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.

Artistic director and cast member Natalia Dopwell sat with Sunday Newsday to discuss the flexibility of opera and the process of bringing Mozart’s timeless work to life in the heart of Port of Spain.

Ferocious beasts in a mysterious forest, a prince – with a quirky sidekick to boot – who’s fallen in love with a princess at first sight, and a cold-hearted queen. Sounds like the stuff of Disney movies, doesn’t it? With its simple storyline, relatable, stocklike characters and memorable music, The Magic Flute is Mozart’s most-performed opera and currently the seventh most-performed opera worldwide.

Dopwell, who has sung the role of the Queen a number of times, both locally and abroad, agrees that the classic is perfect for an introduction to opera.

“Most people, when exposed to opera, come out thinking that it’s all dark and heavy,” the soprano admitted. The opera falls into a sub-classification known as singspiel, literally “sing-play”, which refers to operas containing spoken dialogue, similar to the structure of modern musicals.

This makes them a little easier to follow than other operas, which are sung all the way through. Dopwell and the team did some editing of their own, in an attempt to make the work more relatable to contemporary audiences.

Mozart was a staunch freemason, and the virtues of honour and brotherhood that shine through the “good” characters are actually extracted from the basic tenets of freemasonry. In this production, some of the heavier aspects related to this have been removed, not, of course, to be disloyal to the intent but for the mere purpose of simplification.

“There is a lot of symbolism in there that you could write a thesis on. If you’re not privy to it, some of the dialogue isn’t as entertaining, so we cut out quite a bit of it,” Dopwell explained. “We also cut out some of the music that didn’t assist with the storyline and shifted where events occur in the opera.” But isn’t this artistic sacrilege? Dopwell gives her take on the moderate edits.

“The way that I approach classical music, I try not to be too reverent,” the Manhattan School of Music-trained soprano admitted, explaining that approaching the centuries- old music with too much reverence can bring about a stringent staleness.

“(One must) think about it like a young person and not like a historian.

I don’t think that Mozart was terribly reverent himself; he had a really dirty sense of humour,” she laughed. True story: Mozart actually composed a six-part vocal work as a party piece for his musician friends, entitled, Leck Mich im Arsch, which is roughly translated into “kiss my arse”. So perhaps a little editing isn’t such a cardinal sin after all.

This type of editing isn’t unheard of in the theatrical world.

More often than not, the adaptations of musicals that make it to the big screen are somewhere between mildly to severely butchered, with plot lines, songs and even characters changed or missing. Opera companies also sometimes do some plot-tweaking of their own, if only for the sake of keeping the work relatable and the artform relevant.

The Cast Tenor Raguel Gabriel, previously seen in Picoplat Foundation’s operas, reprises his role as the prince, Tamino; he returns from his studies at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York.

Tamino will also be played by tenor Rory Wallace, who is currently pursuing a doctorate in music at Ball State University in Ohio.

In her first full operatic role as the princess, Pamina, is soprano Tamika-Diandra Joseph, who is graduating from the artist diploma in music at UTT’s Academy for the Performing Arts later this year.

The bird catcher, Papageno, will be played by UTT faculty member and NYU music business graduate, baritone Krisson Joseph.

Also stepping into this role is UTT artist diploma student, baritone Jason Lawrence, who will also be playing his first full operatic role.

Soprano Shannon Navarro, in the role of the First Lady, was seen in last year’s production of Tales of Hoffmann and is a graduate of the master of arts in musical theatre at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

Soprano Sabrina Marks, a student of June Nathaniel’s Key Academy of Music, reprises her role as the Second Lady from the 2013 production and has been seen in a number of other Picolat operas.

Mezzo-soprano Maegan Pollonais, in the role of the Third Lady, also seen in Tales of Hoffmann last year, is a doctoral candidate in music at Ball State University.

Key Academy of Music student, bass Shellon Antoine, seen in many of Picoplat’s operas, will be reprising his role as the wise Sarastro.

Tenor Richard Taylor, also of the Key Academy of Music, was seen in the cast of Picoplat’s Broadway Revue and will be taking the role of Monostatos.

