Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Chief Sec: No Tobago project should be like airport expansion

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 22:24:06 +0200

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has said no future development in Tobago must be carried out in the same way as the billion-dollar ANR Robinson Airport expansion project. He said if the same process is used to acquire land, “The whole of Tobago should revolt. “There must be a humane way to do development. "No one is saying that a new airport isn’t needed. What we are arguing is that there is a better way to manage the change and to manage people and families.” Augustine was speaking on Tuesday night at a district town meeting at the Canaan/Bon Accord Multipurpose Facility. Updating the audience on the status of the relocation process undertaken for the airport expansion, Augustine said the THA has had several meetings with some of the displaced residents of Store Bay Local Road. There were prolonged protests before the project began over the relocation of and compensation to some of the families affected. Augustine said the THA had agreed to “shift policies in major ways.” Displaced residents, he said, would not have to pay the THA in full to begin to construct their new homes on land provided by the assembly. “In fact, the instruction is, if all you have to pay down now is $100, pay the $100, (and) sign up for a lease-to-own arrangement that comes built-in with an inter-generational lease-type system, meaning that if you die your children can continue to pay little, little until the family pays off for it. "But we want you to start your construction as soon as possible.”

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Scotiabank supports National Centre for Persons with Disabilities

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 22:07:06 +0200

THE National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) recently received a boost from Scotiabank towards its beauty culture and agriculture programmes. A release from the bank on Wednesday said these programmes are part of the centre's focus on enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation training by providing them with an opportunity to learn skills that could improve their employability options. The programmes are a key part of the NCPD’s skills training programme, as trainees are educated in both theory and practical applications behind creating beautiful hair, skin and nails. Students learn how to correctly analyse the client, the required techniques, and how to use the specific equipment and products. The module also covers the reception and preparation of clients. In this part of the course, students learn the correct ways to greet clients, give advice, book appointments and recording, methods of making the client comfortable and the required protective aids. Each of these aspects of the curriculum is geared towards preparing trainees or the National Examination Council (NEC) exam. In the agriculture programme, trainees learn the production of quality saleable products and services. The class also focuses on developing and maintaining land, cultivating crops, maintaining fruit trees, organising tyre cultures, and preparing compost material. There are 11 people enrolled in the beauty culture programme and 24 in the agriculture programme. The centre's CEO Stephen Creese said, “disability is not a curse for it is really a glorious challenge with which a select few have been blessed. "At the NCPD, our staff are happy to help our blessed trainees with disabilities to overcome these challenges. After all, our mission is to educate and train persons with disabilities and contribute to a disability-inclusive society. “To provide our trainees with the best education and skills, we need the proper tools and equipment. Hence, we are grateful for Scotiabank’s contribution to expanding and upgrading our beauty culture and agriculture programmes. "Moreover, the skills gained at the centre can be pursued as a profession. Overall, our trainees are highly excited about this project given the fact that internationally, cosmetology is one of the areas in which physical disabilities are least likely to limit their employability and general financial independence” he concluded. The bank's senior VP and managing director of TT operations, Gayle Pazos, shared its focus on changing lives through financial enablement. “The NCPD has, for many years, helped empower persons with disabilities, in particular, youth to lead more fulfilling and independent lives. Our contribution to these vocational training programmes aligns with ScotiaRISE, our global community investment platform. "Under ScotiaRISE, we are committed to investing in initiatives that remove barriers to advancement and increase access to opportunities for under-represented and disadvantaged groups, thereby creating a more inclusive and resilient world for everyone, and for every future.”

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Cricket West Indies congratulates Bassarath, Badree on national awards

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 22:04:06 +0200

Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr Kishore Shallow congratulated vice-president Azim Bassarath and West Indies double T20 World Cup winner Samuel Badree on receiving the Hummingbird Medal Gold award at Sunday’s 2023 national awards ceremony. The ceremony took place at President's House in St Ann's, Port of Spain. A statement from Shallow on Wednesday hailed Bassarath’s milestone achievement. “His commitment to cricket and his tireless efforts in promoting the sport have been instrumental in our pursuit of excellence at CWI. This recognition is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to the game not only in TT but at a regional level.” The Hummingbird Medal Gold is one of TT’s highest honours, recognising exceptional contributions and achievements in various fields. Since his election in March 2023, Bassarath has been an integral part of the CWI leadership team, playing a pivotal role in the development of cricket. Over the years, he has been a champion of women’s cricket, ensuring a robust development programme exists in TT. On Badree’s accomplishment, Shallow added, “Samuel Badree has etched his name on the pages of history as a member of the victorious T20 World Cup squads in 2012 and 2016. No doubt, he continues to make an invaluable contribution to the sport through his academy, coaching, and commentary, inspiring a new generation of players.” Badree founded and runs Badree’s Academy of Sports Education (BASE), which facilitates over 100 children. He continues to be an ambassador for his country as a commentator in global events such as World Cups, Caribbean Premier League, Indian Premier League and for West Indies. Badree is a level three coach and works as a mentor to West Indies spinners. The CWI statement added, “The Hummingbird Medal Gold Award is a fitting tribute to Bassarath and Badree’s remarkable achievements and their dedication to cricket. It serves as an inspiration to all cricket enthusiasts and showcases the profound impact that cricket has on the Caribbean community.”

