However, Stefan Camejo, defending champion in the primary schools category will once again put his title on the line in the annual competition titled “Awesome Friday” carded for February 17 at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. A total of 18 finalists were announced on Saturday following the preliminaries held at the Chuck E Cheese Restaurant, Brentwood, Chaguanas. A tie in the senior category saw 10 finalists instead of eight. There will be no semi-finals this year.

Speaking to Newsday on Saturday, project co-ordinator Latoya Latapy said while organisers saw a decrease in participants in the junior category this year, there was a better showing if entrants in the senior category.

Latapy said: “We had a great response from the seniors this year and even though the primary school category was not as successful, we will continue to encourage the students to enter.” Newsday learnt that a combination of workshops are held to educate students between ages of seven to 19 on lyrical content, musical arrangement, stage performances and other important aspects of the craft. NSSM boasts that so far the mission has been successful having produced stars like Kerwin Du Bois, Patrice Roberts, Erphaan Alves, Orlando Octave and Keegan Taylor among others.

The finalists are as follows: JUNIOR CATEGORY: Order of appearance.

1. Zakima Grant (Lower Cumuto Government Primary), “Ah Want To Go”

2. Terry Perez (Arima Boys’ Government Primary), “Choose”

3. Jason James (Arima Boys’ RC), “Victory Road”

4. Sharla Grant (Lower Cumuto Government Primary), “Proud Trini”

5. Yirah McIntosh (Arima Boys’ Government Primary), “Eagles High”

6. Stefan Camejo (Sacred Heart Boys’ RC Primary)

7. N’Janela Duncan-Regis (Eshe’s Learning Centre), “Rise”

8. Su-Yuen Pantin (Arima New Government Primary), “Why Why”

SENIOR CATEGORY: Order of appearance

1. T’sahai Corbin (St Joseph’s Convent), “Too Much Pressure”

2. Desle Julien (St Mary’s College), “We Lit”

3. Denisia Martimbor (St Anthony’s College), “Feeling The Vibes”

4. Osei David (St George’s College), “My Way”

5. Sergio Camejo (Our Lady of Fatima College), “Daz Yuh Business”

6. Tyrese Williams (Holy Cross College), “Not Too Young”

7. Oduduwa Aluka (St Benedict’s College), “Time of the Year”

8. Ethan Webb (San Juan South Secondary), “True Love”

9. Jenelle Ross (Tableland Secondary School), “Come Back Again”

10. Shernifa Gibbs (Guaico Government Secondary School), “Wet Meh Down”

Promoter George Singh said that in the 22 year history of the competition, this was the first year where so many sponsors have kept their cheque books closed. “The government has also offered less sponsorship this year,” Singh said, adding that he is stall awaiting word from the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Arts as to the prize money for the finals.

LIV Nightclub was packed to capacity Saturday night during the semis which saw 33 singers perform for a place in the finals.

Former monarchs Ravi B, Rooplal Girdharie, Heeralal Rampartap and Rikki Jai showed they are still crowd pleasers. Ravi B’s ‘Rum on a Budget’ saw balloons with a dollar in each, being released into the crowd.

Girdharie gave a powerful rendition of ‘Kaha Bitawal’ with Rikki Jai doing his hit single ‘Single Woman’.

Rampartap was accompanied by his daughter to do ‘We Fete’. Omadath Maharaj also gave a splendid performances with runaway 2017 chutney soca hit ‘Ramsingh Sharma’.

Imran GI Beharry brought new life to the stage with his song ‘Loner’ composed by his younger brother Saleem Beharry. Saleem also took to this stage to do his own song ‘Back ah Siparia’. Reshma Ramlal did the song ‘Chulha’ and was accompanied on stage by three muscular men in work clothes.

The semis began at 10 pm with a performance by Junior Soca Monarch Aaron Duncan who did ‘Chutney Fire’. He was followed by Asha Kamachee who performed ‘Sajan Yahan Hai’. The show ended at 3.30 am yesterday with the performances by the reigning Chutney Soca Monarch KI Persad who did ‘Doing Something Right’.

Nine persons will be selected to compete against KI at the Grand Finals scheduled for February 11 at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

An autopsy revealed he died from a single gunshot wound to the back of his head. Richard was reported missing from his Couva home two Sundays ago by his father. It was an emotional Selwyn who read his son’s eulogy at the funeral service held at Christ Castle, Miracle Ministries in Chaguanas.

