he is of the firm belief that “this matter warrants the attention of the commission and further warrants the invocation of the investigative function of the Commission.”

“The factual matrix surrounding the procurement of the services of Bridgeman Services have been in the public domain since the beginning of July and has raised a number of questions that the PATT has failed or refused to adequately address,” Maharaj said.

Maharaj alleged in the letter, that outlines a series of critical issues that the Ocean Flower 2 was secured without a local team inspecting the vessel. He mentioned that in a television interview Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan indicated that as it was lease arrangement and not purchase an inspection was not required.

He added that Sinanan’s statement contradicts a series of emails between PATT CEO Charmaine Lewis and Elias Bezas of Terajet requesting inspection or survey for a similar lease arrangement.

“This is a wholly unsatisfactory state of affairs. The fact that one service provider was asked to subject itself to inspection while the other was not creates the unmistakable impression that favourable treatment was given to Bridgeman while the same was not offered to others. There can be no question that such conduct constitutes an egregious breach of the Integrity in Public Life Act and constitutes a damning piece of evidence which creates a dark cloud over this entire transaction. This proposition is further supported that the Super Fast Galicia was also required to be examined before by the PATT,” Maharaj said.

He also disclosed that he conducted extensive online research and have utilised several personal contacts in Canada in an effort to discover the general business of Bridgeman Services LP in particular to discover if they have any experience in Shipping or Ferry Services in any part of the world. Maharaj said that despite his efforts he has not been able to find any facts which support Bridgeman Services LP as a company with any experience in the field.

“It appears beyond contraction that Bridgeman Services LP and Bridgeman Trinidad Services LP have not registered any particulars of Directors or Shareholders. This it would seem is a fairly sophisticated effort to hide from the public glare the true owners of both companies. That begs the question as to why someone would go to such lengths to hide the true ownership of the company if the company is a legitimate one and the transaction is a legitimate one,” Maharaj said.

According to Maharaj, The Ocean Flower 2 was sold for US$5.5 million with the transaction being completed in late June 2017 by James Han Company. The contract with T&T for only one year for the Ocean Flower 2 is over US$8 million.

“At the current rate of US$1 to TT$6.7, US$22,000 is equal to TT$148,473. If you are paying $22,000 per day for a service, you will end up paying US$8,030,000 per year or TT$54,192,864. This is what we have been told the PATT is paying for use of the Cabo Star for transportation of cargo, including drivers, between Tobago and Trinidad. Over $54 million per year! Therefore for both vessels the costs to the taxpayers is over a $100 million per year. Awarded without proper procurement process. The Super Fast Galicia was only $34 million per year,” Maharaj said.

“The Ocean Flower 2 was laid up since August 2016. Its voyage from Pusan, South Korea to T&T appears to be plagued with numerous mechanical problems and delays. Originally scheduled to arrive in Trinidad on July 17 at the time of writing this complaint (August 4) the Ocean Flower 2 has not yet arrived,” he added.

Maharaj said that the many issues in the public domain have generated many questions surrounding the procurement of Bridgeman Services LP as the ferry service provider of choice by the PATT.

“Who is Bridgeman Services LP / Bridgeman Trinidad Services LP? How can a company with no experience and not lawfully registered be contracted by the PATT. When was the contract signed? What was the due diligence done on Bridgeman Services LP? Is Bridgeman Services compliant with the Board of Inland Revenue, National Insurance, Financial Intelligence Unit, etc given that the PATT has paid and will be paying large amounts of cash to this entity on a regular basis,” Maharaj said.

He added that he hoped that the Commission treats with his complaint “with urgency.”

In a statement issued by Bridgeman last month gave the numerous fuelling stops as the main reason for the Ocean Flower 2’s delay to reach T&T.

According to BSG, the process of sourcing a vessel that is mechanically sound and ideally suited for reliable high-speed passenger service was extremely challenging given the high demand for such vessels in the ferry trade.

“Once MV Ocean Flower 2 had been inspected and deemed suitable it began a 9,000 nautical-mile transoceanic voyage, originating in Pusan, Korea, to its current position in North American waters,” BSG said in a release.

