Seepersad-Bachan contended that from the report which unearthed evidence of a discrepancy in the supply of crude oil to the amount for which it was billed, “it is clear that criminal conduct occurred.” She said in the face of it, there are criminal charges to be laid and any further delay may result in the tampering of evidence and implicated persons to cover their track.

She advised him to mandate the Board of Petrotrin to immediately forward the report dealing with the alleged fraudulent sales of indigenous crude oil, to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Commissioner of Police (CoP).

PM Rowley said at Thursday’s post Cabinet meeting news conference, held at the Diplomatic Centre, that he hopes Petrotrin will appoint an independent investigator to examine the preliminary report. Once it confirms the preliminary findings, he said, it will go to the Fraud Squad, “and wherever else you want to send it.” In a release Seepersad- Bachan challenged the position adopted by Rowley.

She said, “the Internal Audit Report which establishes that there are two major players, one pretending to supply and one pretending to receive giving rise to fraud, should already have been shared with these authorities.

“It is clear that criminal conduct occurred.

The bigger issue is – the number of players involved. Any further delay in submitting and dealing with the contents of the report may result in evidence tampering and give time for implicated persons to cover their tracks.” She further advised, “The issue of fraud should not be confused with poor management and lack of due care and diligence, which provided the opportunity to commit this crime.

“Given its current financial crisis, Petrotrin cannot continue to court these types of disasters. Poor management practices allegedly allowed an employee to capitalise on procedural deficiencies and weak controls to perpetrate this crime. In this regard, the Board of Petrotrin should already have taken appropriate action against those who facilitated the offence.”

She was speaking, yesterday, at the graduation ceremony for a training programme, “It Takes a Village,” which was held to update the childcare and protection skills of persons working in community residences and rehabilitation centres.

The ceremony was held at the Youth Training Centre (YTC), Golden Grove Road, Arouca.

Noel said each child’s experience was different, “But when a child grows up in an atmosphere of neglect, abandonment, sexual and physical abuse with their voice not being heard, that produces negative feelings and children react and display those differently.

“And many times, you find one of the ways in which they display it is through anger and general discontent and discomfort with the world.” Noel said it was a widespread problem.

“You see it generally, the youths are angry,” She said. “You see it in the schools. You see it in the general community.

You see it all through the country. And it is not only Trinidad and Tobago.

“You see it across the world in other countries.

In the region you see it. It is something that is happening now in this era.” Noel said research was needed to find out the reasons for this development and the authority had commissioned several studies to try to find out the reasons behind the behaviour of the children and young people. She said the findings of that research would inform the structure of future programmes to be done by the authority.

The training programme, which involved 100 persons and 37 organisations, was designed to correct deficiencies uncovered during a 2016 survey conducted by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in collaboration with the Children’s Authority into the operation of 42 community residences and rehabilitation centres.

Noel said the survey found shortcomings in the record keeping on the children and their history, which she said was very important. It also discovered that the staff at the institutions did not know First Aid which was also very important, that there was inadequate individual care planning and case management and that the premises of the homes were not up to health and safety standards.

She said the authority conducted training sessions in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and she said some improvement was observed but there was still room for improvment.

Asked whether the authority would have the funding next year to carry on its operations and the research it had commissioned, Noel said the authority had been getting the support of the OPM and did have the financing for the research projects it had requested. She said that even with the dire economic situation in which the country found itself, the authority was confident that it would be funded.

Noel said that when the Children’s Authority legislation was proclaimed in 2015, there were about 1,000 children in State care institutions but the number had since declined. She called the development “a good sign.” Noel added that when a child had to be removed from their home, the authority tried to find another family environment such as foster care and other options rather than just putting the child into an institution.

“So you find that there are not as many children going into the system as before,” she said.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ayanna Webster- Roy, said that just as parents wanted to give their biological children the best start in life, the children who became wards of the court also needed their love, support and care.

She said there were currently more than 530 children in community residences and rehabilitation centres across the country and “many of these children have suffered abuse, trauma, neglect and other challenging circumstances.

“These children need to be understood, to be cared for and protected.” Webster-Roy added, “What we sow into the lives of our children today we will reap it tomorrow as a nation.”

Chris Gayle will be 40, Dwayne Bravo 36 and Kieron Pollard 33, so selectors will have to assess how the youth will be ushered in. T20 is a format where you can play at an older age but the wear-and-tear from all the T20 cricket the likes of these stars will be playing globally will surely take its toll. The deep pool also has to be worked in by being proactive, given that player-board disputes or players refusing international duty are issues that plague the team as well.

Chadwick Walton, Evin Lewis (who is set to face England), Andre McCarthy, Andre Fletcher and the experienced Kevon Cooper are just a few exemplary performers that need to be looked at for regular game-time.

