The man, identified as Lionel George of Oxford Street, Port of Spain, by a form of ID on the body, was discovered by a fisherman at about 9.30 am.

The police and Coast Guard were notified and the body was removed from the water.

It was viewed by a district medical officer and transferred to the Forensic Science Centre in St James where an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

According to police, an autopsy was necessary to confirm a cause of death as the body had no visible marks of violence.

Dillon said the US made the investment because countries in the Western hemisphere face the same threats of the illegal drug and arms trade, and natural disasters, and so it was necessary to work together.

He said the multinational maritime interdiction, ground security, and inter-agency exercise had over 600 participants from 20 countries. This year, the list included Canada, Mexico, France, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

“What it does is bring together countries within the Caribbean on a platform of cooperation and collaboration, utilising not only the assets in the Caribbean but those in the US…

As we speak, Trinidad and Tobago is faced with a tropical cyclone coming from the east. One of the aspects of this exercise was natural disaster response and humanitarian assistance so these kinds of training allow us to come together in practice exercises to prepare us for the real thing.” The Meteorological Service yesterday said there was no cyclone watch or warning in effect for the system.

During his address, Dillon said Government was “pursuing an aggressive national security agenda” to strengthen the Defence and Law Enforcement Institutions in several areas including: * Furthering the domestic and international interest of TT; * Protecting the country as well as the safety and security of nationals at home and abroad; * Promoting and facilitating good order, transparent and accountable governance; * Fulfilling its role as a key player in Caricom’s regional security architecture; and * Promoting international justice and security “Operations over the last few days are indicative of a shared purpose, a shared philosophy and a combined response to the five issues that confront us as a region.

We now move forward in the context of enhanced regional information sharing; improved maritime interdiction coordination and enhanced capabilities across troops.” He thanked the US Embassy, and the US Command for leading the training exercise.

Growing up in Petit Valley, this friendly and outspoken woman knew her calling and pursued it relentlessly to become a chef at a world renowned five-star hotel in Port-of-Spain.

“When I was eight-years-old I realised that I had a passion for cooking because I would bake bread with my mother and it would come out really good. From that time on, it was all about food,” Neptune tells Sunday Newsday.

Neptune attended St Francois Girls’ College, where she took a keen interest in her food and nutrition classes. After graduating from St Francois, at 16, Neptune was interviewed to attend the TT Hospitality Tourism Institute (TTHTI). “I knew what I wanted to do, so I went for it.” After two years at TTHTI, she graduated in 2009 with an Associate Degree in Culinary Management and an award for Best Project Management.

“My first internship was in Trinidad at TTHTI’s Hilltop Restaurant, Chaguaramas. Then I got the opportunity to be an intern at Sandals Grande Resort, Antigua for two months. After, I came back to Trinidad, where I worked at All Out Sports Bar and Gourmet Grill Restaurant for nine months, then I decided to go to Sandals Grande Resort, St Lucia in 2010 on my own as a chef understudy for one year.

“Travelling to different islands is a great experience as you get to learn about the country’s culture, about their standard of food and how they would cook. It was quite informative and I learned a lot more about the industry.” On her return from St Lucia, Neptune wasted no time in attaining a job at one of Trinidad’s most popular restaurants, Buzo Osteria Italiana, Port-of-Spain where she worked for four years.

“I started off as a commis chef—in the chef world this is a junior chef.

I then rose to the top as the kitchen manager. I am so grateful that the executive chef at Buzo saw my potential and put me in a position to lead.” “Sometimes when you are given opportunities you just need to take them and run with it, which is what I did.” Straight out of Buzo, she began working at one of the leading hotels in Trinidad as a chef de partie—a chef in charge of a particular area of production in a restaurant, supervising several cooks/ assistants.

Asked what she is most proud of, Neptune says, “Honestly, I am proud of being able to go from being so new in the chef world to where I am now as a chef de partie in a short space of time, how quickly I moved up the ladder.” And, like any other profession, it comes with some challenges and benefits.

“It is quite time consuming, long hours and there are days you would be on your feet whole day, so it is very tedious. That is why you need to be committed in this field. I like to think of working in the kitchen as being a symphony, with everyone having to work together to get things done, where time is the biggest factor.” Among the benefits, “you get to taste nice food,” chuckles Neptune.

