However checks yesterday on the Parliament’s website showed, this JSC is yet to confirm September 4 as its date to hold its hearing. As of yesterday, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Bill, 2016 JSC is the first committee that will hold any kind of meeting in September.

This JSC will meet in camera at Tower D on September 5 from 10 am. After that, the Human Rights, Equality and Diversity JSC meets in camera on September 8 at Tower D from 10 am.

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.

The injunction was granted on Monday by Justice Margaret Mohammed in the Port of Spain High Court in response to an application filed by the Office of the Attorney General in an attempt to have the money recovered.

Private Josimar Belgrave and corporal Jason Richards, through their attorneys Stephen Wilson and Alvin Pariagsingh filed an application yesterday before Mohammed to be heard on the granting of the injunction.

The judge granted the attorneys time to file affidavits in response and adjourned the matter. The application to strike out the injunction is expected to be heard by Justice Ricky Rahim.

State attorney Gilbert Peterson SC submitted that legal costs for the injunction, which was granted in the absence of the soldiers and their attorneys, should be paid by the soldiers.

However, Pariagsingh contended the costs of ex-parte injunctions ought to be dealt with at the end of the hearing of the injunction and not before.

Wilson said since the application for the injunction was made without the accused being present, the costs should be borne by the State.

In an interview with Newsday yesterday, Alexandrov said two tests which were seemingly important to prove the baby was born alive were a floating test of the lungs, and a gastrointestinal floating test.

“A floating test was conducted and showed air went into the baby’s lungs,” he said.

“If the baby just made one breath being alive, the air goes into the lungs. When the lungs are placed into a container with water they float. In stillborn babies, when the lungs are put into the container with water and the lungs do not have any air, they sink.” He said a similar exercise was done with the baby’s stomach.

“The lungs, the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract were floating which means the baby was born alive. The baby was perfectly well developed weighing three kilogrammes and was 51 centimetres in length. The umbilical cord was cut and a small one-centimetre stomp was left.” Alexandrov said he faced a challenge in determining what to put on the death certificate.

“I put ‘abandonment in hostile environment of a newborn viable full term infant’.” He said according to national standards, in his profession, there are rules and regulations to follow and the case should be treated as an infanticide to investigate until proven otherwise.

“Leaving the innocent child all alone, absolutely helpless newborn in a hostile environment is a homicide.

If the baby was put into a box and then a garbage bag, the baby had a lack of oxygen. And if the baby was put in the box and then in a plastic bag, probably this little baby was going through hyperthermia (extreme increase in body temperature). For a baby of this age, I think all it takes is a matter of minutes to die. Maybe ten minutes or so.” He said for the sake of possible identification, if the police find the mother of the baby, samples of the baby’s bone marrow and bones from the thigh were kept for future analysis to prove the baby belongs to that woman.

Meanwhile, head of the Police Service’s Corporate Communications Unit, Ellen Lewis, yesterday told Newsday investigations are continuing and anyone with information on the whereabouts of the mother of the baby should come forward.

In a statement yesterday Charles urged Garcia and minister in the ministry Dr Lovell Francis to “come clean” on school repairs.

“On June 28, in response to a question by Oropouche West MP Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh, Minister Garcia informed Parliament that rehabilitation work at the Fifth Company School would be done during the 2017 July/ August vacation. He stressed that ‘focus will be on repairs to toilets, replacement of windows and burglar proofing and improvement and strengthening of hand rails and the protective metal enclosures on stairwells.’” Charles said the Education Facilities Co Ltd (EFCL) on August 18 had also “assured” that school repairs are being done, with the most critical works being done first. Charles hit, “To date Monday 21st August, based on a site visit there are no visible signs of work, critical or otherwise, having been done during this vacation at the Fifth Company Baptist School. There is also no electricity in the guard booth.

“Additionally, Cowen Hamilton Secondary, also in the constituency of Moruga/Tableland, the only Baptist secondary school in the country, remains without a dedicated auditorium, or a gymnasium, or a modern computer room, or a well-equipped permanent library.”

