Her mother Kristal told Newsday yesterday, “I am very disappointed because I was expecting them to at least do something for the child. I understand the pain of other mothers who were denied funding.

I know what they are going through. To have a child in and out of a hospital, three to four times in a month, and get turned down because it is not a life-threatening disease, or because the diagnosis was insufficient and that a donor test was not conducted, is just disheartening.

Trinidad does not even offer these types of transfusions. This should change. Once a patient is visiting a hospital more than usual, they should be given some preference in receiving funding to get the treatment required.” She said the family is still trying to keep the September 4 appointment date for the surgery, which is costing $400,000, and friends and relatives are coming together to pool their resources in order to fund the transplant.

On Tuesday, attorney Gerald Ramdeen petitioned the High Court in San Fernando to compel the CLFA to respond to Haleema’s application with urgency. The judge, Justice Devendra Rampersad expressed concern over, what he described as, a lack of compassion in meeting and treating with the funding of life threatening illnesses involving children.

Yesterday the CLFA wrote to Ramdeen stating, “After careful consideration of the application and of the medical reports dated 12/05/2017 and 20/7/ 2017 from Dr. J Nunez and Dr. G John, the board of management, Children’s Life Fund Authority has rejected the application.” The CLFA said Haleema’s application “contains little evidence of a definitive diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia Major…and furthermore it appears that the requisite testing for the donor has not been carried out, both of which may be required before the course of treatment can be appropriately selected. “Thalassemia is not considered to be a life-threatening illness as required by Section 19 (e) of the Act.” The board said its clinical assessments were based on other patients “with the same medical condition as further confirmed by the clinical meeting with consultant paediatricians and a haematologist on April 28 where it was agreed that Thalassemia is not a life-threatening illness and, with proper management, life expectancy extends well into adulthood.” The CLFA said Haleema has been referred to the external patient programme unit of the Ministry of Health for their attention and consideration of assistance with funding.

Haleema’s father Hamil is a construction worker while Kristal is a housewife. The couple has three children.

They wrote to the CLFA on July 28 requesting assistance for the surgery at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurgaon, India and Haleema’s three-month stay while recuperating.

Kristal explained when Haleema was 18 months old, she noticed something was wrong and took her to the doctor where she was diagnosed with the disorder in July.

She would have a high fever, cough and vomiting on a regular basis. She has been hospitalised on numerous occasions and is required to do blood transfusions on a fortnightly basis. Anyone wishing to assist the family can make donations to their First Citizens Bank Penal A/C# 2430155 or contact them at 331-4672, 710- 1137 or 270-0707.

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

It is critical to note that there are sectors of our society who will find nothing good about anything proposed or done by this PNM administration. That sector will only be happy if the Prime Minister resigns and calls a new election. For them, it does not matter what the Mouttet investigations discover, nothing short of the firing of the board of the Port Authority and the Minister of Works would satisfy the thirst of those seeking to replace PNM administration.

In this land of wonderful people of many races, different faces and a callaloo of cultures we have no choice but to work together if we wish to overcome the global economic, social and political challenges that confront us. We must overcome the management inefficiencies that led to the embarrassing effort to acquire a boat to service our sea bridge. We must find a way to rise above the agenda of those who seeks to divide us into percentages of class, race, wealth, religion, and political affiliation for self-interest. Moreover, we must start working on moving forward.

For too long we have stood by as politicians wasted our national wealth on investments with minimal return. The insatiable appetite of those that thrived on government programmes like GATE, CEPEP, URP, food cards and contract labour can never be filled. While we still have the ability to access international credit and our foreign exchange reserves is still healthy, we need to make a concerted effort to prepare for the future.

We need to stimulate the economy by partnering with our business community. We need to inject investment into a carefully planned approach to agriculture and tourism. WASA must no longer be allowed to be an economic black hole where water wastage and management inefficiencies are common. A new network of roads needs to be accelerated rather than placed on hold. Government must change from being a burden to taxpayers to a source of hope. Efforts must be made to make government services easily assessable and less punitive.

These decisions will entail making choices like that of asking Mr.Mouttet, a member of our business community to investigate our management practices. The Prime Minister must reach out beyond his political base, outside of his traditional pool of political support and embrace all our citizens from Blanchisseuse in the north to Moruga in the south, from Claxton Bay in the west to Mayaro in the east, from Scarborough to Charlottesville in Tobago. All of us must be red, white, black and ready to rebuild our Nation. At this time, only one-man PM Dr. K. C. Rowley, can do that. He need to go where no one has gone before. If he fails to take the initiative, we will do it under new leadership at the next general election. The historical unhealthy divisiveness of our politics must end.

