Sources yesterday revealed that the secretary of the JSC would be sending out requests to the three ministers to appear before the committee.

The JSC will also be summoning former chairmen of the board of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Sahadeo and Nyree Alfonso, and former member Ferdie Ferreira.

Former transport minister Stephen Cadiz will be requested to attend.

Sources said that Michael Annisette, president general of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union will also be invited to share information with the JSC.

The JSC, chaired by Independent Senator Stephen Crease, will also travel to Tobago to hold a similar inquiry.

At that meeting, former head of the Public Service Reginald Dumas will be given an opportunity to have his say on the ferry fiasco.

Sources also said that Andrew Purdey, vice chairman of Bridgeman’s Services Group, would be given a special invitation to tell his side of the story at the JSC inquiry when it is convenient to him.

Purdey has indicated publicly that he is willing to tell all to clear his company’s name.

When contacted, Sinanan, the Works and Transport minister, said he was willing to appear before the JSC if requested but would have to be guided on if he could attend and what he could divulge.

He said he would also be guided on if his appearance before the JSC could be a conflict of interest.

At the end of the JSC meetings, he said, the recommendations of the committee would have to be sent to him for action within a 60- day period.

Guaya, the only unbeaten team left in League One, have a seven-point gap over FC Santa Rosa, who pipped neighbours University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ) 2-1.

At the Defence Force Ground in Chaguaramas, the visitors took the lead through striker Carlon Hughes, before veteran defender Corey Rivers equalised in the 30th.

Former national defender Glenton Wolfe restored Guaya’s lead with a 60th minute penalty, while Hughes notched his second goal in the 72nd. Defence Force’s Michael Edwards reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 88th but Guaya maintained their slim advantage until the final whistle.

Santa Rosa got a crucial victory at the UTT O’Meara Campus Ground, Arima, courtesy of items from Rashad Griffith (35th minute penalty) and Nathan Julien (70th).

Shaquille Smith was on target for the hosts, in the 32nd, before Santa Rosa responded in emphatic fashion.

In another League One fixture, Cunupia FC registered a 3-2 victory over Queen’s Park at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.

An own goal from Jamal Spencer, after eight minutes, put Queen’s Park ahead before Cunupia replied with strikes from Stevon Stoute (11th) and John Stewart (50th).

Devon Modeste scored the second goal for the Parkites, in the 60th, but Stewart netted the winner, for Cunupia, in the 79th.

At the Canaan/Bon Accord Recreation Ground, 1976 Phoenix FC responded from a half-time deficit to spank Siparia Spurs 4-1. Marlon Phillip scored on the stroke of halftime for Siparia, but Phoenix stormed back in the second half, with strikes from Akil Frank (49th), Shelton Williams (67th), Lejandro Williams (72nd) and Dave Grimshaw (90th).

In a meeting of the cellar-placed outfits, Club Sando Moruga and Bethel FC battled to a 2-2 draw at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground, Moruga.

Andrew Samuel (second) and Jessie Edwards (34th) were the goal-getters for Club Sando Moruga while Teejay Cadiz (13th) and Nikosei Chance (30th) scored for Bethel FC.

And, at the WASA Ground in St Joseph, hosts WASA and Police played to a goalless draw.

The top of the table League Two clash, at the Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground in Chaguanas, between Prisons FC and Central 500 Spartans was cancelled on Saturday, while fifth-placed Petit Valley/Diego Martin United swapped spots with Youth Stars in the points standings after a 2-0 win (over Youth Stars) at the Roxborough Complex.

Erick Charles netted both goals for Petit Valley/Diego Martin United, in the 37th and 86th.

Harlem Strikers defeated Marabella FCC by a 2-1 margin, at the Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre. Neon O’Garro scored twice for Harlem, in the eighth and 30th, while Husani Thomas pulled one back for Marabella, in the 86th.

Weekend Fixtures – League Two (Saturday) – Petit Valley/Diego Martin United vs Marabella FCC, Diego Martin North Secondary School Ground; Prisons vs Perseverance Ball Runners, YTC Ground, Arouca, 4 pm; Harlem Strikers vs Central 500 Spartans, Frederick Settlement Recreation Ground, 6 pm.