Earle-Caddle apologised for the absence of five statements from State attorney Nadine Matura- Singh.

Matura-Singh said while the prosecution had 27 statements prepared to tender as evidence, five were still outstanding. She explained the investigating officer had encountered difficulty in finding the witnesses to give their statements. However, Earle-Caddle said the prosecution should be better prepared when coming to court.

“This person has been in custody since May 2016,” she said.

“Why don’t you have their statements as a part of your file? You knew the matter was fixed to be heard for today and you knew you were not in possession of these five statements, so why did you not apply for a court summons to be sent to these individuals?” Matura-Singh explained that up until Tuesday morning searches were carried out for the missing statements but the prosecution had been unable to locate them.

Pierre’s attorney Brent Winter argued there were numerous flaws in the recording of statements and other documents from the investigating officer, citing poor penmanship in addition to the prosecution’s failure to produce statements.

“Your worship, the interview notes recorded by the complainant from the accused are totally illegible, and now we are hearing that there are five additional statements that are outstanding. I don’t know how long this is expected to go on for,” he said.

Earle-Caddle agreed with Winter, saying she had set aside Tuesday to hear the matter but would have to adjourn it until September.

She also issued a stern reminder to the policeman who laid the charge that the collection of statements was his responsibility.

“Let me make it abundantly clear to you that if you do not have the statements by the next court date, you are to request a summons for the officers involved to come to court. You are the lead investigator and this is your case.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary statements.” The case has been adjourned to September 19.

Dear Aspiring Director,

According to a global study done in 2015 by MSCI ESG Research, which included more than 4,200 firms, the average percentage of women on boards is 15%. If this holds true in Trinidad and Tobago, where women represent half the national population, we clearly have work to do.

It is important to understand that Boards of Directors can have great influence, as they make decisions that can impact us, our community and our country. That’s why it’s important that corporate boards truly represent a company’s or country’s constituents.

Boards of Directors choose CEOs. They make decisions about compensation, whether to buy, sell, or merge with other companies, and how much priority a company gives to issues other than profits, such as corporate social responsibility.

More women should aspire to serve on boards of companies, NGOs and institutions, so that their voices can be heard in the national conversation. But in order to serve effectively, you must understand the role of Directors, what you bring to the table and how you can build your own brand of competence.

How Are You Selected? According to a 2012 PwC Annual Corporate Directors Survey public companies use a number of sources to recruit new board member: • Other board members’ recommendations………………..90.7% • Search firms (rarely used in Trinidad)…………67.2% • Management recommendations………………..54.8% • Investor recommendations……10.7% • Public databases…………………… 4.1% • Others…………………………………… 1.7% This clearly shows that the best way to be considered for a Board position is to be part of a strong network of business leaders, who will recommend you when Directorships become available. Boards will look for directors with expertise in different areas, depending on the strategic direction of the firm or institution.

These can include industry experience, financial expertise, corporate governance experience, risk management or legal expertise, etc.

You should create a dossier about yourself including chronological and narrative bios highlighting your experience and interests. These documents are critical to marketing you to prospective boards. It is important to expand your presence on social media sites such as LinkedIn, where you can join relevant groups like 20/20 Women on Boards.

You also need to understand if you have the time to serve. Board service requires a significant investment of time. Between preparations, travel, meeting time and committee work, the average director can spend up to 300 hours a year on Board matters, so it is important to decide in advance if this is a realistic commitment that you are ready and willing to make.

The Role Of Directors: The role of a Director varies from organisation to organisation, but broadly speaking, their key purpose is to ensure the company’s prosperity by collectively directing the company’s affairs, whilst meeting the appropriate interests of shareholders and stakeholders. In addition to business and financial issues, Boards of Directors deal with challenges and issues relating to corporate governance, social responsibility and ethics.

In a public company, the Board of Directors is appointed to act on behalf of the shareholders to run the day to day affairs of the business. They are directly accountable to the shareholders and each year the company will hold an annual general meeting (AGM) at which Directors provide a report to shareholders on the performance of the company, outline future plans and strategies and if eligible, submit themselves for re-election to the board.

