Further, with Guyana poised to become a producer of petroleum, the local yard is well placed to attract well-paying business.

However, it has just lost the job to build bpTT ’s Angelin platform because of a tight timeline, says bpTT , which suffered from various people-inspired problems in the building of its last platform at this local yard and had to split the task into two — removing part of the job to a US company.

The general conclusion is that the local yard is not globally competitive. In fact the yard has the same technology as other yards.

Hence its competitiveness is not on innovative or top-of-the-line technology but on the production culture of its employees and its surrounding community.

It is noteworthy that the parliamentary representative of the area rebuked the community for their behaviour during the last contract, claiming this contributed to the present situation. Yet she was condemned for this response which was viewed as her retaliation for the people’s previous criticism of her.

Further, in this period of bpTT ’s decision making there were/ are labour conflicts on one of the production platforms, forcing an ejection of workers and their replacement by others; all of this described by the Minister of Finance as normal life in TT ’s industrial environment.

Hence, it is worth repeating, global competitiveness is not only knowledge, technology innovation or local skill set. It includes the industrial environment and the work ethic of the workforce.

The recent book by Dr Terrence Farrell, We Like It So?, is timely in that it addresses in general the work ethic of the population.

He is particularly concerned about the “ambivalence” of the workforce. He defines ambivalence as: “… the ambivalent does not know and understand who he really is. At one time or circumstance he may identify with and adopt a set of values and standards; at another time or circumstance may reject or repudiate them and seek to identify himself with another set.” The community of La Brea at one time recognised the importance of the fabrication company and hence its need to be very good at what it does, be globally competitive since its prospective clients are global players. Also that it provides income for the community.

At another time, however, the community was willing to shut down the company in the midst of a major contract since a subgroup wanted a “wuk” — totally disregarding the operating and staffing decisions of this global competitor. The community refused to see the contradiction of the two positions and all suffered the consequences — the worker, the community, the company.

In the allied situation of the aggravated industrial conflict on a platform, the Minister of Finance, one of Farrell’s elite, says that this is our industrial circumstance, not relating this to how this company’s competitiveness is viewed internationally — we like it so.

Farrell tells us, “Ambivalence … may well be a peculiar psychological consequence engendered by living conditions and circumstances of survival in colonial societies marked by institutions of plantation slavery and indentureship …” In many of my contributions on the diversification of our economy, I referred to the historical rigidity of the private sector to adapt to what is required for the creation, operation of globally competitive export companies.

The innovation diamond, my model for the national innovation system, can facilitate the creation of such innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. However, the upscaling of these into global commercial companies depends also on the work ethic of the population. Is the experience of La Brea a forerunner of what to expect even if we are able to acquire the knowledge and innovate?

Mary K King St Augustin

The teacher, who lives in Point Fortin, said it was her dream to become a teacher and was shocked and horrified by the incident which took place on the school’s compound on September 23, 2014.

She said she was even more astonished when she was suspended one month later.

The teacher, who is now pursuing her Masters in Education, is challenging the decision of the TSC to suspend her and is asking that the court declares the action illegal and unreasonable.

She is also asking that the court permanently stays the disciplinary proceedings against her since two years and five months have since elapsed from the time the allegation of misconduct was made against her. She was accused of assaulting the student whom she said grabbed her buttocks while she was speaking to two students in a corridor of the school.

She was yesterday granted leave by Justice Ricky Rahim to challenge the TSC’s decision.

According to her lawsuit, she was having a conversation with two of her form three students when another student, whom she did not know, grabbed her buttocks.

“I was shocked, surprised, annoyed but most of all embarrassed when this occurred,” she said in her affidavit filed in support of her leave application.

“I considered that this act by the student was highly disrespectful behaviour that should not be tolerated and should not go unpunished as it was clearly an attack upon the opposite sex,” she added.

She said she later went to the student’s class and asked why he grabbed her buttocks.

“The student attempted to walk off as I spoke to him and I grabbed his shirt as he was attempting to walk off and asked him why did he grab my buttocks.

I asked him if he had no behaviour and no respect for his elders and women and if this was how he intended to treat women when he was an adult.

He said that he was sorry for what he had done but he was playing a prank that his friends had encouraged him to do. I asked him whether he would do that to his mother or sister and he did not answer,” she said.

The teacher said she lost out on an opportunity to be promoted to the position of Teacher III and a salary increase of more than $5,000 dollars.

