The 2TFW started this week and we are still to hear and see anything about the programme.

The Kaiso Blues Cafe launch saw remarks by Sandra Carr from The Academy for Caribbean Fashion and Design (UTT ) and Belinda Charles of the Ministry of Tourism.

Both spoke about providing innovative platforms in support of the fashion industry and making it robust to showcase to the world.

Organised by Designers United Stores headed by Ashley Christmas, 2TFW is in its seventh year and will feature designer like Ecliffe Elie, Sejoux, Vivre By Chelsea, DeCouteau Designs, Seafrina Enve by Rachel Bailey and Heather Jones.

Original accessories will be featured by Osanie Design, The Urban Factory and Flair by Monique.

Patrons at the launch got a taste of young designer Sejoux as one of his outfits was on show. Hostess Khadija Glasgow told the audience they could get more of Sejoux on May 20 at Piarco and May 21 at Crown Point Tobago.

Local singer Trini Jacobs provided entertainment at the top and at the end of the launch.

2TFW is sponsored by Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Heineken Light, Airports Authority, Jergens, bmobile, Maybelline among others.

Speaking after launching a development initiative in Moruga on Wednesday evening, Gopee- Scoon said TT continues to send food and other goods to Venezuela as part of a trade agreement. “We have widened the product range from just basic food and we’re doing a lot more in terms of toiletries,” she said. “Every country has its good times and bad times. We stand by our neighbour and look forward to a better relationship. We have a lot of work to do in terms of trade, we also trade in energy services as well and also energy products.

“We look forward to all of the gas arrangements bearing fruit and I continue to be very positive about the relationship and on the horizon I see a great future in terms of trade in energy and goods,” Gopee-Scoon said.

Asked about recent oil finds in Guyana and whether local companies may become involved in the budding Guyanese oil sector, she recalled that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had spoken to Guyanese President David Granger about that country’s energy sector at the last CARICOM heads of government meeting.

She revealed an agro-processing and light industrial park will be built on 18.83 acres of State land situated in Saunders Trace and will initially house five factory shells. The project represents an investment of approximately $69.3 million towards the further development of Moruga and environs.

The Park, with all required infrastructure, will be sub-divided into 18 plots (small, medium and large) to cater to businesses of all sizes.

Outlining the specifics of the facility, Gopee-Scoon said it will allow for processing of raw materials and intermediate products that originate from agriculture, forestry and fisheries, including the preservation of meats, fish, fruit and vegetables.

The manufacture of food products and the conversion of fresh produce into semi-processed raw material or processed products, will also be done at the park.

Targeted business will also include those involved in the manufacture of bakery products, pasta products, confectionary and starch products; the manufacture of beverages, wine and the blending of spirits; and facilities for the canning, bottling and freezing of finished products’.

Gopee-Scoon noted these initiatives are expected to facilitate economic growth and the development of environmentally sustainable local, regional and international businesses, engaged in downstream activities in the agricultural sector; thereby encouraging the further development of the community and the creation of world class entrepreneurs.

She added, “The development of this Agro-Processing and Light Industrial Park underscores our commitment to the provision of an enabling economic environment for our investors but more than ever the generation of real and sustainable developmental opportunities for the Moruga community.” Phase I of the project (logistical planning) is currently being undertaken and Phase 2 (construction) is set to commence in January.

Speaking of the opportunities, the Trade Minister said the construction phase will provide substantial employment for residents of Moruga and once completed and operational, we estimate that the Park will provide further employment for well over 500 people.

A lso addressing the audience were Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Kazim Hosein, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government; Imtiaz Ahamad, Chairman of eTecK and Frank Barnes, CEO of Udecott.

Barnes outlined various plans for the area which include road improvement, port and fishing facility development and agricultural nursery projects, among others.

Moruga/Tableland MP Lovell Francis said this kind of development is what Moruga has been waiting for and he was thrilled that is finally becoming a reality.

The meeting played host to over 100 representatives of stakeholder groups with the Moruga community.

