“The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is headquartered in Santiago and as part of the visit, I was able to meet with the leaders of ECLAC (who) put a proposal on the table which, by our recommendation, will be on its way to Caricom headquarters in the next few weeks.

TT will put it on the agenda for the next Heads of Government meeting in Grenada in July,” Rowley said.

He explained that “the gist of the proposal is to make a major drive for debt relief for all Caricom countries (while) the developed countries who are carrying that debt should be made, not to write off those monies but to put such monies into a fund that can be put to the aid of Caricom countries when shock situations develop.” He said ECLAC recommended the funds be set aside in this manner because their research has shown that “the condition of indebtedness in Caricom is driven by these periodic shocks, whether it’s an earthquake, hurricane and I dare say, a price collapse of the scale we’re experiencing now in oil and gas.

Because our economies are so unidimensional, the loss of revenues force these countries into debt and it’s a downward spiral. You go into the debt but you can’t get out of it.” Meanwhile, in a statement issued the day before, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, Alicia Barcena, said the commission advocates so that Caribbean nations “are not unjustly qualified as middle-income countries, a situation that complicates their access to financing.” Barcena also argued that special attention should be paid to the triple vulnerability that Caribbean territories suffer with respect to climate change, difficulties financing their economies and high public debt, which, on average, totals 70 percent of the subregional Gross Domestic Product.

She proposed that ECLAC reduce the debt of English-speaking Caribbean island states by pardoning part of their debt to create a resilience fund that allows for financing climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

“We are ready to help you. We want to know what your needs are to provide assistance for overcoming the problems that affect the Caribbean today,” Barcena stated.

The ECLAC meeting was one of several on the Trinidad delegation’s packed agenda. Rowley was accompanied on the visit by Energy Minister Franklin Khan, Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses, and Minister in the Ministry of Attorney General and Legal Affairs/Minister in the Office of the PM, Stuart Young.

Standing at the podium in the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport, Piarco while the aforementioned ministers sat at the head table, Rowley said, “We met all the people that we wanted to meet and we met the people who make the decisions.” “Therefore, we now have two things on the table. One is the partial scope agreement, which we will work on assiduously. Minister Paula Gopee- Scoon (and her team) have started that work and we’re going to try and accelerate it. The other one is, we are hoping that we can get an air services agreement, so that we can have better or more useful air transport through TT.” Providing context for the proposed air services agreement, Rowley said members of the Federation of Chilean Industry (SOFOFA) had expressed the view “that TT has the potential to be a clearing house for Chile going forward into the Atlantic and into the Caribbean.” “Tourism, air transport and of course sea transport; now that we are using the Panama Canal in the way that the big ships can, there’s a lot that can come out of it. Hopefully, if we are sufficiently nimble, some arrangements between our business sector and (Chile’s) business sector could see some good things (develop).” Rowley met with SOFOFA members on May 30 when he presented an overview of TT’s energy sector and the plans for its future development to the Chilean energy sector during a breakfast meeting hosted by the federation.

Founded in 1883, SOFOFA is a private, non-profit trade association representing the views and interests of Chilean industry. SOFOFA has 2,500 corporate affiliates, 36 sector association affiliates, and eight regional affiliates.

Regarding TT’s position as a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Chile, Rowley said, “TT is running a significant trade advantage with Chile because while they are buying from us, hundreds of millions of dollars in energy, we buy from them a small amount of other things.” During the SOFOFA talks, “one of the things that came up was how fast can we accelerate our negotiations (to complete) a partial scope agreement which would…allow selected TT products; like LNG, (entry) into the Chilean market duty-free and of course, some Chilean products enter TT’s market.” Rowley pointed out that while Chile has a large number of trade agreements with other countries, there is none in place with TT. “So if we are to not be disadvantaged, it would fall to us to very quickly conclude a proper trade agreement with Chile.” Noting that any partial scope agreement would have to be signed off on by Caricom, the PM said Jamaica, like Chile, is moving to LNG “as their fuel supply.” “In the Jamaican case, it is not TT’s LNG. It’s an American company, which we expect would want to use American gas; a private sector arrangement. We will have to ask for a Jamaican agreement for TT to get a partial scope clearance for certain duties outside. I hope that these discussions will not be insurmountable but it’s a very complex business that’s developing and what we are trying to do here, for our country, is to stay ahead of the game and be in a position to ensure that the interests of TT are protected and well-executed.” Rowley also said the establishment of a partial scope agreement between both countries is important for TT’s LNG exports, particularly since we are now facing potential competition from suppliers in the United States.