She said she reported the matter to the police two days after the incident the most shocking day of her working career came when she was given her suspension letter and escorted off the school’s compound in full view of the student population.

“This was the most depressing day of my working career. I could not understand how anyone could make an allegation of misconduct having regard to what transpired on that day,” she said.

She said it was only in March of this year that she was asked to submit a statement in response to the allegations of several breaches of the Teaching Service Regulations.

She said because of the passage of time she has been unable to get in contact with the two students from whom she had received written statements.

“This entire ordeal has been very stressful, humiliating and depressing to me,” she said.

She also added that the suspension was a stain on her professional career and has stunted her career development.

She being is represented by attorney Gerald Ramdeen.

Critics have said that not only had past labour stoppages on the fabrication of BP’s Juniper rig helped shift the fabrication of BP’s An gelin rig to Mexico but that Roget’s resulting ire may jeopardise future foreign investment into TT.

Roget was unfazed and asked if he’d retract his “take your rig” remark, he stormed, “Absolutely not!” He said DOMA had not needed to apologise to BP for his remarks, as he said he will continue to do his job of defending the life and limb of energy sector workers. He accused DOMA and the Energy Chamber of having a subservient mentality of a colonised people, which he mimicked.

“Oh Massa, Massa, Massa, please come back. You see what you did Comrade Roget. You caused Massa to take away our food. By the way, Massa will whip us because of the statements you made.” He accused some business interests of suffering from a “Post-Colonial Mentality Withdrawal Syndrome”.

Roget explained that BP is leveraging as they would do for any country to try to get more and more concessions from the Government.

“Who vex loss.

Until they fix all those independent institutions we will be jamming still, without apology.” He said BP has no vested interest in TT but will invest wherever based simply on economic factors.

Urging the Government to ensure all regulatory bodies are functioning properly, to set up a good industrial relations environment in TT and ensure a safe environment for workers, Roget said, “If you do not do what you are supposed to do, face protests every Monday morning”.

Roget said BP’s decision to build the Angelin rig in Mexico was taken a year ago and before and separate from any labour protest at the Juniper rig fabrication yard.

According to WASA, the interruption is necessary to undertake planned maintenance works at the facility.

Affected areas will include: Along the Eastern Main Road from St Joseph to San Juan; Champs Fleurs; Petit Bourg; Lower and Upper Santa Cruz including: Homestead Gardens, Pax Vale, Pipiol Road and Sam Boucaud Gardens; San Juan/ Laventille including: Saddle Road, Bagatelle Road, Laventille Road, Lower Bagatelle Road, Mission Road, Prizgar Lands, Success Village, Sunshine Avenue, Thomasine Street, Trou Macaque Road, Malick.

The authority further advised that it may take between 12 to 24 hours for the service to normalise to some areas affected by this interruption.

For further information or assistance, customers are asked to contact WASA’s Customer Call Centre toll-free at 800- 4420/4426.

“Easter comes at the end of the Lenten Period which is a time of fasting, repentance and preparation for this holy time.” He commended persons who undertook the discipline and commitment to give up their personal needs as a sacrifice for a greater purpose that can be used to work towards a better society.

He said Easter, like other religious observances in our nation, celebrates the victory of good over evil, as we celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection which represents life conquering death and His selfless sacrifice.

The occasion has many lessons which our society can learn from in an effort to enhance each other’s life.

Lee recalled Jesus at Gethsemane waiting to be arrested by the Romans but asking His Father to take this cup from me if God’s will. “Jesus selflessly gave up his own wishes to accomplish the desires of his father. “It is so too we as citizens in a nation plagued by the crisis or constant crucifixion of crime, poverty, neglect, underdevelopment and societal decay must give up our own personal desires and pursue those goals which can positively impact our fellow man.” He urged citizens to sacrifice their time, resources, wealth and aspirations to enable others to become successful and prosperous.

“This Easter it is important that the heads of households remember their responsibilities to the family by working to sacrifice their time to spending with their loved ones, while this season also calls upon us to volunteer and assist those vulnerable members of our nation who may be without the basic necessities and even a caring assistance.” Lee called on national leaders to sacrifice for country.

“It is key if our nation is to recover from its slump those in authority must forego their pride, ego and attempts towards personal gain. I take this time to remind our nation’s Government of the everyday burden our citizen’s face and I urge them to please make sacrifice those projects and policies which have been aimed at their own Political gain and enact measures which can truly benefit and improve the standard of living of each and every citizen.