The traits of successful directors In order to be considered for a Board position, you need to: • Demonstrate knowledge of the business and industry.

• Prove you are part of an effective professional network.

• Provide evidence of professional achievement.

• Understand corporate governance.

Women who serve on boards must be collaborators, mediators and visionaries who challenge the status quo. Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE isolated some key traits of highly successful women on boards, which include: • Leadership – creating trust and building a style that encourages others to follow.

• Education – life-long learning and development. Subscribe to websites like www.catalystwomen.org to access webinars and newsletters.

• Advice – listening to other experts, taking advice and passing it on, sharing advice with others – becoming a thought leader.

• Emotional Intelligence – stop and think before you act.

• Resilience – making sure you see it through, despite the obstacles and challenges.

• Energize – find ways to recharge your batteries, so your mind is focused on the work at hand.

The important thing is to get started.

Start local – serving on a small NGO board will give you valuable experience that translates well to a corporate board down the road. Look for experiences that will provide you with both depth and breadth of perspective and responsibilities.

Finally, it is also important for women already on boards to advocate for more gender equity and diversity of thought and experience. Advancing women to positions of leadership is smart business. Companies with strong female leadership generated a return on equity of 10.1% per year versus 7.4% for those without (on an equal-weighted basis) and those lacking board diversity tended to suffer more governancerelated controversies than average.

It is good for the country to have more women on boards, so we must collaborate, mentor and advocate for each other, to ensure that we are at the table.

AFETT is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2002 with the goal of bringing together professional women and engaging in networking opportunities, professional training and business ideas. ASK AFETT is a column meant to address issues and concerns of professionals seeking advice to assist in progressing in their careers. Today’s response was written by AFETT member, Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Founder and First President of AFETT, and Chairman of Regency Recruitment & Resources Ltd – www.

regencytrinidad.com . Learn more about AFETT at www.afett.com, search for AFETT Events on Facebook, follow us @AFETTEXECS on Twitter or contact us at 354-7130. Email us your career-related questions at admin.afett@gmail.

com.

SOURCES: https://www.2020wob.com/learn/whygender- diversity-matters http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jasminedotiwala/ seven-traits-of-highly-successfulwomen- on-boards_b_6783072.html http://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/ uploads/2013/11/sp6.pdf https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/ marketintegrity/2016/10/07/the-currentstatus- of-women-on-boards-in-2016-a-globalroundup/ http://www.caldwellpartners.com/preparingfor- board-service-a-guide-for-aspiring-directors/

For some they might say, “I agree”, a cold beverage be it fruit juice with no added sugar, sugary drinks, alcoholic beverages, milkshakes, water in plain or flavoured form or even buying a cup our local snow-cone, are great choices. Whereas, others could argue, “you are right”, but is difficult at times to drink water. Be that as it may, keep in mind that water is the best refreshing drink.

Today’s article will focus on the importance of water in the diet. The focus will be on the healthy population; for example, those diagnosed with kidney disease, congestive heart failure, etc are at times prescribed restricted fluids with their meals by the medical doctor, you are encouraged to remain compliant with the physician’s advice.

Essential nutrient Water is essential in the diet; it is a nutrient, just as important as carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. The body needs water daily, irrespective of the weather conditions.

Water loss normally occurs through sweat, urine, expired air from the lungs, metabolic processes in the body, and removal waste. You should note that water loss must be replaced to maintain fluid balance in the body. In some cases, water and electrolytes are lost through diarrhoea; when this occurs replacing the water and electrolytes are critical in maintaining health.

Mahan and Escott-Stump (2008) documented that water forms the largest component of the body. You should note that the total body weight, for example at birth, water accounts for 75 to 85 per cent, while for the lean adult accounting for 60 to 70 per cent, and obese persons 45 to 55 per cent. Generally, water has the critical role of aiding physical and chemical constancy of intracellular and extracellular fluids, maintaining body temperature, assisting with the physiological process of digestion, absorption, and excretion, and preventing dehydration.