While supported by his other son Bryan, the distraught father said it was the hardest thing he ever had to do in his life. Three enlarged photos were placed atop his casket – one of them a favourite cricketing shot of the former junior national cricketer.

“I am disappointed that the combative person Richard was, he never got a chance that day.

Some cowardly act took him away from this world and from us suddenly. He did not depart this life on his terms. He did not get the chance to achieve his many goals. He didn’t want to leave us because he loved us but he left here as a man.” It was only last year, mourners learnt, that after several counselling sessions with Pastor Winston Cuffie and Rev David Tam, that Richard on his return from England – where he spent five years – “accepted Jesus Christ”. He was subsequently baptized and committed himself to a life in Christ going on to become a part of the Miracle Ministries family.

Rev Tam, chairman of the proceedings said,“What has happened to Richard as tragic as it may seem, we have to understand that he is in a better place.” Tam identified with the hurt the family was experiencing saying that in 1985 his sister Juliet Tam disappeared without a trace. At the time, she was only 24 at the time and with a bright future.

He added: “My parents were good people, we were a good family why would something like this happen to ,” he went on to say as he explained that for eight years he was angry with God for what had happened to his sister. It was only when he turned to God did the hate and anger go away. He urged hurting family members to allow the Richard’s memory to give them peace.

Richard leaves to mourn daughter Alejandra, six; parents Selwyn and Monica and siblings Sherry Ann and Bryan. He was cremated at Guides Funeral Home, San Fernando.

A missing persons’ report was made yesterday to the Penal Police Station when she failed to show up.

Relatives said Simms left home on Saturday morning to meet the man known to them only as “Mr Kenny” at a restaurant in Penal.

Video footage from a surveillance camera at the establishment has since revealed that Simms did meet with him and left the restaurant in his company just after 1 pm the same day.

Yesterday a distraught Jennifer Hamid said her niece never stays away from home and all calls to her cell phone so far have gone unanswered. Checks with relatives and friends have also proved futile. Simms, she said was unemployed and was in search of a job. The man who she met while at another job had promised her employment, Newsday was told.

She was last seen wearing maroon colored top, black pants and a pair of slippers .

Anyone with information can contact the Penal Police Station or the nearest police station.

He reported that Rowley addressed the general council membership and spoke of the initiatives and successful negotiations between this country and Venezuela for the Dragon gas field. Rowley also said that the US $50 million revolving trade agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and the eastern coast of Venezuela has been continuing and local manufacturers continue to provide goods to that country.

He also reported that Rowley had accepted an invitation from the Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, for a State visit and they would have to work out when this would take place. “Because we see the hydrocarbon industry in Trinidad and Tobago and in particular what is taking place in Point Lisas over the many years with the fertilisers, the ammonia and the urea and a new market is opening up in South America and Chile is a gateway to that,” he said.

Rowley also spoke about Cuba and Young said they had seen the opening of a new market last year particularly regarding the new relations between the United States and Cuba. Young said the Trade Ministry had recently visit Cuba and plans were being made this year for a state visit.THIS GOVERNMENT sees muchas oportunidades (many opportunities) in Latin America and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is planning State visits to Cuba and Chile. This was announced on the weekend by People’s National Movement (PNM) PRO Stuart Young at the post-PNM general council media conference at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, the first meeting for 2017.

He reported that Rowley addressed the general council membership and spoke of the initiatives and successful negotiations between this country and Venezuela for the Dragon gas field. Rowley also said that the US $50 million revolving trade agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and the eastern coast of Venezuela has been continuing and local manufacturers continue to provide goods to that country.

He also reported that Rowley had accepted an invitation from the Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, for a State visit and they would have to work out when this would take place. “Because we see the hydrocarbon industry in Trinidad and Tobago and in particular what is taking place in Point Lisas over the many years with the fertilisers, the ammonia and the urea and a new market is opening up in South America and Chile is a gateway to that,” he said.

Rowley also spoke about Cuba and Young said they had seen the opening of a new market last year particularly regarding the new relations between the United States and Cuba. Young said the Trade Ministry had recently visit Cuba and plans were being made this year for a state visit.

Against the backdrop of President Trump’s anticipated policy changes, the world of international trade as we know it is about to change. Based on initial comments it would appear globalization, with its features of free trade, open markets and neo-liberalism has been heavily criticized. Certainly there has been a ground swell both in the UK and USA about the lack of benefits accruing to the masses and all the gains appearing to go to the wealthy segments of the population.

