It first opened its doors on Valentine’s Day, 2002 at MovieTowne, Invader’s Bay, Audrey Jeffers Highway, Port of Spain, and then moved to Ariapita Avenue where it thrived for ten years. Now, Shakers will be closing at the end of August.

Owner Clayton Archer said he has seen a slow decline in patronage over the years due to a change in Trini liming patterns, mostly because of crime and overzealous tow trucks, among other reasons.

He said people preferred to buy a bottle or case of alcohol and lime at their or a friend’s home rather than risk getting their car towed, broken into, or being robbed on their way to or from their destination.

He decided to keep the bar open until the end of August to give people and university students the chance to say goodbye. He said it also gives him a chance to make enough money to give his employees a farewell bonus, and to pay off suppliers and any debts so if he decides to re-open at another location, everyone would be back on board.

“We’ve been looking for a new location for the past five years and I don’t think we’ll be able to find one in two months, so we’re going to close down and figure out our options after that. We’ve had a good run. Fifteen years is pretty impressive.”

ROCK OUT

Over the years, Archer has encouraged and supported a number of local rock bands. He would give the bands the entrance fees while Shakers got the bar sales. He said he wanted to help and promote the music that was created by local artistes because very few venues in Port of Spain catered to rock bands. He believes the music has “died” in Port of Spain but has remained strong in south and central Trinidad.

When members of the local rock fraternity heard the bar was going to close, they wanted to help.

“When the boys (in the band LYNCHPiN) heard about it they said, ‘Look Clayton we want to get involved. We want to do whatever we can. Let’s do a show’.” The idea snowballed and many of the bands Shakers hosted over the years decided they too would play a farewell show, resulting in a Shakers farewell concert series. Most bands agreed to take only enough to cover their expenses and allow Shakers to have the rest of the proceeds. Among the names that have been part of the series are LYNCHPiN, Upset The Order, Sidekick Envy, Insert Coin, and soca artist Kees Dieffenthaller.

Scheduled for July 22 are Ballroom Bliss, Joint Pop and Seven Year Itch.

THE BEGINNING

Archer told Sunday Newsday he started in the entertainment industry as a “box toter” and “record crate lifter” for a DJ group during his August vacation at the age of 13. They introduced him to many genres of music, which he likes, although he gravitates more towards rock music. Then, when he left school in 1984, he started working in the service industry as a dishwasher on TT ’s first “party boat,” The Jolly Roger.

He later became a DJ and a manager, managing bars on both islands, and merging his interests in both the entertainment and service industries.

Despite years of dealing with the intricacies of running a bar, Archer had never owned one.

Although he was managing another bar at the time, an opportunity presented itself to open one in MovieTowne. “My wife pushed me. She said, ‘You’re always saying you can open your own bar, so open your own bar’!” He opened Shakers on February 14, 2002.

His wife, Wendy Archer did all the bookkeeping while he worked both bars. As Shakers became successful, he was given offers for the bar and wanted to sell, but again, Wendy pushed him and told him he should prove he could keep the bar going. Therefore, he left his old job and took on Shakers full-time.

Eventually, however, the bar’s popularity became too much for its location at MovieTowne, where Häagen-Dazs is now situated.

Archer recalled that there were patrons blocking the corridors, and no one was interested in going further on to the restaurants because most people were stopping to lime at Shakers. He said it led to management telling him they would not renew his lease for another term. Fortunately, a man approached him with the offer to rent a property on Ariapita Avenue. Archer visited the property immediately, liked it and accepted the offer.

Because this venue was more spacious, some friends asked if they could perform and he agreed. The first band to perform was Nigel Ferreira and Nigel Reid. “They performed for my wife’s birthday. It was great, everyone loved it and said we could do more. From that, it just kept getting bigger and bigger and now we are known for our live rock performances.” He has also hosted several calypsonians over the years, including Shadow, Sparrow, Denyse Plummer, Crazy and Baron.

Archer said since the announcement of Shakers’ closure, several people asked if he would be willing to sell the business and the name. “I can’t sell the name because I don’t want anybody to take it and go in a next direction to where Shakers is at. We could make a lot more money if we sell it but it’s my baby. Fifteen years! We prefer to keep it and go out on a high note.” “It’s not all about making money and putting it in your pocket.

As the saying goes, you can’t take it with you when you dead. Yes, leave some for your children but you need to help people as well.

It’s very important to give back — find a charity, give someone a job, help out an employee, and don’t expect anything back. It’s better to leave a nice legacy than to leave money. ”.