“On (May 30), we took a visit to the Port of Quintero where the LNG re-classification plant operates. It’s a private sector plant (GNL Quintero) but it’s at the centre of Chile’s major policy shift to convert its energy use to natural gas. We got there just a few hours after the 299th ship left that pier. We were advised that of the 299 cargoes of LNG that were discharged at that pier, 225 came from Point Fortin.” “I tell you this so you can understand how important Chile is to TT. It’s a replacement market for the markets we lost in Boston and elsewhere. It’s also a market where there’s to be some significant expansion but that expansion is now of interest to our competitors, not the least of which is the United States.” Now that TT is focused on deepening its ties with Chile, a delegation from the South American nation is expected to visit this country “very soon,” Rowley stated, “to follow up on the doors that we’re trying to open.”

The cost of corrosion involves an important part of the gross domestic product (GDP) and takes place in a wide range of examples, from large structures to implants placed in the human body.

From 1999 to 2001, the United States had a total annual direct cost due to corrosion issues of approximately $276 billion, or 3.1 percent of their GDP.

Similarly, in Peru, according to the Teknoquamica company, in the year 2000 losses by corrosion accounted for eight percent of GDP, ie, approximately $1,200 million.

Trinidad and Tobago hasn’t done any study to estimate costs that represent losses by corrosion.

Despite this, problems due to this phenomenon can be felt so it is clear then the need to implement the relevant measures.

There are different reasons why the phenomenon has not been controlled in an appropriate manner, ranging from climatic to economics. The situation, as you might guess, affects equally the majority of Latin American countries in which Governments and environmental conditions are similar. Governments practically do not pay attention to the problem of corrosion, not by lack of trained staff but by the lack of a unified policy on maintenance of structures.

Little by little private companies are becoming aware of the issue of corrosion and the damage the phenomenon causes when it is not addressed in a timely manner. But what is the corrosion? Corrosion can be defined in many ways.

Some definitions are very direct and focus on a specific type of corrosion, while others are very general and cover many forms of deterioration.

The word “corrode” is derived from the Latin word “corrodere” which means “gnawing parts”.

For most purposes, corrosion can be characterised as an electrochemical reaction between a material – usually a metal – and its environment which produces a deterioration of the material and its properties. The metals are rarely found in a pure state but rather are almost always combined with one or more non metallic chemical elements, and ores are usually an oxidised form of the metal. Therefore, a significant amount of energy should be applied to transform the ore into pure metal. This energy can be applied via metallurgy or chemical; additionally, extra energy is required in the form of cold work or by casting processes necessary to transform the pure metal into a usable piece.

Corrosion can be also defined as the tendency of a metal – produced and formed by a substantial application of energy – to return to its natural state of lower energy. From a thermodynamic perspective, the tendency to decrease the energy level is the main force that induces corrosion in metals.

The effects of corrosion in our daily life are classified into direct and indirect. Those affecting useful service of our real life are the direct. Indirect are those in which the producers and consumers of goods and services have influence on the corrosion costs. At home for instance, the phenomenon is observed directly in the automotive, steel burglar proof or windows, metal tools and others.

One of the more serious consequences of corrosion happens when it affects our safety or even life directly. When going about our daily business, we may see a number of problems due to corrosion. For example, on a bridge on the highway, corrosion may occur in the reinforcing steel rod inside the concrete, which can fracture it and, consequently, cause the failure of any section; similarly, the collapse of electric transmission towers may occur. These may damage buildings, structures, factories, etc, without mentioning the environmental impact and costly repairs that follow.

In December 1999, in the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France, the tanker MV Erika sank due to a hull rupture caused by corrosion. The result: approximately 20 thousand tons of crude oil spilled into the sea, which caused great damage to the marine ecosystem.

To control corrosion, it is necessary to know the process or mechanisms of corrosion, or in what manner it originates.

Corrosion takes place in different ways. Its classification is usually based on one of these three factors:

• Nature of the electrolyte: corrosion can be classified as “wet” or “dry”. It is necessary to have a liquid solution or mixture for wet corrosion to occur. Dry corrosion usually involves the reaction with gases at high temperature.

• Mechanism of corrosion: involves electrochemical reactions or direct reaction with a chemical.

• Appearance of corroded metal: corrosion can be uniform where metal corrodes at the same rate along the surface, or it may be localised, in which only small areas are affected.

