This was the recurring theme presented by Cedric Washington last week at the Caribbean Security Forum held at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. He gave a lengthy presentation about gang violence, its nature and strategies to address it.

“We have the same problem as you do in TT, as it pertains to murder, detection and solving these crimes, but what helped us in California was the use of GPS monitoring for offenders, covert social media accounts, covert operations and sentence enhancement,” said Washington, a police officer for the past 26 years with the LAPD.

In California ,there is an act titled, California Street Terrorism Enhancement Prevention Act, which gives law enforcement the opportunity to arrest a person and then enhance their sentence by a lot of time.

“For instance if we arrest him for robbery, murder or rape if we can prove that he is a gang member then we can enhance their sentence significantly, keeping him off the streets,” Washington said.

“These strategies can possibly be used by TT to deter criminal activity, but law enforcement abusing their power in any way will not solve the problem,” Washington added.

Wendell Wallace, local Barrister and Criminologist also presented on strategies to address gang related crime.

His presentation titled Understanding, Responding and Treating with the Threat of Gangs in TT highlighted the prevalence of gangs in TT.

According to Wallace’s research there are heavy concentrations of gangs in Portof- Spain, Western Division, North-Eastern Division and Central Division.

“In terms of the prevalence of gangs we will always have conflicting figures as it pertains to the exact number of gangs,” said Wallace.

He explained that there is a large cross-section of youths who are involved in petty gang activity and the serious gang activities are perpetrated by a small group of individuals within society.

“Crime and gang activity are social problems, this is important because we need to understand gang characteristics before we can effectively treat with the problem. If you have an improper diagnosis in terms of the levels of gangs in TT then proposed solutions will not work,” said Wallace.

Last week, during a 20-minute midday trek to purchase lunch, my concern ran on all of the professionals who endure work outside during hot spells and heavy rain.

In that same instance, I witnessed the unfortunate incident of a disgruntled motorist abusing a traffic warden and my heart sank because I know these individuals work hard to maintain order and safety on the streets.

I am looking forward to the amendments for the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act so that these officers can be given the credit and the weight for their manual labour and tireless efforts.

SALLY BAKSH via e-mail

Action will take place at Constantine Park, Macoya from 9 am until 7 pm.

Among the NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) expected to take part today are Dretchi, We Care, and the Deaf Empowerment and Advancement Foundation.

Earthquakes in Mexico, Philippines and China

Drought in Somalia; South Sudan; Nigeria

Hurricanes in British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean

Dengue outbreaks in Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Landslide and mudslides in Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone

Bombings in France and Spain

Trucks used as weapons of murder in Stockholm and Germany and fires in India and UK All of which have devastated many communities and profoundly affected large numbers of people.

Yet, in many instances the psychological and mental health responses within disaster preparedness strategies are inadequate.

When sudden and unexpected tragedies occur, the immediate humanitarian reaction is to focus on the physical needs of those affected.

While that is important, it must not be forgotten that disasters also significantly impact psychological well-being, and therefore mental health requires equal attention.

The shock and disbelief that such a devastating situation has occurred, and the hopes and wishes that it would somehow just be an unpleasant nightmare that will eventually disappear; the feelings of powerlessness, the guilt and frustration of not being able to prevent the situation or help others; and the enduring fears that something equally disastrous could happen again, and in some circumstances the intuitive need to apportion blame, and show hostility towards others, are just some of the feelings that often emerge.

In addition to which, on any given day there are many people struggling with emotional and mental health challenges such as depression, bipolar disorder or addiction.

The World Health Organisation estimates that “one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives”. So, when disasters strike it is not only the trauma of the situation that they will have to contend with.

Anyone who has been in close proximity to a disaster will tell you that often the shock of the situation shakes you to the core and makes you aware of their own vulnerability.

It also presents a greater perspective on coping abilities and resilience, and provides an opportunity for a truer display of humanity and community comradery.

In the wake of a disaster it is great to see that despite negative/ positive emotions and cognitions, people will mobilise themselves and come together to deal with whatever crisis has befallen their community.

That new engagements and interactions will be made, thereby strengthening and fostering community cohesion. But at the heart of it all, is a reminder that there are individuals and families struggling to come to terms with their individual losses of loved ones, possessions, memories, home and community support networks.

