After years of reviewing legislation, attending debates, advocating and promoting the interests of their constituents in the Lower House, some former MPs are jobless and job hunting following last year’s general election.

The results of last September 7 general election has left many defeated candidates and those who were not chosen to contest the polls for the People’s National Movement or the People’s Partnership scanning the employment pages or seeking referrals from prominent people they know, while some have turned to farming or have sought jobs outside of our shores.

Life after losing or leaving politics is always challenging for some. 

The PNM’s victory saw 19 new MPs being elected, while the PP had ten MPs joining the Lower House.

Life hard for 

Nileung Hypolite 

For former Laventille West MP Nileung Hypolite, life has been an upward battle since Parliament dissolved last June.

Last March, Hypolite was sidelined by the PNM’s screening committee. Hypolite admitted that he has been “catching his royal” after not being considered for a position under the PNM.

“It is hard. You have your family to take care of. We laid the foundation for the PNM’s victory in the 2015 general election. I was also told that when we were in government there would be plenty positions that needed to be filled and there was nothing to worry about. I am still awaiting a phone call to see whether something will be offered to us. The work that we put in from 2010 to 2015, they cannot win the election overnight like that.” 

He said the small business his wife owned “cannot support me.”

Hypolite has been making ends meet by dipping into his savings.

While he knows the job of an MP “is only for a contracted time,” Hypolite said he never expected to be in this position today, now that the PNM is in power.

“Things have not been easy.”

If Hypolite continues to remain unemployed, he said he might be forced to find a job cutting cloth at Jimmy Aboud, working Cepep or URP, or shining shoes for people.

“I can tell you we cannot continue like this much longer. I have seen some former MPs come right down to nothing. If you are not a professional like a doctor or lawyer to get back into practice and you came straight from the public service or private sector it’s difficult because a person may not want you to come and work for them because they did not like the party you supported.”

Fitzgerald Jeffrey turns to backyard farming in Guapo

Former La Brea MP Fitzgerald Jeffrey, who represented the PNM from 2007 to 2015, has turned to backyard farming in Guapo. 

Jeffrey plants short and medium-term crops as a hobby and to put food on the family’s table. “I just had a bumper crop of sorrel. Just now I will be reaping pigeon peas for Carnival. The oranges and grapefruit will come after,” Jeffrey said.

Before getting into politics, Jeffrey, 64, dabbled in agriculture.

“I have been doing it for 25 years. Now that I am no longer an MP, I am spending more time in the garden, do church work, and give motivational speeches to students.”

Jeffrey said the crops are not sold to the public, but consumed by his family.

The former principal and minister of state in the ministry of science, technology and tertiary education said his days in politics are over.

Donna Cox doing more with less

... ‘I want to be respected, not whine about what I don’t have’

In the next two months, Donna Cox who was rejected as Laventille East/Morvant MP last April will complete her MBA in entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.

For the last six months, Cox who has been unemployed, admitted that she has spent quite a bit of her savings.

“I have been doing so since I was in opposition because the salary in opposition is small.”

Cox said she has been adding self-austerity measures, buying more local items, paying her bills, and doing so much more with less.

“I will always be able to make ends meet because of my upbringing I have had from my parents. As children we were always taught to put something away for a rainy day. I don’t want to be pitied. I want to be respected and not whine about what I don’t have.”

Even though the pay of an MP was not much, Cox said, “I still made the choice to be the ultimate MP and not seek employment elsewhere. That meant that I was able to live comfortably on that salary because I hung my hat where I could reach. If I follow Maslow’s theory for example, I am definitely able to meet my basic needs, so it’s my higher order needs that are in question. While it is difficult managing without a job, my feet are well planted on the ground. I know who I am, and I know that a party like the PNM does not forsake commitment and performance. “

Asked if she felt she should have been gainfully employed, Cox said “certainly, if I said I didn’t have expectations I would be lying to myself.”

The fact that Cox was not selected keeps her grounded in her Christian principles.

Cox said the general election was won by Dr Keith Rowley and a number of trailblazers who are absent from the frontline.

“My commitment to the people of T&T is no secret, many are aware of the role I have played while we were in Opposition and to bring our party to victory.”

The former minister of state in the Ministry of National Security hopes her additional qualifications will help her become “marketable in my field.”

Amery Browne 

gainfully employed

Since his non-selection at the PNM’s screening last April, Dr Amery Browne started putting measures in place to become gainfully employed.

Following his exit as the Diego Martin Central MP, Browne began treating patients as a public health physician, focusing mainly on sexually transmitted infections. 

The former minister of social development has also been assisting at a PAHO chaired committee that focuses on improving maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health care services.

Browne has also has been penning a book, which he hopes to publish, and also wrote a love ballad which he will record this year.

