Sherma Mitchell and Belinda Charles of the Ministry of Tourism accompanied the media.

Mitchell, manager of Corporate Communications said: “The staycation initiative is not something new, it happens with every tourism destination and it is a way also of enhancing national pride for people to actually appreciate what we have here.” On our way to Chacachacare, boat captain, Elton Pouchet, pointed out a number of smaller islands and also identified the first and second bocas. However, most interesting was how close we were to the coast of Venezuela – just seven miles away from Chacachacare, but ten miles from the center of Port of Spain. It was a sight to behold.

Chacachacare is actually one of the Bocas Islands, which lie in the Bocas del Dragón (Dragons’ Mouth) between Trinidad and Venezuela, with Chacachacare being the westernmost of the Bocas Islands and belonging to Trinidad and Tobago, while Patos Island, which lies further west, was ceded to Venezuela in 1942.

Our first stop was at the infamous Salt Pond, located on the south west of the island.

Stumbling on the rocks and pebbles below waters waist high, the group walked to Bande du Sud beach and immediately headed to the pond, as a swarm of mosquitoes greeted us.

But little did we know that the pond too, was also riddled with the pests.

The tour guide explained that the water evaporates in the pond, leaving behind layers of salt. Also, due to the high salt levels, the water is usually very hot.

From the pond, and back onto the boat, Pouchet took us on a guided tour of various buildings and landmarks, including one that was once inhabited by nuns who created hospitals and care centers to take care of persons infected with leprosy from the 1920s to the 1950s. Three buildings, which still stand at the top of the mountain, were known as the Marine Bay Convent and included an administrative building and a chapel used specifically by the nuns.

At the back of the convent is a small cemetery where 12 nuns, from Portugal, France and one from Trinidad, Sr. Stephanie Arneaud, were buried.

Pouchet said in 1921, when the lepers were brought to the island, the men and women were separated. The men were placed in Cocos Bay and the women in Sanders bay, a bay that was home to the main generator of the island as well as a customs house, used to keep all the records of the patients and the nuns alike.

Pouchet said a 150 feet inland, a pundit site where a Hindu pundit used to pray with some of the patients for healing still stands.

Following a tour of the ruins, we cruised for a bit before Pouchet anchored the boat in what he said is known as the Trinidad nylon pool.

The bay is known as Perruquier and was one of four whaling stations when whaling was vital to gather blubber for light lamps and cosmetic uses. There we had a picnic lunch, with some people opting for a swim in the warm water.

Towards the end of the tour, Pouchet pointed out some popular bays of Monos Island, lined with a number of elaborate vacation homes of the more affluent members of our society

Next year’s Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place from April 4 to 15.

The other Caribbean team, the Barbados Gems, were also drawn in the same Pool A.

According to the draw, both the Sunshine Girls and Gems will have to meet World champions Australia in the preliminary stages.

The drawing for the Games were conducted yesterday and were based on International Netball Federation world rankings.

Jamaica are ranked fourth behind Australia, New Zealand and England, while the Bajans are 10th.

Teams in two pools of six each will play each other once in the preliminary stage.

Here are the groupings for the 2018 Commonwealth Games – Pool A: AUSTR ALIA; JAMAICA; SOUTH AFRICA; BARBADOS; FIJI; NORT HERN IRELAND.

Pool B: NEW ZEALAND; ENGLAND; MALAWI; WALES; SCOT LAND; UGANDA.

Dear Piteous Pitcher,

I think most people will agree that one of the hardest challenges for creative people, or persons interested in advancing in the workplace is to gain support for their ideas from top management.

I know colleagues who believe that their proposals are ignored and not taken seriously, not because they have poor potential, but oftentimes because their bosses simply do not understand the idea or even listened to their presentation. This can cause any employee to feel frustrated and disenchanted, and even lead to innovative persons leaving an organization.

So what’s the solution to this age old problem? Well certainly having your boss onboard long before you pitch your idea is key.

You need to bear in mind that your idea may very well be the solution to a crucial business problem and your boss will hardly ever invest in something unexpected. Therefore, it is important to get your boss involved actively upfront. This will reduce the risk associated with the idea being rejected since your boss will be involved at the first stage of the project.

