Ironically, a few minutes prior, TT FA president David John-Williams strolled past the throng of media gathered but was grilled by the local flag man who asked him whether he had given Lawrence the same ultimatum he had given his predecessor Tom Saintfiet – get four points from the next two World Cup qualifiers vs Panama and Mexico in March or be fired.

John-Williams just smiled.

Lawrence, asked how long he will be here for, replied: “I am here for the duration. I am here to work. I think it is important that if you want to work properly with the boys, you need to be here so I’m going to based in here basically.” Asked specifically whether it was for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers alone or beyond, Lawrence stressed, “I’m here.

I’m home. I’m home to work.” Earlier, the ex-defender nicknamed “Tallest” due to his 6-foot, 6-inches frame, hinted that he has signed on for the long haul not necessarily a quick fix to get TT ’s 2018 World Cup campaign on track.

“Obviously I’m delighted to be home at the moment and looking forward to get the work started. We all understand it is going to be a difficult challenge but one that is not impossible.

We’re going to give it our best and hopefully our best would be enough to try and get Trinidad and Tobago football at a level that I think we should be at.

“I think it’s important that everybody understands that we need to stop looking just beneath our nose because this needs to be a long term development plan in the end. I’m just delighted to be here,” he declared.

Discussing casually the style of football he hopes to incorporate, Lawrence, who worked under Spanish coach Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic and Everton in the English Premier League, said: “I hope to implement football that would make Trinidad and Tobago fans and Trinidad and Tobago people happy. Make sure that the boys show to the public that we’re out here fighting for the national flag and we’re gonna do our best for the country.” After the ill-fated month-long Saintfiet reign, the TT job may not have seemed enticing to many but Lawrence said it was not a difficult job to accept as he always wanted to give back to TT .

Internationally-acclaimed trumpeter Etienne Charles who is in Trinidad for his concert Carnival The Sound of a People this weekend, took some time out to go to the Beetham Centre, to speak with the children.

Using his trumpet, Charles showed the children the value of parents, respect and manners. He showed them sound, rhythm and co-ordination with their voice, hands and feet.

It was truly interesting to see how the tiny tots responded to Charles who seemed to love the role as teacher.

The visit was arranged by chairman of the centre Peter Aleong in collaboration with principal Charmaine Anderson and Charles’s father, Francis who also told the children how important it is to listen to their parents.

At the end of the session each child was given a Creole Soul sticker.

Spokesperson for the band Sharon Ng Wai Pantin said: “This allows us to give way to new and better talent, thereby giving them an opportunity to join the university of music/ the university of Imij & Co, as we are so often referred to, to showcase their talent as a part of Imij & Co.” Now in its 28 year of existence Imij & Co has rebranded. Ng Wai Pantin said that given the changing climate of the music industry, the band’s management took a decision to make changes not only to its personnel, but to the approach of the music, keeping a less electronic sound and more of a live instrumentation feel.

“Joey Ng Wai, the lead guitarist, remains the leader of the band and co-musical director, while Miguel Charles, bassist and the longest- standing member of Imij & Co is now the musical director and also serves as motivational speaker,” Ng Wai Pantin said.

Also, Imij’s front line now comprises Malaika Ballatyne, Rochelle Chadz, Phillip Carter and Asten Isaac. Ballatyne was South Calypso Monarch 2014, and a National Queen Calypso Monarch finalist for four years.

Ng Wai Pantin said her energy on the stage is truly fascinating.

“Malaika has grown in every aspect as a performer and entertainer.

Then there is Rochelle whose passion and love for music is truly inspiring and admirable.” Chadz “No Talking” song for 2017 has been enjoying rotation on the radio stations since April 2016 and has been one of the most requested songs on the local pop scene.

“Writing music comes naturally for Rochelle.

There is so much more to come from her,” said Ng Wai Pantin.

Carter who is band’s other front liner is a musician, teacher and performer, while Isaac has been writing music for more than 12 years.

Ng Wai Pantin said: “His contributions for 2017 are ‘Count Me In’, ‘Meet Ya Family’, ‘Doh Hurt Ya Head’ and the one that plays constantly is ‘Rum Friend’. Besides his contributions Isaac has written 15 songs for various artiste including seven on Blaxx’s album.” Ng Wai Pantin described Isaac as a self-motivated, ambitious and musical breath of fresh air to Imij & Co.

