A 54-year-old businessman from Westmoorings, accused of fraudulently renting out two barges owned by the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA), has been granted $2 m bail.

Chris Ramsawak, of Schooner Court, Westmoorings, was granted the bail by Magistrate Kerri Honore-Narine after appearing before her in the Port-of-Spain Magistrate’s Court yesterday, slapped with 32 money laundering charges over the $8.6 million in rental charges he allegedly collected between October 2015 and April, this year.

Ramsawak was also charged with two offences of obtaining $6,132,105 and US$362,500 through false pretences from the oilfield servicing company that rented the barges.

Ramsawak, the owner of Chris Distribution Limited based in Chaguaramas, was not called upon to plead to the charges.

In applying for bail for Ramsawak, his attorney Wendell Williams claimed that the father of five had a clean criminal record.

However, police prosecutors claimed that he had a pending drunk driving case from 2015. Although Williams claimed that the charge was dismissed, prosecutors were told to report back on the issue on the next hearing on July 20.

Police prosecutors also asked Honore-Narine to impose conditions on Ramsawak’s bail as they suggested he was a flight risk because he owned property in the United States.

Ramsawak was arrested by Fraud Squad detectives at the Piarco International Airport, shortly after he returned to Trinidad from a trip to Miami last Sunday.

Williams denied the allegations as he pointed out that Ramsawak was in the US when he heard of the allegations and chose to return home voluntarily.

Honore-Narine agreed as she ordered Ramsawak to surrender his passport and to refrain from applying for a new one while his case is pending. She also ordered that he report to his nearest police station four times a week.

Honore-Narine placed him on two $1 million bail bonds as some of the offences are alleged to have occurred in Port-of-Spain with the others allegedly being committed in San Fernando.

The investigation was led by Senior Supt Totaram Dookhie, ASP Kent Ghisyawan, Sgt Cornelius Samuel, PC Keston Williams and legal officer Vinel Bassarath.

The Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) should be replaced with a more independent and transparent body.

This is the main recommendation made by the seven-member committee appointed by the Law Association to review the recruitment process for judges, magistrates and other legal officers employed by the State, such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Solicitor General Department and Chief Solicitor’s Department.

The committee, chaired by former Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Judge Desiree Bernard, yesterday presented its 67-page report on the issue to the Council of the Law Association at its office in Port-of-Spain.

According to the report, the committee recommended replacing the JLSC, which currently recruits and disciplines judges, magistrates and all State attorneys at Government ministries and agencies, with a new Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).

While the JLSC currently comprises of the Chief Justice (CJ), the head of the Public Service Commission (PSC), a retired Appellate Judge and two persons with legal qualifications, the committee suggested that the JAC comprise of seven members. All the members except the CJ and the head of the PSC are currently selected by the President.

The seven members suggested are the CJ, a retired Court of Appeal Judge, a senior attorney nominated by the Law Association, an attorney selected by the President, a human resource professional and two outstanding members of civil society, who would be selected by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

Addressing members of the media at the event, Law Association President Douglas Mendes, SC, suggested that such a body would ensure that process is more democratic.

He said: “It is to expose the process to different voices and perspectives that the commission is not automatically exposed to now.”

Also speaking at the event, committee member Terrence Farrell stated that one of the most keenly debated recommendations was whether the CJ should remain as head of the body.

Farrell explained that they decided that the CJ should remain in place but that the new body should only focus on judges and magistrates as opposed to thousands of State attorneys as well.

Apart from replacing the JLSC, the committee also recommended that the new body should publish the eligibility criteria and the process of selection as there are no extensive official publications on the issues, currently.

Other major recommendations in the report include increasing the retirement age for judges from 65 to 70 and to allow judges to return to private practice after five years after resignation or retirement. Currently, the time period for doing so is 10 years.

“By extending the retirement age to 70, it would allow practitioners, who have met their financial obligations and are willing to give up a very lucrative practice, to enjoy what may be a ten year period on the bench,” Mendes said.

The report is now expected to be discussed by the association’s council, which would then decide whether to accept the recommendations or make amendments. The report will then be disseminated to the association’s members and members of the public. The association is expected to hold public consultations on the recommendations before it moves on to recommending that Parliament implement them.

As his 33-month tenure as Minister of National Security came under scrutiny yesterday by the Opposition, Edmund Dillon lost his cool and clashed with Princes Town MP Barry Padarath, telling him to “shut up!”

The fiery clash resulted in Padarath being put out of the House by Deputy Speaker Esmond Forde after he described Dillon as “shameless.”

This was the scene that played out in Parliament as the Opposition brought a private motion of no-confidence in Dillon for the unprecedented levels of crime and murder since assuming office in September 2015.

As Dillon rose to begin his contribution, Oropouche East MP Dr Moonilal was overheard saying, “we have been asked to announce”, a famous line in the obituaries, which Forde asked him to retract.

Moonilal obliged, saying, “My statement is of deep regret.”

Rejecting the motion, Dillon said while the Opposition boasted that they have been patriotic, their actions were lacking.

“Patriotism must be shown in your actions…in what you do and what you say,” Dillon said, as Government MPs thumped their desks to support him.

But Dillon’s comments angered Padarath, who began talking across the floor but could not be heard due to the eruption on both sides.

“MP for Princes Town, shut up!” Dillon shouted across the floor.

