According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation in the USA, a brain aneurysm also referred to as a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm, is a weak bulging spot on the wall of a brain artery very much like a thin balloon or weak spot on an inner tube. The foundation explained that over time, the blood flow within the artery pounds against the thinned portion of the wall and aneurysms form silently from wear and tear on the arteries.

Most aneurysms produce no symptoms and may only be found during tests for another usually unrelated condition. The brain foundation admits that symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm often come on suddenly. If you have any of these symptoms and/or notice them in someone you know, notify the medical emergency services immediately – a sudden severe headache that is different from the norm, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, fainting or loss of onsciousness or seizures.

Based on medical research studies, it is unlikely that you are born with a cerebral aneurysm; they usually develop as you advance in age and are more prevalent in women. Research further suggests that in the brain, causes are linked to specific factors including traumatic injury such as a blow to the head, an infection termed a mycotic aneurysm, a hereditary predisposition, cigarette smoking and hypertension or high blood pressure, use of drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines and certain blood vessel disorders, fibromuscular dysplasia, cerebral arteritis and arterial dissection.

In the same way that we take precautionary measures to protect and nourish our bodies, the same approach must be used to protect and nourish our brain. Starting with our food intake which should include whole foods such as fish, nuts and vegetables rich in vitamins, nutrients, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Ensuring that you get enough sleep is critical to good health, as inadequate sleep contributes to brain decline and may also increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Establishing a bedtime routine sleep schedule puts you on the right track in both resting and protecting your brain.

A regular exercise routine is also important as it protects against brain ageing and improves mental function. Prolonged periods of stress are also harmful to the brain, as you may experience fatigue, poor concentration and memory loss. Remember your brain is as equally important as your mind, body and soul so treat it well! Sandrine Rattan is a communications/branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN). Contact: thecorporatesuitett@gmail.

com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or 283-0318

There are two joint select committee public hearings tomorrow. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meets in the J Hamilton Maurice Room of Tower D at 10.30 am to discuss concerns raised in the Auditor- General’s Report with respect to the Land Settlement Agency, for the period 2008 to 2009.

At 10 am, the Local Authorities, Service Commissions and Statutory Authorities Committee meets in the ANR Robinson Meeting Room to deal with operations of the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA). The House of Representatives sits at 1.30 pm on Friday to debate a private motion on crime.

As the former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador of TT and former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador I can say, without a doubt, that the Conservative Party is the way to real global development.

The UK election comes at a time when Europe is redefining itself, when the world is adjusting to US President Donald Trump, North Korea is unstable as usual, the Chinese economy continues to grow and India is climbing onto the world leadership ladder due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s innovation.

Therefore the world needs a strong UK and that is only possible with a Conservative Government.

The Conservative Party has made amazing strides within the past five years, such as reducing its debt burden, creating effective education opportunities and fashioning a stable economy.

As a matter of fact, only last week the UK recorded its lowest unemployment rate in over 20 years.

Much credit must go to former prime minister David Cameron but a lot more must go to the Conservative Members of Parliament and the think tank which have delivered a very stable, successful and sustainable UK in the past five years.

However, if this was a football match and Cameron had scored the opening goal, then Prime Minister Theresa May would have just headed home two more goals and would complete her hat-trick on June 8.

What has been most impressive about May besides her humility is her vision and her steadfast approach to development. In essence, May knows where she wants to go and she is taking the UK to the promised land.

As a political leader, May is dedicated, committed and well suited if not perfectly prepared for the rough global world we face. May has the opportunity to not only be one of the best prime ministers the world has seen but one of the best leaders ever. Testament to her inspiration is the number of female and youth candidates taking part in the election.

Given the fact the most nations in the Caribbean were former colonies of the British Empire, we have often benefited from the expertise, assistance and guidance of the UK. In a post-Brexit world a number of opportunities open up for the Caribbean and UK to build upon pending the election of a stable and well visioned government.

So a stronger UK with a Conservative government led by May works for a better global community, especially for the Commonwealth.

A UK governed with vision, principles and proper etiquette which the Conservatives seek to offer present a world of opportunity for us in the Caribbean as it relates to strengthening our diplomatic and trade relations.

There is no doubt the election of a Conservative government on June 8 will be in the world’s best interest.

NICHOLAS MORRIS via email

There is a good reason why we say justice is blind.

The court case involving a group of squatters and the Commissioner of State Lands raises important questions which it is for the court to decide. But without prejudice to the legal issues at the heart of that ongoing legal matter, aspects surrounding the case underline the need for accountability by all officials of the State. This is particularly so in areas where the State wields tremendous power over marginalised groups that would otherwise not be able to command resources to galvanize themselves against oppressive action.

