Wielding the carrot and the stick, Government yesterday announced a further reduction in the price of chicken, but stressed that it would continue to protect local producers by leaving the 88 percent surcharge.

Minister of Legal Affairs Camille Robinson-Regis announced that Cabinet yesterday agreed that the price range of $3.50 to $3.99 for locally produced chicken was “acceptable.” The Cabinet also agreed that “the proposal for the suspension of the 88 percent import surcharge should not be considered at this time.”  The minister was addressing a post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall. The Minister stressed that the Consumer Affairs Minister would continue to monitor chicken prices on a weekly basis. And, she added, the local chicken producers had given the undertaking that prices would not be changed without first informing the Ministry of Legal Affairs. She also revealed that the Legal Affairs Ministry would be speaking with officers in the Ministry of Health about the operations at the pluck shops. Robinson-Regis said her ministry had been beseiged with complaints about the sanitation of the pluck shops and the fact that there tended to be no display of the cost involved in plucking and gutting chickens. She said within the next three months, the Ministry would be meeting all the stakeholders on a monthly basis.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Opposition UNC expressed concern about a report of the deaths of 13 babies at the Mount Hope Women’s Hospital over the past nine days due to a “mysterious illness.”

If the report is true, the UNC said, an investigation should take place and the Minister should make a statement. Hours later at yesterday’s post-Cabinet meeting at Whitehall, Health Minister Colm Imbert yesterday blamed poor sanitation at the neo-natal unit at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex for a viral infection suffered by 13 babies. Speaking at Whitehall, Imbert also criticised the absence of systems, monitoring and management in the health sector. “This is why these situations developed,” he said, adding that there was a very strong team at the Ministry at the level of the Principal Medical Officer which fortunately had the capability to respond very quickly to the situations. Imbert said the importance of sanitation in a neo-natal unit was not “rocket science.”

Imbert said that after an “unusual number” of  babies became ill, it was decided to move them to another hospital because it was discovered that conditions at the neo-natal unit at EWMSC were “not up to standard.” The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) Communications Officer issued a statement from the office of the Ag Chief Executive Officer, which stated that the NWRHA “cannot associate the death of any baby or patient with an infection.” The NWRHA did admit that there was an increased incidence of infection at the hospital. “Mechanisms have been put in place to address the situation by having the unit and surrounding areas thoroughly cleansed and sanitised. Quality measures are presently being implemented,” the statement said. Attempts to get details about the infection at the Women’s Hosptial proved futile as the manager of the Women’s Hospital declined comment and referred Newsday to the Communications Officer. Ag CEO Karin Pierre could not be reached.

Health Minister Colm Imbert announced that Cabinet has decided to procure 40 brand new right-hand-drive ambulances through the UNDP. This would cost Government US$18.5 million (approximately $400,000 per ambulance), which was a very good price, he said, noting that there were many cars on the road which cost more than that.

These vehicles, which are expected to be in Trinidad and Tobago by year’s end, would provide full life support within a reinforced cabin. He added that the contract would also provide for a two-year maintenance and training programme of this country’s local EHS staff. Imbert said the UNDP rules also ensure that the vehicles must be procured from foreign manufacturers who have local dealerships in Trinidad and Tobago. This means, he said, that the vehicles would come through a local agency which has been awarded the contract through the Central Tenders Board. Imbert said the last 55 foreign-used EHS vehicles which were bought by the last administration had some positive effects but there were also problems. The left-hand drive raised serious questions about safety, the huge engine meant that there were high fuel costs, there was difficulty in obtaining spare parts and the maintenance costs were high, he said. He said the size of the vehicle also proved to be a challenge for negotiating some of the roadways.

SEVERAL people who lost their loved ones in the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US two years ago yesterday joined the US Embassy  in Port-of-Spain in reflecting at a memorial service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street.

Many of them shed silent tears in what they described as a “touching service.” Over a dozen Trinidadians died when the twin towers of the World Trade Centre came crashing down at the hands of suicide terrorists. Among them were Conrad Cottoy; Rena Sam Dinoo; Joan Francis; Winston Grant; Clara Hinds; Stephen Joseph; Glenn Neblett; Jerome Nedd; Oscar Nesbeit; Anthony Portillo; Vishnoo Ramsaroop; Gormatiee Thackurdeen, Paula Morales and Bobby Mohammed.