“Owing to the inherent short-range capabilities of ferry vessels, MV Ocean Flower 2 required numerous refuelling stops. The vessel also had to contend with numerous foreign ports, customs clearances and severe weather conditions that added considerable time to the voyage,” it added.

Recently, there were reports in the media (not Guardian Media Limited) speculating BSG’s experience and capabilities to meet the specific needs of the MOWT, the people and commercial interests of the country.

However, BSG responded saying that “this speculation, is, in some cases misleading or erroneous.”

It further explained that Bridgemans Trinidad LP (BT) and Bridgemans Services Group LP (BSG) are privately owned Canadian Partnerships consisting of Canadian and US resident shareholders “none of which have any Trinidad connections.

“Holding assets in separate companies is common practice in the shipping world. BSG will honour the terms of the service agreement with the MOWT to provide safe and reliable transportation of people and goods between the two islands,” the company added.

In order to meet the precise needs of the contract with T&T, BSG’s corporate organisation conducted a global search that resulted in the acquisition of two vessels that have undergone third-party inspection and are ideally suited to providing reliable daily passenger and cargo ferry service.

“The acquisition process was particularly challenging given the limited availability of appropriate and mechanically sound vessels in the market. In addition to sourcing the vessels, the company has gone to great lengths and expended considerable funds to expeditiously reposition the two vessels, the MV Ocean Flower 2 and the MV Cabo Star, to serve the urgent needs of the MOWT and the people of T&T,” BSG said.

BSG has committed to adhering to its trademark policy of supporting communities in which it operates through the hiring of local personnel and procuring supplies from local merchants, “BSG will also adhere to the principles and best practises of environmental sustainability in all aspects of its operations and will endeavour to foster respectful and cooperative relationships with community members on both islands.”

The FOIA asks the questions:

1. A copy of the lease agreement for the Ocean Flower (2).

2. A copy of the lease agreement for the MV Cabo Star.

3. A copy of the Dun & Bradstreet report on Bridgemans Services Group.

4. A copy of the “third party” inspection report on the Ocean Flower (2) and the MV Cabo Star.

5. Names of all owners and directors of Bridgemans Services Group.

6. Names of all owners and directors of Bridgemans Trinidad LP.

7. A list of references provided to and contacted by the PATT re Bridgemans Services Group.

8. Contact information for said references.

9. Evidence of Bridgemans Services Group’s track record in the provision of ferry services.

10. The name of the person, company or entity contracted to provide maintenance service on vessels servicing the T&T sea bridge.

Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz yesterday defended the organisation against erroneous reports in the media which sought to put them against the National Carnival Commission (NCC) regarding monies owed to pan men since February.

Addressing the issue during Pan Trinbago’s Annual Interfaith Service at the Trinity Cathedral, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, Diaz denied they had anything to hide from the Government in terms of financial accounting.

Insisting that Pan Trinbago could produce audited financial statements for the past 20 years, Diaz dismissed reports that claimed the NCC was owing Pan Trinbago in excess of $4.5 million.

Diaz stressed, “We never said that either in writing or in public.”

He said erroneous reporting had led to the information becoming a distorted presentation of facts, with a certain level of confusion and uncertainty surrounding the issue of when pan-men would receive their stipend.

Contacted on the matter yesterday, Culture Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly confirmed that an undertaking had been given by the NCC that all outstanding monies would be paid to the 9,000 plus pan-men by the end of this month.

Unable to say if this was in fact true, Diaz said Pan Trinbago was at the mercy of the NCC who had effectively reduced his organisation’s role in the hosting of integral events which formed part of the 2017 Carnival celebrations.

Diaz accused the NCC of dispensing a small budgetary allocation to them to ensure certain events had been put on, while at the same time taking away its ability to generate enough revenue to cover its annual operating expenses - resulting in the pan-men not being paid to date.

Diaz lashed out at the NCC as he said, “The NCC took away the gate receipts and also reduced money for the Panorama competition and at the end of the day, they are taking away all your marbles yet they want you to play in the ring?”

“You don’t do that to people,” Diaz said.