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Chief Sec wants better service on boat tours

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:11:14 +0200

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the quality of customer service on boat tours to the Buccoo Marine Park, one of Tobago’s major tourist attractions, still leaves a lot to be desired. He made the statement on Tuesday night during a district town hall meeting at the Canaan/Bon Accord Multipurpose Facility. While acknowledging that touting is an integral part of the economic make-up of the Canaan/Bon Accord electoral district, Augustine said he was very concerned about the quality of service offered to both tourists and domestic visitors. “I am saddened by the reality that we nowhere near where we ought to be,” he said. Augustine said Tobagonians are no different from people in other parts of the world. “If you go to Cairo in Egypt, you will find ‘touters’ there trying to con you out of some money and try to get you to ride on some camel back. You walk through the streets of Paris, you will find some there. “If you go in Los Angeles and you go on Hollywood Boulevard or you go in Times Square, somebody will charge you to take a picture with them and rough you up. It is a universal problem.” He said Tobago, however, is a small island. “A habit that might be universal, quite negative and people will overlook it, it is difficult for visitors to overlook when the place is this small.” Augustine said his administration welcomes the entrepreneurial spirit of the young people who ply their trade in the Buccoo Reef and No Man’s Land. “We are not desirous of them not doing so. In fact, we are happy that they are entrepreneurs in their own right. "But what we long for is high-quality service and respect for guests.” “As a community, I want us to recommit to that. And in us recommitting to that, it would mean that we will no longer see videos of man pulling knife for man in the middle of the ocean and people fighting and cussing. We will no longer see a situation where you may have young children on your boat and the music is expletive-riddled. "Just being sensitive to the customers and ensuring you give the highest-quality service.” Augustine said “no amount of money the THA can spend anywhere in the world will do better for our tourism product than the quality service that we give when a visitor comes here.” He said those plying their trade in the Canaan/Crown Point/Bon Accord district were in the epicentre of the island’s tourism sector. “By virtue of your numbers and being in the hub of the southwestern region, I will love for you to become leaders in high-quality customer service as you have become leaders in other spheres before.” The Augustine administration, which assumed office after the December 2021 THA elections, has continued the island-wide customer-service initiative launched under the PNM-led THA in August 2021. The three-year project, led by a Singaporean company, Uplifting Service, is aimed at changing the service culture on the island. It is being carrid out by the Tobago Tourism and Hospitality Institute. The institute’s CEO Dr Stephen Sheppard told Newsday in March that more than 2,000 people across several sectors have already been trained.

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Mexico hammer Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 in Women Gold Cup qualifier

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:11:06 +0200

The Trinidad and Tobago women's football team had a disastrous start to their 2024 Concacaf women's Gold Cup qualifying campaign on Tuesday night, as they were beaten 6-0 by Mexico in their opening match at the Estadio Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca. It was coach Richard Hood's first competitive game in his current stint as TT coach. The hosts wasted little time in spoiling TT's visit to Pachuca. All six of the Mexican goals were scored in the first half by a rampant home team, as they relentlessly threatened Kimika Forbes in the TT goal. Mexico are 36th on the Fifa rankings, compared to TT's ranking of 75. In the first ten minutes, the disparity was seen between the teams as Maria Sanchez and Greta Espinoza scored to give the hosts an early 2-0 lead. The 33-year-old Forbes didn't have the best game between the sticks by her standards, and offered Espinoza an easy tap-in from close range after spilling a ball which was played into the area. With TT camped in their half for the majority of the first period, the Mexicans rattled off 22 shots at Forbes' goal. The hosts found the net with great regularity too, as Alicia Cervantes helped herself to a double. Alexia Delgado and Charlyn Corral also scored first-half goals. Playing 2,000-plus metres above sea level, the TT team looked to be labouring as the Mexicans breached their defensive structure at will. In the second half, though, there was no further damage to the scoreline as the hosts took their feet off the pedal and strolled to the comfortable victory. It is Mexico's second win in their League A group, following their 2-1 comeback win over Puerto Rico on September 22. TT's next game in the group will be a home encounter versus the table-toppers Mexico on October 27. Hood's TT unit will then round off the group with a pair of matches versus Puerto Rico on December 1 and 5 respectively. At the end of group play, the top team in each of the three League A groups will qualify for the group stage of the 2024 Concacaf women's Gold Cup. The three runners-up in the League A groups will play the three winners of the respective League B groups for a spot in the Gold Cup preliminary round.

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Jurors shown guns at cops’ murder trial