God Bless Our Nation.

Steve Alvarez via email

Our golden young men – Jarrin Solomon, Jereem Richards, Machel Cedenio, Lalonde Gordon and Renny Quow – are indeed deserving of every accolade bestowed on them for their excellent performance. As strains of the T&T national anthem filled the London stadium during the medal ceremony, our collective hearts were bursting with unfettered pride.

Far too often, many of us tend to question our people’s ability to reach the pinnacle of success within our respective spheres of influence. As such, the chances of coming out ahead of our formidable and well-resourced counterparts from first world countries at times appears quite slim. Clearly in this instance, teamwork tipped the scale and our athletes rose to the challenge, convincingly securing victory in the process.

As we stand on the cusp of our 55th anniversary of Independence, perhaps, there is a lesson here for all of us who call this twin-island Republic, home. What did it take for our team to win? Without a doubt, those youth must have endured many long hours of intense training, discipline, deferred gratication and sacrifice, failure, the willingness to start all over again, teamwork, trust and, above all, a deep belief in self. These are all attributes and practices which can be applied to many areas of our national life, particularly as we seem to be grappling with a great deal of negativity in our society today.

These young men worked together to achieve a common goal. One can only imagine the difference it would make, if we adopted this kind of mindset on the road to building a more productive nation.

Using the example set by our Golden Team, consider what it would be like if our national stakeholders chose a more unifying approach to resolving critical issues, rather than opting for confrontation. Think of what might be accomplished if both the Government and the Opposition were to work together collaboratively, in the areas that matter the most – from national security, to education, health and equity between the islands.

From ti me to ti me we might hear the term “consultation” being bandied about and very often it creates a false sense of progress. In the end, what truly matters is a commitment to working together and then following through on execution and implementation, in all sectors of national endeavour.

During the month of August, we typically reflecton our nationhood in the build up to Independence Day celebrations. This is a period imbued with a great deal of patriotic pride. What better ti me to celebrate our winning relay team, which has epitomised the true spirit of Trinidad and Tobago and captured our hearts so warmly? These young men have created a unifying force – the likes of which have not been seen in some ti me. We have a great opportunity to put aside our differences, celebrate who we are, uniquely, as Trinbagonians and commit decisively to forward motion.

The T&T Chamber sends warm congratulations and best wishes to our World Championships 2017 Men’s 4 x 400 Gold Medallists!

In a statement, Abdulah reiterated that only the appointment of a special prosecutor will get to the root of this problem and solve it.

Referring to calls from Persad-Bissessar and other people to either have the police or the Integrity Commission investigate this matter, Abdulah said both organisations have proven themselves incapable of performing such an investigation.

He said the police on its own, has “totally failed” in its responsibility to investigate several instances of white- collar crime.

Abdulah said the Commission has also demonstrated that it cannot be, “the port of call to deal with corruption probes.” He added, “A COE is a time consuming process from which only the attorneys seem to benefit.” Abdulah said a special prosecutor will have legal investigative powers; access to forensic and other investigators and work with a specially selected and trusted team of police officers.

He said this, “is the way to go.” He warned the possibilities for conflicts of interests on the part of Mouttet could be “immense.” Abdulah claimed any report which Mouttet submits to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in 30 days time will lack credibility. He said the MSJ regrets that the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) is yet to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the plethora of corruption allegations which plagued Persad-Bissessar’s former administration over the last five years.

He claimed the appointment of Mouttet shows that the PNM, like the United National Congress before it, intends, “at all costs to maintain the status quo.” Abdulah said this status quo consists of a system of powerful business interests and the financiers of both parties. He called upon citizens to,”reject this status quo, reject this broken system.”

We congratulate Marie Siewnarinesingh, Sophia Ali, Neil- Ann Mc Millan, Randel Hamilton, and undergraduate scholar in health technology, Anand Hanuman.

They will be funded for a period of five to seven years.

The undergraduates stand to benefit from exposure to a country which has become world-famous for its medical expertise.

Since the 1950s Cuba has embarked on “doctor diplomacy”, practicing medical internationalism as a kind of soft diplomacy in order to consolidate its socialist reputation and exert influence.

Cuban doctors have played impressive roles on the front lines of the 2014 Ebola crisis.

