Why? Because an innocent wife, mother and grandmother, Sally- Ann Cuffie, had her hands seriously damaged by a scratch bomb which was thrown into her car recently.

Her valiant effort to save the lives of her grandchildren, at her own expense, must never be forgotten.

For years, citizens have been complaining about this menace.

We have been studiously ignored by the powers that be.

Our politicians are a bunch of cowards for their failure to permanently ban scratch bombs in TT .

This health and safety threat to the citizens of TT first started gathering steam under the Patrick Manning PNM. They did nothing.

It picked up under the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led PP and got exponentially worse. They also did nothing.

Now, under the Dr Keith Rowley- led PNM, it certainly appears as if they, as well, are going to do nothing.

I suppose the only way action will be taken is if Cuffie was the mother or wife of a sitting or past politician.

LINUS F DIDIER Mt Hope

Victory for Clinton would make her the first woman to be elected as US President.

The BBC last night reported that,” final opinion polls suggest no clear advantage for either Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump. A final result is expected towards midnight Eastern Time (0500 GMT).” Clinton and Trump each need a total of 270 votes from the 50 states in the US to be elected President.

Among those voting for Clinton and encouraging others via social media to come out and vote for her were several Trini-born American citizens. In Chicago, Illinois (Clinton’s hometown), Anjanette Chan Tack cast her, “first vote (ever) in a national general election.” A student at the University of Chicago, Chan Tack said, “I dressed up in a Hillary Clinton-eque pantsuit, in honor of our fierce candidate…Come on, America. Let’s do this! #ImWithHer #Lets- MakeHistory.” Patrick Chin Hong in New York in a post on his Facebook page said, “As an immigrant eligible for the very first time to cast a ballot, I voted this morning with more than a heart full of civic pride and urgency. This is now my country, my dream, too. Get up. Get out. Go vote.” Chard Chan Tack, in Brooklyn New York, showed his support for Clinton posting a video from.

Occupy Democrats called Trump Endorses Clinton, Says He’s A Democrat.” Tarcisio Reynes in Florida did his part to encourage people to vote by posting a photo o himself with a sticker, showing he had voted. The post read, “This is a test. This is only a test. No action is required.” Stacey Lowe, a TT national who also lives in Florida, said, “Go vote … if you haven’t already . I you don’t vote, you really do by default “ Wayne Garanito, a pilot, posted, “Glad I am flying to get all this Political BS away from me. Easy Trip.” A photo on Garanito’s Facebook page showed the flight path which his plane was taking from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Even TT nationals living in Europe weighed on the election.

In England, Edmund Nigel Gall posted a photo on his Facebook page.”The latest example of the dangerous kind of stupid that’s over-represented in the Donald Trump camp. This is Sky News reporter Amanda Walker’s report from Trump’s rally last night in Manchester, New Hampshire. Just over three mins long, so I can understand your reluctance to listen because you’re now allergic to Trump’s voice.” Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee- Scoon, who was Foreign Affairs Minister in 2009, said this country would support any democratically elected president.

Then and current Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar opposed TT ’s hosting of the Summit of the Americas. Sports Minister Darryl Smith praised outgoing US President Barack Obama. Smith said, “As we bid adieu to one of the greatest leaders, I thank you as you left an indelible mark on my political life, encouraging me to be the change I want to see and stand firm in what I believe in.” Among the persons who liked Smith’s comment was his Cabinet colleague, Housing Minister Randall Mitchell.

Former government minister Tina Gronlund Nunez posted on her Facebook page, “Hillary currently leads the VoteCastr live exit polls in Florida, Iowa, NH, Wisc, PA Nevada and Ohio.” The BBC last night reported tha,” final opinion polls suggest no clear advantage for either Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump. A final result is expected towards midnight Eastern Time (0500 GMT).”

THANKS to my cousin, within these past couple of weeks I have watched more episodes of Scandal than I’d ever like to admit. Starting from Season 1 allowed me to really take the scandalous scenes that we know the US government is capable of, and with being a US citizen myself, the scent of conspiracy is flying through the air during this election day. Though I didn’t physically have to be there, I went back in time to cast my vote and the scene was ridiculous.