From this you may wish to conclude that water must be added to the diet. It can be taken into the body as part of the food and beverages that you consumed. A good practical approach to consider is to drink water between meals throughout the day in plain or flavoured forms by including fresh fruit pieces, lemon or lime juice. Veggie pieces such as cucumber slices, carrot slices or adding a very small piece of mauby bark or cinnamon stick and so on. In addition, you can also add to your meal plan fruit juice, milkshakes, slices of fresh fruit (watermelon, pineapple), tossed salads, and soups.

Note: if water cannot be taken orally or by a feeding tube, it may be administered intravenously by the medical doctor in the form of saline solutions.

Nutritional content: Plain water contains zero calories; flavoured water will add to the caloric content. Please take a few minutes to read the food label. You are encouraged to drink water, and omit and/ or limit sugary beverages, and energy drinks which contain caffeine, sugar, and add a lot of extra calories to the diet (Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2017).

What happens when you don’t drink enough water? The recommendation is six to eight glasses of water per day. If you are not drinking enough water to replace body fluids loss, the possibility is that you can become dehydrated.

Dehydration can be described as excessive loss of body water.

The adverse effects of dehydration include that of: strong thirst, vague discomfort, loss of appetite, decreased blood volume which may affect normal circulation, impaired physical performance, increased effort for physical work, nausea, difficulty in concentrating, failure to regulate body temperature, dizziness, laboured breathing with exercise, increased in weakness, muscle spasms, delirium, and failing kidney function.

Water is adequate for hydration.

You are encouraged to hydrate before work, as it can make it easier to keep hydrated during the day; if dehydrated prior to starting work, it makes it difficult to catch-up with the body’s need for water during the day.

Also, maintain hydration by drinking water during the day, work performance can be affected when dehydrated.

If you work outdoors such as in farming, construction or at quarries, it is suggested to drink one cup water every 15 to 20 minutes; drink at shorter intervals which may be more effective than drinking larger amounts infrequently. Do not drink more than 48 fluid ounces of water per hour.

Note: overconsumption of water and other beverages can probably increase your potential risk for medical conditions.

In addition, keep hydrated after work, as you may need to continue to replace fluid loss..

Dr Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is an Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health

The Guerrero family of seven sisters and one brother bring their passion for the hospitality industry to life and receive a special joy from their family-run business.

A village rich in history, with a population of approximately 1,400 residents and a reportedly low incidence of crime, eldest sister Brenda explains how many people arrived in Lopinot: “The Government was building a dam in Caura at the time and relocated all of the villagers. That’s how our grandmother’s family settled here.” The café is situated obliquely opposite La Veronica RC Primary School on the main road. Brenda and their dad taught at the school which was built in 1946.

On arrival, I was greeted by two of the Guerrero sisters – Marcia and Brenda who shared their journey. “Our siblings Arthur and Bianca were the brainchildren behind the official launch of the café in 2001. We made the collective decision to rebrand in 2011 and include cocoa in our menu items, gradually catering for events, retreats, workshops, dinners, lunches, overnight guests and more,” Marcia says.

“We cook with 70 per cent chocolate, pure cocoa mass, ground granules and pulp used in salad dressings and beverages.

There is a growing awareness for the appreciation of our local cocoa.

However, more locals need to take up the mantle. Though you may not get recognised for it as an individual, it’s all about service to our country,” Marcia states.

Café Mariposa creates cuisine made with ingredients primarily from their own backyard or purchased from neighbouring farmers, so as to reduce the food miles. According to Foodmiles.

com, the concept attempts to measure the distance food has travelled before it reaches the consumer and is an indicator of the environmental impact of foods and their ingredients.

As I peered over Brenda’s shoulder, past the feeding hummingbirds, I spotted the banana, mango, grapefruit and orange trees she spoke of in the distance.

As part of the first Lopinot cluster training with the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as UWI’s Cocoa Research Centre and their personal research, the siblings do all things cocoa: processing, innovation and cocoa dancing. They have won numerous awards for their creations, including Marcia’s Batido de cacao (chocolate drink).