Forde rose to his feet to bring the House to order but Padarath kept shouting at Dillon, although most of it was inaudible due to the background noise.

“You are a shameless Minister of National Security. You are shameless!” Padarath screamed, as Forde repeatedly called out to him to get his attention.

When the House calmed down, Padarath was asked to vacate the Chamber by Forde, who reminded members to observe the Standing Orders.

In resuming, Dillon said the question of patriotism always troubles the Opposition, adding he knew the true meaning of patriotism having served in the T&T Defence Force for 36 years.

During the attempted coup in 1990, Dillon said he was the only trained bomb disposal technician in T&T who went into the Red House, TTT and Police Headquarters to ensure there were no explosive devices and searched ever car, room and building.

“I had to do that. That is patriotism. The story has never been told. I am telling it today. Which one of you on that side have done yeoman service for the country?” Dillon asked the Opposition MPs.

Moonilal objected to Dillon’s statement, citing Standing Orders 48.4

“You see, I serve this country and you served yourself,” Dillon shot back at Moonilal, which he had to retract.

Dillon said every time a murder is committed it concerns him.

“We know for quite some time when we talk about the discipline of our youths, the Member for Siparia is one person who made a decision to remove disciplines from schools. You cannot be part of the cause and not be part of the effect. We are where we are today based on the actions they did. We are suffering the consequences of the actions that they did between 2010 and 2015,” Dillon said.

Dillon compared serious crime statistics over a three-year period under the UNC-led administration and ruling PNM. He also boasted that under this PNM led administration the police’s detection rate had improved.

A businessman was killed and his wife is now fighting for her life after her throat was slit at the business at Four Roads, Tamana, on Thursday night.

Police said John “JJ” Samaroo, 50, owner of JJ Mini Mart, died on the spot after he was attacked by two masked men who stabbed him several times about the body and slit his throat. His wife Susan, 50, was then chopped on her shoulder, legs, arms and her throat also slit. She remained in the Intensive Care Unit at Sangre Grande Hospital last night.

Villagers said they believe the assailants went to kill Samaroo not rob him due to jealousy over the success of his business.

Villagers told the T&T Guardian that around 9 pm on Thursday Samaroo, a father of three, went to empty garbage at the front of his business when two masked men came from behind the walls of a church opposite and attacked him. He fought with his assailants, screaming for help but was overpowered as the men stabbed him about his body. After, he fell to the ground, one of the assailants took the cutlass and began slitting his throat until his screams stopped.

The men then went inside the mini mart and attacked his wife Susan. She too put up a fight but was chopped about her body and her throat slit.

The men then ran into a white Almera and escaped in the direction of Sangre Grande.

Villagers and neighbours who were liming at a nearby house when the T&T Guardian visited yesterday, said they heard the screams for help but were afraid to intervene as the men were masked and believed to be armed. However, they rushed to the Samaroos’ assistance when they saw the attackers enter the car and leave.

They found Samaroo in a pool of blood in front his business already dead.

Two women who gave their names only as Abbi and Cindy said they went inside the mini mart and called out to Susan, before they found her on the ground bleeding from her injuries. They said they immediately tied her neck to prevent the bleeding, lifted her up and placed her on the tray of a pick-up vehicle where she was taken to the hospital. The pick-up met the ambulance on its way to the crime scene in Cunaripo and she was transferred. She later underwent emergency surgery.

Villagers at the scene described Samaroo as a good man who was live wire of the village and always assisted the poor and gave back to the community.

Geoff Adams, who has been living in Four Roads for 49 years, told T&T Guardian it was only on Tuesday he was speaking with Samaroo about the crime situation in the country and told him nothing will ever happen to him as he is a good man.

“I feel that’s the end of community togetherness for us,” Adams said. “I living so long in this village and it is the first time in his 49 years that this unaccepted type of crime has happened...it has reached us and nobody seems to care about the poor. I don’t know what this government is doing to stop the killing, it just keep increasing and having people living in fear.”

Relatives said they were planning a birthday party for Susan’s sister today but will now be changed to preparing for a wake and burial.

Visiting the crime scene were officers attached to Cumuto Police Station, Northern Task Force, Homicide officers from Region II Arouca and CSI officers.

Investigators from Homicide Bureau Region II Arouca are continuing investigations.

Under the tenure of National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, 1,355 people have been murdered from 2015 to date and Dillon needs to offer his resignation now—or be removed says United National Congress MP Rodney Charles.

And some of the relatives of murder victims showed up outside the Parliament yesterday—along with a crowd of other protesters—to add their voices to the Opposition’s calls for Dillon to step aside or be removed. (See editorial on Page A14)

“My son, Keon Sylvester died one month ago,” Jacqueline Sylvester-Rodriguez said outside Parliament.

“I’m unable to eat, sleep or afford a funeral home. But no-one’s been held regarding his murder! And every day I see more! I’m hurting! I’m like all mothers who’re experiencing this and there are many like me - I’ve lost all confidence in National Security.”

She addressed her cries to Dillon, who had come outside the Parliament to see a handful of People’s National Movement supporters near the crowd. He was urged to hear protesters who Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi had stopped to listen to. (C BX).

Inside the Parliament, UNC’s Charles, in an impassioned delivery of a motion of no confidence against Dillon, reeled off the names of 14 murder victims from his Naparima constituency. He noted 61 murders in May alone - a historic high - and the murders of 50 women who had sought protection orders.