“My Hope is that this Easter season not simply be holiday in the lives of our citizens but rather a time of reflection on how we can move hand in hand as a nation to obtain true national development and unity.”

Semoy Ramdhanie of Mission Road, Freeport, was last seen leaving her home on Sunday. Her mother, Indira Ramdhanie reported her missing on the same day. Police described Ramdhanie as East Indian, slim built, 5 feet and 2 inches tall, and brown in complexion with shoulder length black hair. She was wearing a pair of blue short pants, a black top and sandals on the day she went missing.

The police are also seeking the public’s help in locating 16 year-old Shania Ali, of Rushworth Street, San Fernando, who was last seen leaving home at about 7.25 pm on April 12.

She was reported missing by her aunt that same day.

Shania is of African descent, 5 feet 9 inches tall, dark brown in complexion and has short black hair. She was last seen wearing a black jersey, a pair of short blue pants and a pair of gold and black sandals.

Anyone with helpful information on either missing girl can call 800-TIPS or contact the police at 555, 999, 911, or any police station.

Alfonso said that as a maritime lawyer, with the experience of selling over 20 vessels including oil-tankers, she was approached by the Port Authority and asked to use her extensive network of brokers, to help procure a vessel to replace the Warrior Spirit.Alfonso said she never underwent any tender process.

“I was asked to use my expertise.

Now I wish I had said ‘no’. But I am a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and thought that I should be using my expertise (to the benefit of the nation.” Alfonso said that within a week, she sourced five or six vessels for the authority to choose one from.

Asked if she charged a broker’s commission and if so, was this a conflict of interest as at the time she was attorney for the Port Authority, Alfonso said she did not charge a commission but charged for her time as a lawyer, “for the hours and hours” spent sourcing vessels.

“I don’t see how a conflict of interest could arise. I am asked by a client to help them. I didn’t participate in the tender nor in the evaluation.

I had no power to select or choose,” she insisted.

Asked about claims by Government that the firm Intercontinental, had described her as their broker, Alfonso said, “If Mr Powell (of Intercontinental) said so, he never said that to me.” Alfonso sent Newsday a copy of part of her letter, dated June 3, 2014, to the Port Authority, saying she had spent much time and energy to locate the Super Fast Galicia.

The letter said that the authority deemed the Galicia acceptable and said it would launch a limited tender request to invite bidders to tender suitable vessels. In the letter, Alfonso said she advised the Galicia’s owners and partners to work with a local agent to participate in the tender.

Carter, who defended his Under-16 Singles crown on Wednesday by beating Adam Ramkissoon, faced him yet again for the Under-18 title. But unlike that final which he won 6-1, 7-6 (3), Carter was in full control from start to finish. He shut out Ramkissoon in the first set and dropped just two games in the second in a comfortable 6-0, 6-2 performance.

Carter later paired with Ramkissoon in the Doubles final to beat Joshua Arnold and Scott Hackshaw 6-4, 6-2.

Also looking for three titles was 13-year-old Solange Skeene who picked up the Under-16 title on Wednesday. Skeene, a finalist at the 2017 Tranquillity Open, easily clinched the Girls Under-14 crown by taking apart Maria Honore 6-0, 6-1. Skeene, the daughter of Digicel Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene, partnered 14-year-old Yin Lee Assang in the Under-18 Doubles final but fell to Emma Davis and U-18 Singles champ Emma-Rose Trestrail in a close battle. Davis and Trestrail claimed an even first set 7-6 (3) but Skeene and Assang hit back to snatch the second 4-6. Trestrail and Davis were not to be denied, though, holding off their rivals 10-7 in the Super Tie-break.

Other finals: Boys U-21 Doubles final – Keshan Moonasar/ Nkrumah Patrick def Nabeel Mohammed/Brandon Gregoire 6-3, 6-7 (3), 10-7.

Mixed U-14 Doubles final – Isabel Abraham/Kyle Kerry def Shauna Valentine/Kamran McIntosh- Ross 6-2, 6-2.

Mixed U-18 Doubles final – Kimberly Sabga/Ethan Jeary def Lily Lanser/Adams Escalante 6-2, 6-3.

Boys U-12 Singles final – Nicholas Ready def Saqiv Williams 4-1, 4-0.

Girls U-14 Doubles final – Isabel Abraham/Keesa Lee Young def Aalisha Alexis/Shauna Valentine 6-4, 6-2.

Boys U-14 Singles final – Alijah Leslie def Kamran McIntosh- Ross 7-5, 6-3.