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:46:06 +0200

A cache of firearms was tendered into evidence on Wednesday at the trial of the six policemen charged with the 2011 murder of three Moruga friends in Barrackpore. Thirteen brown evidence boxes were tendered during the testimony of retired Snr Supt Carl Ramlal. They contained six pistols, two rifles, a shotgun, two Galil rifles and assorted ammunition. When invited by the presiding judge, Justice Carla Brown-Antoine, none of the jurors opted to closely examine the boxes or their contents, which were brought into the courtroom earlier in large brown evidence bags by a police officer. The weapons were those allegedly assigned to the six officers who are on trial for the murders of Abigail Johnson, 20, of St Mary’s Village, Moruga, Alana Duncan, 27, of Duncan Village, San Fernando, and construction worker Kerron “Fingers” Eccles, 29, also of St Mary’s Village. They were killed on July 22, 2011, at the corner of Gunness Trace and Rochard Douglas Road, Barrackpore. The six police officers – Sgt Khemraj Sahadeo and PCs Renaldo Reviero, Glenn Singh, Roger Nicholas, Safraz Juman, and Antonio Ramadin – are accused of murdering them. Ramlal said he was the duty officer at the San Fernando police administration building from July 22-23, 2011. He sent he went to the corner of Gunness Trace and Rochard Douglas Road around midnight and spoke to two officers. He then returned to the San Fernando police station, where he took possession of the assortment of weapons, and, with the assistance of a crime scene investigator, packaged the items. The weapons were kept in a room in the police administration building to which only he had access. The sealed boxes – 15 in all – were taken to the Forensic Science Centre (FSC) a few days later. On October 17, 2011, Ramlal returned to the FSC, where he met with Derrick Sankar, who showed him several evidence boxes which he was asked to identify. Ramlal said he was told ammunition from two of the boxes he submitted had been used for testing and ASP Raymond Craig collected the certificates of analysis. He left the FSC with the 13 boxes, which, he said, he lodged with the property keeper in the Marabella police station. One by one, Ramlal identified the 13 boxes, which each had one transparent side through which the items inside could be seen. They were not opened. Ramlal returns on Friday to complete his evidence. Police officers who signed off on the weapons assigned to the accused officers previously gave testimony at the trial. The prosecution is led by special prosecutors Senior Counsel Gilbert Peterson and Elaine Green. Also appearing with them are prosecutors Giselle Ferguson-Heller and Katiesha Ambrose-Persadsingh. The officers are represented by Senior Counsel Israel Khan, Ulric Skerritt and Arissa Maharaj.

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President calls for self-government for Tobago

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:01:10 +0200

President Christine Kangaloo has called for the Tobago autonomy issue to be prioritised. Addressing Tobagonians during her inaugural visit to the island on Wednesday, the President said it is time to give Tobago the self-government it deserves. She said the topic was not addressed by her at the opening of Parliament in Trinidad because she wanted to raise it with the Tobagonian community first noting that the issue was not new. She was speaking at a special session of the Tobago House of Assembly. “Let me assure you that the matter of autonomy for Tobago is one that I regard as absolutely critical to the proper development of our country. Today on September 27, 2023, let me say to the people of Tobago in Tobago in this most esteemed forum that like the chief secretary, that I too think it is time for us to revive matters concerning the autonomy for Tobago." She said every single chairman and chief secretary has raised the issue before noting that it is the most burning issue in the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and it is not in the least bit surprising that it is so.

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Tropical wave forms in central Atlantic

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:30:06 +0200

The Trinidad and Tobago Met Service is closely monitoring an active tropical wave in the central tropical Atlantic. In a statement on its website, the Met Service said at 8 am the tropical wave was near 43 degrees W and was associated with an area of low pressure. It said there is a high (90 per cent) chance of cyclone formation in 48 hours, as showers and thunderstorms show signs of organisation and environmental conditions are forecast to be favourable for development. The Met Service said a tropical depression is expected to form in the next day or so. At present, this area of showers and thunderstorms is moving west-north-westward at about ten knots or 18 kilometres/hour. The TTMS said this area of low pressure does not pose any immediate threat to Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and its dependencies. It said it would continue to monitor the situation and give an update at 10 am on Thursday or before if necessary.

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Body of drowned man found near Baba Man’s bridge

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:55:16 +0200

THE body of Fareed Ali Kassim, who disappeared while bathing at Indian Bay, Mayaro, on Monday, washed ashore on Tuesday night. Alisha Mohammed, head of the Troopers Search and Rescue Team, which was involved in the search for Kassim, 73, said they discovered the body shortly after 7 pm. She said it was found at the back of Baba Man’s Bridge, not far from where he disappeared. Kassim vanished in rough waters close to 2 pm on the Republic Day holiday. He had gone to the beach with his friend of 14 years, Farouk Mohammed, 62. Mohammed said they were accustomed to visiting beaches across the country, as they were two elderly bachelors who spent a lot of time rediscovering scenic places in Trinidad. He was among the search party when Kassim’s body was found. He said he last saw his friend when he went into the water and left him on the shore talking to other acquaintances. When he came back he did not see Kassim, but people on shore alerted him to Kassim flailing his hands in the air, indicating he was in difficulty, beyond the breakers. Mayaro police visited and the body was ordered removed to a mortuary, pending a post mortem. WPC Roberts is continuing investigations.

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Trinidad and Tobago street sign stolen in New York

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:55:09 +0200

JUST over a month after a New York street was co-named Trinidad and Tobago Street, the new sign has been stolen. Consul general of TT in New York Andre Laveau confirmed this to Newsday on Wednesday. On August 20, 131st Street at Queens, New York City, was co-named in honour of TT, as many nationals live there. The NGO Trinidadians and Tobagonians USA had been petitioning for the co-naming of the "commercially bustling" street. Its spokesman Dr Ashford Maharaj said the co-naming was "a fitting recognition of Caribbeanness." It is adjacent to a street named Little Guyana. Laveau told Newsday the sign was stolen either late on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. He said plans are under way to have it replaced as soon as possible. In August 2022, the Little Guyana Street sign was also stolen.