Ali was seen by St John’s Road residents who saw him trying to hide.

They pointed him out to the search team and he was held and taken back to the prison. He is expected to be charged with escaping lawful custody. Prisons Commissioner William Alexander told Newsday on Friday he has asked for a report on the escape.

STACI: What do y’all ladies think? Is accepting a compliment with a simple “thanks” or “I know” – confident or cocky?

KIMBA: I think it’s how you say it too (tone /body language) determines how cocky it really is. I think depends on the man, he may like it or he may not. I think the choices are too blanket a statement for me.

Strange enough I don’t really like to be complimented unless I agree with it and when I disagree the man usually expresses annoyance that I don’t just receive the compliment.

TAMZ: I think it’s just manners to say thank you, like thank you for noticing.

MEL: Hmmm, cocky – yes. Unless you want the fella to move on hence you giving him the b**ch attitude in the first place!

RONZ: We women have been taught to behave and respond in certain ways and so when we don’t, people (especially men) get all up in their feelings. But really, why do I have to thank you for noticing? I think situations like this start to highlight the subtleties of social norms that are based on how men believe they should be. Depending what the compliment is, I’ve said, “I know” in the past. But why is it cocky? Why can’t we know something about us is nice? I know the standard/polite thing to do is smile and say thanks but really, why is it cocky so say thanks and agree or to agree and then say thanks?

RORS: For me it depends on what he compliment, how creepy he do it, and whether or not I care bout him occupying my time!

MEL: The right way to respond to a compliment is thank you! Not “this ole ting” or yeah I know. There should always be grace in us. The word “cocky” should also give you a hint – with a preface like “cock” it isn’t for us girls.

Like wrapping a present – you doh jes give people a present jes so. Well accepting a compliment is the same thing. Flutter those eyelashes and blush. If he annoying – yeah then reply with the “I know’, it will deter boys (not men) one time, unless of course they cocky too!

RONZ: I disagree, why is acknowledging some attractive quality about yourself being cocky?

STACI: A lot of men have very fragile egos and an empowered woman is somehow seen as threatening especially when her sense of self is not dependent on his approval. A lot of times when “men” give a woman a compliment it’s a stranger, sooooo most times I personally want said “stranger dude” to move along. However, saying thank u in a neutral tone is still as offensive to some men as saying it bitchily.

MEL: I like genuine compliments – like if someone says “ya weird but ya sexy, ya know”, that’s genuine. Don’t hit me with the “I love that shade of white t-shirt you’re wearing tonight”!

KIMBA: If someone compliments me on my hair I believe them.

MEL: And graciously say thank you!

STACI: But a compliment should not be given as a means to keep women “in their place” especially if she’s doesn’t reply shyly and blushingly “thank you”. Listen allyuh must try it; I do it all the time. Eg, random man: omg you’re so tall and beautiful. Me: I know.

MEL: Hahahahaha that’s so you eh. More like 170,000+ in the English Language and tall and beautiful is what you chose? Sigh. Tell me something my mirror doesn’t, fool!

RORS: That comes across as an observation so I give u 100% right for agreeing. It’s a fact for crying out loud. Now if he said, “I love how tall and beautiful you are!” Then I may politely respond with a thank you or, kind of you to say.

KIMBA: I think that responses are judged dependent on the personality of the man. If ever there is a red flag indicator of men to avoid this could be one. If not accepting a compliment “the right way” is a trigger for him to get angry, annoyed, verbally or physically abusive, then he my friend is a toxic human to avoid at all costs.

STACI: Precisely, it usually weeds out the “weaksexist- stay-the-hell-away-from-me” kinda men.

MEL: Yes!!! Once I had a guy tell me “I love those shoes but I would prefer ‘em in a navy”. I was like well if you’re brave enough to come out the closet, maybe you can borrow ‘em. I mean, what does a man really expect post-compliment?

RORS: Sex. Duh.

STACI: Yes and yes. Sex or the possibility of sex is the motivation for many things some men do and say.

Even if they know it won’t happen in a million years, they still must try ah ting!

CHANELLE: And the funny thing is (I’ve noticed because I give men unsolicited compliments as well) when you compliment them, many times you have to then follow it up with “no I’m not asking you out or hitting on you sir I just really think you dress really well or your beard is sharp or your cologne is amazeballs” etc etc…

KIMBA: Yes!

CHANELLE: I compliment very dark skinned men on their skin from time to time because in my opinion when you see a deeply pigmented and radiated complexion it is beautiful so I give credit. But it doesn’t mean I trying to nyam down his Toblerone bar!

