Responding to a question in the Senate, Imbert said he was advised that on November 11, most of the workers returned to Trinidad House, with the exception of workers on the first floor.

He said those workers were initially relocated to the St George West district office while the floor was sanitised and have since returned to Trinidad House. Imbert said all necessary precautions were taken to ensure the health and safety of the workers. He also indicated that a thorough assessment of the building by the Portof- Spain City Corporation and Rentokill did not find any evidence of a rat infestation at the building as alleged by the Public Services Association (PSA).

Imbert indicated the proper procedure under the Occupational Health and Safety Act was not followed in this matter.

Assuria Insurances, a member of the Assuria Group, took over two Trinidadian companies – Gulf Insurance Ltd in April 2013 and Mega Insurance Company Limited in 2015.

The Assuria Group is a holding company comprising five operating companies: a life insurance company, a general insurance company, a medical insurance company and two investment companies, the first of which invests in the international capital market and the second in Surinamese companies.

Speaking to reporters following the re-opening of Gulf Insurance’s San Fernando branch, Assuria Group commercial director, Mario Merhai, stated that an assessment had been undertaken by the Group before making its investments in 2013.

“From the moment we decided that we would invest in the Trinidad and Tobago market, that in itself was a sign of confidence because we access the current state of the market and the future developments,” Merhai said.

“We know that the Caribbean as a whole are suffering from economic difficulties but our philosophy is that those difficulties should not discourage you,” he said, adding, “I think this is a show of confidence in the Trinidad and Tobago market, we still believe there is growth opportunity here and there is also need from customers for a different type of insurance.” “We think that operating in the Caribbean creates a more stable operation if you take your operation outside your country and try to diversify regionally, that’s why we looked at Guyana and we looked at Trinidad and Tobago. Gulf itself does not only operate in Trinidad so the position of Gulf gave us the opportunity to acquire business in other Caribbean countries as well which, in our view, diversifies the financial base and the consumer base and the growth base of the company and we will continue looking for good opportunities in the Caribbean primarily and not necessarily only in the Caribbean,” he said.

In full agreement was Gulf Insurance managing director, Jason Clarke, who pointed out that most economies experienced “peaks and valleys” and the company was “strengthening” itself for the coming economic peak.

“You will end up ascending back to where you were before so what we are doing is putting our house in order, re-strengthening our foundations so when that time comes, when the economy starts to go back in the ascension, we are right there to hopefully reap some of the benefits,” Clarke said.

He said the completely redesigned offices were to ensure that the company offered a world class environment for both its staff and customers.

“What we are look- ing to do is reorganise the organisation in a way that is world class, our theme is world class and we also want to ensure that your staff is always offering world class services now for us to do that you have to make sure that they are in an environment that is comfortable, warm, welcoming, accommodating,” he said, adding, “if you have a happy employee, you should have a happy customer and that is one of the elements.”

In association with UWI’s Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), SALISES holds a forum on, “GATE: The Future of Higher Education and Development”, today at 10 am at the Institute of International Relations, UWI, St Augustine.

The forum will discuss ideas such as, “Who is most impacted by GATE reform and why? How do we define development and who determines national developmental needs? Is higher education a right or a privilege?”.

The panel consists of Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Dr Lovell Francis; UWI deputy principal, Prof Rhoda Reddock; UWI lecturer in economics, Dr Daren Conrad; and UWI Guild president, Makesi Peters.

Chair is Dr Angelique Nixon of the IGDS.

On Friday, SALISES hosts a forum, “US Presidential Elections 2016: Where do we go from here?” at 10 am at the Noor Hassanali Auditorium, UWI, St. Augustine.

The panel will discuss issues such as, “Does it really matter who won? Will pre-election concerns about internal unrest and worldwide conflagration materialise? What does it all mean for the immigrant population in the US, in particular the Caribbean diaspora?”.