Indicating that stipends usually fluctuate on a yearly basis and was often based on the country’s economic climate at the time, Diaz said Pan Trinbago was worried over the new measures introduced earlier this year by the NCC at government’s behest.

NCC chairman Kenny De Silva on Friday assured that all pan-men who participated in the 2017 Panorama competition would be paid by the end of this month.

Diaz said Pan Trinbago was owed the ten per cent of the promised prize money paid to the winners of the Panorama 2017, which continued to be withheld by the NCC but was in keeping with Pan Trinbago’s constitution.

Outraged over the call by the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) leader Ancel Roget for a boycott of stores owned and operated by the elite “one per cent” in T&T - certain members of the business community has warned against holding all Syrian/Lebanese business owners to ransom.

Mode Alive Trading Company’s chief executive officer, Gary Aboud, urged Roget to use the law in the fight against corruption.

In a release, Aboud said, “If Mr Roget wants to tackle those who bribe their way into power let him activate the law against them.”

Aboud promised, “I’ll assist in any way I can, I promise.”

Unwilling to be drawn into a game of race and politics, Aboud also cautioned Roget against making inflammatory statements, “If he wants to widen or inflame the racial chasms in my native land, I will fight him every step along the way.”

As a descendant of Syrian/Lebanese immigrants who contributed to and have since enjoyed economic prosperity in this country, Aboud said he was “offended” as a citizen of T&T, by Roget’s call to shut-down businesses owned and operated by the one per cent.

Adding that he would feel the same if Roget was targeting any other race in T&T, Aboud said it was not only members of the Syrian/Lebanese community that was enjoying economic prosperity as persons such as parlour owners, barbers, building contractors, doctors, lawyers, soca performers, fishermen, artists and also trade unionists and their members were benefitting.

He said if Roget had a problem with persons enjoying such returns on their investments, “He should ask his local MP to present a bill in Parliament to outlaw the achievement of prosperity.”

Aboud said economic prosperity was a person’s constitutional right - as even trade union members had the ability to start any business of their choice.

The businessman also questioned, “He wants to put a cap on everyone who achieves prosperity? Or he just wants to put a cap on the achievements of one minority?”

Admitting he too had been outraged by the inflammatory comments back in June, Aboud said equally so was Roget’s call for a boycott.

He described the trade unions’ response as “highly irresponsible.”

The elite one-per cent was first mentioned by businessman Mario Sabga-Aboud in the airing of travel star Anthony Bourdain’s segment on T&T in his culinary show Parts Unknown, during which Sabga-Aboud claimed the Syrian-Lebanese community was the most powerful ethnic group in T&T.

Following public outrage over the statements deemed insensitive and irresponsible, Sabga-Aboud later issued a public apology.

Sabga-Aboud is the chairman of Global Brands Group of Companies and founder of the popular Rituals coffee shop chain.

Aboud said the remarks were not a correct and true representation of the entire Syrian/Lebanese community.

Declaring that it was a dangerous thing to demand economic sanctions against certain members of the business community for the arrogant remarks of two persons, Aboud said it was important to ensure the response was “commensurate.”

Aboud questioned if there was an ulterior motive behind Roget’s call as he wondered, “Now Mr Roget wants to close down their businesses because of their self-pride or arrogance in thinking that they’re powerful? Is that really a good reason? Or is their something nasty lurking beneath?”

Turning his attention to the employees of these businessmen, Aboud asked, “Does Mr Roget have jobs to offer them?”

He said during Friday’s march, loud speakers were blaring messages to citizens not to shop inside “Syrian” shops, but concern had arisen as to who would employ and provide for the tens of thousands of staff if these businesses were to close down.

Aboud said Friday’s march was synonymous of an earlier time when vehicles drove through Berlin and Munich in 1938, warning people not to shop in Jewish establishments.

Roget’s promise that a published list of the businesses owned by the descendants of the Syrian-Lebanese immigrants was, “Akin to the Nazis painting the Star of David on all their shops,” Aboud said so too, “He might as well go on to consider painting some symbol on the “Syrian” establishments as well.”

