Angela Ramjattan, a ward at the Christ Child Convalescent Home in Diego Martin, was last seen at her Diego Martin school last Thursday, at about 2.45 pm.
She was last seen wearing her school uniform – a white shirt and a plaid skirt. Ramjattan is five foot two inches tall with a brown complexion and black hair.
She is of East Indian descent.
People with information on her whereabouts can contact the police at any station or dial 999, 555, 911 or 800-TIPS.
Speaking at the San Fernando ASJA Mosque during ‘juma’ prayers, Sulaimani saluted Rowley’s stance saying people are duty- bound to help and especially those in the Muslim community, even if it meant people having to facilitate a family in Dominica in their respective homes .
“People do not have food, drinking water and their houses have been destroyed,” Sulaimani told the congregation. He called on Muslims to begin putting together their Zakaat to send to Dominicans and they must be at the forefront in initiating such a drive .
“Muslims must not be holy only during the month of Ramadaan .
What has happened to our neighbours, is a test for us. Or, it is a punishment depending how we look at it from an Islamic perspective .
It is public knowledge that some of these islands are filled with lewed activities, for tourists. They commit sin. But, it also serves as a test for us here, for we are not to blame others, but reform others using the best way,” Sulaimani said .
The mosque was packed to capacity and included Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein, former House Speaker Nizam Mohammed, Justice Robin Mohammed and retired judge Shahfeyei Shah .
Sulaimani said that the calamities that befall some, is a test of faith for those who have not yet been affected by hunger, thirst and the forces of nature .
“Nationals of this country must never lull themselves into a false sense of security, in believing the winds will not destroy us, for we are told as Muslims, to seek refuge from the evil of the winds and the very water which cleanse us.” With this in mind, Sulaimani said, Rowley made a bold declaration for nationals of this country to sponsor a family, relative or friend they may know who have lost their home in Dominica .
“That is why I salute the prime minister. Let us not play politics with this. The prime minister understands the effect on the one who gives, at a time, to the one who is in need.”
She assured this is not a ploy to win votes for the next general election, saying such “callous and insensitive remarks” have no place in a nation of immigrants that itself has so far been spared from natural disasters.
Her remarks came in statement in her role as chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Women’s League.
Robinson-Regis said the league fully backed Rowley’s call for Trinis to open their homes and hearts to the citizens of Dominica rendered homeless by Hurricane Maria. Noting TT’s historical willingness to help our Caricom neighbours after any natural disaster, she said Rowley offer of accommodation was apt given TT’s economic situation.
“In the midst of the negative comments already raging, the Women’s League reminds citizens that the PM’s call was for persons who have family, relatives or friends in Dominica and who are able to accommodate them, to step forward at this time and join with the Government in providing relief.
NOT WELL THOUGHT OUT However, an Opposition UNC source said that while it is good to help Dominica, Rowley had not fully thought out the details.
The source asked if Government will test potential local host families for their ability to take care of any Dominican guest.
“What happens if the families then having a falling out?” The source asked if the guests would be sitting around doing nothing for six months, or would they be given work permits? “What if they are under financial stress? Would we have to provide a financial assistance programme, or pay them a stipend? “What happens at the end of the six months, if they have not got enough resources to go back to Dominica? What if they need significant medical attention?” Looking at TT’s crime wave, the source asked, “How will we protect the women? And the children and the aged?”. The source wondered whether it might be better for TT to help supply Dominica with items like generators, galvanise sheeting and lumber to help residents re-establish their lives there, rather than re-settling them here.
Commissiong made the call during her keynote address at Government Campus Plaza on Richmond Street, urging the city corporation, business owners and public to keep the city’s rich cultural legacy alive by preserving historic buildings and sites for future generations.
“I yearn, not just for the past but for the future of Port of Spain, the preservation of historical sites in and around our town and the revitalisation of Carnival and culture in the city,” she said. “Recently I was asked, what I would like the street to be called? I would like it to be called the cleanest street in TT.” Recalling her youth growing up on Oxford Street in uptown Port of Spain, she said that while her middle-class upbringing was in stark contrast to those in socially depressed inner cities, she envisioned a brighter future for all of Port of Spain and reaffirmed her commitment to making this a reality.
