We hear it in the popular question: Are you saved? Many modern “theories of redemption” are really navel-gazing: it is always about “me”, feeling good about “myself ”, helping “me” to move on.

This is not to say the self vis-a-vis redemption is not important, but we must never stop at the self but move beyond it, to others and the wider creation.

And so often we don’t.

Pope Francis tried to shift our consciousness in this regard with the publication of Laudato Si.

In the 125 years since the inception of encyclicals under Pope Peo XIII, not one has focused on the wider created order until the publication of this one. Building on antecedent green movements, Pope Francis brings our attention to the “garden”, the context which is prior to us and in which everything began.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus use nature words to explain his teaching – “light” , “dark”, “sparrows”.

He does so on many other occasions with words like “lilies of the field”, “wheat”, “darnel”, “vine”, “branches”, “loaves”, “fishes” etc. Jesus could not tell his stories (parables) without the use of images from nature. Our liturgies, especially the Mass, are also a celebration of nature – wax, oil, water, branches, bread, wine, incense etc. We need to remember the earth with its resources is a gift to us. If we bless the earth by our practices, the earth will bless us in return.

At the moment we are in the rainy season. So often when it rains we curse it instead of blessing it. It frustrates us. We have to use umbrellas; our feet get wet; it slows traffic; it causes flooding. Yet it also renews our water supply, refreshes the land, enable crops to grow, and provides recreation as in Harry’s Water Park. In these times of international economic stagnation and decline we need to see how we can partner with the earth to move beyond our oil-gas fixation.

The developments in the chocolate industry are a fine example. Gillian Goddard, one of the founders of the Alliance of Rural Communities and who has worked with the Brasso Seco Chocolate Company observes: “Now that the communities are making chocolate, they have an opportunity to be involved in something which requires communication, co-operation and attention to detail close to home.” The earth therefore teaches us: we enhance human communication and cooperation.

We also have a moral responsibility to defend the earth which may put us in conflict with state departments and private sector organisations, as it did with the proposed aluminium smelter in Chatham a few years ago. The oil spills in the Gulf, for which no one has claimed clear responsibility — with the energy czars being notoriously silent — is a phenomenon we must monitor, especially since rural communities are the ones invariably and adversely affected. Francis has done his part; we must do ours. Parish catechetical departments must build on the Pope’s lead especially through Sunday school, First Communion and Confirmation programmes with multimedia capabilities.

Let us learn to bless the earth so that the earth in turn will bless us.

Every time we hold an election, and often in-between, we discover new talent to replace existing executives in all of the state entities in the land. And bear in mind that state entities continue to spring like weeds along the verges of all our roads. Each newly created entity needs chairpersons, boards of incompetence, CEOs and the like. The governing political parties find, on an endless basis, local executive talent to manage these corporations— from major enterprises like TTE C or CAL, down to smaller entities which make us wonder why the State is even involved there? Since when do we have these reservoirs of executive talent to roll in and out of our “state corporate sector”? Are we in a position to export executive talent—to the Caribbean, and the rest of the world? Of course, this assumption rests insecurely upon the premise that these revolving door executives have some modicum of talent, not to mention, integrity. But we all know that this assumption is a farce, and that our country, and all of its state enterprises and commissions and the like are poorly and corruptly staffed from the top down.

The creation of corporate entities to do the work of ministries and ministers has resulted in the advent of a new corporate class drawn almost solely from the friends and families of politicians. This new executive class is a defiant, even bumptious excuse for corruption, palimony and patrimony, with lifestyles now recognized as entitlement for directors and senior management to feed at the troughs of corruption which the state enterprise sector keeps filling with money. Watching, even as news highlights, the episodes of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee into State Enterprises should make every citizen cringe in shame. The bumbling, ineffective performance of these entities, as led by their directors and CEOs is shameful. But they appear shameless as they describe their failings to the committee, almost righteously indignant that anyone dares to question them on their performance. We do not know how these oversight committees functioned in the past, but it is safe to assume that they all fit into the pattern of allowing state enterprise directors to defer presentation of data or withhold information on nebulous grounds of “confidentiality”.

However, under the current chairman, Independent Senator David Small, this committee is demanding performance, accountability and integrity from members of state boards. How dare he do such a thing? How dare he rock this comfortable boat, which has provided wealth, privilege and status to party faithfuls for years? Where was this type of inquiry in the recent past? If these hearings were held at all, we can be sure that the committee, members of parliament and the senate, were quite comfortable to permit persons before them to postpone presentation of accounts and data indefinitely.