There will be groups and organisations suddenly working outside of their area of expertise, navigating and fitting into changing environments, and that the members of those groups are also individuals experiencing their losses and emotional discomforts. The wider community – locally, nationally and internationally will also be affected in some shape or form, whether it is because they have relatives, friends, or kindred connections.

Disasters can have far-reaching effects, and while there are so many unknowns that suddenly emerge when tragedy strikes, making it difficult to prepare for every eventuality, in the immediate aftermath of any tragedy there will always be panic and chaos. But, mental and emotional well-being and community healing should not to be left to chance, instead, a well thought-out, co-ordinated psychological response ought to be one of the facets of effective disaster preparedness.

Dr Yansie Rolston FRSA is a UKbased disability and mental health specialist advisor. She is a social strategist and trainer who works internationally at various levels of government, business and civil society.

Contact her at yr@efficacyeva.com

Director and Chief Training Officer of Blue Line Security Group Paul Daniel Nahous says access to pepper sprays and tasers are simply not enough to defend against armed attackers and may in fact put persons at even further risk.

“Pepper sprays are not magic wands. They require training to use and are not adequate for gun and knife welding persons, or even persons who are unarmed and rush and grab the victim,” Nahous said.

Instead, he is urging public to seek advice and training from reputable self-defence instructors to protect themselves from harm, adding that in the wrong hands, pepper spray and other similar weapons may cause more harm than good.

“The self defence weapons, including pepper sprays are almost useless in untrained hands, and furthermore often provide a false sense of security. Pepper spray can be used to defend oneself, but not without understanding the limitations, functions, and proper usage relevant to the situation at hand.” Asked if he agreed for calls from TTPS Social Welfare Association Head, Inspector Michael Seales to issue non-lethal weapons to officers, he said, “I don’t fully agree with officers in non riot situations carrying pepper spray, due to abuse, which is rampant in many law enforcement agencies with that as well, but it has a less damaging effect than pepper spray.”

Last week, Sancho’s former Trinidad and Tobago teammate and the club’s coach Stern John made his competitive comeback, at the age of 40.

The decision to use John as a player/coach has been criticised by players and fans of local football, especially as the legendary TT striker is also an assistant to national men’s team coach Dennis Lawrence.

Central FC are currently seventh in the 10-team points standings with 10 points from as many games, and they suffered a resounding 6-0 beating by North East Stars in their last game on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

John was accused by members of the North East Stars team of alleged belittling comments about their skills, as well as their prospects of gaining selection on the national squad.

Sancho, during an interview yesterday, called the issue of John’s return to the competitive arena, as well as his barbs towards the North East players, as a “non story.” He pointed out, “We have a limited squad. It’s well documented.

We have six injuries in the squad.

“He’s fit enough to play and he has the ability still to play.

So he could play.

“I have no problem with that.

He was registered from before anyway. It’s not the first time this has happened.” Sancho continued, “As I’ve said before, the real story is why is this situation occurring, in terms of the League. And I don’t see like anyone wants to address this situation. I don’t know if people are afraid to say that the clubs were promised subventions from the start of the season by the Ministry of Sport. And we’re all in this situation now because of broken promises. So I don’t know what else (people) expect the clubs to do.” Sancho, the former Minister of Sport, admitted that the financial plight have left a number of players disenchanted.

“It’s not much you can do,” he acknowledged.

“You just have to hang on.

And that is what we’ve been doing. We’ve been trying to make sure we can continue.

We have a service to over 300 footballers.

“What would happen if this League crashes? What you think will happen with the crime rate? That is my problem.

This is not about me. This is about young men and football in this country. That is the bigger picture.” Are the club owners trying to mobilise support from within the League to address the subvention issue, as to whether or not it will resume and what alternative measures will be taken? Sancho replied, “The owners have to stop thinking about who want to win the League.

The survival of the League is the most important thing. We haven’t gotten subventions since April.

“That is not fair. That is the number one challenge. Nobody is saying that the League should be hand-and-foot on the Government, but you have to look at what this League brings to this country. This thing has realistic implications.

“I don’t know if it’s a political thing and I don’t care. My main concern is the sportsmen and sportswomen who are struggling to put books in their children’s bags. In terms of the League, we’ll have to re-function.

Central would change our module and be competitive, that’s for sure.”