I have indicated to them that the property tax should have been repealed during the tenure of the previous government, as it was on the basis of this expectation that the present Opposition found itself in government.

However, since the Axe the Tax campaign was an initiative of the COP under the astute leadership of Winston Dookeran and the intention of the government at the time was to decimate the effect of the COP in governance, the issue was left in abeyance.

The country must now pay the price for small-minded governance.

Property tax is the law, even though it is draconian. I encourage everyone to file their forms as I have done.

IMAAM IQUBAL HYDAL Felicity

The study, which looked at crime throughout the region, in its specific references to Trinidad and Tobago said, “Trinidad loses between 2.26 percent (lower bound) and 3.56 percent (upper bound) of GDP to crime annually. Out of 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries, Trinidad and Tobago ranks sixth for annual costs of crime as a proportion of GDP.” A press release said findings were based on the results of new crime victimization surveys carried out in The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. It said 3,000 individuals were interviewed in each of the five countries.

“With almost half of all crimes going unreported to the police, these victimization surveys provide a fuller picture of the prevalence of crime and its unique characteristics when compared to other regions,” it added.

The study also found that, “ [TT’s] Government expenditure is between 1.04 percent and 1.68 percent of GDP, which is above the average for the 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries.” The 311-page document said since 2006, the IDB had invested more than $25 million in financing to the Government to, “study, prevent, and reduce-crime and violence in Trinidad and Tobago.” The study said the country spent 1.23 percent of the GDP in the police force, which, “is above the average for 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries.” It added that violent crime was uniquely high, nearly one in three of the surveyed respondents reported having lost someone close to violence in their lifetime, the victims of assault were predominantly young, low-income males and the victims of violent crime were concentrated in certain areas, i.e , “living in a neighborhood with high physical disorder (graffiti, trash and abandoned buildings), low social cohesion (trust among neighbors) and a gang presence were all strongly associated with being a victim of violent crime.” It said the country spent less on the administration of justice for criminal cases, than on the police and prisons. “It is amongst the countries with the lowest expenditure on criminal justice of 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Insufficient access to or trust in legal services creates fertile ground for extra-judicial and vigilante violence. Limited institutional capacity and case processing are exacerbated by low use of alternative and non-litigation mechanisms,” it

Voisin was a member of Charlie’s Roots from 1975 to 2003 when the band went defunct.

During that time, Voisin would have played in Pelham Goddard’s studio band for KH Studios, in addition to numerous radio and television jingles, as well as on the recordings.

He worked with the who’s who in the soca and calypso world including the likes of the late Maestro, Calypso Rose, SuperBlue, David Rudder, Chris “Tambu” Herbert, Shadow, Francine and Sugar Aloes.

After that, Voisin took the opportunity to quietly further his musical studies at the University of the West Indies because he didn’t like the direction the soca music was taking at the time.

So, in 2009 when there was a reunion of Roots, he was in the forefront, until illness got the better of him in the last few years.

Reacting to his passing yesterday were a number of past and present Roots members.

Musical director Pelham Goddard said: “Anthony Voisin joined The ‘Sensational’ Roots band in 1975 and was one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most premiere guitarists. He made a great contribution to the art form with his unique style of guitar that made up Charlie’s Roots rhythm in the soca music, but he was more than just a musician. He was a father, brother, friend and set a milestone in Caribbean culture, and the world by extension. He would truly be missed. RIP, and condolences to the Voisin family.

I’m sad that I’m out of the country RIP brother.

Former Roots front line singer Herbert said Voisin was one of a better soca/calypso guitarist who loved the national art form of TT . “His heart was into the music. What was more important to him was the quality of the music than the quantity of the money,” said Tambu.

He added with a laugh: “Tony and I always had a good relationship.

We use to call each other Yaow Yaow, who ever see one another first will say Yaow Yaow.” Tambu concluded: “Tony was always a nice brother who really loved his music and they (together with Junior Wharwood) added value to the soca and calypso music based on their play.