“In my mind’s eye, I see the Savannah lush and green. I see Belmont, I see Woodbrook, I see St James as integrated communities, vibrant and alive, clean and the entire metropolis a haven for a revitalised, year-round tourism industry and if I can, in any way, contribute to this vision, I stand ready, willing and able.” Mayor Joel Martinez praised Commissiong for her contribution to local culture and identity and said the renaming exercise was the beginning of new projects under local government reform. “Our intentions are to preserve the history of our city whilst embracing and recognizing one of our very own with this honour.
In this instance the re-naming of Queen Street is multifaceted and commemorative, as this will set the stage for the development of the city’s landscape and infrastructure, whilst preserving our history.” Just before the renaming ceremony, a Carnival-like atmosphere engulfed Queen Street, as throngs of spectators gathered to show their support and admiration for the woman many affectionately referred to as “Penny” as she stopped to greet her fans, beginning at the Piccadilly Greens in east Port of Spain.
“Go to school and do well, work hard to achieve your goals because you cannot be successful in life if you do not put in the hard work.
You cannot be successful in your studies by playing games and watching a lot of television,” Duncan advised students at a ceremony in her honour at the school.
Duncan, who passed for her first choice St Joseph Convent, Port of Spain, said she felt very proud and honoured.
“I want to encourage others that despite what challenges you may have, keep working hard because I did not reach here by watching plenty of TV. I worked very hard and I am thankful for the support from my aunt Renna Duncan.
“My aunt played a magnificent role in my studies and dedicated all her time and energy to help prepare me for the SE A exam. I must also praise and thank my teacher Miss Miranda Sakawat.” Interim Rector of the Holy Trinity and the school’s manager Carl Williams said it is an important time for the school and thanks must be given to God for its achievements.
He boasted that every year, St Catherine’s places in the top 20 overall in the SE A. “This year we have a student who placed first in Port of Spain and environs and 16th nationwide. It is an appropriate time to give thanks and celebrate.
“I believe parents are disciplined at this time to know the importance of education for their children and it is important to have a principal who is always thoughtful,” Williams said. He added that the annual award ceremony gives students an incentive to work harder as they prepare for their exams.
The event was filled with expectation and excitement as winners of the various categories and champions of the various disciplines that make up the games took their seats to be a part of this award function. Nikosi Mc Leish, feature speaker, reflected on his time as an awardee at a previous event and had this to say, “The bottom line is we came out and we competed and we are here to celebrate winners!”
Pepper spray is a great non-lethal weapon to have in one’s possession, especially if travelling alone at night. It is an invaluable instrument of self-defence since it possesses the remarkable ability to inflame the mucous membranes of the attacker’s eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
The criminal is temporarily blinded and also experiences breathing problems as the pepper spray is extremely pungent.
The effects usually last long enough to allow the victim to escape.
Pepper spray in a woman’s is a powerful tool that can save lives and mishaps of the worst kind.
CHELSEA BEDASE El Dorado
The song and its colourful music video has received more than 31,000 views on YouTube since it was published on September 5.
The responses have been mostly positive including comments like “this tune bad it bad it bad” and “Good vybes. Know this song by heart already. Love it.” The two singers spoke about the single during a recent visit to Newsday’s Port-of-Spain offices.
St Rose said that the song was about spreading love and unity, and teaching young people about it.
St Rose recalled that she went to producer Kyle Phillips with the concept and when Ayoung heard it in studio he liked it. The song was written by Phillips, Lani K, St Rose and Ayoung, produced by Lani K, Keyonn Jemmott and Phillips and mixed and mastered by Flex GLR.
She said that everyone came together and that good vibes transferred to the music.