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Security guard to be compensated for ‘malicious’ robbery charges

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:55:07 +0200

A security guard who was fired after he was accused of theft from a job site at Millennium Park, Trincity, will receive just under $200,000 for malicious prosecution. The State was also ordered to pay Dexter Gaulteau costs of $40,537.13, as well as interest on the general, special and exemplary damages. Making the order was Justice Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell, who held that the police officer who charged him did not have any reason other than “coerced confessions” to charge Galteau with larceny. “Additionally, based on this clear absence of reasonable and probable cause, as well as the evidence of fabricated confession statements, the court finds that the prosecution was actuated by malice,” the judge held. Gaulteau was charged with larceny of nine batteries from contractors on the site and a radio from one of his colleagues. The alleged incidents took place in 2012 and 2013. The charges against him were dismissed when the police officers who laid the charges failed to show up in court. At his trial, he maintained his innocence, saying he provided an alibi for the dates the batteries were allegedly stolen, as he had been rostered at a private hospital in the east at the time. In its defence, the State insisted the officers who arrested and charged Galteau had reasonable and probable cause, since they had two confession statements he had signed. However, at his trial, he said he was threatened and coerced to sign the confession documents. Nothing was found at his home during a search. After assessing the evidence of the five police officers who testified at the trial – including the three charging officers, PCs Kevin De Four, Alister Oliver and Ricardo Benaldo – the judge said the evidence did not prove there were reasons to charge Galteau other than the two “coerced confessions.” “Thus, the court accepts as more credible that someone else fabricated the second statement, as was the case with the first one. “As there are two versions of how the second statement came about, the court must consider which version is more credible. “Notably, there are glaring red flags that make it unlikely that the claimant would sign a second statement that differs materially from the first one just a few hours later. “The second statement appears, from its inconsistencies, to be intended to bring the claimant’s confession in line with the allegations against him,” the judge said in her ruling. Galteau was represented by attorneys Ganesh Saroop, Jared Jagroo and Jochelle Lootawan of Freedom Law Chambers. The State was represented by Ronnelle Hinds and Kendra Mark.

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DEA agents nab Trinidadian for heroin, cocaine deals in US

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:51:11 +0200

A Trinidadian accused of trafficking cocaine and heroin in the US has been detained and is scheduled to be extradited to Pennsylvania to face trial. A release from the US Embassy on Wednesday said Shrulan Guppy was arrested on September 26, in a joint operation by Drug Enforcement Administration agents and officers of the elite Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU). Guppy is accused of trafficking cocaine and heroin valued at US$1 million to the US and has been charged in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the statement said. The release did not identify where Guppy was arrested, but said a gun and a kilo of cocaine was found at his home during the operation. Commenting on the arrest, US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Candace Bond said: “I am proud of the painstaking work the US Embassy’s DEA agents do every single day to help end drug trafficking and to strengthen citizen security for the people of TT. DEA agents working closely with members of TT law enforcement act as a force multiplier. "This arrest, following months of investigation and close collaboration between DEA, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and TT’s TOCU, is another sterling example of our close partnership, and yet more evidence that the US is TT’s most reliable friend and partner in the world.” The release also quoted Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds as saying: “US DEA agents in Philadelphia and at the US Embassy started working on this case with us in 2020, culminating in this major arrest and extradition order. "I am gratified that our excellent co-operation has led to this arrest. We count on our American partners in law enforcement to assist us in making TT safer for our communities.” The release said the US Embassy’s DEA Office personnel and TOCU have been working side by side for almost 20 years.

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Boyd fires UWI to Monarch Basketball Classic title

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:45:20 +0200

NATIONAL basketballer Ahkeel Boyd led the University of the West Indies men`s basketball team to the title over the University of Guyana (UG) in the final of the Monarch Basketball Classic Tournament on Sunday at the UWI-SPEC, St Augustine. The St Augustine Campus team under the coaching of Kern George exacted revenge for Trinbago Knight Riders after they lost to Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League final on that same night. The unstoppable “Smally” Boyd led the charge against the Guyanese opposition on the night, scoring from layups, jumpers and several three pointers from close to the center court on his way to a tournament-high 57 points, five assists and seven rebounds. Boyd was in red-hot form throughout the tournament dropping 44 points in the semi-final round. [caption id="attachment_1037284" align="alignnone" width="1024"] University of the West Indies men's basketball team won the Monarch Basketball Classic tournament after beating the University of Guyana, in the final, on Sunday night, at UWI-SPEC, St Augustine. - UWI[/caption] UG were the aggressors at the start of the match as they ran away with a 23-15 lead in the first quarter. However, the “Smally Show” began and UWI took a 49-38 lead into the half-time interval following a dominating 34-15 second quarter. The visitors improved their showing in the third quarter cutting the lead by five points 68-74 to make things interesting in the final period. But the Boyd brothers combined for more points to close off the match at 94-78. UG`s Kadeem Peterkin was their best player with 22 points and seven rebounds, Jeter Harris added 18 points and UWI`s Ahkeem “Fatto” Boyd notched 19 points and five rebounds. In the bronze medal, New Chapter Global Sport Academy (NCA) edged out the Matthew Pierre Academy (MPA) 71-67. NCA`s Timothy Belgrave topped the scoring chart with 21 points, six rebounds and five steals. Jaden Roberts also chipped in with 15 points. MPA`s Clint Graham was all over the stats sheets on both ends of the floor scoring 20 points, four assists, 19 rebounds and seven steals. Shakeem Morris notched 18 points. In the female category, Royals Basketball Academy played unbeaten against the UWI and UG to complete a 4-0 record in the tournament. UWI finished second after recording two victories against UG. Ize- Tao best was the Most Valuable Player, averaging 11 points, three steals and four rebounds.