At yesterday’s service, Ellen Cooper, Conrad Cottoy’s sister, was seen wiping away the tears as she lit a candle during the candle-lighting ceremony. Speaking to reporters afterwards, she said Conrad, who was 51, had a wife and four sons who still reside in the US. Cooper said Conrad migrated to the US in 1971. She said at the time of the tragedy, Conrad was working on the 92nd floor of the tower which was attacked first. He was an accountant at Carr Futures and his body was never recovered. She said the anniversary of the attack was always sad and painful for her and her family  — a sentiment echoed by relatives of Gormatiee Thackurdeen and Rena Sam Dinoo.

Reshma Thackurdeen, Gormatiee’s niece, told reporters her aunt was in her 30s and worked on the 94th floor of the second tower. Gormatiee lived with her mother in New York and was engaged to an Israeli. She had no children. Gormatiee, who was originally from Chaguanas, had been living in the US for over 20 years at the time of her death. Rita Kalpee, the aunt of Rena Sam Dinoo, said Rena was 26, and married with children. She worked on the 98th floor of the first tower. The relatives said other family members of the victims who lived in New York were expected to attend a similar memorial service at Ground Zero, the site of the tragedy.

ST JOSEPH MP Gerald Yetming is apparently not the only Opposition parliamentarian who disagrees with the UNC’s strategy of non-cooperation with Government unless there is constitutional reform in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to documents obtained from his internet website, St Augustine MP Winston Dookeran appears to share Yetming’s views on that matter. In an exclusive Newsday interview last month, Yetming said the UNC’s strategy of non-cooperation in Parliament on key legislation was not working in the Opposition’s favour. That strategy was implemented by UNC leader Basdeo Panday shortly after the party lost the October 2002 general elections and since then, Panday has also called upon citizens, on several occasions, to engage in a campaign of civil disobedience. Yetming subsequently suggested that a strategy of conditional support might be more effective.

According to his speech at the launch of the UNC’s election manifesto on September 29, 2002, Dookeran appears to be have been opposed to such a strategy since then. Dookeran stated: “The UNC must now reject the politics of senseless confrontation and embrace the politics of peace, putting shoulder to the wheel to build a society. One which would be a model to the world.” Also in that speech, Dookeran said the UNC “must now reject the politics of monolithic parties which equate their interest with the national interest” and “embrace the new politics of coalitions.

A SOMBRE service, where tears flowed quietly for lost loved ones, was yesterday held  in Port-of-Spain to commemorate the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.

The US Embassy, which hosted the service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, took all precautions to avoid any untoward incidents at the memorial as every guest was subjected to scanning and a thorough search of their personal effects. The barriers, which were erected outside the church opposite the Embassy, were temporarily moved as dozens of police officers were deployed to provide security. Guards were also posted inside the church where members of the diplomatic corps, Members of Parliament, US Embassy staffers and relatives of the Trinidadian victims were gathered. One of the more “touching moments” of the service was the candle-lighting ceremony. To the soul stirring rendition of “Go Light the World,” sung by Gillian Seecharan-Scott, US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Roy Austin, lit the first candle for all American citizens. Candles were also lit by foreign diplomats for their respective citizens lost in the attacks. Other representatives lit candles for American businessmen, American servicemen, local servicemen, police officers, firefighters, port workers, victims and survivors. A minute’s silence was also observed and Mavis John, in her rich smooth voice, sang “Release the Dove.”

Ambassador Austin, in his remarks to commemorate the sad occasion, noted that it was a time for reflection and remembrance. He recalled that two years ago, millions across the world looked on in horror at the terrorist attacks, which claimed almost 3,000 lives of citizens of at least 87 nations. Minister in the Ministry of Trade, Diane Seukeran, representing Government, said 9/11 was etched in the minds of many as a day never to be forgotten. Sounding poetic, Seukeran said citizens woke up that day two years ago to a world going askew and realised it was not a nebulous dream but the hard reality of a world gone mad. Also delivering remarks were Rev Calvin Bess and Rev Cyril Paul, President of the IRO. Rev Paul said he hoped the tragedy would never happen again. He prayed, “all governments of the world will continue to work for peace, reconciliation and healing and do everything within their power to prevent anything resembling September 11 from ever happening again.”

SENIOR policemen investigating the death of Shaun McLeod – who according to an autopsy died from blunt trauma to his head while in police custody – have not yet completed the file which has been ordered by Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Everald Snaggs.