It is widely believed medical doctors are Cuba’s most important export. As at 2012, 52 medical officers and 83 nurses arrived here from Cuba.

We benefit from this source of medical expertise given the clear gaps within our own beleaguered health care system. The scholarships are a chance to grow local talent.

However, it must be noted that Trinidadians trained in Cuba have in the past had difficulty when returning to practice here. The Ministry of Education must therefore ensure that it collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and the Medical Board to ensure that appropriate systems are in place to enable returning professionals to be integrated in a system that is in dire need of an infusion.

It is also hoped that tuition and stipend disbursals will be protected from budget cuts given the problems that have arisen in the past. If we are serious about developing our human resources we must ensure that the funding for education is prioritised. Administration of these scholarships must also be efficient so that payments are made in a timely way, allowing students to focus on their education.

Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba have a long history of diplomatic ties. This began formally in December 1972. As recently as 2011, Raul Castro attended the 7th Caricom- Cuba Summit here. Caricom as a whole has maintained close relations with Cuba through thick and thin, notwithstanding the fallout between that country and the United States.

There was a time, in the 1970s, when this type of collaboration between this region and Cuba might have incurred Washington’s wrath. But the end of the Cold War and the failure of economic sanctions to effect change in Cuba have changed dynamics.

The Cuban scholarships come at a time when the fragile progress made in thawing relations between the US and Cuba have been shaken by Donald Trump’s insistence on reversing the policies of his predecessor.

The “Cuban Thaw” overseen by Barack Obama, with the help of Pope Francis, has been hampered by Trump. On June 16, 2017, he announced that he was “cancelling” the Obama administrations deals with Cuba, while also expressing that a new deal could be negotiated between the Cuban and United States governments.

Trump reinstated a ban on individual travel to Cuba by Americans, while leaving in place travel permission for organised “educational” groups and family visits.

He expanded the prohibition on American money going to the Cuban military.

But at a time of utter turmoil in Cuba’s close ally Venezuela, we must seek to deepen our ties with Cuba, not turn back the clock.

These scholarships are a sign that we will continue to engage with Cuba, not turn away.

A statement issued yesterday by the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs said Young signed the warrant of committal (by consent), which was presented before Acting Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle by the Central Authority Unit, for Sookdeo’s extradition.

The ministry said this is another victory for the Attorney General and the Central Authority Unit in the co-ordination of efforts with their international counterparts in the fight against crime.

Sookdeo is alleged to have committed several offences.

These include one count of conspiracy to defraud the US and to commit theft of government funds (which is punishable with a maximum term of five years imprisonment); one count of false claims to the US (which is punishable with a maximum term of five years imprisonment) and one count of interstate and foreign transportation of money taken by fraud (which is punishable with a maximum term of ten years imprisonment).

He is alleged to have committed these offences between 2006 and 2010 in the US and Canada before fleeing to this country.

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, upon being advised by the Central Authority Unit that it had received a request from the US for the Sookdeo’s extradition, signed the authority to proceed on July 28. This triggered the extradition process. Sergeant Narace of the Interpol Bureau swore to and obtained the warrant of arrest from the court.

Sookdeo was arrested by Interpol police on July 28 in Debe, south Trinidad. He was taken before Earle-Caddle in the Port of Spain Eighth Magistrates Court on August 2. Attorney Graeme Mc Clean, head of the Central Authority Unit, and Netram Kowlessar appeared for the US. Sookdeo consented to being extradited to the US.

In a bulletin issued yesterday, the Met Service said the disturbance had not been well-defined as it contended with an environment of dry Saharan air but it had become more organised. They said the disturbance had a medium chance (40 per cent) of tropical cyclone development in the next 24 to 48 hours and a 50 per cent chance of tropical cyclone development in the next three to four days.

This disturbance, they said, will cause moderate to heavy rainfall tomorrow across portions of the Windward Islands, north of Trinidad and Tobago.

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

The inquiry began with the viewing of the 20-minute long video recorded by former Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Crystal Perreira. Perreira, who was attached to the Homicide Bureau Region 1 at the time of the murder, submitted herself for a rigorous cross-examination by Coa’s attorney, Criston J Williams in the Eighth Court.

The matter has been adjourned to August 22, pending the submission of additional statements and testimonies from both witnesses and investigating officers. Coa was implicated in the shooting death of Millette, while he sat in a vehicle outside his home at First Caledonia Morvant in 2015.