“It will not go away,” he said.

“The ferry service affects thousands of people on a daily basis.

The passenger ferry service moves one million people to and from Trinidad and Tobago each year. That is what you interfering with when you do it the wrong way.” Members of Cabinet knew what the terms and conditions of the contracts were to procure the Cabo Star and Ocean Flower II, he said, as they do not approve of any fiscal measures without going into intimate detail of what they mean.

Cadiz said he found it strange that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has appointed a sole investigator to determine the circumstances for the procurement.

“Unless the prime minister says Cabinet never saw a note and they did not approve it, that would be problematic because the port authority is in no position to have any expenditure like that without Cabinet’s approval.

“What this administration has done to Tobago is sinful. Renting and leasing boats is not rocket science. They dropped the ball when they allowed the Super Fast Galicia to leave without renewing the contract or having anything in place.” His former ministerial colleague Vasant Bharat told Newsday the blame for the current fiasco with the vessels and the seabridge lies squarely in the laps of Rowley and his Cabinet.

Bharat said Rowley claimed he was not a rubber stamp for anything and was not going to rubber stamp the Galicia staying after it was recommended by PATT’s management that the contract be renewed on two occasions, but he has rubber stamped the contracts for the lease of vessels now under questionable circumstances.

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.”

We will be saying something further on that.” In a subsequent statement, the National Security Ministry said talks with the British High Commission here have confirmed there is “no specific intelligence” to suggest there could be any terrorist attack in TT.

The ministry said this is contrary to media reports which create the impression that such an event is likely.

The ministry said the language in the FCO advisory, including its section on terrorism, has been unchanged since May.

The ministry said it continues to work with local law enforcement and this country’s international partners, “including the British, with respect to counter terrorism and the sharing of intelligence.” The ministry said all of this is aimed at ensuring, “that our citizens and persons in TT are safe.” The FCO has not issued any advisory telling British citizens not to visit this country.

The FCO advised British nationals to be vigilant wherever they travel because there is a heightened threat of global terrorist attacks against British interests and citizens, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.

Former national security minister Gary Griffith said the FCO advisory was, “greatly exaggerated and not in sync with the true nature of the threat of terrorism in this country.” He said the perception that because, “70 citizens left our country to become terrorists, makes us a country deemed vulnerable to terrorists attacks is flawed.” Griffith said while foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) are recruited into Syria and at times return to their home country to recruit other people to become terrorists, “not one of those 70 FTFs from our country has returned home.” He said as a signatory to United Nations Resolution 2178, TT must inform its allies of the names of those FTFs.

Griffith said it is important to defend TT’s image and reputation, “especially if misinformation via correspondence is released by our allies and relevant agencies.”

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.”

The Government must be fair and understand that all the politics is doing is making matter worse with only excuses upon excuses and no action, just talk.

As simple as it is to improve the tax collection by ways of endorsements, they can start with a visit to our several malls where most of the places, especially the food courts, charge VAT on their sales but are hesitant to give the customers bills, if any at all, saying “we are not VAT registered.” People mostly buy food in these malls, so hence a good tax collection point.

Start construction projects, agricultural projects, etc, which would be labour intensive and reduce ForEx in many ways, plus help in reducing crime. Employers are reducing their staff monthly now that also reduces payments of taxes, NIS, etc, so Government revenue is again affected. I can go on and on and all is needed is common sense by the Government to get organised and put action in place as quickly as possible, but when we have square pegs in very small round holes, and arrogance added with it, our country is at a loss.

Mr PM and your team must open your eyes, or if you cannot see what is happening and do not know what to do, accept your short-comings as men/women and at least be fair to TT and call the general election now.

TONY HART Diego Martin

Former national 200m and 400m runner, Alvin Daniel, in a telephone interview, expressed his joy at their victory. “It’s a real enjoyable feeling,” he said, “One of the greatest I’ve seen in a long time.” While the four athletes were victorious, Daniel said that he was proud of the TT female athletes as well.

He wants to remind Trinidad and Tobago that, “while they did not make a win, that their efforts were commendable.” Daniel stated, “Trinidadians need to take note that their participation in the World Championships, is a great feat.

“It is something of which Trinidadians should be proud,” he said.

With regards to rewarding the men’s 4x400m relay team, Daniel did not specify what should be given to the champions, but agreed that they should be rewarded.

He stated, “The Government should implement a policy where rewards are granted to the successful athletes.” He continued, “Winning is a high achievement comparable to studying for a degree, therefore they should be rewarded financially like any other university graduate.” The 1992 Olympic representative said, “Sports is a job. Therefore, athletes should be treated as employees and be appropriately rewarded for their hard work.” He noted that Trinidad and Tobago is blessed with many talented athletes.

Nevertheless, he stated, “Their potential cannot be reached if there are no programmes within the communities to encourage these athletes.” Daniel said that the up-and-coming athletes need support and encouragement from their communities and, by extension, the Government.