Also associated with the band are Dion Nora, producer, keyboardist and arranger and occasionally the chef of the band; Kamau Abe Skerritt, the band’s DJ; Jonathan Hensley, drummer; with the technical staff comprising Kevin Toussaint and Kerron Patrick.

The band’s first big performance for the season is tomorrow night at the MovieTowne, Port-of-Spain, from 8.30 pm and is expected to perform for an hour and 15 minutes.

The five-time winner of the Crown Point Band of the Year title has a large following of TT and foreign revellers who keep returning year after year. The all-inclusive premium band is guided by Tele Cruz and Keri Beri ‘s creative leadership.

The evening’s entertainment began with ten-year-old Young Mr Dass whose his version of “Single” had patrons cheering him along.

Fog Angels partnered with Colours Promotions Media to bring over the XO Dance Label, creators of the successful Soca Sweat series.

Tele Cruz’s dancers performed to his latest release “Calling”. Later, Tobago M-Pros dancers and singers took over with their 2017 offering “Go-rilla” and Jr Bana with “Truck Horn Blow”.

In attendance was Dr Denise Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus; Carnival chairman, George Leacock; Crown Point Carnival chairman, Martha Archer and David Maharaj whose I love Soca series runs every Tuesday at Barcode.

For more info: Facebook- fogangelsjouvertbandtobago or www.

fogangelsjouvert.com

Locating this waterfall took three gruelling attempts to establish an appropriate route. It meant using old maps to pinpoint its location and cutting one’s way through the uncharted territory of the Morne Poui, Aripo Forest. Distinguished land surveyor Glen Wilkes assisted in finding its bearing and charted the course over ridges.

The Hollis Reservoir was built by Sir Alfred Claud Hollis, governor of TT from 1930-1936.

He saw the necessity to construct a dam to supply water to the growing population of Arima and environments.

The expedition to Hollis Waterfall will take three to four hours and begins from the Morne Poui Road in Aripo. The walk along the ridge is in a northerly direction, and the highest altitude is 606 metres (1989 feet). The path continues with a south-eastern descent to the dam, followed by an invigorating climb over rugged terrain.

Along the way, the trail crosses a gentle stream known as the Crayfish River, with its source flowing all the way from Aripo.

The return journey, along the same route, requires a challenging uphill climb to the top of Mount Poui Ridge.

The seeming never- ending ascent may cause one’s muscles to tire and should only be attempted by the experienced or fit hiker.

Tomorrow Fitness Walkers explores the Hollis Waterfall Assembly 4 am – 4.45 am at O’Meara Rd and Churchill Roosevelt Highway Arima (opposite FT Farfan) Hiking time one way: minimum 3 hours.

Rating: 9 (very challenging and not for the faint-hearted).

For more info: www.

islandhikers.com

Uber officials met on Tuesday with Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan; Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi; Transport Commissioner Wayne Richards and representatives of the TT Police Service at the Transport Ministry’s Port-of-Spain office.

In a statement, Uber stressed its commitment to safety, pointing out that, “all rides” on its platforms are insured and citing its “partnership with Guardian General to provide insurance coverage for both riders and third-parties using UberX in Trinidad and Tobago.” “Uber is committed to working with the Ministry to ensure legislation is modernised to protect the travelling public. We are certain this meeting is the beginning of a beneficial dialogue with the Ministry and other regulatory bodies in Trinidad and Tobago.

Together we can make sure all citizens have access to reliable, safe and efficient ways to move around,” the company stated.

“For example, no Uber partner can have access to the platform as a driver without providing a series of documents including a Certificate of Character,” Uber stated adding, “we also noted that Uber uses GPS to keep a record of the route a driver takes during the ride, creating accountability and a strong incentive for good behaviour.” The company noted that approximately 6,000 opportunities for self-employment would be available in its first year of operation and it will investing over $2 million in the local economy.

The Works and Transport Ministry in a media release pointed out that Uber was informed of the need for strict adherence to the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and requested full disclosure of Uber’s operating structures. “Uber undertook to provide full disclosure of all requested information with a view to facilitating the Ministry’s advice on its legal operation of services under a co-sharing arrangements for transportation,” the Ministry stated.