“The Minister has failed women who need protection in T&T,” Charles said.

“Our borders are porous, the Coast Guard is being called the ‘Ghost Guard’—you can’t see them. So we’ve also lost our country, every third woman in T&T is Spanish, everywhere in San Fernando you hearing Spanish.”

Over 2016-2017 Charles said, 1,062 men and 118 women were killed. Some 68 per cent of murders were in the age group 16 to 45 years - the most productive years, with 30 per cent alone in the age group 25 to 35 years. Murders since 2016 also include almost 70 foreigners from Chinese to Guyanese and others, he said.

“People in T&T have been strangled, throats slit, beaten to death, chopped, burnt, stabbed - and 74 per cent shot. The more guns the police seize, the more murders have been committed,” Charles added.

He said murders have been highest in the Northern, Central and Southern Divisions.

“Dillon said in Parliament he was unaware of Port-of-Spain gang wars. The (promised) Enterprise police station hasn’t been built,” he added, saying murders have cost T&T $10-$15 billion in lost productivity as well as tourism business.

Up to now, he added, nobody also knows if the Carnival disruption plot was real.

“Criminals can kill because they know they won’t be caught. If a National Security Minister is unable to bridge the gaps in security, it’s your patriotic duty to resign,” Charles added, calling on the Prime Minister to remove Dillon if he didn’t quit.

Emotional protestoutside House

“How long again?”

These were among cries from a crowd of protesters who yesterday called for National Security Minister Edmund Dillon’s resignation outside Parliament.

Kevin Sylvester, brother of murder victim Keon Sylvester, of Diego Martin, said, “My brother was a taxi driver making a trip when he was killed. I’m not a political person but we need to stand up in T&T for all who can’t stand up on this situation.”

Marvin Daniel said his relative Wilton France, of Laventille, was also killed while working a taxi.

“But why they can’t hold anybody for this yet?” he too asked.

Jenny Nicholas, who said she’d lost relatives to crime, said it was time for Dillon to resign.

“He’s failed us miserably, we didn’t come here today to represent any party, we came to tell the country we’re crying too much blood every day - every day it’s a murder. We’re scared to go outside to do anything, even work—it’s time for this to stop!” Nicholas added emotionally.

Prominent Chaguanas attorney Maria Ramcharitar was inconsolable yesterday, after finding the body of her secretary on the floor of a room in her office. Police said Nicole Hosein-Debideen’s throat was slit and it seemed she was left there to bleed to death. Ramcharitar’s office is located in a building adjacent to the Price Club Supermarket at Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas.Ramsaran Street is known to be very busy and shock waves went through all, including fellow attorneys, when they heard the news. According to a police report, at about 10.15 am Ramcharitar had just opened her office and went into the bathroom area when she discovered Hosein-Debideen’s body in a pool of blood. A party of officers led by Central Division acting ASP Wayne Mystar and Homicide officers from Region 3 arrived on the scene.

Hosein-Debideen, 44, was pronounced dead by the District Medical Officer and her body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre at 1 pm.After making the gruesome discovery yesterday, Ramcharitar was put to sit on a chair just in front the building. She was inconsolable and was seen crying and screaming at times as close friends and family, including the victim’s 67-year-old mother, Shirley, tried to comfort her. Hosein-Debideen lived at Sanford Street East, California Village, Couva. She was a widow and had no children. Her husband, Marlon Debideen, died about two years ago.Speaking with the T&T Guardian, Shirley said she last saw her daughter at about 6.30 am when she left to go to church.

“Every morning she would leave that early to go to church before going to work. I called her on the phone and she was already in office and I asked her if she ate breakfast yet and she told me no but added that she was going to eat just now. That must have been close to 8 am,” Mrs Hosein said.

“This real shocking to me. My daughter lived with me and I heard of no threats and no enemies. I just trying to stay strong because we don’t know why this happened to her.”

Felicity/Endeavour councillor Debideen Manick said he was stunned just like the community.

“Mary has her office here over ten years and I knew Nicole several years now. She was such a nice person, always had a smile on her face and was such a dedicated and efficient employee.”A close friend of the family told the T&T Guardian that Hosein-Debideen was the church-going type.

“She went to church, work and home…every day. We are really shocked, sad and disappointed that such a fate befell her.”Mystar said the police was yet to determine a motive but added that they are “working on a few leads.” He said they were expected to view footage caught on surveillance cameras around to get a better idea of what may have transpired prior to her killing.

Hosein-Debideen was the 25th woman to be killed for the year so far and the 270th murder victim.Investigations are continuing.