Claiming there was a better way to resist the oligarchs of every race in this country, Aboud argued that it could be achieved through lawful or political means, and in ways that do not injure the working class.

He proposed that as a first step, attempts can be made to isolate every member of the oligarchy of every race that have corruptly received favours from the State.

He went on, “For every crooked businessperson, there’s a crooked politician.”

“Let’s follow the money with the Director of Public Prosecutions and see where it’s coming from and where it’s going to. Let’s pay attention to unoccupied buildings that are rented to the State for millions of dollars. Let’s look at the huge disparity in the price the State is paying for property rentals and the price the private sector is paying. Let’s pay attention to the disposal of State resources like land, oil fields, or quarries and ask how they came to be disposed of, to whom and at what price.”

“Lets look at the balance sheet of Petrotrin and the countless billions in subsidies, inflated wages, and with annual losses even in the boom years. Let’s look too at State acquisitions, and ask ourselves whether the taxpayer overpaid, be it for land, or building contracts, or wrecking services. Let us pay attention to the timing of these events, and see if they’re occurring during or just before an election.”

Aboud urged Roget and others to go in search of evidence that, “Where we find a bribe being paid, let’s put them in front a magistrate with no political agenda or alliance. Most importantly, let’s demand comprehensive campaign finance reform now.”

Concluding that Roget’s call was tantamount to inciting racial hatred, Aboud said it was a dangerous road that could hurt T&T more in the long run.

Having served his country loyally and with dedication, former soldier Lance Corporal Gregory Sylvester has become despondent because he now feels as though he has become an “enemy of the State.”

On August 21, 2004 Sylvester reported for duty, as any ordinary work day, but never would he have thought for one second that that was the day his life would have turned around, not for the best but for the worst.

On that fateful day, Sylvester, who was an official driver for then Colonel, was at Camp Cumuto at about 6 am preparing a vehicle to go pick him up at his home in Chaguanas. As he lifted a bucket of water while washing the vehicle he felt a sharp pain in the back. He, however, completed the task and proceeded to go pick up his Colonel despite the constant pain.

Relating the story, Sylvester said that his Colonel noticed him grimacing in pain and asked him about it, “I told him what happened and on his instruction I went to the doctor there at Camp Cumuto where I got some Mortrin tablets. I took it and continued working until 8 pm that day.”

But when Sylvester reached home at that time in Barataria he realised that he was having difficulty in walking, “I spent about two hours to reach to the bedroom from the kitchen which is right there next to each other and by the time I got to the bed I realised that I could not even get into the bed, I had to throw myself down on it.”

The following morning Sylvester said he called the Camp and told them what happened and they sent the ambulance for him, however, the two soldiers could not lift him so they had to roll him onto an old mattress and lift that to get him into the ambulance. He was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was treated and then transferred to the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Community Hospital where he underwent two spinal surgeries which left him totally disabled.

In 2008, Sylvester was informed that the arrangement was made to have him before the Medical Board but it never happened.

Since then he was placed on sick leave, receiving treatment from the SDA hospital.

However, while on sick leave, and without notification, Sylvester was taken “off-guard” when he realised he had stopped receiving his salary, which resulted in him losing his insurance coverage, “I almost lost my home as I had arrears in the mortgage payments.”

In 2012, by arrangement with National Security and the Health Ministry, Sylvester was placed before the medical board with a disablement assessment of 100 per cent. In 2011, he was assessed as 90 per cent disabled before the board.

However, two years have lapsed without any relief or information about his status with respect to his assessment and compensation.

As a result, Sylvester is unable to access his benefit from National Insurance Board (NIB) because of statutory limitation. “This was no fault of mine because of my medical condition,” Sylvester said.

In a letter dated March 28, 2010 to the NIB Manager by then Chief of Defence Staff Edmund Dillon, who is the current Minister of National Security, Dillon explained that the reason for Sylvester’s late claim submission was due to the late publication of the TTR Injury Report on the Part Two Orders indicating that he was on duty and not to be blamed.