The lyrics include, “The calypso music starting from deep down inside, something like a burning fire for we to survive” and “The spirit of soca music will live on and on, uniting all different races together as one.” St Rose was born in Trinidad and Tobago but grew up in the US. She studied music at the Baltimore School for the Arts for music before enrolling at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia for music. St Rose then completed her undergraduate degree in business management and music at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and then decided to return to this country and pursue a music career. She returned home in September 2015 and her songs include Get it from Mama and Roll it Back featuring Jay Cube.
She performed Get it from Mama at the International Soca Monarch as part of a prize package as winner of the inaugural NLCB “Scratch Soca Airplay” competition. She also won $15,000 cash and a session with a “top producer and writer” for her 2017 soca song. St Rose’s genre of music is a new fusion of international flavour that can be described as afro-soca.
On Love of the Music St Rose said that she wanted to represent the country to the fullest and was glad to work with Ayoung, “a living legend” who was creating music before soca was invented.
With a career spanning more than four decades Crazy is the pioneer of parang soca, composer of numerous pan songs and known for hits like Madness is Gladness, Doh Try That, Nani Wine, De Party Now Start, Cold Sweat and won the 1985 Road March with Suck Meh Soucouyant.
During the interview Ayoung said that he wants the song to educate young people about the history of soca and that it started with Ras Shorty I, who he mentions in the song along with Superblue, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin.
St Rose hopes to take the song into schools and recalled that a year ago she participated in a school tour with Synergy. “I love doing things like that.” The song is for the 2018 Carnival season and they also plan to enter it for competitions including the International Soca Monarch.
At the post-Cabinet news conference on Thursday, Young said Mark attempted to mislead the public when he was questioning suspended acting TT Inter-Island Transport Company CEO Leon Grant about an e-mail address. He said Grant’s e-mail address, as listed in a document which Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley read into the record at the hearing, was “leong@patnt.com.” Young said Mark claimed the e-mail address was leong@patt.com.
On Thursday, Mark said it was a syntax error.
However, speaking before he left the Caribbean Security Forum at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Young said there was no consistency between Mark’s explanation and his actions at the hearing, and anyone who examines the video footage would see that Mark “was the one leading the question.” Young said, “I think the population must measure Senator Mark.” On Thursday, Young rejected Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar’s claims that he acted improperly in accompanying Rowley to the JSC hearing. Young said it demonstrated that Persad- Bissessar did not understand the role of an MP.
Rowley described Mark’s actions as reprehensible and said had Parliament not been prorogued on Thursday, a matter of privilege would have been raised against him.
The TT Film Festival. Using the slogan “high on film,” this 2017 installation of cinematic art is bound to get patrons buzzing.
On Wednesday I had the absolute pleasure and privilege to sit in a packed cinema to view Lipstick Under my Burkha. As a film enthusiast and passionate feminist, I was really looking forward to some provocative, consciousness- raising on screen narratives.
Hailing from Mumbai, female director Alankrita Shrivastava was successful in revealing the world of Indian women, a world that is not only silenced but usually glamorised and exoticised through Bollywood and Hollywood cinema.
Lipstick Under my Burkha courageously visibilised harsh realities of women by chronicling the lives of four different women experiencing different forms of oppression. They dreamt of freedom from the patriarchal society that confines and limits them.
Igniting a fire in me, I thought of my own life as an Indian woman and the lives of other women who still dream of worlds far different from the one we live in.
Cinema is most definitely a tool of activism, in this case, feminist activism.
Lipstick Under my Burkha highlighted marital rape, issues around reproductive rights, forced marriage, female sexuality and freedom of expression of self.
The burkha, the lipstick and the dream, all symbols in these women’s journeys.
Around the world women and girls have many dreams.
It is a dream for a girl to freely wear jeans and to express herself through dance. It is a dream to marry for love and passion. It is a dream for a woman to have reproductive rights and to say when and how he wants to have sex with her husband. It is a dream for a woman to have sexual desires after she has become widowed.
Lipstick Under my Burkha is a must see. It is screening again on Monday at MovieTowne, Port of Spain, at 8.30 pm.
RENELLE WHITE via e-mail