The most common classification of wet corrosion based on the appearance of the metal is identified in the following forms: general or uniform corrosion; pitting corrosion; galvanic corrosion; corrosion-erosion, which includes cavitationerosion; intergranular corrosion, which includes sensitisation and exfoliation; de-alloying, including dezincification, and environmentally assisted cracking, which includes corrosion under stress, corrosion fatigue and damage by evolution of hydrogen.

In theory, the eight forms of corrosion are clearly distinct. In practice, however, there are cases of corrosion that includes more than one from; in other cases, it does not seem to conform to any of these forms.

Depending on the way in which corrosion occurs, an appropriate technique must be chosen to control it or prevent it.

There are five main primary corrosion control methods:

• Selection of materials.

Resistance to corrosion of a metal depends on the environment to which it is exposed. Once taking this into consideration you can carry out a good selection of materials for a specific use.

• Coatings. Coatings for protection against corrosion can be divided into two large groups: Metallic and non-metallic (organic and inorganic). With any type of coating that is selected the goal is the same: isolating the metallic surface from the corrosive environment. of the corrosive medium.

• Inhibitors. Some chemicals (salts, for example) cause corrosion, other chemicals inhibit it. Chromates and silicates and organic amines are common inhibitors. The mechanisms of inhibition can be a little complex.

Depending of the type, the inhibitor could be adsorbed on the specific sites to override the corrosion current. Others promote the formation of a protective film on the surface of the metal.

Inhibitors can be incorporated in a protective coating as well.

• Cathodic protection. The purpose of cathodic protection is to eliminate the current associated with the electrochemical process that occurs in wet corrosion.

For this an external artificially generated current is impressed over the structure. A system comprising a sacrificial material (anode) is used, such as zinc or magnesium, which are connected to the structure to provide protection. While the anode corrodes the adjacent structure is then protected.

• Design. The application of principles of design can eliminate many problems of corrosion and reduces the time and cost associated with maintenance and repair. Corrosion occurs frequently in small spaces or loopholes in which corrosive medium starts to be more aggressive. These areas can be eliminated or minimised in the design process. Where the corrosion under stress is possible, the components can be designed to operate at low levels of stress.

For all the above, it is very important that the engineers or specialist in corrosion, materials engineer, maintenance supervisors and reliability engineers to have sufficient knowledge to control this phenomenon. They must recognise it and know what is its origin and its severity; They must keep themselves updated on the tools and methods available today, as well as the inspection techniques, the effects of design variables, how to interpret and apply information on the corrosion and know where to get help.

For more information on corrosion you can contact our Metallurgy department at: Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) Trincity West Industrial Estate, Macoya.

Telephone: 285-5050 ext. 3110 E-mail: metallurgy@carir

The truth is I cannot recall when last that took place, especially at home.

Therefore, this is worth celebrating.

Many may argue that Afghanistan is rated No 9 according to the International Cricket Council’s T20 rankings.

Well the way I see it, when you are trying to move up, whatever win comes your way you enjoy it.

Now we are on to the three One-Day Internationals which begin on Friday.

I hope the momentum from the T20s will be taken into the ODIs.

At least we have a flicker in the tunnel that should give us a sense of hope. I look forward to 3-0 also in the ODIs.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email

Speaking at a news conference following yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Rowley said he took issue with the ministry for not properly laying the foundation for the exercise.

“Because I knew that these mischief- makers would have made mischief of it and I knew that population ought to have been properly prepared to receive it since it was not something they would have been accustomed to,” he said.

“Because many persons, while they were willing to participate, there were many questions to be answered. I must say that the Ministry of Finance did not do the best job of it.

But that does not say that the Ministry of Finance is not to carry out the law.” The PM said his statement must not be seen as a criticism.

“All we have to do is improve on it. And we are improving on it because right now on the subject of property tax, a lot has been said and we will continue to say so that people can be comfortable that the tax is fair and reasonable and it is part of the administration of collecting revenue to service the country,” he said.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony for four new graduates receiving their Bachelor of Science degrees in dental hygiene and dental therapy and 22 new doctors in dental surgery at the Daaga Auditorium at The UWI on Tuesday night, Carrington reminded them that as in all service professions, the customer is always right.

He said service includes providing the patient with adequate information to make informed choices and once they have done that, they have done their duty. He added that providing the information does not mean that the patient will, in fact, take the doctor’s advice and make that better choice, but it does mean that they have done their duty.

