In a release, the MICIT said the Ministry of Education has engaged the institute to repair furniture from 25 secondary schools in a pilot school furniture repair programme which began in July. Some 3,143 pieces of furniture are to be repaired before school opens.

The release quoted manager of the construction and facilities maintenance department (CFMD), Safiya Alexander, as saying, “While we have conducted itemised repairs, we intend to have repairs executed as needed throughout the school term. This way we create a buffer stock of school furniture to ensure that when repairs are needed, classes will continue without any disruption.” The programme has created employment for a number of MIC-IT graduates in welding, carpentry and joinery.

On the programme, the MIC-IT will repair and refurbish nine different types of school furniture. They include metal, wooden and upholstered chairs, metal and wooden stools, metal and wooden desks.

All furniture are to be delivered before the opening of the new school term. A total of 450 single-seat metal chairs have already been delivered to the El Dorado East Secondary School.

MIC-IT’s chief executive officer Anil Ramnarine said the continuous furniture repair programme meant, “There will be a full complement of maintained furniture throughout the academic year and no child will be turned away due to unavailable accommodation.” School supervisor 1, Sarran Mungal said wastage would be reduced through the re-utilisation of damaged furniture. “When we reduce, reuse and recycle, we are helping the environment as well as reducing the eyesore of piled furniture, which has become breeding grounds for pests in the school compound.” The MIC-IT said routine maintenance and prevention remains a far more cost-effective solution than allowing furniture to reach a state of complete disrepair.

The release added that while MIC-IT was known for its training and industry services and even engineering components its recently formed CFMD now provided high-quality, low cost, building and maintenance solutions to the construction industry.

Augustine was addressing the hundreds of supporters gathered yesterday at the Scarborough fishing depot to witness the swim protest which was led by THA Minority Leader Watson Duke.

From as early as 6.30am, people began gathering for the protest which was originally scheduled to begin at 8am.

It started about 30 minutes later.

Augustine said that the swim was not aimed at breaking any world record, but more so to highlight the issues associated with the seabridge affecting the people of Tobago.

“The prospect of swimming to Trinidad might appear to be a ridiculous one,” Augustine said.

“But it is ridiculous in nature so that we can highlight how ridiculous this situation has become.

It has to be ridiculous that they stood in the Parliament on May 28 last year and announced that we would have new boats built beyond our specifications and more than a year later, we still don’t have new boats.

In fact, they gave us the Cabo Star and the Ocean Flower II which withered before it got here.

It is ridiculous that a prime minister who claims to be a Tobagonian, but who really may be a Tobagonian by birth but became a Trinidadian by boat, will come to us and admit that there was corruption and still the minister still there, the Port (Authority) board is still there, and they suspend a man who they believe was leaking information.” Describing the task at hand as “herculean” Augustine said strong signals must be sent.

He said the business sector in Tobago and market vendors are suffering as they are unable to get produce to Tobago and others cannot go to Trinidad to get basic school books and supplies and legal documents cannot be filed.

Duke said the time has come for all of Tobago to stand together.

“This is not about Watson or Farley swimming,” he said.

“We are all amateur swimmers, we are not professional. So this is not some kind of foolish bravado where we are trying to test, that is not the idea. The idea is that they have put us into this position where swimming may be the only option because swimming is the only thing we have control over. We do not have control over the boats. When it is ready it shuts down, when it ready, it doesn’t come… swimming is the only thing. The time for Tobago’s deliverance is now.” The team arrived in Trinidad at approximately 2:06pm.

Alvarez said Independence Day is a good starting point for the population to work aggressively to solve, “the inefficiencies that have plagued us over the years.” He said this country has, “ the ability, personnel and strength to not only face the challenges of tomorrow but overcome them with gusto.” He called for an end to ethnic voting patterns and for citizens to vote for politicians who, “promote the best vision for moving our nation forward.” In calling for solutions for many of the nation’s problems, Alvarez supported the, “opening up our country through a new network of roads and a light rail system” as a solution for TT’s traffic congestion. He called for a reduction of TT’s food import bill and a new governance structure which advocates, “a top down model to a community based system where service to our citizens is paramount. “

In a release yesterday, the RIC said as part of its remit, it is responsible for prescribing and publishing standards for services of the utility.