He still participates in social and community activities, continues to serve as president of the Diego Martin District Scouts and spends time gardening.

“I have become quite experienced and proficient at rearing sweet peppers and ochroes for the home table. I also am an avid deep sea fisherman.”

Browne said at no time as an MP did he engage in bacchanal, disrespect and the immaturity that we have often seen on display.

“At times I do look back and reflect on how different my life would have been if I had said “no” in 2007, but everyday I am encouraged by so many persons who appreciate and embrace the decency and thoughtfulness that I always endeavored to reflect to the population.”

Overall, he said, his experience has been a positive one.

“But my journey and experiences have conveyed on me a sobering certainty that our nation still has a long way to grow. With full respect to all of my peers I can say without fear of contradiction that I never used office to access a single cent apart from my official remuneration nor to seek or give favours, jobs, contracts or any benefit to any family member or any friend, I never solicited or accepted kickbacks, illicit cash or gifts and I never made decisions designed to benefit the privileged at the expense of the humble.”

Browne said our nation needs no more examples of politicians who are overtly or covertly corrupt, callous and greedy.

“Of course, I have also seen the very ugly side of politics where some folks can become drunk with the power to elevate and destroy, and I saw some of that during the screenings of the various parties.”

He said his family time was the biggest beneficiary of the changes that 2015 brought. 

Devant Maharaj works as a consultant, going into agri business

Former food production minister Devant Maharaj, who filed his nomination papers on a UNC ticket for Caroni Central last August but was rejected by the party, is now employed as a management consultant for a private organisation.

The job was offered to Maharaj days after the PP sufferered a crushing defeat at the poll, but he only took up the position in November.

“As a former government minister you cannot get a job in a state enterprise with the PNM. They firing the people we hired much less to give us work.”

Maharaj said since he left the ministry over 400 employees were sent home.

Maharaj said he also intends to pursue some business opportunities with his wife in the coming months.

The business opportunities, Maharaj said, would be agricultural related.

“The ministry opened my eyes to the potential in agriculture.”

Nizam Baksh keeps busy with family business and grandchildren.

Former public utilities minister and Naparima MP Nizam Baksh is now working in his family’s Barrackpore business since giving up politics.

Having spent 19 years in politics, Baksh, 74, has been keeping himself occupied doing social work for the Barrackpore Islamic Centre and spends time with his seven grandchildren.

“I have been keeping myself busy. All the things I could not do when I was an MP and government minister I am finding time to do now. I am spending time with my family...mainly my grandchildren and working in my family’s business.”

Baksh’s family owns a construction equipment and spare parts business.

He admitted that before he became an MP he worked in the business.

Baksh was replaced by Rodney Charles.

Cadiz goes back into his business

Having managed three government ministries—trade and industry, tourism and transport from 2010 to 2015 under the People’s Partnership government—Stephen Cadiz said he did not have to go job hunting when he was not reselected to contest the Chaguanas East seat.

Instead, Cadiz jumped back into his equipment rental and emergency power company businesses, which he managed before entering the political arena.

“Now I am going back into the business at a chairman’s level. I won’t be running the day-to-day affairs, but will have an active role in making the right decisions for the companies to keep it operational in this recession.”

Vasant Bharath set to work in Africa 

Former trade and industry minister Vasant Bharath will be packing his bags next month to take up a lucrative job in Africa.

Bharath, who was defeated by the PNM’s Terrence Deyalsingh in the St Joseph seat in the general election, said he also had several personal projects in the United Kingdom which he plans to resuscitate.

“I had offers from multi nationals to do some work in Africa, which I would start in mid February. I will be doing work for them in one of the African countries. As you know, I am a chartered accountant, but I do have a masters degree in law and business administration.”

Bharath will be required to work three to six-month periods in either managing, manufacturing and providing consultancy services.

He said he did not receive any offers in Trinidad and opted to go outside when the opportunity came knocking.

“I will be travelling back and forth. One has to keep busy.”

The firm does not have a base in Trinidad, Bharath said.

Bharath, who was unsuccessful in his bid for political leader in the UNC’s internal election last December, said he remains a member of the UNC.

The Public Services Association (PSA) will be defending the three doctors who were involved in performing the caesarean section on Rose Gordon, 35, of Charlotteville, who died on New Year’s Day after delivering her baby girl the day before. 

This is according to president of the PSA, Watson Duke, who was speaking at a news conference held at the Scarborough General Hospital yesterday. 

Duke said he shared the grief of the family, but the association would be taking up the cause of the three doctors who were sent home on Thursday pending an investigation into the incident. Here in Tobago, all of us are one family. I cannot overrate how this is affecting all of Tobago, even would-be mothers now are somewhat concerned, but it comes down to what was the case in question that they were dealing with, and let the enquiry take place, let it be free from political interference, and let the chips fall as it may, but we will defend the doctors,” he said.