“Nothing we do can really undo what they are doing or not doing every day.” He also urged the new doctors not to restrict themselves to their private practices but to get involved in community work in their neighbourhoods, saying it was an investment which would pay dividends in the future.

He also said they should get involved in the dialogue on oral health, noting that while members of other professions were speaking out, dentists were generally very quiet and that needed to change.

Carrington advised the dentists to take some time out of their work for fun, saying they should ensure that they protect some free time in their lives for something that had nothing to do with work.

“You will never have time if you never take time.” He said “me time” would pay off in a longer work life and reduce the possibility of burnout.

Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Professor Terrence Seemungal said the faculty was very proud of the School of Dentistry which had been accredited for two years in its last accreditation but had that increased to four years which, he said, was “absolutely wonderful.” He said the school had become the only school outside the continental United States to be recognised by the Quality on Dental Accreditation where its residency programme had been accredited for seven years, which he said was testament to the high standard the school had attained and maintained for several years.

Authority CEO Sheldon Cyrus said that a full investigation has been launched into the matter, but preliminary reports indicate Phillip died shortly after being treated and released.

“He was not turned away. He was admitted on two occasions,” Cyrus said.

“He came, he was treated and he was discharged. He went outside but began feeling unwell and was brought back into the Accident and Emergency (Department), but by the time doctors came to him they could not find him. Apparently he had gone back outside and that was when he collapsed on the front lawn,” Cyrus said.

Phillip’s body was found sometime between 1 and 2 and video images of his body were circulated yesterday on social media. Cyrus made it clear that no person is denied treatment at the Hospital. He said people who are homeless or mentally ill are treated and referred to the social welfare department of the hospital. He added that Phillip, who told doctors that he lived alone, was also referred to the social welfare department.

“Such effects as the quantum increase in congestion, road rage, drivers’ focus on looking for cops rather than attention on the road.

I spend more effort in scanning in front, behind, on ramps, at the side, type of vehicle used by cops etc – than I spend on keeping track of traffic six cars ahead and three cars behind me for proper safety. I have reduced my moving offence tickets to zero over the last two years (knock on wood!) but I am more stressed and subject to road rage than the average driver. I typically drive within the first standard deviation above the 75 percentile! “You will probably ask, why don’t I simply obey the speed limit etc? Well, if revenue collection is the goal, almost every car on the road within the speed limit if not committing some other offence, is still going to commit an offence in the next five minutes anyway – since there are so many rules that everyone is always breaking one at any particular time.

Not coming to a dead stop (defined as holding stop for 2 seconds) at stop sign or on red signal, stopping over the white line, eating, drinking or handling a phone or anything else in your car – even if stopped, accelerating “too fast” off the signal, reckless or aggressive driving – at the discretion of the police etc…

“It is not unusual for the police in slow periods, to drive behind you for several km in unmarked vehicles, waiting for you to change lane not to their liking etc.

“Apart from this, the loss of respect for the police, citizens’ feeling of being highway-robbed by their government through the police – will have priceless damage to the cooperation between citizens and police – something that will further aggravate the crime situation in the country.

“And, yes why are so much police resources being put on the highway, when crime is running at meltdown level in murders, rapes kidnapping etc?” Laws are supposed to be established for the protection of the public and the regulation of the unreasonable behaviour of a few individuals.

International traffic investigations have shown that most people will drive the roadway as they perceive the conditions, and will ignore a speed limit that is unrealistically too low. A realistic speed limit is voluntarily obeyed by the reasonable majority, and more enforcement effort can be applied to the unreasonable few who drive too fast or too slow.

An unrealistic speed limit that is too low will: (a) Make the behaviour of the majority illegal; (b) If enforced, will cause antagonism toward enforcement personnel and traffic laws in general, and create an image of law enforcers as revenue generators; and, (c) Result in speed differentials in the traffic flow, which are wellknown to be significant contributors to traffic crashes. Speed differential is the range of vehicle speeds within the traffic stream. A large variation in these speeds complicates the driving task and necessitates sudden braking, multiple lane changes and other compensating driving manoeuvres.

An appropriate speed limit will result in the maximum number of vehicles travelling at about the same speed, thus reducing conflicts caused by speed differentials. The 85th percentile speed, that speed at or below which 85% of the traffic is moving, is widely accepted as being closest to that appropriate speed.

Of course, other traffic investigation factors must also be taken into consideration.

