If a community that numbers less than one-half of one percent of our population is sufficiently powerful to “summon” the members of a sitting (PNM) government to one of its members’ home for pre-election meetings, as the press reported that the Sabga family had done prior to the 2010 general election, then that family does indeed wield significant power.

When they tell the PNM to “jump,” the party’s leadership, it seems, simply has to ask “how high?” Mario’s words, therefore, are by no means “careless.” They convey in a factually truthful manner this country’s existing political reality.

If he is “guilty” of anything, it is his candour. What he deems to be “careless words” encapsulate our current social, economic and political reality.

While some may see them as “tactless words” they are neither “careless” nor are they dishonest words.

The other reality on which his dinner guest touched is the attrition of the middle class in Trinidad.

This is also an indisputable fact. So what is all the hullabaloo about? Evolution of “structure” within the political, social and economic ordering of a society is not a chance occurrence.

That a minuscule minority today controls the commanding heights of our present global economy has not happened by accident. It has been an insidious ongoing project that had its seeds planted at Bretton Woods and has been in the process of inexorable execution since then.

The single most powerful facilitating agency has been a global realpolitik that has shaped the political and economic order in a zero sum game that transfers more and more wealth to the rich while simultaneously dispossessing the poor.

One or two countries have produced conscious leaders who had the moral courage to raise their voices against this injustice. They and the countries they led have been swallowed by the capitalist leviathan that is fuelled by individual greed.

Who or what are the objects of our wrath? What has served to ignite our sense of outrage? What was the purpose of Ian Smart’s protest? To whom has he directed his disgust? Why did he choose to protest in front of one of the businesses owned by the Syrian community? Could any numerical minority group anywhere advance itself to the very pinnacle of the economy in which it exists in the absence of a paternalistic facilitator? Frenetic and mutual back-scratching must be the order of the day. So what, does Smart not know this? If two groups are scratching each other’s back, why single one out as the object of scorn? The people of this country are too nice yes. They have determined that they will not allow their “jammin’” to be interrupted by the inconvenience of truth.

STEVE SMITH via email

In a media release on Thursday, Maharaj said the time has come for Parliament to “consider the reform of our Constitution to allow, after proper checks and balances, for the right of our citizens to bear arms.” He said the PNM and UNC has to “stop playing games” and immediately “come together in the national interest and find a way to deal with the savagery and brutality of a crime scourge wreaking havoc on innocent citizens.

“It cannot be that men, women and children are being slaughtered without remorse, that robbery and rape now seems to be a norm, that criminals are running amok without fear and our Parliamentarians are content to sit on their behinds and accuse each other of being racist, with bantering, picong and old talk being the norm in Parliament.” Maharaj said the special Parliamentary sitting should have as its objective, finding immediate short-term, medium-term and longterm solutions to the crime problem.

“(This sitting) must be televised live for the nation to observe and comment (and) every single member of Parliament must speak and give a point of view.

“We must fight fire with fire and the State must lead the charge in ensuring that every citizen is able to enjoy their constitutional right to enjoyment of property and to live in safety and security without fear or terror.” He also called for the implementation of the death penalty as a “just and fitting punishment for certain deliberate and pre-meditated horrific crimes committed” by people who were killing without remorse.

“Those who have violated the human rights of innocent law-abiding citizens must themselves be stripped of the right to escape punishment.

They must no longer be allowed to continue destroying the society and the lives of law-abiding citizens.” And regarding the right to bear arms, Maharaj said “Innocent law-abiding citizens cannot continue to be sheep and fodder for criminals to whom the ownership of illegal firearms is a norm without fear of the law. “Citizens must be given a fighting chance to defend themselves.

The law cannot continue to operate to the detriment of our law-abiding citizens by stripping them of the means of defending themselves.”

At the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said, “We just can’t afford that and if we can’t afford it then the helicopters will stay on the ground because if we have $200 million the question that arises is, ‘is that the best way to spend $200 million in the fight against crime?’ And that is competing for money for medicine in the hospital and for paying the doctors and the nurses and other expenses and that is what the government has to deal with.” Rowley said there are other helicopters in the country but they may not have the same effectiveness as the Agusta-Westland helicopters.