League One (Sunday) – Club Sando Moruga vs Guaya United, Grand Chemin Recreation Ground, Moruga; Queen’s Park vs Bethel United, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field; Siparia Spurs vs Defence Force, Fyzabad Petrotrin Sports Club Ground; FC Santa Rosa vs Cunupia FC, Arima Velodrome; Police vs 1976 Phoenix FC, St James Barracks, 4 pm; WASA vs UTT , WASA Ground, St Joseph, 4.30 pm.

Police said, at about 5.30 am yesterday, Basdeo – a worker with the Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) left home to go to work in the area.

Moments later, a gunshot rang out and residents found his body on the roadside with a bullet wound to the head. The father of two lived at Kanhai Road North, Barrackpore with his wife Samdaye Singh.

Relatives said only on Tuesday, the couple moved to the location.

For more than 20 years they were living at a nearby house and relatives were unable to give reasons for the couple’s relocation.

Singh said, early yesterday she prepared a meal for Basdeo and he left. She said she heard what sounded like an explosion but made nothing of it. It was only when a neighbour alerted her of what was initially thought to be a vehicular accident that she learnt of the killing. Sgt Ramjag, Cpl Patrick and other members of the Homicide Bureau (Region III) and Southern Division visited the scene.

On learning of the killing, several people, among them Member of Parliament for Naparima Rodney Charles and councillor Rafi Mohammed visited the bereaved family to extend condolences.

Another resident Carlos Samuel, 50, was shot and killed on Sunday outside his workplace at the Public Service Transportation Corporation compound at Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando. The father of two worked as a painter.

“We don’t know the man (Samuel) who was killed. That has to be something unrelated although he is from the area. As far as we know, Bahboo and Samdaye never received any threats for anything.

We are very confused right now,” said a relative.

Charles yesterday told Newsday it seems while the government works on the hot spots, people are moving out into other areas.

“It is very sad,” Charles said. “We do not know if this is something related to the area here or if it is a situation with the migration of crime to rural areas. We are noticing an increase. “ He called on government to have a serious evidence- based approach to crime.

The MP proposed that police visit each home in their respective jurisdictions “at least twice a year” so that residents develop a relationship with them. He said, in most instances the first time people meet police is when an incident had already occurred.

He charged government has cut back on various programmes among them the MiLAT and MYPART which create a sense of patriotism in citizens.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, 60-year-old Premchan “Borroughs” Anand was shot dead at Old Train Line in Claxton Bay less than four hours after Basdeo’s killing.

Police said residents heard gunshots and later found Anand’s body on the ground with gunshot wounds to the back. He was bareback and face down. Members of the Homicide Bureau Region III responded as well as PC Ramoutar and other members of the Couva CID. Police said Anand did oddjobs in the area and had no fixed place of abode.

There have been conflicting reports on what may have transpired last Saturday. But the fact remains that every hike poses specific risks, all of which must be catered for. People contemplating going on hikes should be aware of these risks and should be cautioned about them.

In the first place, a hike is potentially a strenuous physical activity.

People with various medical conditions should be mindful. If you have asthma, diabetes, a heart condition, knee or back problems, or any other health or medical issue, you must limit both your exertion and your exposure. Stay within your training, physical limitations, and abilities.

Hikers must also be aware of their environment. This means keeping track of one another and not getting left behind. Questions have been raised about how Baird fell behind the group.

One relative has even gone so far as to suggest all hikes should adopt a simple system to ensure none is left behind. This system would see key personnel man the group at the start, middle and end. Such a system, if executed by people with experience and competence, can be useful. But the environment also poses certain risks. Hikers have to be aware of the weather conditions, the terrain, the nature of the surrounding flora and fauna. Knowledge of the biota present should also be a basic requirement for operators.

During a hike, fellow hikers should also look out for each other. Always remain in a group and communicate any difficulties or deviations. It is also important for there to be adequate breaks built into the hike and for hikers to remember the need to conserve energy and supplies for the return segment of the expedition.

Hiking is a popular activity. In addition to being a good form of exercise, it is also part of our tourism package.

If we are serious about developing the eco-tourism niche market, then we must ensure that best practices prevail across the board when it comes to hike operators. We do not comment on any particular party or entity but note there have long been concerns about the degree of organisation of local hiking companies.