It is critical to furnish enforcement personnel with a guide as to what appropriate actions for a segment of road so that enforcement actions may be consistent and fair. For example, it is not uncommon for a backhoe to be lumbering along the highway, the driver completely unconcerned about its impact on the traffic. It is illegal, but has any backhoe driver been charged for the offense? Also, many motorists regularly coast down the right lane or centre lane of the highways driving at the speed limit., although they are not overtaking. Has any of them been pulled over for this action? Further, on the highway, slower vehicles are supposed to move over to allow faster traffic to pass, and drivers should stay in the slow lane except to pass. Fat chance that happening here, except when the blue lights are in the rear! I have argued several times for higher highway speed limits. I would also like to see speed limit adjustment and enforcement for the following:

• Residential zones;

• School zones;

• Other collector and local roads with pedestrian and cycling activity;

• Road work zones; and,

• Minimum highway speed limits.

e-mail: info@ccost.org

Instead, the Government should use the money that goes to the subsidy in another way to start diversifying the economy and to create jobs for all. It should give tax breaks, reduce electricity rates and provide incentives in the following areas: Manufacturing: This will result in increased produce for the local market and for export, thereby bringing in foreign currency.

Agriculture: Farmers will be able to grow all types of food with the aim of feeding the nation, exporting and reducing the food import bill.

Recycling: With glass, metal, plastic, paper, wood, etc converted into reusable materials we would be doing our part to save the environment.

Tourism: The government must encourage all forms — fishing, hiking, bird watching, sports etc. Cabanas/hotels/ restaurants should be built on our mountains and nearer to beaches and rivers.

We have to stop this dependency on handouts.

We must take pride in obtaining an education, getting a job, saving to own a home and paying our expenses.

Creating jobs for everyone is the answer, which will happen if we go in the direction outlined above. Now is the time to use the money to diversify the economy away from gas, oil, and subsidies.

PATRICIA BLADES via email

The Ninth Actuarial Review warned that from 2019-2020, assets will rapidly decrease and the NIS funds will be completely depleted in 2029-2030 if nothing is modified in terms of contributions or benefits.

Interestingly, according to the 8th Actuarial Review, NIS assets would have increased until 2027-28 and would have then started to decrease.

It was projected that the fund would be depleted in financial year 2039-40.

Therefore, it would appear that in the three years between the Eighth and Ninth Actuarial Reviews, the rate of depletion of the funds increased by ten years. Would this mean that, if no changes are made, we can assume by the Tenth Actuarial Review, the projected depletion would be in 2019? The obvious next question is – how did we reach to this point? There are people who are making statements that the public should not panic – assurances are being given to the public that the NIB is wellmanaged, well-governed, transparent and accountable. There is much evidence to suggest otherwise, and citizens who are currently making NIS contributions, and who may not be able to receive any benefits, must demand some answers. We need to evaluate the NIB based on competence of the Board, as well as the operational efficiency and the financial health of the institution.

Actuarial reviews would have had to be undertaken over the life of the establishment and is an instrument that is intended to allow the government to understand the financial state of the NIB and is a fundamental tool in ensuring the financial sustainability of the scheme. The actuaries have made recommendations after each of the nine reviews. Have these recommendations been adopted by the NIB? Has the government been made aware of these recommendations and the implications of not implementing them? Would the government have been willing to raise contributions to the NIS as would have been necessary to ensure the viability of the fund if it threatened a loss of votes? According to the actuaries, it would be necessary to implement a mechanism that would force the adjustment of the contribution rate at regular intervals. However, the scheme’s adjustments are conditional on the willingness of the government to pass the law to introduce those changes.

What about the operational efficiency of the NIB? Does the NIB receive contributions for 100% of the employer population? If not why not? The record management is critical for an institution such as the NIB. Is it efficient? Is there a competent record system? Are the records of the contributions available and accurate? How many citizens either at retirement or even earlier have to battle with NIB over the number of contributions made? It stands to reason if the records of the contributions are inaccurate then the benefits will be inaccurate and funds available for investment will be inaccurate; how then is the investment portfolio being effectively managed?.

The next area for discussion is the financial health of the institution and with that investment decisions that the NIB would make. We need to ask then about the NIB spending $37 million to acquire the property housing Apsara and Thamnak Thai restaurants in Port-of-Spain and promptly leasing it back to the owners at $96,000 a month for ten years. Interestingly, the property was valued at $16.5 million. In addition, $5 million was spent on repairs to the building. We must also inquire as to whether the financial performance of the company is reported to the Minister of Finance? What about any shortfall in benefits versus contributions received? Who pays the difference? Is it the NIB or the government? If it is the NIB and there are no more funds, can the government afford to fund a deficit? Finally, according to the Fit and Proper Guideline issued by the Central Bank, the Board of Directors must consider character, competence and financial soundness when assessing key personnel for employment within the organisation.

