Former COP chairman Nicole Dyer-Griffith bemoaned the postponement, saying that COP members were getting frustrated by the repeated delay in them being able to exercise their vote but former deputy leader Sharon Gopaul-McNicols welcomed it.

Dyer-Griffith told Newsday, “There was a draft order by the justice of the High Court.

He agreed to a consent order that was submitted by Jamieson Bahadur and Kirt Francis that the election would be postponed and that the National Executive must convene on or before September 4 to consider the election date and so on. So the elections have been postponed for a second time.

“We have been calling members of all constituencies and they have been saying to us that if this election is postponed again, it shows that you all are not serious and you need to get your house in order.

And so said, so done.

“It was so important to let the election go on no matter what the outcome would have been. At least you would have been afforded the opportunity to at least have an administrative position filled because right now there is no leader, no deputy leader and no general secretary.

“Essentially, once you look at the health of the organisation, postponement of the election is a serious blow.” Dyer-Griffith said she remained very satisfied with the number of members expressing support for her campaign.

“We were calling members. The numbers on the board were so reflective of what was going to take place on Sunday,” she said.

“We conducted these polls in a very scientific manner and we were far, far ahead.

However, you know, it is what it is. We’ll see.” “I will continue with the momentum,” she added.

Dyer-Griffith said the court-ordered delay was a minor setback.

Gopaul-McNicols told Newsday, “I think it was a good decision to postpone the election because there were some clear irregularities about the candidacy of one person.” She also said an election was untenable in light of the recent mass resignation of COP officials.

“I think people realised things were unravelling and they decided to go the route of coming out of the party instead of standing and taking responsibility for the claims being made.” Newsday was unable to contact the third leadership contender, COP former chairman Carolyn Seepersad- Bachan.

It is both in the interest of the doctor and the patient he said. In an interview with Newsday on Wednesday, Trinidade who is a ear, nose and throat surgeon, said that the objective of continuous medical education is to update doctors on current medical practice or what is currently accepted as best medical practice. However, he said doctors can update their knowledge by reading journals or listening to experts in various specialities in the field of medicine.

He said while this is to be encouraged, medical boards must also take the responsibility to encourage and develop programmes which promote continuous medical education.

Trinidade said, however, while in our local jurisdiction continuous medical education is voluntary, it is compulsory in other parts of the world.

“We are one of the few territories in which it is not mandatory for doctors to engage in continuous medical education,” he said.

Asked why some doctors are not taking the initiative, Trinidade said while he could not speak for them, it could be that they are contented with their medical knowledge.

“You would think that doctors would want to know the best way to treat their patients.” Trinidade said the TTMA offers sessions on a monthly basis at the association’s branches in north, central, south, Tobago and the newly-opened eastern branch.

“Continuous medical education certificates that doctors receive after the sessions are endorsed by the American Academy of Continuous Education.”

Sally Lochan Dass produces unique resort wear. The 38-year-old from Williamsville, south Trinidad meticulously hand paints all of the prints that go onto her 100 percent silk fabrics and sews the pieces from each collection herself .

But what adds to the intrigue of her work is that she is inspired by Trinidad and Tobago and seeks to promote the twin islands despite the negativity that enshrouds the nation on a daily basis. She says the bright, vibrant colours that she manipulates, as well as the hand paintings for the prints, are represented in the natural beauty of the country through the national birds, mud volcanoes, flowers and leatherback turtles, among others .

Lochan Dass tells Newsday, “I think I’m gifted by looking at stuff and being able to draw it because I never did any courses in art work, I never did sewing or anything like that, they all just came natural to me.” And as naturally talented as she is, fashion was not a field she always wanted to get into, nor was she actively seeking to be a part of it .

Years ago, when Lochan Dass revamped a plain white T-shirt with watercolours and used it for a trip to Barbados, the mother of two did not know that it would catalyse her career in the local fashion scene. In what she calls “a good accident,” everyone ended up loving her watercolour T-shirt and encouraged her to start sewing.

Deciding to challenge herself, she signed up for San Fernando Fashion Week 2014. Without any experience in fashion designing or sewing, Lochan Dass imported a roll of silk and hired a seamstress .

Then the unexpected happened .

The week before the big event arrived and none of her pieces had been made, to work her way out of the problem, Sally had to teach herself how to sew .

“I bought a machine because I didn’t even own a machine and I stitched up 12 pieces. I did 12 pieces in a week,” she says. The result? Her pieces were a big hit and appeared in every single local newspaper that week, and Sally Lochan Dass Designs was born .

