Charles Kong Soo

The disaffected residents who were served eviction notices over the planned development of the Curepe interchange say the Government is using delaying tactics to frustrate them concerning the acquisition of their land.

Speaking to the Sunday Guardian yesterday, spokesman for the residents, Rudi Singh said, “Since we got a letter from Government to vacate, as they say, it was not an eviction letter, but we have to move in 15 days. Subsequent to that, we had a meeting with Works Minister Rohan Sinanan at his office in Port-of-Spain on September 13, they said they were not going to forcibly put us out, they will wait until the process goes through or until the Section 4 notice expires in November."

The Ministry said the Land Acquisition Act consisted of a two-step process that entailed serving a Section 3 notice of intended acquisition, followed by a Section 4 order which empowered the State to enter and take possession of the properties within six months of serving the notice.

He said no negotiations were held since the residents' lawyers sent the ministry a letter. The ministry's lawyers responded on September 18 that they still were not completed with the instructions from their client, the Government. Once the relevant information is provided, they said, they will reply on September 21. To date, there has been no response.

Singh said they also wanted to know who on the Government side had promised the residents' land, what time period and location. He said, however, that was a secondary issue. The primary issue was the negotiations concerning the acquisition of the land.

Singh said ministry officials always said the land issue was something to accommodate the residents and would be done separately.

Singh said it seemed to the residents that Government was delaying the whole process to force an issue of evicting the residents when Section 4 expired in November.

He said they verbally communicated to Sinanan and Director of Highways Navin Ramsingh at the meeting to put their offer in writing.

Singh said Government's stonewalling tactics made it look like residents were not moving forward or doing anything.

Former chairman of the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Ltd (MTS) Robert Charbonne has this time been given the mandate to steer the direction of the newly-appointed board of the Vehicle Maintenance Company of Trinidad & Tobago (VMCOTT). The announcement was made yesterday by Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner during the presentation of instruments of appointment to the ten members of VMCOTT’s Board at Multi Purpose Hall of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain.

Warner, who praised Charbonne’s management of MTS which he credited as one of those companies which did not require funding from the state, said he was confident under Charbonne’s chairmanship, VMCOTT could become a solvent company. He said: “Charbonne spent six years as the chairman of MTS where he took an insolvent company and made it a dream come true and just as he has turned things around there the same can be done here at VMCOTT under his stewardship because his work has proven that it can be done.”

Charbonne admitted that while he was aware that he had a steep hill to climb, particularly since he was reporting to a minister (Warner) that had a reputation of being quite astute, he was used to those challenges and was confident he, together with his “competent” board, could make VMCOTT a viable organisation as he intended to “hit the ground running.” Permanent secretary in the ministry Cheryl Blackman said among several critical matters which required the board’s urgent appointment (a feat which took ten months to materialise) was the award of contracts for the provision of several pumps for the Drainage Division, a task which she hoped would be completed before the onslaught of the rainy season.

Board members

 Robert Charbonne - chairman
 Vedaish Maharaj - deputy chairman
 Sandra Clarke
 Anthony Joseph
 Faizul Juman
 Fareez Khan
 Parasram Brian Maharaj
 Ruth Frazer-Munroe
 Anstey Lumen Payne
 Chiva Rampersad

Days after a portion of the North Coast Road collapsed following heavy rains earlier this week, a Bailey Bridge has been successfully installed to facilitate motorists.

Officials of the Ministry of Works and Transport completed the work yesterday, following which Minister Rohan Sinanan said it could now accommodate two lanes of traffic.

The land slippage had led to only one lane of traffic being able to flow at a time, prompting officials to advise visitors to exercise restraint and stay away from the beaches.

Although the road has reopened, officials are urging people to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

Anna-Lisa Paul

A Beetham man has been charged with assaulting Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds six weeks ago during a walkabout in the area and is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Richard "Snake" Marcelle was arrested during police exercises as Operation Strike Back continues.

Although Marcelle was among those detained during Thursday night and Friday morning, instructions were not given for him to be charged until yesterday.

The TTPS confirmed that Marcelle will also be charged with possession of narcotics and use of obscene language.

Days after the incident on August 14, Hinds said he was cooperating with the police investigation.

Charges are expected to be laid against several others who were arrested during two anti-crime exercises.

Insp Mc Guirk of the POS Division laid the charges against Marcelle.

A total of 86 people were arrested for various offences while drugs, guns, and ammunition were also seized.

The exercise was conducted in the Port of Spain and Central Divisions and included officers of the Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit, Special Branch, Chaguanas Police Station, Port-of-Spain Criminal Investigations Department, Court and Process Branch, Task Force, Guard and Emergency Branch, as well as the Canine Branch and Inter-Agency Task Force.

To date, there have been nine ‘Operation Strike Back’ exercises, which have resulted in over 200 people being arrested in connection with multiple serious crimes and criminal activity.

BOBIE-LEE DIXON

bobie-lee.dixon@guardian.co.tt

Wouldn’t it be just swell to see someone from your community, school, church or even your home receive a prestigious national award for their contribution to a cause? Well, you will have to wait until Monday when President of the Republic Paula-Mae Weekes hosts T&T 49th’s National Awards Ceremony at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa) in Port-of-Spain.

The occasion is one to treasure each year as it ensures the good works of men do not go unrecognised or unrewarded.

In a release from the Office of the President, reminders to attending guests have been issued. They are reminded of the prompt start time, which is 6 pm, however, guests are to be seated no later than 5.30 pm and they may enter the venue as early as 4.45 pm.