A quality of service standards (QSS) scheme was first proposed in 2003 to ensure the authority provides and maintains an acceptable level of service to its customers. The commission said the standards were finalised after an extensive consultative process.

However they were never published in the TT Gazette and the RIC is now engaging in a second round of consultation.

The QSS covers broad areas of concern to customers.

These include the minimum water supply to be provided to customers; the time in which complaints are to be resolved; time in which a request for connection should be completed; and time to restore supply after an unplanned interruption.

The RIC said it uses a consultative approach in which stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft standards before they are finalised and published.

Members of the public are invited to the peruse the draft revised standards and provide comments and feedback to the Commission.

All comments must reach the RIC by October 23. The full draft standards document, as well as a summary of the standards, can be downloaded from the RIC’s website at: http:// www.ric.org.tt/consultations.

A printed copy can also be obtained from the RIC’s office at the Furness Building in Port of Spain.

Head coach Dennis Lawrence and the majority of his 26- man squad checked into the residential training camp at Cara Suites Hotel in Claxton Bay yesterday prior to a late evening training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium and immediately there was sense of focus and business-like approach to the few days ahead.

According to Jacksonville Armada midfielder Kevan George, “We have to believe in our ability.. that is what can make the difference for us. I am very motivated and personally I’m ready to play this evening if the match is changed to that time,” George told TTFA Media.

“We need max points.

There’s nothing like a tie in either of these two games.

We have to get in their faces more and obstruct their rhythm.

They are a team that likes to keep possession — especially in midfield — and they build on that momentum.

If we can disrupt their play early, especially as we are home, and try to impose ourselves then that will be a key for us.

We have to stay focused and not focus on the game against Panama. We have to take care of Honduras.

“The main thing is belief and we need the fans to get behind us and keep supporting.

It will be an adjustment playing at Ato Boldon but football is football so we will just get accustomed to the surface over a couple days.

Our main thing is just to make it uncomfortable for Honduras,” George added.

“People underestimate belief. I have seen a lot of crazy things happen in my short life span.

The coaches believe in us and we believe in ourselves as players and this is something we have to maintain right through to the final whistle on Friday,” he said.

Among the players already in camp along with the home-based pros are Minnesota United midfielder Kevin Molino, Mekeil Williams, Honduras- based duo Jan Michael Williams and Daneil Cyrus, Jomal Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Cordell Cato, Joevin Jones, Aubrey David, Carlyle Mitchell, Willis Plaza, Jamille Boatswain and George. El Salvador- based midfielder Leston Paul, European- based duo Radanfah Abu Bakr and Sheldon Bateau and US-based forward Trevin Caesar are all expected to join the camp soon.

Tickets remain on sale for the encounter at all NLCB Lotto Locations priced at $350 (covered) and $200 (uncovered.) Trinidad and Tobago’s Kevan George, left, says three points is mandatory against Honduras on Friday.

Philippe Coutinho is fit for Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, despite the midfielder not having played for Liverpool this season because of a stated back injury, a federation spokesman told ESPN Brasil.

Coutinho, 25, is attempting to force through a move to Barcelona and has been the club’s main transfer target this summer, with the Reds turning down three bids for him thus far, with the latest being worth a total of £118 million.

Though he has not appeared in any of Liverpool’s four games on the young campaign, he was called into Tite’s Brazil squad for the team’s matches against Ecuador and Colombia on August 31 and September 5, respectively.

And a CBF spokesman yesterday said the former Inter Milan man was without any injuries and will begin training with his teammates today.

Before joining the national team in Porto Alegre, Coutinho paid a quick visit on Sunday to Rio de Janeiro- based doctor Michael Simoni, who has known the former Vasco da Gama star for years.

With the transfer window closing on Thursday, there was speculation the midfielder had undergone a physical with Simoni ahead of a move.

However, Simoni denied there had been any examination when asked by ESPN Brasil.