“Why are we finding ourselves in a situation to pay $200 million to a foreign contractor to maintain the helicopters.

Clearly, at a time when we don’t have the money, we have to look at other alternatives and there may be other alternatives.” Asked if government will consider selling the helicopters he said, “We don’t have a position right now. That may be an option, but we do need to have a capacity to be in the air and to be a part of our border protection.

What is in front of us today requires review because we can’t swallow that. So we have to look at all the other options that are available but we certainly can’t commit today to spend $200 million in maintenance for a year.”

Written, produced and directed by Walid Baksh who is the head of ACT, and who is also celebrating 50 years in theatre, Jahaaji is based on indentureship and is entertaining as well as educational. Veteran actors Hubert Ramlal and Adesh Deonarine deliver excellent acting and comic antics.

The play centres around two indentured families as they await the end of their contracts and the eventual end of indentureship.

It focuses on their trials and tribulations of life on the estate and their hopes and ambitions for the future.

Hamid (Ramlal) and his neighbour Samad (Deonarine) came on the same ship and were settled in the same barrack.

They experienced the same hardships on the journey as well as on the plantation. However, Samad seeks to conspire to deprive Hamid of lands to be acquired at the end of their contracts.

This leads to episodes of conflict, distrust and confrontation between the two families.

Willard Gopaul is excellent as the tyrant overseer Rodriguez, and is very menacing in his portrayal. Juliana Mohammed adds her melodious voice to the production singing oldies such as Sohani Raat and Mana do lay. Ramlal and Deonarine feature in some very dramatic scenes that move many to tears.

Other performances come from Candice Mathura, Padmini Dhanooksingh, Sean Mohan and Celine Banseelal. Music before the show and during intermission will be provided by the Dil Ki Awaaz Orchestra.

The ACT is celebrating 20 years in the business and is presenting the play in observance of the centenary of the end of indentureship. Jahaaji is being presented courtesy the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts.

Jahaaji will be staged at the Three Roads Development Centre, Mission Road, Freeport tonight at 7pm and admission is free.

Established 18 years ago, the organisation’s main objectives are the education and rehabilitation of each boy, providing them with a sense of purpose in life and a feeling of dignity.

There are 14 young residents at the home in the ten – 17 year age group.

With an end goal of fostering productive, law-abiding citizens, all the residents are mandated to attend school at the various levels. Thus, laying the groundwork for gainful employment and preparing them to take their rightful place in society.

The Massy Foundation provides annual financial support to the home. The funds are used to assist the residents with their educational needs and assist in numerous extracurricular activities.

Rainbow Rescue’s CEO Judy Wilson said in a media release: “It is vital for our boys to maintain a well-balanced, stable and structured lifestyle. The programmes we have in place include private tutors and volunteers who assist with homework supervision, spiritual upliftment, recreational and sporting activities, first aid training and in-house counselling sessions with our social workers.

“These programmes have made a vast improvement in the boys’ lives, aiding them in graduating with five or more O’Level passes.

This has allowed a number of them to continue their studies at the University of the West Indies. We have had past residents who went on to obtain jobs in both the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment and the Coast Guard. One has gone on to work in the construction industry, while others have become electricians, security guards, library clerks and in one case, a veterinary assistant.” Gaston Aguilera, chairman of the Massy Foundation praised the home. “We wish to congratulate the management and staff of Rainbow Rescue for the excellent work they have diligently undertaken over the past 18 years. The foundation admires the holistic direction the organisation has taken in ensuring that these young men receive a fresh start in life. We are therefore happy to play a decisive part to the development of the residents at the home.” Wilson praised the foundation for its ongoing contributions which allow Rainbow Rescue to continue its labour of love.

She also indicated that there are various projects that arise on an ad-hoc basis, including the renovation of the home’s study area.

Donations from corporate and individual sponsors, as well as mentors and volunteers willing to assist the young men are greatly needed and highly appreciated, the release said.

Persad-Bissessar was at the time contributing to debate on a Private Members Motion, ‘Rising Crime Epidemic’ following the contribution of Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds. During his contribution, Hinds spoke about his academic qualifications and work experience which made him ideally suited to his new post as a Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General .Persad-Bissessar was most unimpressed as she blasted Hinds for, “the entertainment show” he put on during his contribution on, “a matter that is of serious concern in our country.”