It added that Uber also pledged to disclose its corporate and legislative structures in other jurisdictions as well as its insurance coverage in all markets including Trinidad and Tobago. “The Ministry is actively leading a thorough consideration of the situation and will be in a position to report further in the near future,” the release stated.

Hannibal will return to court on February 20.

The charge alleged that Small was at his home at about 12.30 pm when he got into an argument with a man who pulled out a knife and stabbed him six times before fleeing.

The incident allegedly took place in full view of other relatives. Small was taken to the Portof- Spain General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. PC Shane Rambhajan of the Homicide Investigations Bureau (Region II) laid the charge.

In another court case, two years after he was convicted of marijuana trafficking, Russell Basdeo, cameraman for Crime Watch host Ian Alleyne, had a threeand- a-half year jail sentence quashed by the appellate court on Tuesday.

Basdeo’s appeal against conviction came up for hearing before Justices of Appeal Alice Yorke- Soo Hon and Mark Mohammed. He was represented by attorneys Daniel Khan and Ula Mathai-Lutchman while the State was represented by Mauriceia Joseph.

Khan successfully argued that Basdeo’s good character was not taken into consideration, when he was convicted.

He also submitted that Senior Magistrate Cherril- Anne Antoine erred in analysing the evidence against his client.

In quashing Basdeo’s conviction, the appellate judges ordered a retrial. Basdeo spent five months in prison after conviction on February 25, 2014. He was granted bail in July of that year, pending the outcome of his appeal.

Basdeo, 28, of McKenzie Street, Frederick Settlement, Caroni was arrested on September 21, 2011, by members of the North Eastern Division Task Force (NEDTF) led by Sgt Roger Alexander.

Basdeo, then employed with Central- based television station WINTV, was allegedly driving the company’s white Nissan Almera along the Uriah Butler Highway near Grand Bazaar, when he was intercepted by police.

Police alleged the car contained 1.9 kilos of marijuana wrapped in plastic. The charge was laid by PC Johnson of the NEDTF.

Kamla Ramkissoon, during an interview at her Princes Town home, said the gesture by President Carmona had deeply touched her and other family members.

She said that for one holding such high office, to come to the funeral, was indeed an honour for the family. “For him to leave his office, given his schedule, to attend my granddaughter’s funeral…

it was touching and we appreciate his gesture. Clearly he too felt our grief, as a parent himself,” Ramkissoon said.

She added that as soon as Carmona came to the service, he hugged Rachael’s father Toba Ramkissoon and other family members as he extended condolences.

The grandmother said the visit by La Horquetta/ Talparo MP Maxie Cuffie was also appreciated by her family and made them aware that they are not grieving alone.

Rachael, 16, was found dead in a bushy area in San Rafael almost two weeks ago. She was clad in her North Eastern College school uniform. An autopsy revealed she was strangled.

To date, her killer remains at large.

A short time later, the same officers acting on a tip-off, went to Penal where they recovered three more firearms and a quantity of assorted ammunition.

According to a police report, at 8 pm, police intercepted a Nissan Wingroad in Duncan Village, La Romaine driven by the woman who said she is an interior decorator. A search of the vehicle was conducted and the illegal weapon found lying on the front passenger seat.

The officers led by Sgt Victor then proceeded into some bushes near Puzzle Island in Suchit Trace, Penal where they discovered a knapsack containing two 9 mm pistols, a revolver, 180 rounds of 7.62 ammunition and four rounds of 9 mm ammunition. No one was arrested during the second operation and investigations are continuing.

The woman has since been charged and has appeared in court.

Speaking for his own corporation, Rondon said he and his councillors and aldermen have “hit the ground running” following the recent local government election. He has begun implementing projects to assist residents of the Sangre Grande area including an initiative aimed at the homeless taking on the task of keeping the roads and pavements clean in return for a small stipend.

“It’s an ongoing thing and I’m getting a good response from these street dwellers. They really and truly are doing a good job. And I am in the process of looking for accommodation for them because they are making money now…We could make use of them.

I am making full use of them.

“There is a house that is not in use right now and it used to be a government quarters in upper Sangre Grande. I’m looking at it to see how I can convert it into a place where these homeless persons can use it until they can become self-sufficient,” the chairman said.

Rondon said he got the idea for this project (using the homeless to maintain public spaces for a stipend) after visiting Letherbridge in Canada, where the same thing was done by the Mayor of Letherbridge, Chris Spearman.