“When he had surgery on his shoulder and stayed alone in Europe — he was very young — who helped was me. This was shortly after he moved to Europe. He called me [Sunday]. I didn’t examine him, nothing medical,” Simoni, who serves as Fluminense’s health director, explained.

“Belief in our ability and believing that we have what it takes.” That will be the sentiment echoing throughout the next few days in the Trinidad and Tobago camp ahead of Friday’s all-important 2018 World Cup Qualifying match against Honduras.

Head coach Dennis Lawrence and the majority of his 26- man squad checked into the residential training camp at Cara Suites Hotel in Claxton Bay yesterday prior to a late evening training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium and immediately there was sense of focus and business-like approach to the few days ahead.

According to Jacksonville Armada midfielder Kevan George, “We have to believe in our ability.. that is what can make the difference for us. I am very motivated and personally I’m ready to play this evening if the match is changed to that time,” George told TTFA Media.

“We need max points.

There’s nothing like a tie in either of these two games.

We have to get in their faces more and obstruct their rhythm.

They are a team that likes to keep possession — especially in midfield — and they build on that momentum.

If we can disrupt their play early, especially as we are home, and try to impose ourselves then that will be a key for us.

We have to stay focused and not focus on the game against Panama. We have to take care of Honduras.

“The main thing is belief and we need the fans to get behind us and keep supporting.

It will be an adjustment playing at Ato Boldon but football is football so we will just get accustomed to the surface over a couple days.

Our main thing is just to make it uncomfortable for Honduras,” George added.

“People underestimate belief. I have seen a lot of crazy things happen in my short life span.

The coaches believe in us and we believe in ourselves as players and this is something we have to maintain right through to the final whistle on Friday,” he said.

Among the players already in camp along with the home-based pros are Minnesota United midfielder Kevin Molino, Mekeil Williams, Honduras- based duo Jan Michael Williams and Daneil Cyrus, Jomal Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Cordell Cato, Joevin Jones, Aubrey David, Carlyle Mitchell, Willis Plaza, Jamille Boatswain and George. El Salvador- based midfielder Leston Paul, European- based duo Radanfah Abu Bakr and Sheldon Bateau and US-based forward Trevin Caesar are all expected to join the camp soon.

Tickets remain on sale for the encounter at all NLCB Lotto Locations priced at $350 (covered) and $200 (uncovered.)

Rowley took leadership of the ministry after Port-of-Spain South MP Marlene McDonald was appointed as minister and then fired within the space of three days.

Responding to the issue in a statement yesterday, the United National Congress (UNC) Opposition expressed amazement at, what it described as, “the sheer incompetence once again displayed by this Keith Rowley-led administration”.

The UNC said the latest development has brought to the forefront, once again, that the Government cannot accomplish the most basic tasks of being “in charge.” “The inability of the prime minister to fill a Cabinet vacancy, without incident, is a failure of leadership in the highest order. The action taken by the prime minister today is not a simple matter. He has acknowledged that the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago has been violated and that this breach, under his hand, has brought the Office of the President into disrepute, again. A remedy to this situation cannot simply be a reappointment of Mr. Le Hunte once his situation is “rectified”.

The UNC said President Anthony Carmona acted on the advice of the prime minister in appointing Le Hunte as a senator and minister, therefore the prime minister effectively ill-advised and mislead Carmona.

The OPM in its statement said Rowley will advise Carmona to re-appoint Le Hunte once his “situation is rectified” supposedly by Friday.

Senior government officials indicated the issue could be one of dual citizenship and it is being addressed.

They said the statement from the OPM is the Government’s official position on the matter. Several attempts to contact Le Hunte for comment were unsuccessful. Le Hunte’s retirement as executive director from HFC Bank (Ghana) Limited was announced on August 15 and 16 on the bank’s website. The announcement said he was leaving to take up a ministerial appointment in TT. After his swearing in at the Office of the President on Thursday last week, Le Hunte told reporters he had a successful four-year tenure at HFC Bank and was determined to use his business skills to serve as a government minister.