I am assigned to a district within a predominantly African American neighbourhood and due to one of the candidates coming across as extremely racist, the hope was that it would get African American voters out to the polls in order to make sure the other candidate won.

Though the voting location that everyone in the neighbourhood attended was very crowded by the time that I got there, it wasn’t because more people than usual were coming out to vote, it was because out of the three machines that were designated for this district only one was working. A process that usually takes no more than a half hour, took nearly two hours.

People were coming out to vote before attending work but were getting caught in a line that they couldn’t leave.

At around 11.15 or 11.30 am, the only machine that was working stopped. Though a machine not working isn’t something new that voters or election board workers have seen, to have them all stop working during an election like this, where more than ever the feeling that every vote counts and especially in a minority neighbourhood, made suspicions fly.

Voters that were still waiting in the line, were given the option to cast an emergency vote which allowed them to drop their votes in a box for the workers to scan within the machines at a later time.

With some people running out of time to head back to work, they had no choice. If they left without casting their vote, they couldn’t come back to do it, so though sceptical, they dropped their ballots within the emergency box and left.

The majority consensus, however, was really distrustful of the idea that their votes may somehow be “lost” or not counted if they entrusted it to the workers, so they stayed on line and waited it out. At around 12 pm the technician came and fixed the three machines. As one line finally split into three, sighs of relief swept over the entire crowd, for voters more than happy to finally get this over with. Though polls opened from 6 am, with the confusion and anxiety associated with this election, I wouldn’t be surprised if more time is needed to count and recount the ballots. Lets just hope it’s a vote that the world can handle.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday a concerned relative said that reports of their loved one being seen in Venezuela was just one of many “sightings” that only cause further anxiety among family members.

“We are hearing all kinds of things, where she is and what caused her to be kidnaped,” the relative told Newsday.

“We are hearing she might be here, there and everywhere. We have searched and don’t know where to search again. Fingers are pointing in all directions even within the family.” On September 22, the lives of Sookdeo’s husband Mark, children Elena, nine and Torres, five, her parents Frankie and Chandra Rajkumar along with other close relatives and friends were disrupted when the young mother was dragged out of her red Nissan X-Trail vehicle and bundled into a similar black vehicle and driven off. No one has heard or seen her since that fateful day.

On October 30, a video with little Torres with hands clasped tightly in prayer, begging God to return his mother to them, went viral on social media.

It evoked numerous responses.

While admitting that persons visiting to offer support have dwindled, the relative told Newsday they continue to hold out hope that Sookdeo will return sooner rather than later.

Roger Plaza is said to be in a stable condition after being shot while at John Lane in D’Abadie.

According to earlier reports Plaza, along with Frank Joseph, Kevin Plaza and Ricardo Singh, were at John Lane, when an unregistered grey Nissan AD wagon pulled alongside the group.

The occupants of the car alighted the vehicle, guns in hand and began shooting in the direction of the group. Joseph, Plaza and Singh were all killed.

Plaza (Roger) along with bystander Debisette Noray, were both wounded when the shooting started. Plaza was rushed to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where he remains warded.

Kevin Plaza and Frank Joseph, who were both killed in the incident, will be laid to rest on Thursday, after a joint funeral service which will be held at the Santa Rosa RC Church, at about 2 pm. Northern Division Police, and homicide detectives are continuing investigations into the incident.

“That decline (in employment) is also reflected in the numerous letters I receive on my desk informing me of retrenchments,” Baptiste- Primus who told media, at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, that there has been no slow down in the number of these letters since the beginning of this year and the current period. She said from her own recollection, between September 2015 and September 2015, there have been more 2,000 retrenchments.

Baptiste Primus noted that figures from smaller businesses may not be captured here as businesses are only required to inform the ministry when there have been five or more retrenchments. The labour minister was optimistic however, that measures being taken by government to stimulate the economy through the construction sector would re-absorb some of these workers.