This discussion is taking place at a time when the BMI forecasts that our Balance of Payments (BOP) for 2017 will be in deficit just as the current account is expected to be, and the capital inflows maybe inadequate for the capital account to compensate for the country’s current account shortfall. In addition, the country’s very wide fiscal deficit would contribute to the negative balance of trade leading to a further draw down on the foreign reserves and putting pressure on the exchange rate.

Certainly the Central Bank would have added pressure to allow the currency to depreciate further knowing full well that this course of action, while a logical text book decision, will have a significant negative impact on large segments of the population.

The question is therefore by how much the currency will have to depreciate. The authorities and certainly the political leaders will have to understand that the inflationary impact from depreciation on low income households, the increasing unemployed and the destitute, will be catastrophic.

Measures will have to be put in place to mitigate the impact.

Certainly there has been growing comments on increasing the productivity levels and profitability if consideration is to be given to wage increases. However, increasing productivity in many instances can take time if it has to be sustained. Getting the private sector to take up the mantle of growth, especially if the government has become the major client for many a private sector outfit, will be near impossible.

This means that increasing government’s revenues will be a challenge. Of course the question of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the non-energy private sector during the fiscal year is reasonable. Certainly some FDI will take place, but this is not expected to be adequate to finance the deficit from the current account. This means sales of the “country’s assets”, draw downs from the heritage and stabilization fund (HSF) and borrowing as has been stated by the Minister of Finance, will continue.

By the second quarter of 2016, exports had fallen 50.1 percent since end-2013, while imports fell just 27.4 percent. This deficit in the trade account is going to be impacted by two important factors in 2017. First, West Texas Intermediate price of crude is expected to move from an average price of US$43.5 per barrel in 2016 to approximately US$55.5 per barrel in 2017. Second, an increase in natural gas production is possible following the start of operations at BP’s Juniper field.

As a result, goods exports are expected to rebound 30.4 percent in 2017, from the 32.5 percent contraction in 2016.

Until these two occur, net reserves will continue to fall to possibly below US$9 by the end of 2017. One can only wonder if a shaky external performance, shrinking buffers, limited exchange rate movement and lack of adequate progress on fiscal consolidation, may lead to a credit rating downgrade in 2017. We all must put our shoulder to the plough to ensure this does not happen. We await sound leadership to navigate these choppy waters in 2017.

Our regular Monday columnist, Jean Antoine Dunne, will return next week

The accused has risen above his charges and circumstances to celebrate victories in Roxborough and Speyside.

This win is significant because a sixmonth- old party has taken away two seats from a 60-year-old party. The political momentum of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) resulting from a full-fledged ground campaign is noteworthy.

The PDP campaign had no television ads and one morning programme, on one radio station, as opposed to the incumbent PNM.

The PDP had one music truck with campaign songs that were remixes of popular songs like “Rock and Come In”, a couple flyers and a couple small billboards that strained the eyes on the highway.

The incumbent PNM however had all the necessary campaign resources and launched a full attack. PNM’s ground campaign had on average 12 music trucks, banners, huge billboards, massive candidate launches with a full cast of popular artistes and Trinidad reinforcements.

The on-air campaign was spread throughout various radio and television stations across TT . The PDP should not have gotten any seats based on this robust campaign coupled with incumbency.

It takes a certain amount of unconventional tenacity by Duke and the PDP to prevail in the midst of so much controversy and what appeared to be starved resources. The PNM and the other political stakeholders must take note of this accomplishment.

Duke has been captured on both social and conventional media being lifted and carried around the community by supporters after hearing the winning results.

Tobagonians from the East especially are hailing his success in two seats as a people’s victory.

The other successful PDP candidate, Farley Augustine, has boasted of refusing both the PNM and the Tobago Forwards when asked ahead of the election date to join their teams.

As minority leader of the THA, Duke has already signalled that it will not be business as usual in Tobago. The PNM has ten seats as opposed to the PDP’s two seats but Duke says he intends to use his position as minority leader to oppose the PNM agenda and advance his PDP mandate ideas.

Any man who can emerge victorious in an election with the circumstances that Duke had to deal with is someone to watch.

Leaders like Duke have no middle ground, he can either be a great failure or a great success.