Duke said the doctors were not free from blame, but said the average citizen did not have all the information concerning the incident. He said the suspension of the trio would tarnish their reputation

“This is not a case where we are not hurt. I’m hurt as the president of the PSA but the question is could anything have been done at that point in time? Could anything have been done to protect that individual? What was the risk going into that surgery? We have to ask these questions…The person was already pregnant, was there a case of either mother or child? We don’t know...”

Duke identified former independent senator Dr Victor Wheeler as one out of the three doctors suspended. He said Dr Wheeler, who is a gynaecological consultant and heads the department, was being targeted by the Tobago House of Assembly for some time now.

Soca star Machel Montano is now an ambassador for the Digicel family with the likes of other top local artistes like Destra Garcia, Kees Dieffenthaller and Ravi B. 

Montano, 41, took to his Instagram account yesterday morning and posted: “This morning I am proud to announce that I have joined the awesome Digicel family...the Bigger and Better network...Machel Montano and Digicel form unique partnership!”

The announcement was made on Friday during the media launch of Digicel’s Play at its Maraval head office in Port-of-Spain. 

Leisel Douglas, Digicel’s communications executive said yesterday the network provider was expected to host an official signing tomorrow. 

Fellow endorsees of the Digicel brand welcomed Montano through their Instagram accounts yesterday with photos and posts. Garcia posted: “Congratulations, Machel. Welcome to the Digicel family...up, up, up we say.”

Ravi B posted: “Welcome to the family.” 

The account for Kes The Band posted: “Welcome to the Digicel family. Bigger and better vibes.”

Up to 2012 Montano had endorsed TSTT’s bmobile brand but in early 2013, the telecommunications company dropped him after he was convicted of criminal charges. 

On December 10, 2012, magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor found the entertainer guilty of five criminal charges of assault and using obscene language during a fracas five years ago outside of the popular Zen nightclub on Keate Street in Port-of-Spain. 

Montano said he was always excited for new beginnings and new partnerships. 

He said: “My whole philosophy from 2015 and beyond is co-operation over competition. You know, making strategic collaborations and partnerships is at the top of the list.”

Montano copped the Power Soca Monarch titles in 2011, 2012, 2013 (tied with Super Blue), 2014 and 2015. 
He’s won the Groovy Soca in 2012 and 2013 and has won the title of Road March seven times.

The Kalypso Review tent opened its 2016 season on Friday at the Arima Velodrome under overcast skies t0 a near sold-out audience. Over 25 calypsonians, mostly women, performed on the night.

Proving to be the night’s favourite with the audience was Devon Seale who lashed out at former prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar with his witty political commentary titled, Respect the Voice Of God.

The audience called for two encores of Seale’s calypso. According to Seale’s song, after constantly stating the voice of the people is the voice of God when things were going her way, Persad-Bissessar changed her tune when the PNM won the elections saying “respect the voice of God.” 

The audience cheered and applauded.

Leader of the Revue, Sugar Aloes, did not fare as well when he performed his song, Psalm 12, staying away from harsh political commentary. 

The audience was for the most part quite unexcited during his presentation. Chalkdust received a fair measure of praise for his song, The Road Bad, a well written analogy on the political landscape of the nation.
Other calypsonians performing on the night were Baron, Ninja, Skatie, Tenille Cooper, Alana Sinnette, Mahalia Regis, Mr Nature, Michelle Henry and Pink Panther.

A 26-year-old reputed gang leader was killed in a early morning shootout with police in Laventille, yesterday. 

According to reports, around 4.45 am, officers of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) went to Eastern Quarry, Laventille to arrest Stefan “Twelve Teeth” St Louis, who they had been seeking in connection with a shooting which occurred late last year. 

Police said no one answered and when they broke the front door to enter the property, they were shot at several times.

They returned fire hitting St Louis, who was home alone, several times. 

Police said the officers were unharmed, and that St Louis, had been armed with a .45 calibre pistol. 

He was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment, but was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Ballistic testing is expected to be performed on the alleged weapon to determine if it was used in any recent murders or shootings. 

Police said that despite his age, St Louis was a well known gang leader who had multiple previous convictions and pending charges for violent crimes. 
An autopsy will be performed on his body at the Forensic Science Centre in St James this morning.

Four police officers have been arrested for attempting to bribe a Chinese businessman. 

According to reports, the officers, all police constables assigned to the North Eastern Division, were arrested at their homes acrosss north Trinidad on Saturday morning by their colleagues from the Professional Standards Bureau. 