In an emergency sitting at the San Fernando High Court on Sunday, Justice Frank Seepersad granted an injunction restraining the Commissioner of State Lands from demolishing any more homes occupied by squatters at Pine Avenue, Valencia. The judge did so after attorneys for two squatters filed a constitutional claim against the Commissioner of State Lands.

The squatters — Annesa Maharaj and Ashminee Joseph — claim they have been occupying the land at Pine Avenue for more than 30 years. They say their rights to enjoyment of property and protection by law were infringed as they contend the State Suits Limitation Ordinance protects them from attempts by the State to repossess State lands once they have been living on the property for 30 years. They also contend that they have expressed intention to possess the land as their own, as prescribed for in the ordinance.

Maharaj’s home with others were demolished by a crew of police and soldiers on May 15.

According to Maharaj, who is in a common-law relationship with Joseph’s son, the land was gifted to them by Joseph and they spent over $800,000 in building their home. She said Joseph has never received notice from the State since she began occupying the land in 1983. She also said no one has ever disputed their occupation of the land and each year they have planted crops and reared animals on the property. On May 15, she was shocked and terrified when she saw soldiers bulldozing her home.

In the wake of the demolition action, a hornet’s nest relating to accountability has emerged.

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said the Government is seeking answers from the commissioner.

He said last week he did not have any notice of the action. Also in the dark were Housing Minister Randall Mitchell, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, and the Chief State Solicitor. “It has not originated from ministerial, Cabinet or AG’s office,” the Attorney General said. “In light of the severity of the action taken, I can confirm that I have been calling for the Commissioner of State Lands to meet with every single day since the 15th.” However, he said the commissioner has not responded to any of his requests for a meeting to date.

The Commissioner of State Lands is a statutory post established by the State Lands Act. Under this law, the commissioner is responsible for the management of all lands of the State. The post-holder functions on behalf of the President.

Yet, it is also the case that the President acts on the advice of Cabinet generally.

The troubling gap in accountability here demonstrates the State’s vulnerability in this regard.

The implications are profound. If a public official has here acted unilaterally or on behalf of an official who is not entitled to wield executive power, it means our systems are not robust enough to prevent abuse. A rationalisation of procedure — including a more humane policy when it comes to demolition — to clearer checks and balances on power needs to be implemented.

It would be a shame if officials can, through State action, further disempower the already disempowered.

Attorneys for the Commissioner of Valuations and the Attorney General had hoped for an urgent hearing yesterday of their appeals against Justice Frank Seepersad’s order last Friday, which they sought to have reversed.

Despite strong entreaties by the State’s attorneys, the three appellate court judges selected to hear the appeals said they were not prepared to hear matters yesterday and instead adjourned it to June 6.

Orders were given for the filing of submissions and supporting authorities by May 26 and 31.

Senior Counsel Russell Martineau, who leads a team of lawyers for the Commissioner, had asked Justices of Appeal Peter Jamadar, Gregory Smith and Judith Jones to treat the appeals as urgent since Government was seeking to get on with raising revenue to conduct the business of the country.

“We have legislation on the books which must be put into effect,” Martineau submitted, to which Jamadar questioned: “the government was willing to do nothing for eight years but now wants to do something?” “The financial uncertainty of the State has changed in the last few months… It is a reality of fact,” Martineau countered. “It is of great urgency for the Government that this thing is clarified as soon as possible,” the senior attorney added. Among the State’s contentions are that the judge’s order last Friday, was confusing and ambiguous.

“The people do not know what the order means. It is difficult to understand. It is uncertain,” Martineau said.

“It is confusing, vague and in the minds of the public, it does not make sense…The Commissioner of Valuations does not know what to do,” he said. Lead counsel for the Attorney General, Fyard Hosein SC, said the order was a, “recipe for confusion.” But former attorney general Anand Ramlogan SC (who represents his former ministerial colleague Devant Maharaj who last Friday successfully sought the stay) yesterday said government had over two years to implement the property tax so they cannot now say it was “so urgent.” He insisted that Justice Seepersad’s order last Friday was “abundantly clear”, adding that while things may now be financially hard for government, it is equally hard on the population.

He also said his client (Devant Maharaj) wanted to keep his money.

A separate appeal to have the matter heard yesterday was also made by Senior Counsel Deborah Peake, who also appears for the Commissioner, but she was shot down by Justice Jamadar who did not budge on the adjourned date given (June 6) and was insistent that he and his colleagues were, “not in a position to give fair and judicious consideration”, to the appeals until all submissions and authorities were filed and they (the judges) had an opportunity to read them.