Now, three years after having her designs worn by Sarah Jane Waddell and Kimberly Farah Singh (Miss World Trinidad 2014 and 2015 respectively), Lochan Dass is embarking on the expansion of the type of items in her collection .

“I started doing soaps and scarves and I’m doing some costume jewellery in Trinidad and Tobago colours. Everything I’m working on is in the colours of Trinidad and Tobago,” she shares. The soaps that she has already made, each contain a natural component found locally, such as, sand from Maracas beach, mud from the volcano in Piparo and turmeric from her very own back yard. She is hoping that these products help to promote the twin islands and to reflect a positive image of it to those who glimpse her collection .

Because family is number one for the designer, her business is home-based. In this way, it’s not challenging for her to balance marriage and children with her career. Her Facebook page allows clients to browse her collection as well as access information to contact her should they want to purchase a piece. Her designs are also being sold at select hotels in Tobago .

Fans will have the option of purchasing a ticket to be in either of the three party sections that will be created with a closer vantage point to the playing pitch with entertainment and drinks inclusive options.

The three party groups the TT FA have teamed up with are Fantasy and Entice, Warrior Posse by Winerboy Entertainment and the Illusions Family.

Fans can purchase tickets for the respective groups immediately.

Warrior Posse tickets will be available at All Out Restaurant, Queen’s Park Oval and Cellmates (opposite Medford Gas Station, Chaguanas) while for Fantasy and Entice, interested persons can call 221-4966 or any Fantasy/Entice committee member and Illusions Family can be reached at 708-5183 and 320 7024.

Patrons purchasing their tickets from these sections will also access the TT versus Jamaica Friendly at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on August 24 for free, using the same ticket. The TT FA will also create a Fan Zone just inside the main entrance to the venue in collaboration with Teqball Trinidad and Tobago.

Teqball which is already globally popular, is a new and revolutionary sports equipment that took over two years’ testing and research to eventually develop its final innovative and sophisticated shape.

Teqball’s rules and guidelines makes it fun and mentally challenging as it also improves player’s skill level, first touch, stamina and confidence.

The structure of Teqball table, aligned with the rules, does not allow luck or chance to interfere with the game; players can only rely on their skills and abilities.

wFans will have the opportunity to win attractive giveaways at the Fan Zone. Match kick off time on September 1 is 8pm.

“I have seen on Facebook lovely letters from him,” she said. “On the UTT library’s behalf, I am asking you to share them and to put them into the permanent collection.” Manning spoke with the media on Thursday at the viewing of the collection, “The Life and Times of Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning” mounted by the University of Trinidad and Tobago at the Adult Library of the National Library in Port of Spain.

Manning, her son David, other relatives and friends viewed the collection of some 3,000 exhibits on the occasion of the late prime minister’s 71st birth anniversary.

The pieces date back to 1971 when Manning first entered Parliament as MP for San Fernando East.

Among the exhibits was a video documentary of Manning’s life. It was viewed against the background music of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, a favourite of Patrick Manning.

Asked how she felt viewing the exhibits on the occasion of his birthday, Mrs Manning said, “I feel sad, very sad. Lots of memories.” Earlier she was explaining stories behind the pictures. “A lot of the stories are not known.

We will have to sit with them and go through as much as we know.” On the exhibits in the collection, she said, “The exhibition gives the essence of Patrick, who he was, how hard he worked.” Asked what stood out, she said, the document, Vision 20/20, “It was his dream and his vision that we could do much more because we have the resources. We have the talent.” She said he believed citizens “could do so much more. He believed that the natural resources would be depleted at some point in time and that human resources would have to take over for the sustainable development of the country.

Based on that he was very much active in getting Vision 20/20 to do that.” Meanwhile, she said, the commemorative committee established to honour her husband’s memory and which she heads, is putting together a programme that includes the publication of a book about his legacy and good governance.

The book will look at the system of good and sustainable governance, integrity, and the potential which could be realised.

“So that at the end of the day, we could do very, very well and be an example to the world, as small as we are.

That was his dream.

That was his thinking,” she said.

The committee also held a church service to mark Patrick Manning’s death anniversary. It is working on a lecture series.

Asked how one could pay homage to Manning in the absence of a site to him, Mrs Manning said, “Just go to church.

Go to church and say a prayer for him.” Of the exhibition, the Mannings’ son David said, “I am forced to compare Patrick Manning, the man, to the vision he had for his country. The country needs to remember what he did, who he was, and the plans he had for the country.” UTT chief librarian Martha Preddie said UTT was proud to be selected to house the collection.