Some have questioned the professionalism of these entities, which are normally family-owned, informal or small businesses.

While every person going on a hike has a duty to be adequately prepared for any eventuality, because of the nature of the risks involved, and the fact that hiking can be a vital part of our tourism package, there may need to be greater involvement by the State in the regulation of hikes. Hike operators – whether incorporated companies or groups and private clubs – should be made to seek permits to conduct hikes along specified routes.

The conditions for granting these permits should be tied to the resources and competencies of the operators as well as any other relevant factor, such as the nature of the terrain or likelihood of bad weather.

Operators should be made to conform to a requisite level of sophistication in operations and should pass all health and safety requirements.

The Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of National Security and the ODPM should collaborate on devising robust systems. Hiking should not be deadly. It should be a fun and income- earning part of our tourism package. Let’s make it so.

This was made possible after police, firefighters, soldiers and volunteers cut down eight huge trees in the vicinity of the area where the body was found on Tuesday.

The pilot from the National Operations Centre (NOC) was then able to carefully negotiate the helicopter down the precipice to where the Baird’s remains were placed in a body bag and put into a basket that was expertly airlifted and taken to Cumuto. The entire exercise was witnessed by Baird’s relatives and others who had spent several days assisting in the search.

Member of the search team told Newsday that they encountered several poisonous mapipire snakes in the Aripo forest. However, the snakes were allowed to return to the forest.

Mario Russell, head of the Fitness Walkers Club in which Baird was a member, expressed relief that the body was eventually removed. He said two police officers remained with the body on Tuesday night and he expressed condolences to members of the Baird family adding that his prayers were with them.

Russell said people who had been criticising him and members of his Fitness Walkers club for the disappearance of Baird needed to stop hiding behind their computers and try making the trek in dangerous terrain to the Aripo waterfall and see for themselves how difficult it was and the dangers involved before making any remarks.

He said Baird was given all the necessary support and assistance during Saturday’s hike but because of the treacherous terrain he could not be monitored every step of the way. Russell added that what happened was unfortunate and he, along with other hike leaders, would be meeting to discuss new strategies to ensure and prevent another casualty. Also yesterday, Kern Baird, son of the deceased hiker, said, “It was an unfortunate incident.

I am saddened by the fact but we finally found my father.

Now that he is out of the forest I can proceed with the final rights and preparation in the form of a funeral.

“We are now having discussions about the burial and church service which are yet to be finalised.” Kern said he and his family did not have time to properly grieve but it would be done after the funeral.

He thanked all those persons including members of the Police, Army and Fire Services who assisted in the search for his father adding that he did not have any animosity toward the Fitness Walkers Club.

Kern said the death of his father would not deter him from proceeding on any further hikes, including those hikes on treacherous terrain.

Baird disappeared on Saturday on his return to Aripo after a fivehour trek to the Aripo waterfall.

When he disappeared, a search was carried out for him. When he was not found, members of the Police, Fire Services, Defence Force as well as Aripo villagers teamed up with experienced hikers and volunteers to search for Baird.

It was not until midday on Tuesday that the father of six was found 600 feet down a treacherous precipice.

“A large number of children will be on their own for the first time,” Rodriguez said.

“These children are vulnerable and can be easily influenced.

Predators use this period to target our children.” She encouraged parents to know their children’s friends and to check their school bags regularly to ensure there are no prohibited items there. She emphasised role of parents and guardians teaching their children safety practices and said children should be taught to distance themselves from strangers who attempt to make contact with them. If such an incident occurs, they should report the matter immediately to an authority figure such as a parent or teacher.

Rodriguez said children should be discouraged from entering vehicles, even if familiar, without their parents’ permission and urged that when travelling, the make, colour, number plate and driver’s description be noted before entry.

Internet security was also a key topic at the briefing. Rodriguez expressed the need for parental supervision of children’s internet activity and the need for time limits on their children’s internet use. “Computers, cellular phones, tablets and such, should always be placed in a common area of the house. They should never be placed in a child’s bedroom.

The placement in a living room or dining room will allow you to monitor them and their activity occasionally.” Rodriguez said children should be educated on the dangers of the internet and the predators that use it to gain access to their victims and thus should be discouraged from revealing personal information online. She said predators often pose as minors with the intent of befriending children.