The officers remained detained separately at police stations in Port-of-Spain up to late yesterday where they were being interrogated in relation to the incident which allegedly occurred last Tuesday afternoon. The businessman and his wife reportedly contacted police after the officers visited his home in Kelly Village, St Helena and demanded a $53,000 bribe. 

The officers allegedly relieved the businessman of a quantity of jewelery but left without any cash. It’s not yet known what information the officers threatened the businessman with when they demanded the bribe. 
The officers are expected to be charged with misbehaviour in public office later this week when detectives complete their investigation and will remain in custody until then. DA

Economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon is appealing to the Government not to dip into the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) to pay local contractors who are owed $2 billion, even as he admits that failure to pay outstanding bills to contractors could make the recession worse.

Arjoon said there are other ways the Government can access funds to settle with contractors. One of those is an IPO—an Initial Public Offering in which a company is floated on the stock market—similar to what took place with the state-owned FCB and Phoenix Park IPOs. 

He also suggested consortium financing, where local banks can work with Government to lend money for projects.

Chinese Ambassador to T&T Huang Xingyuan has complained that Chinese construction companies which had done work or were doing work in T&T were owed million of dollars by the Government. 

Huang said companies that were owed were not in a position to pay wages. Earlier the president of the Contractors Association of T&T, Mikey Joseph, disclosed that local contractors were owed $2 billion. 

He warned that if the situation was not addressed soon, T&T could face “clear rippling effects” in the economy going forward. On Friday, Joseph refused to talk about the issue raised by Huang.

“I have no comment. Let the Chinese handle their own stories,” was his curt response.

Recession 

could worsen

Arjoon said the Government could raise billions of dollars through an IPO.

“We had two very successful IPOs lately. We have several state enterprises, why not just select five of them and have an IPO and put a minority of its shares for sale on the stock market, so businesses with a strong financial backing can invest. This helps to keep the money into the local economy and also the ownership of companies.” 

“Another option the Government has was to utilise the banking institutions, through consortium financing, where a group of banks come together and supply a small chunk of money for a specific project which they can offer the Government in order to repay the debt.”

He said the Government could repay the banks over a specific period and at an agreed interest rate.

“That excess liquidity in the banking system is actually generated from the private sector. So this is where the whole issue of public/private partnership comes into play. 

“By getting the intervention of the private sector, the excess liquidity in the banks, which stands at about $3 billion, now can definitely be used via consortium financing or via public/private partnership by getting the private sector involved to meet the financial obligations. 

Governemnt­ can also avoid debt by approaching a group of commercial banks for “consortium financing,” where they provide money on loan for a specific project, and through an initial public offering (IPO) where shares at a state enterprise are sold to institutional investors. 

If the debt was not settled soon, Arjoon said, workers might be laid off, which could fuel further unemployment.

Arjoon said contractors who were not paid were unable to meet their financial obligations to suppliers and banks.

“It might come to a situation where they may cease to operate which can exacerbate the country’s recession.”

Banker: Govt 

should use HSF

President of the Bankers Association of T&T Darryl White disagreed with Arjoon that Government should not touch the HSF.

“You have to ask the questions do you prefer not to pay your debt when they are due. The worst thing for anybody is not to pay your debt.”

White said Government could also approach the Inter-Development Bank for funds since they had good lending rates.

“It’s an organised type of lending with lots of terms and conditions, but the pricing attached is very good.”

In his address to the nation last month, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley revealed that Government would be splitting the HSF into two funds, which would become the Heritage Fund and the Stabilisation Fund.

Rowley disclosed that approximately US$1 billion would be taken from the Stabilisation Fund, while the Heritage Fund would retain the bulk of its funds.

Questioned on Saturday if commercial banks awere willing to offer consortium financing to the Government, White said this was an avenue Government had already looked at. 

“As a matter of fact the Minister of Finance had already said he had conversations with the banks in that regard. That was said after a meeting with banks a couple weeks ago. So this is an option.”

He said he was in support of Government looking at all options to raise financing in a bid “to find solutions.”

White also explained that liquidity in the banking system declined from $8 billion to $3 billion.

White agreed with Arjoon that IPOs were one avenue money can be raised, but said that given the nature of the country, some entities were better off not being privatised.

Risk of investors’ 

and capital flight

Arjoon said local companies that were reliant on these affected Chinese firms were also likely to feel the repercussions as well.

“This can worsen the confidence of other Chinese merchants operating here...mainly those in medium enterprises such as supermarkets. Many would feel that the economy is not a comfortable one. Don’t be surprised if we see some of them making an exit. China will now pay careful attention to their investments in T&T and spending decisions in the future.”

Arjoon said “the last thing they should do is incur debt or dip into the HSF in order to make these payments.”

