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.

Among the guests are tai chi master and tai chi teacher Han Lipeng, along with Jao Jian and his team performing the Chinese Lion Dance. Rollins Alleyne and Dr Che Corbin are two members of the Barbados contingent coming to Trinidad for the event.

Sparring and self defence are two of the disciplines that will feature, while trophies, medals and hampers will be given to the top athletes.

Competitors must pay $250 in advance and $275 at the door, while spectators pay $40. Tomorrow, workshops on wushu kung fu broad sword and tai chi chuan will be held. For further information contact 354-1114 or 354-0464.

Community service is a large part of the Lydians’ mission. The group typically donates several major non-paid performances each year for community organisations across the country.

Past performances have included Tamarind Square, several locations in Laventille and at countless fund-raising concerts for churches and special interest groups.

In the continued joy of Easter, the Lydian Singers and Steel will host the second edition of Lydians on the Mount concert series entitled He Lives!. On Sunday, against the majestic backdrop of the Northern Range and within the magical acoustics of the Abbey on the Mount, the Lydians will make a joyful noise with voices, steel and instruments celebrating the Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ, The Lord, from 6 pm.

The choir and the Abbey have a long history of collaboration in their mutual mission of music ministry. The Lydians often include the Mount as part of its annual Christmas concert performances, said a media release.

In November 2016, the Lydians began this concert series with a performance in Advent.

With the much-lauded success of the event, the choir hopes to partner with the monastery more frequently and make the concert series an annual fixture in its performance calendar. He Lives! is a continued demonstration of the Lydian Singers’ mission of caring and sharing with the parishioners and monks at the Abbey. Half of all proceeds from the concert will be given to the Abbey and for the first time, the Lydians and Lydian Steel will perform two musical pieces composed by Bro Paschal Jordan, OSB, Prior at Mount St Benedict and the Abbey’s music director.

Lydian soloists along with excerpts from the powerful oratorio Elijah by Mendelssohn will also be performed. Religious and secular musical works from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Moses Hogan, Tchesnokov, Faur? and Shaiman will also be explored. The steel ensemble will accompany the choir along with African drummers.

For Lydians on the Mount – He Lives, Myrtle Cumberbatch and musical prodigy Michael Hudlin will accompany the choir on keyboards with Lydian Steel led by co-captains Tonya King and Astra Noel.

Tickets for Lydians on the Mount – He Lives! cost $100 and are available from Lydians members.

For more info: 268-9556, 338-6024, email info@thelydianstt.

com or www.thelydianstt.com.

Bharath, who was on suspension after being charged with driving under the influence, was detained last Friday after a shooting death at his home.

The charge alleges that shortly after 8 am, PC Bharath shot dead Raj Singh, a relative of his (the officer) during a heated argument.

In an unrelated incident, a 24-year-old Morvant man appeared before an Arima Magistrate yesterday for the murder of Arouca mini-mart vendor Lleron Alexander.

Kerron James, a labourer employed with the Ministry of Works and Transport appeared before Senior Magistrate Gillian Scotland to answer charges which also includes possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The matter has since been adjourned to Wednesday June 14.

According to reports, Alexander, 26, was at his businessplace, LA mini-mart when he was shot dead.

James was charged by PC Shankar Bedassie of Homicide Investigations Bureau (Region II) following advice received from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard SC, on Tuesday.

Please, Mr Prime Minister, get up and do something. In a civilized country this would not be tolerated and people responsible would have long been fired.

This is not a country anymore but a slaughter house where everyone lives in fear. How can we call ourselves civilized or leaders and watch these young men brutally murder each other and other people with impunity? It is quite clear that the Ministry of National Security and the Police Service are not up to the task of stemming the killings, not to mention improving the poor detection rate.

I call on the Prime Minister to seek help from other countries (England, US) that can seriously do the work that needs to be done to combat these gruesome killings. How long is the PM going to allow the slaughter to continue? How many more citizens must die? We are too small in population and size to accept so many murders.

Mr PM, stop trying to pacify the citizens with lip service and actually start doing something, Bring in help, we need it.

RACQUEL PUTT St James, PoS

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

Twenty four teams have entered and will be vying for top honours and a chance to take home the lion’s share of the $10,000 prize money at stake.