While getting “dolled” up, ensure invites and picture IDs where necessary are the most important part of your evening’s accessories, as this can result in delay and even disappointment according to the release.

Attendees must also observe the various parking zones outlined. Awardees in tomorrow’s ceremony, as honoured guests, will park on Keate Street, between Charlotte Street and Chancery Lane, as this has been specially designated. Anyone parking at the savannah will be transported to Napa after they check in.

Upon arrival, guests are advised to ensure display of parking passes enshroud with their invitations visible on vehicle windshields. This is to access parking at either Napa (red) or the Paddock, Queen's Park Savannah (green), the release said.

All, whether arriving via a vehicle or by foot, are to enter Napa from the Frederick Street entrance.

The release said there would be some traffic restrictions taking effect from 3 pm to 9 pm. As such, motorists are advised to precisely observe these restrictions, which would be noticeable at the south-eastern end of the Queen’s Park Savannah encircling Memorial Park, Keate Street, and Napa.

The release also stated there was a particular interest shown by the general public in this year’s National Award, with that in mind, consideration would be given to extending a number of invitations to the public for next year’s ceremony.

Fact File:

National Awards were introduced in T&T in 1969 following Independence in 1962 to replace the honours given to citizens of the British Empire. From 1969 to 2006 the highest award was the Trinity Cross. In deference to the multiethnic, multi-religious composition of our twin islands, the Trinity Cross was replaced by the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2008.

There are five categories of National Awards:

• The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

•The Chaconia Medal

• The Hummingbird Medal

•The Public Service Medal of Merit

•The Medal for the Development of Women

GEISHA ALONZO

Tropical Storm Kirk is gaining speed in the Atlantic, but would be on a direct path to Trinidad and Tobago and could hit by the end of this week should it continue to gain strength and maintain its current path.

The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, along with the 14 municipal corporations, are now closely monitoring its development.

Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Kazim Hosein said people must safeguard themselves and their property should an emergency strike.

“We may not be affected by this tropical storm but we must do what we can to safeguard our loved ones and homes. I encourage people to take note of the Disaster Management Hotlines that are in place for emergency use, to keep monitoring the news to be informed of further developments," Hosein in a release.

"It is also important to put together their emergency kits with reserves of water and other necessities in case they are needed. Along with the rest of the nation, I pray that we are not affected, and hope that the system weakens and veers away from the island chain altogether."

The various disaster management units are currently updating response equipment inventories and relief items to ensure that an organised and efficient effort can be launched if necessary.

The T&T Meteorological Service (TTMS), in an update yesterday, said Kirk's maximum sustained winds are near 65 kilometres per hour with higher gusts. It said some strengthening is forecast during the next day or two.

It said weakening is likely during the middle to latter part of the week as it approaches the Lesser Antilles.

However, the Met Office added that T&T is not under any tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning at this time. It also said that it had noticed that there are a few persons who do not fully understand the forecast track/cone graphic. It explained that the cone represents the probable track of the centre of a tropical cyclone.

The Met Office says this means that it is possible for the centre of the cyclone to pass anywhere within the shaded/hatched region. It noted that the cone does not show the size of the storm or the extent of its wind field.

The Met Office said it is also possible for hazardous conditions to occur outside of the cone. It said uncertainty in the forecast track increases with time, which is the reason for the gradual increase in the size of the cone.

Carnival 2011 was a resounding success, Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters said yesterday. “Carnival 2011 was nothing more than a success story,” said Peters at a news conference at the Queen’s Park Savannah,” he added. He said the organisers achieved all their main goals, including relative safety for all and bringing visitors to T&T for the festival. “We have done that. All the hotels and guest houses were filled. Carnival 2011 was a very successful one,” he added. The minister said all he got from visitors to the North and Grand Stands were compliments for the clean and spacious atmosphere.

Don Sylvester, National Carnival Commission (NCC) deputy chairman, said the area at the Queen’s Park Savannah where Carnival events were held were so clean he could have eaten his sandwich in the washroom. Noting that the event was televised all around the world, the minister thanked NCC chairman Kenny de Silva, the commissioners, masqueraders, artisans and all who made Carnival 2011 what it was. Asked if the People’s Band, an idea of his ministry, was a failure and a waste of taxpayers’ money because there were more music trucks than masqueraders, Peters replied: “I would not say it was a waste of taxpayers’ money. “You did not only have a People’s Band in Port-of-Spain. There were People’s Bands in San Fernando, Mayaro, all over.”

He said the band was an innovation and anything new could have success or failure. Peters said they had no problem spending money to bring out another People’s Band next Carnival. He said they would do a review and see if it was feasible. He added: “When you try something and you fail, you try again.”
Peters said there were a few hiccups here and there in Carnival 2011 but the organisers were going to work harder to bring a better event next year. “It’s a work in progress,” he added. The NCC hosted gospel singers at the Carnival Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah last night as part of a “wind- down” effort after Carnival, Sylvester said.

NCC chairman agrees

NCC chairman Kenny de Silva said Carnival 2011 was one of the biggest ever in terms of masquerader participation and he believed the return of mas to the Queen’s Park Savannah was the big pull. He added: “It was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen in all my years of experience and I believe the primary attraction was going back to Savannah. “More people played mas than previous years and it had to do with the lovely, new facilities at the Savannah.” De Silva said that caused some delay since the space at the Savannah was not big enough for the volume of masqueraders. He said the standard of Panorama and all other components of Carnival was of a very high standard, as well.