A senior officer told Newsday yesterday statements were still being taken from witnesses and it was not known for certain whether the file would be completed today as per CoP Snaggs’ instructions. Snaggs ordered senior officers of Homcide Bureau to undertake a full-scale investigation into all circumstances surrounding McLeod’s death. The case file was expected to be submitted to the CoP today. McLeod, 23, of South Oropouche, was arrested by police for using obscene language, at Library Corner, San Fernando, last Friday. Eyewitnesses claimed that the father of one was beaten by the police and taken away in the jeep. Less than a half an hour later, McLeod was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The police claimed that the man had collapsed while at the police station.

Investigators have information that McLeod had been drinking alcohol while taking medication on the night of the incident. At least one eyewitness had initially given a statement to police stating that he did not see the police beating McLeod. In the statement, he did not mention seeing the police offices attempting to handcuff McLeod to a lamp post. Statements will also be taken from the four officers – a corporal and three constables – who are still on duty. Meanwhile a simple funeral service will be held at McLeod’s home at Kroomen Settlement then to the Oropouche RC Church before he is laid to rest at the Oropouche Cemetery. ASP Ruthven Paul is spearheading investigations into the incident.

“WOMEN, when you see your husband and children leaving the house, get down on your knees and pray for them.”

This was the tearful appeal from Leela Gurdath, a mourner at yesterday’s funeral service for slain businessman Vernon Roopnarine held at his home at Sum Sum Hill, Claxton Bay. The plea evoked loud sorrowful wails from Roopnarine’s daughter, Nathalia, who was the last member of the family to see Roopnarine alive, having witnessed the kidnapping of her father last Friday. A kidnapping which tragically ended with his horrific murder less than two days later. Investigators suspect that even while the kidnappers were demanding a $3 million ransom from the family, the businessman may have already been killed. An autopsy concluded that Roopnarine was bludgeoned to death. Yesterday, Nathalia seemed dazed with grief sitting next to the coffin, which remained closed for public viewing. The casket was heavily adorned with flowers, with a framed picture of Roopnarine in the middle.  

Before the numerous mourners gathered to pay their final respects to the Central-based businessman, Gurdath criticised the road-block exercises which proved useless since Roopnarine’s bludgeoned body was found on Tuesday at Morne Coco Road, Maraval. Her face awash with tears, Gurdath called upon women to pray for the protection of their families. Roopnarine’s wife, Shafira, who had been under medical watch since the news of her husband’s murder, wept quietly through the service and put on a brave face as she performed the ‘aarti’ (Hindu rites) on the body. But as her sons Bindra, Rudy and Darryl were carrying out the casket for the final rites at the Mosquito Creek, Shafira broke out into loud wailing. The officiating pundit, Capildeo Maharaj, described death as “one of the great mysteries”.  Pundit Maharaj said: “We have created this life ourselves. We seek happiness in material things but in the final analysis, we cannot take anything. It is just the body that dies, but the soul travels on.” 

PRIME Minister Patrick Manning has promised to tackle the issue of security along TT’s coastlines very closely and disclosed that as part of this thrust, Government will be purchasing a new radar system.

Speaking on the issue of sea piracy following a post-Cabinet press conference at White Hall yesterday, Manning said the new radar system will provide a 350 degree coverage of our coastlines and should be acquired within a year’s time. He was responding to concerns from local fishermen about sea piracy, when he spoke to Newsday. Manning added that further plans are underway to set up another CoastGuard base in Cedros, which will go a long way in helping out the situation. Moruga fishermen seem to know about the dangers of the sea since they have suffered several incidents of piracy as well as run-ins with the Venezuelan “Guardia Nacional” over the past year. But not only in Moruga; piracy on the high seas has also occurred in fishing villages such as Erin, Icacos and Cedros over the years. About two years ago, there were also reports of stolen boat parts in Carenage, Maracas and La Fillette.

The Moruga fishermen have really felt the brunt of it lately, however, and are calling on Government for more protection and assistance from the Coast Guard. They say if these attacks continue to happen as often as they do, there may be no more fishing industry for TT to look forward to in the next few years. They painted a grim picture for the future, saying fishing may become just another hobby. Just before the end of August, several fishermen from the area experienced a run-in with Spanish-speaking, gun-toting pirates. They were robbed, tied up and left for dead as the pirates took all their food and water supplies. Julien Silverton, who was there that day, said these pirates are young, strong and smart. “They look very young like teenagers and they put guns to your face. They robbed us of everything we had, including jewelry and you should see how quickly they do it, they are quick,” he said.