A concession of sorts was also granted by allowing attorneys an hour to make oral submissions although this is not done in procedural appeals such as what was filed by the State.

Justice Seepersad’s decision last Friday came a month after the population was informed, via press release, that they would begin receiving the Property Tax forms in the mail, which were to be filled out and submitted to Valuation Division centres before a May 22 deadline.

This was met with strong opposition by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and other sections of the public.

However, following a rush by property owners to meet the initial deadline, which resulted in long lines at the centres, Finance MInister Colm Imbert last week announced an extension to June 5.

The tax is expected to bring in about $500 million in revenue for Government, according to Imbert. Ramlogan has contended that the entire approach to enforcing the tax was unconstitutional, illegal and ultra vires. He also contends that implementation of the tax was being undertaken without enactment of necessary legislation and/or without amendments to the existing statutory framework.

He said property owners were being compelled by force to submit the VRF forms with a threat of prosecution if they failed to do so.

Lawrence completed a five-day training camp yesterday morning at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva before selecting the 17 players to head to the US. The final squad for the World Cup qualifier, including the overseas-based players, will be announced in early June.

The players arriving in Denver on Tuesday night include Jan Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette (goalkeepers); Daneil Cyrus, Alvin Jones, Curtis Gonzales, Triston Hodge, Carlos Edwards (defenders); Leston Paul, Nathan Lewis, Hashim Arcia, Hughtun Hector, Jomal Williams (midfielders); Jamille Boatswain, Akeem Roach, Willis Plaza and Shahdon Winchester (strikers).

Also joining the squad later this week are midfielders Khaleem Hyland and Levi Garcia, as well as central defender Sheldon Bateau.

“We’ve got the two games against the US and Costa Rica, so the idea has been to prepare the boys in the best possible way,” said Lawrence, in an interview on the TT Football Association (TT FA) website. “We have had five sessions at home with a group of players who have been able to help us start the preparations. The idea is to get there (Denver) and try to acclimatise as quick as possible so we will be starting work there immediately.

“Seventeen players will be travelling on Tuesday. Some will be coming back because the final squad has not been selected as yet.We expect to have the full contingent on June 4th.” Lawrence continued, “we’ve arranged two closed-door games.

We will play Colorado Rapids in two matches and its suits us because they are a home team there.

It will be a good competitive test for us.” Lawrence said it was vital for the TT squad to believe that they can pull off a positive result in Denver.

“Everyone understands the history shows that it’s not a nice place for us in terms of collecting points but we have to believe that we can go there and get points. We have to go there and be positive and brave as I continue to say. I have tried to emphasise to the boys is that we are leaving here and starting with a point so the idea is we are not going there to give away the point, but instead add to the point that we’ve already got,” Lawrence added.

“When we get to Costa Rica we will deal with that but the idea now is to come away with a positive result in the next game which is against the United States.” The former TT central defender continued, “the main thing is to make sure that from an acclimatisation point that we are well prepared physically. In terms of how we intend to approach the games, we are going to be on the front foot and try to compete with them. We are going to go toe-totoe because I don’t think we can afford to sit back and allow the US to take full control of the game. It’s not going to be easy because historically it’s not a generous place for us to go to but we need to try and start thinking differently now and believe we can go there and accomplish things.”

One pistol and an ammunition magazine were also found during the exercises, which were conducted by officers of the Western Division Task Force, between 11 am on Saturday and 1 am on Sunday 21.

According to a police release, a 32-year-old man was charged after he was found in possession of 19 grammes of marijuana at 1.15 pm on Saturday along Dibe Road in St James, while a 19-year-old man was was held at 11.30 pm that same day, along Bagatelle Road, for possession of 9.5 grammes of cocaine.

Officers also went to Scorpion Road, Carenage, at 12.15 am on Sunday where they searched a bushy area and found a plastic bag containing a Walther P99 pistol and magazine with three rounds of nine-millimetre ammunition.

No arrest was made in connection with that find.

In the Blanchisseuse district, an anti-crime exercise was conducted between 3.30 pm and 6.15 pm on Friday. The exercise was supervised by Cpl Francis and included officers of the Blanchisseuse Police Station. During the exercise, PC Gervais executed a search warrant at the home of a suspect at Paria Main Road, La Fillette Village.

Officers discovered 85.5 grammes of marijuana and 8.3 grammes of cocaine in several small clear plastic packages.

The drugs were seized and conveyed to the Blanchisseuse Police Station. PC Gervais is continuing enquiries.