Financially, it was also a big success. “You couldn’t get a flight coming to T&T. All the airlines were booked completely.” De Silva said if there were any downsides to Carnival 2011 in the Savannah, it was that the shows went on too long. “Panorama finals went on until 4 am when there was no audience. By 2 am, people started trickling out.” The NCC chairman thought 20 bands for the Panorama finals was a bit too much and Pan Trinbago needed to sit down and review the matter. He said the Dimanche Gras also went on a little too long and the parade of the bands went on until 11 pm Tuesday night, when 8 pm or 9 pm would have been ideal.

Prepare—and pray.

That’s the word from Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein and muncipal authorities yesterday as Tropical Storm Kirk swept across the Atlantic, with T&T and neighbouring Windward islands within the path of its extended cone—so far.

The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) dubbed the storm Kirk after it developed last Saturday at the recent peak of the 2018 hurricane season.

Kirk, which developed at a very southerly latitude, was moving west of Cabo Verde island packing winds of 40 miles (65 km) per hour.

NHC charts most of yesterday showed Kirk’s early formation in latitude line with T&T. Its projected route showed it continuing with a small shift northward as it nears T&T - but with T&T and the most southerly Caribbean islands still in the path of its extended cone.

NHC’s 5 pm bulletin yesterday estimated T&T and the Windwards may get winds by Thursday morning. Other forcasters hope it will run into wind shear and disintegrate.

Yesterday, T&T Meterological Services’ senior duty officer said the department had been getting calls all day from worried people. He noted the storm had formed at a very low southerly latitude like Brett (2017) and Isidore (1990)

“When it forms so far south we do have to be watchful. Brett formed at a lower south level than Kirk and that passed south of T&T. Isidore lost steam in the Atlantic,” the duty officer said.

He said Kirk, up to 6 pm yesterday, was a “minimal” storm.

“We expect it’ll intensify over the next two days but weaken as it approaches the Windward chain. When it reaches about 1200-1500 km east of T&T it may take a more westnorth westerly track to the northern Windwards; probably around Tuesday or Wednesday.”

He said T&T wasn’t under a tropical storm watch/warning, “but we’re monitoring the situation.”

The Windwards comprise Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent and the grenadines, Grenada and T& .

Other islands are also monitoring the storm closely.

AccuWeather expert senior meteorologist Dan Kottlowski, in St Lucia media, said Kirk could threaten parts of the Windwards by Thursday or Friday “with strong perhaps damaging winds and heavy rainfall.”

Action plan 100 hours before storm

Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein said he was informed of Tropical Storm Kirk’s development by 9 pm on Saturday.

He said the Ministry and 14 municipal corporations are closely monitoring Kirk’s path, since T&T currently falls within the storm’s forecasted cone. Hosein said the situation prompted corporations’ Disaster Management Units (DMUs) to begin preparations in the event Kirk reaches local shores later this week.

“I saw pictures of the storm’s path. You can’t take anything lightly. We’re monitoring it but people should take all necessary precaution,” Hosein said.

“You can’t just say ‘God is Trini’ and sit back. It’s all about being prepared. We may not be affected by this storm but we must do what we can to safeguard loved ones and homes. You know I believe in prayer, so whatever religion, seeking God’s help to avert any disaster is also good.”

He added: “I pray it loses steam or veers away from the island chain and we’re not affected. But the DMU’s and ministry are getting organised just in case.”

Hosein’s ministry yesterday issued corporations with a Time Phase Plan detailing steps to be taken from 100 hours prior to the time a storm or hurricane makes landfall. It covers action, including emergency shelter assistance and other relief to the post-storm period.

The ministry encouraged the public to take note of Disaster Management Hotlines for emergency use, to keep monitoring the news to be informed of further developments and to put together emergency kits with reserves of water and other necessities in case they’re needed. The ministry also stressed the public should monitor official weather reports in coming days.

REGIONAL CORPORATION HOTLINES

Diego Martin Regional Corporatio - 800-DMRC (3672)

San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation - 800-SLRC (7572)

Arima Borough Corporation - 800-2ABC (2222)

Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation - 800-TPRC (8272)

Port-of-Spain City Corporation - 800-PSCC (7722)

Sangre Grande Regional Corporation - 800-SGRC (7472)

Chaguanas Borough Corporation - 800-DCBC (3222)

Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation - 800-CTTC (2882)

Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation - 800-4MRC (4672)

Princes Town Regional Corporation - 800-PTRC (7872)

Point Fortin Borough Corporation - 800-PFBC (7322)

San Fernando City Corporation - 800-SCDU (7238)

Penal/Debe Regional Corporation - 800-PDRC (7372)

Siparia Regional Corporation - 800-4SRC (4772)

Only 53 special voters submitted ballots yesterday at the People’s National Movement’s Balisier House head office ahead of next week’s party executive election.

PNM elections team supervisor Murchison Browne confirmed the figure as voting ended at 6 pm.

Special voting was for people who would be away from T&T during next Sunday’s election, life members and people working during the election day.

When the deadline for application forms closed last Monday, about 175 odd forms had been sought.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley last Friday took his pitch for his Red slate to PNM Youth League members.

Some Youth League members are supporting independent challengers in the election.

Rowley’s Red slate has already won - unopposed - five of the 16 posts up for contest, including his leadership post. But a number of people are independently contesting the other 11 posts,

At the recent launch of the campaign of some independents, the meeting was opened with an address by Youth League chairman Saleem Neptune.