In a ‘live’ interview yesterday on Radio 95.5 FM, Rowley defended his Government from allegations of inaction as the inter-isle cargo ferry service continues to flounder badly, by saying there is another side to the story and that Government has more information than its critics.

“In fact, that matter is now on the way to the Office of the Attorney General. Because of how the public has been manipulated, it is important the Government provide all the information and all the documents,” Rowley said.

Amid all criticisms, he said there is “probably” criminal conduct in other quarters. He said many of these critics are just mouth pieces for persons who have had, “their noses in the trough”, in an arranged situation. “You have people committing Government to expenditure of millions and millions of dollars, without appropriate authority. You see persons starting out at one end as lawyer for the port and then being a broker for the boat.” IMPROPER PROCEDURE Saying all details will be publicised, Rowley said he does not want the population to think Government is stupid. “People have been the beneficiary of largesse coming their way because of improper procurement procedure,” he alleged. Saying he told AG Al-Rawi to read the documents, Rowley assured relevant persons would be held accountable.

He expressed shock at how documents show that an initial six-month contract, turned to a 12-month contract, followed by demands for a five-year contract.

“And as it is happening inside of the (Port Authority) board you are seeing board members taking positions that would be of interest to the public.” He said the problem goes back to the very beginning, starting with the boat being unsuitable as it could not be moored at the Tobago Terminal at Queen’s Wharf.

“So they started mooring it at the Hyatt Hotel.” He said the Galicia’s engines are destroying the seafront at the Hyatt and if continued will likely incur a bill for damages.

“If Government allows that to continue for five years we’ll end up with a $200 or $300 million bill to fix the Hyatt. Secondly, if we are to take it to the Queens Wharf we’ll have to dredge every two years at a cost of $50 million.” SINANAN’S CLAIM On Wednesday, in Parliament, Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan refuted Tabaquite MP Dr Suruj Rambachan’s claim of “gross incompetence” by Government over the Galicia.

Sinanan said that in 2013 (under the former regime) the Port Authority hired an attorney, NB Alfonso and Co, the firm of attorney Nyree Alfonso.

A tender by the authority was won by firm Intercontinental, Sinanan said in the House, adding that this firm allegedly said Alfonso was their broker. The contract ran for six months and later extended to 12 months, Sinanan added, but at the same rate favourable to Intercontinental.

Sinanan said soon after becoming minister, in December, he was asked by John Powell of Intercontinental for a five-year contract or else Powell would pull the boat from service. “I consider that to be economic blackmail,” Sinanan hit.

Further, the minister alluded that the Galicia is unsuitable because its present berthing causing cargo trucks to block the Hyatt entrance. Sinanan said he told the Port board to “spec” a replacement boat. “Cabinet has already approved the tendering process for purchase of a brand new cargo vessel for Tobago. They also approved the tendering process for the hiring of a cargo vessel for three years. I’ll be taking a note to Cabinet for the purchase of two new fast ferries for passenger transportation to Tobago.”

Farmer Deodath Kantoo whose property and four vehicles were destroyed is calling on police to protect his family. He is convinced the fire was set by a person who has been threatening his family for some time.

Kantoo said he has made several reports to Princes Town police regarding the threats from this individual. “The police warned him but that did not stop him from lighting a bush fire which destroyed my house and vehicles,” he cried.

Kantoo related how on Wednesday afternoon he and sons Kashmee, 13, and Raheem, 12, were out in the fields cutting grass for their cows while his wife Vanessa Mohammed and their other children including a 12 day old baby boy, were at her parents’ home in Moruga. He said while in the bushes at 5 pm he saw smoke near his house and ran to it, only to see the building engulfed in flames.

He said neighbours assisted with garden hoses but in no time, the wooden structure was reduced to ashes. A report was made to the Princes Town Fire Station but when tenders arrived, it was too late. Nothing was saved.

Kantoo said although he contacted the Princes Town police no officer visited the scene.

“I had to go to the police station and asked why no one came to investigate.

Officers told me to come back at 6 pm Thursday to speak with an officer who will investigate.

This is not good enough,” he said. When Newsday contacted the police station, an officer said he could not say whether or not any report was made by Kantoo.

Kantoo, his wife and their seven children are now staying by relatives but he is appealing to members of the public to assist him in rebuilding his home. The farmer said he lost welding equipment and farming implements because of the fire. Losses were put at $300,000.

Anyone wishing to assist can contact the family at 312-4312 or 351-3443.