In San Juan, between 1 pm and 5 pm on Friday, officers of the North Eastern Division Criminal Investigations Department, conducted an exercise in an area off Alcan Boatyard, Carenage. During the exercise, they found a black plastic bag containing a quantity of cocaine. A 42-year-old man, described by police as a habitual offender in Western Division, was arrested and charged in connection with the find.

This exercise was spearheaded by Ag ASP Sooker and supervised by Insp Maraj.

The man was due to appear before a Port-of- Spain magistrate yesterday.

In Port-of-Spain Division, at 11.45 am on Friday, Cpl Ghent and officers from the Inter- Agency Task Force (IATF) Operation HOPE were on mobile patrol duty along Espinet Street, Laventille when WPC Roberts stopped and searched a 20-year-old man who was found with a bag containing 43 smaller bags each containing compressed marijuana.

The man was taken to the Besson Street Police Station where he was processed and charged by WPC Roberts with possession of 42 grammes of marijuana.

He was scheduled to appear in court yesterday.

In another exercise, between 7 pm Friday and 1 am Saturday, officers from the IATF Fort Chacon Base, IATF Duncan Street Police Post and IATF Chafford Court Base, under the supervision of Ag Insp Williams, conducted an exercise at the corner of Piccadilly Street and Laventille Road, Laventille.

The exercise led to two persons being arrested.

One of them, a 31-year-old woman was charged for possession of seven grammes of marijuana, while a 50-year-old man was arrested and charged for possession of an apparatus used to smoke cocaine.

The officers later went to an abandoned site at Piccadilly Street where during a search, a black bag was found containing 31 grammes of marijuana. No one was arrested in connection with this find.

The squad, which began training last week at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua, comprises Aidan de Gannes, Marcus Pascal, Jordan Reynos, Stefan Mouttet, Darren Cowie (Queen’s Park); Mickell Pierre, Shaquille Daniel, Marcus James, Dylan Francis, Karlos Stephen (Defence Force); Kwandwayne Browne (Notre Dame); Tariq Marcano, Teague Marcano, Lyndell Byer, Daniel Byer, Kristien Emmanual, Kwasi Emmanuel, Kieron Emmanuel, Andrey Rocke (Malvern); Jordan Vieira, Che Modeste (Fatima); Isaiah Scott, Akim Toussaint, Jabari Perez, Christopher Scipio (Paragon); Brian Garcia, Michael O’Connor, Nicholas Triston Grant and Arielle Bowen (Petrotrin).

The winners of this tournament will qualify for the FIH World Cup and the top six teams will qualify for the 2021 Pan American Cup.

Trinidad and Tobago are in Pool B with Mexico, Canada and Brazil.

Pool A will feature hosts USA, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela

Police were told at the time that he was not from the area where he was killed, which led them to believe that he was a taxi driver. One of the theories they are working on is that Venus may have fought with bandits when he was shot dead. He is the 203rd murder victim for the year.

In agriculture, data is more important than any other piece of information for production planning, he added, saying decisions cannot be made by, “cut and paste and guess.” Production data provided by the Central Bank, which dedicates “three lines” to agriculture in its quarterly bulletin, he said, “is derived from a single physical market in the country, Namdevco market in Macoya.” Rambharat made these claims yesterday as he delivered the main address at the opening of a five-day regional roundtable on the World Programme for the Centre of Agriculture 2020 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Invader’s Bay.

The forum was sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

On the issue of Namdevco’s data collection, Rambharat said agricultural economist Omardath Maharaj has been assigned to review this data and present a report by the end of June.

“That will be the basis on which I determine the next step in terms of data collection in agriculture and fisheries in Trinidad and Tobago,” Rambharat said. What really matters, he said, is the numbers which would assist the ministry in making long-term investments in agriculture.

Not a lot of people get excited with data and statistics, he opined.

Across the Caribbean, Rambharat said, when it comes to farmers, fisherfolk and people involved in the production of food, the talk is only about rural access roads, cost of chemicals but very rarely do they talk or argue about lack of data and unreliability of data.

Noting that agriculture is not like the normal manufacturing process where production is not exposed to the forces of nature, Rambharat said, “It is mainly because agriculture is so different and so vulnerable to forces that is not within our control that it becomes very important that we introduce even more measures to plan production, and in particular to manage risks.” The lack of data, he said, is no different in Dominica than in TT or the other islands. “All of us face the same deficiency in the sense that agriculture is treated as an ad hoc activity, and not as an activity that relies heavily on production planning and numbers,” he said.