A number of Youth League members also attended the meeting which was in support of independent challengers Chinua Alleyne (current PNM Youth officer), Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and Hillan Morean.

Alleyne is contesting the post of general secretary, Abdul-Hamid, chairman and deputy Port-of-Spain mayor Morain, the post of Youth Officer.

Attendees said Rowley didn’t call names of challengers when he met with Youth League members last Friday at Balisier House for a two-hour meeting. However, he did explain his rationale for his slate.

They added that Rowley dismissed a “Sunshine” article which called on PNM voters to “say no” to Rowley’s team and “yes to Team PNM.” Other PNM sources said among questions from the floor, Rowley was quizzed on perceived lack of touch with Youth League members and why he didn’t have some people on his slate.

The meeting featured praise from some attendees for the work of Youth League chairman Neptune and current Youth Officer Alleyne, they added. Also attending were members of Heliconia Foundation, a group involving young PNM members.

Petrotrin’s refinery gates won’t be closed immediately on October 1 - there’ll be a phased exit of employees starting with the refinery.

Government and the company’s board had set October 1 as the target date for refinery closure and the start of a restructuring of the company.

The jobs of almost 4,800 permanent and temporary/casual employees will all be affected, particularly 1,700 refinery posts. Workers will eventually have to reapply for jobs in a restructured Exploration and Production division which will be Petrotrin’s new focus.

Notes to Petrotrin’s August 2018 financial statements showed the company recorded a net profit after tax of $83.2 million for last month. Exploration and Production, including Trinmar, recorded a net profit of $20.5 million - but Refining and Marketing recorded a net loss of $7.5 million.

A Petrotrin Board memo, acknowledging the uncertainty and anxiety regarding the restructuring plans and the October 1 date, stated: “We want to underscore October 1 marks the start of the transition period and isn’t the last day of work for every Petrotrin employee.

“The timing and duration of the transition is going to be determined by our ability to do it smoothly, efficiently and safely over the next few months.”

The memo added, “We are in the process of implementing the most practical approach to transition the company without negatively affecting the business. It would be impractical to have a single hard-stop date.”

Petrotrin chairman Wilfred Espinet told T&T Guardian last Friday that all Petrotrin doors won’t be closed October 1 in a hard and fast way. He said that wasn’t possible since the company hadn’t yet had a chance to have “meaningful discussions to present things” properly to the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union.

Espinet said the board meets the OWTU on Thursday.

“We can’t do anything until we’ve met. There has to be a process for refinery closure. The board will pursue this in a way to be the least disruptive to ensure fuel supplies aren’t affected,” Espinet said.

“October 1 was a target date so there’ll be a phased exit of people based on what is required to conduct a safe and orderly transition. So all doors won’t close October 1.”

Indicating the refinery will be phased out first, he added, “We’ve already begun the process of making sure it will be conducted in the least disruptive way so supplies won’t be disturbed.”

Energy Minister Franklin Khan recently said the decommissioning of the refinery is expected to be completed by December. He said one couldn’t flick a switch and close refinery aspects all in one day and certain areas had to be turned off with preservation plans in place.

The board’s memo also stated that details on compensation and benefits are “currently being finalised.”

“These will be communicated as soon as soon as they have been completed. We do not want to provide approximations or any other information that is not completely accurate. This will only lead to greater uncertainty,” the memo said.

The memo stated Petrotrin’s Employee Assistance Services is also providing psychological help, financial counselling and advice for a period of six months.

“We are particularly sensitive about the increase in stress and anxiety that loss of employment may cause.”

Former government minister Wendell Mottley has received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT).

Mottley, also a former double Olympic medallist who has an undergraduate degree from Yale University and a Masters in Economics from Cambridge University, was the only person to be conferred with the country’s top national award by President Paula-Mae Weekes.

Mottley’s career included significant accomplishments, including two medals at the 1964 Olympics, Japan and two medals at the 1966 British Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.

After his retirement from athletics, Mottley was elected to the House of Representatives from 1981 to 1986, serving as Minister of Housing and later as Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

He was elected for another term in 1991 and served as Minister of Finance from 1991 to 1995.

Mottley’s long and distinguished career also included serving on a number of boards, including the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) as its chairman. One of Mottley’s teammates from the 1964 Olympics, Kent Bernard, was also awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) for his contribution to sports.

(See list of awardees on Page A17)

Editorial executive Jones P Madeira was also among those awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for long and meritorious service to T&T. Contacted on the achievement, Madeira dedicated the award to his hometown of Arima.

“I am naturally overwhelmed by the recognition. I regard it as perhaps the pinnacle of a career that has spanned five decades and perhaps a little more behind it,” he said.

“I have been in all aspects of media and even in corporate communications. The work was hard but there was also a good group of people to back you up. It also feels great that your country also recognises your work.”

He added that he hoped this award will inspire other professionals in the field of journalism.

Another media practitioner, Dr Kris Rampersad, freelance writer, producer and journalist who was once the editor of the Sunday Guardian, was awarded the Medal for the Development of Women (Gold) for outstanding contribution to the development of women’s rights and issues in T&T.

Dr Varma Deyalsingh, a family doctor and psychiatrist, also received the Hummingbird Medal (Gold). He said he was honoured to be chosen.

“It actually meant that someone was really noticing the little things I am doing to help others...efforts that I have made to the community.

“But the real joy is not getting an award, it’s the joy that the people who you have helped will greet you and say, ‘Hey Doc you made a difference in my life. Thank you.’