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Retirement age dilemma revived

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:15:21 +0200

FOR A long time now, the dilemma has been a familiar, if somewhat abstract, one. As the population continues to age and fertility levels decline, how does the country fund the needs of an increasing number of elderly people? The number of people aged 60 years and older has been increasing exponentially over the past five decades. About 14 per cent of the population are elderly. Meanwhile, projections suggest the number of young people fell by almost 12 per cent between 2010 and 2020. The tangible impact of these shifts has been brought home by the latest report by the National Insurance Board (NIB), recently tabled in the House of Representatives. According to that report, a deficit in the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has worsened over the past five years from $226 million in 2018 to $1.2 billion in 2022. It is tempting to see this as a natural reflection of the shifting population sands: while contributions have been stable at about $4.7 billion, from 2020 to 2021 hundreds of millions were shaved off while benefits paid out leapt by $360 million. Last year, the pattern continued, with a $174 million jump in demand in benefits offset by only $20 million more in contributions. “Demographic factors continue to impact the NIB, highlighted by an increasing beneficiary base and shrinking contributory base,” the report states. Many questions will undoubtedly be asked of the management of NIB portfolio funds, which fall under separate management from other areas of savings, such as the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund, but it is clear enough that population dynamics have long informed the context of contributions over time. It all points to what has long been a vexed question: should the State raise the retirement age? We’ve heard the pros and cons rehearsed by policymakers and stakeholders, at home and abroad, over the years. Why should competent people be forced to retire before their time? Why should money be forked out to have such people remain on “contract” artificially in the public service? On the other hand, some ask whether people must be forced to work for longer periods of time while little attention is paid to the cost of living. Though France eventually raised its retirement age from 62 to 64, that move came with considerable outcry, with protests bringing that country to a standstill. The public may be sensitised to the nuances of this issue but look out for similar agitation here if there is no consultation with citizens or if key stakeholders like unions are ignored. Meanwhile, the NIB’s report is sobering reading. Coming ahead of next Monday’s budget, when the Government will update us on its contemplation of moving the retirement age from 60 to 65, it is a reminder that time is running out. This once theoretical dilemma is now upon us.

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Maritime attorney cleared in Superfast Galicia lawsuit