She re-appears with freshly made mango and carambola [five-finger] juice with a hint of cocoa and continues, “Our parents facilitated us by allowing us to build on their property and by being good parents. We learnt how to support each other and everyone has their distinctive role in the business.” The sisters recalled happy memories of how the café [unofficially] began. “In the early days we sang for free to visitors.

Our father Benedict Guerrero, fondly remembered as Teacher Ben would say, ‘Girls, come, come, we have visitors, let’s sing!’ We would serve guests pone, ice-cream, sweetbread and the works!” Gone but not forgotten, the senior Guerrero left precious memories and values etched in their hearts and minds.

In 1984, they won the Cynthia Alfred Championship Cup at Music Festival in the Family Class for a Spanish composition written by their brother Arthur, whose family subsequently took home this prize. As Brenda serves some tasty, specially prepared fried ripe plantain “amarillas” with a flavour-filled pommecythere chutney sauce, topped with 70 per cent grated dark chocolate she continues with her entertaining stories from yore.

“We always felt that Lopinot needed a place to relax with family.

Apart from the historical site and bars, we wanted to create a family atmosphere.” Next came the beef and pork tortillas made from cassava and sweet potato flour and even after skipping breakfast, I quickly became filled. The café caters to diabetics, vegans, lactose and gluten- intolerant guests. “If you don’t eat flour, you have the option of tortillas made with corn, cassava, sweet potato or dasheen flour purchased from a vendor in Tobago.

For breakfast we also offer fresh jams made with mammy apples, five-fingers or guava which can be used to sweeten your porridge made from freshly-grated cassava or sweet potato,” Brenda says.

You may be asking just where did these women learn to cook? “By the time we were nineyears- old, our mother placed a stool by the stove and told us we had to learn to cook,” says Brenda.

“We all also have fond memories of our grandmother cooking fireside. She had a sweet hand and everyone came to our house for her bakes. In those days she lived in a modest tapia house with this basket hanging in the middle of the kitchen. She made comfrey tea from pommecythere, sour cherries and spices that would turn a shade of red. We especially savoured the whole pommecythere seed and when granny gave you this tea with a piece of bake with guava, wow!” Brenda beams.

“They never taught us Spanish, but we learnt it at school and the older folks would switch between Spanish and patois to keep us kids in the dark.” She recalls that the storytelling was the best part about growing up in the village.

“We did not receive electricity until 1967, but we had the privilege of famous parranderos like Sotero Gomez and Papa Guhn visit our home which kept us going and boy did they know how to tell stories! “ An educator for 34 years who retired as a principal, Brenda admits that she always liked teaching, but loves being her own boss.

“When I transitioned to the café, there’s no better feeling than seeing guests enjoy a meal prepared with your hands.” While Marcia, a former banker and missionary who lived abroad, shares similar sentiments: “I believe this is the best job to be able to touch lives!” They ended by singing a Spanish song a perfect afternoon. “We can’t take the music out of the business – that’s how we began and it brings a special feeling to our guests. We want our offspring to realise the value of our history and continue the legacy we wish to leave in honour of our parents. We would like our guests to remember ‘Mi casa es su casa’ and we care about what we include in our food. ” For more info: cafemariposa58@ gmail.com

Lack of potable water has spawned a million-dollar industry.

One company’s lack of competence has made many wealthy.

In the 60s, 70s (even presently), when WASA gave us hell but no water, no one perished for lack of water.

I remember water being sold at the Red Cross Children’s Carnival in the 60s.

Here is my concern. Bottled water left in a car is a fire hazard.

Light can be refracted through a water bottle and start a fire on a seat. Sunlight magnified by a water bottle can reach 250 degrees.

The sunlight will come through when the bottle is filled with liquid and act as a magnifying glass.

The clear liquid and clear material can develop a focused beam and actually cause a fire.

Take your water bottle with you when leaving the car. Prevention is better than cure.

Or the report will state, “Cause of fire, water.’”

AV RAMPERSAD Princes Town