Attorney Kenneth Lalla SC said the attorney general is responsible for advising the prime minister and the Government pertaining to the law. While he said he did not know the facts of the matter, Lalla said the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs normally does checks to ensure government appointments adhere to constitutional requirements. He said the Constitution does not debar anyone who has dual citizenship from being appointed as a senator. However, he said anyone who is a citizen of another country and not a citizen of TT cannot be appointed as a senator.

Lalla said clarity must be provided in Le Hunte’s case. He did not believe Le Hunte was at fault in this matter.

UNC chairman David Lee described the situation as embarrassing and “another conundrum by the PNM government.” Lee said such a situation would never have arisen under the former Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration. “Where is the due diligence by the Office of the Attorney General?” Lee asked. He also claimed the situation reflected a lack of integrity by Le Hunte. Lee said Le Hunte was no stranger to the political arena and should have known what are the requirements to be appointed as a senator.

James O’Connor’s film To Be A Renegade, captures the story of the bp Renegades through an examination of the violent beginnings of pan, the era of change, and its present state as a positive influence on communities, with steelbands now travelling abroad as international ambassadors.

Featuring players, founding members and supporters, the documentary funded by bpTT seeks to show what it really means to be a Renegade. As part of its support for the film, bpTT is sponsoring a free screening on September 22, 8.30 pm, at MovieTowne, Port of Spain. Tickets will be available from the box office on a first-comefirst- served basis, at the start of the festival.

Birdsong by Vibert Medford, follows Mia Gormandy — the first woman to be appointed arranger for birdsong, during one night of practice as she prepares the band for the 2017 Panorama competition.

Founded in 1973 at the UWI, the band later moved to Tunapuna, becoming an integral part of the community, creating employment, providing music literacy training and facilitating educational scholarships among other pursuits.

The name birdsong was chosen from inception to reflect the band’s desire to make music as sweet and melodic as the sound of birds.

To Be An All Star captures the extraordinary energy of one of the big moments of Carnival 2017, when the Massy Trinidad All Stars won the Large Bands Panorama finals.

Both birdsong and To Be An All Star will screen on September 24, as part of Feature T+T, the ttff ’s day-long celebration of local films at MovieTowne Port of Spain, San Fernando and Tobago.

Feature T+T is part of the country’s celebration of Patriotism Month and is sponsored by the Ministry of Community Development Culture and the Arts.

Tickets cost $30.

The pan films are part of the more than 34 short and feature films that will screen at this year’s festival.

For more info: ttfilmfestival.com

“The Government must consider an economic recovery and reconstruction plan to be incorporated into the upcoming budget which will provide support for businesses threatened by the current recessionary conditions.” He said with businesses unable to meet their loan and mortgage payments, Government could not be a silent spectator to their plight.

“The Government must intervene with support mechanisms to save small to medium size businesses in particular, as the failure of businesses at this level and their closing down can have serious social impacts in this society.

“The loss of businesses built up over several years and which would have contributed to economic activity, employment, revenue through taxes etcetera, must be avoided as it can also seriously impact upon entrepreneurial activity.” Rambachan urged the Government to help stem any further dwindling of the middle class who were important for economic recovery and growth.

He said, “The situation is not irretrievable but requires firm and quick decision-making and a formula for recovery which includes wealth-sharing strategies through encouraging competitiveness and higher productivity.

“A real cultural revolution is required nationally.”

Playing at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground, Moruga, Club Sando Moruga edged the league leaders by a 1-0 margin, with Jesse Edwards finding the back of the net in the 42nd minute.

Guaya remain atop the standings with 29 points, with FC Santa Rosa next on 25.

Santa Rosa registered a 2-0 win over Cunupia FC at the Arima Velodrome, with new signing Ryan Stewart opening the scoring with a 54th minute freekick while Rashad Griffith converted a penalty five minutes later.

Defence Force moved up one spot to third on the standings despite a 2-2 draw against Siparia Spurs at the Petrotrin Sports Club Ground, Fyzabad.