“Honestly, I prefer to cook than eat, I enjoy making food and having people fall in love with it.” Although on the rise in her career, Neptune enjoys the simple things in life like watching television, shopping, catching up on essential beauty sleep and being around her family.

“I love cooking for my family and I like to go in the fridge and make something from whatever ingredients we have, at the spur of the moment. I like using my resources, without needing to go to the grocery for anything.” Her dream is to become an executive chef and an entrepreneur.

“I would also like to create a space that Trinidad does not already have. I would offer clients a secluded, yet warm studio, where I would be their private chef along with two other chefs assisting me in providing excellent service to persons who may want to have a family dinner, birthday lime or friendly gathering.

They create the menu and I will cook the food.

“I believe I am good at anything I do. I would also like to have a gourmet bakery which does nice, unique and affordable deserts.” Neptune’s support system is her mother, hairstylist Nicole Goodridge, and her family.

“They have always been there for me.

They always give me honest feedback and anything I need they would give me, especially my mother. She worked very hard and has a big part to play in where I am today.

She believed in me and pushed me to follow my passion. She can also cook. She even told me when she went into labour with me, she was baking bread.

I think all of that was absorbed into me,” she says with a laugh.

Neptune’s advice to those who are culinary artists at heart, is to be focused, as the road to becoming a chef is very long and not for the faint-hearted.

“I think that students who want to get into this industry need to be focused and make sure this is really what they want and if it is, they should stick with it. Don’t give up so easily, there are always challenges. Don’t run from it.”

The Jamaica Gleaner yesterday reported that the man was arrested at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay on June 11, on suspicion of breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

The man, whose identity is being withheld, was arrested about 1.40 pm that day after narcotics police interviewed him during a security screening. He was detained while being screened to board a flight destined for Brussels, Belgium.

Investigations continue.

The Doctorate, conferred this past April, culminated in ground-breaking research on using the principles and practices of facilitating the learning of adults (Andragogy) in the field of sports.

Hannibal’s research for the doctorate was not tied singularly to football but to the brotherhood of all sports. Out of Najar’s pioneering research, the term Athlitigogy – the art and science of helping athletes learn, was given birth.

This Doctorate goes a step more to support Najjar’s numerous coaching certification – six Degrees including four Masters — attained in the United Kingdom, Europe and the US.

He has had more than 40 years coaching experience.

Najjar contends that the way athletes learn is unique.

He believes the learning drive of the athlete is weaved in their past experiences, driven by competition, propelled by a desire for tangible results, and strapped by time.

Najjar coached Trinidad and Tobago from 2002-2003, overseeing just six matches (five CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers and a friendly) with a 50- 50 record of wins and losses. In that period, TT had wins over St Kitts and Nevis (2-0), Antigua and Barbuda (2-0) and Guadeloupe (1-0) with defeats against St Lucia (0- 1), Finland (1-2) and Cuba (1-3).

At the same time, our generosity must be coupled with responsibility.

A clear legal framework to govern this process (complete with laws and regulations) should be put in place to ensure the system is fair and rational and to protect our national security interests.

It is not surprising there has been an increase in the number of refugees, as recently stated by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees protection officer Rubén Barbado. Turmoil in Venezuela and the crisis in war-ravaged Syria have understandably sent individuals from those countries to these shores.

Venezuela is our closest neighbour and has long-standing economic and social ties to this country.

Syria may be far away, but there are clearly Trinidad and Tobago citizens who are of Syrian ancestry and who may still maintain ties with that country. But the large number of refugees from Cuba is a less obvious matter, especially in a time when the trend had been to reverse US restrictions on that island given its human rights abuses. However, US President Donald Trump’s racist attitude to members of the Latin American community — as well as his rolling back of some of Barack Obama’s relaxing of rules in relation to Cuba – have probably triggered a mass exodus.

Whatever the causes of the influx, we have a moral responsibility to the global community. We cannot simply stand by as fellow human beings and leave other people to suffer no matter their race or nationality. If individuals can be accommodated here, we must do as much as is humanly possible.