The late publication of the Part Two Orders, Dillon said, was due to the negligence of the First Engineering Battalion located in Wallerfield, Arima. “Sylvester’s forms were misplaced on numerous times while he was on sick leave,” the letter stated.

Dillon added that Sylvester was misinformed and misrepresented because he was depending on the company office in his battalion to look after his welfare while he was hospitalised and on sick leave, “however, his office did not follow through, hence the reason he is faced with this unpredictable situation presently.”

“The Part II Orders were` published on February 9 2009 but the information pertaining to the above mentioned stated that he was not on duty and not to be blamed. This information had to be investigated and rectified before the employer completed section C on the NI 19 Injury Benefit Claim Form.

The publication of the TTR Part Two Orders was amended on November 16 2009 to indicate that the above mentioned was injured on August 21 2004 and he was on duty and not to be blamed.

The inconvenience is regretted,” Dillon said in the letter.

Sylvester’s condition has since worsened and is suffering from various neurological problems including lumbar and cervical spondylosis with radicular pains. Over the years he has developed severe muscle pains and spasms. Medication for Sylvester per month costs at average $10,000.

“Monies that I don’t have now. All my savings have been depleted and all I want is what is still due to me from the NIB I could see about getting my medication again so furthering medical aid,” Sylvester said.

“I just don’t even want what has happened to me to happen to any other soldier because it is just a terrible thing. I do not know how my days go by now but all my hope is failing. I feel as though I am an enemy of the State,” he added.

Security officers attached to the Piarco International Airport fear there may be a major security/safety breach in the future. This is because three hold baggage x-ray machines, which have cost taxpayers $10 million, can only detect explosive devices and not narcotics, firearms and ammunition.

Airport Authority of T&T (AATT) security officers have also reported weapons being misfired and jammed and ammunition used for training failing to discharge.

These issues were raised in a 12-page letter sent by the Estate Police Association (EPA) vice chairman (airport branch) Anthony Braithwaite to AATT general manager Hayden Newton and chairman Nigel Ferguson since January 23, which the T&T Guardian obtained a copy of.

In the letter, the EPA highlighted deficiencies in firearm training, defective firearms and rounds being issued for use by officers, unsterile persons being allowed access to the sterile holding bay, inability to review CCTT footage in a timely manner, manpower shortage and concerns with the three hold baggage x-ray machines.

EPA second vice president Ancil John-Nicholas admitted that the AATT purchased the three hold baggage x-ray machines in late 2014, which was now a cause for concern and posed a security breach at the airport. John-Nicholas said the machines sat idly by at the airport for two years until their warranty expired and were only put into operation this year. Spare parts for servicing of the machines were also purchased.

“What was even more alarming was that when a firearm was introduced into the x-ray chamber of the machines, the image was only displayed for a few seconds and could not be retrieved again or stored for later review. It was also communicated that the machines in question were not configured to detect either narcotics or arms and ammunition,” John-Nicholas revealed.

The machine, he said, was designed not to have an x-ray operator present to observe the contents of bags. Rather, they were manufactured to detect an “improvised explosive device” and isolates the suspect bag by sending it along another route to be dealt with by relevant security personnel. As a result of this security flaw, John-Nicholas said the AATT hooked up its old x-ray machine to work in tandem with the three machines to detect for guns, drugs and ammunition.

“From our information, the airport resident specialist, who has over 30 years’ experience in this field, was not consulted in purchasing these machines,” he said.

“If this old machine should suddenly malfunction, will Customs and Excise and AATT’s security officers search baggage manually for narcotics, guns and ammunition? This will certainly be time consuming and counter-productive, especially when you have a number of flights leaving and entering the country. Why did we spend so much of taxpayers’ money to buy these machines which are not serving its purpose?”

Questioned about defective firearms being issued to security officers, John-Nicholas said during training organised by the AATT it was discovered that several guns did not function.

He said some of the weapons constantly jammed and misfired, while others were misaligned and were highly inaccurate when fired.

Asked what the AATT’s response to their concerns was, John-Nicholas said they failed to address the matters.

“These issues now pose a threat to the public, passengers and its members. We are of a firm belief that there is a management problem at the AATT.”