Residents believe the pirates are the poor youths of Venezuela who live near the Orinoco River. A few of the fishermen who lost several engines and two of four boats that day, heard that their engines may be in St Lucia. They had to get their serial numbers together quickly this week and are awaiting word from officials at National Fisheries to see if recovered engines match theirs. Reynold Ramkelewan, owner of the boat, “Mr Cola” said  four boats went out to sea that day. The others were the “Marissa” and two which the pirates stole: the “Cobra” and the  “Great White.” Also stolen were four engines — three 75s and one 115. They said if they add up all the engines, nets, boats and other equipment that they have lost over the year, it would total in excess of  $150,000. “So you see, we are taking a chance by going out into the ocean. It is becoming a dangerous job in which we fear for our lives, but nobody doing anything,” said one fisherman. “Meanwhile, these young, trained youths robbing us of our livelihood,” he added. Residents believe the sea piracy is just as big a trade as the drug cartel.

Kenrick Anthony, a fisherman for about 30 years said: “But where the Coast Guard? I only see them about twice and I does be out there all the time.” Most residents felt quite disillusioned even at a time when  the area was receiving a lot of attention with a number of recent incidents. The week after the fishermen were attacked, about 24 kilogrammes of cocaine washed up along the shore. The next day, residents were attacked by strangers demanding where they were keeping the drugs. “Too bad I did not get any of it,” joked one gentleman, “but we realise this is the only time we get attention.” The village became the centre of attention yet again when a portion of a US Arian space shuttle washed ashore, causing widespread curiosity across the country and even internationally. The last time something like this happened was a few years ago when a French L5 torpedo washed up on the shore, bringing visitors from far and wide to the beach. Concerned residents also spoke about the neglect of the beaches and the agriculture industry. The only things that the village seems to be popular for these days, they lamented, are marijuana, drugs and beatings in the forest, or getting lost at sea. After years of protest, they eventually got new roads and the water supply is better they said, but there is so much more that needs to be done. “The youths have nothing here, all ah dem leaving,” said one elderly resident.

Peter Glodon, spokes person for the fishermen shared these sentiments. He was due to meet with at least three Cabinet Ministers including Agriculture Minister, John Rahael and MP for the area, Works and Transport Minister, Franklyn Khan on Wednesday. Glodon said he will be making a proposal to Rahael, to investigate the findings of a report in which two Venezuelans were gunn-ed down while they are trying to verify if the retrieved engines from the Venezuelans correspond with the engines which were stolen from the Moruga fishermen. He will also be making a request for more emphasis to be placed on agriculture and fishing since this makes up a large portion of the National Food Bill. Glodon said even though Government promised the village a new fishing port which would have been available in the last 2002-2003 Budget, they have not received anything. Lieutenant Comm-ander Mark Williams, Commander of Opera-tions at the Coast Guard said: “We know about the problems and we would like to do more,  but right now we have a limitation of assets.” He said the Ministry of National Security was aware of the need for more patrols because of the importation of drugs and is working on bringing in more high-speed vessels to chase high-speed crime-related incidents. Williams warned fishermen that going too close to the Venezuelan border is breaking the law but Moruga fishermen say the best and biggest “catches” are found closer to the Venezuelan coastline.

THE UNITED States, in conjunction with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), will today conclude a week-long conference entitled “Caribbean Anti-Terrorism.” 

It began Monday and the theoretical aspect was conducted at the Crowne Plaza, while the practical execution was done yesterday and will continue today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. A total of 18 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) were among 32 people who participated in the conference, organised by the United States Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Service members from other countries including Antigua/Barbuda; Grenada; Dominica; Barbados; St Lucia; Jamaica; Bahamas; Guyana; Suriname and the Dominican Republic also took part in the conference.

The aim of the forum is to expose security practitioners to the anti-terrorism measures currently applicable in the global environment. Lead facilitator Marion “Drew” Andrews, of the DTRA, told Newsday yesterday that the United States is sharing its knowledge with Caribbean nations to enable them to develop competency against anti-terrorism. “And we will continue to share information with them (Caribbean),” Andrews said. Local Army Major, George Michael Clarke said terrorism appeals to everyone, and Trinidad and Tobago is no exception. “We are more aware of the practices and procedures that would assist in the event of heightened threats,” Major Clarke said at the stadium. Supt Yvonne Alexander of the Dominica Police Force said the conference was the perfect opportunity for people of the Caribbean to get together for closer collaboration to combat terrorism threats. Alexander’s views were also shared by St Lucia’s ASP of Police George Modeste and Antiguan Army Captain, Trevor Pennyfeather.