In other action on Tuesday, Boys Town United edged the high-flying Express 3-2 in an entertaining affair.

In game one of a doubleheader at North Oropouche grounds, the youth and stamina of SP Boys were enough to get past Alliance 3-2. A goal apiece from Jamaul Glenn and Jamal Wharwood before the half gave SP Boys a comfortable lead.

Alliance’s Daren Allen pulled one back early in the second half, making it 2-1, but it was Jamal Wharwood who completed his brace, sending the SP Boys supporters in a frenzy. Leornardo Dacosta brought Alliance within one with a goal but SP Boys walked away with full points. Game two on the night featured Two Touch versus Gremiol, in what seemed like a revitalised Two Touch team. The table proppers took the early lead when Ajay Andel lobbed the goalkeeper with a long range shot. But this goal awakened Gremio, who replied in rapid succession with two quick goals by Dwaine Ovid and Sherman De Gazon respectively. Gremio continued their goal scoring form after the interval through Joel Hoyte and a late hat-trick by Rickel Dickson, with an eventual score of 6-1. Gremio goalie Trey Eligon continued his solid showing for the Coalmine- based team looking to return to the final.

In game one last Wednesday, a late lone item by Garvin George from Fishing Pond Youths was enough to give his team maximum points over neighbouring rivals North Oropouche. El Carmen suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Boys Town United and Alescon FC respectively. Boys Town trounced El Carmen 8-0 last Wednesday. Dorian Robinson’s brace in the second half for Alescon was enough to see off Kerry De Four’s goal for El Carmen in the game that ended 2-1.

Manzan United had all to play for versus Gremio FC with first place position one victory away, after Dragon FC dropped points earlier in the week. Gremio FC, beaming from a recent 6-1 win earlier in the week, drew first blood in the first half with a strike by Joel Hoyte.

Elijah Parson equalised for Manzan United, but it was Hoyte who again put his team ahead to make it 2-1. But the action wasn’t finished, Maznan captain Darkiel Ferreira salvaged a point for his team with the last kick of the game.

Fixtures: Today – Fishing Pond Youths vs SP Boys, Fishing Pond Recreational Grounds, 4pm; Boys Town vs Two Touch, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 6:30pm.

Saturday – Express vs Fishing Pond Youths, Fishing Pond Recreational Grounds, 4pm; Gremio vs Alliance, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 6pm; North Oropouche vs Alescon, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 8pm.

Sunday – El Carmen vs Manzan Untied, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 6pm.

According to reports, Dyke Skeete of Bangladesh, St Joseph was in a fight with a woman shortly after 7 am yesterday. The woman was allegedly beaten.

Police were told the beating was witnessed by the woman’s male relative who shot Skeete several times.

The wounded man was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex by neighbours and the area near Farm Road, St Joseph was cordoned by members of the St Joseph Police Station. Skeete’s condition yesterday was described as stable and a search was carried out for the suspect who remained in hiding up until yesterday.

“I grow fruits and vegetables organically and we had a lot of pest problems with our crops. Our main crop at the time was cucumbers but not regular cucumbers, European cucumbers. Apart from doing organic crops we tend to do unusual and uncommon fruits and vegetables.

The European cucumbers took off and a lot of persons began buying (them), but what also happens is that organic pest control does not lend itself well to good control so we were getting cucumbers with some holes in them. Then we got an influx of European cucumber with so many holes, that instead of wasting it we began making chow with them and giving it complementary to our customers,” Dickson explains to Business Day of the genesis of the company.

“People would ask how much for the chow and when they heard it was free they would advise us to sell it, but at the time we did not. We preferred to make chow than throw away the cucumbers. However, when our crops were devastated by pests and we had nothing to sell my wife said, ‘why not start selling chow, every Trinidadian loves chow’,” he said.

The father and son duo registered Chow Extreme in 2015 and started off with $280 spent on equipment like containers and spoons. At the launch of the company they were sold out and generated a substantial profit. Since then the family business has taken off and has been contracted for a number of events.