Bravo, Bravo Dwayne Bravo is arguably the most elite T20 performer in the business today. His all-round capability, as seen in years in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions, is second to none. In the CPL, he’s more known for his bowling than his batting, consistently among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.

This year, his astute captaincy showed again, especially in the knockout against Guyana Amazon Warriors where he rotated his bowlers off the cuff to stun the batsmen.

No bowler bowled a second consecutive over to start the match, showing how bold Bravo was in a clutch scenario. His discipline has improved drastically and the only thing that can stop this beast of an athlete is injury.

Bravo appeared very calculating at times, with shades of his IPL teammate MS Dhoni seemingly rubbing off. West Indies fans deserve to see him in One-Day colours again too because Bravo clearly has limited overs hunger in him still. A second CPL title justifies this and perhaps offers an alternative captain to the budding yet struggling Jason Holder.

Spin deficit The region’s spinners failed to give an impressive account of themselves, being overshadowed by Sunil Narine who nabbed 12. He was the only West Indian to take over 10 wickets. Samuel Badree (St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots) and Shane Shillingford (St.

Lucia Stars) scalped a respectable eight but the likes of Veerasammy Permaul, Imran Khan and Akeal Hosein failed to deliver. Devendra Bishoo was off on duty in England so there was an opening to see who could rival Narine.

Sadly, the opportunity was embraced by foreigners. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (14 and a hat-trick) and Mohammed Nabi (nine), Shadab Khan (12) and Tabraiz Shamsi (11) stood out and made the West Indian pitches seem like home. If regional selectors are looking to see who could replace Narine, this year’s edition wasn’t the place that bowler could be found. This is one area that could be problematic to the Windies’ overall depth.

360 Discipline The CPL has been seen as one of the tournaments with more leeway due to the region’s festive nature but this shouldn’t be abused.

The celebrations seem to be getting more and more outrageous and bordering on ridiculous. The ICC Code of Conduct says a player is in breach by “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.” Although CPL matches are not international, what is the message being sent to youngsters with almost every regional bowler giving batsmen an unceremonious send-off upon their dismissal? Will this be reined in only when an on-field altercation breaks out between a bowler and an aggrieved batsman? The CPL needs to buckle down on discipline if it’s to be seen as more than a party league. From the controversial Kieron Pollard no-ball incident to Tabraiz Shamsi’s petulance on the field in the final to certain commentators making lewd remarks in jest, things should be more professional.

Woman Power The CPL should look at honouring the West Indies’ Women and incorporating them into the league. Sure, it will be more in terms of monies paid, logistics and such but to boast the World T20 champions yet never have them be part of the event is shocking.

WI women’s captain Stafanie Taylor and others have gotten T20 contracts in England and Australia. It’s a gross disrespect to the women who have topped the world to omit them from this showpiece. The Big Bash in Australia has shown the way with a men and women’s edition.

It’s disappointing TT especially couldn’t see home-grown stars like Anisa Mohammed, even if in an exhibition match in the semis or final. These would be double-header spectacles and so inspirational to the plethora of young ladies and girls who come out in droves every year. They should see their own gender on display and feted, much like India, Australia and England do with their female leagues. More female umpires and players on show would show progression for the region.

Patrons came out to party in all styles of clothing, but for the most part adhered to the wear white theme.

The charity event that benefits the Margaret Kistow Children’s home in Arima this year, went well beyond the scheduled end time.

Man of the moment, TKR captain Dwayne Bravo played himself at the event and among his fellow players present were Barbados Tridents captain Kieron Pollard, Andre Fletcher (St Lucia Stars), Lendl Simmons (Jamaica Tallawahs), Sunil Narine (TKR) and hero of the final Kevon Cooper (TKR).

Among them, UNC Chairman and Pointe-a-Pierre Member of Parliament David Lee, questioned why the Prime Minister constantly degraded women as he (Lee) called on the country to unite and condemn the statement.

“Why would a leader, who is supposed to promote respect towards women, look to degrade a female leader who has contributed so much to our national development?” Lee asked.

He said the language is unbecoming of a person who holds high office.

“More so, it reflects that the Government has been caught red-handed and they have no plausible answer to these accusations hence they result in name calling.” He defended his leader, whom he said was only doing her duty, as a concerned citizen, by informing the population about the millions of taxpayers’ dollars being wasted.

Condemnation of Rowley’s statements made during the post-Cabinet news conference on Thursday, also came from Lee’s colleague, Dr Tim Gopeesingh.