You should also frame your suggestion to match your boss’ goals.

Once your idea can advance or assist your boss in the workplace, 80% of your job is done. Therefore, pitch your suggestion in terms of how it might help your boss. Remember, what matters to your boss include: improving the bottom line, ensuring the team performs or simply just looking good. You should therefore understand where your boss wants to be (his / her goals) and examine how your idea can help your boss achieve those goals. Frame your idea from your boss’s perspective and not yours.

Remember, decision-makers have more trust and confidence in great performers. The organization’s top performers usually get the praise and attention. This is sometimes referred to as the “hero effect”. Your performance is a key factor and will impact how people view your personal brand. Make sure that your organization’s top executives are aware of your good work and that you have a strong personal brand.

Bear in mind that your boss will more than likely consider ideas from those deemed to be high performers. Your performance and reputation within the organization will be equated to your idea. You therefore need to build a good reputation and strong personal brand, if you don’t already have one.

You should also consider enhancing your presentation and public speaking skills through training. Additionally, there are business books and other resources that can prepare you to answer some tough questions. You can certainly learn how to persuade other people – “Pitch Anything” by Oren Klaff will teach you the nuts and bolts of persuasion, while “Positive Personality Profiles” by Robert A.

Rohm, Ph.D. will provide insights toward understanding the art and science of human behaviour.

Pitching is a skill that should be nurtured and developed like any other. It is the key moment when you want to persuade and influence someone to try new things or buy into a product or service.

Remember, you are putting your idea and yourself in front of other people, mainly the decision makers in your organization. Now, this may sound scary, but it is the only way to present your ideas and make an impression.

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, Cavelle Joseph, Human Resource Practitioner and a Past President of AFETT. Learn more about AFETT at www.afett.com or by contacting the Secretariat at admin.

afett@gmail.com or 354-7130. Search for AFETT Events on Facebook and follow @AFETTEXECS on Twitter.

This was one of several issues discussed between Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis and Chinese Ambassador to TT Song Yumin, when Yumin paid a courtesy call on Robinson-Regis at the Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port of Spain last week.

In a statement, the Planning Ministry said there was a project between the University of the West Indies and the China Agriculture University aimed at finding ways to increase domestic agricultural productivity and reduce TT’s food import bill.

Robinson-Regis said a cooperative arrangement with China would be a great learning opportunity for TT in terms of industrial and technological development.

China’s history with TT has also involved the health care sector, agriculture and technical cooperation.

Dry docking and the development of industrial parks in TT are some of the areas already being examined by China’s Exim bank to assess funding possibilities.

Robinson-Regis raised interest in China collaborating on development projects involving Tobago as well as environmental support for TT as a small-island developing state.

In the 2017 Mid-Year Budget review, the finance minister said government expenditure was reduced from $63 billion in Fiscal 2015/16, to $53 billion in Fiscal 2017, a cut of $10 billion. Dr. Conrad said that was not enough. “I think some of the cuts that have been referenced and alluded to in the last budget are superficial. The gap still continues to widen. I don’t foresee that we have the luxury of selling off the assets that they had identified as one offs to generate some revenue. I think it is going to come down to going through line by line and determining where they need to make the appropriate reality checks.”

He said he also wanted to see a reduction in allocations to social welfare and “make work” programmes and said the budget presented government with a forum to educate the public, what he referred to as a “teachable moment”. Dr. Conrad said, “I also hope they would take the opportunity to explain to the general public the true fiscal position and take (this) as a moment to educate not just specific groups but everyone.” At the same time, he said it must be made clear to individual or specific interests that wage increases and other concessions cannot be facilitated at this point in time.

“I think that the budget could be used to send this message that there needs to be fiscal re-alignment, reflective of revenues.”

Dr. Conrad told Business Day that this budget will present the government with it’s last opportunity to introduce these re-alignments. He said that as this government’s third budget, any hereafter will be tailored with elections in mind. “It will be a missed opportunity to re-align fiscally, which should have been done last budget,” he said.