In a letter dated May 11, 2017, the EPA’s chairman of the local branch, Vedesh Bhagwandeen, wrote to Ferguson asking for a meeting to have these matters resolved. But when contacted by the T&T Guardian, Bhagwandeen said Ferguson was yet to acknowledge his letter.

Contacted by the T&T Guardian, former transport minister Stephen Cadiz admitted that the three scanners cost approximately $10 million. This cost included installation and commissioning by the vendor.

“The purpose of those machines were to stop the security guards from rummaging through luggage. I remember visiting the airport one day and I asked to see the machines and I saw that they were physically installed but inoperative, with reasons only known by the security people (Customs and Excise),” Cadiz said.

He assured that the machines were tendered for and bought with the required specifications by the airport.

“The vendor is a well-respected one that deals with all government agencies, but I was never informed by anybody that the machines were not at the specifications as required.”

Cadiz admitted that every time scanners were installed at the airports or seaports there was always some reason as to why they failed to work properly.

“Every single time we try to beef the security up it was always an issue. Nobody wanted to be able to properly monitor stuff going in and out the country,” Cadiz said.

“For the life of me, I could not figure out what is the problem, but it is time that somebody asks what is the actual problem with electronic scanning in the country. It is absolutely ridiculous, because it always gets pushed back with the union or a particular agency as to why they can’t use it, but everywhere in the world they are using the same scanners and it works properly, so there has to be a reason as to why they don’t want these machines working properly,” Cadiz said.

AATT denies claims

Ferguson, in response to questions emailed to him on Friday, denied that the x-ray machines were left idle for two years.

“All security machines are in operation in accordance with international civil aviation standards,” Ferguson said.

Asked why the machines were only configured for bomb detection and not narcotics and arms and ammunition, Ferguson replied: “These questions and concerns that you have raised are all before my time. You will no doubt be aware that these are security related issues and I would not be in a position to provide any additional information about “X-ray” machines nor the firearms at the airport.”

Ferguson was appointed chairman on December 4, 2015.

He also categorically denied any exorbitant spending by the AATT.

“As a responsible board and management we are committed to operating with the highest standards of business excellence and service to our customers and stakeholders, while ensuring that we manage our costs responsibly and also seek opportunities to generate revenue to run our business. We recognise that given the economic challenges facing our country, we must support the Government’s focus on prudence and responsible delivery.”

Ferguson also dismissed claims that the AATT had spent $10 million on the installation of digital screens at the Piarco International Airport, but admitted the screens would be a “revenue generator.”

He said a contract was awarded to Trend Media/Digicel for a small fraction of the $10m figure, for a project that will generate additional revenue for the authority from advertising and enhance the customer and passenger experience. Currently, the space does not generate revenue.

“The sensorium will create a digital experience and will showcase the culture of T&T and its attractions. The sensorium will also provide additional seating to airport users and provide information on airport way finding,” he added.

Police are searching for the suspect who is seen in a video circulating on social network sites savagely chopping two men at a bar in Princes Town.

The incident, which occurred at Punisher’s Bar in Princes Town on July 30, reportedly stemmed from an argument over a woman.

The two men, Keane Marcano and Kareem Ellis, who received chop wounds, spent some time being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital, but has since been discharged.

The suspect had an argument with them over a woman, left and returned to the bar which is near Broomage #1 around 2.30 am.

The video shows Marcano speaking with two other men when the suspect walks up to him, raises a cutlass he was hiding behind his back and firing several chops at the victim. The attacker then turned on Ellis after he tried to help Marcano.

Ellis began to run, but he fell by a car where he was again chopped. He, however, was able to get up and run away.

The police are still searching for the suspect of Indian Walk, Moruga who is known to them. Sgt Roger Richardson of the Princes Town Police is investigating.

Soca artiste, the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia promises to be “Badda” when she returns on stage from her ankle injury she sustained in Bermuda during her performance.

Speaking out for the first time since the unfortunate mishap that took her out temporarily from her QOBWorldTour 2017, Garcia took to social media yesterday where she admitted to being “so afraid.”