Arjoon questioned if the Government owed other foreign companies which operated in T&T.

“Ideally, this can weaken investors’ confidence further, affect bilateral agreements and worsen foreign reserves. They (investors) may just start putting their money elsewhere,” Arjoon said.

Abandoned by her mother at age nine and left to care for three younger siblings she later lost, Melanie Daniel endured a life of pain and tragedy. But she was determined to survive.

Today, at 45, Daniel is a successful businesswoman, operating her own hair salon in St James. Today she works with juvenile delinquents at the Youth Training Centre (YTC) and the Golden Grove Prison.

“Many of them have stories similar to mine. I try to show them the love and support I lacked while growing up.”

Daniel goes to the YTC and the Golden Grove Prison three Sundays a month with a team from her church, Destiny Worship Centre, to conduct a “pre-release” programme with the young inmates.

“We sit and talk with them and help them to socialise. We also tell them about God.

“I get healed hearing their stories, stories like mine. Many are from single parent homes.”

Daniel now has two grown children of her own and a good relationship with them but she is still healing.

“Three years ago, I got to know God and His unconditional love. The anger went away.”

She recalled her tragic life and her determination to break free.

“I became a woman at age nine. My mother would leave me and my two younger sisters and baby brother for five days at a time sometimes.

“We were staying at a woman’s home in James but I had to cook, wash and clean for my sisters and brothers and be like a mother to them.” 

Daniel and her siblings were officially abandoned by her mother when she was nine.

“My mother had three sets of children with three different men and left us to go and live with one of my stepfathers.

“She sent us to live with our grandmother in Point Fortin.

“After a few years, grandma said she could no longer support my other siblings. I was kept and they left.”

The family split when her mother arranged for someone to adopt her two sisters and her brother went to live with the woman in St James.

“He ended up in prison. He recently came out.”

When her grandmother died, Daniel returned to Port-of-Spain to live with her mother, stepfather and their family. She did not stay there long. By 16 Daniel was pregnant and on her own.

“I went to live with my baby’s father. When I got pregnant a second time and I left him and went on my own.

“I did not want to do what my mother did.”

With sheer determination and her faith, Daniel built her hairdressing career and put back the pieces of her life together.
“By God’s grace, I have become a different person,” she said.

Calypsonian Carl “Nobby” Barrington stole the show at the opening of the Kaiso Showkase 2016 on Friday night with his composition, Marriage Advice.

Barrington and 22 other calypsonians performed at the opening of the much-anticipated showcase at Palms Club, San Fernando on Friday night.

Barrington waxed poetic about the generation of young women who get married but cannot run a house.

He had audience members clutching their stomachs with laughter, as he sang Thank God for KFC.

He received several encores for his performance, leaving audience members in stitches with his advice on how to have a working marriage.

Lynette ‘Lady Gypsy’ Steele took a different approach to her performance. Dressed in a brilliant yellow kimono-styled dress, Lady Gypsy sang her composition entitled, The Invasion.

She sang about Chinese invading T&T and taking over the business sector.

She even made a plea to government to have the Immigration department ‘check out’ the activities of the Chinese in T&T.

Also tackling a controversial issue was Victor ‘Mr Mack’ McDonald, with his piece, Legally Gay.

As the name of the song suggests, McDonald spoke of the openness of homosexual relationships over the past few years.

He told audience members that gone WEre the days when men hid their sexual orientation. However, he said that proper families could not be raised by two men or two women.

Unlike past years, the showcase began promptly at 8 pm as advertised and was wrapped up by midnight.
The Kaiso Showkase continues this afternoon (Sunday) with a matinee show at the Palms Club.

A Cocorite man who was recently released from prison on a marijuana charge was killed this morning by gunmen who police believed were waiting for him.

According to police reports, Kevin Greene, 26, from Harding Place Cocorite was returning home this morning around 3.45am when he was ambushed. 

Police believe that Greene, who had just returned home from liming, was attacked by his killer or killers who had been marking his movements and were awaiting for his return home. 

Police said residents heard the gunshots and contacted them. When officers arrived at the scene he was already dead. 

Police say they do not yet have a motive for his death.

Investigations continue

A late night vehicular accident along the Eastern Main Road has claimed the lives of two people.

The victims have been identified as Mark Guy and Shamarke Pascall. Another passenger, Akila Lane, 21, was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, and is in stable condition. 

The police say the accident occurred around 11.45pm near the Success Laventille Secondary School. 

After combing the mangroves covering the Marabella waterfront, Southern Division police found $100,000 worth of "lemon cush" hidden under galvanize sheets. 

The find came as police were searching the area after learning of a shipment of drugs and firearms that came into the well known crime area recently. 