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:15:20 +0200

MARITIME attorney Nyree Alfonso has been cleared of all wrongdoing in the acquisition of the MV Superfast Galicia to service the inter-island seabridge over a decade ago. In 2018, the Port Authority and the Attorney General filed a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against Alfonso, Intercontinental Shipping Ltd (ICSL), and its representative, John Powell. The lawsuit alleged between December 2013 and July 2014, the authority retained Alfonso to help procure a new vessel for the inter-island ferry service. It claimed Alfonso breached her fiduciary duty as an attorney for the authority, as she was associated with the company and assisted in its successful tender in exchange for financial gain. The authority alleged that while Alfonso was working for the port, she appointed Intercontinental Shipping Ltd, as her agent to tender for the contract. Intercontinental, the agents for the Superfast Galicia, won the bid. The claim further alleged Alfonso benefited financially from the $148 million paid to Intercontinental for the Galicia. In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Joan Charles held that the Port Authority had not established that Alfonso acted in breach of her fiduciary duty to win a tender and the Port Authority, with full knowledge, approved ICSL. She also held that neither Intercontinental nor Powell acted as Alfonso’s agents or with her to “derive a pecuniary benefit. “The claimants had full knowledge of all information relating to the charter of the MVSG…that the first defendant was not involved in the tender and that the second defendant was acting independently. “The claimants, with full knowledge of all the facts, entered into a charter party with the second defendant as disponent owner of the MVSG and Astralship as broker for the said vessel. “I, therefore, dismiss the claimants’ case and give judgment for the defendants,” she ruled. Details of the claim against Alfonso were that she reviewed the case for terminating the authority’s arrangements for the Government Shipping Service with the owners of the MV Warrior Spirit and identified the MV Superfast Galicia as the preferred replacement. It also pleaded that the only reason Astralship was excluded from the tender process as the broker was to permit Alfonso, ICSL and Powell to tender. The judge said this claim was “surprising” since the Port Authority pleaded that the broker was excluded from the tender process, yet the charter party for the Galicia showed it was the ship’s broker. “This averment was shown to be completely inaccurate; this aspect of the claimants’ case was thereby undermined,” the judge said. The lawsuit filed against the three sought damages for an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by Alfonso while she was working for the Port Authority as an adviser to help them source a vessel to replace the Warrior Spirit on the inter-island sea bridge. She denied that ICSL or Powell ever acted as her agent in the authority’s tendering process to find a suitable cargo vessel for the inter-island route during the time the Warrior Spirit was to go into dry dock. She also said she was only on a six-month contract to help the port help identify/locate a party/vessel for the route during the dry-docking period of the Warrior Spirit, but not “bring it here or operate it.” [caption id="attachment_1037244" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The MV Super Fast Galicia. -[/caption] The lawsuit against Alfonso, Powell, and ICSL was filed shortly after the Superfast Galicia contract was cancelled in April 2017. Before then, the Galicia had operated on the seabridge since 2014. The decision to cancel the contract led to daily delays in the ferry service before the government eventually bought the Galleons Passage to service the seabridge. In her evidence, Alfonso said the port mistakenly sent a tender package to her and she sought to transfer it to ICSL. She also admitted to making an error in a letter she wrote allegedly appointing ICSL as her agent. “It was an error. All I intended to do was assign the tender documents to ICSL. It was not the right way to approach it, but what I intended and what I wrote were not the same thing,” Alfonso said. She said it was unfortunate, but at the time she was consumed by her work at First Citizens Bank, where she was non-executive chairman at the time. The judge said it was “passing strange” that the Port Authority did not deny the existence of the letter, but sought to allege it was fabricated as a “clumsy and futile attempt to shield themselves from legal proceedings. “There is no evidence before me of NDA (Alfonso) diverting a commercial opportunity to herself by excluding the broker of the vessel who had been identified even before this tendering process had proceeded. “I accepted Ms Alfonso’s evidence that upon sourcing the vessels as directed by the PATT she had advised the latter that the broker for the MVSG was Astralship... “I also note that there is no evidence of financial benefit to the first defendant; while the second defendant was paid under the charter party, the evidence shows that good value for service was provided in that the GORTT as well as the public was satisfied with the ferry service during the three years that the MVSG operated over the seabridge.” The judge also noted there was no evidence to support the Port Authority’s contention that Alfonso shared knowledge with ICSL to give it an advantage in its bid. She said based on the evidence, the tender was awarded with the Port Authority’s full knowledge and assent and it selected them “with eyes wide open.” Charles also said the Port Authority and the AG could not now allege that ICSL obtained a benefit, nor was there evidence to show Alfonso benefited financially from the arrangement, since “by all accounts, the vessel performed to the satisfaction” of the Government, with no complaints. At a press conference in July 2018, then-Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi announced the State’s lawsuit against Alfonso and the others. Four months earlier, then-minister in the Office of the Attorney General Stuart Young spoke on the Galicia’s procurement in Parliament. Powell and ICSL were represented by Jonathan Walker and Sherry Gopie. Alfonso is represented by a team of attorneys led by Senior Counsel Sophia Chote, Shiv Sharma, Asif Hosein-Shah and Ananda Rampersad. Representing the Port Authority were Claude Denbow, SC, and Donna Denbow. The attorneys were told to send a note to the judge on the issue of costs.

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Headlines takes Triple Crown

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:12:26 +0200

On Monday day eleven of the 2023 racing season was contested at Santa Rosa Park, Arima under very brilliant conditions and a huge holiday crowd.

The feature event was the penultimate race the Trinidad Derby Stakes which was run over 2000 meters for West Indian Bred three-year-olds. When the field of six was sent by starter Campbell Hello World went to the front but was quickly taken back by veteran rider Nobel Abrego as they passed the winning line for the first time.

As they travelled up the backstretch the field paired off. Hello World and Little Lady took charge followed by Blinding Lights and Harts Gap with Theory Of Colours and In The Headlines bringing up the rare.

As the pace started to get hot Blinding Lights and Little Lady quickly dropped out with In The Headlines and Theory Of Colours closing the gap rapidly on the top four. With just over 800 to go in the contest In The Headlines; Theory Of Colours and Harts Gap started to turn on the heat more.

With In The Headlines just taking a slight advantage over Theory Of Colours and Harts Gap in that order. When the field approached the 400 meters Rico Hernandez asked the filly In The Headlines for a little more effort and she willingly obligied.

When the runners turned for the judges' top-class filly In The Headlines was clear of her rivals. With one last effort veteran Abrego asked colt Hello World to produce more but the filly In The Headlines on hearing the hooves of the colt opened up and went on to take the contest by one and a half lengths.

With this impressive victory, the filly stamped her authority on the Triple Crown series.

Trainer John O'Brien saddled three winners and jockey Dillon Khelawan booted home three winners as well.

Live racing action will resume on October 28 with the feature event being the Caribbean Champion Stakes a grade two race for West Indian Bred three-year-olds and over which will travel over 1,800 meters on the main course.

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Amazon Warriors dominate CPL picks

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:08:09 +0200

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard and top-order batsman Nicholas Pooran were named to the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team of the tournament on Monday, with the XI being dominated by champions Guyana Amazon Warriors who had five selections.

The Warriors' dominance in Sunday's final against four-time champions TKR at Providence Stadium in Guyana didn't end on the field, as they were the cream of the crop in the presentation ceremony as well. The tournament's top-scorer, Shai Hope (481 runs), was named the player of the tournament, while his Amazon Warriors teammate Junior Sinclair was named the emerging player of the tournament after a string of excellent displays in the field. Hope was joined in the team of the tournament by the Warriors quartet of Saim Ayub, Romario Shepherd, captain Imran Tahir and the tournament's leading wicket-taker, Dwaine Pretorius.

The other four spots in the team of the tournament went to Jason Holder (Barbados Royals), Alzarri Joseph (St Lucia Kings) and the Jamaica Tallawahs pair of Imad Wasim and skipper Brandon King.