Dopwell steps into the familiar role of the wicked Queen of the Night.

With Dr Helmer Hilwig at the helm as director, musical direction by June Nathaniel and accompaniment by pianist, Byron Burford-Phearse and flautist, Martina Chow, the Picoplat Foundation’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute promises to be an an enchanting musical adventure.

The show, to be held at the brand-new Government Campus Plaza, corner of Richmond and Queen Streets, runs from June 30 to July 9 on Fridays and Sundays. The school show, further edited to run for only an hour on July 4 at 1 pm is free for school children, tertiary students with ID and senior citizens.

Picoplat is also continuing its commitment to give young classical singers the opportunity to perform and to promote the art of unamplified classical singing.

A workshop for singers will be held on July 1 at 1 pm, the showcase for which will be held the following Saturday. Information regarding workshop participation can be found via ttoperafest@ gmail.com. Further information can be found on the Picoplat Music Development Foundation’s Facebook page.

While I am well aware that our present cash flow situation is not at its best, it will take a miracle for $25 million to do the job.

Looking at the type of damage wreaked by Bret around the country, I believe the Government needs to take another look at the widespread damage.

I heard one farmer say his lost was about $100,000; that alone tells a story. The cost of building materials and appliances will easily run into the thousands of dollars and labour costs are also high.

This relief fund is just a drop in the bucket if citizens are to be properly assisted. If the sum remains as it is a lot of people will be left in the cold.

I believe a lot of our citizens will have to find their own money to rebuild for themselves, some of them starting from scratch. It is tough, but $25 million just cannot do it.

I do hope Government reconsiders.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email

From a man who understood what the role of a world leader is to one who does not know his leadership from his elbow.

It is absolutely frightening that a person such as this could be the President of the most powerful country in the world. Worse yet, that he could be under question from his own citizens, even his own party, bodes evil for the entire world.

As has become the norm for people faced with such a crisis, the reaction is to attempt to divert attention from his own weaknesses by introducing red herrings, such as Cuba and Venezuela.

The danger is that he might paint himself and his country into a corner and force a war with some unfortunate victim (North Korea looks a likely victim) to bolster his failing support, for which the whole world will suffer.

The US is a danger not only to itself but also to the rest of the world.

KARAN MAHABIRSINGH Carapichaima

Not so, with Amy Rajkumar. Sitting in the outdoor patio at Starbucks in San Fernando, you would hardly believe the 22-year-old law student has taken down opponents, both male and female, several times her size, in at least one international fighting tournament.

Despite being a relatively recent addition to TT’s martial arts circuit, Amy has already amassed an impressive reputation as a skilled fighter and is credited with being one of TT’s first female mixed martial artists. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a full contact combat sport, has taken the world by storm over the past two decades.

Newsday WMN recently caught up with the petite powerhouse to learn more about her journey as a woman in what has been dubbed a blood-sport, her experiences, challenges and her expectations for the future.

“My martial arts training began when I was about 11 in Shotokan Karate at a mall but over time I wanted more than just the basics of selfdefense.

I wanted to be able to learn more that was when I began training in MMA, at one of the first dojos in Trinidad.” Amy explains that when she first decided to pursue MMA seriously, she was met with fierce objection from her relatives who felt that the sport was too violent for her. However she says that her commitment and perseverance has earned her the approval of her family, “Like a lot of parents, they weren’t happy with the idea of me in a full-contact sport especially one as rough as MMA but what really won them over was my dedication to the craft. They saw that this wasn’t just another hobby and it was something that I was prepared to give my all for.

They still haven’t completely accepted it but they understand what it means to me.” In addition to the support she has received from her relatives, Amy says that her coaches and training partners at the Southern Warriors of Mixed Martial Arts (SWMMA), where she trains, have also been a tremendous help to honing her skills as a fighter. She says that while she is aware of the danger of getting in the ring, she tries to maintain confidence in her own ability.