In a release from his Caroni East constituency, Gopeesingh said he joined with all right thinking and conscientious citizens in expressing his abhorrence to what he termed, “the new low to which the PM has taken national governance.” “Dr Rowley’s crass and vulgar statements during his comments on the ‘fake oil’ fiasco once more showcases someone ‘completely out of control’, as previously defined by then-Prime Minister Patrick Manning. In addition, Dr Rowley has contaminated the enquiry into the oil scam, since he has made it clear to all – including the investigators – that the accused is his personal and special friend. It is obvious that the Prime Minister does not intend to facilitate a full and independent investigation into this scam, in the same way that he has sidestepped the “ferry fiasco.” Persad-Bissessar’s former Cabinet colleague, Carolyn Seepersad- Bachan also weighed in on the issue, calling on the PM to apologise to Persad Bissessar .

“While I strongly denounce the utter disrespect and insensitivity reflected in the Prime Minister’s reference to the Opposition Leader, I remain hopeful that there is still the possibility of a positive outcome. I call upon Dr Rowley to take full responsibility for his faux paux and show remorse in an apology to Mrs Bissessar. “ Seepersad-Bachan, who is also running for leadership of the Congress of the People (COP) also called on the government and the opposition to support them in a proposal to adopt the word “Respect” as one of the national watch words, to replace tolerance.

“Through respect, we learn to appreciate people of all genders, ethnicities and cultures. Let it be a seminal value that will inform our initiatives for the elimination of crime and the current ills plaguing our society,” the former San Fernando West MP said.

Several artistes will entertain at the event which takes place at Mellow Moods at Bourg Mulatresse, Santa Cruz, from 11 pm to 4 am. Tickets cost $60.

Joseph-Crawford, 43, sister of local artiste Keturah Gamba, is a stage four cervical cancer patient but despite her deteriorating health she remains determined to win this fight against cancer.

According to one of the organisers, Dane “Mr Kronic” Layne, Joseph-Crawford’s determination is based on the fact that she has to care for her son and a teenage daughter.

“Carlene is at the stage where her organs are being affected and traces of cancer can be found in her lymph nodes. Her kidneys and parts of her lower intestines have been affected a while but now she is having major problems as her lungs are now contaminated thus affecting her breathing,” Layne explained.

Layne is one of several entertainers scheduled to perform at the event. Other acts include Ziggy Rankin, Lady Lava, the TYT crew from Boom Champions and Kerry John, among others.

Layne said Joseph- Crawford who is from San Juan, urgently needs to purchase a nebulizer machine and a home oxygen system. However, she does not have the financial means to do so on her own.

“In addition to this, she is in heavy debt due to past medical expenses.

All monies paid at the gate will be given to Carlene to aid in medical expenses. Any support given to this event will be highly appreciated,” Layne said.

Gamba who via her Facebook page is promoting the event says her her sister is not able to breathe for more than a few hours on her own without an oxygen system.

On one of her many posts, she wrote: “The intentions of my family is to raise the required money to purchase a home oxygen system, nebulizer system and to repay some medical debts owing for the past months.” In another she stated: “I am also singing and my face is not on the artwork…It is a fund-raiser not an event for show!!! To all my fellow artistes who are still passing through even though your faces are not on the artwork….

THANK YOU!” Anyone who wants to assist can deposit funds to Joseph-Crawford’s Scotia Bank account number 42135004009709.

The amendments to the bills approved were to the Bail (Access to Bail) (Amendment) Bill 2017 and the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion) and (Plea Agreement) Bill 2017.

The bills were piloted through the Senate and the House by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi who said they will complement other pieces of legislation already enacted to deal with the volume of cases in the courts.

Al-Rawi also sought the permission of the House to transfer a number of other motions and bills that were being debated to the next session of the Parliament.

His requests were also approved.

The Parliament is due for resumption on October 2 with the presentation of the national budget for the fiscal 2017-2018 year.

However he was unable to provide a time frame as to when a decision would be taken.

Rowley reminded MPs there is a desk established in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs to track the cases of individuals on death row with a view to implementing the death penalty.

He said this desk was never established during the last five years. Rowley said advice provided by former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj on the implementation of the death penalty is being considered.

Rowley said Maharaj gave that advice pro bono. Rowley said despite findings of a recent poll, he is convinced his administration is leading the country in the right direction and he takes the views of all citizens into account.

Later in the sitting, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said Cabinet approved a top of of eight percent of text books in schools, after the ministry determined the amount of books to be replaced.

Garcia also said this country will not be ready next year to do e-testing. Garcia said an audit was done on information technology communication infrastructure in the schools and several deficiencies were found. He said paper based testing will continue until all requirements for e-testing from both the ministry and the Caribbean Examinations Council side are met.

Today, the Boys Under 19 semifinals will be played between Paragon and SHAPE who respectively came first and fourth last Sunday in the preliminary round. In the other smeifinal, Malvern and Fatima (second and third respectively) will be in action, with the winner to vie in the final on Sunday.

The Under 19 Girls Semifinals was played last weekend where Paragon beat Raiders 9-0, and Magnolia qualified for the finals by virtue of winning all of their earlier matches.