“I am hoping that every person I helped will now extend a hand to help someone in some way,” Deyalsingh said.

Order of the Republic of T&T — For Distinguished & Outstanding Service to T&T

Wendell Mottley (Former Finance Minister/athlete) — National Development/Public Service

Chaconia Medal (Gold) — For Long and Meritorious Service to T&T

Jones P Madeira (Editorial Executive Consultant) Public Service/Journalism

Dr Romesh Mootoo (Medical Practitioner) Medicine/Health

Dr Waveney Charles (Haemotologist) Medicine

Ewart Williams (Former Central Bank Governor) Public Service

Joan Yuille Williams (Former Minister of Community Development & Gender Affairs) Culture/Public Service

Chaconia Medal (Silver) — For Long and Meritorious Service to T&T

Dr Clifford Alexis (Musical instrument specialist/educator/composer) Culture/Community Service

Neville Jules (Retired pan player/arranger) Culture/Community Service

Roy Narinesingh (Publisher/author/editor) Education

Pundit Seereeram Maharaj (Pundit) Religion/Culture

Dr Kern Tobias (Caribbean Union Conference president) Community Service

Pundit Bhownath Maraj (Pundit) Religion/Culture

Hummingbird Medal (Gold) — For Loyal and Devoted Service to T&T

Kent Bede Bernard (Court caseworker) Sport

Hazel Thompson-Ahye (Attorney) Public Service/Youth Development

Angela Murphy (Physiotherapist) Medicine/Health

Dr Helene Marceau (Medical Doctor) Medicine/Public Service

Winston “Explainer” Henry (Calypsonian) Culture/Education

Dr Ian Anthony Hypolite (Psychiatrist/Athletic coach) Sport

Dr Varma Deyalsingh (Family Doctor/Psychiatrist) Medicine/Health

Thomas E Lawrence (T&T Civil Aviation Authority chairman & retired airline Capt) Public Service

Hummingbird Medal (Silver) — For Loyal and Devoted Service to T&T

Michael Paul (Retired TSTT technician) Sport/Community Service

Haji Mohammed Hosein (Retired school principal) Sport/Education

Narrie Aproo (Black Indian masquerader) Culture/Community Service

Keith Thomas (Swim Coach) Community Service/Youth Development

Arnold Alpheus Ransome (Lead Baritone Singer - Southernaires Choir) Culture

Ella Andall (Calypsonian/actress) Culture/Music

Willard “Relator” Harris (Calypsonian) Culture

Donric “Funny” Williamson (Calypsonian) Culture

Fred “Composer” Mitchell (Calypsonian) Culture

Teniel Campbell (Cyclist) Sport

Dylan Carter (Swimmer) Sport

Nicholas Paul (Cyclist) Sport

Kwesi Browne (Cyclist) Sport

Njisane Phillip (Cyclist) Sport

Hummingbird Medal (Bronze) — For Loyal and Devoted Service to T&T

Sariah Estrada (Student USC) Gallantry

Public Service Medal of Merit (Gold) - For Outstanding and Meritorious Service to T&T

Michael Scott (Retired teacher - Posthumously) Arts/Community Service

Dr Oswin Christian Rose (Consumer Law Specialist) Public Service

Beryl Irma Brewster (Senior nursing lecturer) Public Service/Health

Prem Premanand Nandlal (Retired industrial chemist) Medicine

Dr Rasheed Usman Adam (Medical Doctor/Neurosurgeon) Public Service/Medicine

Ronald Richardson (Retired Teacher II) Community Service/Education

Bronson Berry Merritt (Retired School Supervisor III) Education/ Public Service

Teddy Brathwaite (Retired Deputy Commissioner of Prisons - Posthumously) Public Service/Defence Force

Liaquat Ali Shah (CEO/chemical engineer) Public Service

Camille Hosein (Retired principal) Education/Public Service

Francis Seupaul (Retired principal - Posthumously) Education/Community Service

Lynette Lalla-Chote (Retired Principal) Education/Community Service

Dr Lester Efebo Wilkinson (Retired Ambassador/Perm Sec/consultant) Public Service

Mahmud Sultan Dean Aziz (Retired Barrister at law) Public Service

Medal for Development of Women (Gold) — For Outstanding Contribution to Development of Women’s Rights & Issues in T&T

Dr Krishendaye Rampersad (Writer, Journalist, Educator) Journalism/Development of Women

“You are not going to get out of this world what you are not willing to take.”

This was the message Teocah Dove delivered as she told young women to be confident, bold and stride fearlessly as they set their mark, noting this will be the only legacy they will leave behind.

Dove gave the advice at the Girls in Leadership Conference hosted by the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, Mt Hope, on Saturday.

As the first in a series of motivational speakers, the soon-to-be 30-year-old Dove described herself as someone who defied the norms and projected beliefs of those who said she would never amount to anything.

Rubbishing long-held perceptions that only people attending “prestige” schools would become leaders, Dove said she did not attend any such institution and also happened to live in the hotspot of Enterprise, Chaguanas.

Referred to as a social entrepreneur, Dove wears many hats, including Youth and Social Development Specialist, Chevening Scholar, Queen’s Young Leader Awardee, Associate Fellow Royal Commonwealth Society, One Young World Ambassador and Global Shaper.

Urging those present not to accept the labels that society was quick to ascribe to people, Dove challenged them to take immediate action to knock them down.

“Ask yourself what is your power?” she urged those gathered.

She later quantified this, saying “It is a feeling of respect for yourself and confidence in your ability.”