Hope, the West Indies one-day international (ODI) skipper, rattled off his first-ever T20 century when he scored a brilliant 106 off just 44 balls against Barbados Royals in Providence on September 17. In that encounter, Hope hit off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall for a whopping 32 runs in a single over to bring up the landmark.

The silky Ayub, 21, was just three runs shy of Hope on the scoring charts in his maiden CPL season. Though small in size, the Pakistan left-handed batsman packed a vicious punch with the bat and led the tournament with 28 sixes. Hope struck 24 sixes in the tournament. In Sunday's resounding nine-wicket win over TKR, Ayub surpassed Hope's tally of sixes as he cleared the boundary rope on five occasions and finished the game on 52 not out – his fourth fifty of the campaign.

The tournament's top-five run-scorers were rounded off by Wasim (313 runs), Pooran (291 runs) and King (288 runs). The aggressive Pooran, who also struck 20 sixes in the tournament, finished joint-third on the sixes leaderboard. Cornwall also struck 20 sixes in the tournament. Pollard was fifth among the competition's biggest hitters with 16 sixes in total.

Both Pooran and Cornwall gave CPL supporters innings to savour in 2023, blazing their way to dismissive hundreds which contributed largely to their tournament tally of 20 sixes.

On September 3 at Kensington Oval in Barbados, Cornwall, also known as "Jimbo," had arguably the most epic celebration of the tournament as he did a "bat-drop" after thumping an unbeaten 102 off 42 balls against the 2021 champs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Twelve of Cornwall's 20 tournament sixes came in that innings as he tore the cellar-placed team to shreds.

Three days later, Pooran had a similarly destructive showing at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad against the Royals, as he hit an unbeaten 102 off 53 balls with ten sixes – his second CPL ton. In that encounter, Pooran was involved in a bizarre run-out with Pollard which initially saw the former being adjudged out before a review by the third umpire.

The batsmen didn't have it all their own way in CPL 2023, as there were also some exceptional individual performances with the ball. Pretorius led the way with his 20-wicket haul, which was topped off by his fine spell of four for 26 in the final. The 44-year-old Tahir, who cut an emotional figure after his team's maiden CPL triumph, was next among the leading wicket-takers with 18 scalps.

Both Holder and Pakistan veteran seamer Mohammad Amir were next on the list with 16 wickets apiece. Tallawahs off-spinner Chris Green was the fifth-leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets.

TKR's Afghanistan spinner Waqar Salamkheil had the season's best figures with his debut spell of four for 14 versus the Royals on August 30. English opener Alex Hales recorded the season's highest score when he smashed 119 not out off 57 balls versus the Kings on September 17 at Providence.

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Badree 'even more inspired' to work with TT's youth

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:07:59 +0200

As he heads off to the 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup to fulfill commentary duties with Star Sports, former West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree said he feels "honoured" and "motivated" to have received the Hummingbird Medal Gold.

Badree, 42,was awarded the prestigious honour along with TT Cricket Board (TTCB) president and Cricket West Indies (CWI) vice-president Azim Bassarath during the national awards ceremony at President's House in St Ann's on Sunday. Badree was recognised for his work in the fields of education and sport.

The World Cup will be held in India from October 5-November 19. It will be Badree's second time commentating in a World Cup tournament, as he had a commentary stint during the 2022 T20 World Cup, held in Australia.

Badree began his commentary journey after retiring from West Indies duty in 2018. He has now become a staple in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament and he says he is enjoying the challenge his new career path has brought.

"It's something that is a different challenge altogether. It's something I quite enjoy," Badree told Newsday.

After his duties at the upcoming World Cup, Badree will return to Trinidad and Tobago for the latter part of the CG United Super50 Tournament, which runs from October 17-November 11.

"I have also been involved as a coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and with Cricket West Indies (CWI) at various levels. That too has been something I quite enjoy," Badree said. "It's really a combination of coaching and commentary I'm very much interested in and inclined towards. But to stay involved in the sport and give back to the young cricketers coming through the system, has always been my goal."

At 31, Badree debuted for the West Indies versus New Zealand in a T20 international in June 2012. A T20 specialist of some pedigree, he helped the regional team to a pair of T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016 – forming a deadly partnership with his countryman Sunil Narine in the 2012 tournament. Badree played a total of 52 T20 internationals for WI and took 56 wickets.

Badree, who has also been an educator for over two decades, said he was surprised to receive the award.

"It's something I was not expecting. I have never done anything in my life – whether in the sporting field or educational field – with any sort of reward in mind. I have always done it because of the great joy it has brought to me.

"I feel quite privileged to receive this national award. I'm thankful to all of TT for their support and encouragement over the years. I feel even more inspired now to continue doing the work I do with young people in the country to give them opportunities and show them the pathways for success."

Even when he's abroad, Badree still manages the activities at Badree's Academy of Sport Education. The academy caters for roughly 150 children and has sessions every Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. There are also programmes in Penal and Vessigny.

Badree says his own story shows anything can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.

"Despite the challenges they may be facing, as long as they are disciplined and committed, and as long as they understand that they need to work hard in order to achieve success, it is possible. My story is one of overcoming tremendous challenges, coming from a single-parent home and being successful in both sport and education and to show the relationship between the two. And yeah, just to provide that encouragement to the young people of the country to strive for excellence.