The panel consists of US Embassy political-economic chief, Dexter Payne; DOMA head, Gregory Aboud; journalist Mark Wilson; UWI lecturer, Dr Indira Rampersad.

SALISES head, Dr Patrick Watson, will chair the talks

At a press conference on the Greens of the Scarborough Port on Monday, and with the cargo vessel, the Superfast Galicia berthed in the background, Moore said THA representatives on the Port’s Board, Ken Wright and Melissa James, must resign and show Tobagonians that ‘this fight is ours’.

She said Wright and James must put aside party affiliation and show solidarity with the people of Tobago who continues to suffer and face tremendous hardships under the present management of the Port Authority.

Moore contended that Wright and James were on a board “that is supposed to serve the people of Tobago and serve the transport needs of the people of Tobago and it is not being done”.

Noting that the cargo vessel, the Superfast Galicia, has been sitting at the Scarborough port since Saturday, Moore said the vessel could not oper ate on the seabridge because a cruise ship was docked in Trinidad “When a cruise ship comes to Port of Spain, Tobagonians can’t eat, can’t bury their dead, trucks can’t come up, goods can’t come up and nothing could go down,” she contended as she called on Tobagonians to stop taking this kind of treatment from the Port authorities.

Moore said that the Tobago Forwards has taken up the issue of the poor ferry service because it felt that the needs of Tobagonians were more important that the cruise ship. “Until the government and the THA start to treat with Tobagonians as if they are more important than what is going on in Trinidad, then Tobago will continue to be stagnant and continue to be suffering because Port of Spain want us to suffer and THA doesn’t say a word,” said Moore.

She said the operations of the ferry service demands accountability, and that a Tobago Forwards administration will demand accountability from the Port Authority, from the Inter-island Transport Company and from the company that is responsible for berthing facilities in Trinidad.

Moore said that no one is authority was concerned about the harships Tobagonains were experiencing because of the poor service provided by the Port on managing the sailings of the ferries because it appears that “if it happens in Tobago, it does not really happen.” Moore said that with funds in excess of $40 billion having passed through Tobago over the past 16 years of the PNM administration of the THA, the island should have its own ferry by now.

Moore said Tobago Forwards would be committed to acquiring another vessel for the sea bridge within 12 months of being in office.

Moore said a Tobago Forwards administration will do this for Tobago because the Port Authority and the inter- island transport company and successive government administrations in Trinidad have all failed the island.

Delivering the keynote address at a gala dinner hosted in honour of heads of Diplomatic Missions to this country at the University Inn and Conference Centre, St Augustine, Carmona said he acknowledged the concerns of some world leaders about the ICC but regarded it as powerful intervention in discharging equity and justice for all. The President noted that while leaders have highlighted what they consider to be the Court’s shortcomings, few had taken the time to offer solutions.

“As a former International Criminal Court Judge, I have concerns about sentiments of withdrawal, expressed by some of our world leaders,” he told guests, who included Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses.

“We need to work at creating solutions rather than stating problems. This International Criminal Justice System in the form of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a burgeoning one and as in every national system when envisaged problems arise with national institutions we do not resile to a dismantling of that institution.

We find solutions.” To this end, Carmona said he looked forward to “critical, mediative collaboration” with regard to the issues arising out of the mandate of the ICC, established in 2002, “to ensure that justice is meted out to all without exception who commit genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression.” During his address, Carmona also lauded the contribution of several international diplomats in advancing pressing humanitarian challenges and global developmental initiatives.

Closer at home, Carmona praised the input of the diplomats in promoting youth empowerment in this country through the Office of the President.

“I am convinced that this initiative taking place at the Office of the President can change the world,” he said.

La Rose, who has 35 years experience as a coach, is aiming to compete in as many tournaments as possible in an effort to qualify for the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

La Rose gets help from the TT Paralympic Committee, but he still needs additional assistance to make his Olympic journey become a reality. La Rose, who competes in the Wheelchair Class Five category is hoping to begin his Olympic journey at a tournament in Costa Rica from December 7 to 11, before competing at a tournament in Las Vegas from December 13-17.