Advising persons that they alone owned every single decision they made each day, the motivational speaker said the only two things people could not control was the time they are born and the day they die. However, she said everything else in between could be controlled and as such a person could determine what legacy they would leave behind, as they held the power to map out the journey they would take.

Dove told the audience although it would not always be easy or perfect, one could not experience growth if they weren’t uncomfortable where they were at in life.

Urging the girls to do some soul-searching, Dove encouraged them to examine how they felt about themselves and to write down the negative words they sometimes ascribed as she told them, “It becomes a weight on you, it affects how you act around others and how others see you.”

She said words often became “baggage,” weighing persons down, preventing them from growing.

Dove advised those present to spend time honing their skills and talents as she said, “Nobody owes you anything.”

In recognition of her work and contributions in the sphere of gender, youth and child development, Dove earned several prestigious international awards - most notable among them the Queen’s Young Leaders Award which she received from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in June 2015. She was also identified as one of the Atlantic’s 40 emerging leaders and one of the ten most influential women in

T&T.

Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah believes fuel prices will increase and the TT dollar will be devalued soon if Government continues on its path to shut down Petrotrin.

Speaking on the October 1 budget at a press conference at his San Fernando office yesterday, Abdulah said the upcoming deficit budget will bring hardship on the people of T&T. Based on current policies, Abdulah said it seems Government is intent on setting up mega projects which will swallow huge amounts of foreign exchange, exacerbating the current foreign exchange crisis facing T&T.

“We expect to have a budget in which the Minister of Finance will allocate out of the Public Sector Investment Programme to fenceline communities of South Trinidad, to mitigate the effects of the closure of the refinery and the impact on 3,500 workers and their families,” Abdulah said.

“We expect to see fuel prices increase and bring greater hardship to the people, as transportation costs will set to rise again.

“We do not expect to see serious initiatives with agriculture or increasing the output of local manufacturing, or anything else that will generate sustainable economic activity in T&T.”

Saying mega projects such as the drydocking facilities in La Brea will not bring sustainable development, he said: “There is also a lack of transparency with two major hotels in Tobago. The seabridge has collapsed with only the Spirit in operation as the Cabo Star is down for drydocking and the Galleons Passage is not in operation.”

Regarding devaluation, Abdulah said the system is not one where Government can make a decision to devalue the currency.

“We have a floating arrangement in which the Central Bank injects a large quantity of US in the market to keep the supply of US dollars in sync with demand, so the price will not change. That is why the dollar has not moved,” Abdulah said.

However, he said the Central Bank will have difficulty in making these injections once Petrotrin is closed.

“Given the fact that foreign exchange reserves have been declining over the past few years because the Central Bank is using reserves, we are in trouble.

“Given the rate of decline of foreign exchange reserves, in two years’ time we will be in a difficult, place,” he said.

He said the importation of fuel will also use up valuable foreign exchange.

“Government says it will offset this with the sale of fuel in Trinmar but we have done our calculations and we have found that importation of 28,000 barrels of day of fuel at an average price of $85 exceeds what we will get if we sell 40,000 barrels of oil per day,” he explained, noting that T&T crude was not the best quality and will not fetch a high price.

Eighteen civil society organisations are expressing concern about what they say is the lack of transparency in the decision to close down the Petrotrin Refinery and are demanding answers from the Government on the process used to arrive at the decision which they fear will have significant fallout in terms of the social impact on vulnerable groups and which may also result in an increase in violence against women when the majority male-dominated workforce is sent home.

Speaking on behalf of the civil society organisations Folade Mutota said, “We really need to halt on the decision,” and review the process by which it was taken to allow for one that is more participatory.

Mutota, who is the Executive Director of the Women’s Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD), said no one is immune from what is happening and everyone should be concerned, “we the people must speak on this issue, what is happening to the workers of Petrotrin is happening to all of us, the population of Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

She said civil society organisations are not interested in the politics of the matter “but we are very concerned about the process and the possible fallout of the Petrotrin decision.”

She expressed concern that “at the heart of the problem is governance,” and the model of governance which “leaves the population out of the decision making process,” which they believe has to change.

The civil society organisations came together recently under the handle #IAmPetrotrin, and agreed that the Petrotrin situation demonstrated the need for an agreement between the State and the population to formalise a mechanism to trigger citizen participation in key decision making to be undertaken by the government.

The eighteen groups lamented the absence of “unbiased analysis” of the process which led to the decision to discontinue the operations at the Petrotrin refinery, noting there has been no dialogue with the population to allow citizens to get answers to some critical questions.

Those questions, according to Mutota, include what factors beyond the economics were taken into consideration in making the decision, what was the process for arriving at the decision, what consultative process was used for deciding on the course of action to be implemented, who were the persons or organisations consulted in analysing the social impact of the closure, was a social impact assessment done and what are the results, how will the social costs of the decision be mitigated, and what is the human resources plan to humanely manage the exodus of staff?

Mutota said the civil society organisations are also concerned whether any thought was given to the impact of the proposed unemployment of the majority male-dominated workforce on the rates of violence against women.

She said civil society is asking that there be a “national consultation around this issue so that the population could get the facts outside of the biased perspectives that are being presented by all the stakeholders.”

Mutota said the groups are as yet to decide whether they will seek a meeting with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in light of their stated concerns, or whether there will be protests. “I can’t say whether it will take us to the streets or not,” she added.

But, she said, the civil society groups want the Government to make public the reports that led to the decision to close the refinery, “that is a good first step in transparency and good governance.”