On the continuing issue of foreign exchange shortages, Dr. Conrad said: “Our source of foreign exchange has been the energy sector and I think that what most people miss is that the non-energy sector has been running a deficit in the vicinity of 20-25 per cent. That deficit has always been covered by the energy sector. What is happening now is that the non-energy deficit is being reflected in all shapes and forms. There are no short term ways to address the shortage in foreign exchange. Therefore, I think what we may need to see is some return to some sort of managed environment for foreign exchange, which is going to create a lot of problems for individuals, but it is not abnormal to return to that bit of control.”

He noted that the Central Bank has been injecting significant reserves into the system, which is likely to deplete them and spawn problems of its own. “At the current rate of spending, I think our import cover will fall to under nine months,” he said.

Dr. Conrad also said that government appeared to have forgotten that it can make use of monetary policy as well. “I think the only indication of monetary policy I have seen is injection of foreign exchange. Aside from that, the heart of the matter is not being addressed. I know some people have pointed to the possibility of letting the currency be devalued a little more. I think what we stand to lose is greater than what we stand to gain.”

He added that, “Given our industrial relations climate, I really don’t think that at short notice and at low cost, we can really increase production in any meaningful area.” Beyond being a teachable moment for the government, the economist said the budget also needs to be more forward looking. “I think this budget should be part of a road map for the next five years, even if it may not be within their purview. There should be a concrete five year plan that should make this budget part of a longer term strategy which I thought should have happened budgets ago.”

From about 20 countries in the Caribbean and Latin American (CALA) region, TSTT is one of the top companies demonstrating this pioneering behavior,” said Paulo Eduardo Da Silva, Export managing director at the Power and Telephone Supply Company (Power & Tel), at a brief recognition function during which the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) received an award for being an innovative industry leader in the CALA region.

The award was presented to TSTT’s chief executive officer, Dr. Ronald Walcott by Jennifer Sims, Power & Tel’s chief executive officer, at TSTT’s Queen’s Park Oval Hospitality Suite on August 10.

Power & Tel is a global leader in telecommunications and cable TV equipment and serves telecoms of all sizes, including AT&T, Comcast and Telefonica. “We have been distributing to the CALA region for over 20 years and we noticed a lag between the USA and European region and the CALA region. It usually takes three to five years for any technology adopted in the USA to be implemented in this region.

However, delving deeper, we noticed a trend in which a few CALA companies were showing higher innovation than those in the USA and Europe, and TSTT is one of the companies which is leading this innovation. For example, when TSTT started its fiber to the home programme in 2009, many companies in Mexico, Brazil, USA, were just starting to think about it,” said Da Silva, as he expanded on why TSTT was deserving of the award.

Dr. Walcott thanked Power & Tel on behalf of the Board and staff of TSTT, and reminded that TSTT was the leader with several other initiatives locally and regionally, including being the only, full-service communications solutions provider in the country, launching the first and only 4G LTE mobile and wired broadband service locally, having the first and only TIA/Tier three certified, world-class data centre regionally and the historic almost $2 billion financing agreement with Republic Bank Limited to support TSTT’s $3.7 billion five-year investment and transformation plan. He said, “TSTT’s vision is to become the standard bearer in Trinidad and Tobago for leading edge communications solutions and services that will enrich the lives of citizens, businesses and visitors. We really appreciate this recognition because it serves as important validation of our company vision and says to us that we are on the right path.” Sims is a communications industry advocate and serves as Board treasurer for the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) which helps develop global ICT industry standards and policies; Board Treasurer of the QuEST Forum, a global association of companies dedicated to improving the quality and sustainability of ICT products and services; and Board president on the Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) Chapter of Greater Memphis-Jackson. Sims commended TSTT for being a valued customer and for playing a vital role in the CALA telecom industry through the improvement of technology and services to end users. “The level of disruption in the global telecoms industry is very high right now with respect to how quickly services continue to change and grow. As a service provider, there are a lot of decisions to make and we recognise companies such as TSTT who are in the lead in the industry in terms of investing in these new technologies that benefit their consumer base and shareholders,” said Sims, who worked for IBM and HP for a number of years prior to joining Power & Tel.