“Could have been worse...Im OK…I’m on the road to recovery you guys! It’s been a crazy 72 hrs. I want to thank everyone who kept me in their prayers, fans, friends and colleagues during this time, all your love and messages of a speedy recovery, kept me strong. Thanks for reminding me how tough I was, when I needed to hear it the most,” Garcia said.

Garcia returned from Bermuda on Saturday morning and by the evening she had underwent a successful surgery at the St Clair Medical Hospital. She was expected to be discharged last evening.

In her message to her fans, Garcia said that she learnt a great lesson, “sometimes your plan may not necessarily be Gods plan.”

“I left Trinidad to complete eight shows by this coming Saturday. Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, three shows in Toronto, Tortolla and Grenada before coming back home. I only completed one…It’s only up from here tho…I’m stronger than a lion…yuh can’t keep a good woman down lol…well...not for long!” Garcia said.

“I will be back on my feet in no time... because as you know ‘one must fall to rise again.’ Like a Phoenix out of the ashes, look out!!! ah BADDA when ah come back!!! I love you all,” she added.

Garcia said she was in so much pain and very much afraid over her injury but thanked God, all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel, “that took great care of me, from Bermuda…Canada…Trinidad and throughout all the pain and anguish, I made it through.”

On Wednesday, Garcia was performing at the Cup Match Summer Splash event when while talking to the crowd and advancing forward on the stage fell sustaining a broken ankle.

Sources close to Garcia said that she fell off the stage and landed between the stage and the sub-woofers, due to bright lights in her face.

Bermuda’s party promoter, Declan Harris, in a previous interview with the T&T Guardian said that Garcia walked off the stage while addressing the crowd.

Harris wished Garcia a speedy and full recovery and said he hoped to have her in Bermuda to perform as soon as she was back on her two feet again.

“I will be back on my feet in no time... because as you know ‘one must fall to rise again.’ Like a Phoenix out of the ashes, look out!!! ah BADDA when ah come back!!!

I love you all.”

Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia

Members of the Police Social and Welfare Association are calling for a probe into a visit to the Police Academy shooting range by a former minister and his wife last week.

The association wants to know if acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams okayed the visit, where the visitors reportedly fired off several practice shots, after a junior officer who reported the matter as a security breach was disciplined for doing so. Civilians are not allowed on the shooting range at the St James academy.

The couple was also reportedly taken to the range by a senior officer, who subsequently gave the junior officer who reported the issue a disciplinary letter for not facilitating the visit.

One of the senior officers assigned to the academy said during the former minister’s visit they heard several gunshots ringing out at the range.

“That place was for police and we don’t know if the former minister was in possession of a firearm user’s licence,” the officer said, adding they were also not informed any civilian was visiting the academy.

In an interview yesterday, Police Service Social and Welfare Association president Michael Seales said they were concerned as the range is deemed a high security area and not open to the public. He said he was also concerned about the senior officer involved, since he was supposed to be on pre-retirement leave.

“It smells like political patronage and the association views it as a contemptuous circumstance and whether the commissioner has authorised such a visit and if it was wrong,” he said.

“The association won’t let this go unnoticed and is registering its objecting to the visit and the subsequent action against the reporting of the security breach.”

He said the association also plans to take legal action against Williams if the senior officer involved is still on active duty when he should be on pre-retirement. Noting that in 2015, Cabinet had ordered that there was to be no vacation leave buyout for any First Division officer, a matter which they dealt with in court and won before, Seales said: “And it has arisen again. It is unfair that we have to face this circumstance again because it has other alternatives. There should have had succession plan so there is no need for that and we will respond appropriately to deal with it.”

He said if it was the Government’s position not to buy out anyone’s leave, then “we find it strange the commissioner is making use of such a bad practice.”

Contacted on the issue, police public affairs officer Michael Pierre said he was not aware of the incident, but promised to make inquires into it.

The issue of civilians using firearms on a compound belonging to a unit of the national security forces has been in the news recently, following the controversy over photographs of the children of Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi posing with high-powered weapons at the Camp Cumuto shooting range.