“Who knows ladies and gentlemen, it might very well be our historical willingness to reach out to our Caricom neighbours in times of distress, that caused the Almighty to look favourably upon us and spare us the ravages of hurricanes,” Robinson-Regis said during an address at the Holy Trinity Cathedral’s service in celebration of Republic Day.

Robinson-Regis said she joins in with Rowley in expressing disappointment at the many negative comments since his call to citizens who have friends, family or acquaintances in Dominica, to open their hearts, their homes and their pots to welcome them for an initial period of six months.

She said the concept of family must remain paramount and what better time to tangibly demonstrate the virtues of family than in times of crisis, calamity and distress.

“For those of us who follow Christian precepts too, our entry into Heaven is predicated upon our response to simple questions, ‘when I was hungry, did you feed me?’; ‘when I was naked, did you cloth me?’; ‘when I was homeless, did you shelter me?’ and, ‘when I was a stranger, did you welcome me?.’ Robinson-Regis said the government is offering Dominica an opportunity to enter into Trinidad and Tobago to find work, return to school and to be productive again. And on the occasion of the nation celebrating its 41st anniversary of Republican status, Robinson-Regis said the question of particular significance to all citizens, is, why are we standing around when there is so much to be done in our country? “Why are we standing around when the prisons continue to be filled with little black boys who did not drop from the sky, but are our sons? With an all too painful frequency, we see fruits of our wombs lying in drains, their faces covered in blood and their bodies riddled with bullets. When are we going to start fighting back to reclaim our communities, one by one, block by block, street by street?”

Mohammed said data shows a decrease in serious crime by 160 cases, from the period January to present, as compared to the same period last year. “This is an indication that the police are working and more so, that the people in the southern division are working together with the police to ensure we have a safe division.” Mohammed promised to continue to work with the general public to further reduce the figures. Responding to complaints by tenants of the Pleasantville Plaza, that an increase in crime is resulting in a loss of revenue as they now have to close their shops earlier, Mohammed said his information is there have been two murders and two robberies, one at the supermarket and another at the pharmacy.

He said investigations are continuing and there may be common suspects involved. Barber Christopher Wells was shot dead while sitting outside Top Notch Barber and Beauty salon in the Plaza back in March.

His killers demanded his cell phone and robbed him of his gold chain. A month earlier, truck driver Kern Joseph was also murdered outside the Plaza. A concessionaire who sells bread on the outskirts of the Plaza, was shot in his leg and robbed sometime in July. Mohammed commended business owners who have taken the decision to close their businesses earlier and suggested others take pattern.

“Any individual who finds themselves at risk, will take certain measures to protect themselves.

If closing their shops earlier eliminates further risks, I have no problem with that. In fact, I think other people should pay particular attention to this type of behaviour and emulate it,” Mohammed said.

Following the kidnapping of its owner Gregory Laing in June, Puff ‘n’ Stuff Bakery, which previously operated from early morning to well past 8 pm, Monday to Sunday, is now closing its Circular Road, San Fernando outlet just after 6 pm. “As head of the southern division, I must say we have a heightened presence in areas we see necessary and the Pleasantville Plaza is one of those,” Mohammed said.

“While we pay attention to crime in Pleasantville, considering the level of crime we have in the division, we have to be mindful that there are several other areas we have to pay particular attention to and some of those areas include Marabella, Embacadere, King’s Wharf and as far and wide as St Mary’s and Moruga.

“Officers in the division will continue to make every effort to ensure a safer environment, safer division, safer community, to preserving life and preserving property,” the senior officer vowed.

Obviously, sexting is one way of heightening an impending sexual interlude, or keeping partners connected and intimate while they are apart. This works well of course when sent at an appropriate time and to the right cell phone, and it has been advised that sexting be specifically reserved for mature adults in a committed relationship.

Most likely mature adults are more likely to better handle the backlash if an explicit photo of themselves or text message gets exposed or leaked.

Nevertheless, as a responsible sex educator, who recognises that this way to engage in ‘naughty communications’ is practiced by many people, committed or not, and as one who also recognises that this activity is not going to stop anytime soon, I have researched some suggested ‘DOs’ and ‘DON’Ts’ about using your mobile phone to send sexy text messages or photographs.