MEL: I compliment women a lot! A LOT! I love doing it too.

CHANELLE: So do I. I love beauty and it matters not from which sex it emits. So I make sure and tell a woman she’s looking on fire when I feel she is.

RORS: Women being able to compliment other women are definitely a prerequisite for a stable femmeship. If you can’t tell your friend she looks good and mean it, you need to do some introspection!

MEL: Agreed.

KIMBA: I’ve complimented even women I don’t know, like girlllll if your shiz is on point I’m gonna tell ya! The Girlfriends is a group of 15 women between the ages of 26 – 45 who are willing to give an unadulterated look into their own experiences. Some names have been changed for privacy

This match was the second game of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Friday.

Both teams have a total of 13 points, but North East Stars hold the edge by virtue of a superior goal difference.

Neil Benjamin opened the scoring after two minutes, taking a pass from the left by Surinamese winger Dimitrie Apai and guiding his right-footed shot to the left of goalkeeper Akel Clarke.

A similar move, in the 24th, could have made things worse for Stars, but a sliding Benjamin failed to connect on Apai’s pass.

Veteran Stars striker Kerry Baptiste had a good chance to even the scores, 11 minutes later, as he met a low cross from Akeem Garcia but sent his effort wide.

Connection extended their lead in the 38th, courtesy of good work by Benjamin, who battled his way between a few defenders and sent an aerial ball which was headed home, from close range, by Marcus Joseph.

Connection seemed intent on slowing the pace and indulging in a few time-wasting tactics, which backfired badly.

Referee Rashby McPhie allowed play to continue though Connection right-back Alvin Jones was sitting in the penalty box, awaiting medical attention, and Stars left-back Jameel Neptune saw his speculative shot parried into his own net by goalie Julani Archibald, in the 81st.

And, 10 minutes later, North East got a deserved equaliser when substitute Kordell Samuel broke the off-side trap to head home a deep free-kick from Leston Paul.

Earlier on the evening, St Ann’s Rangers edged three-time champs Central FC 1-0 courtesy of a left-footed strike, from outside of the penalty box, by Josh Toussaint, in the 57th.

And, at Mahaica Oval, hosts Point Fortin Civic played to a goalless draw against Police.

Of course, the first three categories are the “smarter” ones who have been able to conceal their nefarious activities by working together to keep power, money and influence in a tight circle; these are the ones who live a life so luxurious that many people would kill to have the same experience… and that brings us to the last category.

The last category of rubber- slipper-wearing “badmen” are the real goons (low-level thugs-for-hire) and gangsters who either operate by orders from higher up or simply based on opportunity and greed.

I have met goons and gangsters from all over the world; and when I say all over, I mean several individuals from gangs that have featured on the UK documentary series: Ross Kemp on Gangs.

Interestingly, regardless of where the gangsters I’ve met are from, they all have one thing in common: poverty.

This reality makes we wonder: what exactly is gangster life all about if they and their kids are still hungry? Isn’t a gun much more expensive than a plate of food? What are the benefits of this gangster life if one could never even afford anything better than rubber slippers. Why not work hard in a minimum wage job instead? Why go around killing people and selling drugs if there is such high risk when we all know that the life of a gangster is a short one? If we could answer these questions, we will go a long way in understanding the criminal mind towards dealing with crime here at home, but for now, it really seems to me that this “gangster for life” thing is short-sighted stupidity to say the least.

So why do they continue doing it and why does it influence youths to join? Why do they enjoy this lifestyle? Of course, not all goons and gangsters remain poor forever, there are some who rise to the top and set up businesses as covers, and some even get to meet the President, but the majority never get those opportunities.

It is the dedication of the others who remain poor forever that baffles me. I have heard some goons and gangsters boast of their achievements, but seriously, owning a neck-full of gold really does not signify wealth, it merely indicates abject ignorance.

So far, I have determined that goons and gangsters are thrilled by the prospect of taking lives, whether it’s directly with a gun or indirectly with drugs.

So the question is: how do you reform a man who takes pride in his work of killing people for little or no money? How do you change a man who loves the smell of marijuana mixed with the smell of smoke from a semi-automatic gun? We will never be able to influence the minds of gangsters because they are morally depraved people motivated by the ever-elusive allure of wealth of the few who made it to the top.

So this “gangster for life” thing is about fame within the community and fear from the residents on a hungry belly. Hear how dumb that sounds? Being a “gangster for life” means that for now, they can terrorise society until their number calls because every day we wake up to read the news about the murder of another societal pest at some young age.