But that has now been changed, rather corrected, by a chairman who accepts his responsibility to provide oversight to these freewheeling state enterprises. I congratulate Senator Small for taking his responsibility seriously, and causing the other members to shamefacedly fall in line. I am not aware that people generally are aware of what Senator Small is exposing for us. Nor do I really have confidence that he is going to get meaningful support—like the charging and convicting of some directors for dereliction of duty if not conspiracy and corruption. At any given time, lots of “friends” are involved, as beneficiaries of directorships which give them access to free travel, entertainment, upgrades of the restaurants they frequent, and the premium alcohol they consume.

Other “friends” get contracts to redecorate executive offices and boardrooms, and more intimate “friends” become personal assistants.

All this is how the state enterprise sector treats its VIPs. But this is just the visible part, which we see at functions, rushing through airports and flying first class, with personal assistants in tow. What we do not see is what they actually do—you know, what is their work? Well some state enterprises are real corporations, but many of the newer ones are not. They have been established for the primary purpose of awarding contracts: Design and consultancy contracts, construction contracts, contracts to review contracts, and regardless of who is in power, awards are made to friends and fellow travellers.

The appointees to the boards of these companies created to award contracts to contacts have assumed an attitude of self importance which is reinforced by overspending on everything, especially their perks.

They are well described by Rapso group 3Canal as “mo c k i n g pretenders”.

The suspect, from Claxton Bay, recently moved in with an aunt in Cunupia. He was the driver of the getaway car which crashed a short distance from the crime scene. Two assailants who were in the car escaped. The man has since given a statement to police and retained legal counsel.

Police reports state that about 11am on Friday, a gunman who wore a bandanna over his face, rushed into Ernie’s Auto Electrical Ltd at Camden Road, Couva and shot Ramlogan twice in the upper body, in front of customers, while he was doing electrical work on a car engine.

The killer ran into a car which sped off. Ramlogan died within minutes of arriving at the Couva District Health Facility. The quick response of Central Division police resulted in a chase which ended when the getaway car crashed on the roadside.

Police detained the driver but two other suspects ran into the bush and escaped.

Relatives said in January, Ramlogan relocated the business he operated for 15 years from Isaac Junction (opposite KFC) to Camden Road.

He was described as a hardworking and honest man by relatives and friends.

Mere hours after the killing, Couva South MP Rudy Indarsingh said he knew Ramlogan for several years and was deeply hurt that he lost his life at the hands of criminals. The Opposition MP also called on National Security Minister Edmund Dillon to resign in light of the killing.

President of the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Industry and Commerce Liaquat Ali, who was also a victim of crime recently, called for Dillon’s resignation saying criminals are taking over the country and are no longer scared.

Homicide Bureau (Region III) is continuing investigations into the killing.

So, what’s a manicure anyway? A manicure is a beauty treatment which uses special tools, creams, waxes and/or massage techniques to leave_your nails and hands_healthy and looking good as well as improving the_texture_and_health_of both your fingernails and the skin of your hands.

A professional manicure often has the side-effect of_relaxing you and properly trained nail technicians can also identify problems and seek to reverse their effects with regular services. A manicure can last from 15 minutes to more than an hour, depending on what you’re having done. Generally speaking, the longer the time allocated to the manicure, the more elements you can expect.

Now you’re all set to book your appointment… but which one to get? There are several types of manicures, each varying according to the nail professionals’ preference, the needs of the client or the even the latest market trend. Let’s review the most popular items to be found on most service menus.

Basic/Classic Manicure: Your hands are first soaked in warm water. This helps to soften dead skin cells and soothe your cuticles. The technician will then push back your cuticles, remove any non-living tissue, clean younger nails, clip and file them; you get to choose any length and shape you desire.

At this point, there is usually a mini massage and moisturizer is applied to your hands. Your fingernails are then painted with a polish of your choice — a base coat, a main coat, and a top coat. Finally, your nails are dried and you are all set!

Gel Manicure: These days, the long lasting, mega-watt shine of a gel mani is in high demand. The steps are the same as the Classic Manicure but the regular polish application is replaced with gel nail polish.

Gel nail polish requires curing or drying under a special LED/UV nail polish lamp. Most gel nail polish brands give a guarantee of chip and fade free polish for at least 14 days. It is highly recommended that you go to a trained nail professional to apply and/or remove gel polish to get the maximum benefits and proper natural nail care.

Spa Manicure: This is a longer, more luxurious service. Most professionals tend to enhance this service with aromatherapy, ambient sounds and signature refreshments like fruit, teas or even mimosas.