La Rose stated, “well I have been competing in Costa Rica for the last three years trying to qualify for the Olympics but because of a lack of funding I miss the Olympics this year.

“I decided I will start the journey this year and try to see if I can get sponsorship and support for the next four years to ensure that at the end of the four years I will be ready for the (2020) Olympics.” La Rose did not participate in enough tournaments leading up to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil and as a result did not earn enough qualification points to earn a place.

La Rose, who has been coaching Carenage Blasters for the past 12 years, says he will be grateful for any support he can get.

“Whatever support I can get along the way I would appreciate that.” La Rose is hoping his dream can become a reality. “That has been my long life dream, that is the dream,” he mused.

Persons interested in supporting La Rose can contact him at 732- 5544.

The ARC, because of insufficient entries was forced to cancel the sixth race of their planned programme.

And they have extended entrioes for three races, the seventh, eighth and ninth until 9 am today.

The six races for which overnight entries were taken so far, shows some good fields with 66 horses entered.

Interest will be high in the struggle for the champion jockey title, and turfites will be wise to follow the top two riders the rest of the season.

Champion Prayven Badrie (36) who is in a roaring battle to keep his crown, and challenger Ronald “Tiger” Ali (40) who currently holds a four-winner lead.

So far, Badrie has been booked for five rides on Race Day 39, while Ali has six bookings.

Alsom the title for champion apprentice is very close with two kilo claimer Jovika Boodramsingh, a cousin of ex-champion Brian Boodramsingh and three kilo claiming Ridge Balgobin.

Both youngsters have landed 12 winners each.

Meanwhile, on Saturday turfites will have a single winner bonus on the Hi5 of over $26,000 to aim for.

Potts is being represented by attorneys Egon Embrack and Alexei Mc Kell in the matter.

Yesterday the boxing promoter revealed to the media a pre-action protocol letter dated November 7 which stated that on Thursday September 6, 2012 (contents repeated thereafter); Saturday March 2, 2013 and Saturday February 15, 2014, guest speakers and callers on Radio I95.5 Sports on a panel hosted by Baptiste, were alleged to have made and were allowed to make defamatory statements on live radio which were allegedly libellous of Potts. Potts and his lawyers are asking for a response to the pre-action protocol letter within 28 days of the date of the letter.

The letter stated, “consequently, our client has suffered significant financial loss and damage to his reputation due to defamation of character by reason of the making and airing of libellous words/statements set out below that you falsely and unlawfully published, authorized to be published and/or authored and published in failing to comply with the tenets of responsible journalism on or about Thursday, September 6, 2012; Saturday March 2, 2013; Saturday, February 15, 2014.” The letter added, “The subject broadcasts have negatively impacted his (Potts) family and his marketability as he has been brought into disrepute before your listeners; individual or corporate.

Our client has since been relieved of his post as Special Advisor to the Boxing Board as a result of the subject defamatory broadcasts.” Potts’ lawyers argue that “blatantly untrue” comments were made about their clients’ jockey and boxing careers which were “sensationally condemnatory, provocative and accusatory…” In addition, due to Potts’ standing as Chairman of the WBC Central America and the Caribbean, Amateur and Youth Pro League, the comments, they allege, have “damaged Mr Potts locally and otherwise and have negative far reaching effects regionally and internationally.” Potts is asking for $1,724,000 for compensation.

“In addition, by not having his contract as Special Advisor renewed for the next four years, our client has suffered loss of income after tax in the sum of $1,224,000. We believe that in addition to recovery of the special loss of income stated above, a fair, reasonable and minimum quantum of damages in the sum of $500,000 as monetary compensation together with a published Retraction of and Apology for the defamatory statements would suffice to remedy the claim.”

Santa Rosa remained atop the standings with 42 points, three more than the Army-Coast Guard combination.