Seeing an opportunity to capitalise on this demand, the young duo began taking orders at their office for fresh fish and seasonings, drawn mostly from Thomas’ home town in Las Cuevas and Renie’s family greenhouse in Piarco.

As a plus, both also shared a love for food and cooking with fresh ingredients – a passion which won the approval of their customers.

So favourable was the response, Thomas and Renie eventually left their promising careers to begin d’Market Movers Ltd, a Barataria- based company which combined health and convenience The focus on health and convenience underpinned the company’s philosophy during its embryonic stage, but Thomas and Renie quickly realised that sourcing the freshest ingredients proved somewhat of a challenge: they needed to create an online platform that customers could access readily, anywhere, anytime.

They dismissed the idea of opening “a traditional brick and mortar business,” saying that apart from being terribly expensive, the arrangement also would have limited their customers to commuting to a fixed location.

Thomas and Renie also understood that establishing the business would have been a challenge given the limited number of online businesses within TT , as well as the complete non-existence of online agri-businesses at the time of inception.

But they were determined to make a go of it and are pleased with the success they have enjoyed thus far.

Today, after just seven years in operation, d’Market Movers has been short-listed for the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s 2016 Champions of Business Award in the category of Emerging Entrepreneur.

The event is being held on Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wrightson Road, Portof- Spain.

“We feel humbled and appreciative but along with that we feel re-ignited in a sort of way,” the duo said of their selection for the prestigious award.

“We have always been driven individuals, motivated by the tremendous feedback from customers, local suppliers and farmers.

This recognition has some how given us a new fire to continue to blaze the trail towards an ever promising future.” With the slogan, Bringing The Market Home To You, d’Market Movers is an online health food store delivering fresh meats and dairy products to clients in homes, offices, restaurants and other facilities.

However, the company also produces a line of fruits under the brand, Farm & Function, and hosts a monthly farm dining food event called Moving Table.

Essentially, the Moving Table is a farm to table dining event which showcases fresh ingredients from Market Movers through an all-local menu.

This monthly event was designed as a marketing tool to engage customers and potential clients on how eating local, fresh ingredients can empower them to support and buy more local goods.

Since then, the Moving Table has become a recognised brand and continues to show innovations through food and experiences.

Renie told Newsday that developing an agri-oriented business has been a major challenge.

“On a scale of zero to difficult we would say very difficult,” she said.

“Developing an agri-business in Trinidad and Tobago already has its challenges, managing one that utilises ICT even more so. “These two pillars of our business often bump heads as traditional practices within the agriculture sector doesn’t absorb new technologies very quickly.

“With any relatively new business, there have been challenges both internally as well as within the agriculture sector which impacts on business significantly.” However, Renie, who holds a degree in International Studies, observed that things have improved over the years with farmers utilising new technologies in the field to improve overall efficiency.

“We are excited and motivated to be a part of this landscape,” she said.

Thomas, who also dabbled in farming over ten years, said the company has enjoyed steady and continuous growth since its inception – a situation which he feels highlights the fact that there is a burgeoning agri-tech sector in TT .

Renie and Thomas marvel at the strides they have made in business since taking that bold step to establish d’Market Movers in 2009.

They recalled the initial scepticism to their decision, even among those closest to them.

“Having a partnership lent to a sort of balance that allowed us to spend less time convincing friends and family, who were not angry but rather unenthused with the idea of chasing entrepreneurial dreams,” Thomas and Renie said on their company’s website.

“Calling oneself an entrepreneur seven years ago was almost taboo and often perceived as you were unemployed and living off your parents. Despite these obstacles, we knew that we had to prove our concept and bring health and convenience to the masses.” The project also enabled them to realise their full potential.

“This partnership gave us a real sense of validation, acting at times like a compass at sea when all seemed lost,” they said.

They said having the insight of each-other’s views also helped balance “this force” even further.

Thomas described himself as a free spirit with an imaginative persona, while Renie said she was more technical and diligent.