Before I go to those, however, I MUST stress the following: While civil and internet laws have been slow to catch up with what’s happening with technology in the 21st century, and especially so in our developing nation, sexting that involves those who are underage can lead to child pornography charges, or sexual harassment of a minor, so keep all sexts between consenting adults.

Some countries have revenge porn laws that prevent the publication of sexual images without consent of the person/s in the image. While there are many possible legal avenues for prosecution of people who knowingly breach the confidence of those sending sexual messages, in practice, sexually explicit images can be widely circulated without the consent of the originator.

(Side bar: I’m curious … Whatever happened to regular phone sex – don’t people do this anymore? At least with phone sex, there is less possibility of finding oneself in a compromised situation.)

Olivia Baniuszewicz co-author (along with Debra Goldstein) of Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way into His Heart, offers these rules for sending successful sexy messages to your spouse or partner: Stick to these guidelines and you are less likely to find yourself embarrassed or compromised.

Onika Henry is a Sex Educator and Sex Coach who consults and designs presentations, workshops, training and psycho-educational counselling, to address sexual health concerns. She can be contacted at 381-3049 or email onikahenry@gmail.com

DOs

DO sext your partner if you are naturally shy or find it challenging to verbalise what you like sexually. This is one way of making it easier.
Explore the casual environment of a text to reveal your sexual fantasies.

DO sext to keep in touch. If you away or travel often for business, keep the spark alive and remain intimate with your significant other when you’re apart. When you’re about to go to sleep and you miss your partner, text that you’re all alone in bed and ask for a suggestion for something to do. He or she will gladly take it from there.

DO send a sext to your significant other while you are out to dinner with friends. There’s a certain thrill and sexual excitement about exchanging sexy and covert messages in public.

DO remember that less is more. There are ways to be suggestive, and sensual without revealing all. It’s sexier to not take it all off for a camera phone. Instead, send sensual, suggestive photo texts. For example, you might take a picture of your bed and write “Room for two” or take a picture of your lips and text “They miss you.”

DON’Ts

Here are Baniuszewicz’s cautions about texting:

DON’T sext if you just met someone. If you just started dating a new person, or you don’t or can’t completely trust someone, don’t send a sext. You’re taking the risk of having your photo leaked or forwarded, of turning off the person on the receiving end, or having the photo get into the wrong hands.

DON’T ever include your face in a naked photo text. This protects you from embarrassment if the photo ends up being seen by someone other than the intended receiver.

DON’T take sexting requests too seriously and don’t allow yourself to be bullied or coerced into sending them. It’s fine to have a little fun teasing your partner. If he or she’s begging for you to send a picture of yourself, take a picture of your lingerie catalog or some other sexy magazine picture and write “Not mine, but I’m still thinking of you.”

DON’T forget to delete any sexts or photos after viewing them. This is especially important if there are any children in your home who might get a hold of your phone (children are more tech-savvy than you think!)

I have observed as the discussions have turned vitriolic at times, with supporters of the PM accusing opponents of being “racists,” simply on the grounds of disagreement. And in a nation politically divided along ethnic lines, we’re asked “not to see race as a factor.” While Irma and Maria created havoc, it could not have come at a more opportune time for members of the power structure in TT , providing them with a distraction from the “fake oil” and the Tobago ferry. So it is only fair that we as citizens express concerns of a hidden agenda of the PM in welcoming citizens of ravaged Dominica.

Recognising that politics is simply about power–getting it and holding on to it–inviting citizens of a commonwealth nation to T&T allows them voting rights after one year of being residents. So the PM just might be assuming that citizens of the nation are idiots.

I listen to the conversations and monitor the discussions, like most, and have heard the analogies about being our brothers’ keeper. Yet this nation saw one of our senior citizens die on the lawns of the nation’s hospital with not so much as a squeak from the PM. We have had citizens from Guyana turned away from “Mt Hopeless” simply on the grounds that they were “foreigners.” While helping others in need is a noble pursuit, inviting them to our homes is not such a brilliant idea. I, for one, am not accepting anyone into my home; not even family members are welcome.

One cannot help but suspect a hidden agenda with the PM, as we have never heard it suggested that Haitians should be welcome here, even after their earthquake. So save us the BS Mr PM.

Rudy Chato Paul, Sr D’Abadie