“When you see the photographs on social media of young Vedesh and we see where our country has reached with the slaughter of the innocent, the slaughter of young children, women, the elderly, the entertainment show put on by my colleague for Laventille West really shows the total lack of caring and compassion (by the government) for the victims of crime.”

As her fellow Opposition MPs loudly thumped their desks, Persad- Bissessar reminded that Naparima MP Rodney Charles, filed this Motion “for us to be able to pay attention and recognise the horror and fear that ordinary citizens in this country live in and undergo on a daily basis.”

Continuing her criticism of the content of Hinds’ contribution, Persad-Bissessar declared, “That’s not the issue; whether you were shuffled and the ‘I, man’ show where you demonstrated that it was ‘I, I, I.’ This is not a job interview.”

As the Opposition once again thumped their desks in support of her point, Persad-Bissessar continued, “This was not to demonstrate that even though I’ve (Hinds) been shuffled, I am great…and with the nasty half-truths and innuendos pelted across the floor, this (Motion) was about the fear and safety and security of citizens.”

Declaring that Hinds “failed to recognise that,” the Opposition Leader argued that he had nothing to suggest about how to fight crime. “No plan, not an idea, nothing about how we deal with this problem. And so, he proceeds to blame of course always, blame us, blame the Partnership, blame the police. (Hinds) totally failed to keep within the confines of this Motion before this Honourable Chamber and to afford any hope or comfort to citizens.”

In making an appeal for an end to the blame game, Persad-Bissessar said, “I take all the blame in the world. The (People’s) Partnership, we take all the blame but what is happening now; from September 2015 to now, is in your hands. The blood is on your hands!”

Police said that at 9.30 pm, officers on patrol along Upper 7th Avenue, Malick saw Awong acting in a suspicious manner. When they approached him, he drew a firearm and began shooting.

The police shot back and Awong was shot multiple times. Police took him to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Police recovered a firearm from the scene.

An autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre in St James yesterday confirmed Awong was shot four times in the chest. His lungs were damaged and his heart perforated by two bullets. Pathologists told Newsday yesterday that there was no evidence to suggest that he was running away.

When Awong was shot, he was facing the police the pathologist ruled. Investigations are ongoing.

Marketing manager for Cari- Gamers, Darrien Jones explains that last Sunday’s tournament which took place at the Papa John’s St James location, was a strategy game that can be played on mobile phones, tablets and laptops, opening up participation to a wide cross-section of players.

He says that these skills can be applied to real life, as the game teaches players how to read and interpret their opponent’s strategy and analyse behaviours. Thus, you learn over time when is the right time to take risks and capitalise on opportunities.

Jones explains that some gamers play for fun, while the more seasoned enthusiasts play competitively so they can be recognised amongst their peers.

Internationally, gaming which is considered an e-sport is a billion- dollar industry, where the stakes are high and players vie for a prize pool of US$20 million in team sports such as Dota 2.

The Global Games Market Report reveals that gaming is expected to generate revenues of US$108.9 billion in 2017, exceeding last year’s statistics by $7.8 billion. Digital games account for 87 per cent of the market and mobile 19 per cent with players in the Asia-Pacific region contributing to one quarter of the global revenue.

Tournament director Chris “The Duckman” Salloum said Hearthstone is a [strategy] game where the object of the game is to reduce your enemies’ “hit points” to zero. Fundamentally the game isn’t a challenge to understand, but it takes time to master. It requires quick calculations and anticipating your opponent’s play, several turns in advance. “It is similar to other mentally taxing games such as chess. Players also have the opportunity to create innovative combinations of cards to win,” he said.

Salloum said many more events were scheduled for this year. A Dota 2 Pubstomp, which is a free event, takes place on August 12 at 22 Sports Bar, Long Circular Road, St James and another Hearthstone event is scheduled for the Christmas season.

In terms of the legislation around gaming in TT, the laws are still a bit ambiguous, to the extent that some of the international creators of the games do not allow local players to compete for championship points.