KEVON FELMINEkevon.felmine@guardian.co.ttThousands of workers will suffer a loss of revenue if the country shuts down for a week in September, says president of the Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce Kiran Singh.On Labour Day, Joint Trade Union Movement president Ancel Roget gave Government a failing grade during the unions’ annual rally at Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad. Roget then called on citizens, civil society groups, religious groups, businesses, and non-governmental organization to support their call to make September 7, Government’s third anniversary, a day of rest and reflection.According to a newspaper report, San Fernando Business Association president Daphne Barlett endorsed Roget’s advocacy but said that one day would not be enough. Bartlett was reported as saying, “Shutting down the country for one day doesn't do much. Roget has to do better than that. We need a week of total shutdown. One day will not bring any results."But Singh said that it was with a certain amount of trepidation that he read about Roget’s request and later Bartlett’s. He said that while he understood that trade unions want to send a message to the Government, such action can lead to disastrous economic circumstances. “I join with my colleagues in the T&T Chamber and ECA, saying that any prolonged shutdown is bad. As a matter of fact, it might be reckless. If a day will send a strong message, so be it, but country must come first. We already have a lot of holidays in this country and our productivity and work ethic is already low, so I disagree with a week. It will hurt us, send a message, yes, but don’t cause our citizens to suffer the economic hardships by a complete shutdown.“Businesses will lose revenue. Thousands of employees will not be paid for any prolonged period of having to stay at home. If essential government services are shut down, how will the nation function? What message would we be sending to the international community?”Singh suggested that all sectors work cohesively to address government decisions which affect the country and have open and meaningful dialogue to resolve conflicts that arise from time to time. “Achieving first-world status requires us to live by our three national watchwords: Discipline, Tolerance and Production.”

Anna-Lisa Paul

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan has issued a warning to property developers and potential homeowners to make sure they operate within the law or face the consequences moving forward.

Following a visit to the Bagatelle River, Diego Martin, yesterday, Sinanan responded to questions about the flooding which has become the norm in several areas following heavy rains.

He said there was "too much-unplanned development in areas that were not designed for development."

Surmising that this was connected to higher land prices, Sinanan said "A lot of big developers would have bought land in low-lying areas. In other words, a lot of swampland is now being utilised for housing developments and that is what is posing a big problem.

"Those were areas where the water would have a natural breach and if the water can't breach into that area, it has to go somewhere.

"Where the water would normally breach, somebody went and filled that land four feet high, put down 200 houses, and the water has to find somewhere else to go."

Asked if private property developers were following the rules regarding permission to build, the minister said "In most cases they do not have the approval, especially the drainage approval."

During a meeting with stakeholders including the Housing Development Corporation last week, Sinanan said they produced a map of T&T and advised people of the flood-prone areas that they should stay away from.

Asked if it was possible to penalise some property developers, he said "We do not have a good history of enforcement in Trinidad and that is why a lot of people take advantage of the situation.

"A lot of developers who have the cash to build and do not have to go to the banks actually start building while they are applying."

He assured his ministry was now collaborating more closely with the Ministry of Planning and the Environmental Management Authority to get it right.

He said "This is a call to citizens who are buying property in any development, first ask if all the approvals are in place because more than 50 per cent of them have no approvals for drainage and even Town and Country."

He noted that fraudulent documents continue to come to his ministry for approvals.

Sinanan estimated that 75 per cent of the flooding the country experiences on a yearly basis was man-made.

RALPH Banwarie

A man who was shot about his body in the Valencia market succumbed to his injuries at hospital on Friday night while undergoing emergency surgery.

Shawn Paul, 34, an unemployed man of Alexander Street, Valencia, was shot about his chest, leg, and arm.

Police reported that around 10:20 pm on Friday, Paul was standing on the compound of the market when he was confronted by a man who whipped out a gun from his waist and began to open fire on him.

Paul fell to the ground bleeding and crying for assistance.

Police officers who were on road block exercise about 100 yards from the police station heard the loud explosions and saw people running towards the Valencia market.

ASP Mario Robain, Cpls William, Cortez, PCs Seou, Taylor, and WPC Bishop of Valencia Police Post followed the crowd to the market, where they saw a man dressed in denim pants and black and white T-shirt lying on his back on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds, still alive and begging for help.

Police placed the man in their vehicle and rushed him to hospital.

An autopsy is expected to be performed tomorrow at the Forensic Science Centre, St James.

Officers attached to the Homicide Bureau, Region 11 are continuing investigation.

Souse vendor shot in leg

n another incident, a souse vendor was shot in his leg by a man.

Police reported that around 2 am yesterday while conducting an anti-crime exercise in the vicinity of the pillars in Valencia, they were again forced to abandon their exercise and rush to the scene of the shooting

On arrival, they saw the victim, whose name was only given as Patronge, with a gunshot wound to his leg.

He was rushed to the Sangre Grande Hospital where he was treated and warded in stable condition.

Sgt Edwards of the Valencia Police Post is continuing investigations.

Man battling for life after being ambushed in Ste Madeleine

KEVON FELMINEkevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt

Hours after Southern Division police completed an anti-crime operation in Ste Madeleine where there were reports of shootings in the past week, a 27-year-old resident was left battling for his life after being shot several times on the roadside.Police said Derrick Stoute of St Clements Village was standing near Brass Bar around 3 pm when a gunman walked up to him and shot him several times. Passersby and limers at the bar scampered for safety. By the time they peeped out, Stoute was bleeding profusely from wounds to his chest, neck, and pelvis. He was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was undergoing emergency surgery up to late yesterday. Investigators were told that his lungs had been punctured by the bullets and his condition was critical. Police searched the area for the gunman but no one was held. Eight bullet casings were recovered from the scene.

Police said Stoute was known to them, adding that he was shot in Mon Repos back in 2016. They added that he was the brother of Dwayne Stoute, who was sentenced to 24 months for receiving stolen jewelry and possession of a firearm and ammunition when he appeared before San Fernando Magistrate Alicia Chankar in April. Stoute (Dwayne) was arrested in Cocoyea Village, San Fernando, with a loaded pistol. Officers also found tickets for a pawn store in Port-of-Spain where they recovered the gold and diamond rings valued at $24,500, that were stolen from RT Jewellers at High Street, San Fernando, on March 13.