Sims also congratulated Dr. Walcott on his leadership of the company. “We recognise and appreciate professionals like Dr. Walcott who make a positive impact on the technological advancements of Fiber Optics, IPTV and FTTx in the Caribbean and Latin America. The skills, planning and hard work required to accomplish your personal and company goals is worthy of recognition.

Leaders like you make a difference.

Congratulations!” About Power & Tel Founded in 1963, Power & Tel’s extensive distribution system provides service providers and contractors an effective way to get the wide-range of products needed to build and maintain communication networks.

As a value-add partner, the company also offers efficient solutions for the management of material and transactions; asset visibility; and maximising resource & facility capacity. Company headquarters are located in Memphis, TN, with branch offices and distribution centers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Power & Tel’s inventory, experience and technologies can help reduce the costs within your supply chain and allow you to reach your profit objectives. To learn more visit www.ptsupply.com or call 800-238- 7514

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young said this when he addressed a Rotary Club of Port of Spain luncheon in Woodbrook on Tuesday.

Young said two months ago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley sent him on assignment to China. He said since that time there have been discussions on expanding China’s One Road-One Belt to TT, with this country serving as the gateway to Latin America for China.Young said the construction of a dry dock facility in La Brea is one initiative being pursued at this time.

However, he said, “We are not just asking the Chinese to come and build and give us the financing.” The minister said Government is discussing significant local content in both the construction and operational phases of this project in partnership with the Chinese.

Young said he has been speaking with Chinese Ambassador to TT Song Yumin, officials from the China Exim Bank and other Chinese companies, “to make this a reality.” Young also hoped that China would agree to Government’s proposal for this country to “become a clearing house for the Western Hemisphere for the Chinese currency.” He also said last week he met with Venezuelan Energy Minister Nelson Martinez to “shore up” discussions on a gas sales agreement for Venezuela’s maritime Dragon Field. Young said new gas contracts have been negotiated with upstream companies.

He also said there is a lot of exploration taking place in TT and more that is “going to take place.” Recalling all the efforts the People’s National Movement has made to stabilise the economy since assuming office in September 2015, Young said the latest Heritage and Stabilisation Fund report shows the Fund has “rebuilt itself ” after a second withdrawal was made from it in March. He also identified the proposed Sandals resort in Tobago and a hotel and convention centre on the site of the former agriculture ministry’s offices in St Clair among other economic issues being pursued by Government.

On August 10, AMB published its unaudited interim results, in which the ANSA McAL Group of Companies subsidiary reported PBT for the six month period ended June 30 had increased by 43 per cent or almost TT $50 million to TT $164 million compared to the same period last year, when the bank recorded PBT of $115 million. Earnings per share improved by 41 per cent to $1.51 ($1.07 in 2016).

Speaking with Business Day about AMB’s performance, Hill said “despite the challenging environment”, the bank’s increase in PBT meant it was able to contribute $164 million “and a significant fillip to the overall performance of the ANSA McAL Group.”

Hill said AMB saw growth in its investment portfolios in all companies: expanded mortgage lending, increases in insurance premiums and underwriting and, with the full integration of the Consolidated Finance Company Limited in Barbados, “our results were further enhanced by a regional uplift.

“All in all, we are starting to see the benefits of several strategic initiatives in all our companies. We launched our Securities Trading platform in the bank in 2015 and followed this in 2017 with the launch of our Private Wealth Management business, which has already started to gain momentum.

“We understand wealth creation and preservation in our Group, as its in our Corporate DNA,” Hill added. “So this new service was an easy bolt on for us to our suite of financial services. These solid advances have mitigated the other areas of the business where we deliberately were a bit more conservative, such as our retail and commercial lending, where we see the most exposure to the current tough economic climate.”

For the period under review, AMB’s subsidiary, Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Limited (TATIL), gained market share in its Motor and Property books over the prior year. Hill told Business Day that the insurance company “has demonstrated a focus on growing the business” which has included the use of “endearing TATIL ads which have become a hallmark of the brand strategy for our General Insurance business, where you are not a policy number, but a person.”

Quoting the popular tagline from one of its best known ads, Hill said, “TATIL, where people are people.