Indeed, our history as a destination for individuals from all continents of the world dictates that we should lend a compassionate hand.

Migrants have come here from Europe and Asia seeking better lives.

Slaves were brought here against their will from Africa, but thereafter obtained freedom and remained here to build better lives.

If we were to have a closeddoor policy not only would this be wrong, but it would be inimical to our interests in the long run. For there might come a day when we, too, might need to call upon the international community for help — be it asylum status or otherwise.

In fact, cynics might state our current state of affairs, with high crime levels, a stressed healthcare system, low levels of affordable housing and outdated infrastructure, might soon merit a mass exodus.

Yet, while we are a developing country and have the problems associated with that status, there is much here to celebrate. Our standard of living, though it could be better, is still relatively high, and we remain a free society. Which is why many foreigners might be enticed to choose this country over others.

There being a clear justification for an open-door policy, it falls to the State to properly regulate that policy.

We do not know if there is a vital need for legislation on refugees, but Barbado certainly implies this is the case. Indeed, it would be best if the entire process is subject to clear rules and procedures that are widely known. A formal process that is placed under the jurisdiction of appropriate governmental and inter- governmental bodies capable of managing it is desirable. Such a framework, manned by such bodies, would be in a better position to examine each applicant and conduct the necessary checks. At the end of the day a more regulated system can offer scrutiny and thereby safeguard our security. So while we should have an open door, there must be a clear path to the entryway. Refugees are welcome, but border control should be bolstered to ensure the country they so desire to live in remains a desirable refuge.

After six weeks of preliminaries, quarter-final matches will be played in the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 age groups.

The league, newly reformatted and played under FIFA development standards this year, attracted 90 teams from across the country including Tobago.

Also taking place today, is the North Zone Under-19 final between Trendsetter Hawks and St Ann’s Rangers at the Queen’s Park Savannah from 4 pm.

QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES: Under-11 San Fernando Soccer Academy vs Defence Force, Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS), 2 pm Queen’s Park vs Jaric Titans, Canaan Grounds (Tobago), 10 am Trendsetter Hawks vs Trincity Nationals, QPS, 3 pm Santa Cruz FA vs San Juan Jabloteh, QPS, 4 pm Under-13 St Madeline Strikers vs FC Santa Rosa, QPS, 11.30 am Santa Cruz FA vs Cunupia Extreme, QPS, 1 pm Trendsetter Hawks vs Jaric Titans, Canaan Grounds, 11 am Central FC vs Trincity Nationals, QPS, 4 pm Under-15 RSSR vs Crown Trace, QPS, 1 pm Queen’s Park vs Jaric Titans, Canaan Grounds, 12.15 pm Petrotrin Palo Seco vs Police FC, QPS, 2.30 pm Trendsetter Hawks vs FC Santa Rosa, QPS, 4 pm

Following on from the Juvenile and Junior Championships held earlier this month, NACAC represents the last chance for youngsters to hold the spotlight before next week’s finale in the form of the NGC Sagicor NAATT Senior Open Championships.

NACAC brings to local shores athletes from throughout the western hemisphere. The international event caters for athletes competing in the heptathlon infantile A ages 13-14 category, and the pentathlon infantile B ages 11-12 category. NACAC includes over 20 member nations from Anguilla to USA. Each nation is allowed a maximum of eight athletes.

The host nation is led by Shaniqua Bascombe, fresh off doing the Under-16 sprint double at last weekend’s NGC NAATT Junior Championships.

Bascombe, who is 13 years old, is no stranger to success having regularly been featured in winner’s row throughout her young athletic career for both club (Cougars) and school (Maraval RC).

She will be hoping to add the title of NACAC girls 13-14 heptathlon title to her honours list.

Also representing TT will be Shakeem McCay in the boys equivalent. Primarily a sprinter, McKay will be using those strengths to propel him to success in his age group. Other TT hopefuls include Janae De Gannes, Malika Coutain and Anthony Diaz. Entry to this weekend’s event is free.

Five players were unavailable for selection for the Regional Under-19 tournament due to international duty.