There will be an opening ceremony, including the march past which will be taken by Vidia Gopiesingh, Member of Parliament (MP) for Oropouche West, who will also deliver the feature address.

The fans will be treated to an exhibition match featuring last year’s finalists __ Mix-Up (defending champions) and Ocean Mist (runners-up).

Allan Umraw will captain Mix-up while Brandon Ganga will be at the helm of Ocean Mist.

Meanwhile, the Oropouche West Premier League committee is expecting that more teams will enter the women’s section, before the June 21 registration deadline.

The delineation of the respective services that would be provided to burgesses of the corporations is necessary at the outset.

Central government must outline exactly what percentage of the property tax is to be given to the municipal corporations — to provide services such as road and sidewalk repair, waste collection, public healthcare, utilities and other necessary services.

In fact, the tax should be collected by the municipal corporations and an agreed-upon percentage can then be passed to central government. The tax must not become part of the Consolidated Fund to be redistributed as felt by central government. Instead, the proceeds of this tax must be the basis and financial strength of the promised local government reform.

The other critical aspect of the property tax is the determination of the rate by which properties will be assessed. The information from the Valuation Division of the Ministry of Finance points to annual rental value as the basis for the calculation of the quantum of tax to be paid by a property owner. However, rental value is based on what set of parameters? The following parameters may be considered relevant in the context of arriving at the monthly rate of rental — location, amenities such as reliable water and electrical supply, proper roads, safety, size of dwelling, internal amenities (eg hot water, air condition, Internet etc) and accessibility.

The question can then be asked: How is equity achieved for taxpayers living in different communities but are placing a rental value on a dwelling of the same size and equal amenities? Therefore, what parameter will be used to establish the true rate without prejudice to either owner? The Valuation Division must be aware that in present-day TT , location is a major determinant in the rate of rent charged.

Consequently, those who reside in perceived “better neighbourhoods” will bear a heavier burden based on the quantum of the assessed property tax.

The ARV may also be contentious where an older house has been modernised for the benefit of the occupants over years of investment and mortgage payments.

This property will attract a higher rental value and by extension property tax. How residents of these properties are impacted by the tax, in particular retirees in occupancy, could be a concern.

Finally, the Government needs to embark on a public education programme that would provide the population with a better understanding of the property tax and its true purpose. In TT the use of the proceeds of special taxes (road tax and health surcharge) have been utilised for purposes other than that for which the taxes are collected.

The consequences of the improper application have redounded to continued poor roads and health facilities/services. Therefore, we the people must demand that the Government enacts a law that assigns the collection and use of the property tax to the municipal corporations.

ALBAN C SCOTT Woodbrook, PoS

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

Last Sunday, Mother’s Day, mothers in some areas in the borough of Arima got a surprise they did not welcome. Taps were dry from very early in the morning. It was extremely difficult to do the normal chores and to take baths etc. It was also very trying to prepare a decent meal for the family as some may not have chosen to dine out. Water woes continue to plague residents of this area and others, as you are aware.

Successive administrations have come and gone and none has seriously addressed the plight that we suffer. During the tenure of the PP government, there was some respite but the situation has reverted to the former state.

For over 30 years this problem has been existing and the following scenario is as vivid as it exists.

Do you know householders keep containers filled with water in their bathrooms for bathing just in case taps are dry and the tanks are empty? Yes, that is the reality, as if you are not aware. It has been routine for some residents to get up at wee hours to “catch” water that trickles in the tap but may be gone by morning.

To avoid heavy fines, some of us tote water in buckets for our plants as we are debarred of using hoses and sprinklers. Ironically, on one occasion our payment was late and a crew came to disconnect our supply — a supply which we were not getting. The average householder now has to invest in tanks and pumps, the use of which increases the electricity cost.

The aforementioned practices have since become commonplace in our country, an island — a piece of land completely surrounded by water. Some countries in the Caribbean, with fewer resources, have been able to ensure a regular water supply as some can attest.

Mr Minister, please use your good office to assist our residents by alleviating the problems we face daily. Taxes are paid regularly and on time yet we are marginalised and taken for granted.

ELMA RAMSUMAIR via email