Suspect in robbery at Mon Reopos Chinese supermarket among 6 held

Between Friday night and yesterday morning, an operation by ASP Peter Ramdeen, Insp Don Gajadhar, Cpl Barry Bachus, and others resulted in the arrest of six people, including an illegal immigrant, a suspect in the recent robbery of the Chinese supermarket in the Mon Repos district, and four others for possession of marijuana.

The operation was conducted following reports of shootings in the Ste Madeleine community.

One killed, two injured in confrontation with cops

One person was killed while two others were injured during a confrontation with police yesterday.

Around 4 am, three men were said to be proceeding along Tumpuna Road, Arima, when officers on patrol attempted to stop and search the vehicle they were in.

It was reported that the men shot at the officers and they returned fire.

The suspects' vehicle later ran off the road and upon checking, the officers discovered the injured men.

They were taken to hospital for treatment and one man later succumbed to his injuries.

Although the deceased's identity is known to police, officers were reluctant to reveal the information as the man's relatives had not yet been informed.

Curtis Williams

T&T could expect $23 billion in investments in the downstream energy sector over the next four years, according to "a secret" Ministry of Energy document. The projects have the potential to create thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of high-paying jobs when operations begin.

The document, obtained by the Sunday Guardian, identifies six projects that National Energy is actively pursuing and which the company feels confident of bringing to fruition. The projects range from a methanol to polyolefin, two aluminium-based, and one melamine-based downstream operation. However, an energy economist has warned that the Government should be careful not to count the proverbial eggs before they hatch.

The document notes that except for the methanol to olefins complex, the other projects do not require significant natural gas. However, there is a caution since for the last five years T&T has had natural gas shortages, creating possible difficulties for any new investments.

The projects list includes:

1. An Aluminium Ingot Processing Wire and Cable Plant.

2. An Aluminium Ingot Processing Flats Complex.

3. A Solar Park Cluster comprising four plants.

4. A Methanol to Polyolefin plant.

5. A TTPV Wind plant.

6. A Derivative Melamine-based project.

The document reads: “The estimated capital investment for these projects is US $3.5 Bn. All of these projects except for the Methanol to Polyolefin Project are expected to use a minimal volume of natural gas. The estimated gas usage for the Aluminium Ingot Processing Flats Complex is circa 14 Million standard cubic feet per day and for the Methanol to Polyolefin in 1.73 million tonnes per annum.”

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has in the past indicated that there were several energy projects which the Government was working on, but which they were not ready to announce.

The Sunday Guardian reached out to National Energy for details on the projects including their various stages of development. The company argued that it could not give details because of confidentiality agreements and the fear that speaking publicly could compromise the integrity of negotiations.

National Energy's email response stated: “National Energy consistent with its mandate from GORTT is currently developing a range of projects in the national interest of Trinidad and Tobago. These projects are at varying stages of development and are the subject of Confidentiality Agreements with respective stakeholders. Therefore, any disclosure of the details of projects at this juncture would compromise the integrity of the Agreements. When projects are developed to an appropriate stage, public announcements would be issued by the relevant entities.”

BOX

However, Energy Economist Gregory McGuire said while it is good that National Energy is pursuing these projects because it shows that there is interest in them from potential investors, the reality is that they are merely a "litany of projects" that may or may not come to fruition.

McGuire points out that many of these very projects were being worked on during the Patrick Manning administration with companies keen to invest in the country, and then the financial crisis hit, the gas shortage became apparent, and a decade later there is no investment decision.

"If I were the Government I would not even speak of these projects until I have an investment decision. Projects have a long gestation decision, and no one knows for sure if they will be successful, but the fact is that they are working on them and that is a clear sign there is interest and a possibility of it happening,” McGuire told the Sunday Guardian.

He said due to the limited amount of natural gas that the projects need it gives them a better chance of coming to a final investment decision. He pointed to the aluminium projects that in his view will require more electricity than natural gas and with the country having excess installed electricity capacity, could be a good fit.

The economist admits that there will be those who argue such projects do nothing to diversify the economy, but he said should they come to pass they would increase the Government's revenues and valuable foreign exchange.

Retrofitting works are continuing on the Galleons Passage in Cuba, ahead of its arrival to T&T.

Currently docked at the Damex Shipyard in Santiago de Cuba, the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Nidco) confirmed the ongoing works as specified in the Memorandum of Agreement between Nidco and Sealease Limited of Hong Kong (the seller).

Nidco said it was "To better equip the vessel for the nation’s use."

The ongoing works include sealing the gap between the ramp door and hull of the vessel; fabrication and installation of the framing for the forward canopy on the vehicle deck to protect against sea spray; and installation of additional anchor rings to secure vehicles on the vehicle deck.

Nidco said the works formed part of the contractual responsibility of the seller and that the choice of the dockyard was also that of the seller who would bear all associated costs.

Nidco said "Upon completion, the works shall be surveyed by the Classification Society’s surveyor, Lloyd’s Register, prior to the vessel’s departure from Cuba."

The vessel is expected to depart Cuba on July 10, and following arrival in Trinidad, the owner’s proposed enhancements will be done on a phased basis while the vessel is in service.