Over the past few years, Bayshore Avenue, commonly known as the "Old Marabella Train Line" has been used as a port for the trade of firearms and drugs from Venezuela. 

The operation coordinated by Snr Supt Irwin Hackshaw and executed by ASP Rawl Ramdeo, Insp Don Gajadhar, Sgt Dale Ramroop and Sgt Inshan Teeluck saw task force and CID officers entering the community from various entrances around 8 am. 

With air support from the National Operations Centre, the officers searched several kilometers of shore, during which they found 2.5 kilogrammes of the marijuana in two plastic bags. 

Officers said the "high grade" marijuana usually sells for $40,000 per kilogramme on the streets. Several areas were dug in the search, which is expected to continue tomorrow.

No arrests were made. Investigations continue.

A father of five died while being operated on on Sunday afternoon after being shot while at his Mapp Lands, Laventille home.

Police reports state that 47-year-old Abdul Karim was killed after he was called out of his home around 4 pm. 

Police said Karim, whose legal name was Stanley Pope, was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital but died undergoing emergency treatment.

The police said Karim's murder is being treated as gang related. 

The murder toll for the year is 17 while for the same period last year 20 people had been killed.

A man who had just been sentenced to three years hard labour ran out of the San Fernando Magistrates Court today, moments before officers could put handcuffs on him. 

Russel Thomas and his twin brother Roston Thomas, 27, were sentenced to three years hard labour by Magistrate Margaret Alert for armed robbery in 2012. Both men were out on bail for the robbery. The incident occurred around 1.15pm.

In court today, Alert told the brothers, both from Nicholas Lane, San Juan, the maximum penalty for their crime was five years hard labour. She then sentenced them to three years hard labour each. 

Witnesses told the T&T Guardian that the men immediately began pleading for a lesser sentence, but Alert told them her decision was final. 

As Courts and Process Officer PC Burnette stepped forward to handcuff the brothers, Ruston began struggling. Russel took the opportunity to sprint out of the courtroom, down a flight stairs, past astonished MTS security officers and disappear into San Fernando. 

Ruston was subdued by officers and taken to the holding bay beneath the courtroom. The search for Russel continues.

As supermarkets across the country prepare to implement the reduced rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent which takes effect on February 1, consumers falling into the lower income and lower middle income bracket say they will end up paying more for less.

With the Government slapping on a 12.5 per cent VAT on basic food items which were previously zero rated, the average lower middle income earner with a monthly salary ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 says his or her money would now have to be stretched even further.

Eugenia Amoy, 42, a freelance photographer who earns close to $8,000 depending on the time of year, said her grocery bill amounts to $800 weekly.

A single parent of three including a ten-year-old, she said her items usually included packages of dried peas, tomatoes, local and foreign cereal, oil, bottled water, cheese, apples, rice and local and foreign snacks.

Coupled with this she has to pay a $1,200 mortgage and $3,600 a term in school fees for her son who attends a private primary school.

Twice a month she buys fresh produce costing $400; every other week she buys two chickens at $50 each.

Amoy will now have to fork out more for saltfish, especially the foreign kind which her family prefers.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had said that imported saltfish, considered a staple in many homes, would be subjected to the full tax regime.

Saying her weekly grocery bill would now be increased by between $300 and $400, Amoy said she would be looking at a second job to cushion the increase.

“I would normally shop by brand...because of the quality. But this is something of the past because I will be looking for the cheaper items including that of toilet paper because at the end of the day it is a strain on my finances which I could no longer afford,” Amoy said.

But while some say the new measures would take a toll on their pockets others said the increase would not necessarily be felt.

Rather it was a question of adjusting.

A 36-year-old taxi driver plying the Port-of-Spain to Chaguanas route who has no children said his basic food basket contains sugar, oil, chicken, bread, cheese, butter, potatoes, detergent and eggs, adding that these tally to between $1,000 and $1,200 a month.

But he said with the increase he was expected to now fork out close to $300 more.

Cost cutting, he added, would take place in other areas, namely market goods.

“It would mean I could no longer afford to buy the amount of vegetable and fruit as I am accustom. Maybe every other week I would see what I could buy. I think people need to adjust what they buy especially foreign goods,” he said.

A small grocery operated by a Chinese couple on Charlotte Street in Port-of-Spain, visited yesterday, could now be facing closure.

“At the end of the day we have workers to pay and we are worried that the business may close with the increase in prices,” a supervisor said.

He added that with the shortage of foreign exchange the establishment has been forced to import less goods. 

“South where we used to import five containers of saltfish we could now bring in three. And to make a profit we might have to increase the price,” he said.

Supermarkets Association responds

President of the Supermarkets Association Dr Yunus Ibrahim agreed that some consumers would now have to pay more.