When Manning demitted office, she said, he handed over his collection which included photographs, plaques, some personal artefacts and books that showed not only his political work and international visits but the personal side to him.

The collection is to be housed at the UTT Signature Campus at Tamana which is nearing completion. Plans are also in train to have a roving exhibition periodically before it becomes a standing collection.

The policeman’s 36-yearold wife was also arrested on Thursday and remained in custody up until yesterday.

The 46-year-old officer is suspected of being involved in money laundering and organised crime and was the subject of an investigation for approximately 18 months. He was placed under surveillance for the past few weeks prior to his arrest.

According to reports, members of the Fraud Squad, led by Sen Supt Totaram Dookhie and including ASP Ghisawan and SGTS Thomas and Samuel, executed a search warrant at the inspector’s office at Piarco on Thursday afternoon.

The same team then went to his home at Princes Town and searched.

A quantity of jewellery, valued millions of dollars, and nine macaws were seized and the officer’s wife arrested. The macaws were handed over to game wardens from the Forestry Division. Police also seized two vehicles valued $600,000 The inspector and his wife were being questioned yesterday and investigators are expected to approach Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard SC for advice in the matter.

Yesterday ACP Irwin Hackshaw confirmed the arrests and commended the Fraud Squad for what he described as excellent work.

He said it is the intention of Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and the executive to weed out any corrupt elements in the Police Service.

Speaking ahead of a training at the Stadium’s training pitch yesterday, Lawrence said, “The idea is to prepare for the Jamaica game which is leading up to the Honduras game which is the most important thing. I think the Jamaica game will be a fantastic test for the boys because Jamaica did really well in the Gold Cup. They will come here on a high and we are looking forward to the game .

“It is going to be good for the local players .

We have managed to acquire the services of a couple of the foreign players and the main reason for that is the fact that they have not been playing for their clubs so it is important that we try and give them some match time before the Honduras game. I think we have three players confirmed – Cordell Cato, Mekeil Wiliams and Aubrey David.” Lawrence added that he had a conversation with Cato after the winger was left out of the final squad for the World Cup qualifying matches against United States and Costa Rica last June .

“Cordell phoned me and we had a conversation .

Cordell understands the situation of what is expected of him .

I think what happened is behind us now. The door was never closed on him. We had a good conversation and he will be here as part of the group and he is going to try and achieve what we want to,” Lawrence said .

On playing the Honduras game at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Lawrence commented, “The idea is to basically create an atmosphere .

If you look at the two previous games against Panama and Mexico at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, we didn’t have much of an atmosphere that we were looking for.” TT provisional squad to face Jamaica – Andre Marchan, Adrian Foncette, Marvin Phillip (goalkeepers); Maurice Ford, Taryk Sampson, Curtis Gonzales, Triston Hodge, Alvin Jones, Aubrey David, Shane Sandy (defenders); Hashim Arcia, Hughtun Hector, Nathan Lewis, Jared London, Isaiah Hudson, Nathaniel Garcia, Neil Benjamin, Tyrone Charles, Cordell Cato (midfielders); Rundell Winchester, Marcus Joseph, Julio Noel (strikers) .

Usually, God alone knows the heart. However, when one can remain relatively anonymous and give free reign to spew out what is inside we are made privy to the true nature of man.

ANISA GRANT via email

They met last week with the Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA) to discuss their grievances and to ask the Association to intervene on their behalf.

They have even asked that the matter be taken to court if deemed necessary.

The former SRPs, who were on two and threeyear contracts, say they received notices of their termination ten months ago without prior warning.

They are claiming that prior to their their contracts not being renewed, they had applied to become members of the Police Service and believe the move was vindictive.

Yesterday, secretary of the PSWA acting ASP Anand Ramesar told Newsday, “The Association confirms that several SRPs formerly assigned to the Praedial Larceny squad approached the association to represent them in a matter where their contractual services were not renewed. The Association will be representing these officers as we are aware that this is not the first time that the Ministry of Agriculture has acted in a manner which we consider to be both high-handed and lacking in basic industrial relations practices.

“We will be engaging the ministry both from an Association’s position and a legal position if we have to.” Ramesar added, “What has happened is not only unfair to the officers but has left them without employment.”

There were jab jabs at the Caribbean Premier League games at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain but no pan. Who can explain this? Who is responsible for it? What possible logical excuse can be used for this? Money, lack of planning, prejudice or just plain oversight? There was certainly no lack of tassa as is customary at cricket games now but again why no pan? What do they expect the viewers out there to think? This is the land of steel pan and calypso?

W DOPSON Woodbrook