Asked when the vessel was due to arrive in T&T, Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan yesterday said it usually takes approximately four days to sail from Cuba to T&T.

He avoided giving an exact date as to when it was expected to go into operation except to say that people would have to be trained. However, he does not anticipate that much time would be needed to bring the crew up to speed.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert last week said the Cubans were unable to retrofit the vessel and that the Government had requested it be brought to T&T immediately.

Imbert told the Senate that the Government had taken a decision to “bring the vessel to T&T immediately,” because the seller said although fabrication of one of the canopies had begun, they were having difficulty in getting an airline or shipping company to transport some of the remaining equipment and materials to Cuba.

Imbert said Cuba is still “an embargoed country for many countries. Cuba accepts shipments from some European states and doesn’t apparently make it very easy for shipments from countries like Australia.”

The Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that the results of this year's Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exam will be released on July 3.

Officials labelled the claims which were circulated via social media yesterday as "false".

In a release, the ministry said "The information being circulated is an edited version of the release of results information circulated in 2017.

"At this time, the Ministry of Education has NOT sent out any information to the media or general public."

It was stated that Education Minister Anthony Garcia would reveal the date of the exam results, following which it would be subsequently disseminated through various channels.

The public is advised that all official communications can be found on the Ministry’s website at www.moe.gov.tt and on the Ministry’s Facebook page at Ministry of Education-TT.

The country is a long way from hard times being over, but there will not be any mass retrenchment in the public service and we will not have to go knocking on the doors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has said.

Rowley made the statements during the fourth instalment of the Conversations with the Prime Minister held at the Mt Hope/Mt Lambert Community Centre on Friday night.

The theme of the event was "Working together toward prosperity".

"We are a long way from hard times being over because last year and even this year we have had a big gap between our revenues and our expenditure commitments, so therefore we were borrowing to close that gap. Even as the Finance Minister says that our revenues have grown a bit there is still a gap between revenue and expenditure, so that is a long way from hard times being over, we still have to borrow to maintain some stability and potential for growth," Rowley said.

Despite the situation though, Rowley said "not a single gazetted public servant was retrenched in Trinidad and Tobago" and there are no plans for any to be retrenched in the future.

"This Government with the collapse of the country's revenue took the position to maintain the job levels in the public service, even contracted workers some of whom contracts would have come to an end, we've had instances of contracts not being renewed depending on the usage but we have not engaged in mass retrenchments in the public service," Rowley said.

"As long as we keep going in the direction we are going now, retrenchment in the public service is not in the near future and does not form part of the government plan."

Rowley was asked whether the country would consider following Barbados in approaching the IMF.

Rowley said the IMF is the "lender of last resort" and under this Government, approaching the IMF seems unlikely.

"Because as leader of this Government upon taking responsibility of this country's administration and knowing the nature of our resource base and what resources that are available to us and what we can do as a people I give this country the assurance that we will not be considering the IMF as a part of the solution to our problems," he said.

Rowley said that promise came with the "caveat" however that we as a country do what is necessary to avoid being put in that situation, even if the actions are unpopular.

He said in this dry season the Government expected to build a road from Cumuto to Manzanilla but unfortunately minority views have tied that up in the court.

Minister in the Finance Ministry Allyson West gave an update on the property tax saying additional assessors have been engaged and valuations have begun.

Rowley said early in the next Parliamentary term, legislation to bring local government reform is expected to be enacted.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon sold the New York City condominium, which was part of a disputed property deal, back to its original owner Neville Piper for US$10, a document which appears to be from the NYC Department of Finance Office of the City Register has stated.

Attempts to contact Dillon to verify the authenticity of the document proved futile yesterday.

However, Farid Scoon, one of the attorneys involved in the case, when contacted to confirm whether the document was authentic and the transaction was completed called on people to respect the ruling of the United States Supreme Court on the matter.

“What I understood the resolution in that matter to have been was that the record be sealed, save and except Mr Dillon be able to make a statement that there was no wrongdoing found against him,” Scoon said.

Scoon represented attorney Ernest Wilson, who represented the attorney who prepared the deed for the property transaction between Dillon and 88-year-old Piper.

That deed was made last August.

Piper’s niece raised questions about the transaction and alleged in court documents that her uncle had been the victim of elder financial abuse, exploitation and fraud.

Dillon was named in an article 81 Guardianship proceedings related to Piper who he described as a long-time friend

The issue in question was a valuable downtown Manhattan condominium which Dillon claimed was gifted to him from Piper.

Issues were also raised about the authenticity of the signatures on the transfer documents.

In April, Dillon made his final appearance in the US Supreme Court in New York before Justice Laura Vistacion-Lewis.

When the matter was called before Vistacion-Lewis she ordered that it be held in chambers.

When the matter was concluded she ordered that the records be sealed.

Although the matter was held privately, Vistacion-Lewis authorised the release of one statement as it relates to the proceedings.

In a release issued by the Ministry of National Security, Dillon said he was pleased to report that the court proceedings in the United States, “with respect to his friend Neville Piper, has been fully and effectively resolved.”

“The Honourable Judge, ordered that the record of the proceeding be sealed and restricted, all parties interested in the proceeding from making any public statements, save and except, that there has been no finding of wrongdoing against Minister Dillon,” the release stated.