All the hooks, guitar lines etc in Shadow’s (Winston Bailey) song, Dance Charlene, those were Tony’s lines. They created a style in soca music. Tony and Junior Wharwood were the innovators of that. They contributed significantly to the music.” Another former Roots front line singer David Rudder was at a lost for words.

He said: “I am still trying to get around it. I haven’t settled my thoughts as yet. This one hit me hard. With Tony gone, it’s just myself, Carly (Jacob) and just a few others still holding the centre and that is the thing that really bothers me because it is like the centre is crumbling.

“Even though Tony was ill he was still present. In terms of soca music, Tony and Junior were the soca music guitars right there. We (in Roots) use to call Junior Mr No because when he was playing his head will go from side to side, and Tony was Mr Yes because he use to bow down and come up while playing.” Rudder said: “There is something about Tony. He was a very quiet and private person but there was a warmth whenever he meet you. It was kind of like a metaphor for the energy of what we shared together and with the wider public.

“A lot of people

Dick and her family including daughter Vanessa Germia, 20, who is three months pregnant, live under a tent in the car park at the HDC’s housing development in Harmony Hall, Gasparillo.

They were among 25 families evicted recently by the HDC from the complex which was abandoned months ago after being deemed structurally unsafe for human habitation.

“I have nowhere to go. If I did, you think I would have my children exposed to the element and bandits? I have no other choice but to live under this tent,” Dick said yesterday.

In 2010, Dick was a legal tenant in Building Two, Apartment Seven paying $1,050 per month. The apartment was given to her in April 2010 by then PNM Minister of State Tina Grunland-Nunez following a Newsday article that highlighted her plight of being homeless after she was abandoned by a male relative.

Over the years, conditions at the apartment deteriorated despite several complaints to the HDC. One of the issues she had was leaking sewer lines. Last year, Dick said, she became so fed up that she moved into an apartment in the condemned HDC complex, where she lived until being evicted weeks ago.

“I don’t know who can help me, I am pleading for a place to live.

My son Akeem is the breadwinner, he is a security guard and because of the situation only works at nights. He is only 18,” Dick said.

The 23-year-old is the first in her well-known Pentecostal family to become a lawyer. “It feels great, it’s certainly a marvellous occasion.

It’s very humbling and very rewarding. I’m certainly grateful to God, my family, my church, my entire support system,” attorney Cuffie said.

Speaking while flanked by her father, Pastor Dr Winston Cuffie and mother Angela Cuffie; co-founders of the Miracle Ministries International church, Cuffie said, “I haven’t decided yet which area/s of law to specialise in.” Cuffie pursued a law degree at the University of London and the University of Staffordshire.

Reflecting on her journey so far, the young woman quoted from 2 Timothy 2:15, “It just goes to show what the scriptures say – Study to show yourself approved unto God. Once you give thanks to God, he will certainly make you triumph.” The afternoon sitting of the general admission to practice in local courts, which took place at the Convocation Hall, Hall of Justice, was presided over Justice Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell and Justice Davendra Rampersad.

Veterinarian and former Caroni Central Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, was also called to the Bar yesterday afternoon. “I’ve always wanted to study law and while serving in Parliament, it would come up from time to time; points of law that would be very interesting and intriguing…I was successful in my LLB (Bachelor of Laws undergraduate degree) in 2013 (and) when my term as an MP came to an end (in 2014), I took the opportunity to do my LPC (Legal Practice Course) at the University of Staffordshire, England.” Ramadharsingh subsequently completed his “pupillage under Ravi Rajcoomar at Invictus Chambers”, Richmond Street, PoS. He told Newsday he intends to “work in this profession”, and would, “love to work in Siparia”, while still working two days per week at his veterinary clinic in Freeport. Ramadharsingh is also Chairman of the Siparia Regional Corporation.

Newsday also spoke with Kiran Panday, nephew of former Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday and the child of two lawyers. “I’m the second of my parents’ three children to become a lawyer. Growing up, I always heard my parents; Subhas and Wendy Panday, talking about law. I became interested in it and they encouraged me to get into the field.” Panday’s mother practices family and civil law while his father practices criminal law.