It is unfortunate that high-risk youths growing up wanting to emulate this crap do not understand just how ridiculous this career path is because death is the only outcome. I used to be one who supported reforming these gangsters, but I am slowly realising that it is much too late now. They will always be criminals and not even their grieving mothers, wives or daughters could convince them to put down the guns.

“Gyangster fuh life” — maybe so, but how long is that life? I’m just really confused as to why anyone would want to live the life of a gangster because it’s a poor one that does not guarantee life beyond the age of forty…

and that’s a stretch. It is time for the media and music artistes to stop romanticising this l i fe s t y l e and get the message out to the youths that it really isn’t worth it.

Anyhow, there are blue-collar crooks, and though relatively poor themselves, many of them perpetrate inequality and bring further suffering upon other poor people.

A lot of poor, underclass youth rob other poor people. Ninety percent of our prisoners are from poor backgrounds. Most of them are there for attacking, robbing or killing other poor people. Why? In other words, while we dutifully roar against white collar criminals, we must keep in mind the blue-collar crooks, or at least how some are also dishonest and unscrupulous.

That is, apart from some shooting, house-breaking, etc., the rampant dishonesty, unethical behaviour, of the blue- collar tribe that has also become quite troubling.

Three weeks ago, for example, a poor lady, a pensioner, explained how she hired a plumber to fix two leaking taps in her home. She paid his “high price” in advance.

Next day, the taps began leaking worse than before. Floors flooded.

The poor pensioner pleaded; the plumber promised and promised but never came. That is dishonesty, sheer crookedness. She had to hire another plumber at further expense. Of course, you may think this just a simple, everyday thing.

I used to think so too. But in recent years, from the many complaints I heard, and more so, from my own bad experiences with some of these blue-collar workers, well, my faith in them has been shaken, badly. It now seems as if anyone who has a nice house and car or small business is easy target for blue-collar crooks. But that for now is another story.

I heard how one man left his doors open for a poor painter.

On his return, several electronic items went missing. The painter too. Plumbers, carpenters, masons, even electricians – have at one time or another given me the treatment. Taking money, leaving the job undone, promising to come back, leaving me to pay somebody else to fix the mess they left behind.

And please, don’t complain.

They get more vex than you. To make matters worse, you have trouble finding one when you in need. And this, with all the subsidised “skills-training” programmes around for years.

Two years ago, I sought to encourage a young, struggling contractor to develop his trade. I hired him to do house repairs. He charged big price, but I didn’t mind. To help motivate him, I gave him an extra $1000 as a bonus. The young man left the job unfinished, went away with the bonus, never to return.

Can’t even trust them. Right now, after paying over $200,000 for roof repairs, plumbing, etc, my roof still leaks and the contractor shows no concern.

What kind of consumer protection or remuneration is there for such things? Should such blue-collar types be sued in the small claims court? I am looking at Consumer and Protection Act (Section 4) which deals not only with “goods” but “services” too. Quite fed up, I now refuse to remain a sitting duck for any blue-collar crook. Maybe your luck is better than mine.

The recurring allegations of corruption over one well-connected contractor after another suggest how widespread this country has become gripped by shameless crookedness. Top to bottom. I admire American entrepreneurship.

Recognising the growing dishonesty and inefficiency of these blue-collar types, two consumer support organisations in the U.S.were formed – Angies’ List and Home Advisor.

Each privately-run group has screened and compiled a list of reputable plumbers, carpenters, masons, interior decorators, tailors, electricians, etc. Their names are properly registered and bonded.

Consumers can call up, request the service required, and with a string of service guarantees, the job will be properly done. If not, the worker must return. We badly need something so.

While we tackle white collar criminals, the time has come to stop these blue-collar crooks too.

Prophet Muhammad once said that health is for the one who fears Allah. He said health is better than wealth.

An unhealthy man with enormous wealth is worst than a healthy man with extreme poverty. The prophet always prayed for health and peace of mind. He was careful in safeguarding the health of the body with the culture of the soul.

He also said cleanliness is half of faith. He emphasised that this hygienic rule of cleanliness contributes to a healthy mind. Combing of the hair is highly recommended.

To ensure health, exercises have been prescribed. Innocent plays, horse racing and archery have been greatly recommended.

The prophet advised that there is no harm in wealth for one who fears Allah. Health for one who fears Allah is better than wealth and self-contentment is better than gifts.