“The largest event we have done for three years in a row is Shades Premium All-inclusive Breakfast Party. We appreciate Michael Sealy and his wife for the opportunity. The first year we had to prepare for 500 people, it was amazing,” Dickson said.

They have also catered chow for pool parties, and the Mango Festival and Pineapple Festival at the Santa Cruz Green Market.

Dickson and Duranty can be found every Saturday at the Santa Cruz Green Market, selling their organically grown fruits and vegetables along with their signature chows.

“We have an estate in Brazil, Trinidad and a farm in Orange Grove. Our aim is to be 100 per cent self-sustaining in the products we use. We started off with cucumbers, then plums came in season we did plum chow, then mangoes and pommecythere. Eventually we decided to have something consistent and since pineapples are year-round, that became the main chow we would do.

Thanks to pineapple farmer Navin Ramroop we have a steady flow of pineapples for our customers, who are both locals and foreigners alike, to enjoy. Chow Extreme was registered two years ago, but we were doing this long before. All our inputs are locally produced, most of the products are grown by us with the exception of the pineapples,” Duranty said.

“Some of the things we use to make chow and garnish it with are: radish, zucchini, wax apple, passion fruit, sugar cane, coconut, lime juice, five fingers, guava, micro cucumber, European cucumber, dragon’s egg cucumber, portugal and various types of mangoes, all of which are locally and organically produced by us,” Dickson explained.

They are firmly against the use of preservatives in their chows, and in the past they have been approached by people to get their products on supermarket shelves. But they declined. “We like to create the product, fresh for customers on the spot so that they can appreciate the various taste of the fruits,” added Dickson passionately.

“Usually it takes us between five and 12 minutes to prepare and customise a chow for a customer.

We have some of the garnish items prepped already but there are some things that need to be done on site,” Duranty explained. “We also use sea salt, garlic, cayenne pepper, scorpion pepper and cilantro. The amount of pepper given is based on the customer’s preference.” Their signature pineapple chows are the Aristocrat and the Supreme Aristocrat, which they said are environmentally friendly. “The idea of making the chow within a fruit like the pineapple or cantaloupe is because it is bio-degradable and eliminates the use of plastic bags or plastic bowls,” simultaneously creating a unique presentation.

So what sets Chow Extreme apart from other chow makers? They believe it is taste and presentation.

“It’s not always about being hot. We garnish our chows so you can taste and appreciate the different fruits,” added Dickson.

As an organic farmer Dickson is also a part of the Santa Cruz Green Market’s Community Supported Agriculture programme, which is the primary method for achieving the Green Market’s objective of changing existing patterns of production and consumption.

Families support the farmers through monthly subscriptions paid in advance, which allows the farmers to plan and plant the healthier, fresher food that the families want.

“We are also with Alliance of Rural Communities of Trinidad and Tobago, a group based in Brasso Seco, we supply them as well as.

They also do organic baskets.

“Some people only appreciate organic foods when a family member gets ill and they realise how much artificial foods and preservatives they have been eating and some appreciate organic food before that happens. Many persons say organic fruits and vegetables have a longer shelf life,” Dickson said.

Only about two months ago, Vincent was released from prison having served a term for robbery and gun-related charges, police said.

Shortly before 10 pm on Tuesday, residents of Ridgewood Gardens heard several explosions followed by the screeching sound of a vehicle leaving the street and contacted police.

Members of the Southern Division and Homicide Bureau (Region III) found Vincent’s body with gunshot wounds slumped on a chair.

Peanuts were scattered. Vincent, who was shot “at least nine times”, lived alone.

When Newsday visited the scene, bloodstains were seen on the chair and peanuts on the ground with an empty peanuts pack.

Forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov, at the Forensic Science Centre at St James yesterday, recovered two types of bullets from the body.

Police said Vincent had a “very long criminal record” although, up to last evening, investigators were unable to ascertain a motive for the killing.

He was charged with the May 7, 1997 murder of Rio Claro resident Raffick “Mickey” Kabul, 61.

However, in June 3, 2003, he was acquitted before Justice Paula Mae Weekes in the San Fernando High Court.

Kabul, of Clear Water Gardens was beaten and strangled in the bedroom of his home.

In 2009 then High Court judge Herbert Volney placed Vincent and another man on a bond, charged with armed robbery.