In the Open Division, the top tier, on Sunday the Women’s Finals will be played between Magnolia and Paragon, and the Men’s Finals between QPCC and Malvern.

The Trinity Division, a second tier league, will be played today.

The Mixed Veterans competition will take place on October 7.

Last weekend in the Open Division Women, in one semifinals Magnolia beat Harvard Checkers 2-1, and in the other semifinals Paragon beat Malvern 6-4.

Also in the Open Division Men, in one semifinal QPCC beat Fatima 4-3, while Malvern beat Paragon 9-1.

In the Under 19 Girls Semifinal, Paragon beat Raiders 9-1.

Earlier, the U-19 Girls results were Paragon 7 – Raiders 1; Magnolia 4 – Paragon 1; Raiders 0 – Magnolia 5; Paragon 1 – Magnolia 4; Paragon 7 – Raiders 1; Magnolia 6 – Raiders 1.

Last weekend saw 15 matches in the Boys Under19 group.

The results last Saturday were: Paragon 6 – SHAPE 0; Carib 2 – Malvern 6; Raiders 1 – Fatima 8; Fatima 3 – Carib 2; Malvern 2 – Paragon 5; SHAPE 3 – Raiders 0; Paragon 6 – Fatima 1; Carib 2 – SHAPE 3; Raiders 1 – Malvern 10; Malvern 11 – Fatima1. Last Sunday’s U-19 Boys results were: Fatima 8 – SHAPE 1; Raiders 0 – Carib 2; Raiders 0 – Paragon 15; SHAPE 6 – Malvern 14; Paragon 3 – Carib 1.

When a Venezuelan national, and by extension any other national, decides to flee their home country due to a variety of factors including poverty, they may be classified as an asylum seeker.

Asylum seekers are guaranteed refuge in UN member nations under international law — which is generally enforced and upheld in said member states.

TT is, obviously, a UN member State.

However, things take a nosedive as some member states, including Trinidad, have poor immigration frameworks.

These frameworks weren’t designed to handle large numbers of asylum seekers — as is currently occurring due to the huge influx of Venezuelan asylees.

Generally, the ports of entry to TT are by sea and land and, in order to have entered this country legally, one must be inspected by a designated official from the Ministry of National Security (usually an immigration officer).

Comparatively, it costs a fortune to fly to Trinidad from Venezuela and as a result Venezuelans entering this country by air almost always do so legally and have sufficient funds to quickly transition to meaningful and productive work (which is of course welcome).

When the latter segment of immigrants overstay their allotted time they then cease to be in the republic legally.

Now let’s divert attention to our friends who enter by sea. For ages we know that drugs, arms and ammunition enter this country via small boats (usually originating from Venezuela).

Before serious crisis struck, these foreign nationals would usually trade their legal/illegal items then race back home. However, due to recent economic/political factors there is an increasing demand for transportation to Trinidad’s shores.

It is believed the vast majority of Venezuelans desiring to come to TT by boat are honest, impoverished and disadvantaged refugees who are in dire need of assistance and jobs. However, with little money to spare, and a glut of guns and drugs in Venezuela, it becomes immediately apparent that said illegal items may be bartered for food and money; but there is a critical difference.

Recently, these traffickers have not been racing back home, but instead are setting up syndicates domestically, which further serves to increase the proliferation of guns, drugs and human trafficking. Obviously, I don’t think our gun/drug-toting immigrants are inspected in Chaguaramas or Icacos.

So, it’s fair to say this category of immigrant is here illegally.

It has long been alleged, and is most likely true, that rogue elements within the Public Service have become complicit in many of these activities. This therefore begs the question: can demons really bring angels to our shores? Or will said vagabonds be more likely to bring fellow fiends and vagabonds to our shores? Venezuela and its refugees need our help. To ignore their plight is to turn our backs on whatever humanity is left in us. We need to take this opportunity to provide them with meaningful employment in the agricultural and hospitality sectors, not because of stereotypical Latino job roles, but because these sectors are in dire need of revival.

Trinidad may find itself becoming food secure in a matter of mere months, and even experience a significant uptick in tourism. These immigrants may potentially grow our economy by orders of magnitude.

Additionally, many of them accept jobs that Trinidadians regard as lowly.

I see every vibrant Venezuelan that arrives in TT as a potential blessing and curse.

However, if we treat our friends from the other side with dignity and respect, in the near future I hope we’ll be obliged to remove the “curse” from the description.

It is my sincerest hope that we can create a much needed new home for our Venezuelan refugees, and embark on a vigorous drive to integrate them into Caribbean society. Additionally, it would be wise to amend our immigration framework, laws, and policies to reflect our current geopolitical reality.

DAVID D BREMNOR via email