Defence Force, buoyed by their home fans at the Defence Force headquarters, held a 2-0 halftime lead with goals from Akil Morris, in the 39th minute, and former Trinidad and Tobago defender Keston Williams, three minutes later.

But Santa Rosa rallied in the second half to earn a share of the points. Kevon Cornwall halved the deficit in the 62nd minute and the consistent Keron Clarke struck in the 79th for the visitors. Club Sando Moruga jumped one spot to third after a 2-1 win over Matura ReUnited at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground. Also, Police slipped to fourth spot after they drew their encounter 2-2 against Siparia Spurs at the St James Barracks; Guaya United registered a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over cellar- placed Marabella Family Crisis Centre at Guaracara Park; 1976 FC Phoenix held off a late charge from Bethel United to prevail 3-2; Queen’s Park and Petrotrin Palo Seco fought to a 2-2 draw in St Clair

We should be eating a maximum of five percent of our daily calories from added sugars.

However, the most recent UK survey showed that children are getting almost 12-16 percent of their daily calories from added sugar.

Eating too much sugar can often mean we’re eating too many calories and if we don’t use them, our body will store them as fat.

This can lead to weight gain and if this happens to our children, it’s very likely they will carry it into their adolescent and adult years, becoming overweight or obese.

With this in mind, how much free sugar should our kids have and is it really that bad? There is room for a little bit of sugar in children’s diets, but these foods and drinks should only be seen as occasional treats, never the norm. High sugar foods tend to have fewer vitamins and minerals, and they may start to replace nutritious foods kids need to grow and develop.

Foods to be aware of Biscuits, some breakfast cereals, pasta sauces, cakes, chocolates, sweets, fizzy drinks and fruit juice are all considered high in sugar.

Almost a quarter of free sugar in our children’s diet comes from sugary drinks, and one single can of fizzy drink contains approximately nine teaspoons of sugar.

Some people believe that diet effects children’s behaviour, and that children become more hyperactive when they have sugar and are less likely to concentrate at school. This is a hotly debated topic and many parents say it dramatically affects their child’s behaviour.

Scientifically speaking, there are no published studies to confirm this is the case. What we do know though is that sugar can lead to tooth decay, which is the biggest cause of hospital admissions among children.

Health experts, including the British Dental, Dietetic and Medical Associations are calling for the government to take serious action and introduce a 20 percent sugar tax.

Top tips and simple swaps Swap high sugar breakfast cereals for 50:50 or granary toast, crumpets, bagels, plain yogurt with fruit or porridge with berries.

Make sure you read the label as some cereals position themselves as high fibre and healthy, yet contain high levels of sugar. At weekends, try scrambled or poached eggs on toast for a tasty alternative.

Instead of cakes, pastries, biscuits or sweets, try a plain scone, unsalted nuts, bread sticks, fruit and vegetable sticks, oat or rice cakes with a small amount of peanut butter, sliced banana, cheese or hummus.

Rather than fizzy drinks, try sparkling water with a small amount of unsweetened fruit juice. Try ice cold milk, or you could blend some fruit, ice and milk and make a healthy, nutritious alternative.

Why not bake a fruit crumble or tart without adding much sugar, or try one of a sugar-free bakes. Add a drizzle of cream and this will be a healthier alternative to jelly and ice-cream and most other puddings.

Plain yogurt with lots of berries, or fruit salad are other options you can choose. Get your kids involved with preparing and cooking food.

If they’ve helped out, they’re more likely to eat it.

Be a role model – children tend to copy behaviour so if they see you eating a healthy diet, they will too. The advice isn’t to just cut down on sugar – demonising one ingredient isn’t always very helpful.

We should encourage our children to eat healthier snacks and have more nutritious drinks, eat more fruit and vegetables and increase fibre by having wholemeal and wholegrain options.

Being really active is also key, and encouraging different sports and activities is equally as important.