“The Government should implement programmes where the athletes are motivated to train industriously and the communities become involved in their activities.” Daniel said that playing sports are the dreams of many athletes. Therefore, the programmes implemented should assist in them “exploring their dreams”.

Daniel went on to congratulate the entire Trinidad and Tobago team who participated in the World Championships, reiterating that their participation is, in itself, a great accomplishment.

He said this at the Sangre Grande Volunteer Network’s launch at the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation (SGRC) car park yesterday.

He added, “What I find lacking in some corporations is, you don’t get the service that you expect to get there.” Hosein stated that it is the expectation that persons in service-oriented positions speak kindly and have manners, however he admitted that he has gotten complaints about inadequate service.

“People come into the police department, public health department and the corporations frustrated, and when they are not treated with kindly they leave feeling worse,” he said.

He encouraged all workers and volunteers to be genuine and give from their hearts. He said that Community Volunteer Network, which has been launched in four municipalities and which will be launched in the other nine, is an effort to give back to humanity.

“There is a certain joy in giving and expecting nothing in return.” Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla Christine Newallo- Hosein supported Hosein’s call and urged all volunteers to have a commitment, desire and willingness to give of themselves freely.

She stated, “Our citizens have a natural volunteer spirit. Parents are heavily involved in activities that ask of their time, but we need parents to not leave their children at home when they do so.” Newallo-Hosein stated children are not impacting society in a meaningful way and volunteering and giving of their time will allow that wrong to be corrected.

Chairman of the SGRC, Martin Terry Rondon described the day as a day of sharing and training. He thanked the various Non-Government Organisations and businesses for being a part of the initiative and encouraged them to use the day as a step to their own volunteerism projects.

People from Sangre Grande, Toco, Matelot and environs were treated to booths from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Civilian Conservation Corporation, Nature Seekers and community businesses.

Families received school bags, books, grocery items and were also treated to manicures, pedicures and foot massages.

At the event, a new police vehicle which was purchased by the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government was handed over by the minister, to the Sangre Grande Municipal Police, headed by Inspector Sewak Baran

The charges read to the trio alleged that on Monday, they had in their possession a protected animal namely the Scarlet Ibis. They have also been charged with entering the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, a prohibited area, without acquiring permission. The men pleaded not guilty. They were charged under the Wild Life Conservation Act of 1958. It is alleged they were caught with bird parts in a boat near the bird sanctuary by a team of game wardens.

The wardens said they were conducting surveillance in the area when they spotted the men.

They attempted to escape in a boat but were held shortly after.

The men were granted bail and the case was adjourned to September 5.

GML is a subsidiary of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies (ANSA McAL).

The union was responding yesterday to a report published in Newsday last Saturday, in which ANSA McAl’s Group Human Resource Director and Media Sector Head, Teresa White, said, “The union has been informed of the names. We’ve agreed with the union (on) the process, the selection criteria. We’re doing it strictly on a LIFO (last in, first out) basis; as is deemed best practice.” White was responding to a question about the planned GML job cuts while addressing an August 10 press conference on the Group`s results for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

According to BIGWU, “While Ms White is correct in stating that the selection criteria of Last In, First Out (LIFO) was agreed on, Ms White who is not even directly involved in the consultation process but perhaps is pulling the strings behind the scenes, neglected to mention a few key points.” These are, “In the first phase of this restructuring exercise when 16 workers were retrenched, there was never any agreement on criteria and (GML) failed to follow the LIFO principle; No scientific evidence was ever produced to support surplus labour; No rationale or justification has been provided with respect to the second phase to support any proposed retrenchment; and the consultation process was scuttled by the Company on both occasions as evidenced by a letter to the Union dated August 7, 2017 indicating that the Company had compiled its list of employees “deemed surplus to its operations”.” Citing an article published in the Trinidad Guardian last Saturday, BIGWU said GML was quoted as saying “we remain committed to positive and fruitful dialogue with the union in search for the best possible long term outcome”.

“Similar sentiments were echoed by (GML’s) Managing Director (Lucio Mesquita) in an email to staff dated August 7, 2017, where he is quoted as saying: “We are continuing the consultation process with the union regarding the latest phase of our restructuring.

The consultation is going well, with both parties working in good faith and maintaining a spirit of open and honest dialogue”.

“These statements belies what has taken place by virtue of the (GML’s) calculated abortion of the consultation process,” BIGWU argued.

The Caribbean Examinations Council issued the results to the ministry on Monday night.

“The results will be release later on this week. Many of the students who have written the exam are anxiously awaiting these results so that they could decide whether they want to pursue tertiary education, or in some instances these students are waiting on formal acceptance at some of our regional institutions, in particular at our universities.” Garcia spoke to the media after a signing ceremony for five students who received Cuban scholarships at the Ministry of Education’s Towers, Edward Street, Port of Spain.

He continued, “I have not yet had the opportunity to look at it but as we speak the director of examination and other senior officials are looking at it.

The CEO (chief education officer) and the director also have a copy of it and they are looking at it, so we can have a proper analysis later on this week.”