But he disagreed that there could be job losses and closure of small businesses resulting from the move.

“I don't think anyone should be increasing their final price to add VAT...I don't see the need for it.

“At the end of the day the reality is that the public needs to choose wisely,” Ibrahim added.

Owner of Maharaj Westside in Arima, Baliram Maharaj, urged that greater consultation with the wider community ought to take place before the list comes into effect.

He said in the instance of lentil peas the price had doubled compared to the original price last year as this was due primarily to international drought.

Items with no VAT after 2012

In 2012 former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar reported to Parliament that the People’s Partnership government had removed VAT on thousands of items by Legal Notice 365.

Among them were:

all sausages

all juices 

artificial sweeteners

baby food 

bacon 

banana chips 

barbecue sauce 

all biscuits and cookies 

black eyed peas 

cake mixes 

chick peas 

chicken nuggets 

cocoa mix 

coconut milk 

creams and creamers 

dates 

french fries 

fruit cocktail 

fruit punch 

garlic sauce 

jams and jellies 

lentils 

mayonnaise 

oats 

peanuts 

pepper sauce 

picnic ham 

pigeon peas 

pineapple slices 

pink salmon 

plantain chips 

prunes 

red beans 
salad dressing 
shortening 
soups 
soy milk 
teas 
turkey 
wafers 
waffles 
yogurt

Under the new process for the appointment of a commissioner of police and deputy commissioner the Police Service Commission will have to contract a local firm under the Central Tenders Board Act to conduct the recruitment process, which includes inviting applications for the posts.

This is according to the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner (Selection Process) Order 2015, which was tabled in the House of Representatives yesterday by National Security Minister Edmund Dillon.

It was one of two orders recently approved by Cabinet for the selection of the top police officers.

This has come about after the existing system, which requires an international firm to do the same work, has been described as ineffective for the appointment of the officers. 

Stephen Williams has been acting as Commissioner of Police since 2012, when the last confirmed police commissioner Dwayne Gibbs was removed.

The order says the firm shall submit a shortlist of suitable candidates for consideration.

Under the law the Parliament will seek to approve or reject the nominees.

The Appointment of a Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner (Qualification and Selection Criteria) Order 2015 was also laid by Dillon. That order says the nominees must be nationals of T&T and have a degree from a recognised university in the field of law, criminal justice, criminology, police service management or other relevant degree.

It says the candidate for CoP must have at least 15 years service of increasing responsibility in law enforcement and the candidates for deputy commissioner must have ten years service in the same area.
The Parliament will subsequently have to approve the nominees and the appointments made by the President.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon says there is no spike in the murder rate in this country. He said so in response to a question on the Order Paper from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar during yesterday’s sitting of Parliament

There have been 17 murders in the country for the year to date, according to reports.

Dillon said investigations into the murders in the past seven days showed they were “drug and gang-related offences.”

He said measures adopted to deal with the incidence of such murders “include intelligence-led operations targetting known drug dealers and gang leaders through cordon and search operations.”

Dillon said one of those operations “resulted in the death of Steven St Louis.” He said the security forces have “also intensified the patrol on coastal areas and are also looking at co-opting the National Operations Centre Special Services Agency to look at intelligence gathering to deal with the drug and gang-related offences.”

Persad-Bissessar then asked Dillon if any of those measures were different from what obtained prior to the recent spike or the same. He replied, “There is not a spike in the murder rate. Measures being adopted are new initiatives in a different and focussed manner (with) concentration of force at the right time and place to ensure the operations are done effectively and efficiently.”

After being sentenced to three years in jail for armed robbery, twin brothers Roston and Russel Thomas tried to make a dash for freedom from the San Fernando Fourth Magistrates’ Court yesterday. 

Roston, who was already being placed in handcuffs was subdued by Court and Process Officers but Russel managed to escape.

The brothers, both 27, were before Magistrate Margaret Alert in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court around 1.15 pm yesterday. 

They were charged with armed robbery in 2012. They were found guilty of robbing Patrick Whiteman, 63, of Dumfries Road, Bamboo Village, La Romaine, of a gold chain and a gold bracelet. 

Both men gave their address as 22 Nicholas Ville, San Juan. 

Constable Burnette and Khan were in court at the time of the incident. The T&T Guardian understands the men began pleading for a lesser sentence as soon as Alert gave her ruling.

She told them her decision was final and Burnette moved to place handcuffs on the men who had been on bail at the time.

But Roston began resisting and struggling. Russel took the time afforded by his brother’s antics to leap over a bench and run straight out of the courtroom.

He ran down a flight of stairs and past unsuspecting MTS security officers, hitting the streets.

Roston was taken for holding in the prisoner’s docks’ beneath the court.
Up to late yesterday, Senior Superintendent Irwin Hackshaw said there was no update on Russel’s whereabouts as police continued their search. 

Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Stuart Young says files of interest were removed from WASA’s St Joseph office at the weekend but they were retrieved by the authorities.

He said so in a news briefing at the Parliament yesterday afternoon following the early morning re-ignition of the fire at the utilities St Joseph head office yesterday morning.

Stressing the files were “of interest” as the audit being conducted at WASA was very “broad-reaching.”

He said a very strict process and procedure was implemented with respect to the removal of any item at WASA in the wake of the probe.

He said he went to the WASA office in St Joseph yesterday “to get a hands-on appreciation of what is taking place.” He said he met with the WASA chairman and the acting CEO “to express support and to understand first hand the progress of on-going investigations and audit. An audit was commissioned by the new board of WASA 

He said the Government was working assiduously to ensure the protection of WASA property, that proper investigations are conducted and that the forensic audit is able to take place.

Young said more stringent security measures have been reviewed and it may not be possible for a similar incident to happen again.

He said no one was arrested or charged after the files of interest were recovered. Young said the chairman and the board will have to determine the consequences to be faced by those who removed the files of interest.

The re-ignition of the fire fuelled fears that a second fire had been deliberately set after last Tuesday’s.

But Public Utilities Minister Ancil Antoine confirmed the reignition but stressed: “There was not another fire. The debris from the previous fire reignited.”

Despite Antoine’s claim it was not a new fire, sources at WASA said the Fire Services was contacted around 5 am after a fire began in the Records Department.

The five-storey building has been cordoned off to both staff and members of the public since last week’s fire.

The original blaze was said to have started around 4.45 pm on January 5 at Block B, Building Nine.

This building housed the Corporate Communications Department, the Health and Safety Department and the Records Department.

Checks with the Tunapuna Fire Station yesterday confirmed that a call was received around 5 am prompting tenders from that station, as well as the San Juan Fire Station to rush to the scene.

Fire officials said they were able to put out the blaze quickly but they too attributed it to last week’s fire.

During a phone interview, Antoine said such a reignition was possible despite the four-day lapse since fire officials had last visited the scene on January 6.

Asked if he had received an update on the investigation and if the cause of Tuesday’s fire had yet been determined, Antoine said no.

Warning that WASA has since increased its security internally, Antoine said the authorities were not taking any chances and had sought the assistance of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to protect all the utility’s sub-offices.

During his visit to the St Joseph head office, Young donned a hard hat and was seen accompanying senior company officials on a walk-through of the damaged building. Even as that was taking place, employees gathered in the courtyard, while others were seen removing boxes containing files and equipment from the compound.

A mobile police unit also remained parked in the main car park.

Members of the public attempting to pay their bills were turned away at the front gate and advised to visit other locations to transact business.
It is not known when the head office will be reopened to the public.
Several workers interviewed indicated that they were instructed to visit job-sites and to carry out operations as normal.

Traffic Warden Mandisa Woods, 27, who was severely injured in an accident while on duty along Independence Square, Port-of-Spain, last Tuesday said she needs to get justice and is wondering why there is silence around her on the topic.

In an interview yesterday, Woods, who was discharged from the Port-of-Spain General Hospital on Saturday, said the last thing she heard was that the driver of the vehicle which struck her was in police custody.

“I have not heard anything more on the woman. The woman did not even find herself to come visit me or to call to see how I am doing. I am wondering what is happening because I need to get justice,” Woods said.

She added that she was in excruciating pain, “I cannot do anything. I can barely walk. I cannot even write because my right hand is injured.”

Asked if she remembers anything about the accident, the mother of two replied, “It just happened so quickly but I barely could sleep since. I am left in a very traumatised state. I have been going through so much in my life and now this, on top of it. I really need to get justice.”

Last Tuesday, Woods sustained a fractured leg, a fracture over one of her eyes, gaping wounds under the buttocks and leg, and several other cuts and bruises about her body when she was thrown into a glass pane after being struck by an SUV while she was directing traffic along Independence Square, Port-of-Spain, at about 6.30 am.

The driver, a woman in a red Tucson SUV, was proceeding east along Independence Square when upon reaching the intersection at Abercromby Street there was a collision with a white panel van.

This caused her vehicle to veer to the left hitting Woods, who was thrown several feet into the air and landed on a glass panel to the front of Nicholas Court building.

Since the accident until today, Woods said, she was yet to receive professional counselling.

She added that she was contacted by her superior at the Traffic Warden Unit and told that she needed to sign up relevant documents pertaining to the National Insurance Board of T&T.
As regards compensation, Woods said she was still awaiting word on it.
The T&T Guardian was told that no charges have been laid as investigations into the incident are ongoing.