“It’s really interesting because when I enter the dojo where I train, it’s almost as if there are no gender roles. I’m just another person here to train, me being a woman has nothing to do with my training regimen and when I spar with the other guys they come at me just as hard as they would another man.

“A lot of people would be preoccupied with getting an injury or being hurt, I choose to look at the bigger picture. Instead I think about what if I win. What if I beat my opponent? I just visualise the title around my waist and the rest just happens.” In fact, Amy is now recovering from a back injury she sustained during one of her training sessions and is awaiting the go ahead from her physiotherapist to resume her training regimen.

Despite this setback, she is not daunted by the challenges ahead of her.

But sitting opposite me, she looks less like a fighter and more like a fashion model. It begs the question why martial arts specifically? Why would she choose such a physically demanding and dangerous sport when she could have earned an equally impressive reputation on the catwalk than in the ring? Her response is simple but unexpected.

“I enjoy the rush of the fight”, she laughs.

“In the ring, I get to release a lot of anger and energy that I wouldn’t be able to do with anything else. It’s something that has really helped me cope with my studies and my workload. I’m not afraid of dishing out a beating and I’m not afraid of taking one either.” Added to her commitments are her law studies, which have taken up much of her time, she admits that while it can be difficult to navigate between academics and her passion for the martial arts, but credits her success to a tireless work ethic and a highly organised timetable.

Despite MMA’s global popularity among women, Amy says that as a sport it remains largely unknown locally but is con_ dent that in time, through popular faces such as Ronda Rousey, it will gradually gain momentum.

Citing a recent experience with students of a secondary school, she said that more and more women are becoming interested in the sport.

“We (The SWMMA) recently had a selfdefense workshop at St Joseph’s Convent in Penal and it amazed me how many girls didn’t know about it. They were so surprised to learn that women can get involved in the martial arts. Probably because it’s something they’ve not seen before. It was a really empowering experience for them.” Indeed, empowerment is a recurring motif, as Amy says that while hesitant at first, many of her female relatives have often come to her for self-defense tips.

She says that this further underlines the importance of MMA to women.

So what’s next for the martial arts pioneer? Amy is in her _ nal year of her degree and looks forward to becoming a fully accredited lawyer, with special focus on women and gender-based violence. She says that she intends to take up the fight against domestic violence both literally and figuratively.

“It’s something that I’m very passionate about. A lot of persons might get a degree just for the sake of having it but I want to actually do some good for others.” In addition to her upcoming graduation, Amy is also carded to appear in this year’s tenth annual Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting Tournament (CUFF) to be held in Trinidad later this year. Amy’s story promises to be the _ rst of many other women who choose to take a stand for themselves and their relatives.

Her story and the countless others like it remains a testament to the strength and spirit of women

Al Muhammad, a 40-year-old heavy equipment operator and driver from El Dorado, reported that around 10 am he was driving his Nissan RG8 tractor unit and was pulling a crown triple axel trailer. He said he was proceeding west on the Eastern Main Road and turned across Third Avenue when a white Nissan Tiida “darted in front” of him and an army Toyota Hilux.

Muhammad said he continued proceeding west and a driver in a silver Nissan Cifero attempted the same manoeuvre but was unsuccessful and hit the trailer of his vehicle. He reported he did not know that he had been hit at the time because the the tonnage of his vehicle prevented him from feeling the impact. He said the trailer hooked the car and when the driver of the Cifero applied brakes it dragged on to the army vehicle.

Muhammad said his vehicle received no damage as with the steel “it was like an ant trying to bite an elephant.” The Cifero however was reportedly totalled and the army vehicle received damage to the right hand side.

No one was injured in the accident.

Barataria police responded and investigations are continuing.

In a country with billions in revenue annually, it is nothing short of an obscenity what has reported in relation to the forensics facilities.

We have heard of shambolic plans to ferry bodies to Trinidad; of exhausted staffers declining to work in protest of a lack of resources; of temporary contracts to buy expertise; of a handful of pathologists for thousands of required examinations; of a lack of compliance with DNA laws; of forensic exhibits going missing; of internecine conflict among pressured staff members; of a lack of systems.