After the classic manicure is performed, the client is led through a 4-step procedure of exfoliating scrubs, facial quality hand masks, hot towel and massage therapy. This procedure usually ends at the elbows and and as you can imagine, will be at a higher price point than your Classic or Gel Mani.

Paraffi n Wax Treatment: In some cases, a paraffin wax treatment is offered before the massage in a Spa Manicure. In a paraffin wax treatment, your hands will be dipped several times quickly into a small tub of heated paraffin wax.

The paraffin is often scented with soothing essential oils. The wax will trap the heat against your skin as it hardens, opening the pores. Once the wax is completely cooled it will be pulled away, taking dead skin cells along with it.

Paraffin wax therapy can be particularly effective for those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Regular paraffin hand treatments can help relax joints and relieve pain in hands before physical therapy and exercise. They can also help with lowering fluid retention and flushing toxins, which can reduce swelling.

Russian Manicure: I’m sure you’ve heard of the French Manicure (white nail tips), the American (natural nail tip) and maybe you’ve even seen the Cuban French Manicure (either coloured nail tips OR reverse French Manicure depending on who you ask,) but a Russian? Russian Manicures are also known as Dry or e-File Manicures. The main characteristic of this type of mani is that it’s completely waterless. There is no soaking of the cuticles and the actual cuticle work is performed with an electronic nail file and bits instead of a cuticle pusher and nippers. This type of service is usually done before applying enhancements or extensions or for clients that are short on time.

Whether you get a manicure to put on artificial nails, file and paint natural nails, or just to nurture the hand and nails, it’s is always a good way to show your body you care.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, head over to my Facebook page for a chance to win a free Russian Manicure and polish change.

During the debate on Thursday on the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion and Plea Agreement) Bill 2017, Heath, who is also an attorney, said one of the problems attorneys find is the accused who have had multiple matters dismissed because the police did not turn up to court.

“These persons are not likely to engage into any plea agreement when they know the culture of police officers is that, ‘I’m going to run my case for a little while, see if the officer coming and when he don’t turn up I’m going to hire an attorney and get it thrown out’. That’s another way which we avoid a trial but notwithstanding that throwing out process takes years. So it’s still a clog in the system, so that behaviour has to be discouraged and until such time that police officers are made to account when they do not come to court and their matters are thrown out and they don’t face disciplinary actions then it’s going to keep on happening,” he said.

He said with this bill there has to be a change in how the police prosecute their matters which they have brought to court. “Because if that doesn’t happen you’re going to find the end user meaning the accused who knows the system is not going to be attracted to this at all (plea bargaining) so that is something that I think simply has to be addressed.” Heath said he also found the bill to be lacking in terms of how it addresses specific sentences.

“It doesn’t speak to for instance a suspended sentence if you were to give by way of plea discussion/plea agreement a suspended sentence.

That person who knows that he has a suspended sentence hanging over his head is more likely than not for a period to engage in behaviour so as not to attract or make that suspended sentence come to fruition and I’m saying that is how we need to start looking at it,” he said.

Heath said with this bill a suspect can benefit from a plea agreement but this he says is hardly to succeed if they do not commensurate with this law a substantial improvement in the evidence gathering.

“A police can have the name of the suspect, matching description, the last thing that will happen is that there has to be an identification parade and it is only after then you can charge, and sometimes that takes a little while to get that going.

So I have no difficulty at that stage but it must be that the evidence has to be disclosed to the suspect and his attorney at that stage. If your case has good evidence there is no need to hold it back, so I’m seeing in this proposed bill that you can disclose a summary, I think you should disclose as much as you think to bring the bargain to the table.”

Namely, “How will the balance sheet be apportioned between those three companies? What are the implications for future re-financing of the US $850 million bond? What are the implications for the pension plan; how will it be separated?” Ramnarine also wanted the person/ s who recommended the split to explain how Petrotrin’s current liabilities would be divided amongst the three new entities.

“As at 2016, the company’s current liabilities were $12.2 billion, with total liabilities of $28.2 billion.” Noting that a current liability “could be something which you have to pay quickly while a non-current liability (includes) de-commissioning costs, money set aside for persons who are retiring and so on,” Ramnarine asked, “How is that ($12.2 billion) going to be apportioned across three companies?” Ramnarine shared his concerns on Thursday evening, while delivering the feature address at a technical talk on the “Future of TT’s Petroleum Industry: Challenges and Opportunities”, held at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. Rather than split it into three, Ramnarine advocated Petrotrin should maintain its integrated structure but with reduced operating costs and increased oil production.