“It helped us strike a balance to navigate the core values of Market Movers which, to date, have positively impacted the lives of over 700 online retail users, over 1,000 corporate staff and wholesale customers throughout the country,” the business partners said on their website. Having consistently received meagre allocations in national budgets over the years, agriculture is often perceived as one of the country’s sidelined sectors.

But with talk of economic diversification in the face of growing austerity, Thomas said the sector required a lot more development, beginning with the consumer.

He said: “The agriculture is one that certainly requires a lot more development and I believe it begins with the consumer.

There needs to be a change in the direction of developing or reinstating a taste for locally produced food.

“If people are buying it, farmers are going to plant it. In order for it to have any impact on the economy, the money needs to be spent here. The Government can also play a part by having a role in crop selection which would help regulate gluts in the market aside from seasonal fruits,” Thomas added.

Asked what he felt can be done to significantly reduce the country’s food import bill, which currently stands at about $5 billion, Thomas said simply: “Buy more locally- produced foods.” Renie had some wise words for up and coming entrepreneurs.

“Share, share, and share some more,” she advised.

“When we first began our business, the entrepreneurial culture was somewhat closed off, everyone had the next big idea and as such, kept it to themselves. However, we found that partnering with others, sharing ideas, creating networks, actually strengthened our business and helped us access resources faster and avoid costly mistakes.” Renie also urged young entrepreneurs to “love your business but don’t fall in love with it.” “Being in love can make you blind to major flaws that exist and even causes you to make up excuses and blame everything else but the problem.” She further advised that they be confident about their ideas and ensure that it is tried and tested.

The duo is hoping to see their brand as the leader in health and convenience with online distribution hubs throughout the region.

“We also hope to continue to be the voice for agricultural sustainability and a major part of the eat local movement in Through our Moving Table, farm to table events,” they said.

For the diabetic patient/client it is essential to incorporate foods that are good sources of dietary fibre such whole grains, ground provision (sweet potatoes, yam, dasheen, green banana), legumes adequate servings of vegetables (bhagi , spinach, pak choy, melongene, cucumber, lettuce, watercress, cauliflower, and cabbage, but limit carrots, pumpkin, and beetroot). Also fruits (at least two servings per day moderate to small in size such as a small banana, small apple, 1 ? cup watermelon cubes, ? cup fruit juice), along with foods from animals (egg, low-fat or skim milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, chicken without the skin, and lean meats), and fats and oils (avocado, butter, peanut butter and include in meal preparation vegetable oil, olive oil).

In working with the diabetic meal plan, consider portion sizes.

A sample sample breakfast can comprise: one small apple, one slice whole wheat toast with vegetables and one ounce chicken strips, one small bowl tossed salad and one glass low-fat milk.

Using a practical approach People diagnosed with diabetes or those who might have a family history should schedule one or two nutrition education sessions with the registered dietitian, prior to planning the menu; also the medications prescribed should be taken into consideration, and any food-medication interaction addressed.

This of course, will aid in better understanding of the diet, as well as being able to utilise the diabetic exchanges or carbohydrate counting in meal planning.

Other practical nutrition interventions can include simple meal planning, making healthy food choices, customised meal planning strategies using the Caribbean Food Groups, tips on grocery shopping, guidelines for eating out at restaurants and cafeterias, snack choices, mealtime adjustments, discussions on the use of natural or artificial sweeteners, sharing recipes, understanding the food label, and working together with the client and his/her spouse or members of household in changing dietary practices and behaviours).

The registered dietitian and food demonstrators can also work collaboratively in teaching clients methods of food preparation, modifying recipes, and preparing tasty dishes.

You should aim to have balanced meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) and between- meal snacks in the mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and hour of sleep.

Helpful hints Consume meals and snacks in a timely manner.

Reduce dietary intakes of fatty foods – limiting food choices of high fat, saturated and trans fats; this include, but should be limited to: fatty cuts of meat, fried foods, whole milk and dairy products made from whole milk, cakes, cookies, candies, pies, crackers, lard, shortening, margarine, salad dressings, and nondairy creamers.

Drink water between meals; choose healthy snacks veggie pieces, yogurt, crackers with peanut butter or piece of fruit.