The time has come to say enough is enough. The last government gave us a pappy show, announcing the Cabinet approval of new posts and scholarships — all pending public service finalisation.

The current government has, until now it seems, continued the dance. Whatever processes have been in train have not been working. In fact, the question of appointments to the forensic sciences staff of the State should never have been allowed to fall within the hands of the public service.

Crime is too pressing an issue.

We must refuse to allow our nation to be buried under mounds of bureaucracy while the citizenry continue to die.

Make no mistake about the importance of this issue. The integrity of the entire justice system depends upon it.

How are officers to come to conclusions about the facts surrounding a death if they do not have a cause of death; if they cannot sift through the circumstances surrounding a body’s last moments; if it is impossible to confirm the identity of the victim? How is a prosecutor to lay a charge if there are such vital gaps in evidence? How is a jury to convict, a judge direct? There is all this talk about resuming hangings. But no one can trust the integrity of a criminal justice system that cannot get the basics right. Forensics relate to more than just murders, too. There is a plethora of other matters which also have to be tested by the State’s officials.

So, it’s time to stop beating around the bush. The crime situation is unacceptable, and we are beyond old talk. If it is true that the State is offering contract work to pathologists, then we say the State should do far better: offer contracts of employment. If temporary contract work is unsuitable then make that work full-time. If this falls afoul of current laws or regulations, then pass a new law in Parliament on an emergency basis. Engage with the Opposition if this requires a special majority. Replicate the recent success in relation to the abolition of child marriage which saw both the PNM and UNC unite to end that practice once and for all.

The State is guilty of the foulest abuse if it continues to heap pressure on the hardworking members of the forensic science centre. It would also be failing in its duty if it is unable to view these matters as grave issues pertaining to our national security.

The situation in Tobago is inexcusable and the Tobago House of Assembly cannot wash its hands of blame.

When all is said and done there is also a need to enhance our capacity. We must procure and adopt the latest technology, train staff constantly and review all of the present structures for possible expansion.

All stakeholders must come together forthwith to bring this crisis to an end

At 4pm, the league’s first official game will take place with defending champions Take That and Cool It taking on former winners Dream Team.

League organiser Prakash Ramkissoon yesterday said the Under- 13 match will act as an incentive for more youths in the area to get involved with a club.

He said registration has been going well so far and is anticipating a mad rush for more teams to come on board as the opening of the league gets closer. He said the recent paving of the North Oropouche Road will encourage teams to join the league.

The first prize for the 9-a-side competition is $30,000 with the second and third-placed teams receiving $7,000 and $3,000 respectively.

There will be a $1,000 prize for the march past winner while the team that tops the preliminary round of competition will get $1,000 and the Raffie “Morock” Mohammed Trophy.

Registration is $2,500 per team which includes 14 players. Any additional player registered costs $300.

There will also be trophies for MVP, Golden Boot, First Hat-trick, Most Disciplined Team, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper etc.

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.

WPI, playing their first game, scored the second highest total of the tournament with 192 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons top-scored with a matured innings of 44 runs which included six fours and two sixes.

He was assisted by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force player Kjorn Ottley with 29 runs while Amid Mohammed and Teshawn Castro both chipped in with 28 runs each.

Apart from Christian Noray (2/18), the All Stars bowlers struggled as they gifted the batting team 22 extra runs from wides and no balls.

Combine All Stars had a horrid start to their batting innings and found themselves three wickets down for just 29 runs thanks to good bowling from Teshawn Castro who ended with the best figures of two for 26 from his four overs.

The game looked to be ending quickly but coming in at number five, Ferrier batted like a ‘Don’ as he battered the bowling to different parts of the field to provide some resistance. His entertaining innings of 97 runs came off 40 balls and saw a repertoire of sixes with the shot of the night being a slog sweep that sailed easily over the ropes.

Ferrier fell three runs short of a century in the last over with his knock still insufficient to challenge their opponents’ total, Combine All Stars’ closing on 148 for six. The 39 year old Guyanese was still named the Manof- the-Match for his valiant effort.