The 24-year-old said he intends to “follow in my father’s footsteps; criminal law

Their first complaint had been about an acute shortage of water. Now that this matter has been resolved, dust became the new problem as the roads dug up by WASA were not repaired leading to the area becoming a dust bowl when it is dry and the roads a mud course when it rains .

Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds who toured the area yesterday, admitted that as a nation, “we have not done the best we could in maintaining our roads.” “There are a thousand very bad reasons for that, that is the reality, but this has become particularly bad since WASA did the job of providing water to the community. The road has to be rehabilitated and that is what we are doing now,” he said .

Hinds said Government did not have the capacity to provide water 24 hours a day, seven days a week to every household, every business, every location where it was needed. “After 55 years of Independence, we have still demonstrated an inability to do that. I don’t know that there is any country in the world that provides water 24 hours a day to every household or business,” he said .

Hinds said statistics showed that 28 percent of the nation receives water on a 24-hour basis .

“The ambition is to be able to do that for all of our citizens, but unfortunately we have not been able to do that. Some societies have been able organise themselves in such a way where they have major reservoirs that they use .

“I cannot do that. It has to do with a lack of resources, poor management, poor productivity both at the level of the management and the workers, corruption, purchasing of inferior materials. We have to fix the organisation that is responsible for doing that and that is WASA.” Hinds assured that the levels of the country’s reservoirs were more than able to supply the country .

“We are higher than the daily recorded average in the dry season .

The catchment of water that we have now is not a problem. We are going to be distributing that water prudently, sensibly and equitably. It is the reason why WASA reviewed the distribution schedule and published it so everyone can know when to expect water based on the schedule,” he said .

When asked about the quality of the water supply in some areas, Hinds said he had never had the experience, but was not unaware of the complaints .

“While there are going to be complaints, we are attempting to do better. There have been 278 households who benefitted from WASA project. WASA is not perfect, it has been supplying water to this country since 1965, but we have got to move on, we have got to do better, move further,” Hinds said.

This year’s New Media programme will showcase works that speak to the theme, Bearings, and will award a prize of $5,000 to the presentation that best captures this Light by North Eleven – New Media 2016.

notion. The winner will be selected by a three-member jury of an internationally-acclaimed artist, curator and art critic.

Avant garde and experimental film and video works have traditionally formed an integral part of the ttff. New Media highlights the expanding field of visual art that interrogates our contemporary experiences in experimental forms of presentation., said a media release. Ranging from overt activist political commentary to social and personal interrogations and interventions, the works presented deviate from conventional forms of film-making and visual presentations.

This year, the festival welcomes interdisciplinary collaborations and intersections of painting, dance, literature, photography, animation, moving images, projections, installations and emerging technologies on the theme. These include but are not limited to explorations and presentations of identity, globalisation, placement/ displacement, migration, contemporary politics and belonging.

In addition to submissions of the digital works, entrants are also encouraged to submit exhibition and installation treatments or requirements, the ttff said. All submissions should be made via email to submit@ttfilmfestival.

com. The deadline for all submissions is June 23 and will be strictly followed.

For more info: visit www.ttfilmfestival.com.

THE Fyzabad Connection Theatre Company is preparing to stage its production on historic trade union leader Uriah Butler in Grenada. The play, Uriah Butler: Fyzabad Patriot, will be staged in Gouyave, the actual birthplace of Butler where he lived up to his move to Trinidad. The historical production will run from June 17 to 20. Written by noted playwright Zeno Obi Constance, it covers Butler’s arrival in Trinidad, his fiery platform rhetoric and charismatic leadership which led to his attempted arrest on June 19, 1937, resulting in the now famous Labour riots.

The play was commissioned by President Anthony Carmona as part of the Labour Day celebrations last year.

The successful street performance was showcased at the Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad, on June 17.

Carmona will again be the patron for this special Grenada performance and has warmly extended all courtesies to the Fyzabad Connection Theatre Company, a media release said.

He is quoted as saying that the venture is notable thrust towards the further realisation of genuine Caribbean