This makes very talented local players ineligible to compete for prizes on the international stage.

“There is a lot of potential in TT for gaming and it’s growing.

We do not want local players to be left out on the international arena. We hope it is something that will receive more attention and be addressed in the future.” Salloum says.

The question on everyone’s lips is probably, how can a novice get in on some of this gaming action? Jones said the ability to learn the game and adapt depends on the individual.

“E-sports like any other sport requires the investment of time.

You must treat it like a job and practise. It depends on how bad you want it.” Hearthstone winner, Nicholas Francis who goes by the name of “Heaven” in the gaming world says it feels great to be ranked the top 29 player in North America this season. Francis has attained the rank of “legend” in every season placing him among the best in the world consistently.

To new players, he advises that watching streams helps a lot and, of course, practise. “I love Hearthstone and I have been playing since 2014. I play for fun, but also like to compete professionally,” he says.

Winners are as follows: 1: Nicholas “Heaven” Francis 2: Kevin “Silentasasin” Jardine 3: Amresh “DookieDooks” Dookran 4: Anshuman “MagicTurtle” Sarran-Persad For more info: http://www.

facebook.com/carigamers www.carolyncorreia.com

Failure to provide the information will result in the matter being taken to court. Maharaj told Newsday yesterday that when he applied for a copy of the report under the Freedom of Information Act, he was told there will be a waiting period and he decided to wait until the deadline date before seeking any legal redress in the matter.

He said he has also been in con tact with members of the Defence Force in the hope that his request for the report is made available so he could clear his name. He again described as “erroneous” a statement from the Defence Force accusing him of acting on his own volition in authorising the shooting practice. The allegation was contained in a letter in response to United National Congress senator Wayne Sturge who submitted a request for information after photographs of Al-Rawi’s children posing with, what appeared to be, high-powered rifles belonging to the TTDF were made public.

In a letter dated April 25 and addressed to Sturge, former chief of defence staff Brigadier Rodney Smart said based on evidence adduced by the board of inquiry, Al-Rawi’s children accompanied him to the Regiment’s Cumuto Barracks on October 31, 2015. Smart said Al-Rawi was invited to witness a tactical display so that he would become familiar with the set of actions his security team may have to employ in the event of an incident.

Smart said the board of inquiry deduced that Al-Rawi’s children were not allowed to have high powered weapons belonging to the TTDF in the presence of Al-Rawi and members of the TTDF and there was no evidence that anyone in the TTDF was complicit in the performance of their duties.

“It was established that the former chief of defence staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj, acting on his own volition, authorised the range practice,” Smart said.

Speaking yesterday after the swearing-in ceremony at the Office of the President, St Ann’s, she said she was pleased to accept the opportunity to work in the ministry because the energy sector was so important to her La Brea constituency.

“I have never really stopped working within the energy industry but my work has been more focused on how it impacts my constituency,” Olivierre said. “So I will certainly get a chance now to have an impact on the continuation of projects that I would have been working on during my tenure.” She said her new role provided her with an excellent opportunity to work with Khan who she described as a very experienced politician.

Olivierre said she will meet Khan on Monday and they will discuss what areas he would need greatest support in.

Also sworn in yesterday was Minister in the Ministry of Finance Allyson West. She told reporters she was excited and hoped to bring her knowledge and experience to do the work she was given.

“I think there is a lot to be done,” West said.

“There’s a lot of opportunity and I really hope I could make a positive difference between now and the end of my term,” she said.

At the post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, Rowley said West’s experience and expertise will assist the government in its development of the Revenue Authority. “I have been thinking about it and trying to determine how best to approach it,” West said.

“It will not be an easy task but I think the Revenue Authority really would give us the jump start we need to turn around the performance of the tax authority in Trinidad and Tobago and we need to do that.” About her plans to address the issues at the Board of Inland Revenue, West said she first needs to understand what the challenges are so she can come up with a plan to address them.

“I already have ideas because I’ve been working with the Board of Inland Revenue as a tax advisor for some time and I’ve identified some issues so I do have ideas but its important for me to talk to the members of the board and the Ministry of Finance to determine their perspective and then together we could come up with a plan to move it forward.”