But what does the Central Bank mean by competence? According to the Guideline a person must demonstrate the competence and ability to understand the technical requirements of the business, the inherent risks therein, and the management processes required to conduct its operations effectively.

The technical requirements of the NIB would therefore include an understanding of business, finance, investments and other aspects of managing a national social security scheme. Is a background in law then, considered sufficient to steer a billion-dollar financial institution that citizens depend heavily on? What is the Minister doing to address all the deficiencies at the NIB that are becoming ever more apparent? Where are the Board in all of this? Certainly, they must be aware that all failures of the institution will ultimately be theirs.

Dr Jacob was addressing secondary school students from Brazil, Coryal, Valencia, Matelot, Manzanilla, Toco, Guaico and Malabar who attended the ‘North Eastern Secondary Schools ICT Expo’ at the UTT O’Meara campus on May 31. The expo was hosted by CANTO (Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations), under the patronage of the Maxie Cuffie, Minister of Public Administration and Communications, and supported by bmobile.

The expo theme, “Demonstrating ICTs as a Viable Career Choice,” was geared at stimulating students to consider careers in ICT, and featured several presenters, including representatives from bmobile, UTT, and FLOW. NIHERST, iGovTT and the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago were among the companies with information booths on display.

Teresa Wankin, CANTO’s Secretary General indicated that the expo demonstrated the wide range of programmes and career choices in the field of ICT and made students more aware of the ICT-based industries that could be targeted for their career choices.

“The ICT sector is the most creative and resilient sector for employment. It is also the fastest growing sector and the only sector that combines with all disciplines. As we move toward an ICT-based knowledge society, we are living in exciting times where creativity and innovation provide entirely new ways of working, interacting and building. The future is bright for you. This expo brings you opportunities that no other generation enjoyed.” Camille Campbell, VP Marketing, TSTT explored how ICT has transformed the global landscape and has proven to be a catalyst for innovation, diversification, productivity, national development and social transformation. Indicating that trends in the job market reflect double digit growth for ICT careers, Campbell added, “At bmobile we are proud to be that catalyst in Trinidad and Tobago.

bmobile remains committed to investing in the necessary infrastructure that will allow Trinidad and Tobago’s most valuable resource, you, to realise your full potential.” Minister Cuffie noted the equalising impact of ICT on rural areas and the impact on economic growth for Trinidad and Tobago. “For developing countries like Trinidad and Tobago, ICT has the potential to increase access to and improve the relevance and quality of your education, thus presenting a potentially equalising effect in developing countries for the youths in rural areas.

Today’s event is about exposing you to the endless possibilities through technological literacy.” Dr Jacob demonstrated the numerous applications of ICT in the world of work, as well as everyday life, by using examples that included airplanes’ autopilot, logistics planning and maintenance functions, smart cars, smartphones, smart buildings, and e-health applications which allow remote consultations and surgeries from around the world. He told the attendees, “Technology is changing the world and is in everything we do today. Today is your opportunity to become well informed.” His colleague, Professor Rodney Rambally, from the UTT Centre for ICT, discussed the various UTT bachelors and masters degrees, diploma and certificate programmes available.

Guest speaker Petriann Trancoso, a Big Data and Cloud Computing Expert and Database administrator, used online shopping and the impact it was having on the local retail industry to discuss the pervasiveness of ICT in all industry sectors worldwide and the equalising effect of ICT for local businesses. She stated that local companies must compete globally to remain viable and they need ICT to do this.

The feedback from some of the participants showed that the expo was appreciated. Gail Pierre-Ashing, a guidance officer at Brazil Secondary said the expo was quite informative. “This gave the students the opportunity to broaden their perspective beyond the traditional choices and to include ICT as one of their career options. I also enjoyed visiting the booths which presented more in-depth exposure to some of the topics discussed.” One of her Form Three students, Treangelo Gayah, agreed and said, “I want to be a PE teacher and ICT has a lot of relevance in this field so this expo was quite educational.” Form Four Valencia Secondary student, Kemone Perez, added, “I learnt about the different aspects of ICT in everyday life and how many different jobs are available. I am a business student but this expo made me more interested in the ICT