“This has been quite successful in driving an increase in policy count and market share. Policy growth was also as a result of the cross selling across our companies and its direct sales initiatives. If I might also add, once again A.M. Best confirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “A-” with a Stable Outlook for TATIL. This rating was based on TATIL’s continued solid risk-adjusted capitalisation, reinsurance support, history of profitability and overall strong operating performance which it has become known for, given its favourable underwriting results augmented by its steady investment income.”

Like its parent company, TATIL Life, also recorded an improved performance in PBT of $61 million ($2.8 million in 2016) as well as a market share gain in its mortgage and life products.

Regarding this subsidiary, Hill told Business Day that, “In addition to the exceptional performance of its investment portfolio, TATIL Life increased its underwriting on its annuity business and its mortgage lending business, both of which contributed to the improved performance over 2016.”

Hill credited the “very dedicated team at TATIL Life, led by Ron (Ronald Milford), a very entrepreneurial MD who has really been working the business since he joined us just about two years ago.”

Looking ahead, Hill said while the local and international environment “continues to present challenges”, AMB remains “confident of delivering a solid performance in 2017.

“Our businesses are well capitalised, our underwriting conservative and our teams fully energised to create shareholder value every day, so we anticipate that we will overcome any challenge thrown at us in the markets in which we operate, while we look for opportunities to grow both organically and inorganically.”

With the nation gearing up towards hosing the highly anticipated Elite Pan American Track Championships in two weeks time, the recent results and athletes’ form can only mean positive things moving forward.

In a recent interview with Newsday, Racing Director at TT CF, Gary Acosta, stated, “The competition ran smoothly and the level of competition was outstanding as the athletes’ times showed they are really ready for the upcoming Elite Pan Ams.” According to the TT CF, the official national team of cyclist which will represent the twin-island republic at the Pan Ams, will be selected by Monday.

Since there were not enough teams registered for last Monday evening’s Madison race. The tall female PSL cyclist, Teniel Campbell, once again dominated the Women’s proceedings on the final day of the National Elite Championships, which concluded on Sunday evening.

Campbell started the last day of activities by setting a new National 3-kilometre Individual Pursuit record with a time of three minutes 55.44 seconds, eclipsing her 2015 record of 3:56.86, which she established at the high altitude track in Chile.

Her closest competitor was newly switched track cyclist, Alexandra Bovell (Unattached), who is also sister of famed TT swimmer George Bovell III, in a time of 4:00.84 with Christiane Farah (Breakaway) in third with a solid 4:11.07 pursuit. Campbell did not stop there though and saved the best for last when she came up against Kollyn St George of Breakaway Cycling Club in the 500-metre Time Trial. With a half lap remaining, St George was comfortably 0.3 seconds ahead.

However, when the clocks stopped on both ends, Campbell was adjudged the winner by 0.001 seconds in a time of 36.507 seconds.

Jovian Gomez (PSL) snatched the 4km Individual Pursuit event in a time of 4:52.90, just ahead of teammate Akil Campbell’s (PSL) time of 4:53.422. Quincy Alexander shrugged off the pain from his hard fall on Saturday morning in the Sprint Qualifications to set a solid time of 1:05.31. In the process, he captured the 1km Time Trial title with Akil Campbell also placing second in that race and Ako Kellar (Team Foundation) finishing third.

The appointment, announced yesterday, became effective on August 1, 2017.

The RIC noted that Lee Young has more than 25 years’ experience in various sectors including Energy, Utility, Manufacturing and Service, both locally and internationally.

Lee Young has held senior executive and leadership positions in organisations such as Shell International, British Borneo, Venture Production, Ten Degrees North Energy Limited as well as briefly holding the post of CEO of the Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA).

The RIC said Lee Young “brings a range of competencies in business, economics, finance, organisational transformation and project management” to the commission.

Lee Young served as the president of the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce, which under his leadership was restructured to the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago. He continues to hold directorships within the finance and services industry.

The RIC’s Board of Commissioners and staff yesterday offered a warm welcome to Lee Young, expressing confidence that “his unique blend of training, knowledge and experience will allow him to deliver the highest level of performance to the RIC.” The RIC is the statutory body that regulates the water, wastewater and electricity sectors in Trinidad and Tobago.