“According to Rex Tillerson, former chairman and CEO of Exxon- Mobil, now US Secretary of State, integrated oil companies allow for greater degrees of flexibility (because) they can adapt quickly to the changing needs of customers. It also allows for shared services across the organisation, such as information technology, human resources and legal services.” Ramnarine argued that, “without the integrated approach at Petrotrin, you would have the triplication of services; resulting in increased costs, inconsistent policy, confusion in strategic direction and so on.

That, of course, means increased head count. And finally, corporate planning and allocation of scarce resources, including funding and investment, is inefficient if you have three separate companies.” Looking ahead, Ramnarine recommended five key things be done, if Petrotrin is to return to profit: 1) Keep the integrated structure intact; 2) Manage cost downward and cut waste and inefficiency; 3) Focus on increasing production; 4) Increase the joint venture, lease operator farm out (LOFO), incremental production service contract (IPSC) programme – “this has been proven to work since 1989”; 5) Focus private capital on drilling and Petrotrin capital focus on asset integrity and paying debt; and 6) Re-finance the US$850 million bond “as soon as possible.” Regarding the bond, Ramnarine warned that this may prove “difficult to refinance with three separate companies because an integrated company has more clout when it sits before a bank.” The technical talk at which Ramnarine spoke was hosted by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) ,Young Professionals of TT Chapter and AAPG UWI STA Student Chapter, in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) TT Young Professionals Chapter and SPE UTT Student Chapter.

As we learn to love ourselves we can work on self-improvement, in which exercise can play a major role. With the right leg workout plan, you can reduce your cellulite and make your lower body look smoother and feel firmer. The trick is working all your lower body muscles from every angle, reducing the underlying fat stores and replacing lost muscle tissue to give the area a taut, toned appearance throughout. Here are a few exercises that firm and smoothen the thighs.

Side lunges: work the legs and hip muscles.

Start with a standing position. With your feet and knees together, stand straight.

Taking a wide step sideways, spread your legs apart, as far as you can go comfortably.

Now bending to your right, lunge towards the floor.

Make sure your left leg remains straight and stable.

As you lunge, take care that your right knee does not extend past your right toes.

Stay there for three breaths and then come back to the original position.

Repeat on the other side. This completes one rep of a side lunge. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side.

Curtsy lunge: Work the hamstrings and thigh.

Start from a standing position, and step your left leg behind you and to the right so your thighs cross, bending both knees as if you were curtsying.

Return to standing, and switch sides to complete one rep.

Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps per side.

Step-ups: This works the muscles of your upper leg.

To start, place your entire right foot onto the bench or chair. Press through your right heel as you step onto the bench, bringing your left foot to meet your right so you are standing on the bench.

Return to the starting position by stepping down with the right foot, then the left so both feet are on the floor. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side.

Donkey kicks: This exercise works all of your glute muscles.

Assume the starting position on all fours: knees hipwidth apart, hands under your shoulders, neck and spine neutral.

Bracing your core, begin to lift your right leg, knee staying bent, foot staying _ at, and hinging at the hip.

Use your glute to press your foot directly toward the ceiling and squeeze at the top. Ensure your pelvis and working hip stay pointed toward the ground.

Return to the starting position. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to

Sumo Squat Jumps Stand with your feet wide enough so that they point outwards at a 45 degree angle. Make sure your spine is in a straight, neutral position. Make sure your weight is through your heels.

Squeeze your leg and core muscles as you lower your body downwards, use your hands for balance if needed. Lower yourself until your butt is an inch or two off the ground. Hold for 1-2 seconds.

Explosively squeeze your leg and core muscles to raise yourself up into a jump. Landing softly before slowly moving into your second squat. This is one rep. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

These _ ve exercises, coupled with a healthy diet will aid in making your thighs look smoother and more youthful in appearance.

“We are proud to belong to a community that boast of having world renowned cricketers such as: Rangie Nanan, Inshan Ali, Dinesh Ramdhin, Gopaul Sahadeo, Eugene Antoine and Giles Antoine,” Indarsingh, the Couva South MP, said in his address to the 2017 graduating SE A class of the Preysal Government School at Preysal Community Centre on Thursday.

Indarsingh told students that as they bid farewell to the primary school, they can draw inspiration from sportsmen who have shown great determination to advance from a simple club to national cricketer and to be named as West Indies players.