Ronald Huggins St Joseph

On November 18 last, while using the public sidewalk on St Michael Road in Tacarigua within your jurisdiction, I walked into an air-condition unit of a residential/ business entity that caused me to experience excruciating pain .

I am trying to reason why this obstruction was allowed to remain in a position to endanger the safety of people who use the sidewalk. So where I expected to be safe from harm caused real problems for me as that incident has left me temporarily incapacitated with headaches and symptoms that go with that type of injury .

I am a 76-year-old male national of TT and as a result believe I deserve to be in a safe environment, especially while using the public pathways .

At any rate, when you investigate this report you will be able to substantiate this complaint which was also lodged at the Arouca Police Station .

I also have in my possession a doctor’s report about my health status .

I would appreciate your kind intervention to assist me back to a place of comfort if that’s possible .

RONALD TIMOTHY Port-of-Spain

Bruce Financial Complex last week held in recognition of the one-millionth customer served.

The call centre is operated under the purview of the THA’s Division of Finance and Enterprise Development (DFED) and administered by Tobago Information Technology Limited (TITL). Established in 2008, the 211 Contact Centre provides members of the public with easy access to real time information on Tobago by calling the toll free telephone number – 211.

Making the one millionth call was regular customer, Catherine Trim, who was given a plaque to commemorate the event. Trim gave her views on the 211 service, “I’m honoured to receive this award, but the true honour should be given to those who make the 211 Call Centre possible.

The agents are always courteous, competent and provide accurate information. As Tobagonians, we should be thankful for this service and I look forward to seeing how they will make it even better in future.” Assemblyman Joel Jack, Secretary of the DFED, spoke at the ceremony and explained that the 211 Call Centre embodies the THA’s commitment to enhance access to quality services to residents of, and visitors to Tobago, with a view to bringing the government closer to the people.

“I would like to begin by giving a hearty round of applause to the management, staff and all stakeholders of the 211 Call Centre for their tireless work that led to this milestone of serving the needs of one million callers. You have used home-grown talent in becoming a beacon for customer service and an example to all of Tobago.

In fact, I have used this service on more than one occasion and I was very pleased with the results,” Assemblyman Jack emphasised.

Since inception, the service has continuously expanded its capacity to answer to the diverse needs of the people of Tobago. Among its many facets, the 211 Call Centre provides 24-7 access to the emergency service providers on the island, electoral information in partnership with the Elections and Boundaries Commission and an Emergency Messaging System (EMS) that informs residents and visitors of any emergency situation via text messaging alerts on their mobile phones. It was noted that this EMS service proved invaluable in mitigating the effects of Hurricane Tomas in 2010.

In 2012, the 211 Call Centre launched the Emergency Medical Alert System, which provides senior citizens, individuals living with disabilities and other atrisk persons with direct contact to the emergency services providers in Tobago.

211 Call Centre agents are trained to provide information on a myriad of topics including health, agriculture, housing, the Tobago Jazz Experience and Tobago Fashion Week just to name a few. They are also certified to receive calls and deal with critical topics such as domestic violence, various diseases, crisis intervention and even sightings of the Lion Fish.

He added that the Licensing Office on Wrightson Road will continue to operate but on a scaleddown basis because heavy equipment will no longer be licensed there. Sinanan said the intention is to improve the efficiency of the Licensing Department using stateof- the-art technology and doing away with all archaic systems, which he said will redound to the benefit of all who use the department.

He pointed out that while there may be an increase in traffic heading along the Old Southern Main Road to Caroni as a result of the shift, he believes the situation will not be too bad.

Sinanan said road works in Caroni have improved the traffic situation tremendously and he expects operations in the central area to progress speedily. He said people should not be too worried about making the shift from Portof- Spain to Caroni and added that in every situation change is inevitable.

He said that contrary to popular belief the Government has no intention of making the Licensing Office in Caroni a white elephant.

The new Caroni office was built by the last administration as part of a decentralisation plan. On another issue, the minister said that two weeks ago he took a note to Cabinet to adjust the speed limit from 80 kilometres per hour but that the note has not yet been approved as there has to be some alterations to it.

He said once the note is approved it will be taken to Parliament and the public will be informed of the new speed limit. He expects approval shortly and added that it will benefit the motoring public who has been clamouring for an increase in the speed limit.

The minister also assured that the public will see a general improvement in the way business is conducted by the Ministry of Works and Transport.