Chris Collins put Siparia ahead in the 25th minute before Defence Force responded with items from Dwayne Calliste (40th) and Jabari Andall (59th). However, Marcus Kelly ensured that the hosts will get a share of the points when he got Siparia’s second, in the 64th.

Queen’s Park got a double from Devon Modeste as they defeated cellar-placed Bethel United 3-1 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field, Mucurapo.

Modeste scored in the 41st and 90th minutes, after Jabari Raphael broke the deadlock for the Parkites, in the 28th. Kleon Melville got Bethel’s consolation, four minutes into added-on time in the second half.

1976 Phoenix FC earned a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Police at the Police Barracks, St Joseph. Colin Williams found the back of the net for the lawmen in the 14th but Phoenix replied through veteran Lejandro Williams (22nd) and Kaleb Douglas (62nd).

Another team who rallied from a goal down to prevail 2-1 were WASA, in their home encounter against the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ).

The home fans at the WASA Ground in St Joseph were silenced when Ishmael Daniel put UTT in front after 53 minutes but Dillon Peterson evened the scores in the 77th. And, in stoppage time, Phillip Nelson got his name on the scoresheet to guarantee full points for the hosts.

Other Results – League One (Saturday) At Frederick Settlement Recreation Ground, Caroni: CENTRAL 500 SP ART ANS (3) – Deon Flatts 35th; Donovan Derrick 37th; Josiah Grazette 78th vs HARLEM STR IKERS (1) – Akil London 48th.

At Diego Martin North Secondary School: PETIT VALLEY/DIEGO MART IN UNITED (4) – Eric Charles 10th; Kerwin Bonnette 21st; Karamo Samuel 59th; Ishaq Abdullah 89th vs MARABELLA FCC (1) – Keron Mason 80th.

At Youth Training Centre Ground, Arouca: PERSEVERANCE BALL RUNNERS (2) – Glenwell John; Kiedel Glasgow vs PR ISONS FC (1) – Ricardo Alleyne 23rd.

Mohammed’s spell of five for 10 helped reduce Hard Drive to 56 all out in chase of 84 for victory.

Christopher Vincent took 2/15 for CSK, while Romel Rampersad and Kapil Ramcharan scored 15 and 12 respectively for Hard Drive.

Batting first, CSK posted 83/6 with Salim Hosein scoring 28, Arshad Mohammed cracking 23 and Kevon Ramdhanie contributing 17. Dinesh Ragbir was the best bowler for Hard Drive taking 2/12.

S U M M A R I S E D SCORES: CSK 83/6 (Salim Hosein 28, Arshad Mohammed 23, Kevon Ramdhanie 17; Dinesh Ragbir 2/12) vs Hard Drive 56 (Romel Rampersad 15, Kapil Ramcharan 12; Jesse Mohammed 5/10, Christopher Vincent 2/15).

CSK won by 27 runs.

Tacarigua Royals 55/8 (Ricky Ali 12; Roland Pierre 3/11, Dane George 2/8) vs Club House 56/4 (Keith Ramasray 13, Phillip Aberdeen 13, Reynold Roach 10; Mukesh Partap 2/7). Club House won by six wickets.

90.5 Bamboo Allstars 36 (Stephan Ramkissoon 3/6, Teron Jadoo 3/10, Rajin Kanhai 2/4) vs Five Rivers 39/1 (Stefan Wharwood 26, Tevon Jadoo 10). Five Rivers won by nine wickets.

Savannah 52/8 (Perry Lezama 19; Stephen Joseph 3/5, Archie Ambie 2/6) vs A&U Combined Forces 53/4 (Bertram James 19, James Jack 14) A&U. Combined Forces won by six wickets.

Drifters 77/6 (Hospedales Singh 27, Gregory Webb 25, Augustus Ali 11; Shehan De Silva 5/9) vs 4&G Xmen 54/9 (Kirk Alfred 11; Roger Millien 3/4, Augustus Ali 4/10). Drifters won by 23 runs.

El Dorado 21 (Avian Mejias 3/10, Gavin Mathura 2/5) vs S&S Web Source 24/2 (Kevin Permal 12, Rajin Kumar 10). S&S Web Source won by eight wickets.