Keagan Simmons, Te-shawn Alleyne, Matthew Patrick, Cephas Cooper and Kirstan Kallicharan will be on duty with the West Indies Under-19 team for the tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“I am pretty elated on being Trinidad and Tobago Under- 19 captain because of all the hard work I have put in over the years,” said the 17 year old. “Being my first time at the helm, I am looking to incorporate both the experience I possess as well as my humble temperament on and off the field,” he added.

The Queen’s Royal College student is adamant that the team will thrive in St Kitts despite missing five key players due to the abundance of talent in the squad.

Batting all-rounder Saiba Batoosingh is the only player from last year’s tournament to return to the team.

“I have been amongst a lot of new younger players and I don’t think inexperience would be much of an issue. It is just a matter of self belief and I will be more than willing to be a positive influence in whatever way possible,” said Bidaisee.

The Calcutta Sports Club player added: “Despite the five guys being away, there is still a lot of talent in the squad and once we click as a team I think we could pull off winning the tournament.”

1. Navin Bidaisee

(Captain)

2. Justyn Gangoo

(Vice-Captain)

3. Leonardo Francis

4. Saiba Batoosingh

5. Leonardo Julien

6. Avinash Mahabirsingh

7. Jayden Seales

8. Ronaldo Forrester

9. Aaron Mairam

10. Sachin Seecharan

11. Christian Thurton

12. Jean Phillipe Barrie

13. Jace Assoon

Kelvin Williams – Coach

Kerwin John – Manager

Reserves

1. Shaaron Lewis

2. Fiaz John

3. James Duncan

It is not about the outrage being expressed over the attack on a public figure. People in positions of influence are attacked, all over the world, all the time.

And it is certainly not about the politicking and pontificating that flooded the media after the terrible incident.

This article is actually about a young boy. He used to be what Fr Harvey would call a victim. You see, this boy wanted to be an assassin.

In theatre sessions, his first instinct would be towards killing any opposition. One reaction was to ban him, but we begged for him to continue with our programme.

Coming from very humble circumstances, he attends a school with a large proportion of vulnerable young people, many with stories like his or worse. His parents separated, his grandparents did not show him love and his mother could not cope.

Although we were not sure how, we promised that we would turn the situation around.

But we had something to work with; his natural talents as a musician and the fact that basically he is a very loving, giving person. Also, we worked on his mother, forced her to stop wallowing in self-pity and take responsibility for her boy child.

He ended up being one of the lead performers in our productions, was on stage with us at Carnival and has performed publicly with his classmates, without us being part of the process.

I was drawn to the story of another boy. The Church of St Martin de Porres, where Fr Harvey knelt praying when he was attacked, was named for a man who was rejected by society because he was extremely poor and descended from enslaved people.

According to research, St Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579. He had to leave school early to work, as his father had abandoned him, his little sister and mother. St Martin de Porres was drawn to the church, but the law in Peru did not allow descendants of Africans or Indigenous peoples to “become full members of religious orders.” Over time, he persevered and was eventually accepted into the Dominican Convent of the Rosary in Lima. He became renowned for his healing powers, miraculous abilities and rapport with animals.

The story is told that during an epidemic, when he was reprimanded for breaking the rules of the convent by caring for the sick, his response was, “Forgive my error, and please instruct me, for I did not know that the precept of obedience took precedence over that of charity.” Naturally, after that they left him alone to continue his good works, including founding a safe space for orphans and abandoned children.

Like St Martin de Porres, Fr Harvey displays a stubborn determination and clarity of purpose. It was Fr Harvey who in the 1970s broke unstated church rules to introduce the drum and local music into worship. He understood that the spirit of revolution needed to find relevance in the spiritual realm.

He also understands that the boys who attacked him are really the victims. The boy who wanted to be an assassin only just escaped this life, but he has left behind too many young people for whom this life is a reality, and too many parents who cannot cope.

So, I guess in a way this article is about Fr Harvey. He has been calling for urgent action to curtail the attraction of the assassin’s creed in the communities he serves. Maybe, now that his life has been put in danger, maybe now someone will listen.

D a r a Healy is a performance artist and founder of the NGO, the Indigenous Creative Arts Network – ICAN