AHAMAD KHAYYAM Curepe

The two-week training camp, which started on July 6 and runs until Thursday, will focus on strategic set-plays as coach Glenn “Fido” Francis puts the finishing touches for the all-important Pan Am Cup, which also serves as a World Cup qualifier.Veteran Kwandwayne Browne joins the camp straight from the recently concluded World League Round Three where he served as an assistant coach for England who placed third, to secure a spot in the World League Finals later this year.

Browne will also bring his coaching expertise to the camp as he is currently England’s Under- 21 assistant coach and part the coaching staff for Great Britain’s Senior Development Programme.

Whilst here, Browne, together with Francis and National Women’s player Blair Wynne, will be conducting development camps for Under-18 players as part of the preparation phase for the Pan American Youth Championships scheduled to take place in March of next year. Trinidad and Tobago are in Pool B with Mexico, Canada and Brazil. Pool A teams consist of hosts USA, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela.

Ango, who is of mixed Nigerian and Trinidadian heritage, was ordained in a two-and-a-half hour long ceremony, celebrated by Archbishop Joseph Harris at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain.

Ango took his vow before a large congregation which included priests, other members of the clergy and parishioners from as far away as Fishing Pond, Manzanilla, Biche and parts of south Trinidad.

Delivering the homily, Harris, alluding to the growing need for vocations to the priesthood, hailed the ordination as a welcomed reprieve for the Church.

“It is a moment of thanksgiving because the God which never leaves his flock unattended, once again smiles on us and gives us help for work in the vineyard,” he said.

Harris told Ango his main priority as a priest was to God, not worldly trappings.

“Simon Peter, your first and primary allegiance must be to God, the living God, the God of the prophets. Do not follow the culture and let the false Gods of power and money and pleasure and popularity ensnare you.” He also urged Ango to lead by example.

“Teach what you believe and put into practice what you teach.

Let the example of your life attract the followers of Jesus the Christ. In other words, Brother Simon, be a man of prayer and action.” The Archbishop told the newly- ordained priest the confessional must be seen as his second home rather than a place to reprimand sinners.

“As Pope Francis says, ‘Do not make the confessional a torture chamber’,” he said.

Harris also gave Ango some useful guidelines in executing his ministry.

“Be an instrument of peace in the community where you work.

The church is meant to be an agent of that harmony for which Jesus Christ gave his life on the Cross.

“And always with your people, devise strategies which will make your communities hospitable places __ places which will be attractive to others and welcome that care and concern of the Risen Lord for them.” The priesthood, Harris told Ango, was not about power and status but a “complete emptying of self by taking the form of a servant.” Ango celebrates his first Mass at 10 am today at St Paul/St Peter’s RC Church, Mayaro.

Newsday understands the President, in accordance with Section 110(3) of the Constitution has consulted with the prime minister and leader of the opposition on Doyle’s appointment as a member of the JLSC which is two members short after the sudden resignation of retired Appeal Court judges, Roger Hamel-Smith and Humphrey Stollmeyer.

Hamel-Smith and Stollmeyer tendered their resignations letters to the President on June 22, effective June 30.

A statement from the Office of the President on July 6, announced the resignations while a statement issued the next day gave an explanation for their decision.

Both men were subjects of a vote of no confidence passed by the Law Association on June 1, calling on them to resign as JLSC members for the bungling of the appointment and resignation of former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar, who admitted to leaving behind several part-heard cases on the magisterial docket, but it was later discovered that the number of cases was far greater than what she had initially acknowledged.

She has since said she was forced to resign and has initiated legal action against the JLSC.

The Law Association also called for the resignation of Chief Justice Ivor Archie but he has remained adamant that he will not be doing so anytime soon.

Stollmeyer, in his resignation letter, said he resigned as a member of JLSC as he could no longer continue to inflict the distress of the criticisms and unjustifiable condemnation, associated with holding public office, on his loved ones.

The Office of the President also said Stollmeyer “expressed utmost regret and reluctance to resign.” The office of the President only said Hamel-Smith’s explanation was “for reasons personal to me.” The statement from the Office of the President also alluded to the difficulty in retaining people to sit on Commissions and Boards, saying there was a reluctance by good, competent, qualified and experience citizens coming forward to serve.

The statement noted that the reluctance was “in large measure sometimes due to the vitriol, unfair and unjustifiable criticism levelled against persons brave enough to serve and the resulting hardship and undue distress caused to family members and genuine friends.” The remaining JLSC members are head of the Public Service Commission Maureen Manchouck and attorney Ernest H. Koylass, SC.