The condominium in question is located at 301 Cathedral Parkway, Unit 8L, New York, NY, 10026.

Dillon took issue with what he deemed to be several “erroneous and libellous” statements about him regarding these civil proceedings.

Documents purporting to be related to Dillon selling the land back to Piper came to the fore yesterday one day after Dillon faced a no-confidence motion in the Parliament.

That transaction took place on April 4 and was deemed a return of interest.

The purpose of the transaction was “other unusual factors affecting sale price.”

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon sold the New York City condominium, which was part of a disputed property deal, back to its original owner Neville Piper for US$10, a document from the NYC Department of Finance Office of the City Register has stated.

Attempts to contact Dillon to verify the authenticity of the document proved unsuccessful yesterday.

However, Farid Scoon, one of the attorneys involved in the case, when called to verify whether the information in the document was accurate and if the transaction was completed, called on people to respect the ruling of the United States Supreme Court on the matter.

"What I understood the resolution in that matter to have been was that the record be sealed, save and except Mr Dillon be able to make a statement that there was no wrongdoing found against him," Scoon said.

Scoon represented attorney Ernest Wilson, the attorney who prepared the deed for the land transaction between Dillon and 88-year-old Piper.

That deed was made last August.

Piper’s niece raised questions about the transaction and alleged in court documents that her uncle had been the victim of elder financial abuse, exploitation and fraud.

Dillon was named in an article 81 Guardianship proceedings related to Piper whom he described as a long-time friend.

The issue in question was a valuable downtown Manhattan condominium that Dillon claimed was gifted to him by Piper.

Issues were also raised about the authenticity of the signatures on the transfer documents.

In April, Dillon made his final appearance in the US Supreme Court in New York before Justice Laura Vistacion-Lewis.

When the matter was called before Vistacion-Lewis, she ordered that it be held in chambers.

When the matter was concluded she ordered that the records be sealed.

Although the matter was held privately, Vistacion-Lewis authorised the release of one statement as it relates to the proceedings.

In a release issued by the Ministry of National Security, Dillon said he was pleased to report that the court proceedings in the United States, “with respect to his friend Neville Piper, has been fully and effectively resolved.”

“The Honourable Judge ordered that the record of the proceeding be sealed and restricted, all parties interested in the proceeding from making any public statements, save and except, that there has been no finding of wrongdoing against Minister Dillon,” the release stated.

The condominium in question is located at 301 Cathedral Parkway, Unit 8L, New York, NY, 10026.

Dillon took issue with what he deemed to be several “erroneous and libellous” statements about him regarding these civil proceedings.

Documents purporting to be related to Dillon selling the land back to Piper came to the fore yesterday one day after Dillon faced a no-confidence motion in the Parliament.

Conflict of interest, inadequate accounting controls and non-adherence to policies and procedures were among the findings of audits of processes by Pan Trinbago, National Carnival Band Leaders’ Association and Trinidad Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation.

Culture Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, in Parliament on Friday, revealed the findings of the audits done over the period October 2013 to September 2016.

“Since the three entities received considerable funding from Government, the audits’ findings are of great concern to the Cabinet, Ministry and citizens,” Gadsby-Dolly added.

She said the execution and management of the Carnival-related activities and hosting of Carnival have been criticised and scrutinised by members of the special interest groups, other cultural stakeholders and the public.

“Among the more serious criticisms are the disbursement and alleged mismanagement of funds to stakeholders of these fraternities,” she added.

To improve transparency and improve internal controls of the three special interest Carnival groups - Tuco, NCBA and Pan Trinbago - the Ministry procured services of an auditing firm to review the income and expenditure, financial reporting and governance processes of the groups over October 2013 to September 2016.

The scope of work by Ernst and Young Services Ltd examined governance and executive oversight, internal control environment, executive recruitment and compensation and analysis of revenue and expenditure.

She detailed the main findings, adding Cabinet has directed that the audit reports of the three groups be sent to the Auditor General.

This is to get specific recommendations for the Ministry which will increase the level of accountability, transparency and value for money invested in Carnival via the three groups. Cabinet has asked the Auditor General for an urgent response, within a month.

“This will facilitate the necessary adjustments in financial arrangements for Carnival 2019 between the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and the special interest groups which sit on its board,” she added.

AUDIT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Groups heavily dependent on Government subventions for annual revenue.

• Their annual budget allocations usually significantly less than their requests to the NCC.

• Key accounts and receipts were not properly checked/accounted for regarding receipt of revenue from major Carnival-related events:

• Policies/procedures were not formally approved and /or consistently adhered to.

• Adequate records for the receipt and payment of suppliers’ invoices not maintained.

• Payments to suppliers were not duly authorised as per accounting policies/procedure.

• Tenders are not documented for the selection of vendors for significant purchases over $100,000 and more, so there was no evidence to suggest tendering processes were done before vendors were selected.

• Conflicts of interest re: executives being awarded contracts for the procurement of goods/services.

• The required statutory payments were not remitted to the relevant financial institutions from July 2015 to present as funds were not available to pay these amounts.

• Bank accounts, receivables accounts and payables are not periodically checked and reconciled in the current year.

• Budgets were not formally approved by the executive.

• Lack of authorisation and accountability for the issuance and receipt of company funds.

• Negative net current assets value over 2013 — 2017.

• Increases in bank overdraft, loans and amounts payable in relation to events held for 2015 and 2016.