"It just adds to the motivation for me to continue doing what I do."

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Top riders convene for bigger, better Tobago Cycling Classic

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:07:50 +0200

ORGANISER of the Tobago International Cycling Classic (TICC) Jeffrey Charles, expects a bigger and better event this year, as more cyclists and more races will be held when the event pedals off on Thursday in Tobago.

On Wednesday, the opening ceremony will be held at 4 pm at the Cycling Village Compound in Crown Pt. Cyclists, event officials and sponsor representatives are among those expected to attend. At 5 pm, the TICC race technical briefing will take place at the village compound.

Last year's event was downsized owing to the covid19 pandemic.

"Things are looking good, normal challenges and things like that but I think we are going to have a good year. It is a big improvement from last year. Remember after covid19 everything was kind of slowly getting back to normal...I anticipate we are going to have a very good year," Charles said.

"A lot better than last year for sure, and last year was good, but this year we are going to have more cyclists. This year we having four stages instead of three stages, so it is a lot to look forward to. I am kind of confident that we are going to have a good year."

Charles expects around 130 cyclists compared to the 80 participants in 2022, but will know the exact figure when registration is completed on Wednesday.

Cyclists from TT, around the Caribbean, Central America, South America and the US will make up the majority of the field.

"We have quite a few top cyclists: Caribbean cyclists, South American cyclists, American cyclists. We will see how that goes."

Charles said it's always satisfying to give TT cyclists the platform to test their ability against overseas riders.

"Ninety per cent of the locals don't have the resources to go away and rub shoulders with some of the best, so this is their Tour De France...this is a big deal for me and a big deal for them that they could have international cycling in their backyard. I could tell they are looking forward to it, they are very excited about it – all the locals."

On Thursday, from 7 am, the cycling will begin. Stage one will start and end at Grange Bay, Mt Irvine with division one cyclists completing five laps of the 20K course in the 100K race, while the division two riders will complete two laps (40K).

In Friday's stage two at 8 am, division one cyclists again will try to finish a 100K trek starting and ending at Farm Road, Shaw Park, Scarborough. Division two (50K) and division three (10K) riders will also be in action.

Saturday's stage three at 7 am will be the market square criterium at Market Square, Scarborough. Stage three will be easier for spectators to follow as each lap is just 1K with division one participants completing 50 laps. Fans will be able to follow the progress of their favourite riders.

Saturday afternoon the cyclists will get a break with the Classic Rum Punch Beach Picnic at Pigeon Pt Beach Facility from 1 pm-6 pm.

On Sunday, the gruelling 120K stage four Tour of Tobago will start and end at the Esplanade, Scarborough which will be followed by the closing ceremony at 4 pm at the village compound.

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A recreational bloodsport

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:07:44 +0200

THE EDITOR: As hunters gear up for the opening of the 23/24 hunting season on October 1, not only do animals need to be on the defensive and run for cover when bullets fly fast and furious, but people can also fall prey.

Although a certain amount of collateral damage may be considered acceptable in warfare, TT is not a theatre of war (officially), and no one, whether hiking, camping, bird watching, or just enjoying the scenery, should be at risk by hunters or their hunting dogs on the prowl for game.

“Contrary to what hunters often say in defence of their cruel pastime, hunting has nothing to do with 'conservation' or 'population control,'” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claims. Moreover, “If left unaltered by humans, the delicate balance of nature’s ecosystems ensures the survival of most species. Natural predators help maintain this balance by killing only the sickest and weakest individuals.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) states:

“Hunting not only affects the target animal that is killed or wounded by a bullet, arrow, or knife, it can also have a significant negative impact on other animals, particularly dependent young.

"If hunters do not find and euthanise the dependent young of shot females, they are left to fend for themselves. Depending on their age, orphaned young animals can suffer and die from starvation, dehydration, or predation.

"Maternal deprivation is a significant stressor in many species, and even if orphaned individuals survive the initial acute stress of lack of nutrition, changes in physiology and behaviour can have a detrimental effect on their growth and development.”

Is hunting a training ground for those who seek to target innocent civilians? Faunalytics, a non-profit organisation that provides research and analysis of various animal issues, has this to say:

“Animal rights activists and many feminists (particularly ecofeminists) have argued that hunting is another form of violence and another example of male domination and oppression (Adams, 1995; Kheel, 1995).

"Anecdotal data from advocates for battered women suggest a link between woman-battering and hunting (Adams, 1995), reinforcing this view of hunting as not only a recreational activity, but also as an act of violence toward non-human animals that may be associated with other expressions of violence against humans and other animals.

"The notion that legal violence, such as hunting, may spill over into illegal violence is not new. Straus (1991, 1994) has proposed such a spillover theory to explain the host of negative, antisocial outcomes associated with receiving corporal punishment – a socially legitimate practice – as a child.”

I urge Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Kazim Hosein, responsible for the Forestry Division, to consider an outright ban on hunting until we get a handle on crime. Because guns are already a significant problem in this beleaguered nation, allowing their legal use for hunting is fuelling an already inflamed crime situation.

Furthermore, let us not forget that a contingent of illegal hunters/poachers with illegal firearms go hunting during the off-season.

REX CHOOKOLINGO

rexchook@gmail.com

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