He congratulated the captain of the Preysal Cricket Club, Dillon Balkaran, a graduate of the school.

To the parents, Indarsingh advised that while every child cannot come first or become among in the first 100 in SE A, the children must be encouraged to never give up but to strive for excellence at secondary school. “There is the need to continue to love, support and embrace your child to realise his/her full potential through their secondary school careers,” he said.

Parenting, he said, is a full time responsibility and not a part-time one.

“It is your duty to look after your children at all times,” he said, adding that children may need better supervision due to the many devices of the 21st century. “Laptops, smart phones and ipads may be useful to get information and transfer messages but it can be dangerous when children choose to look at games and shows not suited for them,” he stated.

He urged parents to be strong and decisive in fulfilling their roles and at the same time develop a line of effective communication with their children so that in secondary school they can approach them to discuss any challenges they may face.

Principal Vashti Ali was happy to report that students of the graduating class were well-behaved and have been excellent in their studies.

“There appears to be what can be termed a quiet establishment of a parallel public service with portions…being filled by the use of contract employment in the various ministries throughout the public service. This parallel system of appears to be dismantling and weakening the traditional public service and creates a dilemma for a number of citizens who now live their lives with a great deal of uncertainty about the sustainability of their income, their livelihood and their very existence.” She was delivering welcome remarks yesterday at the Industrial Court Meet with the Court” Symposium 5: Fixed Term Contracts in the Public Sector held at Regimental Headquarters, Aranguez.

She said that fixed term contracts do have their benefits as it can avoid bureaucracy and is prudent to get the services of an expert.

She reported, however, that in the last few years there have been fixed term contracts to perform the same duties as other public servants and duties that are regular and not time bound. Thomas-Felix added that fix term contracts offer more attractive remunerative packages even though they are doing the same tasks as other public servants which puts the latter at both an economic disadvantage and has a demoralising effect.

She said a large number of the fixed term contracts are for short periods, between three months to a year, and recipients do not enjoy job security and because they are not considered public servants do not receive the same benefits.

She added that the continuous use of these contracts is disruptive to work flows in any organisation.

Thomas-Felix said for citizens, particularly young people, on a three or six month contract they would not be able to secure mortgages, rental agreements or open bank accounts. She stressed that fixed term contracts should only be an option where services are needed urgently and it is not possible to find the skills on a permanent basis.

She advised that the country revisit the persistent and widespread use of fixed term contracts and examine the social and economic impacts.

During the question and answer session, someone asked whether fixed term contracts could facilitate corruption. International Labour Organisation representative Shingo Miyake responded that they do not necessarily lead to corruption.

He said some employers use these contracts due to a rapidly changing situation and some employees prefer the flexibility so they can have time to study. He added that there can be benefits for both employer and employee once fixed term contracts are properly managed.

Also during her remarks, Thomas- Felix said she has observed that a number of companies do not attend court and have no representation but there is an outcry when matters do not go in their favour.

She explained that the wording of the Industrial Relations Act is about a conciliatory process that is meant to improve labour relations and facilitate the smooth resolution of disputes. “For a number of hearing employers are absent and do not take part in the process.” She said when matters are determined ex parte (with the interest of only one side) then the employers “cry foul.” She also commented on an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) matter which she in on and said the procedure adopted by the stakeholders is incorrect. She explained that an OSH matter is a criminal matter – people found guilty can go to prison or be fined – that required a criminal complaint. She said the approach cannot be that of a normal industrial relations matter. She reported that she had placed a draft complaint on the court’s website.

In a release, UWI reported that through the “U, We and Refugees” project in the TESOL programme of the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics (DMLL), Faculty of Humanities and Education they have been saying “you matter” to the refugee community by offering free tuition to 80 refugees and their families. UWI noted the special students are currently receiving core instruction in English for 32 hours, and co-curricular instruction in drama, music and dance for 16 hours, at the St Augustine campus. The instruction began on June 10 and will end on June 29.

UWI also reported that in celebration of World Refugee Day on June 20, the DMLL had also enlisted experts to speak on “Contexts, Displacement and the Refugee Situation in the Caribbean.” Represented among the speakers were the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and UWI staff from the Hugh Wooding Law School, the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, the Institute of International Relations, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities and Education. The discussion took place last Friday at the Centre for Language Learning (CLL) and followed by the public screening of the 2015 film Warehoused, a documentary on the plight of long-term refugees.

The week closes on Tuesday with a screening of Beneath the Blindfold in commemoration of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This event takes place from 6 pm to 7.30 pm at CLL.