• Limited guidelines on recruitment/compensation for members of the executive.

Over 100 volunteers yesterday trudged through slush in the mudflats of Brickfield, Waterloo as they planted over 1,000 mangrove saplings to prevent further coastal erosion.

Rahanna Juman, acting Deputy Director at the Institute of Marine Affairs, said similar activities are planned to deal with eroding coastlines. She said Brickfield was chosen because of the high level of erosion in the community.

She said after a channel in the area was de-silted, two headlands were created using the recovered silt. She said the headlands have started to erode and the mangroves were being strategically placed in a bid to curb any further coastal erosion.

“Mangroves are going to help us to adapt to the impact of climate change. These plans help to dissipate wave energy and lower the energy of the waves.”

She said the roots hold the soil together while the trees act as windbreaks.

She said the initiative was put in motion by the Ministry of Planning.

Religious leaders must begin work to take back communities from criminal elements.

This call came from Bishop Dave Alleyne at the annual general meeting of the Inter-Religious Organisation on Saturday.

The meeting took place at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation’s Administrative Complex at Cumberbatch Street.

Alleyne said “More and more of our communities are becoming unlivable and I say it is because of the failing of religious organisations. Why are we allowing that? Are we so caught up in our own little world and our own little doctrines and our own little misgivings or PR (public relations) that we are not getting into the trenches and doing enough that our young men and women are moving into violence?

“wwIt happened under our watch. Where do criminals come from? From homes and who influence homes, the religious organisations. We are responsible for the moral and spiritual development of our nation, of our nation’s youth.”

Leo Powell, chairman of Powell Enterprises, said the IRO should start going back to its founding philosophies. Powell said the upheavals facilitated in 1970, by the Black Power Movement, gave young people then a voice through which they communicated their frustrations with their leaders of the day.

“Can our generation rise to the occasion to address the violence, criminality and fear in this country in this moment? Our young people are calling out to us for help and we are not listening. In this moral struggle for the hearts and minds of our young, what are we doing to heed their pleas?” he asked.

Powell said T&T has the potential for greatness but had gone down a wrong path.

“Instead, I see people divided by race, creed and political disposition and far separated from the values of our national anthem. I see our geographical location being used to traffic drugs and with that put guns in the hands of our young people. Instead, I see parents struggling to make ends meet in a society where everything is expensive and people turn to crime and corruption to keep up impressions of success. But most of all, I see a vacuum within the divide, a light within the tunnel, that can and must be filed by a new generation of leaders, starting with the religious organisations,” he added.

kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt

Trinidad Tourism Ltd, led by Miss Universe 1977 Janelle Penny Commissiong, is expected to begin marketing T&T as a tourism destination before the end of the year.

Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell said that Board of Directors led by Commissiong, which was installed last October, is currently developing the company’s strategic direction so that T&T’s attractiveness on the international tourism marketing could be enhanced.

Mitchell was speaking at the San Fernando East Constituency Sports and Family Day at the Cocoyea Recreation Ground yesterday.

Last year, the Government took a decision to dissolve the Tourism Development Company and in its place, establish two entities, the Trinidad Tourism Ltd and the Tobago Tourism Ltd, both with distinct organisational structures.

“With respect to the one in Tobago, that is up and running, which is more advanced. They are still in a position of operationalising the company and developing its strategic direction. It is a start-up company. The one in Trinidad, a board of directors was appointed in October and that too is in a state of operationalisation, building up the company, setting its strategic direction so that it could begin with the marketing of destination Trinidad,” Mitchell said.

But while efforts are under-way to boost tourism, Movement for Social Justice political leader David Abdulah said Government has displayed its heartlessness towards the people of Tobago with its handling of the Tobago seabridge.

Abdulah said that anticipation for the new ferry, the Galleons Passage, to service the seabridge had been going on for almost a year. Yet, Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan and Finance Minister Colm Imbert kept shifting the goal post when it came to the arrival of the vessel.

He said the heartlessness of the Government was being felt by the businesses in Tobago and those Tobagonians who needed to access services in Trinidad that were not available on the island.

The vessel is currently in Cuba where canopies are being installed on the vehicle deck among other work. It is scheduled to travel to T&T by July 10.

An Arima man was beaten and left for dead near the Aripo River, after a gunman pounced on him and a woman as they sat in a vehicle on Saturday.

Gerald Gomez, 67, was rescued after a retired police officer stopped a passing police patrol, and taken to hospital for treatment. His companion, whose name was not released by police, escaped injury.

Police said the couple was seated in a Nissan AD wagon near the river around 1.30 pm when they were confronted by a masked man, armed with a gun, who emerged from nearby bushes and ordered them out of the vehicle.

Police said Gomez tried to fight off the gunman and was struck repeatedly to the head. The 47-year-old woman ran into the bush and hid, police said.

The gunman drove off with Gomez’s vehicle.

Police said a retired police officer found Gomez bleeding at the side of the road about two hours after the incident and stopped a police vehicle on patrol. The injured man was taken to the Sangre Grande District Hospital for treatment.

The woman managed to stop another vehicle and headed out of Aripo, police said.

Police later intercepted the stolen car in Diego Martin and arrested the driver.

Valencia police led by Sgt Edwards and including PCs Mootilal, Wallace, Boodram, Benoit and WPC Joseph are continuing investigations.