Choose fresh fruit or canned packed in its natural juice; omit sugary beverages and soft drinks.

Watch your salt intake; use fresh seasoning in meal preparation, unsalted crackers and nuts; omit onion salt, garlic salt, celery salt, processed meats, salted fish, and pickles.

Purchase fresh or frozen vegetables; if you buy canned vegetables drain liquid, and rinse contents thoroughly under running water, prior to use.

Select methods of cooking such as baking, grilling, boiling, and steaming.

See diabetic-friendly recipes on Page B6 Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD – Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health

Hosted by the Past Cricketer’s Society of Trinidad and Tobago (PCSTT ), spokesperson for the group, Colin Murray said the society was born some five years ago mainly to assist some past cricketers who have fallen on hard times or came down with some terminal illness and needed additional funding.

Patrons had several dishes from which to choose including “Jihagi Jerk”, “Shrimply Cricket”, “Puss Achong Chicken”, “Roasted Beef in Cow Corner”, “Lam-BW”, “Betty Goatee Curry”, “West Indies Blazing Pakistan Shrimp on Fire”, “Sheldon Gomes Special: Three Ducks in One Pot”, “Bishop Bowling”, “If Yuh See Meh Ducking” and “Something Fishy in De Oval”.

Also there for the taking was “Caught Outside De Pork Stump”, “Duckaroo”, “Tie Yuh Pork With A Twine”, “Ribs Outside De Off Stump”, “Spicy Turkey”, “Sea Scorpion in Congo Pepper”, “Alastair Cook Dominic Cork Pork” and “Lamb Tamim”, that took the prize for best presentation.

However, taking home the cup for the Best Pot was Justice Alvin Fitzpatrick from The River Lime crew that also featured Wayne Rezende, Kamal Khan and Willard Rezende.

While patrons dined, Wayne “Doppy” Dopson and Friends entertained with old-time calypsoes for two hours, following which several door prizes were given away.

Also, courtesy Gentle Dentistry and Implant Centre Ltd, most patrons got gift certificates for free examination and percentages off X-rays and various dental and cosmetic procedures.

Seven members of the cricketing fraternity received awards –William Guadeloupe, Greville Nicholson, Zahir Baksh, Nirmal Nanan, Cecil “Coach” Rampersad, Willie Rodriguez and Alvin Corneal.

After the presentations, artiste Heaven “Snakey” Charles known for his 2014 hit, “The Dhoti Song” entertained patrons

Dolce Gusto is a single- serve machine which boasts delivery of up to 15 bars of professional pressure to make the perfect cup of coffee, every time, in the comfort of your home.

Dubbed The Modern Art of Coffee, the event brought together a cros section of people to experience the new product. Throughout the event, guests were immersed into an environment surrounded by sight of performance art and video projections, aromatic smells of coffee, and sounds of perfectly blended classical and modern music.

Numerous attractions grasped guests’ attention during the evening, including: Artist James Paul’s transformation of a 3D hand-painted Caf? into a 2D painting, using a live model and Artists James Hackett & Reuben Gonsalves sketches of guests, live at the event.

A photo booth shot by Marlon James and a coffee Instagram booth where guests placed their cups, chose a background and props and took the perfect coffee photo was also a hit.

There were also video projections where an array of scenes were projected onto the walls of Estate 101, displaying various times of day in six different locales – Paris, New York, London, Marrakesh, Rome and Trinidad and Tobago. Attendees also experienced a virtual and immersive time lapse and city tour and the world of Nescaf? Dolce Gusto through flavours cafe au lait, Americano, cappuccino, Marrakesh tea, espresso intenso and chococin and also Other entertainment was provided by Arielle Cowie and The A Team band. During his welcome speech, country manager of Nestl? Trinidad and Tobago expressed pride in working for a company that supports an economy in transition, through innovation, said a media release.

Launch of the Nescaf? Dolce Gusto machine in TT , and soon, across the Caribbean, provides consumers with the ability to prepare specialty coffees and even teas, in the comfort of their homes