She said while the decision was being presented to the population as one that was “steeped in the economics of an unprofitable refinery,” consideration must also be given to the fallout in terms of the social impact, “good public policy making must actively seek to be informed by the mitigation of such fallout.”

Although Tropical Storm Kirk was yesterday downgraded to a tropical depression by the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), citizens are being urged to prepare for any eventuality as the hurricane season continues.

Yesterday, a directive was issued by the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MRDLG) for the Disaster Management Units (DMUs) from all the 14 regional corporations to be activated after the Meteorological Office advised T&T was within the forecast cone of Tropical Storm Kirk which was expected to reach local shores later this week.

However, around 11 am yesterday the NHC discontinued the advisory as it said: “Kirk no longer has a closed circulation.”

At the time, it placed the system 2,365 km east of the Windward Islands with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.

NHC officials said although the remnants were moving westwards near 23 miles per hour, “Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours.”

Contacted yesterday, officials at the MRDLG insisted despite T&T not being under any storm threat, watch or warning citizens still had a duty of care to ensure they were ready for any event.

The 2018 hurricane season began on June 1 and will end on November 30.

The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast estimated this year would be 35 per cent above average, with an expected formation of ten to 16 named storms; of which there would be five to nine hurricanes; and between one to four major hurricanes.

Dismissing as false news, claims that T&T had been under a storm watch/warning, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) urged persons to stop sharing social media content that could create a public panic.

They advised persons to closely monitor the news for timely and relevant updates.

The ODPM also reminded people to review their family’s emergency plans and to ensure emergency kits were close at hand, as they appealed to citizens to double check roofs and windows, and secure items which could possibly become missiles during a natural disaster.

Investigations are being carried out to ascertain if police officers acted outside their prescribed scope of duties after it was alleged certain people entered schools on September 7 to gather information regarding teachers who were absent.

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has promised that anyone found to be culpable will be held to account.

September 7 was designated a day of Rest and Reflection by the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) in response to the announcement that the Petrotrin refinery was being shut down.

The call for solidarity resulted in other unions advising members to stay away from work on that day.

Among them was the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM); the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (FITUN); the National Trade Union Centre of T&T (NATUC); the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU); and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA).

Griffith assured: “The T&T Police Service does not take sides on any matter except if someone is involved in breaking the law.”

He said this would pertain to all matters—be it State or involving the trade union movement.

Responding to what he claimed was serious allegations by TTUTA after they issued a release claiming officers had entered schools to gather data, Griffith said, “At no time did any senior officer of the TTPS from the Commissioner of Police go down, ever give any such direction.”

However, he admitted, “There is always a possibility that individuals in the TTPS may decide to commit actions outside of the authority and outside the direction of senior officers.”

Additionally, Griffith said checks at all police stations did not turn up any report that officers had acted in an “irresponsible or illegal manner as stated by TTUTA.”

Following a release by TTUTA during which they provided the names, regimental numbers and the registration numbers of some of the marked police vehicles that would have gone onto school compounds - Griffith said he could now act on the information.

He said, “What I am doing now is to have these officers questioned and the matters investigated to verify if these reports by TTUTA are true or not, and if it is, these officers will become culpable and disciplined accordingly.”

Griffith said the TTPS was asked to provide additional security at all schools on September 7, given the fact that not all teachers might have been present to ensure the safety and security of the children in their care.

He said it was in this context that police officers were assigned outside schools.

He added, “At no time, regardless of what, did the police have the authorisation to go and take a roll call to verify which teachers were absent.”

“That has nothing to do with the TTPS and if it was done by any police officer, it would not have been under the authority of any senior officer and they would have done that on their own.”

If the information is found to be true, Griffith said it would constitute a very serious breach by officers.

However, he could not speak to the extent of the disciplinary proceedings that officers would face as he said detailed investigations had to take place first.

Meanwhile, president of TTUTA Lynsley Doodhai confirmed discussions had been held with Griffith on the matter.

Asked if any action had been brought against teachers since September 7, Doodhai said no.

He said teachers were entitled to days-off as enshrined under the Education Act, and they were simply exercising this right.

Unwilling to rule out the possibility of another day of rest and reflection on the calendar in months or years to come, Doodhai said, “I hope that going forward, there will not be such an occurrence again.”

radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

Faced with an increase in dengue in their community, constituents from Penal and Debe are volunteering to clear several minor watercourses and drains once they get clearance from the central Government.

Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal and several of the contractors have toured the SS Erin Road and the M2 Ring Road to investigate the cause of the flooding.

In an interview, Moonilal said preliminary checks suggested that indiscriminate dumping of dirt into watercourses at the Debe Interchange was causing the floods.

Moonilal said he contacted Local Government Minister Haji Kazim Hosein to clear the blockages.

“I am pleading with the minister as the financial year is coming to an end, to use the in-house resources to undertake some works like basic clearing, cleaning, and dredging of water courses to reduce the floods. When it floods the water stays in puddles and we now have a dengue problem. In last week five constituents have contracted dengue,” Moonilal said.

He added, “Some constituents have prepared themselves to clear the drains so I intend to raise with Minister Hosein this suggestion. Residents want to clear it themselves so I will speak to him to see what they can lawfully do that to clear the water courses in that area.”

Asked whether a contractor doing work in the car park will be held accountable for blocking the water courses, Moonilal said, “Given the inconvenience we have faced, I intend to write the contractors. There are five contractors on that site for a small car park. I will ask them to take remedial action immediately.”

He also said he intends to get a report about the devastating flooding suffered by the Laldeo family who lives along the M2 Ring Road in Debe. Videsh Laldeo said since a private road was constructed near his home, the main drain has been blocked which prevents water from flowing out of his property. His 86-year-old father Dan Laldeo has been ill because of the frequent floods inside their home.

Relatives of Tricia Farrow, whose partially nude corpse was found tied to pipe yesterday, believe she was murdered by the same teenager she accused of raping and trying to kill her six months ago.

Calling for swift justice yesterday, Farrow’s son Kerwin Bando said weeks after his mother was raped, she became angry at her attacker and shouted out his name.

Relatives said the 19-year-old man, who is also a relative, was the last person they saw talking to her before she disappeared on Saturday morning.

Farrow, 44, of Morne Rush, Williamsville, was discovered in a partially decomposed state yesterday at an unoccupied house along Hill View Drive, about 50 metres from her home.

A report stated that when the owner went to the house around 8.50 am, he saw a body lying on the ground and immediately went to the Gasparillo Police Station.

He returned with a team of officers who found Farrow, a mother of six, lying on her back at the side of the house. A belt was fastened around her neck and attached to the drainage pipe and her pants and underwear removed.

Investigators believe she was strangled and raped, but because of the decomposition, they will await the findings of an autopsy scheduled for today at the Forensic Science Centre.

Tricia’s daughter Nesha Bando said the last time she saw her mother alive was around 1 am on Saturday when Farrow walked outside their home to quell an argument between her brother Tyrone and the suspected relative.

Bando said she left the door open for her mother’s return but when she woke up hours later, she was nowhere to be found.

Bando said she was prepared to report her missing to police yesterday. Instead, the police showed up at their homes, asking her to identify her mother.

Bando said she did not know if her mother was forced to the unoccupied house as no one heard any screams there. She said her mother was not dressed to leave home.

Kerwin told the T&T Guardian that while his mother never complained about threats, the incident six months ago was similar to the way she was found yesterday.

He recalled that on that day, a neighbour called out to him and his father, saying that he heard someone making noise through the bushes. By the time they came down, they found Farrow lying partially nude in the bushes, less than 100 feet from where her body was found yesterday.

I said, “Mammy! Mammy! What happened? She didn’t answer and by the time she came home, I didn’t even study it. After two weeks went, she was drinking and she saw the fella again. She asked him for something and he blanked her. She got up and said, ‘Remember you tried to … You tried to kill me.’ She called his name.”

He said on Friday, he heard the argument and didn’t see his mother after that. He said he had a “fishy” feeling that something bad had happened.

He said given that she accused the relative of raping her and he was last seen with her, police should look into that.

Since the incident, Kerwin said the relative has not been to Hill View Drive. When other relatives asked where he was following Friday night’s argument, he said he was with a friend. However, the friend denied being with the relative on that night.

Farrow’s daughter-in-law Vina Khatic called on police to make an arrest soon, saying that there were many young women in the community, who can become preys.

Relatives of Indra Changar, 53, who was left in a critical condition after an explosion days after a CNG tank was installed in her official school bus transport vehicle, are worried over her condition as they are yet to be briefed by medical doctors at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mount Hope.

Another area of concern is that Changar is yet to be placed in the appropriate ward.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, a close relative who wished not to be named, said the reason given was “no beds,” “they have her in an entirely different building because we were told that the ward that she is really supposed to be in does not have any available beds. Hopefully, we will meet with the doctor early in the morning (today) to get first-hand information on her condition.”

The relative said Changar is conscious but is very weak and in extreme pain, “she tries to speak but her voice is very faint. We are hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”

The relative said officials from the National Gas Company Limited (NGC) and Massy Automotive Components Limited (MACL) have visited the scene to inspect the vehicle.

The relative also stated that there was initially an issue where people came bearing no identification and projected disrespectful attitudes towards them. “The person who came presented no form of work ID or documents and they were a bit rude and disrespectful. So, then another technician came and presented ID so he was allowed in and he said he was not going to touch anything but he took lots of photos.”

“Another official from another company came and he decided to touch and move things in the vehicle. There was a caution tape and he decided to cross it,” the relative added.

The relative said officials were expected to return to the scene to carry out further investigations “on the mechanics etc to find out what caused the explosion. I was also told that a full report will be done and then decide on the next step.”

NGC CNG Company Ltd’s communications manager, Roger Sant, in a release issued yesterday, confirmed that “both MACL and NGC CNG are fully co-operating with the relevant authorities to expedite and conclude investigations into this matter.”

Massy ACL underwent a rigorous qualification and certification process by the relevant authorities. This process is consistent with local regulatory standards and international best practice.

NGC CNG will be meeting with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate a proper and thorough investigation and to ensure the ongoing safety and security of CNG systems and users in T&T.

Sant said the bus had earlier received an approved CNG conversion by MACL and added that MACL is an approved CNG converter by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI).

The incident occurred on Friday at about 5 am as Changar was getting ready to leave her home in Munroe Road, to go and pick up school children when the incident happened.

Changar sustained severe burns on her body and severe injuries to the eyes.

Exactly, one year ago, in September 2017, NGC CNG Company Limited began to distribute incentives to maxi taxi, taxi, and private school bus owners who have transitioned to CNG.

The company said then that it “is mandated by the government to accelerate the use of CNG as a vehicular fuel, as well as increase the number of CNG fuelling points across the country.”

Investigations are continuing.